The turn of a new year brings a whole new exciting time to plan your travels for the next twelve months. It can, however, be a very confusing process, with so many options to choose from, so many tips from friends and so much wanderlust to be found on Instagram!
We’ve been lucky enough to explore some extraordinary places in 2018, from magical beaches and buzzing cities to beautiful landscapes and culinary adventures. Explore our top tips to guide your travel plans in 2019, along with our thoughts on where’s going to be hot and where we want to be next year.
Where to go...
...For a romantic beach escape: Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
This beautiful group of islands off the coast of Mozambique challenges the well trodden routes of the Maldives or the Seychelles, with a limited number of beautiful and luxurious resorts dotted around these dreamy islands. Marvel at the turquoise waters and the endless sandy beaches, kick back with a Super Bock and escape all reality!
Looking for the perfect barefoot retreat, read our full review of Azura Benguerra.
...For the foodies: Emilia Romagna, Italy
Italy is, of course, a go to destination for any food lovers. However, this part of Northern Italy is another level of food porn. At its centre sits the quaint capital of Bologna, home to the classic bolognese (served with tagliatelle, not spaghetti of course!). Venture outside the capital and explore Parma for its hams, Modena for its balsamic vinegar (and, by the way, the world’s best restaurant) and Reggio Emilia for it Parmigiano Reggiano cheese!
Looking for a guided tour of the gastronomic delights surrounding Bologna, check out our review of Emilia Delizia’s food tours.
...For the wine aficionados: Constantia, South Africa
The winelands region outside of Cape Town, comprising of Stellenbosch and Paarl are well known around the world for their picturesque vineyards and delicious wines. However, located closer to the city and tucked in the foothills of Table Mountain is the lesser known region of Constantia. Home to only a handful of producers, the region is one of the most dramatic you will see, with beautiful vineyards set against the jagged rock of the mountain, and some divine wines to match.
Looking to plan a self guided tour of the Constantia, check out our guide to the Constantia wine region.
...For the popular alternative: French Riviera
Whilst the French Riviera has always been (and always will be) a go-to destination for the rich and famous, most visitors head straight for the classic coastal towns full of the glamour of Cannes or St Tropez. Set back from the cliched coast line sits an array of picture-perfect hill top towns and villages that will throw you back to old-worldly France. Explore the likes of St Paul de Vence, Grasse and Tourettes sur Loup to discover some hidden treasures that you can’t find on the coast.
...For the staycation: Lake District, UK
The glistening waters and rolling hills of Cumbria has always been an attraction for Brits looking to escape the 9-5. In peak season, the areas around Windermere become inundated with tourists, so aim to explore around the shoulder season to enjoy the magic of the area, as well as its array of stunning boutique hotels and superb restaurants.
Looking to plan the perfect Lake District getaway, check out our guide to the Lakes.
What’s going to be hot on my Insta feed?
With Instagram beginning to get tired of the classic Bali swing pose and travellers seeing the sad reality of what tourism has done to this Indonesian island, bloggers are now looking elsewhere. The photogenic area of Komodo National Park, only an hours flight from Bali, is set to be next on everyone’s radar with its stunning turquoise waters and magnificent landscapes.
As relations with the USA and the rest of the world continue to thaw, the colourful island of Cuba will likely be a big destination for bloggers as tourism emerges to challenge some of its Caribbean neighbours. From eccentric Havana, where the old worldly Cadillacs still rule, to the stunning white ‘cayos’ (beaches) dotted around this large island, Cuba will surely be one to watch out for.
Our best memories of 2018
Most unforgettable wildlife sighting
On our first afternoon game drive at the wonderful Baobab Ridge in Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, within five minutes of leaving camp we came across a once-in-a-lifetime sighting of two leopards squabbling over a fresh kill. Perched in the tree above us, only feet away, is a moment we’ll never forget, especially when the hyenas arrived trying to scavenge any scraps!
Most breathtaking moment
When we stayed on Benguerra island in Mozambique, we were lucky to enjoy a transfer to the beautiful archipelago by helicopter. The 15 minute journey took us out over turquoise waters so clear we could see the reefs below and pristine sand bars stretching for miles from these paradise islands.
Most delicious meal
We enjoyed another year of incredible food, including a visit to the ‘world’s best restaurant’, Osteria, Francescana, making it hard to pick a winner. One that will always sit at the front of our minds was our evening at Kevin Tickle’s local produce-focussed restaurant, The Forest Side. With dishes including venison pastrami or beetroot with ragstone, the 10-course grand’un menu is a feast for both your eyes and tastebuds.
Best hidden gem
Whilst the wine of the Champagne region is naturally well known around the world, the surrounding villages are pretty far off the beaten tourist track. We spent some time exploring outside of Epernay, discovering an array of charming villages and quaint smaller producers dotted amongst the rolling vineyards that produce this liquid gold.
