50 Good Reasons to Travel in 2019

For many of us, travelling runs through our bones so why would we need 50 reasons to travel in 2019?

Well, Designer Journeys just recently launched our 50th destination! That’s right, we now have a huge team of highly knowledgeable, in-destination Local Designers ready to design private, custom trips for you in 50 countries across Africa, Oceania, Asia, Europe and North America.

To celebrate, Designer Journeys has rounded up 50 reasons to visit each and every single one of these places. Whether that is tracking silverback gorillas in Rwanda, working your way through the patisseries of Paris’ gastronomic district or bathing in the healing hot springs of Canada’s Jasper National Park, there is a reason for everyone in this list.

Read on, your travel inspiration for 2019 and beyond awaits!

 

50. Tanzania – Uhuru Peak, the Summit of Kilimanjaro

The push to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro, is a lifelong memory in the making. While the round trip will take about 18 hours and is of moderate difficulty before you know it you will be standing tall on the highest point in Africa!

Are you ready to stand tall in Africa? Check out this trip here. 

49. Uganda – Take a Chimpanzee Trek in the Kimbale Forest National Park

Have a date with the gentle giants on a chimpanzee trek through Kibale Forest National Park. In this unique trekking experience, you will go on a guided nature walk through the tropical forest, encountering wild chimpanzees playing and going about their daily routine in their natural habitat.

It’s your turn to meet these gentle giants and this trip here will get you started.

48. Myanmar – Explore the Bagan Temples by bicycle

Get lost in this maze of temples, with our cycling guides down all the hidden tracks that take you far off the tourist trail, while uncovering over 2,000 ancient buildings. Village life here moves at a slower pace; you are more likely to encounter cows, pigs, buffalos, or an ox-cart on the road than another vehicle.

Discover our 4-Day Historical Bagan Exploration here.

47. New Zealand – Go behind the scenes on the Hobbiton Movie Set

Take a magical journey through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton Movie Set from the Lord of the Rings Film trilogy and the recent The Hobbit films. On arrival at Shire’s Rest, embark on your Hobbiton movie set, the largest “green set” in the world and the only place where you get an emotional response with a movie set in a natural setting while experiencing the beautiful countryside of New Zealand.

View this 8-Day New Zealand Highlights trip here.

46. Madagascar – Avenue of Baobabs, Madrare

Grab a beverage of your choice and enjoy the sunset at the iconic and picturesque Avenue of Baobabs (also known as the Alley of Baobabs) in the Madrare Forest. The baobabs are the national tree of Madagascar and can be up to 800 years old and reach heights of 30 metres.

The Avenue of Baobabs is just one of the highlight of Madagascar.  See more activity ideas here.

45. Philippines – Swim with the largest fish in the world, Whale Sharks

No other place in the world is home to such an abundance of whale sharks from November to June, than Donsol. Swimming with the whale sharks is a truly beautiful experience you will never forget, giving you the chance to be close to these animals without interrupting their natural habitat or daily feeding routine. Throughout this surreal adventure, you’ll also be accompanied by stunning beaches, beautiful rock formations and azure waters, all set against a backdrop of the awe-inspiring Mayon Volcano.

Get Swimming! Our Designer Journeys Local Designers will get you on your way. Click here.

44. Swaziland – Discover the cultural Swazi Kingdom

Connect with the Swazi people and experience the amazing spirit, rich cultural heritage and history that this little landlocked country has to offer. You’ll be wrapped in history in the mountain village of Bulembu while staying in the farmhouse of a once-famous nature conservationist, Mickey Reilly.

Designer Journeys will design a unique cultural experience for you in Swaziland. Click here to get a quote.

43. Brunei – Proboscis Monkey Safari

Board an open deck local wooden boat and cruise along the Brunei River passing the famous Water Village and the capital city. Experience two different worlds – the modern developing capital city of Brunei with the largest residential palace in the world, Istana Nurul Iman and on the other side, the nostalgic serenity of the biggest Malay Water Village in the world. Stop under the mangrove trees on the lookout for the proboscis monkey, only found on the island of Borneo and Sumatra.

