Where to Go in 2019: Yampu's Must-See Destinations for the New Year
Each year our travel experts search the ends of the planet (quite literally) to bring you the top destinations to visit in the new year with unique experiences that only a company like Yampu can offer.
With 2018 finally behind us (let's face it, this year was a whirlwind), our travel experts look forward to all the excitement and opportunities 2019 has in store for our travelers!
To get you inspired to make 2019 the year of experiences, our experts have compiled a list of destinations of where to go in 2019.
Take a note of your top choices and get in touch to start mapping out your travels and filling that calendar!
Where to go;
Paraty, Brazil
Why you need to go;
Seated between the two bustling cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, this charming fishing village has been labeled as a National Historic Site since the sixties. With its quaint colonial architecture and pedestrianized cobblestone streets, visitors can step back in time while forgetting the stress of the outside world. Revel in the local art and culinary scenes and appreciate some of Brazil's finest coastal scenery. Our General Sales Manager, Karolina recently stayed in Paraty with her family, becoming one of the highlights of their trip.
When you should go;
Similar to the climate in Rio, Paraty is rather warm and subtropical in the summer months (November – February) To avoid the crowds, we suggest visiting during the weekdays as it can get crowded with visitors and locals alike, especially during holidays.
Where to go;
Bhutan
Why you need to go;
The perfect destination to go off the grid with very little crowds, Bhutan provides a visual and spiritual feast. With its rugged landscape and deep cultural appreciation, Bhutan has managed to avoid much rapid modern development. In the attempt of social and cultural preservation, the government pushes for a 'low volume – high value' tourism method to avoid heavy foreign influence while encouraging traditional values. Keep this in mind while visiting the numerous temples, including the architectural marvels such as the cliff-straddling Tiger's Nest.
After admiring the numerous temples and Dzongs (ornately decorated forts built without using a single nail) savor some of the country's signature spicy dishes such as "ema-datshi" a cheese-chili stew (not for the faint of heart) Looking for more in-depth spiritual experiences? Try out one of the local meditation retreats and learn of Bhutanese Buddhism from a trained monk.
When you should go;
October to December is the ideal time to visit Bhutan as the air is clear and fresh with sunny skies but late Spring is great for the colors of the flowers blooming. Our experts suggest coupling Bhutan with nearby countries such as Tibet and Nepal for a Mountainous Oasis.
Where to go;
Cappadocia, Turkey
Why you need to go;
Although tourism is advancing, a guided tour of the Moon's craters is not yet a reality. However, if you are looking to experience an out of this world landscape, Cappadocia looks to be straight out of Star Wars. Located in central Turkey, Cappadocia is famous for its unearthly scenery, numerous caves to explore, and the ever instagrammable sunsets with hot air balloons dotting the skies.
Ask your Tour Consultant on including a visit to Cappadocia for an uplifting sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride that includes transportation to and from your hotel, breakfast, champagne and, of course, dreamy views you would only see on an influencer's blog. #experientialgoals
When you should go;
The warmer months from April through October are the best times to visit, bearing in mind that it does get hot in the summer. If you're looking to visit Turkey for the holidays or just during the offseason where crowds are minimal, Cappadocia earns an extra dusting of magic during the winter months.
Where to go;
Etosha, Namibia
Why you need to go;
When asking Yampu's Regional Sales Manager, Stephanie why she recommended Etosha as a top destination to visit in 2019, her answer was sweet and simple, "because it's on my own bucket-list – ha!"
Steph has worked in the travel industry for 20 years and there aren't many places she hasn't been and Etosha still peaks at the top of her bucket list for a reason!
Etosha translates to 'Great White Area', referring the park's main characteristic, a giant salt pan so big it can be seen from space. Covering 1,900 miles of land, the salt pan attracts large amounts of wildlife for some of the best game viewing around.
As Namibia's prime wildlife location, Etosha offers some of southern Africa's best safari experiences without having to completely rough it. The park is also one of the most easily accessible reserves in the country where travelers can choose from the region's best game lodges for a wild yet luxury experience of Africa.
When you should go;
Visiting during the dry months between May and December is your best bet for game viewing as animals flock to the area's many waterholes. If you decide to visit during the rainy season, be prepared for cuteness overload with Zebra and Wildebeest babies galore. Etosha is also Malaria free, so wet months aren't an issue if you happen to forget your bug spray.
Where to go;
Petra, Jordan
Why you need to go;
Known as the "rose red city, half as old as time", Petra dates as far back as the 6th Century BC, is a World Heritage Site and is considered one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Not to mention that the structure is an architectural feat being carved out of a literal cliff.
If those reasons alone aren't enough to include Petra on your must-see list there are many other experiences near these ancient ruins such as desert hiking, Bedouin cooking, camel riding, ATV tours, and some of the most epic stargazing you will ever experience.
