Top travel destinations for 2020
It’s a brand new decade and there’s a whole world to explore…!
Travelling can change your life. Experiencing other cultures, meeting new people, sampling local food, seeing prestigious landmarks and discovering hidden gems can foster memories for a lifetime - there’s little not to like about visiting new places.
Experts say that travelling is scientifically good for the body and mind. Visiting different places is said to help decrease the risk of heart disease along with supporting positive mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.
You can gain a whole new perspective on life by stepping out of the ordinary and visiting a new town, city or country. It’s an amazing way to improve your language and communication skills. Whether it’s asking for directions, buying something from a market or ordering in a restaurant - there’s always plenty of opportunities to talk with new people and you might even find yourself learning a new language.
Here’s our top travel picks for 2020.
2020 marks the 250th anniversary of the death of the musical genius, Beethoven. Although born in Germany, Ludwig van Beethoven presented most of his musical masterpieces in Vienna. The city of music will honour the anniversary with displays of original manuscripts Vienna’s National Library and the House of Music will host a number of commemorative events including a state-of-the-art acoustic installation designed to make its audiences feel part of a large orchestra.
Home to the famous Viennese coffee, you can try this sweet treat in one of many cosy coffee houses while gazing in awe at the world famous Vienna Opera House. A classical music lover’s ideal destination for 2020.
This area is bursting with natural beauty. It’s the ideal holiday destination for ski enthusiasts, snowboarders and snow seekers.
The winter offers snowy trails, professional snow parks and 224 km of slopes in three linked ski areas. The highest slope is over 3,000 metres high!
Home to the world’s tallest building, this futuristic city is a top choice for anyone interested in technological advances.
The city will host a six-month-long World Expo in 2020, where around 190 nations will come together to share their visions of the future of sustainability and mobility.
A museum of the future is also expected to open, which could be well worth a visit. If you have never been to Dubai before, 2020 is the year!
Considered the ‘Hawaii’ of Japan, this precious island is a hidden gem nested between the Pacific Ocean and East China sea. With its sun-drenched beaches and named one of the seven ‘Blue Zones’ in the world (regions where people tend to live longer than average), exploring this island is the perfect way to escape the crowds of mainland Japan and experience the beautiful cherry blossom (January to mid February) season to kick off the new decade.
Japan will host the Summer Olympics this year, with Okinawa hosting a two-day leg of the Games’ torch relay. Sports enthusiasts can follow the Olympic torch as it travels from Naha in the north to southern city of Itoman. There’s also plenty of marathons other running events to get involved in throughout the year, if you prefer taking part rather than watching sports. More reasons to place this prefecture on your travel list this year.
This city has been named Spanish Capital of Gastronomy for 2020. Throughout the year Murcia will celebrate its title by delighting its visitors with speciality products and local delicacies.
The city will host 1001 activities and events throughout the year, from tapas tours, a vegetable museum to a fruit and vegetable festival.
For food lovers, Murcia is most definitely a top choice for 2020.
A truly unique part of Europe. Did you know that Romania is one of the best places in Europe to see large animals in the wild? In its seven million hectares of forests you will find one of the largest populations of brown bears on the continent, as well as wolves and lynx. The reintroduction of the bison, which disappeared from Romania around 200 years ago, will also increase biodiversity.
Although Romania faces serious problems regarding extensive illegal logging (cutting down too many trees), the trend towards ecotourism continues to grow. Well worth a visit for those interested in nature and wildlife conservation.
Along with Galway in Ireland, Rijeka has been crowned European Capital of Culture for 2020. Under the theme of The Port of Diversity, the city has created a calendar of events focusing on water, work and migration. Celebrations will begin on February 1, 2020, coinciding with the popular Rijeka Carnival, and will continue until the end of February 2021.
With a small town feeling but the cultural richness of a big city, Asheville is a truly special place. Here you'll find artists, musicians, and a host of local breweries who’ve been creating artisanal beers and serving meals from ‘farm to fork’ way before it became a trend.
The Asheville Museum of Art and the Asheville Beauty Academy reflect the city’s traditional roots, while places like the Foundry Hotel and Arras Hotel offer an urban touch to this culturally vibrant and architecturally impressive place.
Brilliantly bohemian, Galway is one of Ireland’s quirkiest cities. Known for its brightly coloured pubs boasting an array of live music and cafes offering front row seats to see buskers perform. Galway was crowned the European City of Culture for 2020, so there’s no better year to visit. The city’s calendar is jam packed with events throughout the year including live and digital art, street performances along with world-class music, theatre and dance.
According to Forbes magazine, Tel Aviv is one of the places that should take a prominent place in 2020 travel agendas. Ancient history and modern life intertwine in this bustling coastal city along Israel's Mediterranean coast.
The White City in the centre of Tel Aviv was officially opened in September 2019 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus architectural movement. The White City refers to a collection of more than 4,000 Bauhaus buildings in Tel Aviv, which have been acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage site since 2003.
Although Estonia is not yet world renowned for its gastronomic excellence, this off the beaten track option is an ideal place for foodies. Tallinn will host the Bocuse d'Or Europe, a live cooking competition paying tribute to the late French chef Paul Bocuse, which takes place at the end of May.
Estonia is proud of its gastronomic heritage, honouring local and homemade products. Though the country is relatively small (about the size of New York) there’s plenty of options for outdoor activities and chances to explore its spectacular landscapes. For the adventurous traveller and food lover, Tallinn is a top choice for 2020.
This 430-square-kilometre island in the east of Caribbean is famous for its white-sand beaches and British colonial roots.
This year they're holding a year-long festival called We Gatherin’ 2020 that will travel to all 11 parishes on the island before culminating in a nationwide celebration in December. Visitors will have the chance to see impressive street parades, live music as well as take part in traditional surfing and diving, ideal for the active traveller.
Marrakesh becomes the first Capital of African Culture in 2020. Thanks to its improved road infrastructure and the first high-speed train, it is a fabulous time to venture into this country of contrasts that also has the first museum in North Africa dedicated to women.
It’s cultural and gastronomic heritage means Marrakesh is a perfect destination for the budding explorer. Plus, the chance to see the stars from the Sahara desert is a sight not to be missed.
