For a truly spectacular travel backdrop check out these up-and-coming hot spots and the classics making a big comeback. From seaside towns to historic cities, these are the spots that made top of my list for 2019!
The Cayman Islands are a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea approximately ninety miles south of Cuba. Grand Cayman is by far the largest, the most populous, and the most visited. Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, together referred to as the Sister Islands, are remote, rural, and sparsely populated. Grand Cayman is seeing a huge growth in the tourism industry with some of the biggest names opening luxury hotels on the island and many others breaking ground this year. Travelers often come for excellent scuba diving or for the white sands, turquoise waters, and exclusive hotels of Seven Mile Beach.
Bali is the most popular island holiday destination in the Indonesian archipelago and that’s not changing anytime soon. It stakes a serious claim to be paradise on earth. As the hotel industry continues to follow a path of innovation and give new meaning to luxury hotel, travelers are flocking there. With world-class diving and surfing, a range of natural, cultural and historical attractions, and plentiful accommodation options, it is one of the most popular island destinations in the world.
Tuscany is a region in central Italy, easily one of the most influential areas on Italian and European culture. The combination of irreplaceable art, picturesque landscapes, eminently drinkable wines, breathtaking architecture, the finest cuisine and breathtaking architecture, make for a scene right out of a story book.
Costa Rica is a holiday getaway destination perfect for the thrill seekers or the beach bums. Located in Central America, Costa Rica offers stunning coastline views of the Caribbean and Pacific oceans and vibrant, lush rainforest. With several highly anticipated hotel openings bringing exciting new energy to the nation’s tropical hotel scene, the areas hotel growth is not slowing down. Soak up the sun or go wild on the zip-lines or ATVs.
The city of Zurich, a global center for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history. Zurich is abuzz with activity day and night with its countless events, diverse museums, own food festival and Switzerland’s most vibrant nightlife. And if you’re after rest and relaxation, you can be in the Swiss mountains in less than an hour.
One of the more popular Greek Islands, Mykonos, is particularly famous for the picturesque town and its fantastic beaches. It continues to draw crowds with its one-of-a-kind cliffside suites, endless views, turquoise waters and entertaining nightlife. It is impressive how the small island is home to so many seemingly untouched beaches. It is hard not to fall in love with such a magical place.
Los Cabos is one of my favorite destinations for families, friends, couples and destination weddings! Located on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, Cabo, is known for its beaches, water sports and nightlife. Several new luxury hotels are opening this year putting this exciting destination in the headlines and grabbing the attention of all of us in the travel industry.
Kyoto City attracts visitors looking for traditional Japanese culture. Kyoto’s magic is only a short bullet train ride from Tokyo. Temples and shrines draw lots of attention, as do the bamboo groves, gardens and seasonal foliage. Those seeking a unique experience should consider their stay in a ryokan, a quintessential Kyoto experience.
With a string of exciting hotel openings and upcoming events—plus more airlines offering flights to the islands—this year is an ideal time to visit Hawaii. The Big Island is also a top tourist destination for its tropical climate, lush forests and stunning waterfalls, as well as its gorgeous beaches. The activities are endless.
Budapest has been voted this yearʼs “European Best Destination” by travelers, with the Hungarian capital topping a list of 15 competitors! Budapest is a city geared towards tourists, with attractions, sightseeing tours, restaurants and experiences designed to give visitors a little slice of Budapest.
It’s been a spectacular year so far for tourism in The Bahamas, as it is quickly showing the fastest growth in the Caribbean. This growth has come from a number of factors, from new air routes, the success of the Baha Mar mega-resort, and a trend of visitors traveling to the Out Islands of The Bahamas, such as Exuma and Pig Island.
Hvar, a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, is best known as a summer resort town rich in history and culture. It is a favored destination by the rich and famous who sail into town on their mega yachts. In recent years, Prince Harry, Jay-Z & Beyonce and Roman Abramovich have all been spotted. There’s still plenty for those of us who don’t have a mega-yacht, though! Good eats, stunning views, historic monuments and fun nightlife make this spot a must see.
Portugal’s tourism boom has made the industry one of the biggest contributors to the national economy and the largest employer for the country. Portugal has long been popular for its beaches, historic sites and sightseeing, but tourism has broken records in the past few years. From Lisbon, offering a rich history and a buzzing nightlife to Algarve with its beautiful cliffside views and beaches facing the Atlantic.
Located off the coast of East Africa, The Seychelles is one of the most dreamy locations attracting honeymooners and those seeking a luxury retreat. Sailing, diving, wildlife, fishing and relaxing are the main attractions for visitors. Plus we can’t forget the pristine beaches and water so clear, you never lose sight of your feet.
Today, Malaga is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. It combines beaches, history, and archaeology with a vibrant nightlife, excellent shopping and delicious cuisine. As the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, it also attracts many art lovers to its museums and galleries.
Move over Punta Cana, Samana is on the rise. One of the most underrated destinations in the Dominican Republic is the quiet peninsula of Samana. Tucked away on an unspoiled white sand beach on the northeast coast, is Sublime Samana Hotel which brings class and luxury to the area. All of this is set down in a jungle-lush natural setting of rainforests and coconut plantations.
