As we come to the tip of every 12 months, the “globetrotter/wanderlust-er” in all of us begins to place ideas in our head.
“Where to subsequent 12 months?”
“When can be a great time to go to?”
In the previous decade, we have seen journey locations nobody ever bothered about beforehand immediately turn out to be standard. Destinations like Iceland, Egypt, Turkey, Croatia, and South Africa, to call few. And within the final couple of years we’re listening to about locations like Sri Lanka, Laos and Morocco come up.
So, what makes a beforehand unknown vacation spot immediately turn out to be standard? Why are individuals immediately visiting locations they have not bothered to beforehand?
The reply? Social media. And the actual fact everybody else goes. Nobody desires to be ignored.
The downside? Well, whereas there isn’t any competitors on who went first, there actually are benefits to going sooner than different vacationers. Prices are decrease for one factor, as a result of the vacationer hordes have but to spoil the market. Plus, you get to expertise the nation for what it truly is, as a substitute of getting the “cooked up” model of it.
Orheiul Vechi, Moldova. One of Europe’s least visited international locations.
And sure, I’ve ignored the really unique suggestions on this publish as a result of I do know these suggestions are most likely 20 years too early for many of the world to just accept. But for these of you really bitten by the wanderlust bug and don’t desire revisit London or Tokyo for the third time, listed below are some suggestions that we might extremely recommend you go to in 2019. Yes, earlier than they get trashed by the vacationer hordes any additional than they have already got.
These suggestions comparatively acceptable, considerably unique, but protected sufficient even for households. So there you go, “A Girl & A Bald Traveller’s” suggestions for 2019.
1. Janurary, Oman
The Bimmah Sinkhole, Oman
Why You Should Visit:
If you are solely going to go to one nation within the Middle East, it is gotta be Oman.
Oman has palms down, essentially the most numerous (and delightful) panorama within the Middle East. Besides the standard “desert camp” expertise, you may sit up for swimming in water holes, trekking within the mountains and canyons; principally having your individual “Indiana Jones” second.
And no, it isn’t simply “journey” that Oman has to supply. You’ll be blown away by their stunning seashores, picturesque seaside cities (Arabian Style), and have enjoyable getting misplaced whereas buying of their many souks.
Many individuals have informed me they will not go to the Middle East as a result of they do not click on with Arabs. While I’ve met my share of smug Arabs (in Kuwait), the Omani’s will blow you away with their hospitality. Every Omani I met was genuinely happy and welcoming to vacationers.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman
Getting There:
All worldwide flights land in Muscat, Oman’s capital. You’ll doubtless want a visa and we bought our vacationer visa on-line for five OMR (13 USD). You can get a visa on arrival on the airport, however it’ll price you barely extra.
Getting Around:
Visiting Oman is like visiting New Zealand. You simply hire a automotive (I bought mine for $280 SGD for 1 week) and drive round. It’s not tough to go to TripAdvisor (or observe our weblog) for the perfect issues there are to do in Oman and simply key them into your GPS and begin driving. It’s one of many best international locations to drive round, and many individuals communicate English.
But, you may undoubtedly must hire a automotive. The public transport does not get you to the important thing points of interest within the nation.
How Safe Is It?
It’s the most secure Middle Eastern nation we have been to. I’d go as far to say it is just about as protected as Singapore. In truth, we noticed a neighborhood “securing his spot” by leaving his cell phone on the desk whereas he went to queue for meals on the meals courtroom. I do not even do this in Singapore!
2. February, Zanzibar
Why You Should Visit:
White sand seashores and turquoise blue waters, want I say extra? Zanzibar is house to essentially the most stunning seashores we have ever visited. And no, it isn’t just a few typical seaside vacation spot like The Maldives. And actually nowhere as costly. We paid lower than $30 USD for our room which was proper on the seaside.
Zanzibar is greater than seashores. You’ll take a step again in time as you discover the outdated metropolis of “Stonetown”, study in regards to the “slave commerce”, expertise the “spice excursions”, sail on the standard “Dhow’s”, and you will get to see the “Giant Tortoises of Zanzibar”.
