If you’re anything like me as soon as the celebrations and fireworks of New Year’s end the search is on for my next great trip. I reached out to the travel blogging community for their suggestions on the top destinations for 2019 and the response was overwhelming. The destinations on this year’s list span the globe; from the Balkans to Southeast Asia and even the classic American road trip, these places will surely inspire your wanderlust. Without further ado, here is where to travel in 2019.
The Casual Travelist contains affiliate links, when you make a purchase or book a hotel through these links the Casual Travelist receives a small commission that helps support this site at no additional cost to you.
St. George, Utah, USA
When it comes to stunning scenery Utah has been blessed with five national parks but Zion may be my favorite. Jaw dropping hikes like Angel’s Landing and the Narrows bring thousands of visitors per day in the summer but those in the know head to Zion National Park in the winter when you can have the red rock canyons and sandstone cliffs practically to yourself. Zion National Park may be the big draw for the thousands of visitors to St. George, Utah but the stunning southwestern landscapes don’t end at the park borders. St. George is home to four state parks that offer up beautiful red rock scenery that locals and in-the-know visitors love to explore. With red sandstone cliffs,canyons, arches and even petroglyphs Snow Canyon State Park has a bit of everything I love about the southwest. With 36 miles of hiking trails and only 20 minutes from downtown St. George, Snow Canyon State Park is a great add-on to any trip to Zion.
Yours Truly, Brianna of The Casual Travelist
Dalmatian Isles, Croatia
Want to experience old world Europe without droves of tourists? Try sailing through the Dalmatian Isles of Croatia on your next European trip. With relatively undiscovered port towns and well known historic cities, the Dalmatian Isles are still quiet and picturesque. From the mainland towns of Split or Dubrovnik you can leave the bustle of the medieval old city quarters and head off to port in sleepy fishing villages. Our favorite islands/towns were Mljet and Vis. Mljet is largely a national park and is ideal for hiking and biking, to gorgeous sites, including a foot ferry to a 12th century Benedictine monastery. Vis is more well known, but still quiet. Another wonderful island for biking, Vis is loaded with both recent and ancient historical sites. The fortress high above the town lends itself to medieval feel of coastal Croatia. Other notable ports that are beautiful and perfect are Hvar, Korčula and Milna.
Sailing Croatia is still very affordable, particularly in comparison to overland travel in France and Italy. Itineraries vary by sailing company, as do prices, but there are options to suit any amount of time and nearly any budget.
Dalmatian Isles, Croatia Hotels
Rob Taylor of 2 Travel Dads
Lapland, Finland
Finnish Lapland is the northernmost region of Finland and stretches up from the city of Rovaniemi to the northernmost border to Norway. This incredible stretch of Finland offers one of the most incredible combinations of culture, adventure, and beauty in northern Europe. To combat the long nights of the Arctic region, Christmas celebrations begin early in the year and stretch through for much of winter in Finnish Lapland. Fantastic outdoor adventures such as reindeer sleigh rides, dog-sledding, and skiing are topped off with magical Christmas villages in cities such as Rovaniemi and Levi. Finnish Lapland is a winter wonderland and belongs right at the top of your travel list.
Kevin Wagar of Wandering Wagars
Maasai Mara, Kenya
If you have any sort of a passion for wildlife, chances are good that Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve is already on your world travel bucket list. And if it’s not, it damn well should be!
The greater Mara ecosystem (which includes numerous excellent Maasai community-owned conservancies that border the reserve) is a prime destination for witnessing Africa’s annual Great Migration, which is widely considered among the world’s Top 10 Natural Wonders. Every year millions of gazelles, wildebeest, and zebras make the arduous 500-mile trek northwest to Kenya in search of water and fresh grass. The famous crossing at the Mara River, where hungry crocodiles (and hippos) lie in wait, is unlike any other African safari spectacle you’re likely to see. The Maasai Mara also offers numerous attractions at other times of the year as well. During our time at the Porini Lion and Porini Mara camps in June, we saw a stunning array of animals, including countless predators (lions, leopards, cheetahs, black-backed jackals, hyenas, etc), elephants, buffalo, hyenas, and more than 470 different species of birds.
