Top 2019 Travel Destinations According to Travel Bloggers

Top Travel Destinations According to Travel Bloggers

Do you ever face analysis paralysis when it comes to booking your next trip? With so many amazing places to see in the world, where do we even begin to choose our next adventure? As I started dreaming up my travel wish list, I ran into this same concern. So, I decided to pose a question to some of my fellow travel bloggers: If you could only travel to ONE place this year, where would it be?

This post compiles their answers to bring you the top travel destinations. I hope you find the inspiration you’re looking for to book your next trip. For even more travel inspiration, check out these top travel destinations and experiences that will make you want to dust off that passport!

Top Travel Destinations According to Travel Bloggers

Buenos Aires

Now is the perfect time to visit Buenos Aires. The currency has recently devaluated on a massive scale, making Argentina a very affordable destination for North American and European travelers. This city is filled with things to do from weekend markets and colorful neighborhoods like La Boca to incredible steak dinners and crazy late nightlife.

For a uniquely Buenos Aires dining experience, make a reservation at one of it’s many closed door restaurants. If you want a vacation where you can live a little while making your dollar last, plan a trip to Buenos Aires.

–Erin of Sol Salute

Romania

I highly recommend Romania, which I find to be the most underrated destination in Europe. It an amazing country, a perfect mix of the beautiful Carpathian Mountains and charming, one of the biggest ecosystems in the World – the Danube Delta.

Castles, palaces, romantic ruins and a great architecture? Romania has it. Adventurous roads for cars, bikes and motorbikes? Romania has it. Best hiking trails and some seriously untouched mountain terrine? Romania has it. Crater lakes, mud volcanoes and million of other wonders of Nature? Romania has it.

River delta, a fantastic coast of the Black Sea, quaint villages of Maramures and Bucovina, colourful cities of Transylvania, magical land of Szekely people and traditional villages of Lipovans are only a few places that will make you fell in love with Romania.

You will want to come back, over and over again.

–Marysia of My Travel Affairs

Sri Lanka

Bali and Thailand tend to get all the hype, but Sri Lanka is a fantastic Asian destination that often flies under the radar. With its world-class surf breaks, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife, Sri Lanka truly has something for everyone—though its affordability makes it an especially appealing option for budget travelers. Riding a moped through the hill country around Ella is a can’t-miss experience for first-time visitors.

–Carrie of Maple and Maps

 

Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan is already a popular city for tourists and will become even hotter for hosting the 2020 Summer Olympics. Tokyo is an amazing city for many reasons – including the culture, the food, the people and its unique and interesting attractions.  It is hard to pick only one thing not to miss in Tokyo but if I had to pick only one, I recommend walking across Shibuya Crossing the world’s busiest and most famous intersection.

–Matilda of The Travel Sisters

Girona

We absolutely love Girona, on Spain’s Costa Brava. 

If we could, we would return every year. It’s a perfect haven for cyclists that love quiet roads, pretty countryside and a variety of terrain. It’s got the most wonderful medieval old-town, so beautiful that it’s often a film set. Game of Thrones fans will recognize it from season six. 

Girona is also a must-visit destination for foodies. Our hot tip? Plan 8-9 months in advance and secure a table at El Celler de Can Roca. Founded in 1986, it regularly features in lists of the world’s best restaurants. One not to miss!

–Clare of Epic Road Rides

Santa Catalina Island, California

If you are looking for an epic adventure trip mixed with some of the comforts and leisure of a coastal vacation, then you should plan to visit Santa Catalina Island in California to backpack the 38 mile long Trans-Catalina Trail and then stick around a while to relax at one of the island’s main towns. The Trans-Catalina trail is the crown-jewel hike on Catalina Island and is the best way to tour all that the island has to offer. You’ll find solitude on the trail, but you are never too far from the comforts of home due to the trails proximity to its island towns. It’s a beautiful and unique place, and not overwhelmingly crowded, and makes for a great adventure vacation. 

–Allison of She Dreams of Alpine

Normandy

Normandy is a gorgeous region of France to visit at any time of year. If you like medieval architecture, chocolate candy, Camembert, and Calvados, you’ll love Normandy. Recently the year 2019 marked the 75th anniversary of the successful D-Day landing that led to the Allied victory in World War II.

If you do only one thing in the area, make it a tour of the beaches around Bayeux. You’ll see where the brave soldiers landed and faced untold dangers to save civilization.

–Stella Jane of Around the World in 24 Hours

Oman

Oman should be on every traveler’s bucket list. It is undoubtedly the most underrated destination in the Middle East, and should be explored before tourism hits it (much like it has Oman’s ‘more happening’ neighbor, Dubai). Oman is the only country in the Middle East which remains true to its Arabian culture and Bedouin values.

Oman also happens to be one of the most naturally diverse countries in the region. With a vast 3000km coastline, unexplored stretches of golden sand deserts and the highest mountain peak in the Arabian Peninsula, Oman has everything to offer the adventure seeker.

Very few people know that the Omani water is home to the most diverse species of marine life and well-preserved, healthy coral reefs unlike anywhere else in the Arabian Gulf. Don’t miss diving in Oman as a way to experience its beautiful marine life.

–Rahma of The Sane Adventurer

Iceland

I’m absolutely obsessed with Iceland, as it manages to pack in an unbelievable amount of natural wonders into a relatively small country. There are black sand beaches, geysers, waterfalls, glaciers, ice caves, ice bergs, and more to enjoy.

