I should just copy and paste my 2018 list, for I did not visit a single new country last year. Quite frankly, I am borrowing from it: my list of countries I wish to visit has not changed. But I have made two additions and whittled the list down from 10 to 5. I need to be realistic, after all…
Last year, I said this:
As I focus on the more important matters of my wife and son, my new business, and working to live rather than living to work, I still hope to whittle away a bit at my country count each year.
Well, I certainly pared back travel t0 new countries last year, but far too much. I’m not optimistic that this year will be in any better, but here goes my list…
Algeria
I’ve always wanted to visit Algeria (and Tunisia and Libya) although I cannot explain why. Morocco is a favorite destination and I understand that Algeria is a bit more off the beaten track.
Bhutan
After reading Ben’s trip report, Bhutan sits at near the top of my list of countries I hope to visit this year.
Mongolia
Mongolia fascinates me, though I cannot exactly pinpoint why. But I hope to visit this country during the warm of summer, not cool of winter.
Nepal
While I don’t plan on climbing Mt. Everest, I do wish to visit Nepal before or after Bhutan.
Syria
I’ll admit it, Syria remains so tantalizing to me. Damascus in particular. Things have calmed down there. I want to visit the country and see first-hand the aftermath of the Syrian Civil War. I want to review the Four Seasons.
You can see that I took out all my African destinations that I had hoped to visit last year (Algeria is a new African destination). When I return to southern Africa, I want to enjoy an extended time on the ground, not a “review trip” (as much as I love those). There are so many cities and nations that I want to visit and I’d ideally visit 5-6 countries in one trip…it’s not exactly an easy jaunt to southern Africa.
Family Travel?
Our family travel in 2019 will likely just be to Carmel, CA and Germany, hopefully two times each. Little Augustine is still not ready for greater adventures. I’d still like to take my wife and son to Israel and Jordan most of all. But that will come in a year or two when Augustine is just a tad older.
CONCLUSION
I love the new travel possibilities in the new year. There is so much of this earth left to see.
What new country would you like visit in 2019?
Shoulder season in Mongolia is great — no tourists alongside you, but you can still experience everything – just be prepared to bundle up a little more.
Kathmandu was a absolute dump. Just got back. I wouldn’t go there if I weren’t going trekking. Traffic is an absolute nightmare , there is dust and pollution everywhere. I did like the freindly people. If you want to go. Just camp out at the Hyatt. Food options outside Thamel are pretty much non existent , Dunbar square is under re construction after the 2015 earthquake. Also keep in mind , any natural distasters are far more dangerous in Nepal and it’s easy to end up stranded there.
But. Hyatt.
😉
Agree with Ryan re: Kathmandu. Was there on the way to Bhutan in the fall’17 (stayed at the Hyatt btw). Bhutan, on the other hand, is magical. Just please make sure to get out of Paro/Thimphu and go deeper into the country (homestays, although not luxury, provide an amazing, immersive experience – worth it to rough it for a day or two). Mongolia is also very high on my list (has been for years!) – I won’t make it there in ’19 most likely, but hopefully, ’20.
Bhutan is amazing. One of my top five countries in the world. Check out the movie Crossing Bhutan or be crazy and run the Bhutan Marathon in March.
The Le Meridien properties in Bhutan are wonderful and are a great way to use cash/points…at least they used to be before the merger.
Also, fly from Delhi to Paro so you can see Mt. Everest from your window. Sit on the left side of the plane going to Paro and the right coming from Paro.
Let me know if you have any questions. Hope you can make it happen!
Hate to break it to you, but Algeria is in Africa. Also, Syria is not as calm as you think. If your family is in fact important to you, you would not got to Syria.
Algeria is a new county. All the African countries on my list from last year I took off.
We visited seven countries this past October and November. Nepal and Bhutan were among them. There is a reason that Hyatt in Kathmandu is cheap on points because Kathmandu is not an ideal city to visit. If you still want to visit, be sure to bring an effective mask so you won’t breathe lots of air pollution, Traffic is horrendous. We expect all worship places must be kept clean but not the Hindu temples there. If you are germaphobe, avoid Nepal althogether. Bhutan is exceptionally clean, green and tranquil, While you are in the area, I highly recommend one week in Sri Lanka. Mongolia, Tibet and Myanmar are the three destinations on my wish list but I am waiting to read suggestions and recommendations from other travelers on a travel blog. Syria is definitely not a place for a white American male tourist.
Last year I’ve been to Bhutan and had an amazing time. Went to Mongolia right after and had an even more amazing time. Mongolia is #3 of all countries I’ve visited and Bhutan might be #4. I went to Mongolia in March and while it was a bit cold (I stayed in a yurt for 3 nights) , it was fabulous with spring starting and all baby animals being born. Would love to go back.
Stayed at the Amankora in Bhutan a few years ago. The hotel arranged its personnel; to help you check-in in BKK, for the Druk Air flight. The advantage of staying at the Amankora, is that they have lodges throughout Bhutan and have private 4×4 vehicles to transport you to these lodges. We went to Paro, Thimphu and Gangtey. Every aspect was 5-star.
Splurge and stay at Amankora in Bhutan. One of the most amazing hotels (multiple lodges) on earth. Superb service, possibly the best of any Alan property.
When we visit Bhutan years ago, the most memorable moments were staying at the guide’s parents home in mountains and visiting a local monestary that doesn’t see tourists.
We had a final stay in a fancier place (I asked for it) but the local places were much more interesting and overall all very comfortable.
You really should reconsider Syria. Let’s just say, I don’t think the security situation is as “secure” as you think, and I don’t have a good feeling about what’s going to happen now that Russia and Turkey basically have free reign there.
Nepal and Bhutan are two that should be pretty easy to knock off in a single trip. But I’d suggest adding a third destination if you decide to do it – Ladakh, in the far north of India. It’s basically India’s version of Tibet. Very remote, but it looks incredibly beautiful. You can fly to Leh from DEL. The one thing I’m not sure of is whether foreigners can visit without restrictions. It used to be that you needed a special permit to visit, though that may have changed now.
Ladakh looks great.
Your Syria warning is well-noted, but my visits to Afghanistan and Iraq (and Iran) were totally worthwhile.