Back on the Map: Five Destinations to Revisit in 2019

Summer is right around the corner, if not already sliding through the gates. This means that you, dear reader, have roughly two months to plan out the perfect vacation. And while it may be tempting to book a flight to your tried and tested mainstream destinations, this summer try treading off the beaten path- slightly.

We’ve curated a short list of tourist destinations that have reappeared on the grid. After years of having fallen out of the graces of frequent travelers, these five spots are on the up and up when it comes to attracting tourists. Get ahead of the curve and start planning.

The announcement of the Grand Egyptian Museum proved to be a game changer and news of it has placed Egypt back on the map. After experiencing the tumults of regional instability, for the first time in a while there’s a waitlist for hotels and Nile boat trips. Cairo’s antiquated hospitality scene is being resurrected as well, with St Regis opening up last month and many boat tour organizations refurbishing their vessels. Glamour and history go hand in hand in the ancient city of Cairo.

When Hurricane Irma struck In 2017, St Barths was one of the worst hits. A little more than a year on and the island is defiantly beavering away to rebuild tourism. In a way, visiting St Barths this summer will earn you philanthropic karmic points. Resorts and hotels, as well as bazaars and local attractions, have been revamped, relandscapes, renovated and reopened. All you need to do is pack right for your Carribean getaway.

Before civil war gripped the sub-Saharan state, Bazaruto was Africa’s answer to Havana. With a buzzing nightlife, no rules, and a legendary happy hour, the archipelago was an elegant destination and is now an elegant ruin. It is the haunting quiet that high-end hotels are channeling into new appeal; a private paradise with rolling beaches. What more could you want in a perfect summer destination?

As a result of decades of Iron Curtain isolation, Transylvania remains a land lost in time. 13th-century Saxon villages and much of the towns distinct character remains intact. Crumbling structures are being rebuilt and conserved, featuring stone floors and fairytale interiors. Transylvania leaves nothing to be desired, whether it’s the vast forests interspersed with mountainous terrain or horse-drawn carriage rides along cobbled pathways and across wildflower fields. Your summer fairytale, served on a platter.

If you’re looking for something closer to home, why not simply home? Earliest mentions of the city can be traced as far back as 2000 BC, and although much of Lahore has been urbanized, the Walled City Authority has carried out commendable restorative, curative and conservative efforts. Lahore is attracting tourists from all across the globe with its scenic historical walkways, century-old bazaars, legendary food streets, and blooming art scene. With a crackdown on local crime, a restored sense of security on the streets, and the opening of luxury boutique hotels, it is only a matter of time before Lahore cements itself as a world-class tourist destination. It’s time you recognized it for what it is; a cultural gem.

So where are you heading?