Inspiration

28 Places Our Travel Specialists Say You Should Go in 2019

From Portugal's Douro river to remote Siberia, here's where our top travel specialists are telling people to visit in the coming year.
Faroes
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See Jaguars in Brazil

I'm sending my travelers to the Caiman Ecological Refuge in the Southern Pantanal to see and photograph jaguars. This spectacular freshwater wetland is the habitat of the largest population of wildlife in the Americas. The floodplane is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to some 650 species; it’s also inhabited by thousands of varieties of butterflies and more than 250 species of fish. The Caiman Lodge's Oncafari Jaguar Project allows you to see majestic creatures in the wild—a recent client of mine was able to observe and photograph three jaguars on his first day there—and is accessible by a five-hour drive from Campo Grande or a half-hour private flight. – Jill Siegel, South American Escapes

Halkidiki, Greece.

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Check Out Greece’s Quiet Coast

Halkidiki is a peninsula off the northern coast of Greece, and one hour drive from Thessaloniki, an amazing city filled with Jewish history, ancient Greek sites, and a gourmet restaurant scene.

Sani Dunes is a new deluxe beach resort with exceptional restaurants and unique experiences such as a sunset cruise, private boat to Mount Athos, and the ancient site of Vergina. – Ronnie Liadis, Liadis Travel, Ltd.

Rent a Villa in a New Caribbean Hotspot

In 2019, I’m sending many of my best Caribbean clients to Provo (Providenciales) in Turks and Caicos. I personally love that the newest and most upscale villas on the island are either brilliantly contemporary or reflect the old-world charm of the original Oliver Messel homes on Mustique and Barbados. The beaches are stunning and the restaurant scene gets better every year. – Tim Roney, La Cure Villas

Sulawesi, Indonesia.

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Find an Uncrowded Alternative to Bali

Just over an hour’s flight from Denpasar lies the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia—the land that time forgot, and the Bali of 20 years ago. Head north to Palopo, and then up winding mountain roads surrounded by stunning forest and coffee plantations, home to the Toraja tribe who live in remote hilltop dwellings. Their belief is that the funeral ceremony is the most important thing in life, and the more buffalo that are slaughtered at your ceremony, the faster you will get to paradise. The festivities last for up to a week with relatives coming from all over the world, and tourists are welcome to come and join in. There are good, comfortable, four-star accommodations, but it's a five-star experience in terms of outdoor activity (cycling, rafting and hiking) and local culture. Afterwards, I recommend a few days at Siladen, the world’s best dive resort, at the very north of Sulawesi. Here, divers can find the rare mimic octopus as well as a vast number of beautiful turtles and colorful fish with wall diving. If time permits, a direct flight from Manado to Sorong will enable you to board a traditional phinisi for a cruise around Raja Ampat for more spectacular diving. – Melissa Matthews, Red Savannah

Take Epic Photos on Papua New Guinea

I am privately guiding a wonderful family to West New Britain, Papua New Guinea, aboard the superyacht, MY Spirit. We'll do a private visit to Rabaul before the annual Rabaul Mask Festival to avoid any other travelers, but prior to that, we’ll fly through central Papua New Guinea by private King Air to visit the Huli Wigmen in the Tari Valley, before jet boating upriver to meet the village chief in Yimas on the Middle Sepik River to listen to their Bamboo Band and purchase an array of their beautiful wood carvings. This adventure is a step back in time, but the waters of Papua New Guinea also offer world class diving, fishing and surfing in the right season—away from any crowds. – Pedro O’Connor, Epic Private Journeys

Tulum, Mexico.

