10 Off the Beaten Track Places to Visit in 2019

Is it too early to start thinking of 2019? No, I don’t believe it is my friends. December is upon us, meaning the new year is closer than we {read: I} can process. I’m so excited to draft my annual New Years Eve blog post, but the real anticipation comes with my travel plans for 2019. I thought I would include some ‘off the beaten’ path recommendations for any fellow travelers getting tired of seeing the same shit everywhere. 

Don’t get me wrong, I am just as much to blame for the problem as anyone else. But recently, I’ve wanted to explore a few destinations that require a bit more research than a random key word search. My plans have been changing week to week when it comes to picking destinations to travel to in 2019 though.

So far Hong Kong, India, Nepal, Vietnam, and {returning to} Thailand are locked in. You can definitely expect to find me in those countries next year, with some very special guests along the way. Additionally, {at the moment} the list of solo travel extends to include Myanmar and Sri Lanka. However, just last week it was Laos and Taiwan. See what I mean?Regardless of where I end up next year, the big news is that I will be returning home to California, instead of extending my contract here in Korea.

Without further ado, let’s get into some of these destinations shall we? I chose the following list based off of my own experiences. Most of these weren’t on my radar until I started digging deeper into research prior to my visit. Others I accidentally stumbled upon, and a few you may have heard of already. Overall I feel as though these locations deserve much more credit than they are given, if given any at all.

1. Poznan, Poland

In general I think Poland is an extremely underrated country in Europe. With similar charm to it’s neighbor Germany, but half the {already affordable} price tag, Poland should be on everyone’s European itinerary. When most people think of Poland, however, they immediately jump to Krakow and Warsaw.

Poznan is a small town located 2.5 hours away from Berlin, Germany via train. The main square in Poznan is lined with gingerbread-like buildings, and it’s easy to book decent accommodation for under $10.00 USD. One thing Poland is known for is their dessert Pączki, which is only made in Poland. There is a small bakery one block away from the town square that hosts a class to make your own Pączki.

During my stay in Poznan, I was able to rent a car and make a {long} day trip to Auschwitz concentration camps. This darker side of history still remains seared in my memory after walking the grounds and seeing the horrors for myself.

I am beyond excited to eventually return to Poland when I make it back to Europe. I want to  continue to explore every crevasse of the country.

Read More: The Price of Poland: Europe’s Cheapest Travel Destination

2. San Ignacio, Belize

If you don’t already know of my love affair with Belize, than let me inform you. I am obsessed with this country. I believe everyone should visit Belize at some point, specifically San Ignacio. Belize is known for the infamous ‘Blue Hole’ and the second largest barrier reef in the world. Therefore, as you can imagine, it draws divers and beach bums alike to the tropical islands off it’s coast.

While islands like Caye Caulker and Caye Ambergris are great, I felt a true sense of Belizean culture when I stayed in the jungle of San Ignacio.  I was able to witness Xunantunich, the largest Mayan ruin site in Belize, as well as pop over to Guatemala for an afternoon. San Ignacio is only a short drive to the border of Guatemala.

One of the highlights of my entire trip included playing with iguanas at the San Ignacio Green Iguana Conservation Project. These prehistoric creatures are gentle and friendly, though be careful because they will pee on you.

Related: 25 Travel Tips for Visiting Belize 

3. Busan, South Korea

I feel like South Korea, in general, is off the beaten path in Asia. Most people flock to Japan, or hike the Great Wall of China if ever in the area. Even so, if people do head to South Korea, they tend to only visit Seoul. And there is good reason for it. It’s vibrant, modern, liberal, and showcases the positive aspects of Korea. While I can attest to the fact that Seoul may be the best city in Korea, Busan takes a close second. It’s almost hard for me to choose between the two.

While Seoul is comparable to Tokyo, Busan brings a coastal aspect to the city by the sea.  Home to Korea’s most popular beach, Haeundae Beach, Busan offers visitors the closest thing to the Gold Coast, in all of Asia. Sure, Jeju island is considered the ‘Hawaii’ of Korea, but I’m told the name doesn’t live up to it’s expectations. And making your way to Jeju is a pain in the ass. Busan is easily accessible from everywhere in the country, and only a few hours from Seoul.

Read More: A 2 Day Itinerary of Busan, South Korea 

4. Osaka, Japan

Before everyone comes for me, I realize Osaka is not necessarily ‘off the beaten track’. In fact, it’s one of the largest cities in Japan. That being said, I feel as if it doesn’t get half the recognition it deserves. On the other hand, I’ve had friends get bored with Osaka after only a day of exploring so I suppose it’s all up to personal preference.

In my case, I only spent an afternoon in Osaka. Upon leaving, I desperately wished I had more time in the city. From the life-sized, plastic seafood displays in Shinsekai, to the bright lights on Dotonbori. From slurping the best ramen I’ve had in my life, to exploring the historic Osaka Castle. It all felt like I had only just scratched the surface of Osaka, and I wanted to spend more time in each location. I have a blog post coming soon all about my afternoon!

