Sometimes we all need a vacation. The stress of work is just too much, or perhaps we’re getting stir-crazy from being at home for too long.
Whatever the reason, getting the vacation time and knowing what to do with it are two entirely different issues.
The good news is that we’re here to help. That’s why we’ve made a list of ten of the best places to visit, this year or any year. You can read more about these places, and why they’re so wonderful, in the paragraphs below.
1. Tasmania
Tasmania tourism isn’t something you hear about a lot, but it’s definitely worth it. This island has its benefits, from amazing seafood to water sports and more.
There are also several local festivals and wildlife parks. It’s the wildlife that is the most unique about the region.
Among the exotic wildlife are the Tasmanian devils, which live only on the island. Despite their fierce reputation, Tasmanian devils aren’t all that devilish. They’re ferocious to each other, but they largely feed on carrion and are mostly active at night.
They’re about the size of a small dog and most of the noises they make are more to communicate with each other than anything else.
2. Costa Rica
If tropical paradises and exotic wildlife are what you’re into, this Central American nation may be the place for you. Like Tasmania, it’s home to beautiful coastlines, so you can go boating or even lounge on the beach if you want.
Not only that, but you can also see hot springs, volcanoes, and animals ranging from iguanas to howler monkeys. Costa Rican people are known to be friendly as well.
3. Belize
This next one should be taken with a grain of salt. Belize is a beautiful Central American country that is home to several ruins of the Mayan civilization. In addition to the usual coastal activities of sailing, and scuba diving, there are also cave exploration and canoeing through the jungles.
The downside is that while Belize has a lot to offer, it can also be dangerous.
One potential concern is disease. There are a handful of diseases in Belize that travelers can get, such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid Fever, Dengue Fever, and Malaria.
You can be vaccinated against two of these diseases, but Dengue Fever and Malaria come from mosquitoes. If you’re the type who tends to get bitten by mosquitoes a lot, Belize might not be for you.
Belize also has a high rate of violent crime, so try not to wander around at night, and don’t carry anything that looks valuable.
4. Maldives
Located just south of India, the Maldives is probably the smallest destination on this list, geographically. It’s a chain of islands that houses plenty of white, sandy beaches and gorgeous ocean views, as well as resorts to go with them.
There are also loads of tropical fish to see while scuba diving, and you can travel between the islands in a small plane.
Of course, if you’re bored of oceans and tropics, there are also a few things to see in the city, namely mosques. The Maldives is home to a prominent Muslim population, and this has resulted in several beautiful mosques.
5. Italy
There’s no end to the wonders you might see in Italy. The problem is that there’s no limit to the wonders you could see there, and therefore there’s no way you’ll have time to see them all in one trip.
All the same, it’s worth a visit to even one of this country’s historic cities. This country boasts a long history of art and culture, as well as amazing food and friendly people.
You can see Michaelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery in Florence, Italy. If you’re more interested in historical sites, you could drop by the Colosseum in Rome.
Being a coastal country, Italy is bound to some of the best beaches in Europe. Beach treatment that will blow your mind, not because the sea is extra blue here but because of the friendly beach folks. The same can be said for game hunting – hunters love Italy for opening her doors to the enjoyment of long hunting hours of pointing their AR-15 rifles at birds during the open seasons.
6. Chichen Itza
There may be a lot of great things to do in Mexico, such as lying on beaches or surfing in beautiful waters, but what’s one thing Mexico has that nowhere else does?
The answer is Chichen Itza.
Next to Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were literally preserved by sheer coincidence, Chichen Itza is one of the last windows we have into a past civilization that still stands relatively undisturbed.
You may have heard of Chichen Itza, and seen pictures of the famous step pyramid, but that’s just the beginning. Chichen Itza is actually an entire city, or at least what’s left of it.
There are temples and a marketplace, as well as a ball court and a city bath.
7. Thailand
From Buddhist temples to wildlife parks, Thailand offers some amazing things to do. Buddhist temples, for the most part, tend to be quite beautiful.
They offer a strange mixture of natural beauty and self-reflection. In many cases, incense is burned. You may also find statues outside and art adorning the walls.
In addition to temples, Thailand is also home to several wildlife parks and refuges, many of them focused on elephants. If you have a soft spot for pachyderms, you may want to visit Thailand.
8. Portugal
Like many countries in Europe, Portugal has a long history and a lot to offer. Not only are there plenty of old churches and cathedrals to explore, but there are also a few castles and museums, as well as an aquarium.
On top of all that, Portugal is home to great wine and several palaces. If that sounds like a great adventure to you, consider visiting Portugal.
9. Germany
There are a lot of things to see in Germany. From Neuschwanstein Castle to the Brandenburg Gate, this nation is full of history and landmarks.
You may want to see the Imperial Cathedral in Aachen, which forever houses Emperor Charlemagne of the Holy Roman Empire.
You can also visit Weimar, a city of historical significance, not just for its position in Germany’s interwar republic, but also for the great writers, musicians, and philosophers that called the place home.
10. Namibia
The last spot on our list, but certainly not least, is the African nation of Namibia. Namibia is largely known for its deserts, but that doesn’t make it boring by any means.
The beautiful Skeleton coast is home to the remains of several shipwrecks. Plus, the country doesn’t have wildlife parks, so there are animals wandering around just as you would in your hometown.
How many people do you know who have seen an elephant just wandering around in the wild?
Places to Visit in 2019
There are plenty of amazing places to visit in 2019. Whether you want tropical rainforests or historical sites, or even to get up close to wildlife, there’s a place on this list to find it.
If you’re leaving the country on business, we can give you some advice.
Do you want to have a bit of fun? try this guess that country quiz, test a bit of your knowledge and see how many you can get correct