Travel in 2017 was a banner year for best holiday places to travel in a sustainable manner. It begun with the United Nations backing the movement and many industry professionals pointing their compass towards these ideals, two years later, the momentum is still growing.
Being a sustainable traveler often means embracing your power to support lesser known destinations and their economies. When certain places receive too many visitors, the quality of life for locals (and travelers, for that matter) can start to deteriorate. Popular destinations are primed to be engines of broad economic growth for countries, but as demand rises, an unequal distribution of wealth occurs along with it.
In 2018 travel was all about far-flung, unexpected experiences—and 2019 is no different. But rediscovering the world’s must-sees, delving deeper into already-trendy destinations, and visiting countries worthy (and in need) of tourism are only some of the ways to travel well this year.
Sometimes the new year is not all about novelty, and travel in 2019 will require taking another look at destinations already on your radar. Here, are our best places to travel in 2019 – whether you’re looking to adventure, or indulge in some much needed self-care. Because the world, it seems, is our oyster, and doesn’t it look delicious.
#1 Kenya
Why go now : The weather is superb; the food is out of this life and the wildlife is out of this world.
Kenya is a melting pot with an endless array of activities and destinations that promise undiluted fun. However when you google Kenya, the first thing that pops out is the fact that not only are they the world center for animal safaris and active adventure holidays, but they are also long distance runners.
If you love fun and adventure, Kenya is the ultimate spot for you.
Apart from the mentioned, you can also get a chance to practice marathon running with the world’s greatest athletes and gold medalists, on the hills of the Great Rift Valley. Try eating nyama choma with the locals, or sip wine aboard a sailing dhow on the calm waters of the Indian Ocean. Whatever your interests, you will be spoiled with choices in Kenya.
The wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara is one of the natural wonders of the world. Kenya also has many other places of world interest that are worth visiting, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Lamu, Kenya’s oldest living city. Lamu is known for being the best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. There is also the Mount Kenya Forest Reserve in Mount Kenya. Other World Heritage Sites include Fort Jesus in Mombasa, a historical monument built by the Portuguese in 1593, and the Ruins of Gedi, built in the 14th century to encourage the Arab-African trade and other unexploited gems of Kenya scenery that include the Kerio Valley escarpment – a popular destination for Paragliding.
Things to do to immerse in local life : Cook with Agnes, Join Christine through her neighborhood Kibera or stay in a community-run camp
To get all insider tips and help in planning your Kenya trip you can fill in this quick Kenya-quiz to receive a trip suggestion with what to see and do.
#2 Cambodia
Why Go Now : They celebrate the new year in April. (Gives you a second chance to have a go in your new year’s resolution 🙂 )
If there is one Khmer expression everyone traveling to Cambodia should learn, it’s Sok Sabai. Literally, Sok means peace and Sabai means happiness, this expression is used to greet people, ask how they’re doing, and say goodbye.
Underneath the turbulent history, Cambodia still managed to keep its smile. A country that is home to a world wonder: Angkor Wat, an unspoiled coastline and delicious curries. The most memorable experience however will be the generous and friendly people you will meet on your way.
To help you in planning your trip you get a bunch of great tips in this blog post ‘Cambodia in 2 weeks: in search of the hidden gems”
Things to do to immerse in local life : To experience Monastery experience in Siem Reap
#3 Nepal
Why Go Now : It’s the door to the Himalayas, who doesn’t want to see that?
Following the devastating 2015 earthquake, Nepal saw many of the buildings and temples of the Kathmandu Valley reduced to rubble. Yet three years later, and the capital’s recovery means Nepal should be firmly back on your travel radar for 2019.
Known as the doorway to the Himalayas, Kathmandu is now seeing its monuments and sites restored to their former glory. The city has been designed to reduce noise and air pollution. Cars have been banned from its historic centre and motor horns banned across the entire Kathmandu Valley. There’s also reliable electricity and even WiFi. So you can enjoy some home comforts before embarking on a trek into some of the world’s highest mountains.
The capital will also be hosting the South Asian Games in 2019. But if you still need persuading, Nepal has so much more still to offer. UNESCO-listed Lumbini was the birthplace of Buddha and Pokhara boasts the beautiful Phewa Lake. And if you’re a nature lover, outstanding Chitwan National Park is home to Bengal tigers, rhinos and more local wildlife.
Things to do to immerse in local life: Cook with Rekha in her home
#4 India
Why Go Now : This year marks 150 years since the birth of Gandhi, the father of the nation, making it a historic year to visit.
