As the New Year unfolds, a virtual blank canvas of potential travel options reveals itself for travelers to fill. It prompts the questions: Where will 2019 find you? What new adventures await you?

The following destinations are all a buzz, so be sure to read about the wonder of each. What epic places should be on your travel list for the coming year?

Cuba

Cuba is changing rapidly. With travel restrictions evolving daily, there is no time like the present to see Cuba and catch a glimpse of the Spanish Colonial architecture (some restored and some not), the vintage cars (many with homemade engine and chassis parts), and the Cuban people. Curious travelers will love stepping back in time to explore and tread where so many have not ventured for so long.

Chilean Fjords

Chile leads the world in the preservation of natural and wild spaces; and the fjord region, with its National Parks and National Reserves, is one of the most pristine wild spaces on earth. Guests can also sail on ships that penetrate deep into the fjords, bays and inlets that make up this part of Chile’s coast, and go exploring.

Easter Island

Shrouded in mystery and myth, Easter Island has drawn adventurous travelers to experience the monolithic Moai and the quarries they came from; to learn about the islanders, past and present; and to try to understand a little bit about this remote culture, how it came to be, and what happened to them.

Antarctica

How can a place appear so desolate, yet be teeming with wildlife and natural beauty; seem so harsh and inhospitable, yet be inviting and alluring; be so remote, yet draw visitors from all over the world? Antarctica is unique, in the truest sense of the word, and that’s why an expedition to the 7th Continent is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for many. Glaciers and icebergs, huge penguin colonies, seals, whales, and sea birds all make Antarctica a paradise for nature lovers, birders, and photographers.

North Cape, Norway, during Summer Solstice

With 24 hours of daylight, this is one place where travelers can take photographs in some of the most spectacular light they will ever see. What about playing a round of golf at midnight … or having a champagne toast as the sun sets, kisses the horizon, and starts to rise again? North Cape, the northernmost extent of continental Europe, is one of the best places in the world to experience this phenomenon. Rest up before you go, because it’s tough to sleep when there’s so much to see and do.

Reykjavik

Iceland is extremely popular these days, with promises of glaciers, geysers, Icelandic horses, and whale watching taking visitors all over the country. But the capital of Iceland should not be overlooked. Reykjavik is an easy city to get around. It’s very safe. The food and drink are fantastic. And the people are a lot of fun. Hang out downtown during midsummer night, on the longest day of the year, and you’ll see the locals having a drink, dancing and singing in the streets, and enjoying the nearly 24 hours of daylight.

Galápagos Islands

Very often clients will be convinced that they want to visit the Galapagos, but they don’t know when to go or which itinerary is the best, and they’re very concerned that they will miss out on something. One of the great things about the Galapagos is that there is no bad time to go. Situated within a few degrees of the equator, the average water temperature varies by only 4 degrees F° throughout the year, and the average air temperature varies by only 12 degrees F°. The Galapagos is always abundant, easily accessible, and never disappoints.