Where should you plan a trip in 2023?
We found the places celebrating major anniversaries and other cultural events, consulted travel experts about emerging destinations, and compiled the hottest new hotel openings.
It wasn’t easy narrowing this list down to just 10 places around the world, but a few key places stood out from the rest. In 2019, the Southern Italian city of Matera will be crowned a European Capital of Culture, drawing countless visitors to see its architectural and cultural heritage. The Taj Mahal will emerge from a yearlong restoration of its iconic dome, and Berlin will celebrate the centenary of the Bauhaus as well as the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Of course, these are just a few highlights. From remote safari spots and off-the-beaten-path islands to well-trodden cities with new reasons to visit, these are the locations at the top of our list for 2019.
1) Vietnam
Vietnam is sure to make you fall in love with it. Experience a fairytale-like bliss as you visit some enchanting places like Halong Bay and the ancient town of Hoi An, while living up to the urban beats of Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Da Nang. Discover the wonders of Vietnam as you enjoy your cruise through the ocean, interact with locals in the countryside, go island hopping, visit the historical monuments, try Vietnamese cuisine or indulge in a shopping spree at the traditional markets, giving you a number of opportunities to have once in a lifetime.
2) Singapore
Following the runaway success of Crazy Rich Asians, we predict that Singapore will be one of the top travel destinations for 2019. It comes at an apt time as the small nation-state is celebrating the bicentennial of its founding by Sir Stamford Raffles, Changi Airport recently unveiled its swanky new terminal, and the iconic Raffles Singapore is set to emerge mid-year from a top-to-bottom renovation by Champalimaud. It will join several other exciting new hotels, including the Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore in a renovated heritage building, Six Senses Duxton and Six Senses Maxwell, and three new hotels on Sentosa Island by Far East Hospitality.
3) Petra, Jordan
If this Wonder of the Ancient World isn’t already on your bucket list, it should be. Early next year, the Petra Museum is slated to open, telling the story of this magical place. “Travel to the Middle East is making a comeback, indicating travelers want to explore the region for themselves, beyond the media headlines,” says Jenny Gray, Intrepid Travel’s regional product manager for the Middle East. “The travel ban proposed by President Trump in 2017 appears to have actually spurred interest in the region, with travelers wanting to learn about the countries they continually hear about in the news and make their own decisions about them.” Intrepid Travel, which offers 22 different itineraries in Jordan, has seen a 112 percent growth on bookings to the Middle East.
4) Auckland, New Zealand
Recently inducted into the UNESCO Creative Cities network for music, this inspiring city will celebrate the 250th anniversary of Captain James Cook’s voyage that put New Zealand on the map, literally. A nationwide commemoration called Tuia Encounters 250 will celebrate the country’s dual heritage. SO/ Auckland by Sofitel is set to debut in November, and the Park Hyatt is slated to open its first property in New Zealand next year, bringing a whole new level of luxury to Auckland. New direct flights from Chicago to Auckland aboard New Zealand Air will make it even easier to get there.
5) Sao Paulo, Brazil
Getting a visa to visit Brazil used to be a major hassle, but a new e-visa system has made the process much more streamlined, and new flights by LATAM are better connecting the largest metropolis in the Americas to the rest of the world. Once you get there, you’ll find a burgeoning art and design scene that proves the city’s not all business. The Four Seasons Hotel São Paulo at Nações Unidas just opened this fall, joining more established luxury hotels like the Hotel Unique, which recently refreshed its rooftop Skye Bar & Restaurant.
6) Liechtenstein
This tiny land-locked country bordering Austria and Germany is not on your bucket list? Now might be the time to add it, since the nation will celebrate its tricentennial with festivities and also opens the new Liechtenstein Trail, which spans the country. The kickoff birthday party will be held on January 23, a special exhibit at the Landesmuseum will open in February, and many other events will follow through the end of the year.
7) Bali, Indonesia
An island paradise known for its lush tropical jungles, Hindu temples, and traditional craftsmanship, Bali is set to debut a spate of new and updated resorts in the coming months. In March, Uluwatu—the village famous for its temple perched atop a cliff overlooking the sea—will get a new resort by wellness-focused brand Six Senses and the Cliff, an addition to Alila Villas Ulutawu. Also this year, Capella Ubud will debut with a series of luxury tents designed by acclaimed architect Bill Bensley. The island will soon be easier to reach, thanks to an expansion of the international airport in Denpasar.
8) Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Maldives may have been on everyone’s mind this year, but next year all eyes will be on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. When Taj debuts its new five-star resort composed of 75 seaside villas in the style of the area’s native Jarawa’s huts, it will be the standard-bearer of luxury in the archipelago.
9) Peru
This incredibly diverse South American country has so much to offer, it’s impossible to choose just one region within it. Adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts should explore the Amazon aboard a river cruise by boutique outfitter Delfin Amazon Cruises. The Belmond Andean Explorer is the luxe new way to experience Cuzco and the highlands by train. And Lima is worth a trip for its colonial architecture, stunning Pacific coastline, and hot restaurant scene.
10) Berlin
2019 marks two important anniversaries for Berlin: the centenary of the Bauhaus and 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. To celebrate, the opening Bauhaus Festival will be held at the Akademie der Künst on January 16–24. The renowned Bauhaus Archiv—which displays furniture and other designs by the school’s most important figures—is currently being renovated, and a temporary space will host exhibits for the centenary. It’s worth visiting some of Berlin’s UNESCO Heritage–listed Bauhaus sites, including a famous Mies van der Rohe house constructed during the last year of Bauhaus in Berlin.
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