Egypt
The land of the Pharaohs has been welcoming tourists for so long it’s a wonder that archeologists haven’t discovered hieroglyphics depicting backpackers. Sadly, the country’s tourist trade has taken a battering in recent times, with security concerns and political upheaval keeping many visitors away. An attack on December 28, 2018 that killed four people near the Pyramids of Giza shows that there are still serious security issues.
Mummies, sphinxes, tombs and fresh pyramid mysteries have all been unearthed over the past years, as Egypt proves time and time again that it has many more secrets yet to be revealed. And while safety concerns persist, hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Valley of the Kings take place without incident each year. Likewise, Egypt’s main Red Sea resorts are considered safe.
Fukuoka, Japan
If the Japanese seaside city of Fukuoka isn’t already on your radar, it’s time to recalibrate your Japan travel plans, as this city contains a fascinating history, incredible eats and natural beauty. Capital of the prefecture of the same name and one of several host cities for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Fukuoka is the gateway to the island of Kyushu. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to go beyond the well-trodden destinations like Osaka, Tokyo and Kyoto and see a new corner of Japan.
Due to its seaside position on Japan’s east coast, Fukuoka is a seafood lover’s dream destination and considered one of Japan’s top foodie cities. Just head for the Nagahama Fish Market. The commercial market floor only opens to the public once a month, but you can still visit its restaurants, which are open seven days a week. We do recommend saving space for a bowl of Hakata ramen, though. A local specialty is the original tonkatsu ramen and prized for its deliciously fatty pork broth.
Ghana
West Africa’s poster nation for economic success and political stability is hoping to trade up to its tourism status for 2019, with a campaign targeting the African diaspora whose ancestors were victims of the brutal slave trade of centuries gone by. The country’s Year of Return marks 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in North America. It’s a somber recognition of the evil that befell Ghana’s past inhabitants and their descendants and the strength with which they’ve faced it.
The capital, Accra, crackles with the dynamism of a city on the upswing, with a nightlife scene to match. For those wanting to escape its relentless excitement, Ghana’s 335-mile coastline boasts empty surfing spots like Cape Three Points, while its many protected wildlife zones, including Mole National Park, are home to wild elephants, Nolan warthogs and spotted hyenas.
Grand Canyon, United States
One of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Grand Canyon National Park is marking its centennial anniversary in 2019. It was first protected by the US government in 1893, and it became Grand Canyon National Park on February 26, 1919, offering the 1.2 million-acre park the most US government protection possible.
About 277 miles long and a mile deep from rim to river at various points, the park attracted more than 6 million visitors for the first time ever in 2017\. Yet most people view the Grand Canyon by the magnificent South Rim, while some visit the North Rim in peak season as it closes for the winter. The more adventurous kind can take two days to hike to the canyon bottom. Hikers who trek from rim to rim could take three days one-way, while rafters might take two weeks or more.
Hawaii Island, United States
Following the devastating volcanic eruption of Kilauea in May 2018 that impacted air quality, destroyed homes and put a damper on tourism, the island of Hawaii (locals ask that you not call it “the Big Island”) is once again primed to show off its magnificent beauty, astonishingly diverse landscape and relaxed island pace.
Although two-thirds of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park closed during the Kilauea eruption, much of it reopened in late September, and trails and attractions continue to attract visitors. While there are still some closures on the island and within the park, the number of new offerings is impressive enough to please even the most ambitious travelers. For locally-inspired brews, head to Ola Brew Co. Go for the Kona Gold Pineapple Cider or the Watermelon Double IPA, and stay to soak up the community vibe.
The Hebrides, Scotland, UK
You might have heard stories about Scotland’s fine white sand dunes, turquoise waters, rugged mountains, crumbling castles, but nothing in the world can prepare you for the Hebridean islands. The most famous of the lot, the Isle of Skye, makes it onto many travelers’ must-see lists, but the lesser-visited Lewis and Harris, the most northerly Outer Hebridean Island, also deserves to be there.
The birthplace of Harris Tweed, the famous cloth that’s been woven, dyed and spun by the Islanders for centuries, is also home to its own Stonehenge-style mystery in the Callanish Standing Stones. Unlike Stonehenge, visitors can get up close to the standing circle of boulders at Callanish, which is believed to have been erected about 5,000 years ago. Each Hebridean island has its own distinctive vibe, but they’re all grounded in a similar small-town community spirit.
