TOP 10 PLACES TO TRAVEL IN 2020
We are fast approaching the summer holidays. Where has the year gone? Whether you have been guiding students through their first year of school, preparing Year 12 students for life outside the school system or any of the stages in between, you are no doubt looking forward to some R and R. This week, join us as we play armchair traveller and look at the top 10 places to travel in 2020.
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- BUDGET X ETHICS
Budget has always been the single most important consideration when planning a holiday and this is not going to change. But ethics are starting to play a role in decision making as well. The United Nations designated 2017 Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development which prioritises reducing impact on the planet, supporting local economies and protecting wildlife – all admirable. Many travellers are prioritising family-run operations, slow travel or even organisations that have significant community outreach as part of their travel offering. National Geographic has some great sustainable travel tips you can read here.
- INTERNATIONAL CITIES WITH A SUSTAINABLE TWIST
If you’re lucky enough to be planning international travel in 2020, Lonely Planet has just published their annual Best in Travel ‘Top Cities’ for 2020, all of which, frankly, look fabulous. Salzburg in Austria came in at number one, followed by Washington DC, Cairo, Galway, La Paz, Kochi, Vancouver, Dubai and Denver. The Lonely Planet is bringing a sustainable filter to all the travel experiences they highlight on their website. You can read more about other destinations here.
- RISE OF THE STAYCATION
On the flip side, staying close to home is emerging as a hot trend. ‘Staycation’ has to be one of the internet’s most appealing portmanteaus. Staycations give you all the holiday vibes without the holiday spend. Explore your local attractions, go out for meals and if the budget allows, stay in a hotel or camping ground close to home and enjoy lazing pool-side. Finish with fish and chips on the beach or a barbeque and you have all the makings of a holiday, without any of the “Are we there yet? complaints.
- AUSTRALIA FOR FAMILIES
Australia. The distances between destinations can be vast, but there is a staggering array of diversity on offer for travellers who fancy an old-fashioned road trip. If a sun-drenched beach holiday isn’t your style, Tasmania, the Victorian High Country, Kangaroo Island, Canberra, The Blue Mountains and Melbourne all offer culturally-rich, active holidays. Read more about Australia’s top family-friendly destinations here.
- TRAVEL THE CURRICULUM
There has been an increasing demand from families who are seeking experiences where travel is aligned with educational value. What does this look like in action? If you have a young Japanese language and culture aficionado on your hands, make your way to Tokyo. If your kids are passionate about saving the baby sea turtles and underwater life, consider a holiday where they can see them in the wild. Savvy tour operators are cashing in on this trend and many offer packages tailored to specific interests.
- YOU CAN’T BEAT THE BEACH
The Australian summer beach holiday is etched into our collective memories for a reason. Beach holidays are simple and good. When you have the beach and a good fish and chip shop or communal barbeque space, do you really need much else?
- 56% OF WOMEN TAKE HOLIDAYS FOR WELLBEING
Here’s another statistic from the same article: there were 100 million searches for solo female holidays in 2018, representing an increase of 131% over previous years. With the rise in popularity in solo travel, new research has ranked the best six places for women travelling alone. Finland emerged as the top destination, followed by New Zealand, Uruguay, Japan, The Netherlands and Canada.
- OFF THE BEATEN TRACK IN STYLE
If you’d like to get off the beaten track but still get a decent coffee, the following spots might be of interest to you. Nihiwatu (Sumba), Manancora (Peru), Jose Ignacio (Peru), Cornwall (UK), Oaxaca City (Mexico) and Corumbau (Brazil) all offer that elusive balance of remoteness, local culture and benefits that come with hosting a cohort of semi-nomadic creatives.
- NEW ZEALAND IS NUMBER ONE
New Zealand is the most popular travel destination for Australians year after year. With breathtaking scenery and no long-haul flight required, it’s no wonder NZ has a soft spot in the hearts (and passports) of many Australians. Will it retain its title as most popular in 2020? Although they offer completely different experiences, Sri Lanka and Japan are edging ever closer to take out the coveted most popular destination.
- THE PERFECT HOLIDAY
Do you know what most families think makes the perfect holiday? Time together. It’s what parents say and it’s what kids say. Whatever that means for you, we hope you have a great holiday in 2020. You deserve it.
