Let 2019 be the year to take that long-awaited bucket list trip. Travel editors and global correspondents have researched and compiled a list of the hottest travel spots according to data like cultural stature, major hotel openings, and restaurants. Here are five top destinations from the list of this year’s most worthy travel destinations and the best times to go.
- The Pantanal, Brazil
New transportation, updated itineraries, and better infrastructure make traveling to the Pantanal easier than ever. It’s Earth’s largest wetlands and a fascinating network of lush marshes and river trails. See over 1,000 fauna species from jaguars to flamingo-like spoonbills. Go from May to October during the dry season.
- Falkland Islands
This remote territory near Antartica has more penguins than people. Easing tensions between Argentina and the U.K. are making the Falklands more accessible. Travelers will soon be able to get there on Latam Airlines via São Paulo rather than by cruise liner. Going during the “warm” season from October to May.
- Balearic Islands
Spain has been working hard to restore a more laid-back atmosphere to its islands after places like Ibiza and Mallorca were overrun by tourism. New hotels like Es Princep, a five-star hotel with ocean views in the city of Palma de Mallorca and Etosoto, an organic farm with beachside rooms on Formentera offer quiet accommodations. May, June, September, and October just before the high seasons are good times to go.
- Fort Lauderdale
For a less crowded Miami-style getaway, head north to Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach.
New restaurants like Mediterranean-inspired Florie’s in the remodeled Four Seasons Palm Beach are making the area more attractive than its beaches. Go between October and April when the crowds and the humidity are lowest. The Las Olas Art Fair and the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show are held during this time.
- Costa Rica
New lodging has popped up in Costa Rica making this biodiverse little country even more attractive. Senda Monte Verda is currently their newest eco-lux hotel. Its only steps away from Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, home to hundreds of mammal and bird species and 2,500 exotic plants. A hanging bridge also connects it to the Aguti Wildlife Refuge. Early December and May are bookends to the high season when the weather is still good and travel is cheapest.