Jaffa, Israel
Tel Aviv-Yafo is often lumped together as one unit for the convenience of an airport and Google Maps, but 4,000-year-old Yafo (often spelled Jaffa in English) is as different from Tel Aviv as Brooklyn is from Manhattan. The artsier sister, Jaffa, has traditionally been home to narrow streets packed with jewelers, sculptors, antique dealers, candlemakers, painters and more displaying and selling their work.
How to spend a perfect day there? Have hummus and pita at the jam-packed communal tables at Abu Hassan, followed by sweets at Abulafia bakery. Experience the world’s first deaf-blind theater company, Nalaga’at (there’s a cafe next door where all the baristas are deaf, and you can learn Israeli Sign Language signs for words like “coffee”), and don’t forget to pick up banana-scented soaps and orange-blossom perfume from Zielinski & Rosen.
Kerala, India
This area of India has all that a visitor would want: sun, sea, sand, good food, houseboats, culture and wildlife. Its spectacular natural landscapes: think palm trees and sprawling backwaters, lend the region the nickname “God’s Own Country. “ Visitors will likely land at Kochi International, an airport powered entirely by solar panels. The ancient port city of Kochi, once occupied by the Portuguese, is a multicultural hub offering plenty to do and see.
Kerala is also great for beaches, particularly in the southern part of the state. Postcard-perfect Kovalam is a surfing hotspot, while Varkala is good for just relaxing. Kerala’s backwaters are famous for a reason: a nexus of waterways linking the regions’ villages and best explored via kettuvallam, a traditional wooden houseboat. It’s worth spending anywhere from a single afternoon to a week on one of the many rental houseboats on offer, enjoying the sights and sounds drifting by.
Jamaica
Recognized for the heat climate, lovely seashores and pleasant locals, Jamaica has been a well-liked trip vacation spot for a very long time. However, after Hurricane Maria slammed many of the Caribbean in September 2017, Jamaica was left largely untouched, drawing vacationers away from common close-by islands, nonetheless rebuilding from hundreds of thousands of dollars in harm.
Kingston is built around the 7th largest natural harbor in the world, and the completely rebuilt waterfront has splendid modern buildings which house offices, shops and apartments. Spanish Town, Jamaica’s capital for over three hundred years, is 13 miles from Kingston and was founded in 1534. The old town square has a Spanish design and contains places of historical interest. Mandeville is Jamaica’s mountain resort, the island’s largest hill town and the fifth largest urban center.
Havelock Island, the Andaman Islands
The Andaman Islands are crammed with unspoiled seashores, clear waters and mangroves crammed with coconut timber. Whereas many islands stay uninhabited or off-limits, Havelock Island turned extra accessible in March, when the five-star resort Taj Exotica opened. _Journey + Leisure_ calls this the proper vacation spot for these dreaming of working away to an abandoned island.
Havelock has been developing fast in recent years, with a sharp rise in domestic tourism and concrete-clad resorts chasing away many of the original bamboo beach huts. But much of the island’s 92 square km (it’s the largest in Ritchie’s Archipelago) remains untouched, and the beaches and diving areas are as bewitching as ever. “_With sublime silken-blonde beaches, twinkling teal shallows and some of the best diving in South Asia, thickly forested Havelock (Swaraj) enjoys the well-deserved reputation of being a travelers’ paradise_. “
London, England
London is a well-liked place to go to yearly. However, 2019 might be a perfect one for the town’s tourism income. Baseball, AKA America’s favorite pastime, is coming throughout the pond with a New York Yankees vs. World Collection Championship crew Boston Crimson Sox sport at London Stadium (_CNBC_).
Apart from the baseball match, the classic attractions of London are still there for all visitors. The Coca-Cola London Eye is present in the heart of the city, and the whole time revolves around the banks of the River Thames. Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument; it is considered one of the world’s most famous monuments. Archaeologists believe that it was constructed from 3000 BC to 2000 BC. Windsor Castle is a royal palace in Berkshire’s English county Windsor, which is very famous because of its architecture and the palace of the royal family.