Bret Love & Mary Gabbett of Green Global Travel
Algarve, Portugal
If you love kayaking, cliff jumping, snorkeling, or any type of outdoor adventure, the Algarve region of Portugal is the destination you’ve been looking for. Located on Portugal’s southern coast, you can find crystal clear Atlantic beaches, secret waterfalls amidst orange tree farms, and mysterious rock formations. This place, hands down, had the best views I’ve ever seen throughout my travels. Traveling to the Algarve makes for the perfect road trip if you’re passing through Lisbon, as it is only a 2.5-hour drive away. Many of the cities in this region are within driving distance of each other which makes transportation a breeze. For foodies, their cuisine is mainly based on fresh seafood, but don’t sleep on the piri piri chicken.
Amanda Brimmage of PT Passages
Lake Bled, Slovenia
A short drive north of Slovenia’s capital city of Ljubljana is the stunningly turquoise blue Lake Bled, one of the most popular spots in northern Slovenia.With it’s location at the base of the Julian Alps Lake Bled is a great base for day trips and is close to other natural wonders in the region like Vintgar Gorge and Triglav National Park. Besides sightseeing around the lake and small town of Bled, there are well marked hiking trails that provide breathtaking vantage points overlooking the lake. Swimming is allowed from the many beaches and on some days there are rowing competitions along the 1.3 mile long lake. Probably the most popular thing to do is taking a traditional wooden boat, or pletna, out to the only true island in Slovenia to see the Church of the Assumption of Mary. There are bicycle and canoe rentals for those nice warm days. Whatever you choose to do at Lake Bled, don’t leave without indulging in a slice of yummy Lake Bled cream cake, a favorite way to end the day!
Lori Sorrentino of Travlinmad
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul, South Korea attracts more tourists every year. K-pop bands and Korean drama have helped make Seoul an intriguing travel destination, but Seoul has lots more to offer. The city’s charm lies in the vibrant markets and hiking getaways. At busy Kwangjang market, hungry customers sit shoulder-to-shoulder, devouring Korean delicacies cooked right in front of them. Smells waft from stall to stall, as venders cook up meats and fish. One of my favourite snacks is the shrimp and green onion pancake (pajeon) which locals enjoy with makoli, a local rice wine. Pajeon is crispy on the outside, soft in the center, and is served with a soy-sesame dipping sauce (check out this handy guide to ordering Korean food). Other markets include Namdaemun, famous for finding souvenirs and exchanging currency, and Noryangjin, a massive fish market where clients select live seafood and bring it to on-site restaurants to cook up.
Alternately, escape the hustle and bustle and head up one of the many mountains that dot the landscape. Dongdaemun, among others, offers the chance to hike alongside the ancient city walls commissioned by the former Joseon dynasty monarchs. The walls were built by Koreans drawn from all over the country as a part of a drafting service, and today, visitors can see inscriptions on the massive boulders which identify the provinces where workers came from. The City Wall hikes are easy, but if you’re looking for something challenging, head up one of the numerous long trails on Bukhansan, where you’ll hoist yourself up steep boulders using ropes. Seoul hikes offer incredible views, and you will definitely want to bring a camera. No visit to Seoul is complete without a scenic hike to the quiet recesses.
Tasha of travelandtash
Ha Giang, Vietnam
Ha Giang, Vietnam should be on every traveler’s 2019 list of destinations to visit. Magic awaits to be uncovered in this remote province of northern Vietnam. Many travelers go to Sapa to get a glimpse of village life, live in homestays, and see rice terraces. Unfortunately Sapa’s popularity has made it feel somewhat touristy. For a more authentic experience head just a little further north to the mountainous province of Ha Giang. The secret is slowly getting out about the majestic region that borders China but it’s still far enough off-the-beaten-path that few travelers visit the area. The green mountain cliffs and simple pace of life can make Ha Giang feel like a fairytale. I did the loop during the rainy green season and saw more than my fair share of rocks tumbling into the side of the road, so this isn’t a trip for beginners, which is why I hired a local driver from the YESD social enterprise to take me easy rider style and the views were simply breathtaking.