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There's Still Plenty of the Yucatán Discover

Meanwhile, Tulum continues its reign as one of the coolest destinations on the planet. Habitas Tulum, beTulum, Sanara and others, with ultra chic DJs and a relaxed vibe, are still setting the bar for barefoot luxury, shabby chic, and rustic luxe. Elsewhere in the Yucatán, the opening of Chablé Yucatán finally gives us a true five-star boutique option; together with expat-haven Merida (compete with new design, art, and culinary options), the extraordinary Mayan sites and cenotes, it’s a magical region. Overcome the tiring, three-and-a-half-hour slog there by using light aircraft from Cancun, which shortens the journey to a lovely (and scenic) 30-minute flight. Finally, everyone is looking for the “next Tulum” and Isla Holbox is in the running, while San Pancho in Nayarit is being hailed as “the next Sayulita.” – Zach Rabinor, Journey Mexico

Consider Córdoba

As of July of this year, Córdoba, just a 45 minute train ride from Seville and one hour and 45 minutes from Madrid, is the first city in the world to have four world heritage sites declared by UNESCO, surpassing Rome and Paris. The cathedral-mosque is perhaps the most famous site in the city, the first to be named world heritage. The most recent addition is Medina Azahara, the ruins of the 10th-century fortified “palace-city” that was the heart of all government of Al Andalus, offering a fascinating journey through Spain and Al Andalus’s past. Cordoba’s historical quarter is also identified as a world heritage site, as it's one of the biggest in all of Europe and home to remains from the Roman, Arabic, Jewish, and Christian past. The houses around this historical quarter fill with flowers come springtime, when the patio festival takes place showcasing the most beautiful blooms set against the white backdrop of traditional patios. (The event has been named an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, and is one of the most beautiful festivals in all of Europe.) This small city in Andalucía, with a population of just under 330,000 people, is overflowing with history, making it a true wonder and must-see for 2019, and offers a great base for day trips around the region. – Virginia Irurita, Made for Spain & Portugal

Noto Peninsula, Japan.

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Do “Slow Travel” in Japan

With the huge success of the bullet train from Tokyo to Kanazawa in 2015, we are now encouraging clients to see even more of Ishikawa Prefecture, specifically the beautiful Noto Peninsula. Noto can be reached via a combination of train or air, but it's best seen vby rental car and local roads. Famous for its 29 lantern festivals, rugged coastline, picturesque fishing villages, hot spring resorts, unique food, and several world-class ryokans, it's truly a "slow travel" destination in every positive sense of the term. – Walter Keats, Asia Pacific Travel

Cruise to New places

Japan is on the radar of many cruisers who view it as a safe and interesting destination, and a few exciting routes are offered on Azamara and Viking. Land-based vacations are very expensive in Japan, so cruises with English-speaking crew and shore excursions are appealing to travelers. Then there’s Seychelles on Ponant's Le Lyrial or Crystal Cruises' Crystal Esprit. As a soft adventure destination, this area has not had many calls, but it's a logical destination for cruisers who loved Galápagos, or as an add-on to another trip in the area. For a contrast, consider the Great Lakes on Ponant or American Queen. Seen as interesting and safe with short flights, the Great Lakes have not had many ship calls, so they sell out well in advance. – Linda Allen, Cruises by Linda

Siberia, Russia.

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Explore Remotest Siberia

In 2019, we're running trips to Russia’s Siberia for the first time. Why Siberia? Well, it's a true wilderness destination, where you can search for the snow leopard or the even rarer Salyugyem Bear within a scenery of glaciers, steppes, and rural villages. This past year, the spotlight was on Russia with the World Cup, which many predicted would be full of hooliganism, overbearing police presence, and racism, but none of that came to pass. Instead, the world was wowed by the efficiency of the organization, friendliness of the people, and of course, the excellent soccer. So much so that, politics aside, Russia is currently basking in a warm glow. – Johnny Bealby, Wild Frontiers

Do a Chimpanzee Habituation Trek

Our clients have been interested in heading to Uganda for full-day chimpanzee habituation treks at Kibale Forest. From dawn when the chimps come down from their overnight nests to the end of day when they return to the canopy, a very small group of tourists and rangers will be with the chimpanzee family throughout the day. It’s only time to return to your lodge when the chimpanzee return to the trees for the night. It’s a long and rewarding day. – Nina Wennersten, Hippo Creek Safaris