Mykonos, Greece
The Greek island of Mykonos is one other vacation spot many journey buffs are already accustomed to. Nevertheless, Lindsay Lohan is about to usher in a completely new crowd because of an upcoming MTV actuality present about her newest enterprise, Lohan Seashore Home. Based on _Vogue_, the documentary-style program will comply with the previous actress and her crew as she runs her membership in Mykonos, in addition to her different two places in Athens and Rhodes.
The island’s most famous celebrity is also its mascot —Petros the Pelican. The original Petros was found after a storm in 1954 and eventually gave up its migrating to become a local resident. Smart bird Petros made such an impression on the locals and tourists that after he died, the island decided to make his presence a tradition and replace him.
Zadar, Croatia
Earlier than you seek for flights to Croatia’s hottest metropolis of Dubrovnik, you’ll undoubtedly need to hear about this lesser-recognized historic metropolis on the northern Dalmatian coast. Zadar continues to be comparatively undiscovered, with a wealthy historical past and undisturbed seashores.
According to history, Zadar came from ancient times. Back then, people called it Iader. The name evolved over time due to a hydrographical factor. It was also called Jadra in the Dalmatian language. Later, it changed to the Croatian name, Zadar. The city has a mixture of Mediterranean and subtropical climates. It also has wet and mild winters. When it comes to the summer season, Zadar is very warm. The hottest months are between July-August. Once the temperature reached 97 degrees Fahrenheit.
Helsinki, Finland
The Scandinavian cities of Stockholm and Copenhagen have turned into very talked-about destinations over the previous few years for vacationers trying to attempt a brand new metropolis. Referred to as the daughter of the Baltic Sea, Helsinki affords vacationers the proper mixture of wealthy historical past with a contemporary, energetic perspective.
Helsinki is the world’s coldest capital, with a yearly average temperature not exceeding 0 °C, and 51 days per year, the sun can be seen in the sky. There are around 120 rainy days in the Finnish capital each year. Tap water comes straight from mountain springs via _Päijännetunneli,_ the longest water tunnel in the world. The quality of water in Helsinki is so high that it is exported to other countries. For example, Saudi Arabia, for many years now, has been buying drinking water from the Finnish capital.
Obonjan Island, Croatia
A tiny speck within the Adriatic Sea, Obonjan Island has been dubbed the brand new Ibiza on this planet of classy island holidays. Developed within the 1970s as a camp for Croatian boy scouts, it sat deserted till a British music competition organizer started the venture of turning it right into a summertime resort vacation spot.
The Obonjan experience is offered exclusively to adults. It is the perfect place for relaxing in the shadow of sweet-scented pines, drinking your favorite cocktails to the sounds of our resident DJ’s or simply soaking up the sun. Obonjan is ideal for a romantic getaway for two or traveling with good friends.
Aruba
An eco-friendly motion is making its solution to Aruba’s idyllic white sand seashores and turquoise waters. The nation’s authorities have ramped up efforts to spice up native farming, cooks have begun utilizing extra domestically grown substances, and extra lodges have turned in the direction of extra environmentally pleasant operations. There are additionally eight bike-share stations across the island, out there to locals and vacationers alike.
No matter where you’re from, it’s likely you’ll encounter someone in Aruba who speaks your language. Much of the population is fluent in English, Dutch, and Spanish — as well as the local Creole language, Papiamento. In fact, this nation of 112,000 is home to more than 90 nationalities and ethnic groups. Among them are sizable European, East Indian, Filipino, and Chinese communities, whose native traditions and cultures are all celebrated on the island.
Cambodia
Southeast Asia’s best-kept secret is formally out. The nation has seen great development over the past decade, not solely in financial components reminiscent of infrastructure and public transportation, but in addition to the extra of luxurious lodges and resorts. Add that to the nation’s cultural treasure and pristine seashores, and you’ve got a brand new foolproof trip vacation spot. Cambodia, which additionally made _Tripadvisor’s_ listing of prime locations for 2018, is simply getting bigger.
One of the most intriguing facts about Cambodia is its flag, as it is the only flag in the world to feature a building. Angkor Wat is the heart and soul of Cambodia. The world heritage-listed site was built in the early 12th century and is the biggest religious complex on the planet. The grounds of the temple ruins of Angkor Wat extend over an area of more than 500 acres – that’s about 50 times larger than the site of Machu Picchu.
