A new year is upon us. Resolutions are being set, the gyms are filling up, and everyone is looking forward to a fresh, clean slate and to put 2018 behind us. One thing you should try out in this new year is getting out of your comfort zone, and the best way to do that is by traveling! Hans Christian Anderson put it in the best way: "To travel is to live." You may have studied abroad somewhere like Italy or the U.K. and traveled a bit, but I encourage you to book a flight to somewhere that you've never been before, somewhere that may be off the radar, or somewhere that may even have negative stereotypes. Make 2019 a year to remember. Here's a list of places to consider for your next adventure:
Tirana, Albania
In 2018, Tirana made Lonely Planet's Top 10 European Cities List, but it was a beauty long before then. Though communist architecture is still prevalent throughout the city, Tirana is blessed with lush parks, beautiful Adriatic beaches, and rich food culture.
Cote d'Azur
If there's any one place in Europe you should road trip, it should be the Italian and French Riviera, also known as "Cote d'Azur." Not only will the whole drive be accompanied by the vast blue sea and dreamy sunsets, but on the trip you visit the cities of Menton, Monaco, Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Marseilles, each one more beautiful than the next.
Lisbon, Portugal
Despite being listed in Europe's Top 10 cities, Lisbon is one of Europe's least visited capitals. It is adjacent to a gorgeous shoreline meanwhile the center city displays traditional and beautiful architecture.
Cartagena, Colombia
Colombia is not just drugs and cartels, underneath the stereotypes is a breathtaking country that varies geographically. Cartagena boasts pink beaches, 16th century buildings, clear blue water, and coral reefs.
La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain
Red Centre, Australia
This national park in Australia displays this 550 million-year-old rock that is sacred to indigenous Australians. A visit to this park will show you a less filtered, more rural side of Australia, one that is full of tradition and indigenous beliefs.
