Top 10 destinations for 2019

Why Sao Tome and Principe isn't more popular than it is, is a bit of a mystery to us. The country is untouched and unspoiled with amazing sights, including sea turtle nesting beaches, virgin rainforest, and spectacular mountains. Villages are friendly and surrounded by lush gardens of cacao and coffee. There are great hiking opportunities over mountain ridges, to waterfalls, or even through dark water tunnels. Crime is unheard of and nobody is trying to sell you anything or asking for money. Maybe because of the rare flight connections, Sao Tome and Principe have received few visitors, but luckily those few have been sufficient to create an adequate selection of small guest houses, colonial plantation stays and luxury resorts - and even a gourmet restaurant. Nobody says a far-flung destination has to be rough.

Belarus is another country that relaxed its previous rigid visa requirements and now offers 30-day visa-free entry (with some restrictions). It's a unique opportunity to have a look at one of the last Eastern Bloc countries, that still seems to be trapped behind the Iron Curtain. The capital Minsk is a wonderful mix of Soviet-style grand and drab, which was so characteristic of the Eastern Bloc, but changes are on the way. The bar scene is thriving and nobody likes a good party more than the Belarusians. But drag yourself away from Minsk and explore the countryside too (and not just to cure the hangovers). There are plenty of castles, forts and other historical sights, but it's also here you’ll really get a feeling of how isolated Belarus has been from its European neighbours. Not just in terms of lack of development, but also in natural beauty as there are still huge areas with forest, lakes and even herds of bisons.

Maybe it’s the crisp air or the northern light, but Sweden is a beautiful country with beautiful people. From North to South, Sweden will continue to stun you, with its abundance of nature, charming colourful towns and historic sites, whether it’s a petroglyph, rune stone, or fortress. Everyone can enjoy the endless forests, deep lakes, high mountains and rocky shores, since Sweden has the “allemansrätten” - the so-called freedom to roam, where the public has the right to access and enjoy the wilderness. The Swedish archipelagos are particularly cherished for their thousands of rocky islands with a red wooden house here and there. Come here in summer to fully enjoy the long sunny days and bright nights.

Land of the Thunder Dragon, the Kingdom from the sky and the Land of Gross National Happiness, the country has many nicknames and no doubt that Bhutan is special. This picture-perfect Himalayan kingdom is run on Buddhist principles and
is famous for its sustainable approach to tourism, by restricting the number of tourists and taxing them for a good cause (65 USD of the daily quota of 250 USD per day per tourist goes to the government). This mean the country still feels authentic and to some extent untouched (there are no traffic lights). Due to the price tag, most visitors limit their itinerary to Paro (Tiger's Nest Monastery) and Thimphu (National Memorial Stupa and Giant Buddha), but save up and add impressive Punakha (Punakha Dzong and the Fertility Temple), Haa Valley (Chele La Pass) and maybe even East Bhutan.

Overnight, Angola went from having one-of-the most-difficult-visa-in-the-world-to-get to having e-visa access. And though locals and expats like to point out that Luanda is one of the most expensive cities in the world (yes, in the world), Angola isn't necessarily expensive for tourists, if they exchange to the blackmarket rates. So what can Angola offer in term of sights? Anything from surreal desert landscapes inhabited by tribes in the South, over mountains and canyons in the centre, to Africa's second largest waterfall in the North - not to mention wicked sights like Shipwreck Beach and the concrete mausoleum of Neto. Of course the tourist infrastructure hasn't changed overnight, but the country is slowly adapting to the increasing (very modest) number of independent tourists.

With more countries relaxing their visa requirements, the number of countries and regions that are "cut off" from the rest of the world is becoming smaller. That is definitely not a bad thing, but from a traveller's perspective, it's always exciting to visit a new place that is totally different from anything else. Republic of Artsakh is one of those pockets. Known by few and recognised by even fewer, it recently changed its name from Nagorno-Karabakh Republic to Republic of Artsakh. The self-proclaimed republic lies within Azerbaijan, but is disputed between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Mostly populated by ethnic Armenians, it was however established as part of Azerbaijan during Soviet Times, which resulted in an armed conflict when the USSR dissolved. Though the fighting stopped in 1994, the latest clash was in 2016. Note that it's only possible to visit Artsakh from Armenia and you will be denied entry to Azerbaijan later on, if they find any proof of a visit to Artsakh.

Beaches on Mauritius (almost) match those of the Seychelles and the Maldives and the waters are as sapphire-blue. But contrary to the other paradise destinations, Mauritius is not a one-trick-pony. There are UNESCO listed ruins, stunning waterfalls and colourful Hindu temples. So when you get beached out, there will always be things to see and do. Add to that a bigger range of accommodations, some even budget friendly, and the fact that everything is on one single island that can be covered in a rental car, and Mauritius will suddenly stand out.

Taiwan is strikingly unique - and a bit weird. It’s an incredibly diverse island with both neon-flashing cosmopolitan cities and a surprisingly traditional and old fashioned countryside. The landscape is dominated by mountains and forest with great hiking opportunities, and there are almost as many natural hot springs as there are Buddhist temples. The street food at the night markets will leave any food lovers spoiled for choices. But what really sets Taiwan apart is the compactness of the place. You can circumnavigate the whole island in a matter of days, but to do the place justice you will need weeks. We hear more and more people are choosing the island as a travel destination, so you'd better get there before the masses come.

Far East Russia is slowing getting a name for itself. It’s no longer just a place to start or end the Trans-Siberian railway, but actually a place to explore. Sure, it’s not the easiest place to travel, particularly not in winter when the temperature drops below -30 C, but that is all part of the charm. Vladivostok is the region’s vibrant metropolis, where the Trans-Siberian Railways starts (or ends). If the famous railway sounds too mainstream, there are always the BAM (Baikal-Amur Mainline) railway that passes through Komsomolsk-Na-Amure, another appealing town. But to experience the real natural beauty of the region, you have to go to the mountainous peninsula of Kamchatka and see the smoking volcanoes.

Dominican Republic is mostly known by “snowbirds” for all-inclusive resorts at Punta Cana, but the beautiful and friendly half-island has so much more to offer than gorgeous beaches studded with coconut palms - though there are plenty of those too. The diverse coastline also consists of rocky cliffs, blowholes and mangroves. There are dramatic mountains and lush jungles with stunning waterfalls. The well-preserved colonial architecture in Santo Domingo is a testimony to their rich history - it was here Christopher Columbus sat foot. Come here during carnival season, where each town has its own distinct carnival - some of the best in the Caribbean.