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TRAVEL
15 Under-the-Radar Places to Visit in 2019
Sheryl Nance-Nash
Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Machu Picchu are all lovely cities, but they are so yesterday. In
2019, vow to go beyond the obvious, seek the road less traveled.
Daufuskie Island, South Carolina
Courtesy Haig Point
Ready to get away from it all? Like really get away from it all? This 1,100-acre island is
only accessible via ferry from Hilton Head, South Carolina or water taxi—there isn’t
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even a bridge. That also means you can leave your car on the mainland; visitors to the
island tool around on electric golf carts. The island is home to an undeveloped nature
conservancy oasis where you can spot loggerhead turtles, deer, storks, egrets, and
whales. Daufuskie Island Trail Ridesoffers horseback rides on the beach and tours of
the island’s historic sites, including the First African Baptist School. And with more than
3½ miles of beachfront, you’ll be able to find your own personal spot of sand. Daufuskie
Island is just one of the great islands you can visit without a passport.
Book now
Istanbul, Turkey
Courtesy Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Istanbul is a city of contrasts: Ancient and modern, palatial but also rag-a-muffin,
steeped in history, tradition, yet innovative. It all works together somehow, creating an
eclectic place unlike anywhere else. History buffs will think they’ve died and gone to
heaven; among the many ancient sites open to the public are the Basilica Cistern,
dating back to 532 A.D. The underground site, which originally held water for the Great
Palace, is surreal with its 336 columns, including two featuring the head of Medusa on
RD.com – November 30, 2018 – Page 3
their bases. More must-sees are the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Constantine
Column, remains from the original Hippodrome, one of the largest chariot race grounds
of the Byzantine Empire, dating back to 330 A.D. The 600-year-old Grand Bazaar and
Spice Market should also be on your list, along with the Sultan Ahmed (Blue Mosque),
built in 1616, with its striking blue Iznik Tiles covering the walls.
Take a cruise down the Bosphorus, also known as the Strait of Istanbul, the narrow
body of water separating the Asian and European continents. You’ll feast your eyes on
palaces, restored Ottoman villas, and waterside homes of Istanbul’s power brokers. The
best way to get to Turkey is Turkish Airlines; take advantage of its Stopover
program to spend a day in Istanbul, at no extra charge to your airline ticket and hotel
included, before heading to your final destination.
Book now
Scrub Island, British Virgin Islands
Courtesy Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina
RD.com – November 30, 2018 – Page 4
How does a villa on a rugged cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean
Sea sound? Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina on the east end of Tortola in the
British Virgin Islands offers all that and more. At the serene 230-acre private-island
resort you have access to two private beaches, three on-site restaurants, the Ixora Spa,
and a 55-slip marina. Its Donovan’s Beach is where you’ll find the water action—stand-
up paddleboards, snorkeling, and a water trampoline. Or for more privacy, take a short
walk or catch a ride to the secluded North Beach, a 1,000-foot stretch of spun sugar
sand. Here, you can relax on a chaise lounge perched on your own personal platform
among lush foliage with unobstructed views of the Caribbean. Find out more Caribbean
island destinations to help you beat your winter blues.
Book now
Uvita, Costa Rica
Courtesy Uvita, Costa Rica
RD.com – November 30, 2018 – Page 5
Many travelers to this Central American country don’t make it as far south as Uvita,
Costa Rica—and that’s the exact reason you’ll be glad you did. The local roads have
recently been modernized, which means you now have easier access to this unspoiled
area of waterfalls, beaches and coffee farms. Another reason to go? Uvita has the
longest whale-watching season in the world. Consider staying at Vista Celestial, a
luxury villa boutique hotel smack dab in the canopy of the rainforest with views of the
Pacific Ocean. You can keep busy with beachside yoga, ATV tours, zip lining, and
more. Learn more about the most popular travel destinations in Central America.
Book now
Madeira Islands, Portugal
Courtesy madeirapromotionbureau.com
No doubt Lisbon and Porto get all the buzz, but there’s plenty more to Portugal. The
Madeira Islands, an archipelago 750 miles southwest of Lisbon in the Atlantic Ocean,
has ancient volcanic cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea and dominate the
landscape. There are six unique climate zones, each with its own beautiful flora and
RD.com – November 30, 2018 – Page 6
fauna; it’s not surprising that Madeira is often compared to Hawaii. Madeira has
bragging rights when it comes to cuisine, hiking, fishing, and its old-world charm. You
can experience fine wines, mountain hiking, or city culture—or easily all three in one
day.