Barcelona, Spain
With a lot number of what to see and do, it’s no shock Barcelona was voted one of many prime European cities on _Conde Nast Traveler’s_ annual reader’s pole. From seashores to mountains, historic to modern, there’s one thing that fits each sort of traveler. Barcelona is the only city in the world awarded a Royal Gold Medal for architecture by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Another interesting fact about Barcelona is that it had no beaches until the 1992 Olympics. Nowadays, there are seven blue-flagged beaches dotting the city’s 4.5 km coastline. Not to mention it has been voted the “Best Beach City” by National Geographic.
Brisbane, Australia
Sometimes overshadowed by the close by cities of Melbourne and Sydney, Brisbane is beginning to acquire some consideration of its personnel. The town has been shifting since mid-2018 when the W Brisbane opened, the primary luxurious resort launch within the metropolis’ downtown district in 20 years. Town’s Fortitude Valley neighborhood can also be evolving, with one resort opening and one other relaunching after a $39 million improvement.
Brisbane is a thriving multicultural hub with a population of 2.27 million, making it the third-largest city in Australia. It is also one of the fastest-growing cities in Australia. An inner-city population density less than Sydney and Melbourne keeps accommodation affordable around the city’s major education precincts and provides students and residents with plenty of open space to enjoy.
Sedona, Arizona
Featuring a different pace from the rest of this list, the scenic city of Sedona could also be a greater match for you. Nestled amongst the beautiful pink rocks within the Verde Valley area of Arizona, Sedona has turned into a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers trying to get in contact with nature from the consolation of luxurious lodging. Resorts right here provide loads of choices for guests starting from spa therapies to abandon hikes.
Every geological component of this desert town is simply breathtaking, and the red rocks are not the only star. The canyons that line this Arizona hotspot are definitely a sight to be seen, and they hold a very distinct and timeless piece of history. These vast gorges are made up of nine layers of different types of stone, dating back millions of years, allowing these canyons to tell centuries of stories.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
After Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in September 2017, the complete island was left without energy and clear water for nearly 12 months. Over 12 months later, the US territory has come a good distance in its restoration and able to as soon as once more welcome guests. Based on the Puerto Rico Lodge and Tourism Affiliation, greater than $1.9 billion has been invested into new improvement, with $125 million going instantly into San Juan.
After the Spanish-American War, Spain ceded Puerto Rico, along with Guam and Cuba, to the United States and transferred sovereignty over the Philippines to the United States for $20,000,000 under the terms of the Treaty of Paris, signed in December 1898.
The British Virgin Islands
Another Caribbean location hit arduous throughout the 2017 hurricane season, prepared for a comeback. After shedding greater than 90% of its vacationer sights, BVI has made an exceptional restoration, with almost every attraction and lodging prepared for the 2019 season. The island’s Tourism Board not too long ago introduced a slew of product enhancements, resort re-openings and expanded ferry providers
The islands belong to a group known as the Leeward Islands, which are part of the Lesser Antilles island chain. Other islands in the group include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Montserrat and St Kitts and Nevis. The archipelago of the Virgin Islands is divided into two territories, the British Virgin Islands and the United States Virgin Islands.
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is the place where you’ll really feel caught between antique and modern architecture. This metropolis is vibrant, loud and crumbling alongside South America’s Caribbean coast. The principal attraction is the Walled City of Old Cartagena, the place where the seaside Spanish-Colonial fashion buildings have both been restored or left to crumble, crammed with a mixture of mom-and-pop shops and stylish eating places. For those who get dislike strolling around, hop on a chiva bus: colorful wooden-frame vehicles that may take you on a tour of the town.
Volcán de Lodo “El Totumo” is a mud volcano located 30 miles outside of Cartagena. This majestic natural spa is 15 meters tall, and there are steps leading up to the mud baths. The mud volcano provides a number of natural benefits, such as removing toxins and healing skin; the natural sulfites, phosphates, and magnesium properties of the mud make for a relaxing and healing experience.
The Faroe Islands
Situated solely an hour away by airplane, the luxurious archipelago consists of 18 volcanic islands with hovering mountains and black sand seashores. Just like Iceland, the Faroe Islands have 22 hours of daylight in the summertime, leaving vacationers with loads of time for exploring. The capital metropolis of Torshavn has the entire idyllic attraction of some other Nordic capital, however with smaller inhabitants, making for an extra stress-free journey.
