Top Travel Destinations In 2019

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As the winter weather approaches, what better way to spend your nights in, than researching next year's getaways?


According to Booking.com, research reveals that nearly half of global travellers (45 per cent) want to be more adventurous when it comes to choosing holiday destinations in 2019. And it comes as no surprise this figures rises to a whopping 58 per cent for 18-34-year olds, given millennials' love of visiting untouched (*cough* non-Instagrammed) locations and experiencing foreign delicacies.


From Jordan to Georgia, we sat down with the UK's top travel experts to find out their must-see up and coming destinations the to put on your 2019 bucket list.


Cr: ELLE



Northern Italy and The Swiss Alps





Why for 2019: 2019 marks 500 years since the passing of Leonardo da Vinci, as well as the Venice Biennale which makes its return to the grand city.


Insider's tip: From Venice, visitors should venture north to Lake Como, where the swanky five-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel will be opening in Spring of 2019. They should also check out the opening of the Glacier Express’ new luxury ‘Excellence Class’ running from Zermatt – St Moritz, which is sure to be the chicest way to take in all the Alpine beauty.


Best time to travel (in terms of weather and cheapest flights): Beat the crowds and enjoy mild temperatures from April to June and September to October.



Nepal and Bhutan





Why for 2019: The eagerly-awaited Six Senses Bhutan will open towards the end of 2018.


Insider's tip: Luxury travel and exclusive holiday agency Black Tomato is offering a helicopter flight to the top of The Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) where they'll set up a picnic breakfast with a view above the clouds, followed by a hike down for a tour of Taktsang Monastery with an expert guide.


Best time to travel (in terms of weather and cheapest flights): Late November to early March is dry with pre-monsoon showers starting in May.



Ouarzazate, Morocco





Why for 2019: Known as the gateway to the Sahara, Ouarzazate is a city south of Morocco’s beautiful Atlas Mountains and home to the impressive fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou where you can head to the ancient Kasbah to watch the spectacular sunrises and sunsets.


Insider's tip: Booking.com recommends visitors quad bike along the dusty roads to explore the region.


No trip is complete without a stay at the Riad Ouarzazate - a Kasbah style riad located in the centre of Ouarzazate and offering stylish rooms with traditional Moroccan décor and an outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy the traditional cuisine.


Best time to travel (in terms of weather and cheapest flights): March, April, May, October and November as the months have the perfect temperature for exploring the region.



Novi Sad, Serbia





Why for 2019: Serbia’s ‘New Garden’ hosts the rocking EXIT festival, whose 20th edition coincides with the city’s stint as the 2019 European Youth Capital.


Insider's tip: Petrovaradin Citadel’s Lower Town is being regenerated, and the city's Chinatown has developed into a bustling alternative-culture district, according to Lonely Planet. 'Bursting with creative energy, new Gradić Fest is reinvigorating Petrovaradin through music, film, theatre and art, as Novi Sad gears up to wear another crown – that of the 2021 European Capital of Culture,' it says.


Best time to travel (in terms of weather and cheapest flights): From March to May and September to October to avoid the summer heat.



India





Why for 2019: This year will mark 150 years since the birth of Gandhi making it a historic year to visit, according to Black Tomato. Delta Air Lines is also set to resume their direct flight to Mumbai in 2019.


Insider's tip: Check out the wonders of Nagaland and the Kaziranga National Park - home to Asiatic rhinos and some of Asia’s last surviving former-headhunting tribes.


Best time to travel (in terms of weather and cheapest flights): October to March.



Belarus





Why for 2019: The 2019 European Games will take place here from 14 - 30 June.


Insider's tip: Long a beacon for those seeking the obscure, Belarus has quietly become cool on the back of relaxed visa requirements, a sneaky-good art and cafe scene, and locals who party like it’s 1999,' according to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2019.


You have to head to Minsk - the hub of Belarus with its restored Old Town, centred around the graceful ratusha (town hall), bierstubes and fashionable cocktail bars.


Best time to travel (in terms of weather and cheapest flights): June to August for the best weather (mild temperatures, long days etc.)



