This week, Flight Centre revealed the company’s list of top 10 travel destinations for 2020. The company said there is a growing interest outside of classic destinations with more travelers seeking to beat the crowds and discover something special before everyone else catches on.
Its top 10 destinations, in no particular order, include:
- Mérida, Mexico
- Sweden
- New Zealand
- Scotland
- Costa Rica
- Bali
- The Bahamas
- Philippines
- Cyprus
- Vietnam
The Yucatan Peninsula shows no sign of losing favor among travelers, but consumers are seeking more unique ways to experience the destination. For example: Mérida is gaining popularity due to its trendy boutique hotels, creative dining and historic architecture.
Alongside Mérida is Sweden, a worthwhile alternative to a busy destination like Venice or Paris. Sweden’s fashionable cities, Baltic beaches and mountains offer something for any travel style. A similar crowd-pleaser is New Zealand, with experiences ranging from bungee jumping and white water rafting to exploring modern art galleries and leading-edge restaurants. Flight Centre notes that many travelers choose to combine New Zealand with another South Pacific destination.
Isle of Skye, Scotland // Photo by MarcelloLand/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
Active travelers will enjoy Scotland or Costa Rica, Flight Centre says. Scotland is an underestimated haven for hiking and camping—home to lochs, links, highlands and castles to trek to. Costa Rica, too, has a huge appeal for nature-lovers, thanks to its diverse rainforests, waterfalls, thermal springs and beaches.
Bali also makes the cut, with social media being one of the reasons it’s growing in popularity. The island has appeal for solo adventurers, foodies and couples seeking something original for a romantic getaway.
Perhaps one of the more surprising picks for 2020 is The Bahamas; however, Flight Centre says many travelers are eager to do what they can to help rebuild Grand Bahama and the Abacos after Hurricane Dorian. One of the most effective ways to do that is through tourism, and there are hundreds of other islands that weren’t affected by Dorian, which are open for business.
The Philippines has become one of Flight Centre’s most popular flight bookings. Its beaches and cuisine make the journey worthwhile, especially since it’s a very affordable destination. And for those who have fallen in love with the Greek Isles, Cyprus offers one rewarding step further into the Mediterranean. Flight Centre recommends a guided combined tour of Turkey and Northern Cyprus.
Vietnam is steadily becoming a more mainstream destination, as there is a surge of new options available in Vietnam, from cycling tours to foodie trips to river cruises.
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