Where should you Travel?

Travel planning can be very overwhelming and stressful if you don’t have anywhere to look up for ideas.

Travelling is all about learning from other people and your own mistakes. It is important to know what places you want to visit, which places are good for your budget, how to avoid disappointments and prepare yourself.

Luckily, there are travel experts that can help you find the answers to all your questions and make your trip less complicated.

If you are a traveller at heart, this post is for you!

After reading this article, you will be able to learn where to travel to in 2019, what are the best places to visit on a budget and where to go to enjoy a luxurious holiday.

Our travel experts are going to share all their favourite destinations from the last year and give you some very essential tips and advice about travelling.

Some experts will teach you something new while others will share their own experience and provide you with the essential information you need.

So don’t waste your time, grab a pen and a travel notebook, and start making some amazing plans with our travel experts so you know where to travel.

13 Travel Experts share their Best Tips and Advice. Here we go!

Table of Contents

Where To Travel?

1. Deanne Scanlan, Owner Manager, Deanne Scanlan Destination Designer

What was your favourite travel destination in 2018 and why?

Bhutan for the serenity, friendship and pure magic that is associated with the small kingdom. It is like no other in so far as it delivers what it promises, that of the Land of the Thunder Dragon where man and beast meet in harmony, where rivers are the lifeblood of the people and the preservation of history and mythology combine to ensure that the Land of Happiness preserves age old traditions and beliefs.

I did visit Chile and Bolivia which came in a close second.

Where will you be travelling in 2019?

India is my first stop and of course Bhutan once again at the end of the year and who knows where in between. Possibly Cuba and Sri Lanka.

What destination would you recommend for a budget holiday in 2019 and why?

Perhaps Fiji as there are a lot of places that many do not know about. You can travel there as cheaply as you can have a holiday in Australia. New Zealand is another option.

What destination would you recommend for a luxury holiday in 2019 and why?

A luxury holiday could be anywhere but for me I think Finland or Lapland in the winter season and anywhere that Taj Hotels or Aman hotels are located. Oberoi in India will provide the ultimate stay. Song Saa Island ,a private resort in Cambodia is one to be investigated.

Great Train Journeys through Switzerland will excite the luxury client but perhaps the ultimate is the Blue Train in Africa or the Maharajas Express and Deccan Odyssey in India just to name a few. They could be the new option for a discerning client.

What is your one travel advice for 2019?

Where ever you go whatever you do enjoy every moment. Take thousands of photos and record the memories. We only live once -in this lifetime- so live the life, live for today and cliche’ as it sounds-‘Dance like no one is watching- from anywhere in the world’ Don’t get to the end and say’ if only’.

2. Kevin Mattaboni, Director, Travel Forever

What was your favourite travel destination in 2018 and why?

Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. This region of Australia is so under-valued and little known but offers some of Australia’s most amazing and fresh food such as the Coffin & Baird Bay Oysters; pristine scenery and wildlife experiences from Cage Diving with Great White Sharks in Port Lincoln, Swimming with Sea Lions and Dolphins in Baird Bay, the unique Mikkira Station with their abundant Koala colonies and viewing the Humpback Whales from the Head of the Bight!

Where will you be travelling in 2019?

I would have to admit, I miss the Kimberley Region of Western Australia; especially the East Kimberley Region incorporating El Questro Station and the warm waters of Zebedee Springs & the crystal clear waters of Emma Gorge.

What destination would you recommend for a budget holiday in 2019 and why?

Hire a car from Perth in September and October and head inland towards the Mid-West region of Western Australia and discover the world’s greatest displays of wildflowers along with quintessential Outback Towns such as Mullewa, Morawa and the iconic Cue for an unbeatable Outback experience.

What destination would you recommend for a luxury holiday in 2019 and why?

Again, off the beaten track, head to Exmouth and the world renown Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef for luxury wilderness camping right on the shores of the Ningaloo Reef, offering snorkelling and diving on one of the most pristine coral reefs found globally. Travel in April through to July and tick off a few bucket list items such as swimming with the WhaleSharks and Mantarays or, later in the year, swim with migrating Humpback Whales.

What is your one travel advice for 2019?

A really great Australian travel experience will change your life! Tempt that adventure seeker within you and push the boundaries…just a little!

3. Dayana Brooke, Founder and Travel Specialist, The Sustainable Traveller

What was your favourite travel destination in 2018 and why?

