9 places you should think about visiting in 2019

John

6 years ago

Where to visit in 2019: Jordan, Montenegro, Cologne

Where to go in 2019? It’s an important question and one with plenty of answers. So I wanted to join in and offer my two cents on where you should consider visiting in 2019. From city breaks in Eastern Europe to backpacking in the Middle East, here are my 9 suggestions of places you should really think about visiting in 2019.

9. Kosovo

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Kosovo was quite a surprise for me this summer during my two-week Balkans trip. In the end, we only spent time in Prizren but we got such a great impression from the city and the people that I would love to see more of the country. So why go to Kosovo? The food is great, the people are great, the prices are great and I’m told that Kosovo has all the markings of a future budget ski destination.

Why visit Kosovo in 2019?

If you’re looking for a budget destination for 2019, go to Kosovo. If you’re looking for a foodie destination for 2019, go to Kosovo. And if you’re looking for a chilled-out destination off the beaten track in 2019, go to Kosovo. Additionally, new direct air routes from Germany to Kosovo mean the country is much easier (and cheaper) to reach these days.

8. Sheffield

Sheffield’s Peace Gardens | Source unknown (via Google Images)

Thanks to Doctor Who, Sheffield is now officially on the map. Outside of the cult TV show, Sheffield is a great city to visit and is somewhere I’ve always had a soft spot for, even if I don’t know it as well as Manchester. The city has a good live music scene with venues like the Leadmill and annual festival Tramlines. On the first weekend of the month, you’ll find Peddler Market, which has street food, live music, craft beer and art. (It’s also where you’ll almost definitely find all my friends from home that weekend.)

Why visit Sheffield in 2019?

Thanks to Doctor Who’s first female Time Lord crash-landing in the city in the latest series, Sheffield can expect a flurry of new visitors next year.

7. Montenegro

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If you like hiking, then Durmitor National Park in the North of Montenegro should definitely be on your list of where to go in 2019. We spent three days hiking there this summer, including an exhilarating ascent of Bobotov Kuk, the country’s second highest mountain. If you prefer relaxing on the beach, then the Adriatic Coast has you covered. We based ourselves in the popular resort town of Budva and made day trips to both Sveti Stefan and the Bay of Kotor.

Why visit Montenegro in 2019?

As Dubrovnik struggles with overtourism, more and more people are turning their attention to Croatia’s neighbour Montenegro – with many British airlines following suit. A good friend of mine also recently got engaged in Budva’s old town, so you know it’s a romantic spot.

6. Tel Aviv

Truth be told, Tel Aviv has never really been on my radar, but I know several people who have been recently and absolutely fell in love with the place. Vlad from Eff It, I’m on Holiday was one of them and he named Tel Aviv his favourite place in Israel, writing, ‘I’ll be honest, if I were to come back to Israel, it would be solely for Tel Aviv.’

Why visit Tel Aviv in 2019?

In May 2019, Tel Aviv will host Eurovision for the first time, following Netta’s win with the infectious Toy. If this isn’t reason enough then I don’t know what is.

5. Georgia

Tbilisi Old Town

Another country you should consider visiting in 2019 is Georgia. The country was talk of the town last year, with many heralding it as the next big thing; 2019 could be a great time to go now that the buzz has died down slightly and the country is more established as a tourist destination. After a brief taster during a Caucasus trip in 2017, I would really love to go back and see more of the country, particularly the coastal town of Batumi and to go hiking through the mountain villages of the Svaneti region, which sounds incredible.

Why visit Georgia in 2019?

Georgian food.
Georgian wine.

4. Cologne

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Cologne is a fantastic city and an easy weekend city break from the UK. Though it might lack the international high-profile of Berlin, Cologne has everything else you need: hipster neighbourhoods, really great food, craft beer, local beer, German beer – plus it has the best Christmas markets I’ve seen in Germany. Basically I love Cologne and you should trust me.

Why visit Cologne in 2019?

Because it’s amazing. And because I plan on writing a lot more about my home city next year.

Read more: Where to eat in Cologne

3. Jordan

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Jordan is definitely going to be big news in 2019. If you don’t know someone who has been, is planning to go or is thinking about going, it’s just a matter of time – I promise. So why visit Jordan? Why not is probably a better question – Jordan seems to have everything: a lively capital, Roman ruins, the remains of an ancient city, a coastal resort and a beautiful desert. But according to Vlad at Eff It I’m on Holiday who visited in November, it’s also the people of Jordan who really set it apart.

Why visit Jordan in 2019?

Much like Lviv, Jordan embraced budget airlines in 2018 with open arms, boosting connections to both capital Amman and coastal resort town of Aqaba. In addition, the Jordan trail, a 350km-long hiking trail stretching the length of the country, was finished in 2017 to rave reviews from experts like Lonely Planet.

2. Plovdiv

Plovdiv’s Roman Theatre

If you’re wondering where to go in 2019, definitely consider Plovdiv. Despite not being so well known today, Bulgaria’s second city is actually the oldest continually inhabited city in the whole of Europe, leaving it some impressive Roman ruins, including the incredible Roman Theatre which towers over the town. It’s also a historic Bulgarian cultural centre, meaning lots of colourful architecture… perfect for Instagram. But it’s not all ancient history: bohemian quarter Kapana has been given a fresh lick of paint and is now full of hipster cafes, bars and street art. Plovdiv itself does have an airport with a Ryanair route to London-Stansted, but most visitors will find it easier to arrive at Sofia Airport.

Why visit Plovdiv in 2019?

Plovdiv is one of two European capitals of culture for 2019, which means the city has been given a great makeover and is looking its best. New guides have been printed and the city is geared up for tourists.

1. Lviv

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My number one recommendation for where to go in 2019 is Lviv, Ukraine. Chances are you haven’t heard of it (yet), but I really believe that tourism to Ukraine’s most Western-looking city will take off in 2019. Lviv has everything you need from a great city break destination: a beautiful old town, good hearty food, great beer, a welcoming local population and fascinating history. Essentially, if you like Poland, you’ll love Lviv. It’s also probably the cheapest four-day trip I’ve ever had.

Why visit Lviv in 2019?

2018 saw Lviv Airport finally become well-connected to Western Europe via Ryanair and WizzAir (including links to London, Berlin and Dortmund), which means it’s literally never been easier to visit. Lviv has bags of potential to be the next big city break in Eastern Europe, so head there in 2019 while the city is still relatively off the map.

Where are you planning to visit in 2019?