The 20 Best Places for a Big Trip in 2020 - Thrillist
The 20 Best Places for a Big Trip in 2020 - Thrillist |
- The 20 Best Places for a Big Trip in 2020 - Thrillist
- 20 great holiday destinations to visit in 2020 - The Irish Times
- Sunshine Sunday: Where to go in 2020 – the best offers plus your questions answered - Telegraph.co.uk
| The 20 Best Places for a Big Trip in 2020 - Thrillist Posted: 30 Jan 2020 11:12 AM PST  ow more than ever, where you choose to travel, and why, makes an impact. Your PTO may be finite, but your vacation options are about as long as the menu at The Cheesecake Factory. Flights, particularly international ones, have never been cheaper. Doors between cultures have been flung open. The world, as they say, is your oyster. Lest you become paralyzed by too many choices, or fail to come up with a more compelling reason to visit a place beyond just Instagramming something, we went ahead and did all the work for you. First, we looked for places where 2020 would be a banner year: a total solar eclipse in the most magical landscape on Earth, a monumental anniversary, a once-in-a-lifetime global event in the name of sustainability and innovation. This train only stops once, folks, so you better be on it. We wanted something for everyone, in (almost) every part of the world -- from the ideal, shoes-off Mexican beach town to Europe's new Cool Kid capital to the ultimate Patagonian road trip. We looked for world-class food, history, and architecture, aka the good stuff. More than anything, we looked for places on the brink of change, whether it be more visitors, more development, or a new generation taking the reins. Most imperative is the progress being made in the conservation department, and how you, responsible traveler, can support and engage with communities taking real steps toward a more sustainable planet. And finally, we looked for writers who really know their shit. For trip-planning purposes, we've included an inspirational itinerary for every destination, packed with stories and advice from someone who's actually been there. The only thing we didn't do is buy your flight.  As captivating as Italy's Lake Como, but without the sticker shock, crowds, or Clooney  Firm in its Midwest roots, this city is growing, innovating, and ready to show off in 2020 A long heritage of working class, immigrant culture is important to Milwaukeeans, which is why quirky local flair like a Friday fish fry, bowling alleys in taverns, and frozen custard stands are points of pride. You can get amazing beer, cheese, and bratwursts pretty much everywhere, but the food and drinking scene is also growing up and out of old stereotypes. In 2019, Milwaukee had five James Beard Award-nominated chefs, restaurants, and bars. Many, like the swanky but welcoming Bryant's Cocktail Lounge, combine history and whimsy into a nostalgic experience that's quintessentially local. Arts and culture are thriving, too, with public murals popping up all over, America's Black Holocaust Museum recently reopening, and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra soon moving to a renovated new home. Stay tuned for this year's Summerfest lineup; the 11-day, 10-stage lakefront music fest is one of the largest in the world. They don't call Milwaukee the City of Festivals for nothing. -- Lacey Muszynski  This multicultural food heaven is setting an example for a sustainable future Everywhere you look, Singapore is sprinting toward sustainability, be it small-scale (rooftop farming, hotels with zero carbon footprint, food waste inventively repurposed in cocktail bars) or massive, eye-popping statements. Giant, solar-powered "SuperTrees" provide energy for a futuristic urban greenspace, and the world's largest indoor waterfall runs on recycled rainwater. Even Singapore's famed street-food culture is grappling with change, as an older generation of hawkers wonders how their traditions will survive in the economy of the future -- reason to survey Singapore's unmatched culinary variety now, while current form still holds. Most Singaporeans eat out daily, and it's less than $5 for bowls of curry-scented laksa, or broth-poached chicken and garlicky rice. Find that back-alley oyster omelette that is not only perfectly crispy, but also tells the story of the Southeast Asian diaspora in one bite. Or 'gram a caviar-spiked short-rib while sipping a painstakingly made martini. The city offers it all -- plus a morning obsession with espresso pulls and the city's signature kopi coffee. English-speaking, easily navigable, and smack in the middle of Southeast Asia, Singapore also boasts one of the world's coolest airports, making it an ideal jumping off point for anywhere from Thailand to southern India to Taiwan. -- Hillary Eaton  It's Beethoven's birthday, so come have a big ol' sausage and cheese party Not a hardcore Sound of Music fan? Come to Austria anyway; there's arguably no better blend of meat, cheese, and outdoor adventure being served in Europe. Where else can you hike through the Alps on a literal "cheese road"? Where else can you devour countless Wiener würstchens and Wiener schnitzels? Wieners of all kinds, really -- except people born in Vienna, who are also called Wieners. Confusing, I know.  Get to THIS Portland before it becomes THAT Portland Portland is trendy. Weed is legal, the food scene is nationally beloved, and it's single-handedly diversifying an older-skewing state known for a relative lack of diversity. Millennials and Gen Xers make up the largest share of the population, which has seen the number of foreign-born residents doubled to 11% since 2000. Today, you'll hear dozens of languages commingling with lobstermens' gruff drawl, while some of the world's best seafood restaurants coexist alongside international cuisine representing Thai, Chinese, Somalian, Sudanese, and even El Salvadorian influences. Old Portland and new are currently on an even keel. At some point, the scales could tip. A brand-new real estate project, 58 Fore, is set for construction along the waterfront. The Quincy Market-esque setup will include shops, hotels, an outdoor plaza, and office buildings. Historic buildings will be preserved and repurposed, but locals and visitors can expect that word on Portland won't stay mum for long. Get there now to experience it in transition. -- Meagan Drillinger  A timeless island is being