Lonely Planet has managed to streamline 195 countries into a list of the 10 best destinations for travel in 2020. The iconic travel guide publisher has given us our brand-new bucket list, some of it is surprising, some is exciting and some just downright gave us the woah moment. The list of top 10 countries to visit in 2020 is a lively blend of destinations waiting for your foot to fall.
10. Uruguay
South America is on everybody’s travel-to list, but Lonely Planet has shifted our attention from the likes of Peru and Brazil to a place championing in progressive social agenda. Uruguay has legalized marijuana, aggressively promoted LGBTQIA+ rights and battled for sustainable tourism. Tourists, more than anything, are looking for beauty in places and people which directly translates to the openness and comfort one feels, for travel in 2020.
9. Morocco
MIB’s most recent showed a rumbling Marrakesh market that sparked desire in every viewer to lie on sand under the shade of royal domes and ancient medinas. The red city has been crowned the first African Capital of Culture 2020. Africa’s first high speed train is also a huge crowd puller making it possible to go from Casablanca to Tangier in two hours. Villages, cities, beaches and deserts, is there anything Morocco doesn’t have for travel in 2020?
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8. Liberia
With Amazon literally burning our hopes and hearts for man’s greed, the world’s lungs are looking for love. The second largest primary rainforest in West Africa has been protected from all deforestation by Liberia in a deal with Norway. Sapo National Park will be treated like the queen she is for generations, or so we dream. That coupled with the optimism in Liberian air, (probably a side effect of pure oxygen, puts this country on the travel in 2020 most wanted flyer.
7. The Netherlands
No, not because of Amsterdam. Earth’s most peace-loving country is celebrating 75 years of WWII ending in 2020 with events across the country. A cross country rail tour through April-May will show King’s Day, Liberation Day and the Eurovision Song Contest. Don’t forget to learn cycling before you enter the network of 35,000 km and growing path to make the most of attractions like UNECSO World Heritage Site the Wadden Sea.
6. Costa Rica
This small country is doing big things for global warming. Not only does it live in harmony with its flora and fauna, but they actually love thy neighbours. A smashing 90% of the tropical country’s energy is produced by renewable sources. The world is counting days until it becomes fully carbon-neutral in 2020 and smong top destinations for travel in 2020. Me time is truly replenishing at volcanoes and water when the air is clean and carbon footprint guilt is minimal.
5. Eswatini
Another neglected African gem has been put back on the map by Lonely Planet for travel in 2020. They’ve used the words “legendary wildlife” to describe the kingdom’s parks, reserves, treks and rhinos. For us the main attraction is the complete lack of travelers. You’re bound to gain a greater level of self-awareness in a place full of smiling faces that leave you alone.
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4. Aruba
Street walls adorned by local artists, pop-up carnival, annual festivities, palm trees and sustainable beaches: Sunrise City is a colourful climate change champion on the world’s bucket list for travel in 2020. The island has been offered to other countries for testing renewable energy solutions. Now that’s what we call altruistic initiative. Well, it’s not really altruistic because a greener planet overall will keep everyone alive longer. This is a great budget destination with tourist friendly accommodation situations all over the country.
3. North Macedonia
The tiny nation was finally set free from political debate with Greece in 2018 and is rapidly claiming its own identity. Being number 3 on this list of travel in 2020 is a huge step in that direction. UNESCO protected Lake Ohrid, gastronomy, ancient culture and heritage mixed with infra pump, celebrate the ‘new country tag’ as well as one could expect. Travel enthusiasts have loved this culture pack long before this list and will love it evermore now with new airports too!
2. England
Surprised to see the colonizer on this list? It’s not the Kohinoor that bagged this spot for travel in 2020. New sections of the England Coast Path granting access to the country’s entire coastline for the first time will make it the longest continuous trail of its kind in the world at 3,000 miles.
1. Bhutan
Our next door neighbour is already carbon-negative and soon will be fully organic too. Another interesting policy in the landlocked Himalayan piece is the steep daily fees applicable of tourists. That means tourists have to pay to touch Bhutanese land for every day they spend there. This is bound to keep tourism controlled and thus the country well nourished. Pine trees and mountain monasteries won the little paradise the crown on ever bucket list in the world.
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Lonely Planet conducted a detailed study for travel in 2020 and we can’t wait to see for ourselves if their judgement stands true. This is the fifteenth edition of the world’s most top travel destinations after 14 successful series. There’s nothing else anyone can talk about right now. Clearly travelers are big on green and clean and everybody knows it. Let’s embark on this journey, it will surely take all year!