7 Great Destinations to Explore in 2019

The numbers don’t lie — Americans love to get away. According to the U.S. State Department, more than 38 million Americans traveled abroad in 2017, a significant jump from the less than 31 million people who went overseas a decade ago.

If you’ve decided to join the crowd and visit more continents in 2019, you’re probably struggling to choose your next great destination among the world’s countless wonders. You’ve come to the right place. For 30 years, Intrepid Travel has been a leader in group adventure travel, offering more than 1,500 itineraries in 120-plus countries. We rounded up a few of the company’s most popular trip destinations for the coming year.

Whether it’s an up-and-coming tourist attraction or a less-visited paradise, a city of ancient ruins or one filled with arts and culture, these are seven great destinations to explore in 2019.

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The Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands sit approximately 300 miles east of South America’s Patagonian coast, making it a difficult destination to reach. Until recently, there was only one weekly commercial flight to the archipelago. That will change in 2019 after the Falkland government announced that Chilean airline Latam will add an additional weekly flight to the islands.

Once you arrive, you’ll find yourself in a natural paradise teeming with wildlife. Visitors can travel by land, air and sea to spot animals such as penguins, albatrosses and petrels. The Falkland Islands also have a rich history to uncover. Book a trip that tours the battlegrounds from the war of 1982 and visit Stanley, the Falklands’ capital, home to the Historic Dockyard Museum, Christ Church Cathedral and an iconic Whalebone Arch.

Berlin, Germany

2019 marks the 30^th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall. Over the course of those 30 years, the capital city has blossomed into a mecca of culture, media and science, filled with world-renowned universities, museums and entertainment venues. Travelers can visit the Wall Memorial and take part in official celebrations on the day the wall fell or head to the city’s top tourist attractions such as the Reichstag building, Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Television Tower, the Berlin Cathedral and Gendarmenmarkt square. The city also offers an extensive number of sightseeing tours both by bus and by ship. Experience the best of Germany.

Turkey

Situated directly between Europe and Asia, Turkey is in the middle of it all. It’s no wonder that Turkish Airlines has the largest flight network in the world. And with the recent opening of Istanbul’s new airport, expected to be the world’s busiest with an annual passenger capacity of 200 million, Turkey is now well equipped to handle the traffic.

But the country is not merely a stopover, it’s a destination. Visitors can explore Turkey’s rich historic legacy at locations such as Letoon Ancient City or Ephesus’ Eight Impressive Ruins. The country also has a thriving culture and art scene as well as beautiful coastlines and beaches.

Belarus

This past summer, Belarus signed bilateral agreements with 80 countries, allowing citizens of those countries to be available for visa-free entry into Belarus for up to 30 days. Once there, visitors can enjoy the country’s natural beauty, including two national parks designated as World Heritage sites by the United Nations. The country also owns a wealth of other attractions. Any trip to Belarus must include visits to its ancient cities, medieval castles, art galleries and museums. Minsk, the country’s capital and largest city, is a popular destination, as is the border town of Brest, which will be welcoming its millennial celebrations in 2019.

Argentina and Brazil

The spectacular beauty! The music! The cuisine! don’t miss out on an Latin adventure through Argentina and Brazil. Roam the sophisticated streets of Buenos Aires, often referred to as the “Paris of South America,” marvel at the mighty Iguazu Falls at the border of both countries, and samba your way through the streets of Rio.

Paraguay

As impressive as Argentina and Brazil may be, they are popular tourist destinations. For a quieter taste of South American culture, travel inward to the landlocked country of Paraguay on Intrepid’s 12-day Paraguay Expedition.

Visitors can sample local food and culture in the capital city of Asuncion, then delve into a world of charming colonial-era treasures, wetlands brimming with birdlife, remote Atlantic forest, and Jesuit and indigenous Guarani histories rich in myth and magic. Paraguay’s natural parks are bursting with wildlife and scenic landscapes of mountains, brooks and waterfalls.

The world is a big place. Beyond these amazing spots, there are tons of international spots to travel to in the coming months.

What are your bucket list destinations in 2019? Tell us in the comments below.