Our expert team carefully curated this list of 12 standout destinations for 2019, drawing from in-depth research and traveler insights. Each location promises unforgettable experiences—whether exploring 7,000-year-old wonders, staying in innovative eco-hotels, or relaxing on pristine beaches. Prepare to ignite your wanderlust.

Egypt

Egypt, one of Earth's oldest civilizations spanning over 7,000 years, continues to reveal secrets like newly discovered mummy tombs and a 4,400-year-old royal priest. Despite past concerns from the Arab Spring over a decade ago, tourism has rebounded strongly, with high demand for tours in 2018. Exercise standard vigilance, as with any major city like New York, which has seen record tourism for nine years running.

Cairo is essential for its antiquities and vibrant daily life: explore Khan el-Khalili bazaar, savor kushari, and visit the Nilometer on Rhoda Island. Venture beyond to a Nile cruise, ideally on a smaller dahabiya ship, accessing Luxor, Aswan, and exclusive sites like Gebel Silsileh's quarries—unreachable by larger vessels.

Nashville

Nashville, Music City, is thriving with 100 new residents daily. Expect more direct flights (now including London via British Airways), 20 new hotels like Moxy Brand openings, and acclaimed restaurants such as The Catbird Seat, reopened by Noma alumni. Icons endure: Grand Ole Opry features stars like Trisha Yearwood; Prince's Hot Chicken remains authentic. Discover Little Kurdistan's flatbreads, kabobs, and nisk, home to the U.S.'s largest Kurdish community.

England

The UK offers compelling reasons to visit in 2019, especially with the British Pound at near 40-year lows against the USD due to Brexit—maximizing value for Americans. Highlights include Tate Britain's Sixty Years exhibit on modern British art by female artists like Bridget Riley; Victoria and Albert's Christian Dior show amid Queen Victoria's 200th birthday festivities; Nottwich 2019 UNESCO literary event; and Edinburgh's Old Town with Gleneagles hosting the Solheim Cup.

Los Cabos, Mexico

Los Cabos evolves into a luxury haven with 2019 openings: Four Seasons marina resort, Zadún Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Nobu Hotel, and 1 Hotel. Enjoy early-bird deals, organic classes, market tours, eco-excursions, and premium amenities. Must-visits: Plaza Mijares, Flora Farms for wood-fired pizza and Farmarita, and iconic El Arco.

France

France's timeless allure peaks in 2019 with the Women's World Cup (June 8 onward, 52 matches nationwide, including Paris). Also, 75th D-Day anniversary events start June 5, recreating paratrooper flights and continuing through summer. Explore Paris's Latin Quarter or Arles's Van Gogh trails.

Boracay, Philippines

Boracay reopens post-closure with strict eco-rules: capped visitors (19,000 daily), clean beaches, plastic bans, electric transport. Wildlife thrives in restored waters. Favorites like Shangri-La resume, with reef projects and private spa bays.

Bolivia

Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flat debuts Kachi Lodge eco-luxury and Gustu outpost. Savor haute-indigenous cuisine at La Paz's Ali Pacha (expanding to DC). Tour Freddy Mamani's Neo-Andean architecture and Amazon origins of local foods amid stunning biodiversity.

Turkey

Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean return; Istanbul's mega-airport opens. Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and UNESCO's Göbekli Tepe—2019's Year of Göbekli Tepe. Bodrum offers new hotels, wellness resorts near ancient wonders.

Belize

Belize's Barrier Reef rebounds, delisted from endangered status. Dive the Great Blue Hole amid eco-resorts; anticipate Leonardo DiCaprio's Blackadore Caye project.

Slovenia

Slovenia celebrates poet Prešeren's 170th death anniversary with itineraries from his birthplace to Ljubljana. Gallery shows honor Rihard Jakopič and Zoran Mušič; Ptuj hosts Roman Games for its 1,950th mention. See Lake Bled, caves, and valleys with top chefs.

The Island of Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park reopens post-Kilauea; new tours highlight lava regeneration. Experience diverse climates via helicopter. Dine at Sheraton Kona for manta rays, visit Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau, and Kona Coffee origins.

South Africa

Mark apartheid's 25th end anniversary at Johannesburg's Apartheid Museum and Soweto's Mandela House. In Cape Town, tour Robben Island and restored Mandela statue. Support conservation amid drought recovery.