There are so many places to explore if you want to travel in 2019. Here are some of our top choices.
A new year means new opportunities to travel. And if you're like us adventurers at Trekbible, then you're probably already thinking about where you want to travel in 2019. Honestly, you've probably been thinking about this for a while. But with such a big world to explore, it can be difficult to pick and choose new destinations. Luckily we're here to help you decide.
If you're New Year's resolution is to travel more in 2019, then this article is for you. Read one to learn about the ten best places to travel in 2019.
1. Puerto Rico
One of the best places to travel in 2019 is our neighboring Caribbean island, Puerto Rico. Officially known as the “Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,” this island is just 100 miles long and 35 miles. This makes it the smallest island of the Greater Antilles. But just because it's smaller than other popular islands to visit, like Santorini or Hawaii, that doesn't mean it isn't full of beautiful sights to see.
But what makes it one of the best places to travel in 2019? Well, more than a year after being beaten by Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico is an island reborn. There is a new vibrancy and excitement for life all over the “Island of Enchantment.” Just about all of the island's top hotels and resorts have been restored and reopened. Further more, a trip to Puerto Rico supports the island’s tourist industry. This in turn helps support hurricane-relief efforts as the island continues to regrow.
If that's not enough to convince you, this is also one of the easiest places outside the United States to travel in 2019. And that's partly because you don't need a passport to visit Puerto Rico! It's a U.S. territory, so passports for American citizens are not required. Additionally, there are about 100 flights leaving for the island daily. So you really have no excuse to not hop on a plane and go.
2. Rwanda, Africa
If you have ever had the desire to go to Africa, then you should make Rwanda one of your top places to travel in 2019. This once war-torn East African country has transformed into a sustainability and eco-tourism hub. And both of those happen to be hot travel trends to pick up in 2019.
A major reason why Rwanda has become dedicated to eco-tourism is due to Volcanoes National Park. More specifically, what was found there. Today, Volcanoes National Park is one of the only places in the world to see the endangered mountain gorilla in the wild. The only other places to see the mountain gorilla in its natural habitat are Uganda and Congo. And as of 2016, there are seven mountain gorilla groups habituated in Volcanoes National Park. And as with Puerto Rico, visiting Rwanda only helps support its tourism industry. That in turn helps the country's economy grow as a whole.
Seeing a mountain gorilla in the wild is a spectacular experience. Therefore if you are an animal enthusiast, Rwanda (or Uganda and Congo!) is the best place for you to travel in 2019. If you are seriously considering a trip here, then be sure to read up on the gorilla trekking guide.
3. Cairo, Egypt
If you love exploring new places, then you have likely dreamed of visiting Egypt at least one in your life. Luckily for you, Cairo, Egypt is one of the best places to travel in 2019. Egypt has been off our list of go-to travel destinations for a few years now. This is mainly due to the country's recent years of political turmoil. But the country is finally ready to welcome visitors back in.
When it comes to weather, the best time to visit Egypt is from October to April. This is when the weather is the nicest and most bearable. Also keep in mind that the peak tourist season falls between December and January. Therefore iconic sights like the Pyramids of Giza, Abu Simbel, and the Temples of Luxor will be much more crowded. So if you are a traveler who prefers a little peace and quiet during your adventures, tourist season isn't for you.
To further welcome tourists back in, top-rated tour companies are offering great new deals and retreats. If this interests you, check out companies like Black Tomato, Heritage Tours, and Abercrombie & Kent. These companies will help you see parts of the country you have only dreamed of exploring. And in 2020, the $1.1 billion Grand Egypt Museum—which will showcase King Tut’s entire burial collection—will finally open.
4. Armenia
If you have a hankering to visit Asia, then add Armenia to your list of places to travel in 2019. But if you keep up with international news, then you probably know this wasn't a great place to visit just months ago. All that changed this past spring when the Armenians voted in a new, more liberal government. As a result, foreign travelers are more welcomed than they were before.
And the most amazing this about this governmental revolution is that Armenia broke from autocracy without shedding a drop of blood. This so-called “velvet revolution” was impressive enough for The Economist to name Armenia the country of the year. Therefore when you visit Armenia in 2019, you're not just visiting a beautiful new country. You are supporting a new and improved Armenia that has never been seen before.