People usually go to Zanzibar after a Safari tour in Tanzania’s Serengeti. This island is the right place to unwind. Oh, and did I point out Zanzibar is house to some of the well-known restaurant’s on the planet? “The Rock Restaurant”, google it.
Have You Read: What! You Mean The Worlds Most Amazing “Beach Destination” Is Found In Africa?
Getting There:
Many worldwide airways fly straight to Zanzibar, however that is not what you must do as a result of there’s a lot extra to Tanzania than simply Zanzibar. Go on a Safari first and fly in from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s capital after your Safari.
A visa on arrival might be gotten for $50 USD however be ready for lengthy queues on the airports. It’s greatest to get a yellow fever vaccination executed as properly at your native hospital earlier than your journey. Singaporeans do not want a visa for Zanzibar and Tanzania. So people, do not waste this “privilege”.
Getting Around:
Most individuals get round by Dala Dala, the native transport which is basically a van/truck overloaded with sweaty locals. You’ll be glad to realize it does not price a lot to take a taxi from one location to a different, and if in case you have 4 individuals in your group, you will not even discover the fee.
How Safe Is It?
You’ll most likely encounter pickpockets whereas using Dala Dala’s, and if depart your resort and wander about darkish alleys at night time, you would possibly meet a few unsavory characters who would possibly rob you for somewhat “vacationer cash”. Yikes! It’s harmful! Let me guess, you are not going to Zanzibar now.
But wait, does not the above apply to your most well-liked typical European international locations as properly?
3. March, Morocco
Place Jemaa El Fna, Marakech, Morocco
Why You Should Visit:
I used to be debating whether or not I ought to have it on this listing as a result of it is turn out to be much more touristy since I used to be there and it is not precisely “up and coming” until you are evaluating Morocco with the DR Congo. I’m lastly beginning to see Morocco seem on native journey blogs. Now that native bloggers have began running a blog about it, you understand Morocco has lastly turn out to be “Iceland”.
Still, Morocco is an incredible vacation spot to go to and there are means too many causes to for me to listing down on why you must go to it. I’d price it among the many Top 5 of the 85 international locations we have visited, in order that’s saying rather a lot.
As to what there may be to do in Morocco? Well, you may simply must learn the posts under.
– The Sahara, Fez, Atlas Mountains & Ouarzazarte
The Sahara Desert, Morrcoco
Getting There:
The standard cities to fly into are Casablanca, Fez, and Marrakech.
If you are in need of time, I’d recommend skipping Casablanca and flying straight into Marrakech. After a few days in Marrakech, go to the coastal metropolis of Essaouira, and return to Marrakech to embark on the desert tour, and organize for it to finish in Fez. From there, you may simply get a bus to Chefchaouen, end of in Tangier, then catch a forty five minute ferry over to Spain the place you may proceed the remainder of your trip.
Getting Around:
Taxi’s are actually low-cost, simply keep in mind to barter the worth first in the event that they they refuse to go by meter. Many taxi drivers will try and convey you to the improper place and cost you further, so I’d recommend downloading an offline map like MapsMe so you do not truly get taken for a trip.
How Safe Is It?
When I used to be there, the locals known as me names like “Jackie Chan, and Bruce Willis” as a result of i am Asian and bald. Women is perhaps harassed somewhat greater than males, however for the locals, it is all in good enjoyable. Morocco is without doubt one of the protected African international locations to go to and sure, I’d let “The Girl” go to on her personal.
4. April, Vanuatu
Eton Beach, Port Vila, Vanuatu
Why You Should Visit:
Have you sat on the fringe of an energetic volcano? No? Well, that is motive sufficient to go to. Vanuatu’s Mt Yasur is the worlds most accessible energetic volcano.
You do not have to really trek to the crater like these in Bali or go on the loopy trek I did at Mt Nyiragongo within the Democratic Republic of Congo. Your lodge will drive you to inside quarter-hour stroll from the volcano’s crater and you may have your “volcano expertise” with out breaking a sweat.
