2020 visions
Stunning waterfront is big Bahrain attraction
Centuries collide in Vietnam’s busy Hanoi
sioned Boeing 747 as its centrepiece. It is also the only island in the Middle East to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix next year. THE DEAL Fly to Bahrain with BA from €567pp. ba.com. Rooms at five-star ART Rotana in Bahrain from €213 with breakfast. rotana.com
14. HANOI, VIETNAM
The centuries collide in this pulsating capital of skyscrapers, soup and scooters. Add the inaugural Vietnamese Grand Prix on April 5, and it’s an intoxicating mix. Take a pitstop for the fabled Pho Bo beef and rice noodle soup. THE DEAL Five-night packages from €1,988pp. grandstandmotorsports.co.uk
15. SAO PAULO, BRAZIL
From March 29, Virgin Atlantic goes head to head with BA on the direct route from Heathrow to the beating heart of Brazil. It may not have Rio’s fabled beaches, but this megalopolis offers
Samba time in Sao Paulo, Brazil
fabulous food, superb shopping, throbbing nightlife and a wealth of diverse culture. THE DEAL Return fares from €586. virginatlantic.com
16. MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY
If you’ve done Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro then consider Uruguay’s terrific capital. This safe, friendly little country with a big heart is worth a visit and hugely likeable Montevideo has a lovely old town with fine squares, eyecatching buildings and many beautiful beaches. THE DEAL Flights with Iberia via Madrid from around €645 return in mid-march. opodo.co.uk
17. OUTER HEBRIDES
For staycations with a difference look to escape to the far-flung Scottish islands.
The beaches look like the Caribbean and there’s historic sights, new whale and whisky trails and a warm welcome with folk music in
Uruguay’s lovely old capital is captivating
pubs and Harris Tweed woven in workshops. THE DEAL Taking the Calmac ferries across from Ullapool to Stornoway or Uig to Tarbert adds to the sense of adventure. From €83 and €51 respectively one-way with a car. calmac.co.uk
18. SHARM EL SHEIKH
The Red Sea resort is open for business again thanks to the lifting of a ban on direct flights.
Snorkel among technicolour fish in Ras Muhammad National Park, home to more than 1,000 species. Divers will love exploring Thistlegorm wreck while twitchers will enjoy the Nabq Protected Area run by the local Bedouin. THE DEAL Seven nights at the Grand Hotel from €579, all inclusive. Return flights from Birmingham. redseaholidays.co.uk
19. GALWAY
A European Capital City of Culture in 2020, Galway kicks off celebrations in February.
It has a lively art scene, Irish music and is known as Ireland’s top foodie hotspot with Michelin star chefs, cheesemakers, brewers and fish-smokers.
Don’t miss nearby Burren, a dramatic limestone landscape and the Claddagh Museum in Thomas Dillon’s ring shop, famous for the Claddagh ring, a heart clasped by two hands. THE DEAL Two nights in Galway from €482,
Find tranquility in Uig in the Outer Hebrides
Sharm El Sheikh offers paradise for snorkellers
Colourful Galway’s the Capital City of Culture
From steam baths to mountains in Georgia
Sleek and sophisticated Equinox in New York
B&B. Includes flights on Aer Lingus to Shannon. Various hotels available. expedia.co.uk
20. GEORGIA
Surrounded by the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia feels like Asia and Europe.
Take a dip into a medicinal sulphur bath, tour monasteries and take in mountain scenery.
It’s great for food and wine too – more than 500 varieties of grape has placed Georgia on the wine lovers’ hotlist. THE DEAL A nine-day Discover Georgia tour starts from €1,855pp. Including return flights, transfers and some meals. explore.co.uk
21. NEW YORK CITY
Hudson Yards is a city within a city – 28 acres between Hell’s Kitchen and Chelsea built on a working rail depot.
A five-star hotel is now open – fitness-focused, 212 room, oh-so-sleek Equinox with an outdoor pool in the heart of the action near The Shed art centre and 73-storey 30 Hudson Yards and its 1,131ft high observation deck. THE DEAL Equinox from €690 a night. equinox-hotels.com