The Faroe Islands is one of the world’s leading nations in producing sustainable electricity, with over 50% of the nation’s electricity deriving from renewable energy sources. The aim is that the nation’s electricity will be sourced solely from renewable energy by 2030\. One of the most interesting facts about the island is that no point on the entire island is further than 5km from the sea.
Merida, Mexico
Merida is a quiet paradise. The peacefulness of the town and the beauty of its streets, make it a place of elegance and contrast amid its colonial houses, Mayan ruins, and architecture. Its food, layered with exquisite gastronomic heritage, will take over your taste buds. The Plaza Mayor is a vibrant meeting place where locals enjoy traditional drinks, such as _champola_ or sorbet.
Adding to the cultural appeal, the people living in Mérida (many of Mayan descent) are a very friendly and welcoming bunch. The Yucatecan cuisine found in Merida is delicious and distinctive to the region. Merida’s nightlife is fun and active, particularly so on weekends. In fact, if planning a trip to Mérida, we recommend trying to stay over a weekend, as the entire city tends to come out to play then.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto served as Japan’s capital and the emperor’s residence from 794 until 1868\. It is one of the country&rsquao;s ten largest cities with a population of 1.5 million people and a modern face. Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its exceptional historical value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and escaped destruction during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today.
There’s no denying that Kyoto has a bunch of attractions that every visitor to the city should check out. Here are some things considered as must-see attractions and activities in Kyoto: Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, Japanese gardens, a night in a ryokan, Japan’s exquisite traditional accommodation, a meal in a Japanese restaurant, whether gourmet or hole in the wall, an evening stroll through the Gion entertainment district, a traditional festival, and some great old Kyoto shops.
Perast, Montenegro
Perast is situated opposite the Verige strait, at the foothill of the Kason hill. The objects found in the Spila cave, near Perast, testify to the early human presence in this area. The town was named after the Illyrian tribe Pirusta, and it had a very rich history. This small baroque town reached its height of glory in the 17th and 18th centuries. At that time, Perast had a merchant fleet of around 100 ships. Its sailors were well-known for their skill and courage.
The island of Our Lady of the Rock was artificially built by piling stones over a sea rock. The church was erected in 1630, and it contains a large collection of silver plates with reliefs showing the development of seafaring life in Boka. The interior of the church is decorated with 68 paintings by Tripo Kokolja, a well-known baroque painter originally from Perast. On the right altar, there is a painting of St. Roko, an artwork of the Italian painter Tiepolo.
La Digue, Seychelles
The Seychelles Islands comprises 115 islands occupying a land area of 455 km² and an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.4 million km² in the western Indian Ocean. It represents an archipelago of legendary beauty that extends from between 4 and 10 degrees south of the equator and which lies between 480 km and 1,600 km from the east coast of Africa. The granitic islands of the Seychelles archipelago cluster around the main island of Mahé, home to the international airport and the capital, Victoria, and its inner islands Praslin and La Digue.
Here are some very interesting facts about La Digue. It is the fourth largest island of the Seychelles islands and is part of the Inner Islands group. To access it, you can have to travel by ferry on a daily basis (3 hours from Mahé and 30mins from Praslin) or helicopter (20 minutes from Mahé and 8 minutes from Praslin). When you are on La Digue, try to ride in bicycle, as it is still the most used transportation to get around the island
Miami, Florida
Don’t be mistaken, this city may have peaked in the 80s, but it is still a paradise. After watching _American Crime Story,_ hoards of people are intrigued and want to know what Miami has to offer. Famous for its dazzling beaches and nightlife, this city has long captivated travelers looking for a slice of tropical paradise near home in America.
Chosen as the #1 wintertime escape, the Magic City has evolved through the years to become a burgeoning center for the arts, an innovator in urban design and a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
In 1986, the city began a transformation process that changed Greater Fort Lauderdale from a spring-time college destination to a year-round, family-friendly retreat. Success can be seen in the caliber of shops, restaurants and hotels along the beachfront. Today, visitors include families and couples, meeting attendees and international travelers – and even a few college students.
Before Fort Lauderdale was anything that we recognize today, it was home to the Abaniki tribe, who were known for living along the sea and using its resources for survival. Later, pirates pushed these Native Americans out. The swashbuckling pirates used the canals and rivers of Fort Lauderdale to prey on Spanish sailors who had loaded their ships with gold from Central America.