Cobblestone short trip to a European metropolis or island hopping in the distance? Foodie weekend or a hiking holiday in the mountains? Now is the perfect time to plan the annual vacation (and do not forget the weekends)! One support for this can be the freshly published travel guide "The New York Times".

Under the heading "52 Places to Go in 2019," dozens of reporters and correspondents have compiled 52 places that are worth a trip this year. These include destinations on all continents - and also two German cities: Munich in 5th place and Dessau in 26th place.

  • The Bavarian capital is a paradise for culture fans from the point of view of the "New York Times". Whether acting, art or opera - " Munich is hard to beat," they say. The theaters are "among the most creative and ambitious in Europe", praises author Stuart Emmrich and highlights the Munich Kammerspiele and the Residenztheater. The museums here are "world class", especially since the renovation of the Lenbachhaus with its "Blue Rider" collection. And thanks to music director Kirill Petrenko, the Bavarian State Opera is probably the "best argument for a visit to Munich".
  • Dessau is also touted in the "New York Times" as a rewarding cultural getaway - occasion: 100 years Bauhaus. Although other German cities celebrate the anniversary - including Berlin and Weimar - but Dessau is the most convincing place for all fans of probably the most important design and architecture school. Do not miss: the Bauhaus building by Walter Gropius, the Prellerhaus and the new Bauhaus Museum.

The list brings together "emerging and fascinating destinations," as well as places that are under threat, writes Amy Virshup, director of the "Times" resort, in an article about the creation of the collection. The editors have chosen "climate change as a priority". "In which places are we at risk of losing them?" , was one of the key issues - because of global warming, rising sea levels and more violent and frequent storms.

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"52 Places to Go": Munich, Friesland, Puerto Rico

The New York Times Calculus: Traveling to these places can alarm society. "We thought it might help them to put them on the list." Thus, Puerto Rico, an outer area of ​​the United States, equaled first place.

  • Puerto Rico : Since hurricane "Maria" raged here in September 2017, tourism was suffering on the Caribbean island. But the main attractions are reopened, writes The Times and refers to various entertainment offers that are about to open around San Juan - cinemas, restaurants and a concert hall.
  • Ontario's Ice Caves: Canada conjures up a special natural phenomenon in winter - and one should not miss it. In February, strong winds mean that snow and ice on the shores of Lake Superior freezes to huge formations. But: "Climate change leaves us doubting its future", the ice caves are among the "places where the beauty of winter is at stake".
  • Tahiti: Islanders in French Polynesia are directly threatened by melting ice caps and sea-level rise. All the better when ecotourism is increasingly established here. According to the report, hotels increasingly sought a better ecological footprint - and a luxury resort is already relying on a power supply powered by coconut oil.
  • Dakar: According to the New York Times, the capital of Senegal is bursting with positive energy. Hipsters here would find "design and fashion that would also fit in New York showrooms," surfers have more than half a dozen beaches to choose from, and just outside there are plenty of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts. Problem: Overfishing and rapid population growth strained the region.

But not only sustainability played a role in the choice of 52 destinations. In general, "change is the key," writes Amy Virshup. How has a destination changed? Why do you have to go right now?

The following cities and regions, for example, came under the tips:

  • Aalborg: The city in northern Denmark is currently getting a whole new look, especially along the harbor. The architectural pearls of the former industrial city include the Musikkens Hus, a curvy and edgy concert hall, and the Utzon Center, designed by Sydney Opera House architect Jørn Utzon. In addition, the city is currently turning an Akvavit distillery into a neighborhood for creatives.
  • Marseille: Even six years after the city was European Capital of Culture, "the renewal of the city is galloping ahead," writes gastronomy expert Alexander Lobrano. Young creative people from all over the country came to the south of France, in the district of Noailles great cafés and restaurants were opened, and the author was particularly fond of a roasting house that sells not only good coffee but also records.
  • Frisian Islands: Three countries can look forward to this tip - the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark. "Times" author Adam H. Graham highlights sustainable tourism on the "wind-swept islands" and recommends nature experiences around the Wadden Sea, "Dark Sky Safaris" and gastro events with oyster beer and oysters.
  • Plovdiv : The second largest Bulgarian city next to Matera is the European Capital of Culture in 2019 - and awaits many tourists for the first time to stroll over the cobbled streets of the Old Town. "This European jewel is ready to shine," writes Ann Mah, author of the travel guide.

    • Outdoor fans will also find numerous travel destinations in the Times ranking: the new Paparoa Track in New Zealand , climbing or skiing in the Slovak Tatra Mountains or hiking and penguin watching in the Falkland Islands .

    Be inspired by the photo gallery!