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Fri, 01/11/2019 - 11:41
If you're struggling to write New Years' Resolutions, why not steal one?
The Dalai Lama says "once a year, travel someplace you haven't been before" and we think its a good rule to live by; and probably the kind of resolution you'll want to keep.
To save you the internet overwhelm to find out all the places you can go, we've got you covered with these 19 destinations to visit in 2019. Did we mention you can access them all from Brisbane Airport?
Bon Voyage!
1. Apia, Samoa
If Instagram has taught us anything, it's that Samoa is the kind of destination that requires no filter. It's easy to see why - it's packed with cave pools, the water is crystal clear and its jungles positively Jurassic. So if your backyard swimming pool isn't cutting the mustard this summer, make 2019 the year to dip your toes into the crystal clear blue waters of To Le Sua, nature's answer to a plunge pool. This emerald watering hole is surrounded by rock walls and accessed by a totally Instagrammable wooden ladder that will make all your friends green with holiday envy.
GETTING THERE
2. Los Angeles, United States of America
If you're looking for a holiday destination that's served sunny-side up, it's time to put California's biggest and most populous city, Los Angeles, on your holiday to-do list. It's not just LA celebrities or the Hollywood sign that are famous around here, just about everything you see is a household name; Venice Beach, Universal Studios Hollywood and Rodeo Drive to name a few.
GETTING THERE
3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Never seen the Petronas Towers? Then it's time to see the tallest twin towers in the world, which have appeared in more Hollywood hits than some actors. Kuala Lumpur is the kind of destination where history and heritage collide, making this city down right eclectic to visit. If you're the kind of traveller who likes to go hard, otherwise you might as well just have stayed at home, you'll be happy to know KL's list of things to see and do don't stop when the sun goes down. A bit like New York, this is one capital city that doesn't sleep, with a nightlife full of pubs, clubs and karaoke lounges.
GETTING THERE
4. Queenstown, New Zealand
For a winter getaway that feels a lot further than 3.5 hours away, say hello to Queenstown on New Zealand's south island. This ski resort town comes to life each winter with New Zealand's most famous peaks on its doorstep: The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Cardrona, and Treble Cone. Take the pain out of packing with holiday deals which include resort accommodation, ski passes and transfers. Don't rule it out as a winter only destination, for the other three seasons of the year, Queenstown keeps the adrenalin charged with jet boating, hiking and canyon swinging.
GETTING THERE
5. Shenzhen, China
If you ever played SimCity, chances are you'll love Shenzhen. Why? It was once a town of 300,000 people and ballooned to over 10 million thanks to incredible urban planning worthy of being listed as a UNESCO City of Design. What Shenzhen may lack in ancient history, it makes up for in the modern kind, with its young population earning the city the title of 'China's creative heart'. A visit here, is a bit like visiting the Silicon Valley of China; even the billionaire founder of DJI Drones lives here.
GETTING THERE
6. Singapore
If you've only ever had a stopover in Singapore on your way to somewhere else, we hate to tell you, but you're doing it wrong. The Lion City packs into 721km2 a truck load of things to see and do. What's most striking is the fact the country is a veritable chameleon, thanks to being the most culturally and religious diverse country in the world. Forget four seasons in one day, this is like seeing four countries in one, as Singaporean, Malaysian, Indian and Western cultures collide.
GETTING THERE
7. Bali, Indonesia
There might be more than 17,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago, but Bali is arguably the most famous, and for good reason. It's the kind of destination that you walk away from knowing your whole mind, body and soul has been rejuvenated; with the promise of both action and relaxation on your holiday. Beyond its beautiful beaches, its rainforests and rice terraces draw a crowd. Accommodation comes in all shapes and sizes, with undoubtedly some of the world's best infinity swimming pools found here.
GETTING THERE
8. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
If you're sick of the same old skyline, why not trip to Dubai for one of the most famous skylines in the world? Ticking the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building the the world, off your bucket list is a no brainer, but there's so much more to do in this desert city than just aerial views. Considering 90% of the country weren't actually born there, Dubai is a melting pot of cuisines and cultures, which makes visiting it all the more exciting. Whether you spend your days lazing along Dubai's 1000km of coastline or choose to take a sandy desert safari, you won't walk away thinking of Dubai as a stop over any more.
