For travel junkies, each New Year is a chance to embark on a new adventure. Find four of our favourite destinations for 2019, along with the basic visa, money and health information you’ll need to plan each trip:
Iran
It’s been at the top of most favourite destination lists for some years now, with good reason. Iran is still almost untouched by Western tourism and boasts stunning and varied landscapes, incredible mosques and some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet.
- Visa: the visa process has eased up significantly in the last years, and many now have the option of receiving a visa on arrival. However, US, Canada and UK citizens are required to apply in advance and must be escorted by an official government guide throughout their journey.
- Money: due to international sanctions, you won’t be able to use your bank card in Iran to pay or withdraw money, so you need to bring all the money you plan to spend in cash. In an emergency, some tourist offices can receive payments to international accounts and give you cash on the spot, for a fee.
- Vaccinations: the UK Travel Vaccination Service recommends a hepatitis A and a combined diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccination.
USA
Spanning almost an entire continent, the USA is a place that continues to captivate travellers. Whether you’re into city-trips, looking to see some of the world’s most famous sites or interested in traveling off the beaten track, you can find it all here.
- Visa: citizens of 38 countries, including the UK, are eligible for an ESTA visa waiver. This means no trips to the embassy and much a shorter waiting period. Note: if you have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after March 1st, 2011, you will be required to apply for a regular visa.
- Money: most standard European debit- and credit cards work in the USA, meaning that you can travel without cash for a more relaxed trip.
- Vaccinations: no vaccinations are required for trips to the USA.
Namibia
There is no place on earth quite like it: other-worldly landscapes combining desert and ocean along the Skeleton Coast, free roaming wildlife, the Sossusvlei salt pan bordered by its famous red dunes give Namibia a beauty that is not quite of this world.
- Visa: citizens of most European countries, including the UK, can visit Namibia visa-free for up to 90 days in a year.
- Money: Credit cards are usually accepted by larger hotels, but many local businesses will not accept these, so make sure to keep enough cash on hand. ATMs are available in the larger cities, but once in smaller villages, you may not be able to find any.
- Vaccinations: the UK Travel Vaccination Service recommends a hepatitis A and a combined diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccination.
Bhutan
Experience a country untouched by mass tourism, from its stunning mountain landscapes to the dzong fortresses spread across the country and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The country’s ‘High Value, Low Impact’ tourist policy responsible for its pristine condition does come with a price tag – tourists must travel on a guided tour costing $200 – $250 (low/high season) per person per day (includes accommodation, transport and entry into touristic sites).
- Visa: visas ($40) must be obtained in advance through the government-approved tour operator that you choose to organise your trip.
- Money: you can withdraw money from ATMs in the main towns with Visa or Mastercard. As your main expenses (accommodation, transport) will be prepaid with your tour operator, just bring a bit of cash for souvenirs.
- Vaccinations: the UK Travel Vaccination Service recommends a hepatitis A and a combined diphtheria, tetanus & polio vaccination. Other vaccinations should be considered, depending on your travel plans.
Whether you want to explore uncharted territory or cross some landmarks off your bucket list, 2019 is the year to travel! With these four fantastic options, you’ll be sure to find a new adventure in every corner of the globe.