The Constant Wayfarer’s 2019 Top 10

Happy New Years travelers!

I am so excited for 2019 and all the travel possibilities in the year ahead. It has been a busy first week of the year and I am deep in client trips for 2019. So I thought what better way to start of the new year than with some travel inspiration to get you excited for your next adventure.

Here’s a look at some destinations I think will be popular going into 2019 and some hotels in each place that are catching my attention.

Bora Bora

I think Bora Bora is on a lot of bucket travel lists (and if its not it should be). Bora Bora is probably the most well known island in French Polynesia. It is most well known for its overwater bungalows and as a very romantic destination. There is so much to do on the island from snorkeling to fishing, paddle boarding to kitesurfing, but you can also spend time relaxing and lounging while being pampered at some of the most beautiful hotels in the world.

When to go: Skip high season during the months May to October, and opt for the shoulder season of November or April to experience less crowds but still have good weather.

Dreamy Hotel: Conrad Bora Bora

Bali

I have to admit that I didn’t know much about Bali until I discovered the beautiful Viceroy Bali at the Private Leisure Forum. Now it is on my bucket list in a big way. Part of the Lesser Sunda Islands off of Indonesia, Bali offers beautiful beaches, jungle relaxation and a warm welcoming culture.

When to go: High Season tends to be during the months of July and August, and during holiday season around Christmas and Easter. Opt for April, May or June for smaller crowds but still great weather.

Dreamy Hotel: Viceroy Bali

Japan

Japan will be hosting the Olympics in 2020 so expect it on a lot of travel lists over the next couple years. Personally, I never thought I would want to explore Asia but over the last couple years it has really started to creep onto my travel bucket list. From the culture to the history to the food, Japan is a fascinating place to explore.

When to go: Late Spring and Late Autumn are the best times to go for pleasant weather and little rainfall. For the beauty of the cherry blossom season choose autumn when the trees are at their peak.

Dreamy Hotel: Aman Tokyo

Croatia

With the popularity of Game of Thrones (Dubrovnik, serves as the King’s Landing filming location), tourism to Croatia has been booming in recent years. Most people think of Italy, Greece and France for European beaches but Croatia has fantastic beaches and sailing for travelers to enjoy. Visit Split for Roman history and beautiful architecture. For a more cultural experience, head inland to Zagreb for access to over 2 dozen museums.

When to go: High season runs from June – August and features the best weather but more tourists. Shoulder season in May and September is the perfect time to go for still pleasant weather but fewer crowds.

Dreamy Hotel: Villa Dubrovnik

Peru

For most when they think of Peru, they think of Machu Picchu, but there is so much more to Peru than just its most majestic mountain on the Inka Trail. From the people, to the beaches, to cuisine and natural wonders, Peru is a fantastic place to visit for relaxing and enjoying a peaceful vacation but also for Adventure travelers as well.

When to go: Peru’s winter season (May to September) is the driest season with warm but more enjoyable weather. The summer season (December to March) features warmer and wetter weather.

Dreamy Hotel: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo

St. Barts

In the French West Indies, Saint Barthelemy (or St. Barts or Barths depending on how you want to spell it) is a perfect beach destination for someone who may want a Caribbean island with a French Riviera feel. Featuring spectacular beaches, beautiful cliffs, nightlife, shopping and cuisine, there is a little something for everyone.

When to go: November to June is the best time to go for the best weather. December is the start of the hottest season but it is also the most popular time to go with lots of holiday travel.

Dreamy Hotel: Hotel Le Toiny

Copenhagen

Now synonymous with Hygge, a danish term for coziness that is currently all the rage in the design world, Copenhagen, Denmark is one of the more popular destinations in the Nordic area of Europe. Often called the happiest nation in the world, the country known as the birth place of Hans Christian Anderson is a perfect destination for foodies wanting to visit one of the best restaurants in the world, Noma and interior design lovers looking to pick up pieces of Scandinavian furniture.

When to go: The Summer months (June, July and August) is the best time to go for warmer weather and days are longer.

Dreamy Hotel: Nimb Hotel

Belize

With Costa Rica being a very popular destination in Central America, Belize is sometimes less well known but still just as beautiful. Belize features the worlds second largest barrier reef, which makes it perfect for adventure travelers or love snorkeling and diving. The perfect combination of jungle and beach, Belize is experiencing renewed interest. Marriott and Four Seasons have both announced new hotels, opening in 2020 and 2021.

When to go: Late November to Mid April is the best time to go for the driest and warmest weather.

Dreamy Hotel: Royal Belize

Cape Town, South Africa

The perfect start to an African itinerary, Cape Town features the beauty of Table Mountain and beaches like Boulden and Clifton. Wine lovers can enjoy some of the best wineries in the world and animal lovers can experience whale watching, shark diving and excursions to visit some really cute penguins and seals.

When to go: For beach lovers, late January to May are the driest months to go. The most popular time to visit is December to February when the weather is at its peak.

Dreamy Hotel: The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa

Canada

Our friendly neighbors to the North, Canada offers so many great itinerary options. Discover the beauty of the northwest in Vancouver, take in the Canadian Rockies in Banff and Jasper and step into Anne of Green Gables shoes in Prince Edwards Island (preferably in October and if you read the books you will know why).

When to go: It all depends on what area of Canada you want to explore. Summer months are the most popular (and the most populated), where September to November feature some beautiful fall foliage.

Dreamy Hotel: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise