This list was for 2019. For the list for 2020, click here.



In an era of social and political movements propelled by fear and resentment of others, travel is more crucial than ever. After all, if you leave home to experience someplace else, you’re liable to pick up some appreciation for how life is lived there. Before you know it, that could develop into a full-blown case of empathy—the antidote to kneejerk bias.

A model for the best kind of traveler—curious, adventurous, full of gusto, and bullish on diversity—was renegade chef, author, and TV host Anthony Bourdain, who died in June 2018. “[Travel] changes you,” he wrote in his book No Reservations. "It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”

We have the same hopes for your travels in 2019, and our staffers and contributors think that the 19 places gathered here will supply the most enriching journeys. Our choices rose to the top because they’re reaching major milestones, opening important new attractions, overcoming past obstacles, or emerging as previously overlooked spots due for discovery. As always, some deserving destinations fell just shy of selection. Among them: Alabama, celebrating its bicentennial while appraising a troubling history via a recently unveiled memorial to lynching victims; an on-the-mend Puerto Rico, still recovering from devastating hurricanes and government inaction; and Chile’s Elqui Valley, where a total solar eclipse promises to offer the year’s best sky-gazing.

And what did make our list? Nineteen places to inspire wonder, reflection, joy, connection, and—let’s hope—positive change.

So. Let’s get going.



Here, in no particular order, are the Best Places to Go in 2019.