You might be wondering, what is there to do in Armenia? We're glad you asked. For starters, Armenia is full of gorgeous churches and temples that all you history buffs will love. There is the Transcaucasian Trail, which passes the spa town of Dilija if you fancy a relaxing pit stop. Or you can explore Dilijan National Park. And of course, you'll have to dip into Armenia cuisine! Some popular local dishes includes Morash (shredded chicken mixed with green peas) and Kyufta (handmade sausage beef, grains and sauteed mushrooms). And drink coffee while you're there. Lots and lots of Armenian coffee.
5. Berlin, Germany
Did you know that 2019 marks the thirtieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall? Well, now you do. And this anniversary makes Berlin, Germany one of the best places to travel in 2019. In light of this momentous anniversary, Berlin has scheduled a jam-packed calendar of events to reflect its post-reunification renaissance. There will be exhibits and performances happening all throughout the year.
The anniversary celebration will begin in January with the Akademie der Kunste, an event that will include lectures, dances, theatrical performances, and concerts. Later on in the year, travelers can look forward to the Humboldt Forum in the Berlin Palace. Fun fact: Berlin is now home to more vegetarian restaurants than any other capital in Europe. Therefore another event on the celebration calendar includes Vevolution, a festival focused on vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Vevolution will be part of the city's eat! Berlin festival in February. This renowned culinary affair brings in chefs worldwide. If you are a foodie, this is an event you can't miss.
Two of our favorite times to visit Germany is in October and January. These are the months that coincide with the famous Oktoberfest and Germany's incredible Christmas Markets. But if you want to beat out the crowds, consider visiting Berlin from March through May and from late October through November. The weather will be a bit colder, but there will be less tourists to combat!
6. Elqui Valley, Chile
Chile is hands down one of the best places to travel in 2019. More specially, Elqui Valley in Chile is where you need to go. And even more specifically, you should book your trip there in July. Because on July 2, 2019, there will be a total solar eclipse in Elqui Valley. If you've never heard of Elqui Valley, you're not alone. This is an extremely remote region of chile. In fact, its lack of artificial light named Elqui Valley the world's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
The valley is home more than twelves observatories. Therefore, it is a hotspot for scientists, stargazers, and eclipse-chasers alike. And if you enjoy wine fines and spirits, Elqui Valley is a great place for you to travel in 2019. The area is also renowned for its Andes-flanked nature trails and hiking trails, wineries, and distilleries. If you pay a visit to the valley, you have to try the country's national spirit, pisco. It is a yellowish brandy produced in the wine regions of both Peru and Chile. The spirit is made by distilling fermented grape juice into a high-proof spirit. Fun fact: pisco was developed by 16th century Spanish settlers. Therefore is has been loved by Chileans for some time.
If seeing the total solar eclipse interests you (which is should) then check out travel companies like Intrepid Travel. They are offering 6- and 11-day tours to the Path of Totality, led by English astronomer Dr. John Mason. Travelers will be able to visit some of the regions observatories, in addition to vineyards and distilleries.
7. Etyek, Hungary
Let's keep talking wine. If you identify as a wino or dream of someday becoming a sommelier, then Etyek, Hungary is a top place for you to travel in 2019. Over the past twenty years, Hungary has been slowly but surely climbing the ladder as one of the top wine producers in Europe. And recently, the little town of Etyek, Hungary – just 18 miles outside of the capital, Budapest – has become a go-to destination for wine lovers everywhere.
In the 18th century, Etyek was often recognized as “the vineyards of Budapest.” In recent years, however, Etyek has becoming more and more known for its white wines, including Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Many Budepestians have already been taking advantage of Etyek's delicious wines. However, the little town is still under the radar to foreigners as a hotspot for winos. And that is just another reason why we think it is a great place to travel in 2019. The crowds will be light as Etyek gains more and more recognition. So you likely won't have to face too many other tourists during your time there.
While you're there, be sure to visit one of the newest wineries in Etyek, Anonym Pince. Not only is the wine here delicious, but the architecture is incredible. The concrete and glass tasting room, which was completed in 2015, offers guests panoramic views of the Hungarian countryside. Additionally, in 2019 Etyek will host four major gastronomic weekends (January 19, April 6-7, June 1-2, and September 7-8) all of which are organized by Etyek Piknik. There will be live music, wine and cheese tastings, and more.