Chile. The home of my parents and visiting my beautiful Grandma for her 90th birthday was very special.

Where will you be travelling in 2019?

South Africa and India in April, Chile in June, Las Vegas and New York in August and possibly a cruise with the family at the end of the year.

What destination would you recommend for a budget holiday in 2019 and why?

Stay local for a budget holiday. It could simply be a roadtrip not far from home and popping up the tent somewhere. Or even a little staycation in your local city and indulge in a hotel and room service for a night or two.

What destination would you recommend for a luxury holiday in 2019 and why?

Sri Lanka is still a destination where luxury is defined not just by cost but by hospitality and experiences with nature, wildlife, beaches, safaris and adventures off the tourist trail.

What is your one travel advice for 2019?

Make a conscious decision to start travelling ethically and sustainably. Choose eco hotels, local tours, say no to plastics, reuse, recycle, go veggie and leave no trace behind.

Atacama Desert Chile

4. Joel Enright, Business Owner and Travel Agent, Travel Counsellors

What was your favourite travel destination in 2018 and why?

Cook Islands. Is an amazingly beautiful destination, with incredible food, amazing locals and a beautiful lagoon surrounding the island with great swimming and snorkelling. I highly recommend visiting.

Where will you be travelling in 2019?

My big trip in 2019 is to Morocco and Spain in May. Morocco has always been on my list and am looking forward to spending three weeks experience the destination and culture. Spain is one of my favourite destinations and look forward to a week or so enjoying the relaxed Spanish culture.

What destination would you recommend for a budget holiday in 2019 and why?

Vanuatu. Only a few hours from the East Coast of Australia with very affordable flights, beautiful landscape and lots to do without blowing the budget.

What destination would you recommend for a luxury holiday in 2019 and why?

Qualia, Hamilton Island. Is a truly breathtaking part of the world and second to none luxury. Easy to get to and so many activities on hand mean you’re relaxing and spoiled very quickly.

What is your one travel advice for 2019?

Book with someone you trust! Financial security is very important and considering the recent occurrences with online companies of late, it’s very important to book through reliable people and companies.

5. Paola, Senior Travel Consultant, Helloworld Sunbury

What was your favourite travel destination in 2018 and why?

Quebec city in Canada. It has that French influence and you would swear you are in a European city. So beautiful especially in the fall.

Where will you be travelling in 2019?

Vietnam, a new destination for me but a super busy one. It’s the new Bali. Caters for everyone and has so much history.

What destination would you recommend for a budget holiday in 2019 and why?

Bali is always a great destination for a budget. It is always evolving with new resorts and restaurants to cater for the Aussie market.

What destination would you recommend for a luxury holiday in 2019 and why?

Hayman Island as it re opens this July under the Intercontinental banner.

What is your one travel advice for 2019?

Book ahead to get the best deals and do your research.

6. Priti Gatto, Travel Consultant, Travel Counsellors

What was your favourite travel destination in 2018 and why?

Switzerland. Picturesque landscape, everywhere you looked there was opportunity to take amazing photos. Using the Swiss railway pass was so easy and great way to see all the major cities of Switzerland with spectacular scenery. People are friendliest anywhere I have gone always willing to help. There is so much to see that I can’t wait to go back again and explore the country further.

Where will you be travelling in 2019?

Japan during cherry blossom season.

What destination would you recommend for a budget holiday in 2019 and why?

Sri Lanka. It has something to offer every traveler from beautiful sandy beach to the vast wild life and a festival happening everyday. There is so much culture to see and experience. There are also direct flights to Colombo with Sri Lankan airline making it even easier for families to travel.

What destination would you recommend for a luxury holiday in 2019 and why?

River cruise with Viking cruise on board service is impeccable every client need is taken care of. Each stateroom is exceptional designed, dining menu is selected by using fresh produce from each port.

What is your one travel advice for 2019?

Pre purchase tickets using the skip the line option to any sights especially the ones that are major attractions this will save you many hours waiting in line to get into an attraction.

srilanka-Train

7. Cedric Jean-Baptiste, Travel Filmmaker, Cedric JB

What was your favourite travel destination in 2018 and why?

Sri Lanka because the people are friendly, the food is amazing, the landscapes are jaw-dropping, it is very affordable, the culture is strong, the weather is great and some experiences are unforgettable (train ride for example)!

