We are well into the second month of 2019 which means holiday breaks will soon be on the horizon. Was one of your New Year’s resolutions to spend quality time with your family? No doubt you desired making memories on holidays was a favourite way to do this.
Allow us to share the top 2019 family destinations with you so you can find and plan your holidays for the year.
Dubai
Dubai is the most decadent destination and is probably the most extravagant place on earth. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, Dubai has a variety of activities. From skydiving to indoor snow skiing to roller coaster rides at IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai really does have it all. If heights don’t bother you, you can admire the city of Dubai from the 148th level of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. But if you prefer to keep both or your feet safely on the ground, check out the 30-minute show at the Dubai Fountain, the world’s second-largest water fountain choreographed with music and lights.
Opulent shopping can be found in Dubai and includes designer boutiques, luxury brands, and even exotic cars and animals. You can also take in some traditional experiences like a tour of Jumeirah Mosque, the Dubai Spice Market or a camel ride at Mushrif Park.
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon, a park dedicated to America’s most famous geologic marvel will celebrate it’s 100-year anniversary in 2019. The awe-inspiring experience will include talks, concerts and special exhibitions throughout the year.
New tours at the Grand Canyon include less-travelled corners such as its family friendly tour plus a new itinerary that offers a visit to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.
Guatemala
Guatemala is Central America distilled, its mix of mountain and jungle landscapes, haunting Mayan ruins and vibrant Indian culture has been luring travellers since the writer Aldous Huxley was hypnotized back in the 1930s.
Today, the land of eternal spring is bouncing back. Perched on the rim of the jewel-like Lake Atitlán, Guatemala’s finest boutique hotel has expanded its rustic-chic rooms, which are decorated with indigenous and colonial artefacts, from nine to 15, and signed on Guatemala’s top celebrity chef and TV star to oversee its menu specializing in indigenous cuisine.
Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya offers the most amazing accommodation, beaches and safaris. Kenya is an opportunity to spend time exploring creative handmade crafts of colourful beads, jewellery, and ceramics. You can visit and watch artists at work as they design apparel from across the continent. Read a testimonial of one our clients who visited Mnarani Club & Spa.
Namibia
Namibia, the astonishing beauty of the Namib Desert has long had its admirers, but until recently most visitors have been happy campers but now a flurry of upscale new lodges has signalled a far more sophisticated future for tourism in this sensational southwest African nation.
First on the list for most travellers is undoubtedly Omaanda, outside the capital of Windhoek, with its heated infinity pool and boutique spa. New on the desert scene is Sossus Under Canvas, a handsome, exclusive-use tented camp near the iconic red-sand dunes of Sossusvlei, and nearby Nest, an astonishing private house built to resemble a weaver bird’s nest.
You can track desert adapted elephant, lion and giraffe in Namibia. Further afield is Serra Cafina, Namibia’s most remote and sought-after luxury camp.
Paris
Paris has long been a favourite travel destination due to its romantic and historical air. It’s a city as iconic as its centrepiece, the Eiffel Tower, and is synonymous with fashion, culinary, history, art, and architecture. One should tour the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and see the Arc de Triomphe.
The Mona Lisa is the most admired work within the Louvre, but the Venus de Milo and the Nike of Samothrace are beautiful and iconic works that should not be missed.
Those seeking romance in Paris should make their way to the top of the Eiffel Tower to take in the view, indulge in pastries and champagne at a small restaurant, and enjoy a carriage ride for two around the city.
Portugal
Portugal is no longer Europe’s best kept secret. Its colourful palaces, historic towns, pleasant weather and fertile vineyards have gained increased popularity.
Lisbon is the heart of Portugal and a popular place to start your visit and then travel to the wine areas around Porto and the beaches of Algarve. The country has trendy apartments that are perfect for family travel. Rooftop restaurants and bars are also popular.
Singapore
The city of Singapore is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular travel destinations and thrives as one of the world’s leading financial and business centres. This growing capital city has something to offer everyone. Marina Bay offers high-end shopping, dining experiences, and even has a casino. It’s also a great place to see a Broadway hit or even a local show.
Linking Marina Bay to Marina Centre, the Helix Bridge, the first bridge in the world to feature the ‘double helix’ structure, stands as the longest ‘pedestrian link-way’ in Singapore. If you are a food-lover or shopping enthusiast, Orchard Road is your destination. This retail destination houses just about every type of restaurant and store you could ever want and plays a major part in annual festivals.
You’ll also find food and shopping delights in the Clarke Quay area along the river, Little India and in Chinatown, which transforms into a vast market filled with vendors, street performers, acrobats, and more throughout the year.
Sydney
National Parks and beaches surround the beautiful and modern city of Sydney. For a natural experience in Sydney, be sure to go to the white sand beaches. The oceanfront cliffs at Royal National Park is a favourite and a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park to see the animals is a must.
You can head to Sydney Harbour Bridge for a Bridge Climb experience and enjoy the view and visit the Sydney Opera House for a backstage tour.
London
London has always been one of the world’s most visited cities. With a rich history and modern attractions, London has something for everyone. If you want to experience modern London, be sure to visit the London Eye and check out its impressive views of the city.
Crossing the London Millennium Footbridge is a great way to see the River Thames and to access the Tate Modern for an art tour and lunch with a view of London. Be sure to check out the Shakespeare Globe, for a play you won’t forget. For a traditional London visit, see the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace and see the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben striking the hour followed by a lunch of fish and chips with a pint of ale.
Thank you for reading our list of the Top 10 Places not to miss in 2019!