presented by Exxotica Travel

Now, more than ever, there is a seemingly endless world of opportunity when it comes to travel. With improved transportation options providing increased exposure and access to lesser-known destinations, our vacation options are constantly evolving. Travel in 2019 is all about putting experiences before specific landmarks or sights and making sure you experience vacation on your terms. Whether you’re shark cage diving in South Africa, touring a vineyard in Bordeaux, or participating in Holi Festival celebrations in India, the experience is now more important than simply ticking popular sights off your list. Multi-center vacations and tours, where you visit several destinations in one trip, are the perfect way to delve into the culture of a country and fit as many different experiences into your trips as possible. At Exoticca, our vast selection of destinations offers the traveler an array of one of a kind experiences – here’s our pick of 2019s Trending Destinations.

Egypt

 This North African nation has long been a popular travel destination and a history lover’s paradise. Its reliable weather, friendly locals and bucket-list worthy sights attract travelers from across the globe. After periods of political instability in recent years, the newfound steadiness of the country has attracted increased tourism, with travelers eager to immerse themselves in the relics of an ancient civilization and walk in the footsteps of the Pharaohs. The diversity of the country is, without a doubt, part of its immense attraction.  Where else but Egypt can you combine sightseeing in the bustling capital of Cairo, where you can explore the Great Pyramids and quench your thirst for culture in the Egyptian Museum, with a lazy Nile River Cruise or an All-Inclusive beach stay in the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh? With a history that stretches back to at least the 4th millennium BC, a tour of Egypt is sure to leave you awe-struck and wide-eyed as you soak up the ambiance of the Valley of the Kings or the Giza Necropolis.

Tahiti

The largest island in French Polynesia, 2019 is the year you finally treat yourself to that postcard-perfect vacation you keep promising you’ll take! Conveniently accessed through several points on the US West Coast, Tahiti is a land of picture-perfect sunsets, tranquil beaches and lush inland rainforests awash with free-growing gardenias in a dizzying array of colors. If you’ve ever dreamed of getting away from it all, this is the place to go. Dotted in the middle of the vast South Pacific, Tahiti is the epitome of isolated luxury. Bored of lazing on the beach already? Why not embark on an island hopping adventure to appreciate the different landscapes, all equally beautiful. Love the ocean? Insta-worthy over-water villas are pretty much obligatory in this part of the world! As travelers demand more ethical options, a number of eco-tourism initiatives ensure you can enjoy the natural sanctuary of Tahiti guilt-free.

Namibia

If classic Kenyan safaris don’t seem to excite you anymore, Namibia might just be the antidote to your apathy. A previously off-the-radar travel destination, Namibia is growing in popularity, so time is of the essence for a truly authentic experience of this Southern African nation. With an emphasis on quality over quantity when it comes to the safari options in the country, there’s a sustainability element to Namibian travel that helps to make it a special experience. Aside from excellent game viewing in the untouched landscapes of the Etosha National Park, Namibia is a popular photography destination, with otherworldly landscapes such as the deep red Namib Desert, mars-like Soussevlei Salt Pans and Petrified Forests providing impressive opportunities for avid shutterbugs. Friendly locals and the possibility of getting back to basics in quaint townships add to the attraction, while the cities of Swakopmund and Windhoek are well-equipped to provide travelers with all the usual amenities after exploring the diverse wilderness of the country’s interior.

Malaysia

An island-hopping paradise, Malaysia is a true treasure of Southeast Asia. Home to almost 900 islands, the diversity of the country is immense, with highlights ranging from the 451–metre tall Petronas Towers of Kuala Lumpur to the rainforests of Borneo, famously home to Orangutans. After losing yourself in the modern melting-pot capital of Kuala Lumpur, travel trends suggest that 2019 is all about getting out into the rural communities and exploring the less-traveled islands and villages to experience the warmth of local communities. Malaysia is a great choice for indecisive travelers as it is home to a vibrant mix of cultures, ranging from Chinese to Indian, Thai and Indonesian. Foodies rejoice at the epic gastronomic variety, best sampled in the night markets of Kuala Lumpur, whilst lovers of architecture will enjoy admiring the stylistic variety of Malacca, with buildings ranging from Islamic mosques to quirky colonial buildings and classical churches. If you like to fit a lot into your vacations, Malaysia lends itself perfectly to busy itineraries.

Patagonia

The ultimate in achievement-based travel, Patagonia is an excellent destination in which to do something impressive on your vacation, be it trekking the Perito Moreno Glacier or hiking in the Tierra del Fuego National Park. The southernmost part of both Chile and Argentina, the region of Patagonia is set to be one of the hottest destinations of the year as more and more intrepid travelers hope to explore the region’s stunning untouched landscapes and epic natural wonders for themselves. The great outdoors doesn’t get much more spectacular than this, and these wide-open spaces lend themselves perfectly to wildlife spotting. A cruise on the sheltered waters of the Beagle Channel, located at the ‘End of the World’ and close to the town of Ushuaia, will bring you up close to penguins, sea lions and blue whales, whilst the Andean mountains play host to majestic condors, one of the largest flying bird species on the planet. Although you can expect warmer weather between October and March, the months of September and April are perfect for avoiding the crowds, as long as you remember your jacket!

