Make 2019 the year your snowy dreams come true! If Santa\u2019s real, he lives in Lapland, so what more\u00a0reason do you need to go? Travel in winter to experience a dark winter wonderland or go in summer for 24\/7 sunlight (when a hotel with blackout curtains is essential)<\/em>.<\/p>\n How is this even real? Lapland, Finland.<\/p><\/div>\n Sri Lanka is home to ancient temples, lush wilderness and an incredible surf scene. It\u2019s Lonely Planet\u2019s No.1 destination for 2019, with heaps of new transport and accommodation options for singles, couples, families and groups. Make sure you try fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry) \u2013 it\u2019s a local fave and amazing<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n 2019 is a big year for the Queensland coastline. After being ravaged by a cyclone in 2017, resorts on Daydream Island, Hayman Island and Airlie Beach are finishing their refurbs (spoiler alert \u2013 they\u2019re better than ever) and re-opening for business. And there\u2019s a new kid on the block if you\u2019re looking for some Long Island luxury: Elysian Retreat<\/a>. Private beach, adults-only, and accessible only via helicopter. Luxe AF.<\/p>\n White sand for daaaays. The Whitsundays.<\/p><\/div>\n Yes, gondolas and canals are a European getaway clich\u00e9 – but for a reason. Venice is a bucket-list destination and with so much happening, 2019 is the year to go. Check out Futuruins <\/a>(ends 24 March), the Art Biennale<\/a> (11 May to 24 November), the iconic Carnevale <\/a>(16 February to 5 March) and more!<\/p>\n Nepal is home to some of the world\u2019s highest mountains (including Mount Everest) and breathtaking\u00a0sights that no phone pic is ever going to do justice. If climbing Everest is out of the question, take a flight over the Himalayas to see the snowy peaks from above. But if you are keen to climb, here\u2019s an insider tip: The Langtang Valley, north of Kathmandu, is a quieter trekking area and rewards you with incredible views of the holy lake at Gosainkund. Just take it slow and steady and you\u2019ll get there \u2013 just like this six-year-old champ<\/a>.<\/p>\n Everest Base Camp, Nepal<\/p><\/div>\n Foodie alert \u2013 Taiwan is your 2019 hot spot! The Michelin Guide released its first ever Taipei edition in 2018, putting the spotlight on restaurants like Peng Lai<\/a> (try the deep-fried pork ribs \u2013 trust us). An hour south by train is Taiwan\u2019s second largest city and another gourmet delight, Taichung. Don\u2019t leave without checking out the Fengjia Night Market, the biggest in Taiwan. Fill your belly before taking a side trip to dazzling Sun Moon Lake, but leave some room for a tea leaf egg from the famous stall that\u2019s been in business for over 60 years. Bit more interesting than avo on toast\u2026<\/p>\n Cheese, clocks, skiing. Oh, and one of the world\u2019s most renowned spas. If your 2019 is about getting a license to chill, the Thermal Spa at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz<\/a> is just what the doctor ordered. The views of the Alps and Lake Constance are great, but being at a world-class, cutting-edge-meets-holistic\u00a0spa means it\u2019s OK to just concentrate on colour-therapy baths and getting a massage. And did we mention it\u2019s home to the world’s first Swarovski glass-covered steam room? Self-care just got blinged.<\/p>\n WOW! Bad Ragaz, Switzerland.<\/p><\/div>\n Yes, we\u2019re all a little bit in love with Canada (Justin Trudeau, I blame you). But go a little further north-west for some amazing experiences that aren\u2019t on most tourist to-do lists. Visit Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), North America\u2019s highest peak and part of the Denali National Park. Hike the Savage River Loop Trail, meet the Denali Sled Dogs (the cutest park rangers around) and keep your eyes peeled for wild moose \ud83d\ude32<\/p>\n Broome. Yep, the one in WA. When you\u2019re finished with Perth, head north and check out a place like nowhere else in Australia. There\u2019s a MASSIVE reason to go in 2019 \u2013 Opera Under The Stars<\/a> is returning to the lawns of the iconic Mangrove Hotel<\/a>. You can\u2019t miss it!<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/a.travel-assets.com\/travel-assets-manager\/0942ff11-b7a2-4873-8113-11bce0085514\/anz-17797-1048px-1.jpg\")
2. Sri Lanka<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
3. The Whitsundays, Queensland<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/a.travel-assets.com\/travel-assets-manager\/0942ff11-b7a2-4873-8113-11bce0085514\/anz-17797-1048px-2.jpg\")
4. Venice, Italy<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
5. Nepal<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/a.travel-assets.com\/travel-assets-manager\/0942ff11-b7a2-4873-8113-11bce0085514\/anz-17797-1048px-3.jpg\")
6. Taichung <\/a>and Taipei<\/a>, Taiwan<\/strong><\/h3>\n
7. Switzerland<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/a.travel-assets.com\/travel-assets-manager\/0942ff11-b7a2-4873-8113-11bce0085514\/anz-17797-1048px-4.jpg\")
8. Denali National Park, Alaska<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
9. Broome, Western Australia<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/a.travel-assets.com\/travel-assets-manager\/0942ff11-b7a2-4873-8113-11bce0085514\/anz-17797-1048px-5.jpg\")