Tohoku, Japan





Why for 2019: 'Japan continues to fascinate and entice culturally inquisitive travellers and for 2019 our Travel Experts are focusing on the lesser known region of Tohoku,' says Black Tomato. Only 90 minutes north-east of Tokyo, Tohoku offers incredibly varied natural landscapes perfect for hiking - and even skiing in the winter.


Insider's tip: Step back in time to the Edo period and visit the village of Kakunodate that’s home to Samurai legends and artisan workshops.


In August 2019, the Northern town of Amori will be brought to life with the famous Amori Nebuta festival during which bamboo floats are constructed with paper depicting mythical gods, creatures, and kabuki characters.


Best time to travel (in terms of weather and cheapest flights): All year round.



Panama





Why for 2019: In 2019, Panama City will mark its 500-year history with a huge party.


Insider's tip: Lonely Planet says for such a small country, Panama has a lot on offer, from white-sand beaches to tropical rainforests, misty highlands and indigenous culture.


Best time to travel (in terms of weather and cheapest flights): During the summer dry season from mid-December to mid-April.



The Brazilian Amazon





Why for 2019: Black Tomato notes that in Salvador in December 2018, visitors will see the opening of Fasano Salvador Hotel which will shine a light on the diverse country, rich in history and gastronomy.


Insider's tip: The travel agency is offering a curated new adventure, offering travellers a unique way of exploring the mighty Amazon. Guests will learn essential jungle survival techniques with the Brazilian Army Jungle Battalion before boarding a gorgeous luxury private yacht to sail down the Tapajos River to remote sandy beaches, which they’ll have all to themselves in an area that has been referred to as the Caribbean of the Amazon.


Best time to travel (in terms of weather and cheapest flights): June to September are the best time to go (driest months).



Mackenzie Country, Otago, New Zealand





Why for 2019: The exclusive new adventure lodge The Lindis is opening in 2019. Air New Zealand is also offering new flight routes from 2019 making it easier to get to.


Insider's tip: Home to glacial highlands and sunken valleys, visitors are advised to take in the best of the island's Southern Alps region for hiking, biking and sleeping in remote luxury texted accommodations.


Best time to travel (in terms of weather and cheapest flights): All year round.



Wadi Rum, Jordan





Why for 2019: From 1 March until 13 April 2019, travellers are invited to take part on the Jordan Trail - a long distance hiking trail (650km through 52 villages and towns) connecting the length of Jordan from Um Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south.


Regularly compared to Mars with its reddish sands and natural arches, this setting is the perfect 'out of the world' holiday experience.


Insider's tip: Booking.com recommends a couple of nights stay at the Memories Aicha Luxury Camp for the ultimate desert experience. With views of the mountains which are perfect for stargazing, the property also provides its guests with delectable dishes in its restaurant and a breakfast that caters to all dietary requirements.


Best time to travel (in terms of weather and cheapest flights): For ideal sightseeing conditions, the best time to visit Jordan is during the spring (March - May) and autumn (September to November) months.



Mestia, Georgia





Why for 2019: Bored of Europe and Asia? Head to Georgia which is located 1,500 meters above sea level and a great starting point for trips throughout the region.


Insider's tip: The Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography is a great place to start, to immerse yourself in the local history and culture. Active travellers will be in awe hiking up the Chaladi Glacier on the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains as well as hiking the lakes at the base of Mount Ushba, offering breath-taking views of the lakes.


Foodies should head to local Svan cuisine – a must try is the Kubdari meat pie and Tashmijabi (cheesy mashed potatoes).


Svaneti apartment is perfectly located just over a mile from Mestia 1 and 2 for snowy getaways, with ski storage space available. Alternatively, check out the luxurious Stamba Hotel, in Tbilisi, as recommended by Black Tomato.


Best time to travel (in terms of weather and cheapest flights): May, June or September, especially in the lowlands around Tbilisi to avoid the summer heat and humidity. Autumn harvest time is also worth a visit, especially around the vineyards of Kakheti.



Nusa Penida, Indonesia





Why for 2019: If you love the Gili Islands, Bali, you need to head to Nusa Penida - a hidden gem waiting to be discovered in Indonesia.