Being a “seaside vacation spot”, blue waters, white sand seashores, diving, wreck diving, blue holes, cave exploration, you may get all of those plus you get to go to tribal villages as a substitute of Hermes boutiques. Think of Vanuatu as one thing like “The Maldives” on steroids, with far more to do than getting a suntan.
Yasur Volcano, Tanna, Vanuatu
Getting There:
Vanuatu is made up of a lot of islands. You’ll must get your self to Brisbane, Australia. From there, catch a flight to Port Vila, Vanuatu’s capital the place you’ll then fly to the outer islands of your alternative. Tanna Island for the Volcano, and Espiritu Santo island for the white sand seashores and blue sea. There are others, however these two islands are the most well-liked.
Getting Around:
You can get round by mini van just like the native or through non-public transport out of your lodge. Aside from the capital of Port Vila, I would not recommend strolling out of your resort lest you get misplaced. Survivor Vanuatu was hit, however it’s an expertise I daresay you doubtless will not need to be a part of.
How Safe Is It?
Wherever we walked, locals would greet us “good morning” or “good night time”. We felt nothing however absolute hospitality from the locals and virtually zero hazard vibes. Vanuatu is also called “The Happiest Country within the World”. Exercise commonsense and all is sweet.
Have You Read: Singaporeans Travel To Vanuatu, The Fiery Island Paradise of the South Pacific
5. Ireland/Northern Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Why You Should Visit:
So, the 2 Ireland’s aren’t precisely unique locations and the variety of vacationers have elevated since “The Game of Thrones” aired. Still, in comparison with England and Scotland, Ireland continues to be fairly “ignored” by nearly all of vacationers.
Visit Ireland for the “Irish Experience”; no matter that’s, is just about as much as your interpretation. But what I’ll say, is that its fairly enjoyable listening to dwell music and throwing again a few pints at a neighborhood Irish pub on a chilly wet day over a plate of sizzling stew.
If that is not your thought of a trip, maybe marveling at stunning surroundings is. Have an ice cream by the seaside or trek alongside the island’s stunning shoreline and be in awe of the magnificence of all of it. And sure, like Scotland, Wales, and England, you may have some superb castles to discover as properly.
Have You Read: A trip to contemplate? 7 days in Ireland & Northern Ireland below $1,000 SGD!
The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
Getting There:
There are not any direct flights from Singapore however in your subsequent journey to England, Scotland and even Iceland, fly in straight to Ireland. The simplest way for Singaporeans is to fly in both Belfast (Nothern Ireland), or Dublin (Ireland).
Getting Around:
From each capitals, it is very easy to search out day excursions to the important thing points of interest on the island. I bought round each by renting a automotive and by lengthy distance coach (DublinCoach as an example). As with most large cities, you may get a 24hr journey go that ought to prevent some $$ on transport and attraction prices.
How Safe Is It?
The occasional drunk native apart, it is most likely the most secure place to go to on this listing. If this is not household pleasant, I do not know the place is.
6. June, Ukraine
Chernobyl, Ukraine
Why You Should Visit:
I’d go so far as to say Ukraine is no doubt among the many Top 10 international locations I loved. It’s cities are extra stunning than many of the cities in Europe I’ve visited (and belief me, I’ve most likely seen extra of Europe than you’ve gotten), however at a fraction of the standard “European costs”. I can get a spaghetti for two.5 Euros and a steak for 4 Euros.
Ukraine is nice not just because it is stunning and actually low-cost. There are fascinating experiences available right here that no different nation can provide. For occasion, Chernobyl. When was the final time you bought to expertise visiting a metropolis untouched for over 30 years?. I do know you may say, “why would I need to do this?” Then why would you need to go to the Colosseum then? Or stroll round in considered one of Europe’s outdated cities?
After the chilly battle, missile silos and tank factories have been deserted. I do not learn about you, however in my childhood, I performed a recreation known as “Red Alert”. It’s fairly fascinating to see and truly be part of the expertise a portion of the sport was primarily based on. Drive a tank and hearth a Kalashnikov Rifle. You will not get to expertise that within the typical “Eastern European” international locations.