Get Brunei trip inspiration here.

42. Serbia – Attend a music & film festival in the wooden village of Drvengrad

Walk on set and enter the world of the director, Emir Kusturica. A product of his imagination, Drvengrad is the wooden village was created to be used in the film, ‘Life Is A Miracle’. The ethno-village is known for its world-renowned music and film festival, Kustendorf that began in 2008 and is an annual event held during early January. The village streets are named after Serbian and International celebrities that adds to the charm of this fairytale village.

This 10-Day Essentials of the Balkans trip covers Serbia and more. Check it out here.

41. United Kingdom – Follow the footsteps of the Beatles in Liverpool

Experience the city that one of the world’s greatest rock bands rose to fame in, Liverpool! Not only will you visit the childhood homes of The Beatles and see where they used to play their first gigs, but you’ll also visit these places under the guidance of those who have lived through it including The Beatles’ original drummer, Pete Best. An absolute must for all Beatles fans!

Here comes the sun…Customise and book your own Beatles experience here.

40. China – See the views of Shanghai from Lovers Wall

View the Shanghai skyline across the river, as you walk the famous waterfront road ‘The Bund’ also known as ‘Lovers Wall’. Home to beautiful architecture, this area is often referred to as the symbol of Shanghai. Running from the Waibaidu Bridge to Nanpu Bridge, The Bund is an attractive and romantic site which is most-noted for the 26 buildings of various architecture that line the waterfront.

39. Seychelles – Sail to La Digue

Cruise to La Digue, the third largest island of the Seychelles with one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Explore the island ‘the island way’ by bicycle, and discover L’Union Estate and the amazing beach of Anse Source D’Argent.

View our Seychelles Trip Gallery here.

38. Latvia – Visit the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum, Riga

Just a half hour’s drive from Riga’s centre, nestled in a pine forest, one of Europe’s oldest and largest outdoor museums can be found alongside the shore of Lake Jugla. With objects gathered from all over Latvia, the open-air museum reconstructs ideas of culture and heritage from all regions; Riga city, Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Zemgale, and Latgale.

Get your Latvian history fix here.

37. Thailand – Encounter the animal kingdom’s kindest, most adorable and intelligent species

Whilst there are a lot of wrong ways to encounter elephants in Thailand, there are many right ways too. Picking the right sanctuary where these beautiful animals are both cared for and protected or going with a local knowledgeable guide, will make sure your experience as pure as it should be. Thailand is the place to encounter these playful animals and it will be a truly sensational experience that you won’t forget.

Encounter the elephants of Thailand the right way with our Local Designers. Click here to see more.

36. Albania – Visit the ugliest building in Europe

Tirana, a city known for its colourful Ottoman, Fascist and Soviet-era architecture, is renowned for its turbulent past contributing to the rich, cultural city you can visit today. The Pyramid of Tirana is a building left over, serving as a reminder of the harsh communist rule the country was under during the latter part of the 20th century. Despite several plans to demolish the dilapidated building, locals have fought to keep it as a mark of Albania’s history.

Take a tour of the Balkans, including Albania with Designer Journeys here.

35. Morocco –  Ouarzazate, a GoT filming location 

Known as the door to the desert, this city was once a small crossing point for African traders on their way to Europe. Nowadays, Ouarzazate is the backdrop for many blockbuster films and TV shows including The Mummy, Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Ouarzazate is also the gateway to Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to some of the finest examples of Moroccan earthen clay architecture and mazes of Kasbahs. Once you lay eyes on this city, you’ll see why it is such an awesome secret.

See these great filming locations for yourself on our 10 Day Splendour of Morocco Tour here.

35. Indonesia – Witness the temple that will change all temples

Once you lay eyes on the magnificent creation that is the UNESCO-protected, 9th-century Borobudur Temple outside Yogyakarta city in Java, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a temple that will beat it. Seen for miles around, Borobudur is the world’s sixth largest Buddhist temple and easily warrants a two-day stay between watching the sunrise over the temple and exploring this vast temple.

