Thanks to Instagram's army of travel bloggers, new and off-the-beaten-track destinations seem more accessible than ever. We know where they've been, but what about the up-and-coming destinations we'll be seeing lots more of in 2019? According to Booking.com, the top travel destinations for the year ahead are an eclectic bunch, ranging from a historic Dutch city to an unspoiled island bird sanctuary off the coast of Bali.
The 10 places were selected after Booking.com polled 21,500 travellers from 29 countries on where they've travelled to already and where they plan to visit in the next 12 months. The website's research also found that sustainable and conscious travel are set to become even more popular in 2019, as travellers seek to reduce negative environmental impact but still satisfy their wanderlust.
Meanwhile, more than half of global travellers (53%) said that they plan to take more weekend trips in 2019. Thankfully, a few of the destinations in the top 10 are doable over a long weekend... well, just about.
Palomino, Colombia
This beachside town offers beautiful Caribbean beaches without the tourist bustle of Barbados, Dominican Republic or Jamaica. Wildlife lovers can look out for toucans and monkeys, while bargain hunters will enjoy staying at luxurious hostels which charge backpacker-friendly prices. Travellers from the UK fly to Colombia's capital Bogotá first, then take a short connecting flight to Palomino.
Leeuwarden, Netherlands
This small Dutch city (its population is around 120,000) was named a European Capital of Culture in 2018 thanks to its impressive array of art, ceramics and natural history museums. Once home to the Dutch royal family, its historic city centre is packed with sightseeing highlights including the Oldehove, a leaning unfinished church tower. It's about an hour-and-a-half's drive from Amsterdam, but British Airways, easyJet and Flybe all offer direct flights from the UK.
Nusa Penida, Indonesia
This idyllic island off the southeast coast of Bali still feels like a hidden gem. It's a great place to connect with nature: a designated bird sanctuary, it offers unspoiled beaches and landscapes, plus snorkelling in the Lombok Strait which connects the Java Sea to the Indian Ocean. Get there by catching a public boat from Bali; the journey takes about 90 minutes.
Ksamil, Albania
This picturesque Albanian coastal village with just under 3,000 inhabitants is known for its beautiful secluded beaches and gorgeous crystal-clear waters. Visitors can also explore the nearby Ksamil Islands and ancient city of Butrint, then refuel at a selection of very affordable restaurants. The nearest airport is actually Corfu in Greece, which is about an hour's drive away.
Bacalar, Mexico
This 16th century coastal town is so pretty and tranquil, it's been called the "new Maldives". It's also known for delicious seafood, but the major tourist attraction is the shimmering Lake of the Seven Colours, a popular diving and snorkelling spot. UK travellers can fly to Mexico City or Cancun, then catch a short connecting flight to nearby Chetumal airport.
Wadi Rum, Jordan
Also known as the "Valley of Sand", this stunning desert wilderness has inspired countless filmmakers over the years – its reddish rocks even stood in for Mars in 2015's Matt Damon-Kristen Wiig movie The Martian. Tourists come here for stargazing and bucket list sunsets, but if you're tempted, you'll need to plan ahead: it's at least a four-hour drive from Jordan's Amman airport.
Mestia, Georgia
This town in northwestern Georgia lends itself to a super varied trip. You can hike up the stunning Chaladi Glacier if you're feeling active, or check out the Svaneti Musuem of History and Ethnography if you fancy giving your brain a workout instead. Either way, you'll want to sample hearty local cuisine whose specialties include "tashmijabi", a dish comprising cheesy mashed potatoes. Direct flights from the UK to Georgia's capital Tbilisi take less than five hours, but Mestia is a short connecting flight away.
Ouarzazate, Morocco
If you've done Marrakech but want to see more of Morocco, this historic city nicknamed "the door of the desert" is a strong option. Sightseers will love exploring the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and nearby oasis town of Zagora. Total flight time from the UK is around eight or nine hours with a change at Casablanca, but it's probably best to avoid visiting in summer months, when temperatures can soar above 40C.
Kigali, Rwanda
This one's for wildlife lovers: come here to glimpse the "Big Five" (lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalos and leopards) on safari in Akagera National Park, plus mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Parks. The city of Kigali also boasts a booming food and drink scene and is widely recognised as one of Africa's safest spots for travellers. The fastest flights from the UK are via Brussels, and take around 10-and-a-half hours.
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
This relatively unsung city in central Asia has been a major cultural centre for hundreds of years, so sightseers and history buffs will be in paradise. It's home to fabulous medieval architecture and monuments including the super opulent Registan Square, which is covered in mosaics and decorated with gold and calligraphy. Flights from the UK via Moscow or Istanbul take upwards of nine-and-a-half hours.
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