Vacation Roundups

The 10 Hottest Up-and-Coming Vacation Destinations to Visit Right Now

Last updated 16th August 2019

The hottest up-and-coming vacation destinations for the fall and holiday season of 2019 have been revealed! According to new data from global luxury travel network Virtuoso®, these lesser-frequented spots are growing quickly in bookings and about to be the most in-demand locales for upscale travelers. Stay ahead of the curve and book your next family trip to one of these dreamy destinations ASAP.

1/10 Uruguay

Move over Peru and Argentina, there’s a new South American country drawing in visitors. With a bustling capital teeming with culture and beautiful architecture, a lively beach scene fit for even celebrities in Punta del Este, charming towns like Colonia del Sacramento where you can walk down cobble stone streets and an amazing food and wine scene, it’s no wonder this country is becoming a major hot spot.

See our family vacation guide to Uruguay  

2/10 Maldives

If you’ve ever had dreams of waking up in your very own over-the-water bungalow to turquoise waters and carefree days, then you already understand the appeal of the Maldives. The ultimate spot to let your worries go and live life on island time, this sublime paradise features plenty of upscale resorts to take family relaxing to the next level.

Our picks for the best kid-friendly over-the-water bungalows

3/10 Malta

These family-friendly islands were long one of Europe’s best kept secrets. Now people are catching on that these three islands, featuring the ideal mix of pristine beaches and city culture, are an idyllic vacation destination not to be skipped. Start the day sitting on a stretch of golden sand and paddling into crystal clear turquoise shallows, or take a step back in time and explore the winding streets of ancient towns and cities.

Read why Malta is a kid-friendly paradise

4/10 Romania

If you’re surprised that this European country made the list, then you must not know about Romania’s fairytale castles, dazzling mountain landscapes and gorgeous monasteries, not to mention vibrant cities like Bucharest. Plus, Romania is still one of the few European countries where you can get a lot of bang for your buck, making it an affordable spot for a family trip.

Fairytale castles you can sleep in with your kids

5/10 Egypt

From cruises down the Nile to desert safari tours exploring ancient Egyptian wonders to trying new cuisines and roaming the markets in its cities, Egypt offers a singular vacation. Intrepid travelers love the rich mix of past and present culture and the timeless historical treasures you can’t find anywhere else.

How a solo parent trip to Egypt brought a mom closer with her teen

6/10 Puerto Rico

Courtesy of @thisbucketlistlife

With recovery well underway after the devastating hurricane, Puerto Rico is the Caribbean locale topping bucket lists. Old San Juan, with its cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, offers the chance to explore the oldest city in the United States and its impressive fortresses. In a span of one week, you can visit the rainforest, hike to waterfalls, surf the waves in Rincon and see eagle rays and sea turtles while snorkeling.

Our pick for the best family-friendly hotel in Puerto Rico 

7/10 Rwanda

For travelers looking to get off the beaten path and experience the unexpected, skip safaris in South Africa and Kenya and head to Rwanda. Get a once-in-a-lifetime experience gorilla trekking or experience the magical landscapes and discover why this country is known as the “Land of Thousand Hills.” And don’t forget its sophisticated but not overly touristed cities like Kigali.

8 Lion King-inspired family safaris

 8/10 Qatar

Discover this rich (both literally and in culture) country that’s one of the smallest in the Middle East. But its size doesn’t stop it from being a must-see spot. Beyond the glitz and glamour, it makes for an ideal winter escape thanks to it being almost entirely surrounded by the Persian Gulf and boasting sunny days where the temperatures seldom drop below 77˚ year round.

Explore our guide to the Middle East

9/10 South Korea

Offering over 5000 years of history and culture, bubbly cities and unrivaled landscapes, it’s no wonder that travelers can’t get enough of South Korea and its diverse range of attractions. Sample world-class street food, shop in one of the world’s largest malls, visit palaces and temples and more.

Want more of Southeast Asia? See our vacation guide to Japan   

10/10 Norway

Famous for its fjords, Norway is the gold standard when it comes to being kid-friendly. Spot puffins and whales on wildlife safaris, visit one of the country’s many museums, explore its cities by bike, take in the breathtaking northern lights or take in all its natural beauty on a hike through lush landscapes dotted with waterfalls. From Oslo to Tromsø, the possibilities are almost limitless.

Where and when to see the northern lights