National Geographic, the renowned magazine covering history, science, and geography, has compiled a list of the 28 most interesting destinations to visit in 2019. Whether for their culinary offerings, cultural events, or political and social movements, the magazine has labeled them “must-sees.” We’ve selected 12 of these places and explain why you should consider them.
1. Mexico City, Mexico
According to the magazine, it is one of the most interesting countries from a culinary perspective. Mexican food (tacos, quesadillas, pozole...) is flavorful and delicious, which is why it has gained popularity around the world. The problem is that traditional dishes have been distorted, and the taco you might eat in Europe bears little resemblance to the Mexican version. And that is precisely why a visit is recommended: to try this cuisine in its most authentic—and, moreover, healthy—form, because the magazine notes that there is a growing movement in the country that is embracing more natural food, with fewer processed ingredients and following many indigenous cooking styles.
2. The Peruvian Amazon
"This trip is an excellent blend of Peruvian cuisine from Lima [the capital] and the spectacular beauty of the Amazonian wilderness," explains the magazine. The Peruvian Amazon rainforest boasts the world’s longest thermal river, miles of untouched vegetation, and exotic animals roaming freely in their natural habitat.
3. Fanjingshan, China
Why go in 2019? It has just been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and now is the time to visit before it gets overrun with tourists. Fanjingshan is a religious complex with nearly 50 Buddhist temples atop a spectacular mountain range with even more incredible views. It offers options for climbers and hikers, who can ascend to the summit surrounded by biodiversity, or take a cable car to see the peak and the views.
4. Dakar, Senegal
"The fashion capital of West Africa" is how the magazine describes the Senegalese capital. It is a vibrant city, surrounded by beaches on almost all sides (it is on a peninsula), with a very active surfing scene, resorts for sunbathing, plenty of nightlife, Senegalese hip-hop, Dakar Fashion Week—a major showcase for African fashion—and local traditions. A city that exudes African pride and culture from every pore, full of contrasts between its future and its past.
5. Dordogne, France
National Geographic recommends visiting because 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of the Félibrée festival, a celebration honoring the Occitan culture of southern France. According to the magazine, beyond the festival, one of its main attractions is that it isn’t overcrowded—which is surprising given the city’s huge number of Michelin-starred restaurants and its many monuments.
6. Greenland
In 2019, Greenland will celebrate 10 years since gaining autonomy from Denmark, and a great way to celebrate is by visiting this island, the largest in the world. Its icy landscapes are unique in the world, and its Arctic climate allows for snow sports practically year-round, as well as being an ideal place to view the Northern Lights from September through March.
7. French Polynesia
This Pacific archipelago will witness a solar eclipse in July 2019 that will darken the sky for more than three minutes. Although this is National Geographic’s reason to visit, we believe the spectacular landscapes and beaches of these islands are reason enough to go. If you can afford a flight to Oceania, of course!
8. Vevey, Switzerland
A great spot for wine lovers. In 2019, the three-week-long Fête des Vignerons will take place, celebrating the production and tasting of wines from the Lavaux region (Switzerland). This event is held only five times a century, so if you can’t attend now, you have few more chances left. It is recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO and is the major wine event of the year.
9. Bisti/De-Na-Zin, New Mexico, United States
It’s a desolate wasteland where the only life you’ll find is yourself. A desert north of Albuquerque made up of strange earth and stone formations that gives the impression of what the earth would look like after a nuclear war. Something so different (for better or worse) that the magazine highly recommends it.
10. Matera, Italy
A city with houses, churches, and shops built into the rock. Although somewhat crowded, highly recommended. National Geographic highlights, as a must-do in the city, dining at its restaurants carved into the rock, which offer exquisite and popular Italian cuisine.
11. Caño Cristales River, Colombia
A rainbow river, literally. The plants that live in this river dye its waters red, blue, yellow, and green. Although it is a spectacular place, it is located in an area of political tension and access is strictly controlled. Formerly controlled by the FARC, now monitored by the government, you must join a tour to reach the river.
12. Cairo, Egypt
In 2019, the new Egyptian Museum in Giza, near the Pyramids, will open. It will be the largest archaeology museum in the world and a new way to explore Egyptian art and history. It promises to be the cultural highlight of the year. Plus, Egypt is a highly recommended destination and safer than we tend to think.
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