This sunrise is waiting for you. Discover Borobudur and more on this Ancient Sites of Yogya tour here.

34. Sri Lanka – Ahungalla Sea Turtle Conservation

Join the efforts to save these endangered creatures whilst in a beautiful setting. Hold endangered baby sea turtles in your hands and help them reach the sea as part of the Ahungalla Turtle Hatchery program.

Do your part in saving these endangered creatures. Enquire here about visiting Sri Lanka for your next trip.

33. South Africa – Swim with the Penguins at Boulders Beach

Cape Town has no shortage of amazing beaches, but Boulders Beach offers something extra special hidden between the bushes and under the water – a colony of African Penguins in all their waddling glory, right under your nose. Swim in the chilly waters of Boulders Beach, the only place in the world where you can get close to African penguins.

South Africa has so much to see, including the African Penguins. Click here for inspo.

32. Nepal – Private helicopter to the highest peak in the world

This unforgettable heli tour takes you to Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world at 8,848 metres. You will fly east, parallel to the breathtaking Himalayan range including Khumbu Himal, Ama Dablam, Kantega, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori and Mount Everest. Experience the breathtaking landscape of the Everest Region and Sherpa mountain villages, beautiful Buddhist monasteries, emerald mountain lakes and a snowy expanse of Himalayan peaks and glaciers without the multi-day trekking. Be sure to bring your camera!

Surely there is no other way to see Mount Everest. Click here to see our heli tour pricing.

31. Bhutan – Trek to Tiger’s Nest

Hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tigers Nest’, the jewel of Paro and one of the most sacred pilgrimages of Bhutan. The climb up to the viewpoint will take around an hour and a half, where you will enjoy the spectacular views of the monastery clinging precariously to the side of the cliff. The views are nothing short of stunning and the spiritual experience is one to remember.

Who wouldn’t want to visit the ‘Land of Happiness’. Click here for your chance.

30. Canada – Jasper National Park Hot Springs

Relax in the Miette Hot Springs in Alberta’s Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies. Take your time and enjoy the healing water featuring some of the hottest in the Canadian Rockies while spotting the abundant wildlife within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This National Park is picture perfect!

29. Lithuania – Lose yourself among the 1,200 medieval buildings in Vilnius Old Town

Famed for its meandering cobblestone streets, beautiful churches, and historical buildings, Vilnius Old Town is Lithuania’s proudest areas. Home to a staggering 1,200 medieval buildings and 48 churches, Vilnius has been under the protection of UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1994. One of Northern Europe’s largest surviving medieval old towns, you can spend your days exploring Vilnius eating the local eateries, street side cafes and incredible buildings including the 14th-century cathedral. 

Looking for an experience just like this? Click here.

28. Zambia – Whitewater Rafting Zambezi River

Considered one of the best stretches of commercially-run river in the world, Batoka Gorge provides one of the most intense sensory thrills imaginable. Its 25 white-water rapids and striking scenery deep within the sheer black cliffs afford the adrenaline junkie a wild roller-coaster ride along a route carved over millennia by the Great Zambezi.

Are you an adrenalin junkie? Check out this trip here and take on the rapids of Zambia. 

27. Macedonia – Explore the Old Bazaar of Skopje

Navigate the narrow streets of the Old Bazaar in Skopje and revel in one of the largest and most culturally-significant oriental old bazaars in the Balkans. The capital of the Republic of Macedonia situated in the centre of the Balkan Peninsula, Skopje is a popular destination for its historical sites, grand monuments, stunning caves and the famous Lake Matka.

Take a history trip through Macedonia on this Grand Balkan Tour here.

26. Cambodia – Divulge your inner Tomb Raider at the UNESCO-listed Ta Prohm Temple

One of the most atmospheric temples in Cambodia, or quite possibly the world, Ta Prohm is famous worldwide for its incredible tree roots that intertwine with the stonework of the building representing a fight between man and nature. Dating back to the 12th century, this temple was made famous by the Tomb Raider films. To avoid the crowds by heading there at sunrise and marvel at this incredible creation as the sun’s dawn rays twinkle through the surrounding jungle.

