The year is flying by and before you know it, it’ll be 2019 – a year of new resolutions and new holiday destinations. Not sure where to venture to? We’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the top five best places to travel in 2019.
1. Salt Beach, Kingscliff NSW
Coming in at number one and ranking highly for the best places to travel with kids as well as the best beach destinations, Salt Beach is just 15 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport, yet it feels like a million miles away from the bustling glitter strip. The quaint village of Salt is located on the NSW Tweed Coast and boasts its own restaurants, shops and resort facilities…everything you need for a relaxing holiday. Hire bicycles and cruise along the seaside pathway, pack a picnic and head to the beach or venture out to explore the stunning surrounding region.
Top things to do in Kingscliff: Hike Mount Warning for a striking sunrise or visit Tropical Fruit World with the kids.
Where to stay:
Credit: LondonXBoston
Credit: Photography Byron Bay
2. Hawaii, USA
If the word “Aloha” doesn’t put you in tropical holiday mode, we don’t know what will! Hawaii is the ultimate tropical holiday destination, and the island of Oahu is the best place to start. Choose a Hawaii hotel that’s close to one of the top Hawaii attractions, like Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor, and make sure you book a room with an ocean view!
Top things to do in Hawaii: Hire a convertible, put the top down and cruise to the North Shore for epic waves and charming island towns or head to Ala Moana Center, the largest shopping mall in Hawaii and seventh largest in the United States.
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3. Sunshine Coast, QLD
No matter what time of year, the Sunshine Coast makes the perfect beach holiday destination. With so many places to stay and even more things to do on the Sunshine Coast, you’ll have a hard time deciding where to begin! Stroll down popular Hastings Street in Noosa for a spot of shopping, dine at one of the oceanfront cafes in Mooloolaba or head to Alexandra Headlands for an even more relaxed beach vibe.
Top things to do on the Sunshine Coast: Befriend a jellyfish or crocodile at Sea Life Mooloolaba or Australia Zoo, ride the 1960’s Ferris wheel at Aussie World or enjoy panoramic views from high in the Glass House Mountains.
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Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
4. Gold Coast, QLD
No surprise here. With the Gold Coast’s theme parks and glittering Gold Coast beaches, it’s no wonder a Gold Coast holiday is ranked amongst the highest holiday destinations of 2019. But there’s so much more to explore than the typical tourist attractions! Head into the Gold Coast hinterland to chase waterfalls, visit one of the many markets to pick a unique souvenir, or dine on fresh, local cuisine at one of the best restaurants on the Gold Coast.
Top things to do in the Gold Coast: Cuddle a koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, release your inner child at Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast, Sea World Gold Coast or Movie World Gold Coast or soak up the sun on miles of shimmering Gold Coast beaches.
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5. New Zealand
If a New Zealand holiday isn’t on your bucket list, it should be, and 2019 is the perfect year to cross it off! Whether it’s a self-drive New Zealand holiday or a New Zealand ski holiday, there’s something for everything in this stunning country. On the North Island of New Zealand you can soak away in Rotorua’s bubbling thermal pools or visit the Hobbiton movie set where parts of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed. On the South Island of New Zealand, enjoy world-class skiing in Queenstown and Wanaka or try bungy jumping or jet boating.
Top things to do in New Zealand: Dig yourself into the Hot Water Beach on the North Island or stargaze the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) in Dunedin on the South Island.
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Credit: Sean Scott
Ready to book your 2019 holiday? Click here for our hot deals on the best destinations.
Our statistics: We calculated interest in the top holiday destinations by taking the average number of rate queries per property by region for 2019, as at 24 July 2018.