Lola Mendez of Miss Filatelista
Dana, Jordan
Turin, Italy
Sudan
Sudan… probably not the first country that comes to mind when you plan a new trip. However, Sudan ‘the land of the black pharaohs’ has loads to offer for those looking to venture well off the beaten tourist path. For starters, it has twice as many pyramids as Egypt, but it is likely you will have them all to yourself. It also has many temples and tombs, thereby making it an interesting country for ancient history buffs. Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, is a relaxed city where you can have a chai or falafel in one the street stands, wander along the Nile or witness the fascinating sufi ceremony on fridays in Omdurman. Visit the colorful and intriguing markets of Kassala where many different tribes gather to sell and trade goods. People in Sudan, with men often wearing the distinctive white robes, are amongst the most welcoming people in the world. They may invite you for a tea, a meal or even to their homes. Be prepared for very basic facilities as Sudan is not yet used to tourism. but if you love a true adventure, Sudan is the place to go!
Seville, Spain
Many travelers to Spain focus on Madrid and Barcelona, but one of the best areas for both food and history lovers is Andalusia. Seville is the largest city in Andalusia and one of the most unique places in because of the influence of Jewish, Moorish, and Christian settlers. Some of the top things to do in Seville include visiting the Sevilla Cathedral, one of the largest in Europe; or wander the Plaza Espana, which has unique architecture and pays homage to each of the regions in Spain. The Real Alcazar was a Moorish fort that later became a Christian royal palace. Seville is a great destination for Game of Thrones fans as they filmed scenes at both Plaza Espana and the Alcazar. Seville is also a must-visit destination for food with famous tapas dishes like braised oxtail and spinach with garbanzo beans, which blend both Moorish and Spanish flavors.
Amber Hoffman of With Husband in Tow
Rottnest Island, Australia
Located 1.5 hours from mainland Perth in Western Australia is Rottnest Island. For locals and visitors, Rottnest Island is the perfect place for a day trip or overnight stay. From the stunning 60 beaches and numerous swimming areas, it’s a wonderful place to relax and spend time in the sun. Another unique opportunity is renting a bicycle and cycling throughout the island. The island is small and will take a few hours to go through the major sightseeing spots. The cycling path is safe as cars are not allowed on the roads. The main highlight of visiting Rottnest Island is finding the celebrities – the quokkas! These small, super cute, and curious marsupials are in certain nature areas. You’ll love their genuine friendliness and can attempt the “quokka selfie” with them.
Rottnest Island, Australia Hotels
Jackie Szeto of Life of Doing
Mississippi Gulf Coast, USA
I felt fortunate to visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast three times in 2018 and encourage everyone to go there whenever possible. The birthplace of Jimmy Buffett is also the Shrimping Capital of the World but that is just the starting point. The Mississippi coast is chock full of magnificent Southern oaks (some over 500 years old), a funky and artsy mentality among its residents, magnificent wide beaches with plentiful parking (and glorious sunsets and sunrises), and the longest free flowing stretch of river in the lower 48 United States. A melting pot of cultures (including Croat and Vietnamese) combined with plentiful fresh produce and seafood results in some of the tastiest and most creative cuisine anywhere.
Charles McCool of McCool Travel
Buenos Aires, Argentina
The exchange rate in Argentina has a tendency to move with the tides. One year visiting Buenos Aires can be a costly endeavor while the next can be a budget getaway. Fortunately for 2019 travelers, Buenos Aires is incredibly affordable to visit at the moment due to a recent currency devaluation. In Buenos Aires, one can eat like a king and spend like a pauper. Steaks, high-quality wine, and fine dining experiences cost a fraction of what they would in the US or Europe. This bustling South American capital city is filled to the brim with activities for every interest. Street markets, sidewalk cafes and tango shows will keep you busy. Exploring the colorful neighborhoods like La Boca and Palermo can fill entire days and a trip only to Buenos Aires would be a fulfilling vacation. However, if you have the time to spare, consider hopping on a plane to taste wine in Mendoza or trek in Patagonia. In one vacation you could walk the cosmopolitan streets of Buenos Aires, climb the Andes Mountains and taste some of the world’s best wine. Buenos Aires is truly a must-visit destination for 2019.
Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotels
Erin Mushaway of Sol Salute
Gili Islands, Indonesia
The Gili Islands are a chain of three stunning islands located off of the coast of Lombok. If you are visiting Bali I highly recommend visiting the Gili Islands, especially now that the island is being built back up after the earthquake that hit earlier in 2018.
