Two UK destinations feature among the top travel destinations for 2020, as revealed by Conde Nast Traveller.
The destinations to watch for the coming year, chosen by the publication for their culture and heritage, foodie developments and wealth of exciting attractions, can provide a wealth of inspiration for those looking to travel.
Plymouth, which celebrates the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower voyage to America and the 2020 European Capital of Culture, Galway, both make the top ten.
All of the locations on the list are well worth a visit…
Not to be confused with Portland in Oregon, this harbour city has a wonderfully diverse food scene, and a Portland Food Map app to show you where everything is located. A host of new boutique hotels provide somewhere to stay, including The Press Hotel – once the home of the Portland Press Herald and packed with vintage typewriters and other journalistic décor.
New flight routes have made the thriving Senegalese capital more accessible, opening up an abundance of beach and surf opportunities. Add in an eclectic mix of new and old architecture, as well as its Fashion Week and Biennial, and there’s a host of cultural events to enjoy too.
Add high profile restaurants, widespread regeneration and new hotels to a city celebrating its exciting heritage and you can quickly see why 2020 is the year to visit Plymouth. The Mayflower set off from the city in 1620 on a voyage to the New World and more than 100 events will mark the occasion throughout the year. Expect everything from light installations to heritage collections, including one housed in The Box, a cultural hub developed for the anniversary year.
The Afro-Brazilian region of Salvador is booming with an incredible array of eco-tourism options available. An expanding international airport and improved infrastructure means getting to Art Deco inspired city is easier than ever before, while the Bahian Carnival is on par with the celebrations in Rio.
Paris makes the list thanks to a number of impressive new hotels that are scheduled to open their doors throughout the year, including Bulgari Hotel Paris and Cheval Blanc Paris among others. The French capital will also see the opening of an exciting new artistic space in the city’s former stock exchange, developed by billionaire art collection Francois Pinault.
This set of isolated, yet beautiful islands off the western coast of Sicily offer ample hours of sunshine, plenty of golden sandy beaches and a wealth of sunken shipwrecks to explore. Each of the islands of the Egadi archipelago has its own charms, with historical sites, cycling routes and plenty of wildlife – as the largest Marine Protected Area in Europe expect to see migratory seabirds, Caretta sea turtles, monk seals and more.
A haven for surfers, tourism on the Philippine island of Siargao is growing at pace. It might be a tenth of the size of Bali, but with glorious mangrove forests and groves of coconut palms, in addition to numerous pristine beaches, it offers a spectacular alternative for travellers. Eco-tourism is also popular, while flight arrivals to the island’s tiny airport have increased six-fold in recent times, a sign of the region’s rising profile.
The Rugby World Cup this year has helped to boost tourism in Japan, but preparations for hosting the Olympics in 2020 means Japan has plenty of fresh accommodation and attractions to see. Ace Hotel, Hotel Fauchon and Aman Kyoto are among the new hotels opening in a city where you’ll find ultra-modern architecture, tranquil outdoor spaces and centuries-old shrines that provide a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
Found on Ireland’s west coast, Galway takes on the title of European Capital of Culture in 2020 and there are events throughout the year to celebrate. It’s a foodie paradise that’s home to the World Oyster Opening Championships and two delightful Michelin-starred restaurants – Loam and Anair. The city is also midway along the Wild Atlantic Driving route for those that fancy hiring a car and exploring more of what Ireland has to offer.
For a wildlife adventure, Kangaroo Island is home to numerous eco-resorts and more than a third of it remains protected. What results is an unspoilt paradise where you’ll find Eucalyptus forests packed with koalas, turquoise ocean waters, a spectacular picture-book coastline and even the island’s very own sub-species of kangaroo. Foodie festival Tasting Australia arrive in April while the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is set for some exciting additions later on in the year.
Remember to make sure you have adequate insurance in place if you do hire a car to get around when you travel in 2020, as it can provide peace of mind for the duration of your trip.
Car hire excess insurance can cover the excess you would need to pay should your hire car be damaged and it is available for less when purchased online via a third party than you would need to pay at the hire desk.
If you are interested in booking a trip to any of these locations, then why not get in touch with the travel experts at Questor Travel?
Date Created: 05/11/2019
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