Lara Croft eat your heart out on this Cambodian Adventure. Check it out here.

25. Namibia – 4×4 through the dunes of Sandwich Harbour

Sandwich Harbour, part of the Namib Naukluft National Park, is a place many have heard of but very few have ever visited. Giant sand dunes run straight into the ocean, creating breathtaking sceneries and unique landscapes, just waiting to be discovered! Exploring this by 4X4 just adds to the adventure.

Be one of the few that have ever visited! Our Local Designers in Namibia will design your own custom trip here.

24. Lesotho – Visit an archaeological site with dinosaur footprints

Lesotho is rich in relics of its prehistoric past, especially of early dinosaurs and of the first primitive mammals to walk the earth. Fascinating for the non-specialist visitor are the dinosaur footprints preserved in sandstone. Walk the Subeng Stream and discover footprints of several different dinosaurs that existed some 180-200 million years ago.

This trip is your own, safe version of Jurassic Park. Click here to find out more.

23. Kenya – Sundowner drinks in Amboseli

Enjoy the sunset over a drink or two as the light slowly fades over the African bush in the Amboseli National Park, best known for its iconic imagery of a massive elephant with majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. More beautiful than in photos, Amboseli National Park is simply magical. Its unique climate creates biodiversity unlike the rest of Kenya. For the same reason, its sunsets are breathtaking and mesmerising.

Grab a drink and enjoy the sunset over the African Bush. Start planning your trip here.

22. Laos – Explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves

From their dramatic, yet majestic, hilltop perch, the Pak Ou Caves overlook the point at which the Mekong joins the Nam Ou River. Dating back several millenniums, these twin caves carved into the limestone rock host over 4,000 Buddha icons and make this site one of the holiest in the country.

Visit our Laos Trip Gallery here.

21. Bosnia & Herzegovina – Watch the locals jump from the famous Stari Most Bridge into the Neretva River

Taking nine years to complete, the 16th-century Stari Most Bridge is a masterpiece Ottoman Turkish architecture in the historical city of Mostar. Once a rite of passage into adulthood for local men, jumping off the Stari Most is not for the faint-hearted. If you think the top Olympic diving board is only 10 metres, a jump of 24 metres will put your stomach in your throat. However, if you do want to attempt it, for a small fee the Mostar Dive Club will coach you through how to make the perfect jump with several smaller practice jumps.

Get the best seat in the house on this Designer Journeys tour. Learn more here.

20. Spain – Discover the magnificent Moorish architecture of the Alhambra Palace

Spain, a country known for its rich cultural and late-night gastronomic scene, will baffle you with its astonishing architecture which is home to some of the most unique, distinguishable and famous historical monuments in Europe. Seen from almost every point in Granada, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alhambra Palace, is a breathtaking example of Moorish architecture and a solid reminder of the country’s illustrious past.

Discover the best of Spain, including the Alhambra Palace here.

19. Malawi – Meet the hippos on a Shire River boat safari

The highlight of any visit to Malawi is a boat safari on the Shire River. This safari provides the perfect opportunity to get close to pods of hippos, elephants (sometimes found in herds of hundreds), crocodiles and a variety of birds. Whilst hippos look cute and chubby, they are actually one of the most dangerous animals on the planet, so be careful not to fall in!

See Hippos in their natural environment on this 8-Day Southern Explorer tour. Click here.

18. Malaysia – Scuba dive at the famous Sipadan Island

The famous Sipadan Island is the only oceanic island in Malaysia well-known for its diversity of marine life and outstanding natural beauty. It’s indisputably the most famous scuba destination in Malaysia and among the top ten in the world thanks to its large number of green and hawksbill turtles and 3,000 other marine species. At Sipadan, you have the possibility of encountering everything you’ve ever dreamed of under the sea.

It’s time for your underwater adventure. View this trip here.

17. Rwanda – Track silverback mountain gorillas

Embark on a once in a lifetime experience of tracking mountain gorillas on the slopes of the volcanic Virunga National Park. Once you spot them, spend an hour watching your closest long lost cousin in perhaps one of the most breathtaking wildlife experiences on earth! You get so close to these awesome giant primates that are extremely rare; there are less than 700 in existence today.