re-energized by a new generation  This quirky mash-up of old and new, East and West, is now open to the world Standing in extreme contrast to all this Old Town old-timeyness are the Flame Towers -- a futuristic trio of LED-covered skyscrapers that dominate this low-lying port city. Over the millenia, Baku has been home to Persians, Ottomans, Armenians, Russians, Christians, Zoroastrians, Muslims, and Jews. Today, this cultural hodgepodge comes to life in Baku's tolerant outlook and its impressive, varied, occasionally bizarre mix of architecture. See an ancient Zoroastrian fire temple one day, and a museum that looks like a giant rolled-up carpet the next. But the star of the show is the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, a sumptuous landmark from legendary architect Zaha Hadid that demands to be photographed from every angle. These modern works are helping usher in a new era for a country that until recently was closed from the world. Looking to diversify an oil-driven economy, Azerbaijan has eased its visa regulations and welcomed more than double the foreign visitors it did even a decade ago. Airlines continue to add more flights to Baku, so you can expect to see this quirky city peppering your Instagram feed soon. -- Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey  This untamed jungle island is building with an eye for sustainable luxury With big luxury hotels vying for a piece of Dominica's spectacular beauty, this is a secret that's bound to get out. A new Marriott property is on the horizon in 2020 (Anichi Resort & Spa) and a Hilton is in the works as well. Last year, the Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica debuted as the island's first true five star hotel, with solar panels and a grey water system. Fancy hotels are nice, but more importantly, Dominica is rebuilding (and building anew) with climate resiliency in mind, banning single-use plastics by 2030 and turning to renewable energy to protect its most valuable asset: its raw, restorative, unspoiled nature. -- Terry Ward  The classic standby has now also become the hip cultural underdog In the past decade, as big-name chefs have opened restaurants on the Strip, many of their young, talented lieutenants have put down roots, opened their own places off the Strip, and made Vegas one of the most interesting restaurant hotbeds in America. The Arts District and Chinatown neighborhoods especially have become fantastic and expansive, with Chinatown alone boasting 150 restaurants of all stripes and price points. Professional sports -- which used to be limited to minor leagues, boxing, and MMA -- have taken off with the introduction of the NHL's Golden Knights, the WNBA's Aces, and, starting next year, the NFL's Raiders (even the 2020 NFL Draft is being held in Vegas in April). Meanwhile the Life is Beautiful Music & Art Festival, which started in 2013 and helped to shape the revitalization of Downtown, has turned into a must-hit national event that in 2019 brought in Chance the Rapper, The Black Keys, and Post Malone -- plus the festival featured a cocktail school, an omakase cantina, and an incredible array of art. Vegas is a community fully coming into its own, somehow positioned as both a hip underdog and a classic standby -- but that sort of a simultaneous fever dream won't last, so get thee to Vegas immediately, and tell them Kevin sent you. No one will know what you're talking about, but it'll make me feel better. -- Kevin Alexander  Crowds are swelling but the vibe is still chill, so feel free to lose your shoes upon arrival Instead you'll eat ceviche made by an abuelita who's been cooking on the shore since the '70s. You'll dance at impromptu all-night beach parties, fueled by mezcal punch for 10 pesos a cup. Immerse yourself in a chaotic swarm of locals over mole at the Benito Juarez Market, then join a flock of surfboard-wielding Australians to swap travel tales in the sand. Days are best spent swimming in empty beach coves or venturing out to sea with local fishermen to spot wildlife. Evenings are for watching phantasmagoric sunsets burst over the Pacific from a second-story balcony, because the view has not yet been ruined by 10-story resorts. Crowds and costs are creeping up, but for now, you can still catch Puerto Escondido in that lively-but-low-key sweet spot. -- Nick Hilden Meet the writer & start planning your trip to Puerto Escondido.  It's never been easier to access Japan's ancient-meets-neon metropolis With its digital flare serving in extreme contrast to its ancient roots -- from the impossibly crowded, neon-shrouded Shibuya Crossing to Tokyo's oldest temple, Sensoji -- Tokyo's extremes are only part of the story. Cycling through the winding, tree-lined neighborhood of Yanaka or sharing beers with salarymen in a smoky backstreet izakaya provide a taste for everyday life. Food lovers can feast on sushi in subway stalls or ornate eateries; slurp ramen from vending machines or for $10 at Michelin-starred restaurants; and fuel walking tours around the countryside with less-familiar fare like okonomiyaki. The otaku and kawaii obsessions are strong in the gaming hub of Akihabara, Harajuku's crowded fashion stores, and high-tech coffee shops and robot restaurants that showcase the city's fascination with tech. The autumn months bring a re-energized feel, with sumo tournaments, festivals, and markets galore. This year, they arrive in the afterglow of Tokyo's time in the spotlight, when the city will still be buzzing anew. Which is to say, skip the summer's Olympic push and explore Tokyo when newly finished transport hubs, just-opened hotels, and renovated temples are wrapped in golden seasonal hues... but not crowds of people. -- Lily Crossley-Baxter  Sips, scenery, and sustainability in BC's overlooked wine country Home to 198 distinct First Nations, British Columbia is one of the best places to experience the diversity of Canada's Indigenous cultures. A trip into the Okanagan Valley can immerse you in the distinct, lesser-known stories of the Interior Salish peoples. Stay in an Indigenous-run hotel, paddle traditional waterways on a wildlife tour, learn about individual Nations at cultural centers, and dine at restaurants inspired by Indigenous culinary traditions. End each day with a glass of wine from Nk'Mip or Indigenous World Winery, the only two Indigenous-owned wineries in Canada. Indigenous-led tourism is actually Canada's fastest-growing tourism sector; with a planet in crisis, now's the time to travel and experience a different, more sustainable way of living -- one that Indigenous peoples have been practicing for centuries. And once you're done, you can do what everybody else does and head to Vancouver. -- Karen Gardiner Meet the writer & start planning your trip to the Okanagan Valley.  