Top Destinations for Travelers in 2020
Once again, the end of the year is upon us, perfectly timed to fuel your wanderlust. As 2020 marks the beginning of a whole new decade, here are some of the must-visit destinations as told by the experts in the travel industry.
THE GREEK ISLANDS
The Cyclades Islands have always been a perennial favourite with the jet-set crowd ever since Jacqueline Kennedy stepped foot on Mykonos Island. We can hardly disagree with Jackie O, and for visitors making their way to Mykonos in 2020, be sure to book a stay at Myconian Panoptis, the shiny new addition to the Myconian Collection Resort. The ever photogenic Santorini is also a must-visit and there is no better place to stay than in Oia, undoubtedly the most romantic village in Santorini with its stunning sweeping views overlooking the caldera. Honeymooners will love Perivolas, the legendary cave hotel that first put Santorini on the world map. A visit to one of Santorini’s numerous wineries to try the local Vinsanto wine should also be on your agenda.
CUZCO, PERU
Machu Picchu, dubbed one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World”, has always been Peru’s biggest draw. But beyond the mystical allure of the archaeological site are the equally attractive Peruvian Amazon, Lima’s hip gastronomy scene, and the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Cuzco. The city of Cuzco, once referred by the Incas as “the navel of the world” is a blend of Spanish and Colombian colonial charm. Some attractions not to be missed include Korikancha (the ancient Temple of the Sun), the Inca street of Loreto with its 12-cornered stones, the cathedral, the Museum of Colonial Art, the archaeological park of Saqsaywaman (the fortress-temple), the nearby funerary shrines of Kenqo, and the water-worship site of Tambomachay.
DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
Named as the top “Emerging Destination” of the decade by Virtuoso Travel advisors, Croatia is enjoying its time in the limelight. Tourist arrivals have been boosted by the Game Of Thrones effect, its stunning Adriatic coastline and its mild Mediterranean climate. The coastal city of Split is a popular spot for lavish yacht parties, while Dubrovnik is undisputedly the jewel of ancient baroque architecture with its Old Town ringed by the Walls of Dubrovnik. Its close proximity to Montenegro means that the underrated nation nestled at the base of the Dalmatian Mountains is a short 2 hours drive away and the perfect day-trip jaunt.
RWANDA
Just one of the three countries in the world where trekking the endangered mountain gorillas are possible, the landlocked nation of Rwanda is sizing up to be a giant among the traditional safari destinations of East Africa. Volcanoes National Park, a 3-hour drive from the capital Kigali, is the place to base yourself for the gorilla treks. Some of the ultra-luxe offerings there include Singita Kwitonda and Bisate Lodge, while One&Only Gorilla’s Nest has just opened in the last few months. Besides getting up-close-and-personal with Silverback gorillas, Nyungwe National Park offers guests the opportunity to track Chimpanzees, and there is no better place to base yourself than at One&Only Nyungwe House, with just 28 exclusive rooms and suites. Rwanda has been doubling down on their conservation efforts, and their labour has come to fruition in the form of Akagera National Park, where it is now possible to spot the Big 5. Akagera has made a miraculous come back from the decimated wildlife population just a few decades ago and has been lauded by conservationists. We think the 6-tent Magashi Camp would be the perfect prelude to your exclusive primate adventure.
KYOTO, JAPAN
Japan is on a roll. After playing host to the Rugby World Cup in 2019, the nation is now set to host the Summer Olympics in 2020. While Kyoto has always attracted hordes of tourists, some stunning new hotels have recently popped up. Park Hyatt Kyoto’s biggest draw might just be their enviable location in the thick of the Higashi-yama district. A number of their 70 rooms (including 9 suites) overlook the iconic Kodai-ji temple and is mere minutes-walk away from the Kiyomizu-dera temple. Aman Kyoto has also opened to great fanfare with its ryokan-inspired accommodations and onsen hot springs. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of mossy, sun-dappled serene landscapes. We think it’s definitely time to re-visit this charming ancient city.
Photo Credits: Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Aman Kyoto