Countries you should travel to in 2020
By Daniel Mackrell on 16 January 2020
It’s a new year and many of us are busy planning our holidays for 2020. The travel bug is more alive than ever, and Brexit won’t stop many British travellers from enjoying a trip abroad this year.
If you are trying to decide where is best to visit on your next trip, there are plenty of cities that are seeing growth in their tourism industries. Whether you’re looking for warm weather, stunning natural sights, or museums and shopping experiences, there are places to suit everyone’s interests.
Here are some of the best places that you could visit in 2020 to get the most out of your holiday.
Russia
The country was ranked ninth for tourism in Europe during 2018 by the United Nations’ World Tourism Organisation. This was after it attracted more than 24 million visitors from around the world.
Despite being the biggest country, you don’t necessarily have to travel too far to explore many of the most popular parts of Russia. Much of the population can be found in the western part of the country, which includes Moscow, St Petersburg and Kazan.
There are many historical buildings to explore across Russia, while the capital offers plenty of interesting sights for visitors. Such as Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum.
If you are looking to stay for a longer trip, the Tran-Siberian Railway is a popular journey for many tourists, taking you across the country over several days or a week. You can get off at different stops and explore many aspects of Russia.
South Africa
South Africa has become a growing tourist spot since 2010 when the country hosted the World Cup, which saw many cities receive a boost in income which helped transform certain areas.
Many tourists visit the country to go on safari and see many animals in the wild, including lions, elephants and rhinos. The country offers many national parks and game reserves to visit, with tour guides providing the best opportunities to spot wildlife.
There are also caves to explore and activities to take part in, like bungee jumping, white water rafting and sky diving. South Africa is also known for its long history of culture and traditions that make it an ideal spot for tourists looking to learn about other parts of the world.
The country also has many restaurants and bars across its busiest cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, offering affordable food and drink for tourists.
Dubai
The United Arab Emirates has seen its tourism industry continue to grow in recent years, particularly in Dubai.
The city has seen big architectural developments, which includes the opening of the Burj Khalifa in 2010 – the tallest building in the world.
There are various laws and restrictions that visitors need to be aware of when travelling around the city, including regulations on drinking alcohol and kissing in public. As long as you are aware of the limits, there is still plenty that tourists can enjoy and experience during their trip.
As well as its impressive structures, Dubai also has museums, and water parks to visit, as well as the Miracle Garden, which is the largest floral installation in the world.
If you are looking to make a trip that is unlike any other, Dubai might be the ideal option for new experiences in 2020.
Portugal
After ranking third in the Global Peace Index, many would consider Portugal to be the perfect destination for a family holiday.
It takes just over two hours for UK holidaymakers to fly there, and the country offers sun and sandy beaches, as well as the chance to discover its long history. Its low crime rate, friendly locals and warm weather make it a welcoming place for tourists, particularly during the summer months.
Portugal is also considered to be one of the oldest countries in Europe, as its borders have remained mostly unchanged for around 800 years.
Lisbon is often a popular choice for tourists, as the capital city is on the coast, with stunning beaches, while it also offers a lot of history and stunning architecture. Visitors can see castles and monastery across the city, while there are also plenty of museums and markets to visit.
The country is also a great spot for golf fans, winning the Best Golf Destination several times at the World Golf Awards. There are several high-quality courses available to experience.
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