In 2020, a total solar eclipse comes to the most magically beautiful place on Earth Tickets go on sale this January for a trippy, back-to-nature festival called Global Eclipse, which is set to gather thousands of free spirits from all over the world to party in the path of maximum totality. During the weeklong celebration, festival-goers will dance to the beats of world-class DJs and participate in immersive workshops that explore regenerative living, permaculture design, yoga and dance, natural construction, and herbalism. Think of it as a "connect with nature" Burning Man before Burning Man got blown up -- and with greener surroundings. Post-eclipse, keep the adventure going and explore the entire Lakes Region, which centers around the tourist town of Bariloche and the gloriously photogenic, sprawling Nahuel Huapi Lake. There are surreal glaciers to trek upon, wild mountains to explore on horseback, and trout to lure in sparkling streams. Anywhere you go in this region is going to be mind-blowingly gorgeous. It's also worth mentioning the growing craft beer culture, the fabulous Argentine red wine for $5-$7 a bottle, or the famous Argentine beef you'll consume, hopefully cooked over an open fire at an afternoon asado. -- Cathy Brown  This industrial, post-Soviet, seaside town is quietly becoming Europe's new capital of cool Come for the industrial vibes, but stay for the beer. Estonia's craft beer scene is surging with 80-some microbreweries (that's a lot for a tiny country that's basically 50% forest, with only 1.3 million people). Estonians have been brewing beer at home for centuries, a tradition that's taking on new meaning as locals celebrate their culture in ways they couldn't during the Soviet era. No trip is complete without a flight or two at Põhjala Brewery, known for its dark beers and "Forest Series" brewed with local ingredients like pine needles, birch bark, and lingonberries. Bring an extra-big suitcase; instead of souvenirs, you're hoarding funky creations from different breweries like Purtse's tomato gose and the Tanker sauna session. To the strawberry ale I left behind: I will come back for you. -- Barbara Woolsey  Multiracial culture and soulful music are a backdrop to a beach getaway like nowhere else Tourism is fast on the rise among Europeans, especially Brits, who have quietly visited for decades. But despite being closer to the East Coast than Hawaii, Cape Verde flies under the radar for Americans. Plan it right and airfare can be found for under $600. -- Becki Iverson  Embrace the City of Angels' true identity as a world-class food destination It's through food that you can sustain a drive from Griffith Park to Muscle Beach. It's food that helped reinvent long-suffering Downtown. And it's food that's changing the narrative of a city that devours attention -- no small feat for a place that already draws some 50 million annual visitors with stars (tours) in their eyes. The culinary scene is at its apex after a two-decade transformation into a vast playground for food and drink. It's a place where big-name chefs like David Chang (Majordōmo) are breathing life into neighborhoods while family-run places like the knockout Mini Kabob and countless East Asian gems of the San Gabriel Valley get similar reverence. Where unmarked strip malls and trucks cook some of the country's best bites, and where longtime neighborhood institutions like The Apple Pan are icons as important as the Hollywood sign. Yes, you can still see the landmarks new and old. It's just so much better to do so while walking off several of the best meals you've ever had and getting to know what really makes LA special. -- Wilder Shaw  A new airport has made exploring two continents and millennia of history easier than ever Straddling Asia and Europe, Istanbul always serves up an unparalleled mix of Old World with a side of contemporary culture, and 2020 is no exception. New museums like Arter and the revamped Istanbul Modern -- stops on the annual Istanbul Biennial that takes place every fall -- join an extensive lineup of historic heritage sites like Aya Sofya and Chora Church. Historically ethnic enclaves like Arnavutköy, Fener-Balat, and Kurtuluş continue to emerge as "it" neighborhoods with design firms, galleries, concept stores, and hipster cafés seemingly opening daily. Die-hard shoppers will find options that run the gamut from traditional neighborhood markets to Zorlu Center, the luxury mall and performing arts center bringing Fiddler on the Roof and Gipsy Kings to Istanbul this year. With the opening of the new, improved Istanbul Airport -- which offers nearly 300 direct flights to 116 countries -- it's literally never been easier to explore this confluence of two continents and two millenia. -- Ruth Terry  Sustainable safari operations for those who dream of big game In Lower Zambezi, the world's first carbon-neutral national park, Zambian tour companies like Chiawa Safaris provide a conscientious safari experience -- from hiring local guides to promoting and investing in communities and conservation efforts around the country. This starts with the bush camps themselves -- some, like Old Mondoro Camp, are completely disassembled for the rainy season to minimize impact, only to be rebuilt each year by villagers using locally sourced materials. Downstream from Lower Zambezi NP, the Zambezi River forms one of Africa's most iconic landmarks, the majestic Victoria Falls, which this year has slowed to a trickle during dry season in the face of unprecedented temps and one of the worst droughts in history -- a stark reminder of the continent's threatened natural world. Not inundated by mass-tourism, land-locked Zambia is a relative underdog among safari destinations, which is precisely the draw for the conservation-minded traveler. -- Michelle Gross  A dreamy, beery Pacific wonderland defies your expectations of West Coast living This is the year for a nostalgic tour of Astoria, home of