Located on the southeast coast of Bali, the island offers breath-taking, mostly untouched landscapes with opportunities to scuba dive, walk along the Crystal Bay or soak in the natural wonders including the Giri Putri Cave and the natural infinity pool Angel’s Billabong.


Insider's tip: Kabeh Jati Garden Villa and Restaurant provides guests with the perfect night's stay.


Best time to travel (in terms of weather and cheapest flights): May to September (although his is the busiest time) so try November to March to beat the crowds and pricey flights. Avoid rainy season in January and February)



Samarkand, Uzbekistan





Why for 2019: The Silk and Spices Festival in Bukhara takes place 25-27 May. During the several days of the Silk and Spices Festival there are fairs where visitors can buy handicrafts, souvenirs, and silk scarves.


One of the most prosperous stops on the ancient Silk Road, Samarkand is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia and has been the hub of world cultures for hundreds of years. It’s full of medieval architecture and monuments that are included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.


Insider's tip: Visit the Registan Square which ranks among the world’s most beautiful squares and is completely covered in mosaics and is adorned with gold and calligraphy.


A short five minutes’ walk from the city centre, Jahongir Hotel is the perfect place for your accommodation. The property offers traditional Uzbek cuisine and each room is decorated with beautiful traditional embroidered tapestry, Suzani.


Best time to travel (in terms of weather and cheapest flights): Late September and early October is the ideal time to visit the big three, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, as temperatures are still warm but many of the crowds have gone. April to May is also recommended.



Bacalar, Mexico





Why for 2019: Tipped to be the next Maldives, Bacalar houses one of the most stunning natural beauties, the Lake of the Seven Colours. With its crystal clear, fresh waters and white sandy base, this lake appears almost turquoise and is ideal for diving and snorkelling.


Insider's tip: Hotel Aires Bacalar is located near The Lake of Seven Colours, and each room comes with a balcony promising views overlooking the second largest natural body of freshwater in Mexico.


Best time to travel (in terms of weather and cheapest flights): Early December to mid March.



Kigali, Rwanda





Why for 2019: 'The land of a Thousand Hills' has become more accessible for travel over recent years and travellers come from all over the world to see the incredible mountain gorillas which live in Volcanoes National Park.


Insider's tip: Visit the Big Five (lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalos and leopards) on safari in Akagera National Park. The city of Kigali itself is considered also one of the safest and most alluring capitals in Africa, offering an unparalleled food scene, bustling markets and nightlife.


Stay at the Pili Pili Boutique Hotel which offers stylish apartments where guests can enjoy beautiful views, an outdoor swimming pool and in-house restaurant serving international and local cuisine.


Best time to travel (in terms of weather and cheapest flights): From June to mid-September during the long dry season.



Leeuwarden, Netherlands





Why for 2019: It was named a 2018 Capital of Culture due to its choice of cultural performances and exhibitions, so is sure to be hot for travellers come 2019. It's easy to explore on bicycle, and you can stop off at the Fries Museum to learn about Frisian treasures, climb Leeuwarden’s leaning tower and sample the local spirits at the family run distillery at the Boomsma Museum.


Insider's tip: City Centre De Rozenboom Guest house is accomodation housed in a monumental building from the 17th century with views on the Oldehove and the Ceramic Museum.


Best time to travel (in terms of weather and cheapest flights): The warmest months are July, August, and June. The rainiest are July, August, September, November and December.



Palomino, Columbia





Why for 2019: Forget Santa Marta and Cartagena because it's all about Palomino in 2019.


Not only does it offer beautiful Caribbean beaches, which are great for surfing and sunbathing, but it’s also a great place for spotting wildlife (monkeys and toucans to name a couple), delicious seafood and a great range of hostels.


Insider's tip: Travelers should try tubing on Palomino River, taking in the natural beauty as you float down to the Caribbean Sea, according to Booking.com.


Stay at Casa del Pavo Real Boutique Hostel which boats modern luxury at a backpacker price and is located just five minutes from the beach.


Best time to travel (in terms of weather and cheapest flights): The best is between December and March as it rains the least during these months. However, this is also peak tourist season.



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