The Gili Islands felt like a fantasy to me. I had to pinch myself every day wondering how they were even real! We rode bikes around the island, snorkeled with sea turtles, and watched movies on the beach while sipping out of fresh coconuts. Watch the sunset while sitting on a swing out in the ocean or if a party atmosphere is more your speed be sure to check out the island of Gili Trawangan.
Gili Islands, Indonesia Hotels
Laura Niese of Travel to the Beat
Killarney, Ireland
Killarney, Ireland, is a beautiful destination located in the southwestern part of the country. It is the perfect stop along the Ring of Kerry, and it is just 30 miles from Dingle Peninsula making it the perfect central location to explore the Irish coast and countryside. While you’re in Killarney don’t miss the Gap of Dunloe; a narrow mountain pass filled with lakes, countless rolling green hills, adorable sheep, and authentic cottages. You can explore the gap on foot or rent a local horse-drawn jaunting cart. After your adventure, be sure eat lunch at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a 150-year-old family-run restaurant located at the entrance of the gap (their cheesecake isespecially delicious!). During your stay in Killarney, you can also hike to the Torc Waterfall (and catch a glimpse of red deer), explore Ross Castle (a 15th century castle along the Lough Leane), and tour the Muckross House (a 19th century historic home). Killarney is truly a beautiful destination that every adventure seeker will want to add to their bucket list!
Leah of An Adventure is Calling
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Bromo, Indonesia
There are no words that can describe Mount Bromo,what I feel is one of the most beautiful destinations in Indonesia. Before sunrise you begin your day with a steep hike guide by nothing but a headlamp. As the sun rises above the landscape the sky awakens with shades of pink, orange and yellow behind the un-earthly landscape of Mount Bromo. The adventure does not end there, climbing Mount Bromo itself is the true adventure. Head down the hill to hike through the Sea of Sand before climbing the stairs up to the rim of Mount Bromo. How often do you get the chance to stand on the rim of an active volcano?
Odette of Omnivagant
Roatan, Honduras
If you love turquoise waters, white sand beaches, swimming with tropical fish and authentic Caribbean culture, then Roatan, Honduras should be at the top of your 2019 travel bucket list.
I recommend that travelers stay in West End, Roatan, a quaint beachfront town that is blissfully free of all-inclusive resorts and rowdy partiers. Instead, West End is full of locally-owned guesthouses, restaurants serving traditional Honduran cuisine (don’t miss the baleadas, or stuffed tortillas) and independent dive shops offering inexpensive scuba diving courses and fun dive packages. Whether you choose to go scuba diving or simply snorkel right off the shore in town, you can expect to see colorful tropical fish, polka-dotted eagle rays and friendly sea turtles. Head out a little bit further and you may even encounter a hammerhead shark! Unlike many other Caribbean destinations, Roatan, and especially the area around West End, is committed to environmental conservation. Most of the community is plastic-free, there are regular beach clean-up events, and the experts at the Roatan Marine Park organization are working to protect endangered species (like conch) while managing invasive species (like lionfish). Travelers seeking a more ethical beach holiday in 2019 will feel good about choosing Roatan.
Seychelles
As one of the most gorgeous island nations in the world the Seychelles draws visitors from around the world. This place is perfect for all kinds of travelers and can be done as a budget trip as well if you know how to plan it well. Feed the Aldabra giant tortoises, eat tasty coco de mer, and swim in the beautiful Indian ocean; there is just so much to see and do here that you won’t get bored. And if you are a sea lover or a beach lover, then this place is an absolute paradise for you. There are a few hiking trails here too for the adventure seekers so there is really something for everyone.Explore the gorgeous islands of the Seychelles like La Digue, Curieuse, Praslin, or spend your days lazing on the absolutely gorgeous beaches; you really can’t go wrong either way.
Rachita Saxena of Nomllers
Vilnius, Lithuania
Barcelona, Spain
With a dynamic culture and a vibrant food scene Barcelona is a place you will never be bored. From wandering the winding alleys of the impressive Gothic Quarter to exploring Gaudi’s architectural marvels, Barcelona is definitely easy on the eyes. With it’s gorgeous sands, this part of Catalonia makes for the perfect cross between a city break and a beach vacation. Let’s not forget the food! From the tastiest tapas to the bubbliest cava, your taste buds will surely be in heaven here. This pretty city has all the ingredients for sunny days soaking in a new culture and long relaxing summer evenings. Don’t miss a sunset hike up to the bunkers or a cable car ride over Barceloneta port during your time in Barcelona.