Goonies Day, a three-day truffle shuffle to celebrate The Goonies, now hitting its 35th anniversary. The bash includes music, parties, screenings, and actual Goonies (chances of a now-handsome Chunk showing up? Pretty good!). But really, now's the time to explore the coast in general. Craggy monoliths protrude from foggy shorelines reminiscent of Japan. Wind-swept dunes evoke western Michigan. Seafood shacks and fishermen's dives straight out of the Northeast get tweaked with a little weirdo Twin Peaks vibe. It's glorious. Perhaps you've heard of Oregon's storied food and drink scene? Breweries like Tillamook's vaunted de Garde are transforming the coast into Oregon's next great beer destination. Go on a sustainable oyster hunt in Netarts Bay, or binge on Dungeness crab and razor clams. Each tiny town, smoked-fish stand, or coastal hike offers a vivid memory. Regardless of what you're looking for, you'll discover it down the next winding bend in the road. -- Andy Kryza  In the world's most global city, get a glimpse of what the future has in store Meanwhile, the past is alive and well in Old Dubai, where you can jump on a rickety abra between historic neighborhoods for just a couple bucks, shop in traditional bazaars, and see Arabic art in old wooden houses. The contrast is pretty cool; you can actually eat, sleep, and shop here affordably, proving you don't have to be a tech nerd or a billionaire to enjoy Dubai. In fact, people from all over live here (about 85% of Dubai's population is foreign born), and its storefronts reflect a fascinating pastiche of cultures: Indian tea shops, Pakistani bakeries, Filipino supermarkets, Canadian clothing brands, and American chains like good ol' Shake Shack. If there was such a thing as a world capital, this may be it. -- Barbara Woolsey Sign up here for our daily Thrillist email, get Next Flight Out for more travel coverage, and subscribe here for our YouTube channel to get your fix of the best in food/drink/fun. |
| 20 great holiday destinations to visit in 2020 - The Irish Times Posted: 04 Jan 2020 12:00 AM PST Tirana, Albania The capital of Albania isn't the most accessible European destination (prepare for a dire stopover in London), but it's one of the most exciting. Dubbed "the new Croatia", Albania stepped out from behind the Iron Curtain with historic charm and artistic flair, thanks to artist-turned-mayor-turned-prime minister Edi Rama. Soviet buildings in Tirana are painted brightly for a modern twist, while its landmark structure, the Pyramid of Tirana, is due to reopen as a public space in 2020. Where to stay: For boutique charm in the heart of Tirana, look no further than the Xheko Imperial (around €90 a night). Expect vintage wooden furnishings, a spectacular, airy atrium and excellent city views, especially from the rooftop restaurant. Getting there: Indirect flights connecting at London or Vienna start at €92. Nizwa, Oman A visit to the fast-rising destination of Oman could angle towards a luxe city break, a desert adventure, a Bedouin experience or an archaeological visit, but the Al Hajar Mountains have an appeal of its own. At 2,000m above sea level, you can escape the heat of the Gulf and enjoy unparalleled scenes like the "Grand Canyon of Arabia" and the shifting sands of Sharqiya. Nizwa is the ancient fort town from which the adventure begins. Where to stay: Nizwa Heritage Inn (around €95 a night) is a rustic hotel converted from six townhouses in the Old Town area, just minutes from the fort. Room décor is traditional – think Arabic alcoves, Omani fabrics and miniature windows. Getting there: Indirect flights connecting at London Heathrow start at €397. Momotombo, Nicaragua After a period of political uncertainty, enough calm has restored that travellers are returning to Nicaragua; around 1.5 million people made the trip in 2019. It's news the country is jumping on; international flights have increased and a newly opened highway links the Caribbean to the Atlantic coast in a six-hour drive. Those interested in landscape and history could veer off to Momotombo National Park, to survey the views of its live volcano and adjoining lake. There's also the abandoned city of León Viejo to explore, now a Unesco World Heritage Site. Where to stay: Brand new to the area is Momotombo Lake Resort (from €235 a night), chic accommodation themed on Nicaragua's rainforests. Getting there: Air Canada flies indirect from Dublin to Managua from €844. Podgorica, Montenegro Ryanair will begin flying direct between Dublin and Montenegro in 2020, coinciding with a healthy rise in the small country's profile. Its mountains, beaches, snow and sun make it an adventurer's playground, but stop over in the capital of Podgorica for the metropolitan culture. Much of the city was rebuilt after the second World War, so the mix of Ottoman remnants, brutalist architecture and contemporary aesthetics are worth investigation, and there's a range of parks to take in the vibe of this relaxed city. Where to stay: Most of the sights are walkable from the Boscovich Boutique Hotel (around €80 a night), a homely, chic hotel with art deco flair. Getting there: Ryanair flights from Dublin to Podgorica start in April 2020 from €90. Los Angeles, US Year-long sunshine has an eternal appeal, but in 2020, the movie capital of the west has an added draw. It finally sees the opening of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, a six-storey centre dedicated to film sciences. Designed by Renzo Piano, famed for the Pompidou Centre in Paris, opening dates are still to be confirmed, but its first exhibition is already earmarked for revered filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli. Where to stay: The West Hollywood Edition is LA's newest swanky hotel, on West Sunset Boulevard. It's not cheap, at around €440 a night, but its decadence stretches from the rooftop pool with views across LA's skyline, down to the basement nightclub. Getting there: Aer Lingus flies direct from Dublin to Los Angeles from €416. Beirut, Lebanon Buoyed by the British government's recent safe-to-visit approval (the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has also given it the green light), 60 per cent of tour operator Explore's trips to Lebanon have already sold out in 2020, indicating the level at which it's bounced back. Political discord rumbles on, but it's easy to understand