Have You Read: My Trip To The Most Radioactive Places On Earth; Chernobyl
Kiev, Ukraine
Getting There:
Singaporeans can get a visa on arrival (100 USD if I keep in mind proper) in Kiev at Boryspil International Airport or from Odessa, Ukraine’s coastal metropolis. For Singaporeans, it is best you fly in from Istanbul since that is a spot you may sometimes go to. For the remainder? Tickets are fairly low-cost in case you fly in from Lithuania, Poland, or Belarus.
Getting Around:
It’s low-cost, simply get a taxi.
No I’m kidding, you may get a taxi, however in Ukraine, you may need to expertise the “underground trains” and trip these lengthy escalators present in former Soviet Republics. For locations like missile silos and Chernobyl, you may want a tour (round $100 USD). But for all over the place else, simply swap between trains and taxi’s and you will be high-quality,
How Safe Is It?
When I point out Ukraine, the very first thing individuals ask is, “is it protected?”.
And I all the time ask, “why do you ask me that? You would not ask me that if I mentioned I used to be going to Paris”.
For the file, whereas half’s of Ukraine is perhaps unstable, many elements, together with it is capital Kiev, are excellent for even a household vacation. Let’s simply say I’d put on a Rolex in Kiev earlier than I’d put on one in Paris. Just use primary frequent sense and all ought to be good.
7. July, Kenya/Tanzania
Why You Should Visit:
Have you been on a Safari? No?
That’s why then.
That apart, in Kenya and Tanzania, you’ll catch the “wildebeast migration”. Basically, its THE National Geographic expertise that the touristy South African “Kruger National Park” CAN’T provide you with.
If you are planing a Safari expertise, East Africa (not South) and the likes of the Masai Mara and Serengeti are no doubt, are the world’s premier safari locations.
Have You Read: Planning to go on an African Safari?…Wait!…Don’t Book Without Reading This First!
Our Honeymoon Suite in Amboseli, Kenya
Getting There:
The greatest means is to fly in to South Africa, sight see somewhat, do their well-known “backyard route” earlier than catching one other flight to Kenya or Tanzania. There are not any direct flights from Singapore after all. Also, you may want a yellow fever vaccination executed (I did mine in Singapore, TTSH, journey clinic). You can fly in from different elements of Africa after all, however I do know you doubtless will not be going there, so sure, follow flying in from S.Africa.
Getting Around:
You can negotiate a Safari bundle the minute you contact down in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. Negotiating nose to nose is cheaper than reserving on-line.The bundle ought to embody the whole lot you may want. If you are extra adventurous, hire a 4WD and do your individual self drive safari, a great deal of individuals do this.
The native bus? Well, strive it as soon as as an expertise, however I would not advocate public transport in Kenya, particularly Nairobi.
How Safe Is It?
Well, so long as you follow a safari tour, it is as protected as in can probably be. Many individuals go on household safari’s. If you are self driving, it is protected as long as you are good at navigation and fixing vehicles.
But, that is Africa. I’d be mendacity if I mentioned it was completely protected. The capital cities Nairobi and Dar es Salaam can have pesky touts and unsavory characters.
And it is not protected in case you wander round after darkish into the improper neighborhoods, however then once more, is not that the identical even in case you go to America?
8. August, Slovenia
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Why You Should Visit:
Lake Bled, Lake Bled, Lake Bled. That’s why most individuals go to Slovenia.
Fortunately, there’s extra to Slovenia than only a fairly lake. The complete of Slovenia is fairly. Think of it as Switzerland at half the fee. Ljubljana, it is capital is fairly, there are different lakes in addition to Bled, like Lake Bohinj that is fairly. They have the Julian Alps that appear to be the Swiss Alps, there are gorges to discover, caves to discover and an overload of fairly cities that may preserve you oohing and ahhing.
So sure, if you cannot afford to go to Switzerland? Visit Slovenia.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Getting There:
Singaporeans do not want a visa and you may get a direct flight in from nearly any main nation in Europe, so I will not speak a lot about this.