Papua New Guinea
Newfoundland, Canada
Whether you’re looking for icebergs, whales, historic attractions, stunning natural scenery, or a really unique Canadian culture; there is just so many things to do in Newfoundland. Located on a massive island nicknamed “The Rock” and home to the most Easterly point in Canada, Newfoundlanders are known for their world-class hospitality and down-to-earth nature. They have their own music, their own food, and their own culture that is quite distinct from the rest of Canada. But aside from the incredible people that will warm your heart, they also have stunning natural attractions such as Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only place in the world where you can walk on the Earth’s mantle. Being on the Atlantic Coast, it’s also one of the best places to see icebergs in the spring and humpback whales in the summer. Even the city of St. John’s, Newfoundland’s capital city, was the first English-founded city in all of North America and is steeped with history, making it a delight to explore. From small fishing villages to a seemingly endless wilderness, Newfoundland is the place to visit in 2019.
Matthew G. Bailey of Must Do Canada
Oslo, Norway
Guyana
If you love offbeat destinations, you simply need to include Guyana in your 2019 travels! Many people don’t even know where Guyana is located, and think it’s in Africa – in fact, Guyana is in the north of South America, between Venezuela and Brazil. It’s the only English-speaking country in the whole of South America and the coast, where 90 per cent of people live, has a distinctive Caribbean vibe. However, you’d be missing out if you didn’t explore the interior of Guyana. One must visit destination are the mighty Kaieteur Falls, which can only be reached by small plane and are only visited by a handful of people each day. Real adventure lovers should check out the South Rupununi area, where you can find savannah, jungle and remote Amerindian settlements, not to mention lots of wildlife. My personal Guyana highlight was horse riding at Saddle Mountain, a working ranch in the South Rupununi where we spent three days horse riding across the savannah, with absolutely no one in sight; it was truly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
Margherita Ragg of The Crowded Planet
Route 66 Arizona, USA
Route 66 is one of the most iconic road trips in the world, but if you’re looking to do a shorter part of the route in 2019 I suggest heading to Arizona. With a lot of quirky attractions and Americana this stretch of highway offers a lot of bang for your buck. If you like natural attractions then head to the Petrified forest right off Route 66, or take a short detour to the Grand Canyon or the Meteor Crater. There’s plenty of retro, small towns to discover too; our personal favorites were the towns of Seligman, Winslow and Williams. Want a ghost town? It has those too – climb the winding roads to Oatman and you’ll find a real wild west town complete with burros wandering the streets.
Kristy Bartholomew of Lost in Landmarks
Ljubliana, Slovenia
Any city that has a dragon as there icon is a place I need to visit – or maybe it’s just a Game of Thrones thing…
Ljubliana is a little gem of a city reminds me of Prague or Florence in that it’s small enough to navigate by foot but big enough to keep you coming back. The Ljubljanica River divides the old town with pedestrian-only foot traffic, cafes, restaurants, bars and lounges on either side before winding around a hill with a castle perched at the top. This castle can be seen from most parts of the city making the old town quite picturesque and cozy with an intimate village feel. It’s also been moving up the ranks as a culinary hotspot with fantastic local Slovenian wines, great Slovenian restaurants and festivals like Open Kitchen (Odprta kuhna) making Ljubliana a must-visit destination for foodies.
Christopher Rudder of Rudderless Travels
Missoula, Montana
Nestled in a valley between the peaks of the Rocky Mountains and access to some of America’s best national parks (Glacier National Park is 2.5 hours north and Yellow Stone is 5 hours south), this picturesque town of 73,000+ has a lot going for it. In the summer locals and travelers alike enjoying floating or fly fishing on the Bitterroot River as well as hiking, mountain biking and trail running in Rattlesnake Wilderness. After a day of adventure quench your thirst with a pint of craft beer from any of 10 local breweries. Rodeo fans can cheer for their favorite cowboy at an Annual Missoula Fair and Rodeo; while wildlife lover can easily spot elk, deer and grizzly bears at the Rocky Mountains Elk Foundation.