its tourist appeal: the capital of Beirut is the youthful heart of the country, simmering with ideas and progress. Nowhere in Lebanon is more than 75 minutes from Beirut, so a daytrip is rewarded with broad lines of vineyards, Roman buildings that range from pristine to crumbling, and hikes underneath its towering cedar trees. Where to stay: Set up camp in the heart of the action in Hamra. The Standard run two four-star hotels in the area, both around €75 a night. Getting there: Lufthansa flies indirect from Dublin (from €303), and British Airways fly indirect from Cork (from €448). Sarawak, Malaysia Outdoorsy types are in for a treat: Borneo is crammed with thick rainforests, gaping caves, gushing waterfalls and an incredible biodiversity: 44 mammal species and 6,000 plant species are unique to the island. So it's good news that rainforest trekking routes in Sarawak, on the Malaysian side of Borneo, are on the up. It's a chance to hike within some incredible scenes, stopping at rainforest lodges or homestays along the way. Where to stay: Permai Rainforest Resort is 30-minute drive from the capital of Kuching, yet immersed in thick vegetation and at the foot of Mount Santubong. Stay in a treehouse (around €90 a night) for an added kick. Getting there: Emirates flies indirect from Dublin to Kuching from €666. Miyajima Island, Japan Japan's appeal rolls from the Rugby World Cup in 2019 to Tokyo's summer Olympics in 2020, providing another chance to experience its unique culture. After the sporting action, retire to the deer-dotted island of Miyajima, an easy hour away from Hiroshima. A daytrip is ample to hike within thick forests of cherry blossoms and maple trees, but those who stay overnight will find the island to themselves at morning and night. Note its iconic floating Torii gate is under reconstruction until mid-2020. Where to stay: Jukeiso Ryokan (around €250 a night) marries traditional Japanese style with on-point flexibility and service. Like most ryokans, dinner is included – expect divine-tasting courses, especially if you're vegetarian. Getting there: KLM, Air France and British Airways fly indirect from Cork or Dublin to Osaka Kansai from €667. Paris, France There's always a reason to visit Paris, but 2020 is especially enticing. The big draw is the Christian Louboutin exhibition at Palais de la Porte Dorée. It showcases a range of red soles from the early years to the present, plus the influences behind Louboutin's designs, including director David Lynch and artists Lisa Reihana and Imran Quresh. It's happy timing that Aer Lingus reinstate their Shannon to Charles De Gaulle route on March 29th. Where to stay: Continue the designer theme at forthcoming The Bulgari Hotel in the Triangle d'Or area, with its well-appointed rooms, a fine-dining Italian restaurant and inner courtyard; serious Italian flair in Paris. Getting there: Aer Lingus and Ryanair fly from Cork, Shannon and Dublin to Paris from €40. Galway, Ireland World-class destinations lie on our doorstep too, and Galway shines brighter than usual in 2020 as the European Capital of Culture. Kicking off with spectacle of a launch on February 8th, there's a full 12 months of added events with the themes of landscape, language and migration. Look out for an illuminated landscape by Finnish artist Kari Kola, a co-creation between Burning Man's David Best and Derry and Galway's kids, and John Gerrard's intriguingly-sounding Giant Mirror Pavilion. Where to stay: The House Hotel, centrally located with a boutique-y feel and around €100 a night, is a safe bet. Bariloche, Argentina On December 14th 2020, a solar eclipse is due to darken northern Patagonia – what a fabulous excuse to visit. Bariloche is the ideal base city, from which it's possible to head out to darker skies. Take a guided tour for added local knowledge, and perhaps a guest astronomer to explain the sights: with viewing lenses, you'll see explosions on the sun's surface, the lakes of the moon, and the miraculous effect known as the "diamond ring". Where to stay: View Hotel (around €90 a night) is a clean, comfortable three-star with impressive lake views and a convivial bar. Getting there: Swiss Air and KLM fly indirect from Dublin or Cork to Buenos Aires from €671. Phu Quoc, Vietnam Jostling with Bali and Phuket as paradise destinations in South East Asia, tourism in Phu Quoc increased around 35 per cent in 2019 – a figure that signifies a change from popular to busy. 2020 may well prove the key chance to experience the benefits of the upsurge (easier visa entry, excellent amenities, flight from London) while still balanced with the tranquillity that made it famous. Where to stay: New in 2020 is Regent Phu Quoc, with 400 rooms and private residences kitted out in luxurious style. It's due to open on Bai Truong beach, which offers great sunsets. Getting there: Emirates flies indirect from Dublin to Phu Quoc from €738. Hamburg, Germany Germany's second city is now rivalling Berlin with its revived appeal. In 2020, it talks up its Beatles connection with the inaugural Hamburg Beatles Experience Festival in March, marking 60 years since an early iteration of the Fab Four came to town and caused trouble. Where to stay: Ruby Lotti Hotel is vibey and offers competitive prices (from €75 a night) by saving on extras like breakfast, daily cleaning and room service. "Lean luxury", they call it. Getting there: Ryanair flies from Dublin to Hamburg from €87. Old San Juan, Puerto Rico In 2020 we'll see just how Puerto Rico parties, as the capital of San Juan marks its 500th anniversary. To coincide with the year-long calendar of events and celebrations, the city unveils a new side to the resort-packed, beach-blessed island. The new area of El Distrito will launch as a new, contemporary hub for social stuff, with a games arcade, rum distillery, cinema and nightclub already in the mix. Where to stay: The hottest ticket in town will be Old San Juan Palacio Provincial, the flagship hotel for the El Distrito area. Getting there: Aer Lingus flies from Dublin and Cork to San Juan from €631. Ethiopia Ethiopia enjoyed a boon last year with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed receiving the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, and the country earning the title of the fastest-growing travel economy – complemented by an e-visa system that's now available to