Top 10 Itineraries of 2019

When our editors visit a new destination, they write about their various hotel stays — good and bad — and their myriad experiences in the place, but they also put together exclusive itineraries so readers can follow in their footsteps. Covering Africa and Asia, the American South and the Southwest, these are our top 10 itineraries of 2019.

9 Days in the Lowcountry

For many years, Charleston and Savannah have been billed as rival sister cities. Both have impeccable colonial pedigrees and airs of patrician gentility engendered by the mansions of their historic districts. They have two of the best and most unique restaurant scenes in the United States, in addition to an ever-growing list of museums and other attractions. This nine-day trip takes in historic houses, garden squares, restaurants and more.
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A Road Trip Through the American Southwest

The Southwestern states of Arizona, Utah and Nevada contain some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, and the best way to see it is still by car. Indeed, a driving tour of the Southwest is perhaps the quintessential great American road trip. This itinerary stops at iconic national parks as well as off-the-radar hidden gems, with stays at new hideaway hotels and old favorites.
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11 Days in Egypt

With tighter security and low prices, visitors are returning to Egypt. Its most popular attractions are included in this 11-day visit: the extraordinary Egyptian Museum of Antiquities; the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx; the remarkable Dahshur Pyramids, located 25 miles southwest of Cairo; the Temple of Luxor; and the Valley of the Kings.
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Best of Bucharest and Transylvania

The unblemished scenic beauty of Transylvania, as beguiling as that of Tuscany or Provence, is one of Europe’s last secrets. The preindustrial landscape of this vast province in the heart of Romania makes for an ideal road trip. This route circles to and from Bucharest, Romania’s up-and-coming capital, encompassing much of the best of Transylvania.
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16 Days in Cambodia

Until recently, most visitors to Cambodia headed to Angkor Wat, the immense complex of Buddhist and Hindu temples near the city of Siem Reap. But times have changed and Cambodia has become a destination in its own right. In this itinerary, our editor travels from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to the less-explored Cardamom Mountains and the Koh Rong archipelago.
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Namibia and Victoria Falls

This 18-day itinerary is particularly satisfying because of its stark contrasts: It takes you from Namibia, one of the driest, oldest deserts on earth, to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most massive cascades. Going from one extreme to the other makes for an unforgettable itinerary. And while you may not see big cats on this trip, you will observe magnificent desert-adapted elephant, towering giraffe, imposing oryx and quirky ostrich.
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Central and Northern Portugal

Historically, Portugal has been much farther down on visitors’ lists than France, Italy and Spain. But more and more travelers have begun to discover its appeal: beautifully preserved Old World architecture, a varied landscape dotted with medieval towns, underrated cuisine and lovely, hospitable people. Now flights are being added to meet the booming demand, and the hotels, restaurants and shops are becoming much more sophisticated.
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A Week in Grenada

The Caribbean island of Grenada packs a surprising amount of history and culture into its compact geography. It has the requisite palm-fringed beaches, as well as a dramatic interior of emerald mountains laced with hiking trails and waterfalls. But besides being perfect for a week of rest and relaxation, it also offers splendid gardens, waterfalls, hiking and petroglyphs.
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A Week in Los Angeles

If you haven’t visited Los Angeles in a few years, now is the time to return to the city. Downtown is in the midst of a major (if incomplete) renaissance, and across the city, the gallery and culinary scenes have blossomed. This weeklong itinerary includes time in both the center of Los Angeles, viewing art, shopping and hiking, and on the coast in Malibu just relaxing.
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Calabria Road Trip

Calabria, the rugged toe of Italy’s boot, is little known even to a majority of Italians. Savvy Roman and Milanese vacationers have long been aware, however, that Calabria contains many of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, along with some of the most spectacular ancient Greek ruins in the Mediterranean, plus dozens of charming villages perched on seaside cliffs and inland mountaintops. This nine-day itinerary lets you explore an under-the-radar region before it gains well-deserved popularity.
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