Nature and outdoors

Where to Go in 2019

We break down our recommended travel spots by region, based on interest and what’s hot this year

Doha, Kilimanjaro, Catskills, Seattle
Lok Wong

AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST

Architecture: Doha, Qatar

Set to open in March, the modernist National Museum of Qatar will feature artefacts and exhibits depicting the country’s 7,000 years of history.

Hiking: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

It’s a gruelling, week-long journey to reach Africa’s highest peak. Head down to beachy Zanzibar for a well-deserved cool-down afterwards.

AMERICAS

Music heritage: Catskill Mountains, US

Celebrate the legendary Woodstock music festival’s 50th anniversary this year. Join in the earthy festival in New York state, where it’s set to be held in August.

New hub: Seattle, US

Cathay Pacific’s next new flight route, which starts on 31 March, is a treasure trove of mountains and lakes for nature lovers and hikers of all levels.

Toshima, Davao, Jaipur, Xian
Lok Wong

ASIA: Nature

Beachy: Davao, Philippines

Hang about on the beach, and enjoy diverse cuisine and tribal cultures.

Wildlife: Medan, Indonesia

Head to Mount Leuser National Park to see Sumatran orangutans, tigers and rhinos, and learn about conservation in this UNESCO-listed park.

Climbing: Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka

Check out the Sri Pada, thought of as a sacred footprint, on top of the 2,243-metre-high mountain. It’s revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians.

ASIA: City

Ancient opulence: Jaipur, India

Soak in the city’s glorious palaces and monuments. The popular Jaipur Literature Festival (24-28 January) is a great time to visit.

Modern opulence: Singapore

Go for a taste of the Crazy Rich Asians life. Tip: Raffles Singapore hotel is opening its doors in the spring after years of renovation.

Classic culture: Xi’an, China

As the ancient capital of China, Xi’an is emerging as a hub of historic culture and modern cool, where hip cafes rub shoulders with a terracotta army.

Cool culture: Toshima, Japan

The 2019 Culture City of East Asia, Toshima is in the north of Tokyo, where visitors can take a peek at traditional Japanese culture and get lost in the bustling Ikebukuro area.

Ningaloo, Germany, Minsk
Lok Wong

AUSTRALASIA

Diving: Ningaloo Reef, Australia

Much closer to the shore than the Great Barrier Reef, the Ningaloo is also less popular than its massive cousin, making this an accessible, easy diving destination.

EUROPE

Design: Germany

Celebrate the centenary of the Bauhaus art movement in the many museums, exhibitions and installations around Berlin, Weimar and Dessau.

Sports: Minsk, Belarus

Catch all the action at the European Games from 21 to 30 June, when athletes from more than 50 countries compete in 15 sports.

Cathay Travell Book

ABOUT

Discovery online brings together all the inspirational travel writing from our two inflight magazines, Discovery and Silkroad. Be sure to look out for the print editions when you next fly with Cathay Pacific or Cathay Dragon.
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