Irish passport holders. The capital of Addis Ababa is a heaving, modern city, but venture further afield and excellent roads lead to historical sites, like the ruins of the Queen of Sheba's Palace. The cave churches of Lalibela and Sintra-style castle at Gondar are key on every traveller's itinerary, and there's a wealth of spectacular views along its many mountain ranges. Where to stay: Stop over at Hotel Lobelia in Addis Ababa (around €45 a night) with a complimentary shuttle to the nearby airport. It's comfortable, friendly and there are plenty of restaurants nearby. Getting there: Ethiopian Airlines and KLM fly indirect from Dublin or Cork to Addis Ababa. Prices from €475. Brindisi, Italy There's no end to Italy's appeal, and so continues our exploration to Puglia, the country's heel, of which Brindisi is the port city. Aer Lingus will begin direct flights in May 2020, and even if you're hot-footing it out of the city in search of rustic Italy, Brindsi has a special appeal worth an exploration. There's Gothic and Baroque churches, a 13th century fortress, and tempting seafood restaurants too. Where to stay: Palazzo Virgilio (around €120 a night) is directly opposite the main train station, and a classy, classic four-star with a large terrace for drinks. Getting there: Aer Lingus fly direct from Dublin to Brindisi. Prices from €162. Guadalajara, Mexico Airbnb reported a 158 per cent year-on-year increase for stays in Mexico's second city, suggesting it's finally getting its dues. No wonder: it's a safe city that's the birthplace of mariachi bands, charrería (Mexican rodeo, the country's national sport) and el jarabe tapatío (the national dance), and the famous town of Tequila is nearby. It also enjoys the spoils of being "Mexico's Silicon Valley", with contemporary restaurants and nightlife. Twin it with a coastal stay at nearby Puerto Vallarta, attractive for its open and cove beaches. Where to stay: Airbnbs aside, Hotel Morales - centrally located in Guadalajara, with a heated rooftop pool and spa - is a steal at around €65 a night. Originally a 19th century house, its rooms mix Mexican design with trendy touches. Getting there: Indirect flights connecting at Chicago start at €920. Parc national des forêts, France A decade in the making, France's newest national park is now open for business with 2,000km of hiking paths and 700km of rivers for watersports. It's the closest national park to Paris, but straddles the regions of Champagne and Burgundy. So after getting back to nature, there's still time to try out the finest wines known to humanity. Where to stay: Opt for a little luxury at Château de Courban (around €170 a night). It features a 300sq m (3200sq ft) Nuxe spa and a Japanese-French Michelin-starred restaurant. Getting there: Aer Lingus and Ryanair fly from Cork, Shannon and Dublin to Paris from €40. Gujarat, India Left off the backpacker's trail until now, there's much to uncover in Gujarat. Mahatma Gandhi and current prime minister Narendra Modi are from here, and it's home to the only species of lion in India. Its new attraction is the world's tallest statue – of independence leader Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel that stands at nearly twice the height of the Statue of Liberty – but its unique culture is the larger draw. It's vastly vegetarian, and it's a dry state too (but fear ye not – travellers can acquire an alcohol pass). Where to stay: The bulk of international flights arrive at the capital of Ahmedabad, so the well-located House of MG, a heritage hotel around €70 a night, is a good starting point. Getting there: IndiGo flies indirect from Dublin to Ahmedabad from €602. Helsinki, Finland For the second consecutive year, Finland topped the 2019 World Happiness Report, piquing interest once again. Combine a trip to investigate its cheeriness with a visit to a new copntemporary art fair, the Helsinki Biennial. Entitled The Same Sea, the event focuses on interconnectivity and takes place between June 12th and September 27th. Need another draw to seal the deal? Helsinki has a reputation for being eco-conscious, and its aiming to becoming carbon neutral by 2035. Where to stay: At around €80 a night, Scandic Grand Marina balances price, grandeur and location. It's a converted 1920s harbour that now houses 462 rooms, all of which are individually furnished. Getting there: FinnAir flies direct from Dublin to Helsinki from €198. Indirect flights from Cork connecting in London start at €167. |
| Posted: 26 Jan 2020 09:37 AM PST 
Unfinished businessThanks so much for joining us on Sunshine Sunday – we hope you've found inspiration, or at least a little light relief. There's just one last thing to take care of: the final challenge for our three roving reporters in Cape Town, Sharm El Sheikh and Porto. We asked you whether they should enjoy a well-earned cocktail or jump into the freezing cold ocean? Was the answer ever really in doubt? All-inclusive holidays are backThe old-fashioned all-inclusive holiday was in decline a few years ago. According to the ONS, they accounted for around 54 per cent of all holidays taken in 1999, but by 2010 that had fallen to 39 per cent. That slide appears to have stopped, however. Around 18.17m all-inclusives were taken by Britons in 2018, out of 47.04m holidays – 38.6 per cent. Despite the collapse of Thomas Cook suggesting otherwise, there is still clearly widespread demand for all-inclusive breaks. Here's our pick of the best for 2020.  Best of the restHere's a few more of the best offers to our 20 destinations for 2020:
 The best offer for CanouanThis exclusive island isn't the best bet for budget travellers in the region (see our Caribbean island guide) but this package is reasonably priced for what's on offer: Caribbean flavoursHow can it be Sunshine Sunday without a bit of Caribbean action? Among our 20 destinations for 2020 is St Vincent and the Grenadines (Boris Johnson is a fan). Emma O'Kelly writes:
 Where we're going in 2020Many thanks for all your holiday recommendation. Now it's the turn of team Telegraph Travel. Me? I'll be embracing the train with flight-free trips to Girona, Lausanne, Como and San Sebastian. As for my colleagues... Penny Walker:
Adrian Bridge:
Lizzie Frainier:
Hugh Morris:
Annabel Fenwick Elliott:
 Speaking of France...Anthony Peregrine's top tip for 2020 is Valence. He explains:
