Where to Go in 2019; Yampu’s Must-See Destinations for the New Year
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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.
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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.
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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 in the world, just to name a few.
Both Yampu managers, Karolina and Stephanie spent some time in Jordan in 2018 and were enchanted by the region. After a long desert hike, Karolina enjoyed a romantic, candlelit evening with her travel partner while admiring the architectural wonder of Petra. Lit with over 1,500 candles, the Petra Night Show is a magical way to explore the old city.
When you should go;
Jordan is a hot, desert climate that can be enjoyed nearly anytime of the year. Although traveling during the scorching summer months is possible, we don’t suggest it for your own comfort’s sake. Its suggested avoiding June through August for a more enjoyable experience.
Where to go;
Amazon, Peru
Why you need to go;
Of course, how can we have a top countdown of amazing destinations without including Peru?
The Amazon rainforest covers more than 60% of Peru’s total landmass and is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. The best way to truly experience its worth? River cruises.
River cruising offers travelers a unique opportunity to immerse in local Amazonian culture and experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of the mighty Amazon River. Yampu explorers can take in the sights and sounds of the jungle around with all the comforts of luxury accommodations aboard vessels such as the Aria Amazon. All Amazon river cruises our experts work with offer luxury experiences on top of their fabulous accommodations. Learn about the environment up close with small kayak tours while appreciating the lush surroundings.
When you should go;
While river cruises typically operate year-round, the year is divided into two seasons; low season and high. High season is when the most rain is accumulated while during the low season the river receives less precipitation. Do note this is the rainforest and it does rain year-round.
Both seasons have their benefits; however, we recommend going during the warmer low season (June – November) when rain is less frequent and jungle trails are accessible by foot. This way you can explore the depths of the jungle further with your guide. Low season also provides prime piranha fishing opportunities along with seeing capuchin monkeys and macaws.
Where to go;
Argentina
Why you need to go;
From the sheer power of Iguazu Falls to the rugged plateau of Patagonia, Argentina is one of the most diverse destinations in the world as far as geography. Being the second largest country in South America, you can imagine there is a lot to discover. The country’s Capital, Buenos Aires, is considered one of the most stunning cities in Latin America and has earned the title of “the Paris of the South” with its European influences. Much like Paris, romance is always in the air with tango shows and lessons throughout the city being paired with some of the world’s most famous wines. If the mention of wine piqued your curiosity, a tour of the lush vineyards of Mendoza, is a must.
When you should go;
Argentina can be a year-round destination depending on your interests and regions you want to experience. Patagonia is most accessible during the southern hemisphere’s summer months of December through March. Autumn in Patagonia is also picturesque as the leaves turn colors while the Winelands greet visitors with equally warm tones. In the springtime, the Lake District rolls out its carpet of wildflowers that look to be straight out of a Monet painting.
Where to go;
Japan
Why you need to go;
Japan has been growing in popularity for several years now with very little wonder to why. History is found around every corner. Distinct seasons provide endless activities. The food is fresh and simply exquisite, surpassing many popular European foodie destinations. The people are polite and provide some of the warmest hospitality. Transportation is clean and famously punctual. From family fun to finding your Zen with some health and wellness pampering, nearly every interest is met in the Land of the Rising Sun.
With the 2020 summer Olympics being hosted in Tokyo, we only see tourism increasing with more unique experiences to choose from.
When you should go;
Another year-round destination, Japan is very popular in the springtime with Cherry Blossom season starting as early as February and ending as late as mid-April. Understand that this is Japan’s busiest season and things sell out quickly so be sure to plan with your Yampu Tour Consultant well in advance. If you’re open to exploring Japan during the off-season, September through November offers beautiful foliage while the winter is prime for skiing and numerous winter events.
Where to go;
Iceland
Why you need to go;
The perfect destination for all kinds of travelers, Iceland certainly stands out for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts. The small island nation is quite unique with its volcanic activity creating black sand beaches and geothermal lagoons (Think of it as Hawaii frozen over). Starting out in the capital of Reykjavik, explorers can get a feel of the country’s warm hospitality before venturing out to the more frigid outskirts in search of glaciers and epic waterfalls. One of the biggest draws to Iceland is the pursuit of witnessing the famous Northern lights.
When you should go;
To witness the spectacular phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis it is best to visit Iceland between March and September. However, seeing the northern lights is not always guaranteed so go for the destination not only the lights!
So, did that inspire you to get out and travel or what? Tell us what destinations you want to experience in 2019 in the comments! Before you forget, be sure to signup for our newsletter for more travel tips, tricks, and deals.
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