2020 may easily be called the ‘Year of Travel’. With leisure, adventure and personal aspirations being instrumental in decisions people take, 2020 will be a traveller’s bliss.
According to the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Travel and Tourism Office, outbound travel rose 6% in 2018, to 93 million business and leisure travellers, and this will only increase in 2020.
Here are some of the top destinations that can be brand-new spots for holidays in the coming year.
Almaty, Kazakhstan –
The world’s ninth largest country, is a storehouse of beautiful, vast and lavish natural landscapes. It is rich in oil and natural gas reserves and is the largest landlocked country in the world. Over centuries, it has inherited the culture of the ancient Silk Road, Nomadic lifestyle and the Soviet Union and has now embodied all of these in its own distinct cultural life. The natural beauty of Almaty and the sheer grandeur of Nur-Sultan, its capital, is enough to make a traveller feel excited. Add to that the warmth of the local people and a delectable array of local food – Kazakhstan could well be your best trip so far.
Best time – July-August. But April, June and early September can also be looked at, even though it starts to get cold there.
Travel – Air Astana operates direct flights to Almaty every day from Delhi
Palermo/Sicily, Italy
Sicily has always captivated the likes of avid traveller’s world over. It continues the streak in 2020. See remarkable sites like the legendary Valley of the Temple, where remains of seven Doric temples stand in a breath-taking setting. Palermo, the capital of this gorgeous region, is the perfect destination for your next adventure in Italy. Don’t forget the rich flavours of local food as you soak in the historical richness of this region. Must see: Opera House, The Martorana church, the Palermo cathedral and the Monreale church. The highlight is Mount Etna‚ Europe’s largest volcano and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It’s the top European destination on this list of the best places to visit in 2020.
Best time – April to early June and late September to October
Travel – Rome and Milan are well connected.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a fantastic family holiday especially for its warm mild climate through the year. The vastness of the ocean, the landscape and the cosmopolitan outlook of the region, makes this a must holiday destination.
From the heights of the Table Mountain to the dramatic coastline, Cape Town is perfect for the beach lovers. The Cape of Good Hope is a must visit – the southern most tip of the continent.
Cape Town is the highest-ranking African destination on this list of the best places to visit in 2020.
Best time – through the year
Travel – All major operators have regular flights from Delhi and Mumbai.
Bariloche/Patagonia, Argentina
Bariloche, the northern part of Patagonia, is famous for its scenic lakes, lush green woods and the Andean peaks. People who like outdoors and particularly enjoy hiking, biking, climbing and water sports, must go there. Don’t miss the Perito Moreno glacier.
Best time – Springtime (October to mid-December) and autumn (April to mid-June)
Travel – With one stop, Argentina has all major operators operating from Delhi.
Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv is always brimming with energy. Miles of picturesque beaches (a total of 16), a buzzing nightlife, historical offerings in abundance make Tel Aviv worthy to be on this list for 2020. Over the years, this city has steadily attracted tourists to its folds and has finally culminated into a glamorous metropolitan. The Mediterranean gem is a place that has a little of everything for all genres.
Best Time – March through April and September through November
Travel – Direct flights are available from Delhi.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Popularly known as the legendry ‘lost city of Inca’, Machu Picchu has all the ingredients of a perfect blockbuster.
The citadel is important, because it has great archaeological value and a variety of ecosystems. Machu Picchu symbolizes excellent technical skills of the Inca Empire. Surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and at 2,430 meters (7,970 ft) above sea level, the great Inca Ruins in the sky are truly amazing.
Best Time – April through May and September through October
Travel – connecting flights are available to Peru from Delhi, Mumbai
Galway, Ireland
This is 2020’s European Capital of Culture. With its traditional lifestyle, jaunty bodhrán and fiddle music, this unconventional city has spent 2019 testing new community heritage and arts projects, such as pop-up culture cafés and funambulism workshops. There are going to be customised events across its pubs and beaches. It is also regarding a gastronomical paradise, with a focus on fish-smoking, cheese-making and small-batch brewing.
Best Time – between July and October.
Travel – there are direct flights to Dublin from Indian cities. From there Galway is under 2.5 hours.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The world famed Cherry Blossoms are a breath-taking sight that needs to be seen to be believed. Don a kimono and stroll the streets of Kyoto. A perfect combination of the past and the present, it is every Japan traveller’s must location. Find calmness in the ‘karesansui’ rock gardens and centuries-old Shinto shrines.
Japan is also the host of the 2020 Olympic games, hence making Kyoto a top destination for the year.
Best Time – October/November (fall) and March/April/May (spring).
Travel – Direct flights are available from Delhi and Mumbai.
Siargao, Philippines
This tiny island is making people forget Bali! It’s a surfer’s delight. Shaped like a teardrop, the island is attracting tourists of the adventurous streak to its legendary Cloud 9 barrelling wave.
It is lined with pristine beaches, mangrove forests and extensive groves of coconut palms. It is less than a tenth of the size of Bali, but is full of hotspots. Scooters with surfboard racks ferry people about the streets, convenience stores pour petrol from glass Coca Cola bottles and farmers sell rice – dried on tarpaulins at the side of the main road – these are views that only Siargao can promise.
Best time – between March and September
Travel – Manila is extremely well connected from major Indian cities.
Kangaroo Island, Australia
Surrounded by serene turquoise seas, limestone cliffs and Eucalyptus forests, Kangaroo island is Australia’s best holiday find. Find big-bellied koalas at this island which is 70 miles off mainland South Australia. A haven for wildlife enthusiasts. It is abundant with native species that include brown bandicoots, short-beaked echidnas and a sub-species of kangaroo.
It is yet to be discovered by tourists and hence the best time to visit.
In April 2020, Tasting Australia will come to the island for a 10-day food festival showcasing KI’s blossoming cellar-door experiences and award-winning regional produce.
So, don’t miss the opportunity while it’s there!
Best Time – August is cool weather and February is the hottest. Overall mild temperatures make it conducive for yearlong travel.
Travel – Fly into Melbourne, head to Adelaide and then onward.