 The best summer holiday in France?What do Laura Leinweber and Telegraph Travel's France expert Anthony Peregrine have in common? They both love France's "Deep South", a Catalan territory known as "Roussillon". For tips, see Anthony's guide. Ultimate ItinerariesWhich destinations are at the top of your wish list? The stunning hilltop villages of Provence? The glorious Garden Route from Cape Town? The Taj Mahal and the desert palaces of Rajasthan? Wherever you dream of travelling, trips to special places such as these need careful planning. That is why Telegraph Travel launched Ultimate Itineraries – bespoke trips planned by our expert writers, so you can be sure that your dream holiday will live up to the billing. They include Japan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Iceland, Provence – and many more.  Over in Sharm El Sheikh...After four years in the wilderness, Sharm El Sheikh is finally welcoming British travellers again. Today, our reporter on the ground Annabel has been underwater and up in the air – and she will writing a full report on the mood of the Red Sea resort for Telegraph Travel next week. The best offers for Marrakech
'Watch in awe as the city rushes past'Marrakech a great bet for a sunny city break – and there's never been a better time to go, says Paula Hardy: As Africa's first Capital of Culture in 2020, the Pink City is on the road to a rosier future. The Medina is just emerging from an extensive facelift, its 1,000-year-old walls wearing a glowing mud mask and its Jewish quarter restored, while the shops, doors and alleys of the souks have been refitted, repaired and paved. The art scene, too, has exploded, with ground-breaking new galleries such as Macaal (Morocco's first contemporary African art museum), Comptoir des Mines Galerie and Dada Marrakech. Foreigners have long been entranced by the city's colours, light and creativity, and now the children of the Moroccan diaspora are returning home, starting a new renaissance. Seek it out at Riad Yima, the teahouse of pop art artist Hassan Hajjaj, and fusion restaurant L'Mida; enjoy it in the playful modern ceramics of Bouchra Boudoua and the sustainable beauty products of The Moroccans; admire it in the hyper-creative couture collections of Artsi Ifrach and Amine Bendriouich. And expect much more to come, because Marrakech is just getting started.  Where celebrities are going this yearWe asked. They revealed all. Julia Bradbury:
Kathy Lette:
Tracy Edwards:
Celine Cousteau:
 The best offer for ThailandHere's a great package that offers top-end luxury at a reasonable price:
Time for ThailandNick Trend has a few words of wisdom for anyone in search of long-haul value for money:
 Cute penguins, giant rabbits or Nemo?For our third Sunshine Sunday challenge, we asked our three reporters to find some local wildlife. Simon in Cape Town gets a silver medal for visiting the sun-loving penguins of Boulder's Beach. But Annabel in Sharm El Sheikh takes gold for finding Nemo. Greg in Porto is disqualified – those rabbits aren't even real! 1,000 Dream TripsDo you know about Dream Trips? We've chosen 1,000 great holidays and added a clever filter so you can find the ones that suit you. What's more, it is open to non-subscribers until Monday morning – so start your holiday search. Europe's best value summer holiday?Nick Trend urges anyone looking for an affordable summer holiday to consider Portugal:
See our guide to the best seaside destinations in Portugal, or for more tips on classic European summer holidays, see our pick of the 40 best for 2020.  Top tips from Telegraph readersMore travel suggestions for 2020 from our knowledgeable readers. Amanda Niemer says:
Charles Allison says:
Adam Turner says:
Rachel Mills says:
 Where to find La Dolce VitaNot in London – but what about Sicily? Nick Trend is still answering your travel queries. Leave a question at the bottom of this article or Tweet using #SunshineSunday. The best offer for BhutanTrips to Bhutan don't come cheap thanks to its costly $200-a-day tourist tax, but we've found one option that offers good value for money.
'This most laid-back of nations will entrance you'Few tourists make it to the Kingdom of Bhutan, another of our 20 best destinations for 2020. Will Robson writes:
 Secret seaside: Italy's forgotten beach destinationsOvertourism remains a key issue across Europe, so Telegraph Travel is dedicated to uncovered the best unsung holiday options across the continent. For those heading to Italy, there's the Salento peninsula in southern Puglia. It's the country's answer to Cornwall: a place of ancient cultural traditions, not all of them diluted into tourist attractions. For more suggestions, see our guide.  Australia needs youIt has been a dreadful few months for Australia, but now it needs tourists more than ever. Telegraph Travel's inimitable columnist (and Aussie) Kathy Lette writes:
 The 50 best family holidays for 2020Lots of you are asking about family holidays. Be sure to take a look at our pick of the 50 best.  California for £279 returnNick Trend has had a look at Virgin's January sale to find the best offers – and it seems they've gazumped BA's £369 flights to LA.
The best offers for CroatiaHere's our pick of the packages:
'Brimming with energy and attitude'Another of our 20 best destinations for 2020 is Croatia – or, to be precise, Rijeka and the Kvarner Gulf. Linda Cookson explains:
For more tips on where to go in Croatia, see our guide to its seaside highlights.  Where you're going in 2020Two more suggestions here (via Twitter) – one exotic, one less so. Kirsty Bowen says:
Julia Hammond says:
I've explored both – and they are equally lovely.  California for £369 returnNick Trend has been casting an eye over BA's January flight sale to find the best offers.
40 holidays that offer guaranteed sunshine – and adventureTake a look at the big holiday round-up in today's Sunday Telegraph. From cycling through medieval towns to embarking on an epic trail of Indochina, Sarah Baxter has a sun-filled break to suit every taste. See her selection here.  Keep your travel questions coming in!Our Nick Trend loves nothing more than offering holiday advice (and a good water slide) Raise a glass to Cape TownSimon Parker is making us very angry now... The best offers for JapanIt's hard to beat these holidays, one for the sports obsessed and another for a taste of traditional Japan.