Book now
Albanian Riviera, Albania
Courtesy LazyTrips
One underrated place that’s worth discovering is Albania. This Balkan state was one of
the last countries to witness the fall of communism, so it’s been off-limits to visitors for
quite some time. But with its majestic mountains, beautiful beaches and a climate
similar to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, it really does have something for everyone. Plus, it’s
ridiculously cheap (a beer costs between $1 and $2), so you can stretch your vacay
dollars. Albania has some hidden gems, including picturesque Ksamil or Drymades,
Albania’s secret beach paradises (aka the Albanian Riviera). Then there’s the wild
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Accursed Mountain, despite its foreboding name, it’s a popular place to hike. Albania is
one of the 10 places in Europe where you can vacation for under $400.
Book now
Calabria, Italy
Courtesy LazyTrips
Often overlooked in favor of more high-profile Italian regions like Tuscany and Emilia-
Romagna, Calabria (in the “toe” of the boot) is just as beautiful and historically vibrant—
but with far fewer tourists. You’ll find dramatic cliffs and surreal rock formations on the
coast and dense forests, stunning national parks, and bubbling streams inland. Foodies
will have fun here, eating at one great restaurant after the other. Calabria is not only the
birthplace of several iconic Italian specialties: peperoncini chili peppers, sweet red
onions, and ‘nduja (that spicy, spreadable sausage that keeps popping up on menus
everywhere); the small sparsely populated region produces a third of all Italian olive oil.
Find out the surprising birthplaces of 20 classic foods.
RD.com – November 30, 2018 – Page 8
Book now
Durango, Colorado
Courtesy Visit Durango
There’s a good chance you haven’t heard of Durango. Iconic scenic byways and trail
systems mean there are endless opportunities to enjoy hot springs, mountain trails, and
more. Take a ride on the historic 1880’s Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
for views of the San Juan National Forest and a throw-back era. If you’re a hiker or
mountain biker you’ll be right you want to be. Rafting and rock climbing are less than a
five-minute drive from historic downtown Durango. There are more than 100
independent restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. For a walk down memory lane
check into the Strater Hotel built in 1887—it made our list of the most historic hotel in
every state.
Book now
RD.com – November 30, 2018 – Page 9
Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Courtesy Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Sayulita may well be one of the best-kept secrets in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit on the
Pacific coast. This bohemian town of 5,000 is colorful and it’s not just the pastel
buildings, banners, or the murals that make it so, but the characters, from the surfer
dudes, the locals making and selling their arts and crafts, and everyone in between.
Take a surf lesson, kayak, paddleboard, swim, snorkel, or scuba dive. Then, once
you’ve stirred your appetite, you can’t go wrong with your choice of street food, hole-in-
the-wall eateries or white napkin restaurants. Sayulita has another plus: it’s less than 15
minutes away from the jungle. You can mix up your vacation, by staying at a big resort
like the Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta, which is nearby or in Sayulita rent a condo, villa or
stay in a hostel.
Book now
RD.com – November 30, 2018 – Page 10
Woodinville Wine Country, Washington
Richard Duval Images/Courtesy Woodinville Wine Country
Just 30 minutes outside of downtown Seattle you’ll find Woodinville Wine Country with
more than 120 wineries and tasting rooms representing every appellation in the state.
(That’s 14 wine regions in one zip code!) Woodinville is also home to Washington’s
oldest winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle. Wine isn’t the only attraction, though. Nearby
there’s the nearby Sammamish River Trail and the Burke Gilman Trail, which connects
back to Seattle, where you can hike, bike, enjoy Mother Nature. Of course, the Pacific
Northwest is known for its cuisine—don’t miss the dry-roasted Kobe beef dip sandwich
at Purple Café & Wine bar to huckleberry pancakes at the Barking Frog.