Getting Around:
Slovenia is not precisely low-cost in comparison with the remainder of the “Balkans”. Obviously, it is means cheaper than Switzerland however to not the extent the place you do not have to hassle about cash. My suggestion is to hire a automotive. This means, you’ll go to the lakes, mountains and all with out bothering about bus time tables. It’s straightforward sufficient to get round and with a automotive, you may proceed on to different European locations.
Just keep in mind to purchase a vignette earlier than you drive. It’s like a highway tax for highways. The high-quality is 150 Euros for vacationers in case you drive with out one.
How Safe Is It?
If Singapore and Japan are protected, Slovenia’s protected. Simple as that.
9. September, Georgia
Kazebegi, Georgia
Why You Should Visit:
If you profess to be a wine connoisseur and you have not heard of Georgian Wine, empty that bottle of wine over your head. Georgia does not simply have the “world’s greatest wines”, it IS the “birthplace of wine”.
Wine apart, Georgia signify an unlimited mixture of landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to nice seashores. If you get pleasure from visiting European “outdated cities”, Georgia’s capital of Tbilisi has some of the magnificent and properly preserved outdated cities on the planet.
More than simply wine and wonder, Georgia is fascinating. It was one the 15 Soviet States and what you get to expertise on trip right here is an incredible mix of worlds and an attention-grabbing historical past. I used to be as fascinated with what I learn within the museums right here as I used to be blown away by the fantastic thing about this nation.
Oh, and did I point out, nice meals and low-cost costs?
Tbilisi, Georgia
Getting There:
The most cost-effective means from Singapore is to fly in to Dubai. From there, catch a flight on FlyDubai, their equal of SIA’s Silkair. It’s not an inexpensive place to fly into in case you use another permutation of flights until you are flying in from Europe.
Getting Around:
Georgia is affordable. A full day tour can price as little as USD 25. Name me one other European nation providing excursions cheaper than that (okay, maybe Armenia). Taxi rides price subsequent to nothing in comparison with to what Singaporeans are used to. Of course, you may self drive. But with taxi’s and native excursions at such filth low-cost costs, help the native financial system and get round with these as a substitute.
How Safe Is It?
Georgia is without doubt one of the most secure international locations in Europe with very low crime. Again, in case you’re snug with the extent of security in Paris or the US, you may be okay with Georgia.
10. October, Cyprus
Ayia Napa, Cyprus
Why You Should Visit:
I’d describe Cyprus because the extra unique model of Greece. The identical blue sea, identical type of seashores, identical climate, identical meals (mixture of Greek and Turkish), related type of architectural ruins to take a look at, related mountains to hike, however this is the distinction, Cyprus is just a bit extra “taking place”.
Parents convey their youngsters right here for a household trip, Europeans fly down right here to flee the chilly harsh winter. But many individuals, come all the way down to Cyprus for the “events”. Together with Spain’s Ibiza, Cyprus’s Ayia Napa is the get together capital of the Mediterranean.
So sure, for beers, events, seashores and intercourse, Cyprus is the place you need to be, not Greece. Oh, and naturally for the household seaside holidays as properly.
Paphos, Cyprus
Getting There:
I flew to Cyprus from Bahrain, however you do not have to go that route.
Cyprus is break up into two, the Turkish aspect and the Greek aspect. The frequent cities to fly into are Larnaca (Greek), and Nicosia (Turkish). There are direct flights from most main cities in Europe and Middle Eastern capital cities.
Getting Around:
Public Transportation in Cyprus is nice. Even essentially the most far out points of interest are served by public buses. English is not a problem and there are vacationer info cubicles throughout that can assist you if needed. In truth, the general public transportation is so good you will not even want a taxi. I used to be touring solo after I visited Cyprus. But if I had are available a bunch of 3-4, I most likely would have rented a automotive.
How Safe Is It?
So protected, and the locals are actually pleasant. I neither felt any hazard vibes nor a tinge of boredom after I was touring solo in Cyprus. When I journey, I often costume to look broke, or to appear to be a backpacker. I did the identical after I was in Cyprus, and was stunned to search out myself surrounded by vacationers decked out in luxurious objects head to toe
11. November, Zambia/Zimbabwe
The Devil’s Pool, Zambia
Why You Should Visit:
Both Zambia and Zimbabwe sit alongside each other and share the arguably essentially the most well-known attraction in all of Africa, The Victoria Falls.