Alla Ponomareva of allaponomareva.com
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzogovina
From the rugged green hills that surround the city to the river that runs through its core, Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a culturally diverse city full of natural beauty. While the city still bears the scars of war, the people are resilient, welcoming, and eager to show you around their city. There is plenty to do and see in Sarajevo with lots of opportunities to learn all about the city’s past through informative walking tours, museums, mosques, memorials, and historic sites. The city changed rulers over several centuries, from the Ottomans to the Austro-Hungarians, and you can see these influences in the city’s architecture. The old Ottoman bazaar area (Baščaršija) is lined with shops and stalls selling copper coffee sets and eateries serving up traditional Bosnian cuisine like burek and cevapi. The modern parts of the city are lined with boutique stores and coffee shops – since socializing is a favorite Bosnian past-time. Those looking to change their perspective can take the newly reopened cable car to Trebević, the former hosting site for bobsleigh and luge at the 1984 Winter Olympics. These days, the trails at the top are for exploring the forest and taking in the views of Sarajevo below.
Eric and Lisa from Penguin and Pia
Etruscan Coast, Italy
Sydney, Australia
Sydney, Australia’s biggest city, is best enjoyed outdoors. Life in Sydney is centered around the water, so stay close to Circular Quay in order to explore everything Sydney as to offer . The Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and The Rocks historic precinct are within easy walking distance of Circular Quay or you can catch a ferry across to the beautiful Taronga Zoo to see some cute Australian animals. A day trip to Manly is a must do on any trip to Sydney where you can take surfing lessons or do the spectacular cliff walk from Bondi to Bronte.
Kirralee Baker of Escape with Kids
Azores, Portugal
Considered one of the best sustainable tourism destinations in the world, Azores should certainly be on your travel radar for 2019. Located in the middle of the Atlantic, a 2.5 hour flight from continental Europe and 5 hours from the US, the Azores are a gem that won’t remain hidden for long.Known for its pristine nature, captivating culture, delicious food, and welcoming people, this Portuguese archipelago is nothing less than a paradise that has managed to avoid the dangers of mass tourism. Scuba diving, hiking, swimming in lava pools, or going inside an extinct volcano are just a few of the unique things you can do in the Azores.For culture lovers the city of Angra do Heroísmo, an Unesco World Heritage Site, is a must-see.
Vanda Mendonca of The Yogi Wanderer
Haida Gwaii, Canada
Hard to get to but well worth the effort,Haida Gwaii (the Queen Charlotte Islands) are a remote group of islands in northwestern Canada just south of Alaska. You can take a kayak trip around Haida Gwaii or a boat trip from one of the small towns in the northern islands. Haida Gwaii is a paradise for wildlife lovers with bears, eagles and whales easily spotted. First Nations people lived here in harmony with nature, and visiting SG̱ang Gwaay Llanagaay (Ninstints) is a rare and precious experience. As you approach Anthony Island on the early morning mist, you may catch glimpses of carved faces from bleached wooden totem poles that stand as a haunting reminder of the village that was once hereTraveling slowly around these islands is a truly special experience and is definitely one of the best places to travel to in 2019.
James Ian at Travel Collecting
Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Karakol lies on the southern shores of Issyk-Kul, a lake in Kyrgystan along the ancient Silk Road. A four season destination, people head to Karakol for the hiking trails on the lakeshore of Issyk-Kul during summer and winter brings those looking to hit the ski slopes.. Nature in Karakol is just incredible. The surrounding Tian Shan mountain range always serves as a panoramic background and the striking red rock formations of Jeti-Oguz (The Seven Bulls) and Broken Heart are not to be missed in Karakol; while the otherwordly landscapes of the Fairytale Canyon are true to its name.
Louiela of Beyond Chasing Dreams
The Dolomites, Italy
Craving a 2019 alpine holiday filled with idyllic mountain scenery, heartwarming food, and dramatic peaks? Then consider a trip to the Dolomites in northeastern Italy. From epic hikes to scenic drives, there’s something here for every outdoor lover. If you’re passionate about hiking, there’s a vast array of accessible day hikes as well as challenging multi-day hikes to choose from. And you won’t need to pack a lunch or a tent, as there’s a network of mountain huts to eat and overnight in. Apart from the region’s natural beauty, it’s the unique fusion between Austrian culture and Italian culture that makes this region so interesting.