GETTING THERE
9. Shanghai, China
If you like to visit cities that are equal parts old and new, get ready for the architectural juxtaposition of Shanghai. Make a beeline for the photo opportunities along The Bund, where the buildings look like they've stepped off the banks of the Seine in Paris and found themselves in this eastern province of China. The old part of this bustling city of 24 million people isn't the only part that will leave your jaw on the floor. It's well worth visiting the world's second tallest tower, Shanghai Tower, which has the world's fastest elevator, travelling 20.5 metres per second.
GETTING THERE
10. Manila, Philippines
If you're of the view that if you've seen one south-east Asian country, you've seen them all, prepare for the Philippines to blow your theory right out of the water. The Philippines is Asia's only former Spanish colony, and Manila has the architecture to prove it. Get to know the history of the city with a visit to the National Museum of the Filipino People, or just marvel at its neoclassical design. Use Manila as your base to discover volcanoes and crater lakes to see the Philippine's postcard worth scenery IRL (in real life).
GETTING THERE
11. Uluru, Northern Territory
Make 2019 the year to see red with a visit to Australia's centre, Uluru. While climbing the rock is officially banned as of October 2019, there's still plenty of ways to see it - from riding around it by bike or segway, watching the sun rise or set over its arkose and glamping with Longitude 131 luxury accommodation. There's no time like the present to see Australia's most famous rock face, with Field of Light, an installation of 50,000 coloured stems, lighting up the landscape around it through December 2020.
GETTING THERE
12. Whitsundays, Queensland
Do you even need an excuse to visit the 74 island wonders of the Whitsundays? But if you did, it's because this comeback king of a destination has turned over an exciting new leaf after Cyclone Debbie in 2017. This year, new island resorts are about to steal your heart with the re-launch of the Intercontinental Hayman Island and Daydream Island Resort. Be one of the first guests to experience what makes Whitsundays island time so special.
GETTING THERE
13. Levi, Finland
No it's not a fairytale, but you can ride in a sleigh driven by reindeer, sleep in an igloo and visit Santa. Welcome to Levi, 180km above the arctic circle in Finland, where snow scenery is as common as Australian sand and sea. The winter ski town of Levi transforms into a winter wonderland, with 44 runs serviced by 28 lifts if you're looking for a holiday that's off piste. If you're on the hunt for northern lights, you're in luck. It's almost guaranteed viewing August to April.
GETTING THERE
14. Lisbon, Portugal
Calling all culture vultures, this one's for you. You know a city is going to be good when its history books were written by Roman imperialists, Berber pirates and Moorish builders. Introducing the melting pot that is Lisbon, and this city by sea doesn't disappoint. Wander the Torre de Belem, the fortress above the seafront at the Lisbon Quays, standing in the same place since the 16th century. In case you need more convincing, we'll just leave two words here that will have you booking your holiday as fast as you read them: portugese tarts.
GETTING THERE
15. Yosemite, United States of America
In a world of social media, swap screen time for green time and get back to big nature at Yosemite National Park. You'll find everything from fishing and hiking to spas and breweries, wrapped up into a neat 3107km2 national park package. Be sure to clear the memory cards to take home photos of valleys, meadows, giant sequoias and waterfalls (five of which are more than 300m tall).
GETTING THERE
16. Kimberley, Western Australia
Riddle us this - what destination is three times as large as England but home to a population of less than 40,000 people? The Kimberley, one of Australia's last outback frontiers. It might be remote, but you'll be far from roughing it, with luxury accommodation and exceptional food on its side. Go from bush to beach easily, by visiting nearby Broome where you can take a camel ride along Cable Beach as the sun sets.
GETTING THERE
17. Zadar, Croatia
Move over Dubrovnik, there is a new croatian beauty in town and it laps the same coastline on the Dalmatian Coast as its big sister, only without any of the crowds. At least until now. A favourite haunt of Hitchcock, you'll find Zadar lifts the waterfall game, wherein you can swim at the foot of seven cascades at Skradinski Buk.
GETTING THERE
18. Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii might be best known for its waterfall game, lush rainforests and world-class shopping earn its place in the list. Waikiki Beach needs no introduction for those looking to flop and drop this holiday season. For a dose of retail therapy, set your sights on Honolulu's largest shopping mall, Ala Moana center, packed with discount designer stores.
GETTING THERE
19. Taipei, Taiwan
If you're the kind of traveller who books with their stomach, it's time to test the claim that Taipei's food is the best in the world. Street food is where it's at, with beef noodle soup, oyster pancakes, fresh squid and fried chicken available by the handful on street corners and markets. Street food isn't just confined to daylight hours, there are dozens of night markets which locals and visitors flock to for a feast of the senses.
GETTING THERE
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