Germany ranks 2nd in Lonely Planet's best travel destinations for 2019

Germany secured second place in Lonely Planet's list of travel destinations for 2019. The travel guide publisher said travelers can be part of 100th anniversary celebrations of the legendary Bauhaus school of design and building. The school, founded in Weimar in 1919, flourished in Dessau and remains one of Germany's most successful cultural exports.

Next year will also mark the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, arguably the most significant political event of the past 50 years. It would be a great opportunity for travelers to take part in the anniversary celebrations of the historic event that paved the way for Germany's unity.

The island nation of Sri Lanka topped the list of travel destinations for 2019 in its new guide "Best in Travel 2019." The travel guide publisher said Sri Lanka, known for its temples, mix of religions and rich wildlife, was increasingly becoming a popular surfing destination.

Zimbabwe rounded out the top three in the list. Lonely Planet described the country as one of Africa’s safest destinations with ultra-friendly locals. The country boasts of national parks with all of Africa's biggest five animals, World Heritage-listed archaeological ruins, and the Victoria Falls.

Panama, best known for the eponymous canal connecting the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans, bagged fourth position on the list. In 2019, capital Panama City is going to mark its 500-year history with a party that Lonely Planet described as "one raucous jubilee that you won’t want to miss."

The central Asian country occupies the fifth spot on the list. Kyrgyzstan made a splash on the global tourism scene following the wide interest around the 2018 World Nomad Games, a competition dedicated to the region's traditional regional sports. The country's new trekking routes, revamped national highways, and a simplified visa regime make it an attractive destination.