Top up your Bhutan
Lonely Planet lists hotspots for 2020
Described as “paradise in the Himalayas”, the tiny country with a population of 824,154 focuses on low-impact tourism, so there’s a daily fee to walk its stunning monastery-crowned peaks. Bhutan is the world’s only carbon-negative country.
Brexit chaos aside, it seems to be doing something right! Lonely Planet extols the coastline – bolstered by the launch next year of the England Coastal Path – castles, cathedrals and quaint villages.
3. North Macedonia In the heart of the Balkans, renowned for its gastronomy, ancient tradition and nature – the recently opened High Scardus Trail will lead you 300 miles along its most dramatic peaks.
The island in the Caribbean Sea has idyllic beaches, national parks and wellness retreats and has become more affordable, with home-sharing options, as well as pop-up carnivals.
5. Eswatini Formerly Swaziland, this is one of southern Africa’s least visited spots. But with a new international airport and roads from the capital to conservation areas, get in first for rhino encounters and white-water rafting.
Monastery in Paro, Bhutan
The hills will most definitely be alive here next year when the Salzburg Festival turns 100 in late July and August, making 2020 even more of a music feast than normal in this No1 city. 2. Washington, DC, US Next year’s presidential election will make the capital city a hub of excitement. There’s also a revitalised waterfront, foodie scene and new museums on offer.
The atmospheric Grand Egyptian Museum opens next year housing a treasure trove of civilisation’s wonders. And that’s before you get to the Red Sea coast and the Pyramids.
Lonely Planet boffs argue this might just be Europe’s most engaging city. Brightly painted pubs, live music, buskers and cafe culture – and next year Galway is the European Capital of Culture.
Once the capital of West Germany, Bonn has since slipped behind Berlin on the tourist radar. But next year the city marks Beethoven’s 250th birthday with a year-long catalogue of concerts.
NIGEL THOMPSON
This region is often overlooked, but if you hit Bali and keep on going you’ll be rewarded. Much quieter, pristine beaches, and one of the best diving scenes, all for less money. 2. Budapest, Hungary Thermal baths for a few dollars, cafe culture, and wine bars in atmospheric architecture, your bucks will go further here.
If Africa is too pricey, you can get your fill of safari here, with tiger spotting. However, if the elusive stripes are a no-see you still have stunning temples and towns to fall back on.
The characterful city is expanding its budget air routes, hotels and restaurants, and next year opens a new interactive Children’s Museum. Plus Niagara Falls is an hour away.
5. Azerbaijan High quality accommodation, food and experiences cost less here. Cosmopolitan Baku with its Caspian Sea waterfront contrasts beautifully with the mysterious countryside of mud volcanoes and lost-in-time villages.
THERE’S nothing like a chill October wind and the threat of long, dark nights to focus the mind on next year’s holiday. But where to go?
And, as priorities differ, what does “best” mean when it comes to trips away?
Even the well-travelled writers at Lonely Planet fall into “fierce debate” trying to answer this. So here are some of the travel guide’s Top Five lists of 2020 hotspots, based on wow factor, unique experience, best value and sustainability.
But if you still can’t decide, perhaps pick more than one... ■ Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2020 is out now
Child-friendly Vienna offers more organic farmland than any other city, and has bike-share stations galore. Find a farmstay and cycle, hike, and swim in Weissensee.
2. Fiji Stay in a village homestay and your money will go direct to the local community. Older kids can volunteer in marine and community projects. Some resorts also allow you to get involved in coral planting.
The city banned plastic bags and bottles years ago and boasts more than 1,000 eco-friendly hotels. You don’t need a car to get around and there’s plenty of green space.
4. Volcan Tenorio Area, Costa Rica Wildlife is key here, but you can give back to human residents too. Stay on a farm to understand the Tico culture. Kids can lend a hand looking after the animals. Small town Bijagua is a great base.
Green campsites abound in
Pembrokeshire, and in Greenwood Forest
Park in Snowdonia you can take a ride on the world’s only people-powered rollercoaster.