You need to be a part of this breathtaking wildlife experience in Rwanda. Learn more here.

16. Estonia – Wander the fairytale city of Tallinn

Home to one of the best-preserved medieval Old Towns in Northern Europe, Tallinn, has been included in the List of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Hidden in this Old Town is a romantic network of crooked cobblestone streets, preserved authentically from the Middle Ages. Wander the Churches and convents, passageways and courtyards, imposing merchants houses, shelters, and parks, to experience a sense of the true medieval spirit underlying the Old Town to this day.

If Estonia wasn’t on the list already, it should be now. Click here to view this 7- Day tour of this medieval town.

15. Croatia – Marvel at the shades of blue in Plitvice Lakes National Park

One of Croatia’s eight listed UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Plitvice Lakes National Park is also Croatia’s most famous national park. Best known for its 16 small lakes which are joined by waterfalls created by the sedimentation of travertine, a special type of limestone, Plitvice Lakes National Park is also home to several caves, springs and flowering meadows within the park which makes it a must see hidden gem.

Discover the lakes and caves of Plitvice on a private tour. Get a quote here.

14. Zimbabwe – Fish for razor-toothed Tigerfish at Bumi Hills

Bumi is the prime fishing region of Kariba and is a major attraction that sets Bumi apart from any traditional luxury safari lodge; it is rated one of Africa’s top twenty adventures. Try catching the razor-toothed tigerfish, which is pound-for-pound one of the world’s most powerful freshwater species as well as other various species of fish available in Lake Kariba.

Keen on fishing? Head to Zimbabwe and try your luck. Click here.

13. Slovenia – Eat the infamous Bled Cake whilst taking in the dreamy Lake Bled scenery

Nestled in the heart of the Julian Alps, Lake Bled is has been world-renowned paradise for centuries. In the centre of the lake, sits a stunning church on a small island, whilst the romantic resort town sits on its edges overlooked by the impressive 10th-century Bled Castle. Now available throughout Slovenia, the Bled cream cake is a symbol of Bled’s cuisine and its best enjoyed in the harmonious surroundings of the lake and its surrounding mountains.

Our Local Designers will plan your Slovenia trip so you can eat all the cake. Click here to find out how.

12. Australia – Take a selfie with a Quokka on Rottnest Island

The ‘Quokka selfie’ is an Australian trend that must be participated in for all who visit Western Australia’s Rottnest Island. With the current title of “happiest animal in the world”, these marsupials are sure to put on a smile for the cameras. As well as being entertained by these cute creatures, discover the salt lakes and the limestone coral reefs that surround the island.

Your social feed is waiting for this selfie. Design your Rottnest Island trip here.

11. Japan – Live like a local in Kyoto

A city where Japanese traditions are kept close to their heart, Kyoto is the ultimate place to experience the culture, cuisine and history of this astonishing country. Staying in a traditional wooden Kyoto Townhouse, known as a “machiya”, you’ll be able to partake in an authentic local experience: rolling out your matt on the floor before you sleep, wandering the Geisha district at night and enjoying Kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner.

Get all your Japanese travel inspo here.

10. Mozambique – Canoe the Pungue River in the Gorongosa National Park

Drift quietly down the calm Pungue River on a canoe safari in the Gorongosa National Park. It is the perfect opportunity to capture photographs as you pass sandy beaches, reed beds and riverside forests under the colourful African skies while meeting the local birdlife of the area.

Take a trip to Mozambique and see the colourful Africa skies for yourself here.

9. Botswana – Sleep under the stars in an African Game Reserve

In the prime location on the banks of the Khwai River on the Xakanaxa Lagoon, in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve is where you camp. Enjoy your meals around an African campfire, sleep under the stars and witness a large variety of animals such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, lions and leopards.

Let our Local Designers plan your Botswana adventure. Get started here.

