Already looking ahead to new adventures in 2019? We don’t blame you. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the go-to destinations for this upcoming year. Whether you’re looking for the perfect place for your first big trip or scouring the web for a more off-the-beaten-path location to fill that last empty space in your passport, we’ve got you covered. Read on to see our predictions for this year’s top travel destinations!
Newfoundland and Labrador
Country: Canada
Population: 529,000
Official language: English
Main airports: St. John’s International Airport (YYT), Gander International Airport (YQX)
Why you should visit: With unpredictable weather, small coastal towns, photogenic wildlife, and rugged landscapes, Newfoundland is well on its way to becoming the next Iceland — only bigger!
Plovdiv
Country: Bulgaria
Population: 340,000
Official language: Bulgarian
Main airport: Plovdiv Airport (PDV)
Why you should visit: Plovdiv is a picturesque city situated along the banks of the Maritsa River, known for sites of antiquity such as the ancient Roman theater. And, after co-winning the 2019 European Capital of Culture award, it is expecting a big boost in visitors this year.
Namibia
Capital: Windhoek
Population: 2,534,000
Official languages: Oshiwambo, English
Main airport: Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)
Why you should visit: Namibia has made waves in recent years, solidifying itself as one of the most travel-friendly destinations in Africa. Home to 11 distinct ethnic groups, the world’s largest sand dunes, and a whole host of wilderness safaris, it will make you want to start planning your trip sooner rather than later.
Elqui Valley
Country: Chile
Population: 443,000
Official language: Spanish
Main airports: Vicuña Huancara Airport (SCVN), La Florida Airport (LSC)
Why you should visit: The diverse terrain of Elqui Valley is home to the sorts of quaint and charming villages you picture when you dream of rural Chile. It’s also home to deliciously distilled pisco (a Chilean specialty), flourishing vineyards, and star-filled nights you won’t want to miss.
Israel
Capital: Jerusalem
Population: 8,700,000
Official languages: Hebrew, Arabic
Main airport: Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
Why you should visit: The Israel of today is ready to distance itself from its past conflicts, which means now is the perfect time to visit before it gets really popular. Jerusalem’s religious sites, Tel Aviv’s nightlife, and the Dead Sea’s pristine beaches are just a few reasons to go in 2019.
Lapland
Country: Finland
Population: 180,000
Official languages: Finnish, Sami
Main airports: Rovaniemi Airport (RVN), Ivalo Airport (IVL)
Why you should visit: While Helsinki established itself as a place to be in 2018, a magical land many miles north of the Finnish capital is set to break out in 2019. Wintery and whimsical, Lapland offers travelers a chance to explore the native lands of the Sami people, see the Northern Lights, and ride a sleigh pulled by reindeer.
Edmonton
Country: Canada
Population: 932,000
Official language: English
Main airport: Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
Why you should visit: You may have already heard, but Edmonton is a booming city on the rise. With impressive cuisine and a thriving scene of local artists and makers, the city has earned a place on your 2019 bucket list.
Uzbekistan
Capital: Tashkent
Population: 32,390,000
Official languages: Uzbek, Russian, Tajik, Karakalpak
Main airports: Tashkent International Airport (TAS), Samarkand International Airport (SKD)
Why you should visit: Uzbekistan offers a unique adventure for those looking to dive head-first into a well-preserved culture. The Silk Road — and ancient trade route linking Europe to Asia — passes through regions of the country, while other areas boast a number of impressive Arab architectural feats like the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum in Samarkand and the Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent.
Tasmania
Country: Australia
Population: 515,000
Official language: English
Main airport: Hobart International Airport (HBA)
Why you should visit: This island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, as the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area proudly protects a chain of six national parks, consisting of everything from mountains to grass plains, beaches, and rivers. On top of the natural beauty, the state’s capital, Hobart, is a bustling cultural hub that is home to an eclectic community of artists and makers.
Arles
Country: France
Population: 52,700
Official language: French
Main airport: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
Why you should visit: Not only is Arles a former Roman capital (plenty of ruins remain today), but the city’s land and seascapes are what inspired many of Van Gogh’s famous paintings — so we figure 2019 is a good time to see them for yourself (especially after watching the artist’s recently released biopic)!
Armenia
Capital: Yerevan
Population: 2,930,000
Official language: Armenian
Main airport: Zvartnots International Airport (EVN)
Why you should visit: With a new, liberal-minded government in place, Armenians are ready to welcome a fresh wave of travelers this year. Come and experience the beautiful Caucasus countryside, explore historic sites such as Erebuni Museum and Garni Temple, and wander through Yerevan — one of the oldest cities in the world.
Uttarakhand
Country: India
Population: 10,000,000
Official languages: Kumaoni, Garhwali, Hindi, English
Main airports: Dehradun Airport (DED), Pantnagar Airport (PGH)
Why you should visit: The northern state of Uttarakhand is known for its spiritual energy (think Hindu temples), stunning national parks (that border the Himalayas), and diverse wildlife (such as tigers and elephants), which, together, make for a new perspective on this highly visited country.
Japan
Capital: Tokyo
Population: 126,800,000
Official language: Japanese
Main airports: Narita International Airport (NRT), Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Why you should visit: Japan will be abuzz with visitors in 2019 as the country readies to host the Rugby World Cup in September and October. On top of what should be a spectacular competition, Japan offers an enriching cultural experience with its giant cities and world-class transit moving between them.
Berlin
Country: Germany
Population: 3,575,000
Official language: German
Main airports: Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SFX), Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL)
Why you should visit: It’s never a bad idea to visit Germany’s capital, but a few of 2019’s happenings might be too good to pass up. The city is set to celebrate some monumental anniversaries, such as the Bauhaus Centenary and 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Guatemala
Capital: Guatemala City
Population: 16,910,000
Official language: Spanish
Main airport: La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
Why you should visit: Some say that Guatemala is Central America’s most diverse country, but whether you believe that to be true or not, there’s no denying that its array of captivating landscapes, vibrant architecture, and crumbling ruins create a setting for an unforgettable experience.
Savannah
Country: U.S.
Population: 146,000
Official language: English
Main airport: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
Why you should visit: Savannah’s shelf life as an underrated city may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean its novelty has worn off entirely. This coastal Georgian city is charming in every sense of the word, especially in its historic district.
Argentina
Capital: Buenos Aires
Population: 44,270,000
Official language: Spanish
Main airports: Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE)
Why you should visit: Just imagine: you’re camping out in the Andes, sipping a glass of malbec, and waiting for the total solar eclipse to pass above. The best part? You haven’t broken the bank to get there as Argentina can be a budget-friendly destination.
Egypt
Capital: Cairo
Population: 97,550,000
Official language: Egyptian Arabic
Main airport: Cairo International Airport (CAI)
Why you should visit: With attractions like the Nile River and the pyramids at Giza, Egypt has long been a popular travel destination. Pair these famous sites with the opening of the Grand Egypt Museum in January, and don’t be surprised when your Instagram feed is filled with pictures of the north African nation for the next 12 months.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out these 15 Underrated American Cities!
Header image by Nasser Ansari