Sabrina and Katrin of Moon & Honey Travel
Maastricht, Netherlands
Bend, Oregon USA
If your daily adventures revolve around outdoor sports then Bend, Oregon should be notched into the top spot to visit in 2019. Once a quiet logging town in the PNW, Bend now competes among other places in the USA for the top outdoor town—and rightly so. When you’re visiting Bend you’ll have to plan your activities wisely, but only because there are so many options when it comes to outdoor adventures. Even after living here for 30+ years there are still many to dos on my bucket list unchecked.
Some top things to do in Bend, Oregon include mountain biking at the Phil’s trail complex, skiing Mount Bachelor, drinking local beer in Bend, stand up paddle on the Deschutes River, exploring ancient lava tube caves, rock climbing at Smith Rock, or teeing off at one of the two dozen golf courses around Central Oregon. After the sun drops and you’re worn out from a day on the trails you’ll find plenty of great places to drink and dine downtown Bend. If you are a beer aficionado you’ll have your hands full trying all the beers offered from the 22 local breweries.
Rand Shoaf of Bend Explored
Svaneti, Georgia
Located right in the middle of the Caucausus mountains, Svaneti is the perfect destination for hiking lovers traveling to Georgia. Mestia is the capital of the region and the starting point for many day-trips and multi-day adventures. Among the most popular activities, we can highlight: climbing up to impressive peaks; hiking along the Caucasus Range, going horseback riding; visiting pristine lakes and skiing.
If you are into hiking, I recommend that you don’t miss the Mestia to Ushguli Trek which is considered as one of the best hikes in Georgia. This is a moderately difficult 4-day trek will take you along huge valleys, wild rivers and impressive glaciers. You won’t need to bring any camping gear as you can stay in the local home-stays along the trail. The best months to hike in Svaneti are June to October but keep in mind that the region gets quite crowded from July to August, and most hotels raise their prices.
Miguel of Travelsauro
Koh Lanta, Thailand
Beautiful Koh Lanta is one of the highlights of the Andaman Sea. Not far from the renowned hotspots of Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Krabi, this gem of an island has miles of sandy beaches, clear water and beautiful sunsets. On top of this, you will find that laid-back charm that really makes it feel like you re on a paradise island. Inland you will find jungle-covered mountains, a lovely national park and a protected mangrove forest. There are a wealth of things to do in Koh Lanta from scuba diving to cooking classes there is sure to be something that will take your fancy.
Chris of More Life in Your Days
Brighton, England
Luang Prabang, Laos
A UNESCO heritage site, Luang Prabang is a charming little town in the northern part of Laos. The best way to get to this ancient capital is to take the scenic two-day cruise on a slow boat down the Mekong river from the border with Thailand. Wild nature landscapes and the quiet village life along the way make the journey all the more pleasant.
With daily monk almsgiving, lively morning and evening markets, golden roofed Buddhist temples and delicious coffee, Luang Prabang itself offers a fascinating range of activities both for culture and nature lovers. You can easily spend a couple of days here sampling local cuisine, watching picturesque sunsets and learning more about Laos while hopelessly falling in love with the town.
The absolute highlight in the area is the gorgeous Kuang Si waterfall, mere 30 km away from the city centre. Surrounded by a lush jungle, beautiful multilevel cascades with crystal clear azure pools look like a place from a fairy-tale. Don’t let the low water temperature discourage you from having a swim – the refreshing experience is absolutely worth it! Follow the trail around the biggest waterfall and have a picnic while enjoying the breath-taking views.
Darja of DeeGees Travel
Fernando says
Nice tips, I’m in love with this Croatia photo.
Mandy says
Beyond excited to visit Croatia and Slovenia this year. This post convinced me to add Georgia to my future travel plans. It looks beautiful. Happy travels in 2019!
Sandra C / De Oude Huize Yard says
A wow list.
Thanks for sharing
Charles McCool says
So many places to go in this magnificent world. Thank you for including my suggestion of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, which is an utterly extraordinary place. I will most definitely return in 2019 but look forward to exploring some of the places recommended in ths article.