When it comes to planning a trip, singling out the best vacation spot is easier said than done. 2019 is a year full of amazing events and celebrations all over the world. Where are people going? Or where are they not? What do you want to experience? What do you want to do? Well we’ve done some of the heavy lifting in compiling a few of what we consider must-see places in 2019, spanning across the globe. We have a little something for everyone!

1. Mexico

 Los Cabos

Los Cabos is that perfect holiday getaway – sunny all through the year and enjoyable whether you decide to take a relaxing vacation or an action packed holiday. Perfectly set between mountains, desert and two water bodies – the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, it is a place like no other. It offers a rich cultural experience with its colonial architecture, cobbled streets and enviable weather, in addition to galleries and gourmet restaurants. Combine sun-kissed beaches and Mexican hospitality with luxury resorts and pampering spas, it’s easy to fall for Los Cabos.

Los Cabos is also home to the Arch of Los Cabos, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also called the Arch of the End of the World. Every four years when the tide falls, visitors are allowed to walk under the Beach of Love.

For a taste of local art, on Thursday evenings in high season (November to June), San José shows off its creative side with an art walk. You’ll find gallery owners chatting with visitors, street artists and mariachis among the crowd showcasing their talents in the downtown area. You’ll also find a number of great bars and restaurants in the area. The State’s first microbrewery, Baja Brewing Company is located right in the heart of the Art District.

If the sea beckons you, Cabo Pulmo National Park is one you cannot miss. This is a diver’s bucket list destination as there is a wonderous wealth of sea life. The combination of a colorful and thriving coral reef set in a habitat shared by dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and a plethora of species of marine life have turned this reservation into an underwater treasure trove. On land, you could also pack a snorkel and fins and drive northeast from San Lucas or San José.

 

2. Switzerland

Vevey

Held only five times a century, or every (twenty years), the Fête des Vignerons is a huge celebration of the Lavaux region’s rich wine growing culture, traditions, and of course wines. The festival is so lavish and remarkable that it is one of only two in Switzerland recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event. First staged in Vevey in 1797, the Fete blossomed from a simple grape harvest celebration into a three week lavish extravaganza, this year from July 20 to August 11.

Vevey has so much history to offer within its incredible postcard-perfect surroundings. The town is set right in the middle of Switzerland’s Lavauz vineyard terraces. It is literally legendary around these parts as it dates back to wine-making monks in the Middle Ages!

Another must see is Chaplin’s World – an entire museum dedicated to the amazing Cherlie Chaplin himself. It is set within an expansive estate he called home for about 25 years.

Check out the famous fork sculpture in Lake Geneva just outside the self-declared ‘world’s first-ever food-themed museum,’ the Alimentarium. If you happen to be traveling with children, check out Nest, an interactive museum dedicated to Nestlé.

 

3. The Grand Canyon

 The world famous Canyon that draws over 6 million visitors a year is celebrating its 100 year anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the State of Arizona will see a series of talks, concerts and special exhibitions held throughout the year bringing together canyoneers from around the world. This is the best time to head to this most famous gelological marvel as you will get to explore the Canyon’s less travelled corners with new tours being introduced. If you’re the type who prefers taking the less travelled path, plan your trip between May and October and head to the North Rim for a sight only less than 10 percent of the Canyon’s visitors see. Take advantage of all the canyon has to offer this year. With several of nature’s wonders increasingly under threat around the world, it is with great urgency that we must bear witness to these magnificent _____________

 

4. French Polynesia

 For a relaxing sun and sand experience, French Polynesia awaits you. Swim, snorkel, and snooze on a white-sand beach. Step out to a Tahitian sunset; or lay in blissful French Polynesian bungalows overlooking blue lagoons. These islands in the South Pacific offer endless possibilities within its paradise. A mosaic of 118 small islands and atolls and more than a thousand miles of ocean, it is an elemental experience. This year on July 2^nd, the Tuamotu Archipelago will see a complete solar eclipse, darkening the sky for a few minutes.

 

5. Italy

 Matera

A once poor city, Matera is now deemed a 2019 European Capital of Culture. Home to its best known attraction, the white Sassi structures carved into limestone hills, Matera now has a new feather in its cap and is expecting a high influx of visitors this year. The announcement made four years ago spurred a new hotel and restaurant openings culminating in this year’s festivities. Most of You’ll even find some of the caves now converted to homes, hotels, restaurants and bars.

In Matera you’ll spend most of your time in caves. You’ll sleep in a cave, eat in a cave, drink an aperitivo in a cave, and even view modern sculpture in a cave. It’s one of the most unique and spectacular places to visit in Italy or anywhere really. It still has that undiscovered air and old world charm about it, that sits quietly but imposingly in contrast to the modern day buildings that grow around it. Nothing seems to spoil its charm.

Matera is best travelled on foot. You’ll find buildings climbing up and down the hillside, houses piled on top of each other, with the roofs of some acting as streets for those above. They were carved out of the rock and the original caves extended with facades which look like normal homes.

The Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario is worth in spite of being a tourist hotspot as it gives you a chance to see how people lived in these caves in the 18th century. An entire family (with an average of six members) along with animals like mules, chickens, and pigs would live together in the cave and it has now been furnished to replicate how it would have been.

Take advantage of Materan staples like fresh ricotta and the region’s thickly crusted, conical bread unique to Matera.

Fascinating history. Incredible eats. Natural beauty. If the Japanese seaside city of Fukuoka isn’t already on your radar, it’s time to recalibrate your Japan travel plans.

 

6. Japan

 Fukuoka

Fukuoka is one of several host cities for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and the gateway to the island of Kyushu. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to go beyond the more popular destinations like Osaka, Tokyo and Kyoto to see a new corner of Japan.

Highlights of this city and its surrounding area include the ruins of the 17th-century Fukuoka Castle, the Kyushu National Museum and Dazaifu Tenmangu, a Shinto shrine – home to over 6,000 plum trees that blossom stunningly every spring.

Another popular destination around here is the awe inspiring and Instagram worthy tunnel of wisterias at Kawachi Fuji-en Garden in Kitakyushu. Yanagawa, an hour outside of the Fukuoka, is another must visit destination. It is famed for its picturesque canals, surrounded by lush blooms.

Saving the best for last, Fukuoka is a Foodie’s paradise and is actually considered as one of Japan’s top foodie cities.  A bowl of Hakata ramen is absolutely mandatory when you’re here. It is a richly flavoured white pork bone soup with thin noodles. Or try a Fukuoka style hot pot and experience sharing food with your family or friends. Seafood in Fukuoka is always fresh and cheap as the town is sea-facing. There are several sushi restaurants serving fatty fresh seafood.

If any of these places got your wanderlust going or mouth-watering, plan a trip for this year.

Each of these destinations has something unique to offer, so where is your travel bug taking you this year? If you find yourself dreaming of boarding that airplane and fulfilling your love for exploring, we recommend an immediate dose of travel. Want to get started? Take advantage of your ByDzyne Travel Savings and book your next trip!