Related: 20 Travel Tips for Solo Travelers in Japan 

5. Siena, Italy

Italy has some heavy hitters when it comes to popular travel destinations: Rome, Venice, Florence, to name a few. I didn’t have a real desire to visit Siena upon arrival in Italy, mostly because I didn’t have much prior knowledge about it. Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised by this little town in Tuscany. I spent a majority of my time winding through streets with the least amount of symmetry to them. Siena was a city formed without any blueprints. And that gave it all the charm in the world.

I was educated on the banking industry, heard all about the Palio di Siena {a famous local horse race hosted twice a year}, and toured the Siena Cathedral. Towards the end of my visit to Siena, I was perched at Caffe Fonte Gaia with a glass of white wine. As delighted as I was to carry on to our next destination, I was just as disappointed to leave.

Read more: Recollections En Route: Something About Siena 

6. Gålö, Sweden

A couple of years ago, I was invited to Gålö, Sweden to spend time with my {then} boyfriend’s family for Midsummer celebrations. Gålö is an island about an hour away from Stockholm, tucked away by trees, and littered with traditional Swedish homes. I was warmly welcomed by my lovely hosts, and spent a weekend swimming in icy water, hunting for mushrooms, sailing to the quaint port town of Dalarö, and attempting to stay up all night over Midsummer.

If you truly want to experience the Swedish countryside, Gålö delivers. You’ll find hiking, fishing, swimming, and camping opportunities throughout the island.

Read More: Recollections En Route: Galo, Sweden 

7. Rotorua, New Zealand

Ah, New Zealand. My home away from home for a short period in time. Studying, living, and then moving back to New Zealand, allowed me to really get a grasp of the must-see’s in this country. Of course we all know about Queenstown, Milford Sound, Auckland, and Wellington.  And you absolutely have to include them on your New Zealand itinerary.

However, many people seem to miss out on a number of beautiful places in New Zealand. Wine tasting in Napier, kayaking in Abel Tasman, hiking the Mount {aka Mount Maunganui}, watching the sunset over Lake Wanaka, sharing beers on Pakiri Beach. These are the memories that haunt me in the very best way possible.

But one destination should be on the list, solely because of it’s uniqueness. Rotorua is a cultural hub in the center of the North Island. It’s also home to bubbling mud pools and geysers that erupt multiple times a day. Because of this, the entire town smells like shit. Like actual poop. I know this shouldn’t be a selling point, but it kind of is. I can’t describe to you how inescapable it is, and yet you eventually get used to it.

Locals consider Rotorua the ‘Vegas of New Zealand’ but let’s not get it twisted. There is only one Vegas, and Rotorua doesn’t even come close. Even so, I enjoyed my time so much in Rotorua. If you go, you must take a white water rafting trip down the Kaituna River!

Related: Recollection En Route: Rafting in Rotorua

8. Healdsburg, California

Sonoma County shouldn’t be missed if you ever visit California. Unfortunately, Napa Valley gets most of the ‘wine connoisseurs’ due to it’s popularity over the years.  However, Sonoma County has recently been giving it a run for it’s money. Dry Creek in Healdsburg alone, is home to over 50 wineries. Plus, the tasting fees are significantly cheaper!

I was lucky enough to grow up in Sonoma County, only 15 minutes up the road from Healdsburg. I also personally worked in the tasting room of a new winery, and fell in love with the entire culture. But Healdsburg isn’t only about wine. Vouge just recently featured an article on Healdsburg calling it the ‘next California culinary destination’. Forbes also wrote an article explaining why people should visit this small town in Northern California.

Overall, it’s chic, lively, and romantic. Celebrities such as Lady Gage, Christina Applegate, Anna Faris, Chelsea Handler, and Seth Rogan were all visitors of the area just this year. My friend who used to work in an upscale pet store in Healdsburg used to recall multiple stars coming into her shop. I can’t wait to return next Spring and write my own blog posts about the area I grew up.

Related: {Painted} Ladies Weekend in San Francisco 

9. Koh Poda, Thailand

Ever dreamed of having a white sand beach all to yourself? Add some limestone cliffs in the background and you have yourself Koh Poda Island. What this stunning island lacks in size, it made up for in pristine, white sand beaches. There were certain stretches of sand along the island that were completely deserted. There were hours I had my very own private beach, all to myself.

That being said, one day is more than enough time to enjoy Koh Poda. It’s such a small island without accommodation options, and only a small shack selling basic food and drinks. Therefore, most people make a day trip out of Koh Poda. You can stay in nearby Ao Nang or Railay Beach.

Related: A Guide to Island Hopping from Ao Nang, Thailand

10. Brač, Croatia

Brač was my favorite island in Croatia. Everything about the port town seemed magical. The people were gorgeous, the scenery was stunning, and the energy was cool, calm, and collected. Take a bus to Bol, and you are presented with the most crystal clear, strikingly blue water you’ve ever seen.

It may just be ‘another port town’ to some, but it’s a special one to me. It’s easily accessible from Split. We took a morning ferry across the sea which was enjoyable in itself. You can purchase your tickets the morning of or in advance. While Split, Dubrovnik, and Hvar are all enjoyable, it was Brač that remained in my mind long after leaving Croatia.

Read More: Recollections En Route: Brač, Croatia

I am so curious to know what your future travel plans for 2019 look like. Will you be staying close to home or gallivanting around the globe? Or a little bit of both like me? Comment down below!