Experience a Japanese Nature Immersion

I'm planning to send people to Enoura Observatory, the latest in Japan's proliferation of sites merging contemporary art and architecture. Located less than two hours from Tokyo, the site is built on a cliff with dramatic views of rugged Sagai Bay, with orange groves in the foreground. Enoura Observatory opened in the fall of 2017 and is the vision and creation of the renowned contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, who is perhaps best known for his moody portraits of the sea, horizon, and sky. Funded in part by the Japan Society in New York, the project takes the visitor on a magical journey on foot, passing ancient and historical stone markers gathered from remote corners of Japan: a tiny traditional teahouse, and a dramatic cedar and optical glass outdoor Noh stage that disappears into the horizon. A visit to Enoura requires an advance reservation—the number of visitors is limited—and getting there involves tightly choreographed logistics as it's off the main train line, though you can catch a shuttle bus from the nearest station. – Nancy Craft, Esprit Travel & Tours

Cádiz, Spain.

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Drink Sherry and See Flamenco in Jerez de La Frontera

We’ll be sending people to a place that's surprisingly still new to practically everyone but the Spanish: Jerez de La Frontera in Cádiz, in the south of Spain. The city’s first luxury five-star boutique hotel just opened its doors a few weeks ago, Casa Palacio Maria Luisa. Jerez is also finally making its mark on the culinary scene: A Poniente, in nearby Puerto de Santa Maria on the coast, was the first restaurant in the province to garner three Michelin stars in 2017, and this year Jerez’s first ever Michelin star was awarded to Lú Cocina y Alma. Chef Israel Ramos’ Mantua restaurant is sure to follow in the year or so, with creative tasting menus paired with Jerez’s finest gastronomic assets: aged sherry wines. Sherry is experiencing a real come back, particularly among foodies—in Jerez they practically bathe in the stuff. Visitors will also find Spain’s last true authentic flamenco scene and an incredible equestrian culture; in short, a perfect stop to spend several nights exploring this utterly Andalusian enclave, which still combines well with further exploration of the region (Sevilla, Ronda, and Marbella). – Sebastian Lapostol, Truffle Pig

Skip Paris for Arles and Bordeaux

Next year is going to be dominated by the emergence of Arles as a major international art center, with the completion of Frank Gehry's 180-foot titanium tower dominating the sprawling new LUMA art complex laid out in a former rail shunting complex—an important, interdisciplinary centre for the production of multimedia projects, many relating to environmental and human rights issues. Arles has shed its sleepy Provençal mode and is bursting with vigor and cutting edge dynamism: the recently opened Fondation Vincent van Gogh holds exhibitions that showcase the influence of the artist on contemporary art, while cutting edge hotels are opening beside new-wave restaurants rejoicing in a modern take on the beloved cuisine of Provence. Bordeaux has emerged as the fastest growing and most sought after city in France, and there's every reason for tourists to also discover the charms of this once rather somber city as it unveils its treasures below the southern European sun. Brilliant urban planning has seen the center flourish and the old town embellished, with cutting-edge hotels for all budgets springing up across the city and its already well-established gastronomic excellence (think Bordeaux wines, seafood, and goose) by some of the brightest young stars cooking today. – Anthony Bay, ABE Travel

The Faroe Islands.

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Done Iceland? Try the Faroe Islands

My most sophisticated guests are seeking out proprietary experiences that can only occur in remote, even secret locations. Case in point: In the Faroe Islands, there’s no road leading to a 1741 farmhouse where 21 courses are served at a Michelin-star restaurant Koks. Settled in the year 300, the Faroe Islands are frozen in time, presenting adventure travel with modern, even luxurious conveniences. A one-hour flight from Reykjavik brings you to an archipelago of 18 mountainous islands plunging spectacularly to the sea, located halfway between Iceland and Scotland in the North Atlantic Ocean. You’ll see the world’s most stunning landscapes among austere islands connected by a comprehensive road network, tunnels, and ferries. It’s all about sightseeing, hiking, diving, fishing, horseback riding, bird watching and world-class cuisine rooted in 1000-year-old traditions. – Chris Gordon, Icepedition

Syros, Greece.