8. Georgia
Good news. If you want to visit one of the top destinations to travel in 2019 but don't have the funds to leave the country, you don't have to. Georgia is ranked one of the top places to travel in 2019. More specifically, Atlanta and Savannah are top cities to go to. Let's start with Atlanta. A big draw for this gorgeous city is its cuisine. For better or for worse, Atlanta's dining scene has grown exponentially in 2018. And that makes this southern city a great place to travel in 2019. Some recently opened restaurants that are worth checking out includes the Local Pizzaiolo, a pizza joint located downtown, and Masterpiece. But you can still count on the reliable Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market to have great food offerings, as they continue to add new vendors regularly.
Now let's talk about Savannah. This city is known for its historical squares, ghost tours, and of course, its weeping willows. But thanks to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) this city is also renown for its architecture. And it 2019, SCAD will be celebrating its 40th anniversary. This celebration is what helped move Georgia up on the list of places to travel in 2019!
There will be plenty of new architectural sites to explore in Savannah this year. That includes the Perry Lane Hotel. The hotel is a part of the Luxury Collection. And its beautiful design features a lot of work by SCAD students! Additionally, you'll have to seethe Alida, Savannah, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel while you're there. This is a new boutique hotel that is station in an up-and-coming warehouse district in Savannah. So if you love food and architecture, Georgia should be one of your top destinations to travel in 2019.
9. The Grand Canyon
If you need another spot in the U.S. to travel in 2019, consider The Grand Canyon. And that is because 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the national park! In honor of this momentous occasion, there will be a series of talks, concerts, and special exhibitions held at the Grand Canyon throughout the entire year. Even more, there will be new tours of the Grand Canyon offered to guests in the 2019! That makes this year the most ideal time to visit the park, if you haven't been there before.
The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November. During these months, the daytime temperatures are cool and the crowd sizes are smaller. So if you decide to visit the Grand Canyon during the summer – AKA the park's peak tourist season – you should be prepared for big crowds and limited lodging availability. Not to mention very hot temperatures.
There are two major areas of the Grand Canyon that people tend to visit: the South Rim and the North Rim. During the summer, the North Rim tends to be more isolated than the South Rim. Therefore it's a great place to visit during peak tourist season. And keep in mind that although it is certainly hotter at the Grand Canyon during the summer, temperatures vary widely throughout the park. Therefore you can come across temperatures in the low-40s to the mid-80s between June and August. But regardless of the time of year, the North Rim is almost always cool than the South Rim. These are great tips to keep in mind as you plan your 2019 Grand Canyon adventure!
10. Guatemala
We have one more great place to travel in 2019 outside the United States. Guatemala's tourism industry went on a hiatus following the eruption of Fuego volcano last June. But that will all change in 2019. The Land of Eternal Spring is ready to welcome in visitors again!
The best time to visit Guatemala is during its dry season, AKA summer. This season extends from November up until April throughout most of the country. During this time of year you can expect clear, blue skies and pristine weather for hiking. And of course exploring the ancient Mayan ruins. Come mid-March, however, temperatures start to spike as the country entires its wet, rainy season. During this time the air is so thick with humidity that it can be difficult to even see the volcanoes in the skyline. However, the rainy season is also the off-season in Guatemala. Therefore there will be less tourists, and lodging will be less expensive, too. So there are pros and cons to both seasons.
There is no shortage of things to do in this gorgeous Central American country. The diverse landscape offers everything from hiking to rock climbing to swimming. The country's civilization reaches back centuries, therefore you can count on having plenty of architecture and culture to explore. Some of the top sites to see in Guatemala includes Tikal National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its towering, steep temple that is higher than 40 meters off the ground. Another must-see site is Antigua. This is a gorgeous and famous small Guatemalan town that is best known for its Spanish colonial architecture.
There are so many incredible places to travel in 2019 that aren't even included on this list.
At the end of the day, where you choose to travel in 2019 comes down to preference. While we think these ten picks are great places to travel in 2019, there are still so many other destinations to research and explore! It doesn't really matter where you go. Just make sure you get going. There is no greater gift than the gift of travel. Treat yourself in the new year and strive to see at least one new place. We think you'll see that once you start exploring, you'll find it difficult to stop.
If your new year's resolution is to travel more, then do it. Even if you feel like you don't have the money to go anywhere. Because trust us – you do. With a little planning and budgeting, it is very possible for even broke travelers to venture somewhere new.
Do you already know where you plan to travel in 2019? What upcoming trips are you most excited for? Leave us a comment and let us know! We would love some suggestions on where you think us adventurers at Trekbible should explore in the new year.
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