With winter 2019 fast approaching, there are few things more appealing than the thought of jetting off on that next luxury getaway – preferably, to somewhere with sunnier climes. And, with 2020 now just around the corner, what better time to start planning your holiday destination list for the upcoming year?
With plenty of sought-after places to choose from around the world, picking where to jet off to next can often be a tricky task. Whether you’re spoilt for choice or have already ticked off most of your major bucket list picks, it’s a great time to do some research into the up-and-coming travel destinations not to be missed, and start to get prepped for the year ahead. If you can opt for sustainable choices, then even better – we should all be doing our bit to reduce our carbon footprint, even if we’re not quite ready to give up international travel just yet.
If you’re looking for a new year’s resolution you’ll want to keep in 2020, then travelling to some of the world’s less visited destinations should be one of them – often, you’ll enjoy a more authentic experience if you can get in there before everyone else does. And why not try to pick up some of the local lingo before you head off, too? Online translation sites like Google translate can be a great place to start, though investing in a good guide book will give you all the useful phrases you’ll need.
Get set for a year of memorable trips in 2020, and prepare to explore some of the best must-see destinations out there, because we’ve rounded up the five top hotspots you won’t want to miss – and all of them offer luxury by the bucket load.
Aruba
Those in search of pristine, white sandy beaches and azure waters won’t be disappointed in Aruba – but this slice of tropical island paradise is about a whole lot more than paradise beaches alone. In the south, the cultural hub of San Nicolas – otherwise known as the Sunrise City – is alive with colourful art, live music and pop-up carnival experiences that are unlike anything you will have experienced elsewhere.
This happy and uplifting destination promises a great time from start to finish, and its ambitious sustainability efforts are not to be sniffed at. A testing ground for renewable energy solutions to be used in other countries, it is currently working on a ban on all single-use plastics and reef-destroying sunscreens, due to take effect in 2020.
Costa Rica
Nature lovers from around the world flock to Costa Rica each year, yet this beautiful central American destination is still relatively untouched by the masses. Flying the flag for sustainable tourism, it is home to an impressive level of biodiversity, with its national parks alive with wildlife and birds.
A country which has found a way to welcome tourism without compromising its slice of tropical paradise, 90% of the country’s energy is created by renewable sources, meaning it is in line to become one of the first carbon-neutral countries in 2020.
From hiking volcanoes to whizzing down zip lines through the forest canopies, Costa Rica has something for everyone – and with a range of beautiful five-star hotels and eco-lodges to choose from, it’s the perfect place to escape from it all and enjoy a relaxing and laid-back getaway.
Bhutan
Recently voted number one in Lonely Planet‘s Best in Travel 2020, this small slice of Himalayan paradise might not be the first place that springs to mind when thinking up unmissable destinations, but Bhutan is fast becoming a hotspot for wealthy visitors in search of a decent dose of luxury. Operating a strict ‘high-value, low-impact’ tourism policy, travellers are required to pay a hefty daily fee just to set foot in its lush green, pine-scented hills – but one thing is for certain; it’s worth every penny.
Giving you the chance to wander its pristine mountain trails and enjoy a truly sustainable getaway, Bhutan has been recognised as the world’s very first carbon negative country, and is set to become the first fully organic nation by 2020. Some pretty impressive credentials if you’re into responsible travel.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable luxury getaway in 2020 that ticks all the sustainability boxes too, then these three destinations certainly won’t disappoint. Get in there now before the masses catch on though, because it’s only a matter of time before they do.