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Be First to the Lesser-Known Cyclades

This summer, we are sending our clients to two of the lesser-discovered Cycladic islands to get away from the high prices and crowds of the main tourist destinations. There’s Syros, the unknown capital of the islands, where you’ll see its beautiful 19th-century waterfront, eat great food, go to the opera in the jewel of an opera house that was the prototype for La Scala. Guests stay in a fabulously hip beach house, or a glorious restoration of a merchant’s 19th century waterfront mansion. Then there’s Kea, where the One&Only group are opening a new hotel this summer, the first in Greece, as they fell in love with its authentic villages, and wild and fertile landscape. Easy proximity to Athens means you can couple a beach vacation with a cultural stay. – Ileana Von Hirsch, Five Star Greece

Explore Life in the Mekong Delta

Vietnam has really been a boom destination for us this year and we're sending more and more people into the Mekong Delta, south of Ho Chi Minh City. Since logistics are tough, we're really taking advantage of all the little waterways and natural terrain of being in a large river delta by moving people around with speedboats. As a result, we're able to drastically reduce travel times and take people to exciting, off-the-beaten track destinations and show them what real “Delta life” is like. You leave Saigon through a tangled maze of rivers and vast paddies that form the nine tributaries, the Nine Dragons, and then visit a Cao Dai temple, Buddhist pagoda, river market, and more – Jackson Ferguson, Asia Desk

Go Beyond Israel’s Greatest Hits

For travelers who have already visited the must-see religious and historical sites in Israel, or are looking for an add-on to Jerusalem, Galilee, and Tel Aviv, I highly recommend exploring the northern Israeli Negev. Travelers can visit the Anzac Memorial Center in Beer Sheva to learn about Australian/New Zealand combatants who over 100 years ago bravely fought against the Ottoman Turkish army. A stop at the Village of Lakiya, a center for traditional Bedouin weaving, is a wonderful way to learn about the Bedouin culture and traditions. Hiking some of the national parks, in the areas such as Mamshit, Shivta and Avdat, where you'll discover the fascinating history of these UNESCO World Heritage sites, is also worthwhile. – Susan Weissberg, Wyllys Professional Travel

Portugal’s Douro River.

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Cruise Portugal's Douro River

Portugal’s Douro River, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, is one of the most beautiful river cruises in Europe, yet one of the most unknown to American travelers. The steeply terraced vineyards come right to the river’s edge, creating a spectacular view—similar to those found in the Moselle in Germany or the LaVaux vineyards in Switzerland. AMAWaterways and Viking are each building new riverboats to debut in 2019; the 102-passenger AMADouro will feature a swimming pool on the sun deck, free high-speed Internet, and a nice variety of local fado and folkloric musical performances in addition to the exceptionally spacious suites and cabins. Viking is completing two 106-passenger ships, custom built specifically for the Douro River with state-of-the art engineering and their classic streamlined Scandinavian interiors. – Jill Jergel, Frontiers International

Do a Wellness Getaway on the Peloponnese

I’m most excited about the town of Mystra—this fortified Byzantine castle-town in Greece’s southernmost region of the Peloponnese is really as pure as it gets. Sitting at the foothills of the mystical Mount Taygetus, not only is this medieval walled town a UNESCO World Heritage Monument immersed in fascinating history, but the surrounding natural environment is rugged, raw, and inspiringly real. Mystras recently became the home of Greece’s first wellness retreat: the Euphoria Retreat. A holistic destination that promises a journey to self-discovery, the Euphoria is the perfect place to relax and redefine the relationship between your mind and body. It really is an ideal environment of natural surroundings, lush gardens, and private forests, coupled with the essential tools that will aid in leading a happier, healthier and more contented life. – Christos Stergiou, TrueTrips

The Healy Pass, Ireland.