November is without doubt one of the drier months of the 12 months, and this implies you may get to really see the falls as a substitute of seeing an enormous mist within the wet season. Also, you’ll swim within the “Devil’s Pool” as a result of the water stage is low sufficient.
Besides the falls, you may sit up for not simply the standard Safari recreation drives, but additionally, recreation viewing within the river. There are boating safari’s, and even Houseboat safari’s the place you get to sleep on the water surrounded by animals. If you are an adrenaline junkie, you may love the zip-lining, canyoning, and even bungee leaping off the Victoria Falls Bridge!
Unlikely many different African international locations, each Zambia and Zimbabwe have correct 5 star historic resorts just like the Royal Livingstone and Victoria Falls Hotel to your to actually have a cushty, magical African trip.
Have You Read: Visiting The Devil’s Pool? I Suggest You Read This First.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Getting There:
The most cost-effective strategy to get right here can also be through South Africa which additionally occurs to be essentially the most “worthwhile” nation to make use of your air-miles on in case you’re coming from Singapore. There are many flights to Victoria falls or Livingstone which is the place most vacationers go to when coming to both of those international locations.
Getting Around:
Taxi is the most secure strategy to get by. If you are staying at a excessive finish lodge, you may most likely have your individual driver or shuttle bus to your lodge. The remainder of the time, you may be on excursions that choose you up out of your lodge and drop you again there. The city you may be in is sufficiently small to get round on foot.
How Safe Is It?
There are many policemen round searching for vacationer security most likely as a result of their financial system cannot afford to take successful if one thing have been to occur to vacationers. So yeah, it is as protected as might be. I’d let “The Girl” come alone if she wished to; it is that protected.
Unless after all you intend on getting drunk in a neighborhood bar and discovering your means again at 3am within the morning.
12. December, Laos
Vang Vieng, Laos
Why You Should Visit:
It’s truly getting touristy already, however you must go to whereas most individuals are nonetheless fixated with Cambodia and Vietnam.
Visit Vang Vieng and float down the river on a rubber tube with a beer in hand, you may by no means expertise this anyplace else. Did I additionally point out the “world’s most cost-effective sizzling air balloon” trip can also be in Laos? 90 USD for a trip. In Turkey, it is twice that, and in Bagan, Myanmar, its Asian neighbor, a sizzling air balloon trip is nearer to $200 USD than it’s to $90!
Luang Prabang can also be fairly touristy with stunning waterfalls, good temples and the like. Overall, I’d advocate Laos over most of its neighboring international locations.
Have You Read: So you’ve got visited most of South-East Asia? Well, I guess you forgot about LAOS.
Kuang Si Waterfall, Luang Prabang
Getting There:
You can get direct flights from Singapore however timing and price is not precisely excellent. If you are exploring different international locations in Asia as properly, fly direct to these as a substitute after which get a direct flight from say Cambodia. Don’t simply go to Luang Prabang like many Singaporeans do, begin from Vientiane and make you are means up via Vang Vieng else you are lacking out.
Getting Around:
Like Thailand, there are tuk tuks. Singaporeans ought to have it straightforward right here. Just discount and hop on. If your planing to start out from Vientiane, there are specific buses that may get you about to the totally different main stops. If you are simply visiting Luang Prabang, all you may do is swap between strolling, tuk tuk and excursions.
How Safe Is It?
Is Thailand protected? Laos is just about the identical.
What About “The Girl & You”?
Okavango Delta, Botswanna
Well, we is perhaps on our eighty fifth nation however we have nonetheless not but visited the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. So in 2019, we’ll doubtless go to these areas in the end.
In March we’ll be heading again to Africa but once more, June most likely the Caribbean and S.America as talked about, in September possibly Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and even one other a part of Africa once more, and on the finish of the 12 months, possibly a touristy vacation spot like Korea, who is aware of?.
Well, we have got our journey plans mapped out for 2019. Have you?
Try one on this listing, you will not remorse it!
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