THERE are almost 200 countries in the world today – that’s a lot of potential passport stamps to collect. For most of us though, it’s unlikely we’ll ever get around to crossing off even a fraction of the globe, which makes choosing where to go an important decision!
Looking for inspiration for your next trip? These destinations should be filling you next available passport pages...
1. SUN, SEA AND SURF IN SRI LANKA
TEN years after a violent civil war was finally put to rest, this teardrop-shaped Indian Ocean island is now one of the most sought-after travel destinations. Initially affordability was the big draw; holidaying on it’s sun-splashed beaches costs a fraction compared to its flashy neighbours. But now word has spread of the other attractions on offer.
Lonely Planet named Sri Lanka the number one destination to visit in 2019, largely on the basis of its “mix of religions and cultures, timeless temples, rich and accessible wildlife, growing surf scene and its people”.
Once off-limits to visitors due to clashes between the Sri Lanka Army and Tamil Tigers, the north-east coast is the country’s fastest rising star. Port city Trincomalee has some excellent opportunities for whale watching, and provides a quieter alternative to overloaded Mirissa in the south. Arugam Bay, meanwhile, has a laid-back surf scene and claims to receive some of Asia’s best waves.
Inland, tea tourism is gathering pace, while wildlife fans are heading to Yala for sightings of leopards and Minneriya National Park for large elephant herds.
G Adventures (gadventures.co.uk) offers a seven-day Sailing Sri Lanka - North Coast tour from £899pp, for various departures in February, March, November and December. Flights and meals extra.
The once unfashionable city of Matera in Basilicata has been named the European Capital of Culture
2. A PLEASING DOSE OF CULTURE IN ITALY
BOASTING 54 Unesco world heritage sites, more than anywhere else in the world, Italy is a magnet for anyone keen on culture.
A master of both the arts and science, Leonardo da Vinci was the archetypal Renaissance man, so the 500th anniversary of his death on May 2, 2019, has spawned a year’s worth of celebrations and exhibitions.
From April 19 to July 14, the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice will launch a new exhibition dedicated to the great polymath, displaying one of his most iconic drawings, the Vitruvian Man. Meanwhile in Florence, the Museo Galileo’s exhibition Leonardo Da Vinci: Anatomies: Machines, Human Body, Nature (April 21 – October 7) looks at his studies of the human body, which he regarded as a sophisticated mechanical device.
The master’s most famous work, The Last Supper, hangs in the refectory of Milan’s Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, although to see it you’ll need to purchase tickets in advance (cenacolovinciano.vivaticket.it).
Further south, all eyes will be set on Matera, the European Capital of Culture. The city in Basilicata was once blighted by deprivation, but in recent decades its famous sassi – rock dwellings – have been converted into tourist-pleasing restaurants and hotels. A programme of events is planned for the year ahead (matera-basilicata2019.it/en).
Hedonistic Hiking (hedonistichiking.com) offer a Southern Italy tour visiting Matera from £2697pp, including all accommodation, meals with wine, activities and transfers. Departures on June 11 and September 18.
Don't pass up the opportunity to see Rio from above
3. AN AFFORDABLE WAY TO REACH RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
A CITY of mountains rising from the Atlantic Ocean, Rio de Janeiro has an irresistibly romantic allure. The 2016 Olympics gave the destination plenty of worldwide airtime, and now a new budget flight route means the South American party-hub is within more peoples’ reach.
On March 31, Norwegian will begin a direct service to Rio, following the success of their Buenos Aires route, which launched last February.
While many will use the flight as an opportunity to explore Brazil’s wide-ranging riches, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Rio for a few days. Seeing the city from above is definitely a highlight; climb to the top of the Christ the Redeemer statue or take a cable car over to the tip of the Sugarloaf Mountain.
Brazilians treat the beach like their front room, and spending time on Rio’s sandy bays is the best way to integrate with local life: Copacabana is busy and boisterous, while Ipanema and Leblon are classier and quieter.
For a taste of Rio’s past, head to the gabled mansions climbing the hillside in Santa Teresa. A cherished part of the community since 1877, the canary-yellow Bondinho de Santa Teresa tram car operates journeys into downtown.
Osaka will offer something for everyone in 2019
4. SPORTING EVENTS IN OSAKA, JAPAN
JAPAN is on its marks to get set for two major sporting events, with televised scenes of the country’s snow-crested mountains and neon-lit cities very likely to tempt visitors.
On September 20, the Rugby World Cup will kick off for the first time in Asia; over the course of six weeks, 48 matches will be played at 12 venues nationwide. Whetting an appetite for competition, the tournaments will no doubt set a healthy precedent for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
In anticipation of growing demand for the destination, British Airways will launch a new direct flight from London to Osaka in April 2019, starting at £572 return.
Although only an hour’s train ride from Kyoto and two-and-a-half hours from Tokyo, Osaka has enough to keep visitors occupied.
Now surrounded by skyscrapers, the 16th century Osaka Castle is a fairytale stack of sloped roofs surrounded by cherry trees. Families can also enjoy a visit to Universal Studios Japan.
How: Abercrombie & Kent (abercrombiekent.co.uk; 01242 547 760) offers the 14-night Discover Japan tour rom £4445pp, including flights, accommodation and transfers.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here