Lonely Planet’s Best of Travel has revealed their top 10 countries to visit in 2019. There’s a top destination for every traveller on here, so get ready to add a few countries to your bucket list!
Top 10 Countries to Visit in 2019:
- Sri Lanka
- Germany
- Zimbabwe
- Panama
- Kyrgyzstan
- Jordan
- Indonesia
- Belarus
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Belize
1. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a country that seems to have everything you need, no matter what kind of traveller you might be. It’s great for families, adventurers, eco-tourists, super foodies, and those who just want to relax or do some yoga.
Golden beaches, friendly people, mountain ranges, and wildlife galore, there’s good reason Sri Lanka made it to the top spot for countries to visit in 2019.
Rent your own tuk tuk to explore the country, or stay in a world-renowned resort. Explore some of the oldest cities in the world or sip on local teas at trendy cafés. Sri Lanka is known for its hospitality and mix of cultures, but it should also be known as your next vacation spot.
2. Germany
This year, 2019 will mark the 100th year since the birth of Bauhaus. Expect special exhibitions and events throughout the year to celebrate the design movement that swept the globe.
Not like Germany needs more reasons for it to be a bucket-list destination. It’s alternative art-scenes, underground culture, wild partying nightlife, markets, and numerous year-round festivals (like film fests and beer fests) live up to the hype. If you’re more into traditional tourism, Germany has plenty of that too. Berlin has an area called “Museum Island,” and of course, Germany is filled with opportunities to learn about the past.
Whether you’re a history buff or a hardcore hipster, Germany is the place to visit in 2019.
3. Zimbabwe
The end of Robert Mugabe’s time in power will inevitably change the country, and bringing your tourist dollars to Zimbabwe can be seen as an act of support for the future of the country.
Beyond politics, Zimbabwe is home to several national parks filled with the “Big Five” African animals (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, African buffalo and African bush elephant). It also has UNESCO World Heritage archeological ruins to explore, ancient rock art from 13,000 years ago, and the largest waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River.
Zimbabwe has received a lot of negative publicity over the past several years, but the tourism industry is growing, especially now that it is ranked number 3 of the top 10 countries to visit in 2019!
4. Panama
Have you heard of the Panama Canal? Did you know it was recently revamped? The Panama Canal joins the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean, just like it connects Central America with South America.
In 2019, Panama City is celebrating its 500-year history in a party you won’t want to skip! During your stay in this underrated country, you get the best of the white-sand beaches and the tropical rainforests.
Pair your Panama adventure with a cup of “the champagne of coffee,” known as Geisha arabica coffee, one of the most prestigious brews in the world.
5. Kyrgyzstan
Located in Central Asia, this country only gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It hasn’t been that many years since the government even opened tourism to Kyrgyzstan.
In 2018, Kyrgyzstan hosted the World Nomad Games, which means there is 2,700 km of newly marked trekking routes and a new national highway system. There’s even an increase in community-run tours, and it’s worth looking into CBT (Community based tourism initiatives) where travellers can book a homestay with a local family. Spending a few days and nights in the remote Kyrgyz countryside in a ger (yurt) by a sparkling alpine lake like Song Kul is truly an unforgettable experience. Canadians also don’t need any visa to travel in Kyrgyzstan. Visitors get stamped in for 60 days when arriving in one of the country’s main airports, like Bishkek International Airport.
The land of horses provides stunning landscapes, first-class hikes and Silk Road Heritage sites. Backpackers have already started flocking to this offbeat destination, so better act quickly!
6. Jordan
If the Dead Sea, Petra and Wadi Rum aren’t enough reason for you to go to Jordan, then go for the food and the people. It seems like everyone who goes to Jordan raves about how friendly, welcoming, and optimistic the locals are towards tourists.
You can snorkel or dive in the Red Sea, you can take camel treks across the desert, follow the path of the Bedouins, or you can get some R&R on the banks of the Dead Sea.
Sleeping under the desert stars or sleeping in luxury like a star. Whichever you pick, make sure you add Jordan to your 2019 travel list.
7. Indonesia
Indonesia caters to the most shoestring of backpackers and the most high-end of tourists, including eco-friendly options for all budget levels. Indonesia is one of the top 10 countries to visit in 2019 for good reason!
There are more than 17,000 islands in Indonesia, which is one of the reasons there are so many different cultures, cuisines and religions across this top country. With 17,000 islands, make sure to explore beyond Insta-famous Bali.
Indonesia needs your tourist dollars more than ever after several recent natural disasters. Response to these disasters is still on-going but don’t let that stop you from booking a trip to Indonesia.
8. Belarus
An offbeat European destination, Belarus draws appeal to travellers seeking something different. Home to painter Marc Chagall, you might not be surprised to know there is a rather large arts scene (coupled with an equally large café culture).
Much of Belarus was damaged in World War II but it has managed to house the only World War II museum in the world that was conceived while the war was still in progress.
Expect lots of parks, monuments, and as Lonely Planet said: “locals who party like it’s 1999.”
Belarus will be home to the 2019 European Games in June!
9. São Tomé and Príncipe
These two island nations in the Gulf of Guinea are enticing for travellers who enjoy rainforests, wildlife, volcanic mountains and long sandy beaches. The warm and crystal clear waters of São Tomé and Príncipe make for excellent snorkelling, including the Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon).
Waterfalls, fishing, ravines, birdwatching, giant turtles, and more. São Tomé and Príncipe is the second-smallest African country (after Seychelles) and makes it on the list of top 10 countries to visit in 2019 for those who want a super relaxed vacation in a unique location, surrounded totally by nature. Expect to speak Portuguese while you are there.
10. Belize
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly destination, Belize could be the one! The world’s second largest barrier reef is just off the coast, and the government is creating new initiatives to fully protect the marine environment. New eco-resorts are popping up over the country as well, whose main attractions include a massive cave system.
Diving and snorkelling, Maya ruins, uncrowded beaches, hiking, waterfalls, wildlife, and more. Belize is home to the world’s only Jaguar preserve as well as home to the Great Blue Hole, an underwater sinkhole that is more than 125 metres deep and 300 metres across.
With plenty of beautiful islands to explore and even more activities to enjoy, this Central American country is the perfect destination to round out the list of top 10 countries to visit in 2019.
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