The top domestic and international destinations below:
Out now, the winter issue of Artful Living is dedicated to all things travel, including plenty of reviews and recommendations. Find it around the Twin Cities at Kowalski’s Markets, the Galleria and International Market Square or read it online at artfulliving.com.
1. Top travel destinations for 2019:
Domestic:
• Santa Barbara, California
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Grand Canyon
International:
• Puerto Rico
• Scotland
• Israel
Whether you’re looking to use those vacation days, relax during the holidays, or just prevent your airline rewards miles from expiring, traveling to the most interesting and relaxing places is something everyone should do occasionally to recharge your soul. But that all important question inevitably arises – Where do I go in 2019?
We’ve put together this list of some of the best travel destinations of 2019 that will give you some ideas of where to take your next trip. We’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 best travel destinations of 2019.
Below are the top 10 places to visit in the world for 2019. Each destination was evaluated based on scenic beauty, costs, safety, food and cuisine, as well as many other factors that go into choosing the perfect vacation getaway. Hopefully these vacation excursions will inspire you to take your next holiday trip!
1) Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Grab your travel backpack, it’s time to head to Vietnam. Situated off the southern coast of Vietnam in the Kiên Giang province, the tiny island of Phu Quoc is the tropical paradise you’ve been seeking and easily qualifies as one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit. With it’s white sand beaches and palm tree shorelines, it’s easy to see why it leads the top travel destinations 2019 list.
Unlike most small islands with limited activities (unless that’s your thing), Phu Quoc has quite a bit to do if you’re up for it. The mountainous inner part of the island is home to the Phú Quốc National Park which features dense tropical jungle habitat and abundant hiking and sightseeing opportunities.
Phu Quoc has been put on the map due to it’s digital nomad scene where the relaxation of the inexpensive quiet island allows people to get their work done while living in a tropical paradise. Duong Dong is the largest city on the island and offers several shopping and night markets to get a bite to eat or grab an adult beverage.
If you’re looking for a place to stay for cheap, check out Phu House. They offer $10 rooms and free beer everyday. I stayed at Phu House for 1 week recently and was really impressed with the place.
Best Time To Visit: April – June, Late October.
2) Bali, Indonesia (Nusa Lembongan)
Bali has always been a top travel destination due to its beauty, but even so, there are still hidden gems away from the main tourists spots that offer seclusion with a peace and quiet atmosphere. One such place is the island of Nusa Lembongan, which is located off the southeast coast of Bali in the Nusa Penida district.
Accessible by boat only, the island has a feel to it like few in South East Asia. Here, you won’t have to worry about crossing busy roads since there isn’t any traffic, and you won’t be harassed while at the beach by people constantly trying to sell you things. Chill with your sunglasses and swimsuit on the beach and relax in peace. What more could you ask for in 2019?
Nusa Lembongan is the perfect small island to relax and enjoy the beach or the many mangrove areas that surround the eastern end of the island, but it’s also a great dive destination. One tourist attraction is the underwater Big Buddha which has been placed by locals as a business attraction. It also makes for a good snorkeling and underwater photography and one of the best vacation spots for couples.
Check out Nyuh Gading Homestay for a great place to stay on Nusa Lembongan. It’s right on the beach and has really good Wi-Fi.
Best Time To Visit: May to September
3) Koh Chang, Thailand
Year after year, Thailand is one of the top travel destinations in the world. With it’s beautiful scenery, tasty cuisine, affordable costs, and the 30-day tourist visa just for arriving at the airport, it doesn’t get any easier to pack your bags and hop on a plane.
Koh Chang is a medium sized island located off the southeast coast of Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand. The majority of the island is Mu Ko Chang National Park, so it maintains that small island feel without much development. The park offers many hiking trails and waterfalls, as well as dense jungle habitat to explore.
Koh Chang is surrounded by palm lined beaches and remote bungalows with great views. There’s a small backpacker scene a Hat Tha Nam if you’re into the nightlife. I’ve stayed at Pajamas’s Koh Chang and it’s only 2 minutes from the beach and was really clean. The staff was friendly and I had an all around great time. Check it out at hostel world.
Best Time to Visit: November – February
4) Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Isle of Skye in Scotland is a hikers paradise and ranks high on the top travel destinations 2019 list. The picturesque and rugged landscape has a beauty that is all its own. From medieval castles to quiet fishing villages, the Isle of Skye is the perfect laid back vacation spot.
The town of Portree is the hub of the island, which is a network of coastlines, peninsulas, mountains, and grassy swales. The island has a rich history that can be seen at the many museums and two medieval castles that you can tour.
If you’re into hiking or walking, camping, bird-watching, or just remote areas, the Isle of Skye is the place to get away and get off the beaten track.
