Your 2019 Summer Holiday – We’ve Got You Covered (Literally)

IT’S SUMMER HOLIDAY TIME… well, almost. What we mean is, it’s almost time to start booking your 2019 getaway!

With Sunshine Saturday around the corner (the best time to bag yourself a bargain deal) we thought we’d give you a heads up on the seven most popular holiday destinations predicted in 2019.

Seven, you may wonder? Yep, that’s because this year we’ve shaken things up and picked the most popular holiday destinations from each continent - think of it as an early Christmas present from us to you.

1. North America – Barbados

It’s no wonder Barbados is one of the most popular North American holiday destinations, the island is both as enchanting as it is beautiful with so much more to offer than just sun, sea and cocktails (although, that is a bonus).

During your visit why not take a trip into the rainforest to see the wildlife, or sail the crisp-blue Caribbean Sea? You could even go for a quick dip in the warm Atlantic Ocean and swim with the island’s turtles. If you’re a foodie how about trying some traditional Caribbean cuisine? We recommend tasting the national dish of Barbados - cou cou & flying fish - seriously, it’s to die for.

As Barbados is renowned for being the birthplace of rum, you have to try the traditional Caribbean rum punch (just remember; ‘everything in moderation’ - even on holiday!).

The picturesque Island is literally the gift that keeps on giving. So, what are you waiting for?

A beach in Barbados

2. South America – Chile

If skiing is your thing then, believe it or not, Chile is definitely the place for you.

Chile possesses some of the world’s most exciting volcanic mountains, which make for fabulous ski slopes. The ski season runs from June to October and is jam-packed with ski lodge-spas ready to massage those skiing aches and pains away.

With the two main ski resorts (Valle Nevado and Portillo) just hours away from Santiago, Chile’s capital, why not spend a day exploring the glorious Chilean city, which just so happens to be the largest in the Americas.

So, if you fancy relaxing in an outdoor hot tub, surrounded by snowy mountains, sipping on a glass of fizz after a long day on the slopes, then grab your salopettes and head on over to Chile.

Fun fact: Did you know Chile is the world’s narrowest country, with a width of just 110 miles?

Skiing in Chile

3. Asia – Thailand

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday on a budget, then look no further. Thailand has it all.

With white sandy beaches to bathe on, clear-blue seas to scuba dive in, local markets to try cuisines and full-moon festivals to dance under the stars, what’s not to love?

Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya also have some the best LGBTQ-friendly nightclubs in the world.

Thailand is home to a variety of wildlife and with transportation so cheap, holidaymakers can make full use of their time and see the wonders that the country has to offer.

We suggest tourists avoid elephant rides and instead opt to volunteer at an elephant sanctuary – it’s a much kinder way to see and help the animals.

Landscape of Bangkok, Thailand

4. Australia – New Zealand

Reason number one to visit New Zealand – The Hobbit was filmed there. Reason number two to visit New Zealand – The Hobbit was filmed there. Even if you aren’t a Ringer (Lord of the Rings fan) I’m sure you can appreciate that New Zealand is one of the most scenic countries in the world.

The South Island offers wonderful mountain ranges, icy glaciers and is absolutely covered with green forestry. Whereas the North boasts magnificent coastlines, geothermal treasures and spectacular glow-worm caves, as well as world-famous vineyards – do it for the ‘gram!

A trip to New Zealand guarantees a holiday filled with excitement and activities such as bungy jumping, zip lining and sky diving.

However, don’t be put off if jumping out of a plane isn’t your thing, outdoorsy types can still indulge by walking through New Zealand’s breath-taking natural parks and seeing the country’s specular views. Just look at the picture below!

Landscape in New Zealand

5. Africa – Madagascar

Sunset in Madagascar is nothing like you’ve ever seen before. The pinkie, orange, warm haze that covers the cosy evening sky is an image that will never leave you.

If that doesn’t sound like a dream then how about swimming under the shimmering African waterfalls? Or trekking through the enormous Madagascan canyons? Or even snorkelling amongst the 31ft long Madagascan whale sharks (which are actually totally harmless). Seriously, the list goes on.

If one day you’re feeling lazy, you could always hop on a canoe - the public transport here in Madagascar - which will glide you from place to place as you sit back and watch the day go by.

Much like the film Madagascar, the country is absolutely full of animals and in particular, lemurs. In fact, it is the only country in the world where all 103 different species of lemur can be found. With 3,000 miles of coastline, Madagascar is also home to over 6,000 different marine species which can be found in the Indian Ocean.

So, what are you waiting for?

Sunset in Madagascar

6. Europe – Switzerland

One word. Chocolate! Oh, don’t tell me you weren’t thinking about it too.

Now don’t get us wrong, we know Switzerland is one of the best countries to hit the slopes, however, summer is actually the best time to visit if you want the full Swiss experience.

We recommend visiting the Féte de Genéve (the Geneva festival) which runs throughout July. The festival is complete with fireworks, local food and live music which gives visitors a taste of the Swiss style. From country to rock, to reggae, the Genevan festival has all music tastes covered.

Speaking of tastes, while in Switzerland we suggest trying Swiss cuisine called ‘Racelette’ which consists of traditional Swiss cheese melted over a dish of hot potatoes, sprinkled with pepper. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

As Switzerland is situated in the right in the middle of Germany, France, Austria and Italy, the locals speak a mixture of languages and often cross the Swiss border for a holiday, meaning you can experience up to five different cultures all for the price of one!

There are hundreds of other festivals around Europe, to discover more check out our European festival guide

Cheese fondue on a fork in Switzerland

7. Antarctica – erm… an iceberg?

Ok, so maybe you won’t be travelling to Antarctica in 2019. But there you have it, six-out-of-seven continents including everything the top destinations have to offer. You’re welcome.

Mountains in Paradise Bay, Antarctica

Of course, these are only a few of the world’s greatest countries that can be explored. So, if somewhere else tickles your fancy in 2019 then get in touch and share your ideas with us - the world is your oyster.

Alpha single trip travel insurance policies are available to purchase from as little as £9.62¹. Alternatively, if you’re planning more than one or two trips in the next 12 months you could save money by purchasing a multi-trip policy, which will cover unlimited trips. So, what are you waiting for? Book your 2019 getaway today!

¹ Pricing based on an individual, aged 30, travelling to Spain, for 3 days, if purchased within the two weeks prior to travelling on an Alpha 175 Single Trip policy. Prices correct as of 19/12/2023

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