With 2018 almost over and 2019 on the way, you might be thinking about the next great getaway for the coming year. If you’re like many people these days you may have several different holidays planned but maybe you don’t know quite where to go yet. With so many amazing options opening up to many travellers today it can be a daunting task to pick just one (or two!) places to head to for the coming year, but that’s why we’re here. Check out our top picks for 2019’s holidays that you just can’t wait for.

Winter Getaway Pick – United Arab Emirates

The UAE is a great stop for anyone wanting a getaway in the winter time to somewhere exotic, far flung and new. Right in the heart of the Middle Eastern gulf states, the UAE boasts some of the world’s most luxurious shopping malls, restaurants and hotels. With Dubai being a hot spot for travellers on layovers flying to and from all manner of location around the world, it’s easy to plan a couple of days in this bustling city. Check out Ski Dubai for an indoor ski experience like no other and if you like sport fishing, you’re in for a treat. This is our winter pick as due to the location the temperature is pleasant in the winter for those from chillier climates like North America or Europe, but if you come in the summer be prepared for scorching weather.

Spring Getaway Pick – Mexico

Who doesn’t love a bit of Mexico from time to time? Between the food, the culture, the people and the history, there’s so much to enjoy from coast to coast. Depending what you’re after you can choose from the Atlantic, Caribbean or Pacific coasts, all of which offer something slightly different to the visitor. Be sure to check out the old Mayan ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula – a must see including the ruins of Chichen Itza. For our food pick try empanadas with a bit of horchata on the side. This is our spring pick due to the temperatures, the azure waters and generally the great climate year round!

Summer Getaway Pick – Albania

Fancy something a bit unique and challenging? Check out Albania in the summertime! This coastal country is opening up to visitors at a quickening rate and is not just cheap, cheerful and welcoming, but has some of the most pristine beaches to be found in the area. A bit like Greece combined with Italy, you can find both types of food here along with traditional Albanian meals like koftas and various salads. Activities include everything from caving to mountain climbing, sampling beautiful regional wines, or just kicking back on some of its white sand beaches in the likes of Ksamil to the south. Don’t miss UNESCO site Butrint – an ancient Greek city found right near the southern border with Greece.

Autumn Getaway Pick – Czech Republic

If you’re looking for a great autumn destination, the Czech Republic is ideal. By this point the weather has cooled off a bit but won’t be wintry yet and so it’s perfect for hiking and exploring the cities and countryside. Prague, the capital, is a perfect place to catch an opera or just wander back alleys sampling local beers and food such as goulashes and pork neck. Be sure to check out the famous main square and climb the clocktower for the famous photo of the double-spire church. To get out, try the spa town of Karlovy Vary, Cesky Krumlov or Kutna Hora for the creepy ossuary made of thousands of human bones.

So there you have some of the coolest picks for places to check out next year. With so many interesting things to see and do in each, you might find yourself pressed for time trying to fit everything into your holidays!