If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona, Seminyak and Venice take a look at these alternative cities in 2019
BALI - Swap Seminyak for Manggis
If you are looking for the quiet life, head to Manggis on the East coast of Bali. It comes with a lovely, sleepy fishing village type of vibe. Though this doesn’t mean that you’ll be roughing it, as none other than Amankila can be found on the cliff top overlooking the Lombok Strait. Stretch your legs on the hotel’s private beach, visit a nearby floating palace or pull on your fins and explore the deep.

FRANCE - Swap Paris for Bordeaux
If you want to enjoy a bottle of red in peace, hotfoot it to the vineyards of Bordeaux. The new high speed train from Paris will get you there in two hours, and then you will be able to get your culture fix by visiting the new wine museum and sampling a vintage or two in the vineyards. Need to relax a little more? Book into the Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa where you can bathe in red wine extracts.
UK - Swap London for Edinburgh
Looking for a city that’s steeped in culture and history and comes with a real buzz? Then leave your luggage in the capital of Scotland – Edinburgh. Not only will the TedSummit be held there in 2019 and the Six Nations Rugby Championships be played there too, but Potter fans will know that it’s also the home of J.K Rowling. So check out the sights – including the Royal Yacht Britannia if you still want your royal fix – then relax with your favourite Harry Potter book in front of a log fire at the Scone & Crombie Suite at The Balmoral, named Scotland’s most jaw-dropping suite by Architectural Digest.
VIETNAM - Swap Hoi An for Quoy Nhon
Catch the new Anantara spa train to the picturesque town of Quoy Nhon in Vietnam. Arrive relaxed at this idyllic Vietnamese hideaway that features the ancient Cham Towers, striking rock formations by the sea and the chance to go island hopping in a traditional Vietnamese basket boat.
SPAIN - Swap Barcelona for Valencia
Barcelona may have Gaudi, Madrid may have the Prado, but Valencia comes with a festivals, a UNESCO Site and is also the birthplace of Spain’s most famous dish – paella. Visit the ornate Central Market where you can find gourmet treats from local artisans, dine alongside the waterfront where Ernest Hemingway was known to relax, and take a tour of the fine art museum that is said to be second only to the Prado.
ITALY - Swap Venice for Verona
Get ready to fall in love with Shakespeare’s fair Verona. Burn a few calories taking a stroll through the historic streets, then give your tastebuds a treat with decadent helpings of gelato. Go shopping at chic boutiques such as Lazzari that has an array of quirky tea dresses then take a seat in the piazza and watch the world go by as you order another plate of pasta. Before you leave, don’t forget to take the ultimate Instagram shot – Juliet’s balcony.
CHILE - Swap Santiago for Valparaiso
Chile’s second city is ready to step out from behind the capital’s shadow with its combination of hip beaches, coastal cuisine and World Heritage status. Instagrammers will love it wealth of street art and painted houses, foodies will fall for its empanadas and will also be delighted to discover the street escalators if they eat too many.
PHILIPPINES - Swap Boracay for El Nido
If you want to give Boracay a break, take a trip to El Nido. It comes with crystal clear water, caves, lagoons and empty golden beaches. And as it’s part of Palawan, if you hit the surf you have a chance of seeing dolphins, turtles and even whales. Spend your day trekking to waterfalls, kayaking through caves and exploring the picturesque coral reefs. Book into Pangulasian Island Resort to be pampered.
Suggested Itineraries
Arctic_Ice view

From S$13,480 pp

Arctic Wildlife Safari

The Arctic

  • Search for polar bears hunting seals in the pack ice on an arctic safari
  • Explore historical sites including early whaling camps, trappers’ cabins, deserted coal mining operations, and an abandoned polar research station
  • Sea kayaking near tidewater glaciers and icebergs
  • Look out for humpback whales from the outdoor decks
  • Take advantage of the included photography program and learn alongside the onboard expert

When to go:

J F M A M J J A S O N D
ideal length 10 nights
Husky dogs are pulling sledge with family at winter forest in Lapland Finland

From S$8,900 pp

Finnish Lapland For Families

Finnish Lapland

  • Whiz through Lapland on a snowmobile to visit a reindeer farm
  • See Finland’s winter scenery from the back of a sleigh and meet excited husky dogs
  • Try ice-karting and make friends with some Finnish polar bears
  • Stay in a cosy glass igloo offering potential views of the Northern Lights
  • Get the chance to meet Father Christmas and his cheeky elves!

When to go:

J F M A M J J A S O N D
ideal length 6 nights
Colourful boats at shore of beautiful Phewa lake. Pokhara, Nepal with Annapurna range in background

From S$22,880 pp

Nepal for Families

Kathmandu Valley Pokhara & Annapurna Nepal

  • Enjoy a trekking excursion with magnificent views of Annapurna South
  • Interact with teacher and pupils at a local Nepalese school
  • Float past forested valleys on a rafting adventure on the Seti River
  • See the flora, wildlife and birds of the Nepalese jungle on a safari trip
  • Dine with a Shepa summiteer and hear stories about climbing Mount Everest

When to go:

J F M A M J J A S O N D
ideal length 8 nights
Destinations Featured in the Article
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Pura Beratan Temple, Bali, Indonesia. Shivaite and water temple.

Bali

Bali is a dream destination for a reason; offering not just picture-perfect beaches, but stunning natural beauty, cutting edge art and architecture and a rich culture and history.

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