Where will you be travelling in 2019?

I aim to go to most of these countries in 2019: Bali, France, South Africa, Namibia, Myanmar, Vanuatu and Fiji.

What destination would you recommend for a budget holiday in 2019 and why?

Sri Lanka for the same reasons as stated above. Sri Lanka will soon become the hottest travel destination and prices are likely to keep on surging with more tourists coming. Better do it now then later!

What destination would you recommend for a luxury holiday in 2019 and why?

Namibia – I haven’t been there, but I’ve heard great things about it. It is also apparently quite expensive there but from what I’ve seen it has everything for a luxury getaway!

What is your one travel advice for 2019?

Get out of your comfort zone and meet locals, speak with them, learn everything from them, observe how they live and eat what they eat; that way, you are sure to get the most authentic travel experience.

8. Michael Xu, Managing Director, AAT Travel

What was your favourite travel destination in 2018 and why? 

China. China is a country with a history of over 5,000 years. There are so many historical sites to visit and so many exciting new developments for you to explore and experience. The unique scenery, Chinese culture, yummy cuisine and friendly people. We can travel in style at an affordable cost. We can enjoy more and pay less and therefore to pay China a visit under supervision will help you make the most of it.

Where will you be travelling in 2019? 

China In April as it’s China’s spring and its weather is pleasant.

What destination would you recommend for a budget holiday in 2019 and why?                                      

Beijing can be a good option for budget travellers. You will most probably spend less then AUD$100 per day for Food and Accommodation.

What destination would you recommend for a luxury holiday in 2019 and why?           

I will recommend a visiting places like Zhangjiajie in China where you will experience past and the present. You’ll get to try different cuisines and perhaps a dinner cruise in Yangzi River.

What is your one travel advice for 2019? 

There are all kinds of reasons for you to travel. I’d suggest that you should consider travel options which  are safe, entertainment, educational, healthy and value for money.

The Great wall of China

9. Lex Buckle, Founder, Pinlend

What was your favourite travel destination in 2018 and why?

Kiev, Lyviv & Odessa, Ukraine ??. A delicate balance of the most hospitable local people, delicious cuisine, stunning architecture and history.

Where will you be travelling in 2019?

In 2019, I’ve got four trips planned to Byron Bay (NSW) , Waiheke island (NZ), Uluwatu (Bali) and Japan.

What destination would you recommend for a budget holiday in 2019 and why?

Kiev, Ukraine. There is so much to see and do throughout Ukraine. I recommend hiring a car and driving west from Kiev to Lyviv and then down south to Odessa on the Black Sea. Experience, learn and immerse yourself in all the beautiful aspects of Ukrainian culture.

What destination would you recommend for a luxury holiday in 2019 and why?

Galápagos Islands, an amazing location that’s home to 1000’s of different species of both land and marine life. Still one of the most pristine agapelagoes that offers ultimate thrill for the Outdoor and adventure seeking enthusiasts.

What is your one travel advice for 2019?

Travel is truely the only thing you can spend money on that will make you richer. Go and get lost, push yourself to new limits, enjoy every minute. Home will always be home, it isn’t going anywhere.  

10. Andrew Denishensky, Travel Advisor and Manager, Travel Counsellors

What was your favourite travel destination in 2018 and why?

Cairo. It is just starting to become a hot destination again, but when you realize the Giza pyramids are on the edge of the city and the Sahara desert, you begin to realise how big a city Cairo is.

Where will you be travelling in 2019?

Paraguay and Uruguay….the list destinations of South America.

What destination would you recommend for a budget holiday in 2019 and why?

Hong Kong. It is still an amazing destination, and there is so much more, especially if you walk outside of Tsim Shat Tsui and explore all the little alley ways where the locals live. There are always deals to Hong Kong at the right time, and great for singles, couples and families.

What destination would you recommend for a luxury holiday in 2019 and why?

A cruise on the North West coast of Australia. More and more luxury cruise companies are exploring this region, so go before it becomes too popular.

What is your one travel advice for 2019?

When you travel to a destination, don’t just explore from behind the camera or their phone. Embrace the culture and give back to the communities you are visiting.

Planning a trip from Australia? Contact us to Get Free Quotes from up to 3 Travel Agents

Cairo Pyramids

11. Jim Stephenson, Principal, Jims Japan

What was your favourite travel destination in 2018 and why?