 'Seduces and surprises in equal measure'Japan is ready for another year in the spotlight. Danielle Demetriou writes:
 Where celebrities are going this yearWe asked. They told. And Andrew Flintoff has set his sights very high. Prue Leith:
Levison Wood:
Paloma Faith:
Andrew Flintoff:
 Time for Turkey?Looking for great value in 2020? Nick Trend suggests Turkey:
For more tips on where to go, see our guide to Turkey's best seaside destinations.  The best UK offersHere are a few suggestions to get you started. Wilderness Scotland has a seven-night all-inclusive walking tour between May and June for £1,895 per person. Walkers can spot red deer and golden eagles while hiking the peaks of Lewis and Harris, the most rocky of the Outer Hebridean islands. The price includes full-board, accommodation, all transport and an expert guide. The National Trust has an incredible selection of characterful holiday cottages in some of the most beautiful parts of the British coast. Look out for last-minute 15 per cent discounts on the website. For something really quirky, take a look at the Landmark Trust, which offers stays in historic properties – including towers, forts and castles.  'Why fly when we have it all on our doorstep?'Speaking of flight-free holidays, the British coastline was another of our 20 best destinations for 2020. Richard Madden says:
 Flight-free travelIt is the age of flight-shaming and Greta Thunberg – but is anyone actually cutting down on flying? Have your say on Twitter, and for flight-free inspiration take a look at our map below. Did you know that Biarritz is just seven hours and 32 minutes from London by train? February sunshineNick Trend is answering your travel queries – and recommends Nice for a slice of flight-free February sun. Tweet using #SunshineSunday or leave a comment at the bottom of the blog. Where you're going in 2020More suggestions from our well travelled and discerning readers. Linda Morris is looking east:
Emma Reed is looking west (and south):
 The forgotten Costas: Spain's secret seaside destinationsNearly 16m of us visit Spain each year, but that doesn't mean you can't find a quiet corner to lay down your towel. How about Monsul, in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar National Park? For more suggestions, see our guide.  Then and now: Britain's favourite holiday destinationBack in the Nineties, France held the honour. More than 9.5m Britons made the short trip across the Channel in 1995, according to the ONS – this rose to 11.9m in 1999. But soon after the turn of the century Spain stole its crown. It welcomed 8.2m UK travellers in 1995, 10.4m in 1999 – and 13.8m in 2005. In 2018 the figure was a whopping 15.6m. Spain reigns supreme. Italy has also risen up the rankings. It was our seventh favourite option in 1995; now it is third. Portugal is up three places (ninth to sixth); India two (17th to 15th). There are five new entries. The lofty rankings now held by Poland (ninth) and Romania (13th) are partly due to immigrants from those countries returning to visit friends and family. Poland joined the EU in 2004 and Romania in 2007. But the rise of the UAE (now 16th), Mexico (18th) and China (20th) can be explained by their growing popularity as holiday destinations. For the most part, however, it's a case of plus ça change. The top 10 in 1995 contained Spain, France, Italy, Ireland, the US, Germany, Portugal, Greece and the Netherlands. It still does. Read our full report. Where great explorers go on holidayYou've scaled Everest, and you've crossed Antarctica on foot, so where do you go to relax? For Sir Ranulph Fiennes, it's Scotland:
 The best offers for PakistanInspired by Emma Thomson's endorsement? Here are two holidays to Pakistan that offer real value for money:
Be sure to check the Foreign Office advice carefully before booking. 'Prepare to have your expectations confounded'For a holiday in 2020 to surprise your friends, there's Pakistan – a country on the brink of a tourism boom. Emma Thomson, who visited last year, explains:
 The science behind why we feel better when it's sunnyTelegraph Travel's Ben Ross has put on his lab coat and safety goggles:
Go on holiday – your body will thank you. 1,000 Dream TripsFor those struggling to find travel inspiration, Dream Trips is the answer. It features 1,000 great holidays and a clever filter so you can find the ones that suit you. What's more, it is open to non-subscribers until Monday morning – so start your holiday search. Where you're going in 2020The travel tips from readers are flying in on Twitter. Martha Whatley has found heaven in Italy:
Richard Jowett prefers snow to sunshine:
Steve Brown is looking east:
 Send us your travel questions!Our travel expert Nick Trend is itching to answer your questions. Tweet using #SunshineSunday or leave a comment at the bottom of the blog. The best offers for GuyanaWe've found two great packages to Guyana – one for budget travellers, another for those in search of a little more luxury:
'Underrated Guyana is a rarity more precious than gold'Another of Telegraph Travel's 20 best destinations to visit in 2020 is Guyana, the antidote to overtourism. Sarah Marshall explains:
 France or Norway?Which of our 20 destinations for 2020 would you most like to visit? Vote in our Twitter poll. Where will you be going in 2020?You can share your travel tips using the comment box at the bottom of the article. Where will you be going, and where would you urge other readers to visit – or avoid? We're already received lots of suggestions on Twitter, and I can certainly concur with David Myring:
He's not wrong. I'd add Tinos to that list too. The best offers for South AfricaWe've found two packages for 2020 that we think offer superb value for money:
'The indisputable champion of the sub-Saharan safari'It's cold and grey in London – but not in South Africa, one of Telegraph Travel's 20 best destinations to visit in 2020. Why go this year? The wildlife offers one good reason. Simon Parker explains:
And then there's Cape Town, of course. Telegraph readers voted it their favourite city on the planet for the seventh year running in our 2019 Travel Awards.  Happy Sunshine Sunday!Telegraph Travel has the cure for your January blues – a day of holiday inspiration, advice and fun to help you decide where to go in 2020. For the next eight hours, we'll be offering tips on the best destinations, unearthing the best offers, and answering your questions on all things travel. Leave your queries in the comment box below. To make things interesting, we've sent three of our reporters to sunnier climes. Annabel Fenwick Elliott is in Sharm El Sheikh, Greg Dickinson is in Porto, and Simon Parker is in Cape Town – and we'll be giving them a series of tasks to complete later today. Follow us on Twitter to see how they get on. |
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