Because it is a must see place, first timers should plan for a stop in Agra to view the Taj Mahal at sunrise when it’s least populated (perhaps after a night spent at the Oberoi Amarvilas or the ITC Mughal) and a jaunt in Jaipur and Udaipur, with a stay at the Taj Lake Palace.
Another standout property, the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, was the site of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’ epic week-long wedding (pictured right). Aside from the celeb-approved site, head into the blue city of Jodhpur, where streets and structures of the most stunning shades make for one of the most breathtaking parts of a vast and vibrant country.
But what lands this country on our list are its lesser known destinations focused on India’s conservation efforts, like the wildlife reserves in Ranthambore and Madya Pradesh (home to the largest population of wild tigers), or the northeastern, untapped regions of Assam, Nagaland, and the Kaziranga National Park, “home to Asiatic rhinos and some of Asia’s last surviving former-headhunting tribes.”
India is a country of contrasts; along with natural wonders and wildlife reserves, brace yourself for bustling cityscapes along with the abundance of conservation efforts—and prepare for some of the most luxurious hotel experiences of your life, like the Aman-i-Khas luxury tented cap in Ranthambore.
Things to do to immerse in local life: Delhi street walk by a former street kid.
To further plan your India trip you can download one of the free travel guides full of tips.
#5 Sri Lanka
Why go now : Meditating and spending time in a monastery, maybe just what the doctor ordered.
Sri Lanka is found among or at the top of many lists when it comes to popular travel destinations. 2019 marks a decade on from the end of its civil war, perhaps a good excuse (though none is needed) to explore its 2,000-year-old culture. Discover ancient ruins, wildlife-filled national parks like Yala with everything from leopards and elephants to crocodiles and countless bird species, lush tea plantations and popular surfing spots. Or just kick back on one of the gorgeous beaches and enjoy the scenery.
Time well spent in Sri Lanka is all about balance. Spend days enjoying the surf and the country’s lush beaches, and follow up lazy days with trips to Udawalawe National Park, hikes to World’s End, and trips to the country’s endless array of historic ruins and temples.
Things to do to immerse in local life: Explore Colombo’s street food with raconteur
#6 Indonesia
Why go Now : Because every traveler needs some Indonesian love sprinkled in their lives, every once in a while.
Being the largest archipelago in the world, Indonesia boosts a diverse selection of culture and natural wonders in its more than 18,000 islands. Their ancestry dates back in the 20th century when traders in the Pacific Ocean often pass by.
Kingdoms have ruled for centuries until it became a republic. This has left some of the most important archeological remnants that are being studied today. In fact, some of the first human civilization were discovered in Indonesia,thus it was named the Java Man.
The country is also recognized as one of the largest Muslim nations in the world. The songs, dances and textiles are very intricate that visitors bring them home. From temples to forests to beaches, witness wonderful Indonesia.
Things to do to immerse in local life: Cycling to visit local artisans in Yogyakarta
56 Comments
I’m in love with all the suggestions. I was literally just searching flights to Cambodia a couple days ago. I am dying to go. Every one of these spots is at the top of my list! Great article!
Thanks Danielle for passing by. I hope you enjoy your trip to Cambodia. It’s a beautiful amazing place to travel, you couldn’t have chosen a better destination. xx
Thank you so much Danielle! Great that you liked it!
Haven’t been in any on this list but hopefully soon. They are a bit similar so I think visiting one would be enough? Just for me.
Thanks Michael for passing by. Yes one would be enough, until the travel bug kicks in, and from there the rest is history :-)xx
I so want to visit all the places but my kids are way too young and only a year apart so can’t travel for atleast an year
Thanks Kitty for passing by. Yes that sure makes sense. I hope when they are older you can do a bit of traveling yourself. xx
It’s time to plan the trips for this spring / summer 2019! Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh yes, are you excited already? I hope you get to visit some of these countries. Have a good time traveling and thanks for passing by. xx
all the places are worth travelling. India alone has so many breathtaking and inspiring places to visit that one should come here every year.
India is a gem no? I love it. Thanks for passing by. xx
Welcome to Kenya! My home indeed! I love wild safaris, beach vacations and hotel destinations over here. Anyway, now I want to go to Cambodia!
My heart beats for Kenya too. I love love love kenya. I have a blog post about Kenya
https://blog.i-likelocal.com/love-brewed-kenyan-pot/
Thanks for passing by! have fun in Cambodia!