There were a few in Japan. The Lake Toya region which features spectacular scenery of volcanic origin. Otaru,a coastal town about 1 hour from the  Capital Sapporo, historically famous for a massive herring fishery trade. The canal district features many historic buildings now occupied by a variety of museums and shops selling local specialities. The Nikka whisky distillery at Yoichi, where you can have free whisky tasting (as long as you’re not the driver).

Where will you be travelling in 2019?

Melbourne in February, Central Desert area, Northern Territory – for a “Brumby Week” conference at Kings Canyon in August and Sydney later this year.

What destination would you recommend for a budget holiday in 2019 and why?

Japan. There is a good range of inexpensive cafes and restaurants.You can stay in AirBNB or similar accommodation and cook at home. Convenience stores have a wide range of prepared or ready to heat meals. 3 star hotels are abundant at reasonable rates, there are many passes to reduce cost of travel – if used with care. There are plenty of cheap and genuine gift and souvenir shops, plenty of opportunities to engage with local people to enrich the experience at little or no cost.

What destination would you recommend for a luxury holiday in 2019 and why?

I may be biased but I can definitely recommend Japan as the quality of 4 & 5 star hotels is high, and they can be found in significant scenic locations as well as the major cities. Wide range of high class restaurants and entertainment venues some unique luxury train  journeys, with on-board berths.  All the world brands in addition to classic Japanese brands are represented in major shopping districts, and high class arts and crafts available for purchase at specialty stores – paper, ceramics, woodblock prints, kitchen knives, electronics etc.

What is your one travel advice for 2019?

For the best in-depth experience, start planning with a specialist at least 6 months before you intend to visit.

Mount Fuji Japan

12. Michelle Woodham, Trip Planner and Owner, Divergent Travel

What was your favourite travel destination in 2018 and why?

My husband and I went to the US and I LOVED Las Vegas, it had always been on the bucket list and everything and more than we expected. The food scene was amazing, the people were lovely, the shows were out of this world and we didn’t even end up actually gambling as much as we thought! The helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon was definitely a highlight, an unforgettable moment!

Where will you be travelling in 2019?

I have a babymoon to Hawaii in March and hopefully Japan with a bub in December!

What destination would you recommend for a budget holiday in 2019 and why?

There are so many places these days that suit most budgets, whether it’s travelling to Sri Lanka or Vietnam and experiencing great culture or going to Bali or Fiji for food and relaxation so many places can be specially tailored.

What destination would you recommend for a luxury holiday in 2019 and why?

You can’t go past the Maldives! Still the most luxurious, relaxing and out of this world experience. The service is beyond anything I have ever seen and of course your surrounds are stunning!

What is your one travel advice for 2019?

Look outside the box and go to places you haven’t seen on Instagram or Facebook, instead of staying in a main city try a smaller town, and most importantly talk to the locals as you will find so many adventures and memories hearing their stories.

Maldives

13. Grazia Cuciniello, Travel Consultant/Agent, Travel With Grazia

What was your favourite travel destination in 2018 and why?

Definitely the Italian dolomites/alps as the scenery was incredible. Passing the high mountains on a motorbike and stopping to take photos was a highlight. Pictures don’t do it justice.

Where will you be travelling in 2019?

This year I will be going to Africa and doing glamping and a safari, which I’m excited about.

What destination would you recommend for a budget holiday in 2019 and why?

I would recommend Australia campervans as it is affordable accommodation and there are numerous caravan parks around Australia. It’s an enjoyable and hassle free holiday.

What destination would you recommend for a luxury holiday in 2019 and why?

I would say Canada or Alaska because the scenery is amazing.

What is your one travel advice for 2019?

Your must haves are: travel insurance, bringing multiple credit cards, travelling with a local company, padlocks for suitcases and learning to pack light: you always have to allow space for shopping.

garibaldi-lake-canada

Conclusion

Everyone loves travelling!

Whether you are someone who prefers to be spontaneous and do everything on the spot, tend to do your own research before travelling or you are a person who likes to consult with a travel professional. Whatever kind of person you are, we hope this article has provided you tips and advice that you can use.

We also hope that this article has inspired you to travel, explore the world and you have learned something new today.

Everyone likes to read about various travel destinations, advice and comments from other people. What did you think of this article?  We would love to hear from you, please comment below.

Where will you Travel in 2019?

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