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Go Off-the-Beaten Path in Ireland

We took an amazing trip to southwest Ireland's Beara Peninsula to experience the locals and cuisine. The most amazing thing about the itinerary we designed? We didn't run into a single tourist bus or group for the first five days of our travels in southwest Ireland. The Healy Pass is one of the most beautiful and challenging roads we’ve ever experienced: One small part of it is curved in such a way that no tourist bus could possibly make the turn. At present, the locals have no intention of changing this. – Angela Turen, Churchill & Turen

See the Eclipse from the Pacific

On July 2, 2019 there will be a total eclipse of the sun in certain parts of the world—and one of the best locations to see it will be from Oeno Island, part of the Pitcairn Islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Depart from Mangareva, in French Polynesia, by ship on June 25 with landed visits also to Henerson and Ducie Islands before landing on Oeno on July 2 (sea and landing weather conditions permitting). It's a two week trip to see some of the most remote islands in the world, lots of history, and the full eclipse, with only 12 births. The same ship used on this trip, the Bravo Supporter, also runs regular trips to Pitcairn and Henderson regularly from Mangareva, which is accessible through Papeete, Tahiti. – Kleon Howe, The Art of Travel

Pt. Leo Estate, Mornington Peninsula, Australia.

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Do a Little Bit of Everything on the Mornington Peninsula

We plan to have more clients visit the Mornington Peninsula in the southern state of Victoria, easily accessed from Melbourne but something of a local’s secret! The Peninsula, with its great food and fine wines, local art galleries and markets, natural hot springs and spas, championship golf courses, mountain biking trails, and pretty seaside villages, has long been a much-loved playground for Melbourne locals. Pt. Leo Estate winery has already shot to foodie fame with their restaurant, Laura, having been named the Australian Gourmet Traveller’s Best New Restaurant of the Year 2019, but the region is also home to a collection of other “hatted” restaurants including Doot Doot Doot, Montalto, Paringa Estate, and Pt Leo Restaurant. The Peninsula Hot Springs has recently unveiled a collection of new thermal mineral pools, Lindenderry at Red Hill has a sleek new look, and the chic Jackalope (home of Doot Doot Doot) has been named Boutique Hotel of the Year 2018. – Stuart Rigg, Southern Crossings

Try Shamanistic Healing in the Ecuadorian Jungle

The pressures on the Ecuadorian Amazon and its inhabitants from oil and timber have never been greater, and the decision by the Sapara community to open their territory to ecotourism came six years ago in an attempt to protect against further exploration by Chinese oil companies. The community receives no more than 130 visitors each year; there are no roads or mobile signal. Access is by Cessna from the airstrip at Shell, a steamy frontier town on the edge of the Amazon, and flights are impossible in rain, so patience is required on entry and exit. The camp where we take people sits on the banks of the Conambo River, a gently swelling tributary of the Amazon made for dipping, fishing and swimming. Led by Manari Ushigua, an indigenous leader and shaman, the five- or- seven-day programs focus on meditation, traditional healing rituals, botany, dream interpretation, jungle treks, and river swims. Emphasis is placed on the importance of taking time, living in the moment, avoiding anxieties, and connecting with the spiritual world. Guests can learn to weave, hunt with a blowpipe, and fish sustainably with poisonous roots, but there are also opportunities to teach in the local school. – Harry Hastings, Plan South America

Do Cuba or Iceland by Boat

For the luxury cruise sector, Cuba and Iceland are still being explored and holding appeal for my clients—who seem to have been “everywhere.” They're pulled by the cultural intrigue, unique topography (especially in Iceland), and novel attraction of there two destinations. – Leslie Fambrini, Personalized Travel Consultants

Mount Pelion, Greece.

