The results are in and the best travel hotspots for 2019 have been named. If your New Year’s resolution is to take more holidays this year, why not place a few of these top destinations on your itinerary.
Every year, Lonely Planet reveals it top travel hotspots and experiences which are based on recommendations put forward by travel experts, influencers, and locals. Top travel hotspots must offer something unique or exceptional to receive such an honour, such as unique architecture, culinary specialties, or rich culture.
Dust off your passport and get ready to place a few more stamps in those empty pages, as we take you to some of the top cities and countries to visit in 2019. You 05/find it difficult to decide on just one, so it 05/be best to look into an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy.
Top cities to visit in 2019
Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark’s capital has always been popular will travellers, but it has seen really exciting changes lately that is making the city even more enticing. Always popular is the city’s range of stunning architecture which includes Rosenborg Castle and the colourful 17th century houses along the Nyhavn waterfront.
Old meat packing districts and industrial areas have recently been transformed into areas offering trendy bars and restaurants, including a popular street food market selling delicious cuisine out of shipping containers.
The famous Tivoli Gardens amusement park once closed during the winter months is now opening its doors to offer ice skating and a bit of Christmas magic. There are also plans for the city to create a ski slope on a recycling centre. The city retains its bike friendly atmosphere, offering the cool Cycle Snake structure and plans for a new metro line which will make getting around the city even easier.
Shēnzhèn, China
Shēnzhèn has become a leading global technology hub, leading many to say it is the next Silicon Valley. Linking Hong Kong to China’s mainland, you’ll find great shopping at malls like Luohu Commercial City and former warehouses have been transformed into contemporary art spaces that are intermixed with nightclubs, restaurants, bookstores, and design shops. You’ll find a number of theme parks to keep you entertained including the Window to the World which recreates many of the world’s most iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and our very own Sydney Opera House. See over 10,000 animals at the Shenzhen Safari Park and head over to the Splendid China Folk Village to see scaled down versions of some of China’s most incredible attractions such as the Terracotta Army, Great Wall of China, and the Three Gorges Dam. 
Miami, Florida, USA
Miami tourism has been booming, largely due to its incredible weather, energetic nightlife, high end shopping, and popular beaches. The city has also become a centre for the arts with the Miami Design District offering the latest in fashion, design, architecture, and unique dining experiences. The $600 million makeover to the Miami Beach Convention Center is nearing completion and looks to only encourage tourism numbers with its 60,000 square-foot-grand-ballroom and 500,000 feet of exhibit space. See funky innovative art at the Institute of Contemporary Art, check out the new parking garages that have been transformed into works of art, and pay a visit to the new and exciting Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science with its planetarium and their three level aquarium. 
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has become increasingly popular as a top eco-tourism spot as well as one of the world’s leading wellness destinations with its numerous spas and yoga retreats available. More of the country is becoming accessible to tourists, offering them the chance to see Sri Lanka’s abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes. A rather small nation, you can cover a lot of ground in a short time. For an authentic cultural experience, one of the best ways to see the country is by rail. See the ruins of Anuradhapura which is said to be home of the oldest known human planted tree, the fig tree known as Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. See more of the country’s natural side by heading to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve or Udawalawe National Park to see water buffalo, elephants, birds, and more. Be sure to visit the markets, try rice and curry, and sample some of the best tea in the world. Sri Lanka’s beaches have always been popular, with Tangalle, Marakolliya, and Rekawa Beach all leading the pack. Arugam Bay is the popular spot to go if you’re looking for great surfing, with the best waves running from 04/to 09/.
Germany
Bauhaus, probably the most influential art and design schools in history, celebrates its centenary next year. Existing in Weimar, Dessau, and Berlin, the school was shut down by the Nazi regime when it was deemed un-German. The artistic movement survived and went on to influence architecture, design, and works of art in a wide array of mediums. Visitors to Germany in 2019 will have the chance to experience a wide range of events, exhibitions, and new museums that will celebrate the 100th birthday of Bauhaus. Of course Germany still offers many of its top attractions as well, including walking beneath the Brandenburg Gate, stepping into a fairytale setting at Neuschwanstein Castle, or taking a scenic train ride through the Black Forest.
Panama
Panama’s capital, Panama City, is turning 500 years old next year and a range of celebrations geared for both adults and children are planned and include musical, artistic, cultural, sporting, theatrical, and recreational activities. Panama City has begun to restore and revitalise many of its areas, making it as colourful and vibrant as it has ever been. Grab a Panama hat and take to the colonial streets of Casco Viejo or escape to the San Blas islands for untouched nature and culture. See some of Panama’s earliest history by taking a stroll around the ruins of Panama Viejo and get a bird’s eye view of modern day Panama City by powering up Ancon Hill. Spot sloths, giant blue morpho butterflies, toucans, and possibly even a jaguar in Soberania National Park or check out the marine life and idyllic beaches of the Pearl Islands. Of course no trip to Panama is complete without checking out the Panama Canal.