8. Montenegro – Explore the charming UNESCO-protected town of Kotor

Kotor is situated in the stunning Bay of Kotor, a body of water fringed by majestic mountains, picturesque coastal roads and medieval towns which have been inhabited since antiquity. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its abundance of Orthodox and Catholic churches, monasteries and religious buildings, Kotor is a 2,300-year-old town where you can lose yourself among the architecture and narrow streets for hours.

Thinking of a trip to Montenegro? With Designer Journeys it’s easy, click here.

7. Vietnam – Take a basket boat ride with fishermen in Hoi An

Invented by fishermen during the French colonial era in order to avoid the hefty taxes place on boats, these vessels have become somewhat of an iconic symbol of Vietnam’s coastal destinations. Made from weaving bamboo, these boats are light enough to be picked out of the water and hoisted above your head, making it easy for fishermen to transport them if needed. In Hoi An, arguably Vietnam’s prettiest town, you can take a ride in one of these boats along the river and out into the sea to catch some crabs with local fishermen.

Looking for an experience just like this? Click here.

6. Ireland – Kiss the Blarney Stone and be rewarded with the ‘Gift of the Gab’

For almost two centuries now, politicians, celebrities, literary giants and thousands of locals have climbed the steps to kiss the Blarney Stone along with millions of pilgrims. Whilst its powers are somewhat questionable, this tradition of kissing the stone has said to deliver the kisser with the gift of eloquence. You’ll have to head to cork and to the medieval stronghold of Blarney Castle to see!

Get those lips ready and book your Ireland getaway here.

5. Greece – Step back 2,000 years in time as you marvel at the ancient Greek architecture of Athens

Unearth the layers of history which span several millennia in the capital city of Greece. Named after the Greek goddess of wisdom and courage, Athena, the city is both historic and edgy due to its creative art scene. The 2,500-year-old temple city of Acropolis dominates the skyline of Athens and can be seen from almost every part of the city. Spend your days here appreciating the history of this magnificent country, indulging in unparalleled Greek cuisine and discovering Athen’s street art.

The European Summer is not far away. Start creating your Greece trip here.

4. France – A gastronomical adventure in Saint-Germain, Paris

Taste your way through patisseries, macaron boutiques and chocolatiers in Paris’ gastronomic district, Saint-Germain. From bakery to pastry shop, you’ll not only hear the history of the cakes, bread, chocolates and other sweets which are among the most famous of French pastries, but you will also be shown the way in which this gastronomic history is deliciously intertwined with the history of France: its kings, emperors, leaders, its revolution, its people.

Loosen your belt buckles and get ready to eat your way through Paris on this trip. Learn more here.

3. Ethiopia – Lalibela: the Eighth Wonder of the World

Visit Lalibela where you will get an impression of landing in a kingdom at least seven centuries in the past. Explore the eleven 13th-century rock-hewn churches, serving their religious purposes until today, inducing feelings of a highly spiritual nature. The collection of churches has been referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and is commonly known as the 13th-century ‘New Jerusalem’, as this was believed to be the intentions of the King of Ethiopia during this period.

This 7-Day Ancient Ethiopian Adventure has your name all over it. Click here to view.

2. Egypt – Diving safari in the Red Sea

There is more to Egypt than Pyramids, but who knew that you could do a diving safari in the Red Sea including in Dahab at the famous Bells Blue Hole. The Blue Hole is a submarine sinkhole that drops as deep as 130 metres. The deeper depths should be left to experienced divers, however being accessible from shore, there is plenty to uncover near the surface where you have a chance to spot Tuna, Trevallies and Fusiliers among the black corals.

Grab your dive gear, this is at the top of our bucket list! Enquire about this trip here.

1. Italy – Mount Etna Volcano, Sicily

Step foot on one of Europe’s most active volcanoes with this once-in-a-lifetime day trip to Mount Etna. The highest active volcano in Europe, Mount Etna stands at 3,320 metres above sea level and similar to other active volcanoes, its height changes with each eruption as the crater collapses. Take a hike to the summit and discover the rumbling craters with unbelievable ocean and countryside views.

This really is a once in a lifetime day trip with unforgettable views. View this trip here.