All these places are great and will be a different experience. I would love to visit Cambodia and Indonesia. Thanks for sharing.
Cambodia is a truly special country. I have only good vibes about the place. Enjoy your visits – when you go – . Thanks for passing by. xx
I really want to go back in India. Also, I love to travel to Kenya. I love coffee so I think I’ll appreciate it.
Kenya is forever in my heart too. I am also a coffee addict.:-) India is an amazing place for travel. Thanks for passing by. xx
I would love to go back in India. I’m interested to visit Kenya too. I love coffee so I think I’ll appreciate it.
Thanks for passing by. xx
India is definitely the place one will visit for holiday. Dharma is the path to enlighten self. Loved the post
Thanks for passing by. Yes India is indeed an incredible country. xx
These are all awesome places to visit. I most definitely want to travel to Cambodia and Nepal this year. 🙂
You will fall in love with those two countries. Be warned 🙂 Thank you passing by, and enjoy all your travels. xx
Love your post. You have just inspired me to do again differentthings than actuelly was planning to. Thank you.
I have been in Sri Lanka and it was great. All the other countries are still in my list.
Thank you for your kind words. Travel really does teach you some of life’s great lessons. Enjoy your travels. Thank you for passing by. xx
Im iterally looking up flights to Bali as I speak. I think it will be my month sabbatical to get away there soon its my dream location!
That is incredible! You couldn’t have chosen a better spot! Have an amazing time in Bali, and reflect for a better tomorrow. All the bese. Thanks for passing by. xx
These are definitely on my bucket list such gorgeous places.
Thanks Paulette for passing by. Indeed they are. Hope you get to travel soon, and enjoy yourself immensely.
I have been to Cambodia but all of these other places are definitely on my list! Love the culture of these countries. Thanks for the great list and information.
Yes the culture is truly inspiring. L absolutely fell in love with Cambodia. Thanks for passing by. xx
Wow, all such gorgeous places and definitely places on my bucket list! So glad I have this post as a reference!
Thanks Kelsey, for passing by. I hope you get to travel soon 🙂 xx
Indonesia and India are on my bucket list! I really love to visit Asian countries.Thanks for sharing
Asia is the best for travel, no. Hands down!Thanks for passing by. xx
Lovely places in the list! I really wish to go to Sri Lanka and Cambodia. Hope I get to travel there soon!
I hope you do so. Those are both very lovely countries to visit. Thanks for passing by. xx
First all of your pictures are STUNNING! One day I hope to travel the world, this has given me some inspiration and something to look forward to when that day happens!
Thank you Tiffany for the kind comments. I hope you get to travel the world too and enjoy everything it has to offer. Thanks for passing by. xx
Thanks so much Tiffany! Happy to hear that you liked it.
Kenya is at the top of my list. I would love to visit and really hope we manage to plan something in the next couple of years!
Kenya is indeed a very beautiful country. My heart belongs there. I hope you visit some day. Thanks for passing by. xx
It is indeed a stunning country and so diverse. Can highly recommend it!
I’m going to Kenya in September and I’m super excited to make that trip.
Is that so! so exciting. we have some extra tips to help you get by.
https://www.i-likelocal.com/kenya
Enjoy your trip, and thanks for passing by. xx
All of those places sound pretty amazing. I think I would like to go to Nepal or Sri Lanka. Just the natural beauty, architecture and the people sound amazing.
Yes, I agree, Nepal and Sri Lanka, are definitely one of the best travel countries of all time. Thanks for passing by. xx
I swear India is calling me this year. I never thought it was a place I’d want to travel, but this year for some reason, I feel very drawn to it. We would love to do Nepal someday too. Very beautiful and interesting list you have here.
To me India is one of the most special countries in the world. It is so intense and in-depth. Do try it out! Have a great day.
I have always been fascinated with Nepal. It is a country I would really love to visit. The scenery is so captivating in photos, I guess it would be even more majestic once I get there.
That is great to hear Christine! Nepal is a very special country indeed.
Great places to consider for vacations! I recently saw pictures of the festivities in India and it makes me wanna go there and celebrate it to see it for myself!
Thanks Sandra, sure do visit!
It is a wonderful country and can definitely recommend it!
All of these beautiful countries are already popular vacation/tourist destinations. Yes, visiting them never gets boring but they are not new places on a travel list though… 😉
Woww! Great post, loved the pictures. Thanks for this travel suggestion.