Best Time to Visit: May – June
5) Banff, Canada (Moraine Lake)
Nestled in the northern portion of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada is the small town of Banff. Most people outside of Canada have probably never even heard of it, but that’s what makes it so special. With the mountain range dominating the skyline, the views in Banff are second to none.
Château-style hotels, restaurants, and small boutiques line the downtown area making things extremely convenient and one of the best family vacation spots due to the abundant activities available. Visitors can ski on the slopes of Mount Norquay or ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain to swim in the Banff Upper Hot Springs which offers greats views of the countryside.
With 6,500 square kilometers of park land surrounding Banff, the amount of hiking, climbing, bike riding, and walking trails are endless. Several finger lakes, such as Moraine Lake, offer a great view of the surrounding mountain range and postcard views.
Best Time to Visit: June – August, December – March
6) Sa Pa, Vietnam
At number 6 on the top travel destinations 2019 list is Sa Pa, Vietnam. The town of Sa Pa is located in the northwest portion of northern Vietnam in the Hoàng Liên Son Mountains. Popular for it’s terraced riced fields that are built into the sides of the hills, it makes for an awe inspiring view and peaceful holiday destination.
Locals, consisting of a mix of several different hill tribes, let you experience Vietnam in way that visiting Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City just can’t accomplish. If you love hiking, there are many trails leaving Sa Pa which take you to outlooks with spectacular views. The scenic waterfalls, Buddhist temples, and the tallest mountain in Indochina, Fansipan, are waiting to be explored.
For a really cool place to stay in Sapa check out Miku Chill House located in Hau Thao village. The mountain view can’t be beat and it’s such a peaceful place to chill for a few days.
Best Time to Visit: March – May, September – November
7) Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Fiordland National Park is located on the southwestern tip of New Zealand and is the most remote spot on the top travel destinations 2019 list. With almost 5,000 square miles of undeveloped and pristine wildlands, it is larger than some small countries (Jamaica is only 2,300 square miles).
Consisting of mountainous terrain surrounded by glacier cut fiords, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful scenery around without the flocks of tourists. Wildlife and bird watching are top activities that include some interesting species like the Kea, a large parrot like bird with scaly feathers.
Activities include hiking, camping, kayaking, mountain climbing, and taking in the awesome views of the mountains and waterfalls. Boat tours take visitors around the fiords for even better sightseeing adventures.
Best Time to Visit: September – November
8) Torres del Paine, Chile
Torres del Paine is a National Park in Chile located in the Patagonian Region. It’s approximately 700 square miles of mountains, glaciers, and grasslands which are referred to as golden pampas. Three unique granite outcroppings called the Cuernos del Paine, tower over the skyline.
With over 250,000 visitors every year, Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most visited sites in all of Chile. The park features rare flora and fauna, such as the Guanaco (a species of lama), and Darwin’s slipper (a rare mountain growing plant that looks like an orange penguin).
The park is a popular hiking destination and offers many walking trails and sightseeing opportunities. The longest trail is an 8-9 day trek around the park.
Best Time to Visit: September – April
9) Athens, Greece
The allure of Athens is something that keeps you coming back for more and more. It deserves to be on every vacation list and especially the top travel destinations 2019. At the center of the city is the ever famous Acropolis, which sheds just a glimmer of light into the historical aspects that surround the city itself. You could spend weeks in Athens and not fully see the city, its history, or all of what Ancient Greece had to offer.
But outside of the historical aspect of Athens, there lies many other enjoyable activities. The booming nightlife, shopping, and world cuisine is unmatched. The city comes alive at night and the narrow city streets and large plazas offer an atmosphere that is electric. For a holiday destination with both an historical aspect and fun city experience, Athens can’t be beat. Use this link to get $40 off your next stay with AirBnB while staying in Athens.
Best Time to Visit: April – June
10) Monteverde, Costa Rica (Cloud Forest)
Monteverde is a small town in the northern part of Costa Rica known for it’s tropical jungles and dense biodiversity of wildlife and plant species. Located just outside of town is the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The reserve is said to contain up to 2.5% of the entire worlds biodiversity of species. The Reserve operates it’s own hostel on site.
A cloud forest is different than the typical rain forested in that it often has low cloud cover creating moist conditions rather than just rainfall. This combination of mist and low cloud cover produces an experience that is all it’s own. For nature lovers, hikers, or scientists, Monteverde is a destination with endless opportunities to see new and exciting things.
Best Time to Visit: December – May (Dry Season), May- December (Wet Season)
I hope this information was helpful and you start your 2019 off by traveling and exploring other cultures and destinations.
XOXO-ClassiLadyStyle
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