Singapore

If you’re a forward-thinking kind of traveler, Singapore is sure to stand out to you. Dubbed a ‘city of the future’ it’s leading the way in ‘city tech’ with its futuristic design and modern approach to tourism. This green city is a well kept and functional oasis amidst the tropical climate of southern Malaysia. An island city-state, Singapore is perhaps one of the world’s most multicultural cities, known for its diverse inhabitants. The city plays host to an array of exceptional modern architecture such as the iconic Marina Bay Sands building and the impressive Helix Bridge, a mesmerizing mix of corkscrewing stainless steel. Aside from the breathtaking grandeur of its skyscrapers, Singapore is a shopper’s paradise. Forget 5th Avenue in New York, Singapore’s Orchard Road is the ultimate shopping destination and the most famous street in Asia. If you’re looking to rub shoulders with Asia’s elite and glimpse a look at the future of our cities, Singapore is sure to satisfy.

Philippines

In recent years the Philippines have exploded in popularity as word has gotten out about their pristine beaches and paradise landscapes. To see the best of the country while it’s still off the beaten path, savvy travelers are encouraged visit soon before the secret is out! An archipelago of more than 7,600 islands in Southeast Asia, a trip to the Philippines is one of this year’s most sought after beach breaks. From ‘heaven-on-earth’ Palawan to the natural wonder of the Chocolate Hills on the island of Cebu, the beauty of the Philippines needs to be seen to be believed. If you’re a wildlife lover, you’ll relish discovering the fascinating endemic wildlife of the country or snorkeling in its crystalline waters, home to the highest level of biodiversity in the world. Prefer to spend your vacations lounging on the beach? There are plenty of uninhabited islands on which you will find isolated coves and beaches where the only footprints will be your own.

India

If you’ve yet to travel to India, it should undoubtedly be top of your list. All intrepid travelers dream of visiting India to challenge their perceptions and soak up the vibrant culture of the ‘Land of a Thousand Colors’. One of the world’s most populous countries and known for its rich history, this Asian country draws visitors with its mix of bucket-list sights, such as the Taj Mahal, and its reputation as a spiritual destination with promises of a renewed outlook on life. Choose from lazy houseboat stays in the sleepy backwaters of Kerala, up the ante with a 4×4 ride in the deserts of Rajasthan, indulge in the increasingly popular Indian wellness retreats or get spiritual with a visit to the sacred Ganges in Varanasi. Tours to India have never been more popular or accessible, with the fantastic road, air and train transport links, while an abundance of luxury hotels promise a slice of tranquillity after a day of cultural immersion in the country’s bustling cities. With our busy modern lives, India appeals to those who want to connect with a more authentic essence of life.

South Africa

The temperate climate, cultural diversity and opportunity to partake in a range of adventurous experiences such as shark cage diving or hiking Table Mountain make South Africa a contender for one of 2019s hottest travel destinations, ticking all the boxes for the experience-based travel that so many crave. The country is perfect for a multi-center vacation, where you can combine experiences such as tracking lions in the Kruger National Park, visiting the township where Nelson Mandela grew up and surfing the waves of False Bay on Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town. Having worked up an appetite, the increasingly trendy food and drinks scene in the ‘Mother City’ is sure to please even the most delicate of palettes. With Big Five safaris, excellent local wine, stunning and diverse scenery and fantastic value for money, South Africa ticks all the boxes for a unique vacation experience.

Russia

Considering its enormous size and position as a key global power, it’s surprising that Russia has remained an off-the-radar travel destination until quite recently. As travelers tire of their usual vacations, it is finally time to explore this somewhat mysterious country and take a glimpse into a famously insular culture. Great tourist amenities and a unique food and drinks scene bursting with weird and wonderful dishes, all washed down with a stiff drink of vodka, has made travel to Russia an increasingly attractive prospect. High-speed rail links connect Moscow with St.Petersburg, so exploring both cities is recommended for a good overview of the country. History enthusiasts can rejoice at the number of important historical sites, many of which date from the Golden Age of the emblematic Tsars, whilst outside of the cities the charming Golden Ring Route, comprised of a collection of the country’s most historic cities, is home to awe-inspiring Russian Orthodox architecture and bucolic rural scenery. Russia is experiencing what could be described as a cultural renaissance with many up-and-coming neighborhoods, restaurants and vibrant arts scenes springing up in the country’s major cities. It’s time to visit this much talked about nation and experience it for yourself!

However you like to travel and whatever destinations are in your ‘must-visit’ list, Exoticca helps to put the world within your reach, opening up far-flung destinations to a wider audience and giving every traveler the opportunity to experience their chosen vacation to the fullest! 2019s trending travel destinations and much more can be found on our website: www.exoticca.travel