Top 10 places to visit in 2020

Plan a trip to these must-visit destinations

From heritage sites to camel trekking, underground speakeasies to ancient rainforests – you can indulge in the most life-changing experiences in 2020. If you’re itching to book a trip or two, here’s our pick of the ten best places from around the world to visit in 2020…

For wineries and monasteries

Georgia

An underexplored gem, this former Soviet country offers a unique culture, magnificent monasteries, world-class wineries, delicious food and activities including hiking and skiing. The capital Tbilisi is colourful, charming and incredibly welcoming.

For paintings and parrilladas

Buenos Aires, Argentina

With cutting-edge contemporary art, a booming culinary scene, hip underground speakeasies, tango clubs and plush cocktail bars, the Argentine capital is South America’s most cosmopolitan city. For something more rustic, head to a nearby gaucho ranch and tuck into a parrillada (barbecue) while listening to traditional folk music.

For national parks and maple syrup

Québec, Canada

The French-speaking part of Canada is all too often overlooked by British travellers, who are missing out on dramatic national parks, vibrant Aboriginal culture and endless possibilities for outdoor adventures, not to mention two of North America’s most unique and lively cities, Montréal and Québec City. Oh, and did we mention the maple syrup?

For heritage and hammocks

Zanzibar

From the Unesco world heritage site of Stone Town to the palm-lined sands of the north shore, this archipelago off the Tanzanian coast fits an awful lot into a small space. And its intoxicating blend of Indian, African and Arabian cultures and traditions makes Zanzibar unlike anywhere else.

For concerts and cinema

Wrocław, Poland

Long billed as the new Kraków, this elegant, charming Polish city (pronounced ‘vrots-wahf’) has come of age. A European Capital of Culture in 2016, Wrocław is the perfect city break destination for anybody who loves art, music or film – it’s blessed with wonderful galleries, concert halls and arthouse cinemas.

For yurts and steppes

Mongolia

Don’t visit Mongolia in winter, when temperatures often plummet to a bitter minus 40. But in the summer you’ll find magic here, whether you’re exploring the vast steppes on horseback, camel-trekking over sand dunes or sleeping in yurts in the Gobi desert. The sprawling capital Ulaanbaatar, meanwhile, offers urban adventures aplenty.

For tortellini and tagliatelle

Bologna

Loosen your belt buckles because Italy’s medieval culinary capital is justly famed for its hearty, wholesome cuisine. It’s a joy exploring the beautifully preserved old town, and the large student population makes Bologna lively after dark.

For palm trees and sunloungers

St Lucia

Relaxation is the name of the game in St Lucia, a perfect location for indulging in the art of doing nothing. While there’s a fascinating colonial history to explore, most visitors seem content with a good book, an afternoon nap and a candlelit dinner on the jaw-droppingly gorgeous beaches.

For surfing and shopping

Gold Coast, Australia

This stretch of Queensland coastline, which hosted the Commonwealth Games in April 2018, boasts postcard-perfect beaches with thrilling surfing, theme parks, shopping malls and world-class hotels. It’s only a short drive to quaint villages, national parks, ancient rainforests and the vibrant city of Brisbane.

For volcanic peaks and gorgeous beaches

Kyushu, Japan

Until 2019 not many tourists made it to Japan’s southernmost island, but that changed when three stadiums on Kyushu – in Fukuoka, Oita and Kumamoto prefectures – hosted matches at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Soak up Kyushu’s breathtaking scenery, hot springs, tranquil temples, lush beaches and vast national parks.