Book now
RD.com – November 30, 2018 – Page 11
River Region of Uvalde County, Texas
Courtesy VisitUvaldeCounty.com
Instead of heading with everyone else to Austin and San Antonio, choose the River
Region in Texas Hill Country. It’s home to three, crystal-clear rivers where you can float,
kayak, canoe, or fish. Take in the views on horseback at Elm Creek Stables near
Garner State Park, with nothing but open skies, riverfront views, and scenic chalk cliffs
for miles around. Come evening, see one of the largest bat populations in the world at
the Frio Bat Cave during a sunset flight tour, where 10 million bats fly right over your
head and into the sunset. As for where to stay check out one of four luxurious
treehouses that create Treehouse Utopia. Each treehouse, Chapelle, Chateau,
Biblioteque, and Carousel has its own, French-inspired design and personality. Dine at
hot spots like Hangar 6 Air Café, Neal’s Dining Room, or House Pasture Cattle
Company.
Book now
RD.com – November 30, 2018 – Page 12
Bristol, Rhode Island
Courtesy Explore Bristol
Bristol’s Colt State Park is more than 460 acres of fun. It’s home to beach volleyball
courts, bike paths, trails, and a skate park, along with beautiful beaches along the Mt.
Hope Bay. Given its waterfront location, Bristol is also big on boating. When you’ve
worked up an appetite, head to one of the areas eclectic eateries including The
Beehive, Lobster Pot, The DeWolf Tavern, or Le Central. Want to stay awhile? Check in
to one of the area’s historic B&Bs and inns like the Bradford-Dimon-Norris House
or Mount Hope Farm, a national historic site on 127 acres. Guests can retreat back in
time by staying in one of the 12 rooms in one of three buildings, the oldest of which is
the Governor Bradford House, where George Washington stayed while his troops
camped in the yard. Don’t miss the most charming B&B in every state.
Book now
RD.com – November 30, 2018 – Page 13
Durban, South Africa
AsiaTravel/Shutterstock
Johannesburg and Cape Town are popular spots in South Africa, but Durban is worthy
of a detour. The coastal city boasts the Golden Mile, a beautiful beach and boardwalk;
the uShaka Marine World, a seafront aquarium waterpark with a snorkeling lagoon and
shark cave dives; and the Durban Botanic Gardens, which are the oldest in Africa. If
you’re seeking a thrill, check out The Swing, officially named the world’s tallest swing
by The Guinness Book of World Records. It drops you in a free fall for 262 feet before
swinging you into a massive arc for 722 feet right into the heart of Moses Mabhida
Stadium. The restaurant and entertainment scene is vibrant. The Chairman is perhaps
one of the coolest spots on the planet for jazz. Don’t leave town without some Bunny
Chow. This Durban favorite is usually curried beef, chicken or mutton served in a
hollowed-out bread loaf.
Book now
RD.com – November 30, 2018 – Page 14
Laramie, Wyoming
Courtesy Wyoming Office of Tourism
When many folks think about Wyoming, they think of Jackson Hole, Grand Tetons
National Park or Yellowstone National Park, but there’s lots to love about Laramie in the
southern part of the state. Downtown Laramie is home to several unique boutiques and
shops, like the Bent & Rusty, a great place to find special treasures and antiques and
the largest craftsman co-op in America. Home to the University of Wyoming, Laramie
offers a variety of delicious dining options including the vegetarian Sweet Melissa Café.
Surrounding Laramie are several guest ranches where you can get a true western
experience such as the family-owned and operated Vee Bar Guest Ranch where you
can take a wagon ride, go horseback riding, or just sit by the fire and read a book. Find
out the most charming small town in every state.
Book now
RD.com – November 30, 2018 – Page 15
Macau, China
AsiaTravel/Shutterstock
The world’s longest sea-crossing bridge recently opened between Hong Kong and the
under-the-radar destination (for Americans) of Macau on China’s mainland, making it
easier than ever to experience the epicenter of gambling and glitz. You can stay in style
at the Banyan Tree Macau, a luxury all-suite hotel off the bustling Cotai strip. It’s
located in the famed Galaxy Macau, where you can shop, dine, and play to your heart’s
content. Read on for 12 under-the-radar hotels that should be on your bucket list.
Book now