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__See Where Mamma Mia was Filmed

Mount Pelion, on the mainland, is noted from antiquity as the most beautiful mountain in Greece, running across a peninsula and surrounded on three sides by the Aegean Sea. Today, it's known for beautiful villages, architecture, local meze cuisine, terrific opportunities for cooking classes, myriad hiking paths through beautiful forests of chestnuts, apple trees, olive trees, and conifers, and ample sailing opportunities, particularly for sailing across to the Sporades islands. Lodging is primarily in three- to- four-star boutique hotels and pensions. The movie Mamma Mia was also filmed on Mount Pelion and the locals are still proud of their role in it. Sitting at the base of the mountain is the charming town of Volos with its beautiful promenade and an important archaeological museum. Built on top of ancient Iolkos, the town from which Jason and the Argonauts set sail for the Golden Fleece, there are sites and activities of interest from ancient to modern in this beautiful area. – Leftheris Papageorgiou, Hellenic Adventures, Inc.

Do Rwanda’s Primate Circuit

One&Only’s Gorilla’s Nest in Rwanda opens around September 2019, coupled with the Chimp Lodge at Nyongo. If you have the budget, you can transfer by helicopter directly to Nyungwe for the chimps, or to the Virungas for the gorillas. Singita Kwitonda also opens next to Volcanoes National Park in August 2019. – Cherri Briggs, Explore, Inc.

Cruise the Nile

Egypt bookings are rolling in so fast we can barely keep up with them. For the first time in eight years, we're encountering waitlists at many of the top hotels and Nile cruises. The demand for Dahabiyah Nile Cruises is especially soaring, and the best of the bunch are by far the four Dahabiyas operated by Nour el Nil: Meroe, Malauka, El Nil, and Assouan. They were built by an Egyptian and former sailor, with a strong emphasis on sailing. Due to their small size (each have eight to 10 cabins/suites), the vessels can visit sites normally missed by large Nile cruise ships, and many times they simply nose-up on the bank and allow travelers to disembark and stroll through small hamlets and unnoticed archaeological sites (like Gebel-el-Silsileh). Travelers who are still interested in experiencing the Nile in the finest luxury should cruise on the beautifully refurbished Oberoi Philae. Originally a ship with more than 60 cabins, the newly redesigned Oberoi Philae has only 22 luxury cabins and suites. The result is elegant and modern—and provides an unmatched amount of public space. The itinerary is re-worked as well, with some clever additions such as Medinat Habu Temple on the West Bank and a motorized felucca excursion to the Nubian Museum in Aswan. – Jim Berkeley, Destination & Adventures International

Take a Polar Expedition Cruise

An influx of purpose-built expedition vessels is set to transform the future of polar travel. With innovations seemingly lifted from the pages of a Jules Verne novel, advanced engineering has made exploring the White Continent an increasingly comfortable and enthralling experience. From helicopter rides and submarines to the world’s first ultra-luxurious, fully-immersive undersea lounge, technology is bringing Antarctica and its charming neighbor islands to life like never before. In addition to the 200-passenger Scenic Eclipse, which will have 100 veranda suite accommodations, a seven-seat submarine, and two seven-seat helicopters once it launches in April, there are a number of other vessels also set to debut in 2019. Among the new offerings: The Roald Amundsen, a 500-passenger vessel featuring state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion technology and scheduled to launch next spring; Hondius, a cozy and informal vessel offering 174 guests a front-row seat to the majesty of the polar regions once it launches midyear; Greg Mortimer, a 160-passenger vessel launching in August and offering a range of active options including kayaking, camping, mountaineering, ski touring, and snowshoeing (all in the adventurous spirit of its namesake, an Australian mountaineer); and the brand-new 69-passenger Magellan Explorer, an expedition vessel that allows you to skip the Drake Passage crossing and still explore Antarctica. – Ashton Palmer, Expedition Trips