Trendy Destinations for 2019
Finding the right place to travel is never easy, even for the most experienced of travelers. Doesn’t it seem like everyone’s going to Cuba this year? Remember when the whole world was flocking to Croatia just a moment ago? Well, it helps to be ahead of the curve and avoid the hoards of tourists that now seem to be everywhere. Here are PKT’s trending destinations for 2019.
Photo by Wynand Uys on Unsplash
Okavango Delta, Botswana
The jewel of Southern Africa, Botswana is home to one of the
last remaining unspoiled wilderness areas of Africa. Fed by the floodwaters of
central Africa, the delta covers an area of approx. 16,000 square kilometers.
Lagoons, palm-fringed channels, and islands support a wealth of flora and fauna
alike. There is nowhere on earth that comes close to this ecosystem, and when
you visit you will know why it became the 1000th site on UNESCO’s World Heritage
List in 2014. The best way to explore is in a dugout Canoe, locally
called a mekoro. Here, you can relax and
watch the world float by.
Photo by Anjali Mehta on Unsplash
Bhutan
Nestled in the mighty Himalaya mountains, between two of the
most populous countries in the world lies majestic Bhutan. It’s home to the world’s happiest and most
content people, which is saying a lot in the current times that we live
in. Calm mountains, peaceful valleys,
and pristine rivers all make for one special travel destination. The iconic Tiger’s Nest is just a start.
Bhutanese culture is what is at the heart of this special place. Democracy was
actually imposed on the citizens by their monarch and they have the right to
impeach their king. If you are a nature lover, Bhutan’s national parks will
leave you floored. All natural reserves,
wildlife sanctuaries, and parks are protected areas and, importantly, connected
by biological corridors. This allows the
wildlife to roam freely throughout the country.
Amazingly, 72% of Bhutan is forest. Better yet is the constitutional
requirement that it remain 60% covered by forests at all times. It then makes complete sense that Bhutan is
carbon neutral, which means more fresh air for your lungs during a peaceful,
HAPPY vacation in this trendy destination pick for 2019 and beyond.
Photo by Adli Wahid on Unsplash
Turkey
Turkey is poised for a comeback after a couple of down
years. There is history to be uncovered around every corner, with ancient
artifacts and architecture along every road.
There is no such thing as too small a neighborhood to explore. Turkey is
special for its architecture, rich history, luxurious vacation spots, amazing
hotels, vibrant arts and culture scene – the list goes on and on. What perhaps makes it even better this year
is the value you can get in Turkey right now due to the strong dollar. Take your dollar to the Grand Bazaar and test
your negotiating skills in world’s most famous market. Sitting at the
crossroads of Europe and Asia, there is a fascinating mix of cultures both
ancient and modern that is made more impressive by some of the most gracious
and beautiful people you’ve ever met.
2019 marks the year that Turkey will be trending once again, ready to
show off its stuff.
Photo by sutirta budiman on Unsplash
Masai Mara, Kenya
You’re probably thinking, how could the Masai be trendy?
It’s been around forever. Everyone knows
about it. BUT, because of how amazing it
is during migration season, we’ve chosen it as one of our trendy destinations
for 2019. Imagine watching a herd of
over 1,000 wildebeests running through a river. 40,000-square miles of savannah
are defined by the Masai Mara National Reserve in the north and is bordered in
the south by the famed Serengeti in Tanzania. Best to plan early if you want to
catch the migration, which occurs from August to the end of October. We promise, it will be unlike anything you
have ever witnessed.
Photo by Michael Librizzi on Unsplash
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
With the effects of climate change becoming more and more
dramatic, PKT feels NOW is the time to visit the Galapagos. Of course, there are many “unique” or “trendy”
destinations in the world, there are few that are as qualified as the Galapagos
Islands. They are 604 miles from the
mainland, making the Galapagos easily in the top 10 of the most remote islands
on earth. Making them more unique is the
fact that the islands never shared a history with any large continental land
masses. Nearly all islands were
connected to a huge land mass known as Pangea. Eventually over the years,
smaller fragments of the Earth’s crust became islands. This was not the case for the Galapagos
Islands. They are truly volcanic islands
that are young, geologically speaking. It was this remoteness and geographic
isolation that allowed the fauna and flora to develop in a unique way. Adding to this is that the islands are at the
intersection of 3 major oceanic currents, including the Humboldt, Cromwell, and
Panama Currents. Each Current has different elements and the combination of the
3 create a giant magnet for marine life.
Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash
Colombia
This Latin American country has turned a new leaf with new
found peace. It’s become much safer, and while it’s ready to shine. Cities such as Medillin, Cartagena, and
Bogota have much to offer to the avid traveler looking for something new and
exciting. Medillin is a city reborn –
art, an impressive new cable car network, and tourism have reversed the
fortunes of this metropolis. So much so
that it was voted the world’s most innovative city in 2013. The jewel in
Colombia’s crown is Cartagena though. It’s
one of the most beautiful cities in Latin America and it’s a must visit city
now on everyone’s radar. Another
phenomenon that is catching on like fire is the “Red River” – Cano Cristales. This amazing river is being called the most
beautiful river in the world thanks to the red algae that gives the river its
famous colors. However, if you want to
be sure to see it in all its glory, make sure to book your trip between May and
late November.
Photo by Adam Smigielski on Unsplash
Azores, Portugal
Portugal was named Europe’s best destination at the 2017
World Travel Awards, and it’s no wonder when you take a look at all the small
country has to offer. This year however,
aside from Lisbon and Porto, look for the Azores to take center stage in Europe
and the world. Those seeking an active,
outdoor vacation will fall in love with the “Green Island”. April and May are great for whale watching
and June has great temps, and little rain.
Of course, the rest of Portugal is still a gem. Lisbon is a small, fairytale like city
sitting along the Atlantic Coast and hosts 100 year old wooden trams and iron funiculars
that rumble around the baroque streets and ornate city center. Porto, Portugal’s second city, is a picture
of faded sophistication, but a blend of contemporary and medieval vibes creates
an atmosphere that warrants a visit at any time. Another reason people are flocking to Spain’s
western neighbor is that the US dollar can take you pretty far in this little
country. After Bulgaria, it is the
second best value destination in Europe.
Add that to the mild and sunny weather, and it’s no wonder that Portugal
is one of the hottest destinations in Europe.
Photo by Diego Jimenez on Unsplash
Chile
Snaking along the Pacific Ocean, Chile is everything… and
then some. Valparaiso’s open air museum
is a living, breathing work of art that sits along the mountain side and
transports you to another century and maintains some of the world’s finest wall
murals. The mysterious Eastern Islands
with their monolithic statues to the mighty Andes that straddle the country’s
eastern border, Chile has a mixture of natural wonders not found anywhere else
on the planet. The salt desert of
Atacama is the world’s driest and also one Earth’s most adventurous
destinations. There are golden dunes
that you can surf, or just admire from a distance and Rainbow Valley – cliffs
of colorfully striped strata. Oh yeah,
there are also flamingos(!) on the Los Flamencos National Reserve. The crown jewel for Chile however lies down
south in Chilean Patagonia and the Torres del Paine National Park. Jagged peaked mountains and crystal clear
turquoise waters await.