The one must-do activity I would recommend is ice caving in Iceland. We took a tour to the country’s largest glacier and the blue ice we walked through was absolutely incredible and unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. For a less intense glimpse of the ice, head to Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon full of ice bergs making their way out to sea.

–Kris of Nomad by Trade

Psst! Planning a trip to Iceland? I’ve got you covered with this 3 day Iceland itinerary.

Vanuatu

If I could only travel to one place, I’d go to Vanuatu. Between Australia and Fiji, the archipelago of Vanuatu offers a wide range of experiences that will please both adventure seekers and those who prefer to relax at a resort. There are many beautiful islands to explore, but my favorite would be Tanna. You can dive in beautiful blue holes on one side of the island, and join a tour to stand beside the crater of an active volcano on the other.

And, the locals are lovely!

–Eloise of My Favourite Escapes

Jasper

One of my favorite destinations this past year has been the city of Jasper located in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. The park is also located next to Banff National Park. Most people pick Banff as their top city to visit, but I fell in love with the town of Jasper. Unlike Banff which feels very touristy and chaotic, Jasper offers a cozier vibe. Filled with great restaurants and surrounded by mountains, Jasper is the perfect place to visit. 
 
Jasper also offers many activities including viewing stunning waterfalls, hiking, boat tours, and even Gondola rides to the top of Whistler Mountain. My favorite activity was experiencing Spirit Island as pictured above. Visitors travel by boat to see the island.
 
–Michelle of The Wandering Queen

Egypt

A destination that is a MUST is Egypt. We highly recommend exploring as much of the country as you can and not just one place. Take a cruise along the Nile and see the historical Egyptian temples and the many tombs at Valley of the Kings. A visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara pyramids is also a must! 

We had the chance to visit at the end of 2018 and can highly recommend a similar itinerary to ours — starting in Giza, then traveling to Luxor for a Nile Cruise ending in Aswan, and finishing the trip in Hurghada.

–Zoe of Together in Transit

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Your must visit destination is Halong Bay, Vietnam. A charming coastal city, Halong Bay is full of excellent restaurants, shopping, and beach and water activities. In fact, it is such a wonderful destination that many hotel chains are breaking ground on resorts in the area. Visiting soon, before tourist growth, is highly recommended to see Halong Bay as it exists today.

Your one must-do activity is to take an overnight junk cruise. Available both with groups and as a private charter, your junk will sail you throughout the UNESCO heritage site amongst the karsts and stop at several activities; one with a cave, one with a peak hike, and another at a traditional fishing village.

–Michelle of We at the Sea

Bosnia & Herzegovina

If there is one place you should visit, it has to be Bosnia & Herzegovina.

This little Balkan country in southern Europe is full of history. From the Ottoman Empire, to the start of WWI and the Bosnian War of the 1990s, the country has seen it all and survived, with a wealth of Turkish-influenced architecture and culture.

It is stunningly beautiful, with lofty mountains climbing behind pretty stone villages and tumbling waterfalls. For an affordable destination with a touch of the exotic, it can’t be beaten. Go see it before everyone else catches on!

–Jill of Reading the Book Travel

Indonesia

 
If you could only travel to one place in a year, you should go to Indonesia. With more than 17,000 islands to pick from, there’s surely something for everyone! In the past two years, Indonesia has been hit by several natural disasters. That being said, it’s still one of the friendliest and the most beautiful countries I’ve visited so far. In fact, Bali even became my home base!
 
Between epic volcano sunrise treks, waterfall chasing and playing in the water, Indonesia has so much to offer! I’d recommend you go on a scooter trip across Bali and explore some pretty amazing waterfalls on the way.
 
–Melissa of A Broken Backpack

Salento, Colombia

My recent visit to Colombia made me fall in love with South America. From its vibrant culture to delicious cuisine, wonderful people to lavish nature, Colombia really has it all. My favorite town is Salento, a region known for its natural habitat. The green land extends toward the blue skies and forms an atmosphere so peaceful that I think no one should miss it.

The town also houses Cocora Valley, a land with some of the tallest wax trees in the world. I’ve been to over 20 countries, and this remains one of my favorite destinations. If you only take on trip this year, visit Salento!

–Daisy of Beyond My Border

Greece

Greece is quite a vast country to visit and there are a lot of things to do. Start in Athens, the vibrant capital. Between the historical sites, colorful Plaka, and relaxing National Gardens, you are set to have a wonderful time. Make sure to explore the mainland. Close to Athens, Cape Sounion is home to the best sunset views.

Hop on a ferry. Each island has its unique charm and I am quite taken with the Cyclades. If you want to avoid the craziness of Santorini and Mykonos, go to Ios and Amorgos.

Or stick closer to the mainland and check out Aegina or Hydra.

–Cris of Looknwalk

Peru

A destination you should NOT miss is Perú. In Perú you have the prettiest, most diverse landscapes. There aren’t many countries that have a desert oasis, a vibrant bustling city like Lima, fabulous food, one of the seven new Wonders of the World in Machu Picchu, the gorgeous Rainbow Mountains and the Amazon River. A unique thing you can’t miss (other than Rainbow Mountain) is going on an Amazon River cruise in Iquitos, Perú to see the pink river dolphins! This is the pink tail of a mother and the gray head of her baby. They turn pink as they age and they are beautiful!

–Heather of Trimm Travels

Where are you headed this year? 

Top Travel Bloggers recommend must visit destinations

Analysis paralysis about where to travel to? Travel Bloggers share their top travel destinations in this post. Get inspired!

Top 2019 Travel Destinations According to Travel Bloggers

Where to travel in 2019 according to travel bloggers