We recently announced our Top 28 destinations for 2020 zeroing in on unique destinations with intriguing sites and experiences. Our list breaks down into four categories, both domestic and international, with the complete list here.
We’ve shared our Newsworthy Destinations, our picks for Nature & Culture and Urban Destinations for the new year.
Finally, we’re sharing what we’ve classified as the “Rising Stars.” Some of these destinations are making a comeback, others are emerging on the scene for the first time. All have something unique to offer for intrepid travelers. Here’s our list and accompanying criteria.
Cairo, Egypt
Healing after years of political turmoil, a new wave of cultural development is bringing a fresh story to Egypt’s capital. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization on Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo is receiving a long overdue restoration. Housed in a pink beaux-arts building, the museum has displayed Egyptian antiquities since 1902. Also in 2020 the long awaited Grand Egyptian Museum will finally open. Located near the pyramids of Giza, the museum houses all 5,000 known objects from the King Tut collection arranged to look as it did when archaeologist Howard Carter discovered his tomb in Luxor in 1922. The massive collection occupies more than 75,000 square feet spanning two exhibit halls.
When the sun sets over the Nile River, downtown Cairo lights up with non-stop nightlife. Five-star hotels provide an ideal place to end the night when you finally pull yourself away from the frenetic energy of the city. www.egypt.travel
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains in Northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville expertly blends small town charm with an urban vibe. From public art to galleries like Fenix Fayetteville and Art Ventures that showcase works from local artists, you’ll find art on practically every corner. The new $31.5 million TheatreSquared Performing Arts Center features local and nationally acclaimed productions.
Throughout the year, Fayetteville hosts numerous events showcasing the city’s eclectic personality. Among the favorites is the Dickson Street Pub Crawl where furry family members join the bar hop. The heart of Fayetteville’s party scene is the Downtown & Dickson Street Entertainment District where live music and numerous bars will keep you going till the wee hours. Listed on Esquire’s “Best Bars in America”, Maxine’s Tap Room has been serving quality cocktails since 1950. For bourbon, head to The Vault—Arkansas’ first bourbon bar. Or follow the Fayetteville Ale Trail for a taste of the craft-beer scene.
Surrounded by national forests and state parks, Fayetteville is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Within the city limits are 40 miles of natural surface trails for mountain biking and hiking, and 45 miles of paved, shared-use trails for cycling, jogging and walking. www.experiencefayetteville.com
The Grenadines
Soft white sand beaches, seas in dazzling shades of turquoise and warm tropical breezes await in The Grenadines. Positioned in the heart of the Caribbean, this small chain of islands offers visitors a slice of paradise minus the tourist trappings of other neighboring islands. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, sailing the surrounding waters, hiking around the islands or scaling a volcano, nature’s in charge here. And when your daily pursuits end, luxe comfort beckons at exclusive hideaways. A thatch-roofed bungalow anyone?
Located between St. Vincent and Grenada in the Lesser Antilles, the Grenadines’ remote location keeps the crowds down, and getting there is now a whole lot easier. Since the opening of the Argyle International Airport on St. Vincent in 2017, three international carriers have operated weekly non-stop flights. And as of December 2019, American Airlines is adding a second non-stop from JFK International while Air Canada is also adding an additional weekly flight. www.caribbeantravel.com/grenadines
Benin, Africa
Home to elephants, lions, and hippos, Benin rivals more familiar African countries in its safari options. Pair those with enticing beaches and mesmerizing landscapes and you’ll find an intriguing destination that continues to be under the radar of most tourists.
Even if you’ve never heard of Benin, you’re familiar with one of its legacies. It’s the birthplace of voodoo. Celebrated every year on January 10th, Voodoo Day attracts visitors from all over West Africa and the world. During the festival, several ceremonies take place—some of which include the sacrificing of chickens. For a not so graphic experience, visit the voodoo museum, Museé d’Histoire de Ouidah.
Realizing the treasures Benin has to offer, the country’s government recently invested more than 50 million dollars to promote tourism. If you’re an adventurous traveler eager to find the next great place to explore, Benin should be at the top of your list. www.africa.com
Douro Valley, Portugal
While Porto gets the attention of most visitors to Portugal, those who expand their travels to include the Douro Valley will be rewarded. In this gorgeous little piece of the world, scenic roads wind around terraced vineyards, towering granite bluffs and charming villages. With a history dating to 1756, the Douro Valley is one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions.
The Portuguese have always known the treasures the Douro Valley holds, and the rest of the world is beginning to discover those too. Cruise passengers on the Douro River disembark for the day to experience the valley’s wineries. Those fortunate enough to linger have an opportunity for an immersion in this glorious valley.
Several local wine hotels provide guided tours of the vineyards and underground cellars. One of the first, Quinta Nova Luxury Winery House, boasts stellar views of the Douro River and the estate’s vineyards. Housed in a restored 19th-century manor, this award-winning hotel offers guests a number of wine-themed activities. www.visitportugal.com/douro-valley
Puerto Rico
After the devastation delivered by Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico is back and ready to welcome travelers. Captivating rhythms, majestic mountains and awe-inspiring sunsets blend with the rich history and culture of the Puerto Rican people to provide an unforgettable experience.
With 300 miles of coastline, Puerto Rico offers a beach for every style. From secluded stretches of sand accessible only by boat to coastal beaches filled with sun worshipers, choose a beach to match your mood.
Spend an afternoon in Old San Juan, experiencing the culture as you eat, drink, and stroll this colorful colonial city. Discover more history and culture outside of Old San Juan with a visit to nearby coastal areas, Piñones and Loiza—the epicenter of Afro-Puerto Rican culture. Check out the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay at Mosquito Bay in Vieques—a Guinness Book of World Records designated site.
With luxury resorts, vacation rentals and historic hotels, there’s no shortage of lodging options. Post Hurricane Maria, the team from the New York City restaurant, Serafina, opened the 96-room Serafina Beach Hotel. Also, after a 15-month period, $150 million+ makeover by P3 Design Collective, the iconic Caribe Hilton reopened in time for its 70th anniversary. www.discoverpuertorico.com
Sri Lanka
Due to political unrest and instability, for decades Sri Lanka served primarily as a fly-over for tourists heading to destinations in India and Asia. Not anymore. This spectacular country ringed with dazzling white beaches and home to some of the world’s friendliest locals is stepping into the spotlight.
Sri Lanka has plenty to showcase. With eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 2000-plus years of culture await discovery at its ancient ruins and legendary temples. Sri Lanka Yala National Park harbors the most leopards in Asia. And Minneriya National Park serves as the venue for “The Gathering” –an awe-inspiring sight where hundreds of elephants assemble each year.
When Sri Lanka isn’t courting you with culture and wildlife, the country’s smiling residents welcome you with local delicacies and teas. Take to the water for active pursuits where surfing and world class diving round out the diverse possibilities this often-overlooked country provides. www.srilanka.travel