Travel’s Best of 2019

design by: JAMES BARKER

By Megan Evans

Dubrovnik is a capital city that is a real gem situated in SouthEastern Croatia, Europe on the Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik’s Old Town is extremely picturesque and a central point for a lot of shooting for films and TV such as Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Robin Hood and Game of Thrones, due to its historical architecture, surrounding green islands and bustling narrow streets. It is also part of the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites, an area chosen by the United Nations as having high significance and is a legally protected area. Its development was based heavily on the maritime trade and it has loads of amazing things to do, hence why it has seen an influx of tourism over the past few years, going from 1 million in 2017 to 20 million in 2018. People are recognising this location as unique as it has remained unchanged with Baroque churches, monasteries, towers and fortresses, cobbled streets and houses just to name a few. The Dubrovnik cable car allows tourists to see these breath-taking panoramic views of the Old City as well as neighbouring islands. There are so many refined restaurants, bars and shops, stunning beaches for kayaking and scuba diving, as well as good night life at Lazareti, with live acts, gigs and DJ appearances. The history is extremely enticing as it has a famous stone boundary encircling the city, Europe’s longest and oldest operating pharmacy in the world and the war museum on the old Napoleonic Fort showing its damage during the Croatian War of Independence. You can engage with so many interesting activities and it is a destination heavily underrated compared with other large cities across the world.

By Josie van Jascheroff

Through the rugby world cup, Japan has received a lot of attention this past year. But have you ever stopped to wonder where exactly to go in Japan? Of course, Tokyo is the obvious first shout as the capital. While Tokyo hosts funky robot shows, cute cat cafes, and a whole lot of other sensory overloads, the country has so many other great destinations I would recommend. To experience more of the traditional side of the country, a couple of days in Kyoto are a must. There are many traditional hotels where you sleep on the floor called ryokans. Kyoto is also home to the infamous Geisha district, bamboo garden, and also the birthplace of Inari (vegan tofu sushi). But regardless of where you are, be sure to check out conveyer-belt sushi restaurants. They are both affordable and a great way to try lots of different types of sushi.

Another hot spot for food is Osaka. Its unofficial motto is “eat until you burst”, which I can whole-heartedly agree with! Whether your thing is sushi, wagyu beef, tempura or sashimi, Osaka will give you the best of the best and lots of it. Dotonburi is the famous area where restaurants are piled on top of each other, just waiting to blow up your taste buds.

And finally, a place I have never heard anyone mention before, Ishigaki. Ishigaki is one of the smaller islands in the Okinawa district and where mostly Japanese holiday. People rarely speak English here and you will get a real feel for the Okinawan culture, which is more tropical and laid back compared to the city life in Tokyo or Osaka. Be prepared for white sand beaches, fresh fruit, yam (purple sweet potato) everything, and the freshest fish you will ever eat.

By Muskan Arora

India is a destination of diversity and culture and is the land that boasts one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. Ancient India was known as the “Golden Bird” due to its abundance of precious jewels and raw materials. The history of India dates back to the Vedas (holy transcripts). Over the years, The Mughals ruled and left India with picturesque monuments and an introduction to a different culture. The Red Fort (New Delhi), The Taj Mahal (Agra), Buland Darwaza (Fatepur Sikri), The Jama Mazid (New Delhi) are among many of India’s incredible landmarks. The British improved the quality of education for the middle and upper classes and renovated the Indian transportation system.

Over the last decade, India has been teeming with tourism from all over the world. Blossoming with street food and exquisite delicacies, living on a beach to nights in The Taj Hotel, it has a lot to offer to everyone visiting. It is the land of innovation and hard-work. Try walking in one of the crowded streets of Mumbai - I’m certain the fragrance of the flowers and sweet smell of Indian snacks mixed with pepper and chilli would be unavoidable. You will never experience anything like walking through the valley of flowers.

You will experience numerous different things when you visit the land of warmth, love and crowd.