11 Destinations That Should Be on Travel Agents' Radar

Travel never stops. While a handful of bucket list destinations around the globe are always on travelers' radar a few are in the midst of or on the verge of going from hidden gems or forgotten destinations to tourist hotspots. Here are 11 places travel agents should be aware of heading into the final third of 2019.

Egypt's tourism numbers are soaring these days as more and more travelers learn that the destination is in fact safe to visit. That said, there are a plethora of sought-after spots agents should familiarize themselves with as well as bits of advice they should share with clients traveling to Egypt for the first time.

Japan is one of Intrepid Travel's top trending destinations for 2020 as Tokyo will play host to the 2020 Summer Olympics, becoming the first Asian city to host the Games twice. The marquee event will coincide with the launch of ZIPAIR Tokyo, a low-cost carrier under Japan Airlines that will make getting to Japan easier and more affordable.

Iceland has been battling issues related to overtourism in recent years but the collapse of Wow Air earlier this year coupled with concerning projections for the nation's tourism industry means that it's very possible the scenic European destination could emerge as a tremendous value destination in the months to come. It's also one of the few places travelers can experience the northern lights.

An unbeatable destination for an eco-vacation, Panama is so much more than its namesake canal. The Bocas del Toro islands are a can't-miss spot for beach lovers while wildlife enthusiasts will fall in love with Panama's rainforests. Visitors can even take tours of villages housing the indigenous Embera people. For a more urban experience, head to Panama City to take in some iconic landmarks and vibrant nightlife.

Croatia's day of being a secret might be over but the coveted luxury destination remains on the rise in 2019 as few places can compare when it comes to offering travelers a near-perfect mix of rich history, culture, mouthwatering food, charm and otherworldly scenery.

Croatia's neighbor, Montenegro has a bright future as a popular tourist destination. A handful of highly anticipated new hotel openings and the arrival of the 60-acre Portonovi marina and waterfront resort combined with remarkable medieval villages, beautiful beaches and mystique have this European hidden gem poised to blow up.

India's City of Lakes, Udaipur was named one of the world's best cities by Travel + Leisure readers who voted on the publication's World's Best Awards 2019. What's more, The Leela Palace in Udaipur was named the best hotel in the world for 2019. The nearby Taj Lake Palace also cracked the top 40. Home to iconic attractions such as the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort along with coveted beach destinations like Goa, India is not to be slept on.

Portugal isn't just for hipsters. This Iberian hotspot is more accessible than ever and offers travelers plenty of bang for their buck. "It's hot right now. It's a great destination and when you get there the value for your dollar goes super far," TravelPulse founder and CEO Mark Murphy said in June. "It's unbelievably picturesque. Lisbon is a great city with cobblestone streets and little eateries. You can even rent a car and go up the coast to Porto."

Brazil recently waived visa requirements for American, Canadian, Australian and Japanese tourists in an effort to boost tourism. The increased accessibility is part of a strategy to double Brazil's international visits to 12 million annual visitors by 2022 that will include increased spending on marketing the destination around the world.

A reduction in airfare costs to help jumpstart flight bookings to Sri Lanka in the wake of this past spring's Easter bombings will make the South Asian island even more accessible to travelers who were undoubtedly already drawn to its beautiful beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, diverse wildlife and rich culture.

Sensationalized media reports following a handful of "mysterious" deaths involving tourists that may have actually been not so peculiar hurt tourism in the Dominican Republic this summer. However, as the facts come out proving the DR is a safe vacation destination, this once booming Caribbean getaway is poised to reemerge as a tremendous value destination for travelers seeking an all-inclusive escape to paradise.