It’s the start of a new year, have you started thinking about where to go to this year? If you have no idea how to spend your annual leaves, I'm here to help! Since my post last year on My 2018 Bucket List was so well received, I thought it would only be fitting to share my list of top 10 places to go in 2019. This list consists of places I have personally been to and would love to revisit, as well as new destinations I’m dying to see this year! Continue reading to see where they are:

1. St Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg is best known for its elaborate architecture and rich collection of antiques and classical pieces that transcend culture and history. The Hermitage Museum is un-doubtfully the most famous attraction in St. Petersburg, being one of the largest museums in the world.

Best time to visit: mid June - September.

2. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town has captured my heart ever since I first set foot 2 years ago. I would go purely for the food scene. Not only is the cuisine divine, there is so much wild life, nature and scenic spots to see and explore along the coast. I would love to go back and drive along the Garden Route for a week or more. Definitely a must visit if you haven’t been to South Africa. (Read more on my Cape Town blogpost here)

Best time to visit: January - April, October - December.

3. Puglia, Italy

Although there are many places not to be missed in the land of pasta and pizza, Puglia may be overlooked by many. This is the place where local Italians escape to for holidays, so take it from them and make that trip! Don’t miss out on the famed cave restaurant Grotta Palazzese. (Read my full Italy blogpost here)

Best time to visit: late April-July, September- early November.

4. Glasgow, Scotland

Ever watched the Pixar movie “Brave”? Then you may already have seen Scotland in an animated version. Set in Scotland, the landscape is truly magnificent with some roads you may even experience without a soul in sight... Don’t forget to visit one of the world’s most famous myth: the Loch Ness monster in the Scottish highlands, visit the first ever golf course and dine on a hearty Haggis meal.  

Best time to visit: Late March - May, September - November.

5. Hong Kong

Now I’m trying not to be bias and say Hong Kong because it’s where I'm from… Okay maybe I might be a little! But If you’ve never been to this city, you’re missing out! With the convenience and cheapness of public transportation, you can get from the busy city to tranquil beaches and mountains within an hour or less. There is so much culture (east meets west) to experience and you definitely cannot miss out on the abundance of choices in dining out!

Best times to visit:  October - November

6. Croatia

I cannot recommend Croatia enough! This gem has all the coastal beauty you can find in Italy and Greece but at a more affordable price! With crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, historical monuments, fresh seafood cuisines etc. Some stops not to be missed include the capital Zagreb, Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik and Plitvic Lake (Read my full blopost on Plitvice Lake here).

Best times to visit:  May-June, September- October.

7. Copenhagen, Denmark

Danes are voted as one of the happiest people in the world for reasons you may be able to experience when you visit! Known for its clean, green, sustainable infrastructure and friendly people, Copenhagen is a one of the best places to safely sightsee around while biking in the city. Not to mention experiencing how the locals celebrate “Hygge” (which translates to art of coziness).  

Best times to visit:  March – May, June – August.

8. Iceland

With the rapid influx of visitor to Iceland in the past few years, this place is starting to deal with over-tourism. But don’t let that stop you from going sooner, it will only get more crowded. Take the chance to fly up and experience breathtaking glaciers, countless waterfalls, the blue lagoon and Northern lights!

Best times to visit:  September – October.

9. Sri Lanka

Here are a few unique things that sum up what to except in Sri Lanka: Pristine beaches, surfing waves, wild life, tea leave picking, scenic train rides, just to name a few. Sri Lanka is a great place to experience a tropical holiday with friendly people and a taste of mixed cultures from its neighbouring country - India.

Best times to visit:  South coast: December – March. East coast: April- September.

10. The Maldives

It’s the Maldives we’re talking about, so this pick is quite obvious (unless you don't like turquoise clear oceans and relaxing beach holidays). If you follow travel bloggers on Instagram, your feed may have been flooded with endless photos of water bungalows perched on turquoise blue waters, palm trees and white sand bars. Not only this is the top destination for honeymoon goers but lots of resort also cater to families and children.

Best times to visit: Hot and sunny all year round, but dry season is between November- April.

Have you been to any of these places on my list? I would love to know where you plan to go to in 2019!