40 stunning places to visit in 2020 before they become packed with tourists

• Escape the stuffed streets of Barcelona and the congested beaches of the Côte d'Azur by staying one step in front of the crowds in 2020.
• Insider spoke to holiday experts, prolific travelers, influential bloggers, tour operators, and travel editors from across the industry who gave us their predictions of the hotspots that are on the rise — but not yet so busy that they're unpleasant to visit.
• The list includes a gorgeous Greek alternative to Mykonos that's already attracting the stars, a Caribbean island that features black sand beaches and adventure sports, the return of visitors to Egypt, plus Europe's least visited country.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Kvarner Bay, Croatia

"Being a little less accessible than big-name Dubrovnik and Split has seen Rijeka and the nearby islands of Cres, Krk, and Rab bypassed by visitors heading for Istria or on to Triest," said Lonely Planet's VP of Experience, Tom Hall. 

According to Hall: "While Rijeka's status as European Capital of Culture will mean there's an excellent programme of events, you've still a little time to get here before the Kvarner region is anything like as popular as the south."

Transylvania, Romania

Have you thought about taking a trip to Transylvania? You will now, especially for the captivating old world feel. 

Emma McWhinney, Head of Editorial & Communications Manager for Secret Escapes, said: "Famously known as the homeland of Dracula, Romania's Transylvania is less creepy and more charming than you may have imagined. With its whimsical medieval villages, fairytale castles coated in snow, and dramatic natural scenery, it'll feel like a romantic trip back in time. Be sure to visit the magic mountains of Prahova Valley, stroll Brasov's enchanting streets and savour traditional treats, like salted pretzels and a (potent) shot of Tuica."

Dominica

To beat the crowds in 2020, travel blogger Dan Flying Solo recommends heading to the country of Dominica, as it won't stay a secret spot for long.

"This Caribbean island retains its charm partly due to the the indirect flights, but mainly because of the mountainous landscape it boast — but that won't last forever," he said.

"Most people see Dominica as a cruise stop, but given the nature of the island, the best bits can't be accessed on a day trip easily, so pack your bags and adventure boots and head here for at least a week. The white sand and relaxed pace of the Caribbean is thrown out the window, with black sand beaches, canyoning, and scuba-diving replacing it. A whole adventure awaits full of natural beauty and crashing waterfalls making this little island much more like Costa Rica than your beach postcard from Antigua!"

Jordan

Blending the classical with the modern, Jordan is another one to add to your must-do list. 

McWhinney from Secret Escapes said: "From ancient cities and modern metropolises to sprawling desert scenes and the Dead Sea, the 'Rose City' is a country of magnificent contrasts, both old and new.

"History lovers will be drawn to the archaeological wonder that is Petra, home to the inspiring Treasury, while culture seekers will be at one in Amman with its cool cafés, bargain markets, lively start-ups, and family-run 'cook and dine' experiences."

Sunbury, Victoria, Australia

Airbnb revealed its top 20 trending destinations for 2020 and found that Sunbury, Victoria in Australia had a 356% year-on-year growth in bookings.

Northwest of Melbourne, the Sunbury suburb is popular with locals partly due to its wildlife. Sunbury is also the birthplace for The Ashes and might attract a few more cricket fans in 2020, as a short drive away the ICC T20 World Cup is being held in Melbourne.

Utrecht, The Netherlands

Hall of Lonely Planet said: "Wonderful place, Amsterdam, and in 2020 direct Eurostar return journeys make it an easier than ever proposition if you're in the south of England and fancy popping over without taking a flight.

"That said, it's one of Europe's most popular cities, so head for Utrecht for your canal fix and a lower-key take on all things Dutch. It's only 30 minutes from Amsterdam, so best to go soon."

Tel Aviv, Israel

For a destination that packs a punch in 2020, Nicki Goldsmith, Head of Product Services Caribbean and Worldwide at Virgin Holidays, said: "Tel Aviv really packs a punch as a destination. Travelers can look forward to exploring cultural hotspots, a buzzing art scene, museums, as well as locations steeped in historical importance.

"There's also stunning beaches for those looking to take some time to relax, as well as an upbeat nightlife scene for those who want to stay up until the wee hours."

Uruguay

"For some reason Uruguay is still under the radar, even after Brazil and Argentina have matured into once-in-a-lifetime destinations," said Hall of Lonely Planet.

He added: "This compact country has a wonderful, little-developed coastline that's home to both budget and boutique boltholes and a lively capital in Montevideo."

Slovenia

Melinda Stevens, Editor-in-Chief of Condé Nast Traveller, said: "Croatia's been grabbing lots of attention recently, but we've been hearing a lot about neighboring Slovenia, partly because of super-star chef Ana Ros, whose restaurant in the Slovenian mountains puts foraged forest herbs, river fish, and wild mushrooms on the menu. Set between the Alps and the Adriatic, it's a land of flower-plucking meadow rambling and other fresh-air hits — this is a sustainably minded destination that's hitting all the right spots right now."

Also championing Slovenia is Secret Escapes' McWhinney, who said: "A Euro-trip wouldn't be complete without experiencing the wild and wonderful charms of Slovenia.

"Small but perfectly formed, there's beauty everywhere you go, from Predjama's 800-year-old fairytale castle to the romantic idylls of magical Lake Bled and untouched landscapes of Triglav National Park. Be sure to savor authentic flavors at a local winery and sample the splendors of Slovenian specialties."

Ethiopia

Melanie Lieberman, Travel Editor at The Points Guy, said: "One of the destinations I'm most excited about is Ethiopia, which is far less popular than other East African safari destinations such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. But Ethiopia is on the verge of a massive tourism breakthrough. According to the WTTC, Ethiopia's tourism economy spiked 48.6% in 2018. Increased flights from Africa's fastest-growing airlines and the debut of familiar hotel brands (the country's first-ever Hyatt opened in 2019, and a Radisson will debut in 2021) will make this country more accessible than ever to Americans."

South Korea

Hall of Lonely Planet said: "Hot on the heels of other Asian destinations like Japan and Taiwan, South Korea is an easy destination to get to and around, with a fantastic food scene and fascinating history in cities like Seoul and the fast-changing port of Incheon.

"A visit to the border with North Korea is an experience like no other."

Athens, Greece

McWhinney of Secret Escapes said: "The Greek capital of Athens offers layer upon layer of ancient history that still sets hearts racing today. Witnessing the magnificent Acropolis is something that should be at the top of your list, but it's not just about the classics here.

"The city has a creative and urban energy – enjoy an evening of live music at the 'bouzoukia,' kick back in a chic café or bar, and immerse yourself in the contemporary art scene."

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US

Milwaukee, Wisconsin nabs the top spot on Airbnb's list of trending destinations for 2020 with a massive 729% year-on-year booking growth. A historic treasure lapped by the shores of Lake Michigan, the under-the-radar bar and restaurant offering comes with a delicious side of  culture that includes a Calatrava-designed art museum and over 105 miles of picture-worthy bike lanes.

San Marino

Insider's Ben Mack went to Europe's least-visited country and can't wait to go back. Nestled in the east, just above the outer calf of Italy's boot, it's completely independent of the country that surrounds it. Think rolling Tuscan-style countrysides and gorgeous cobbled streets — and it has its own fairytale castle on top of Monte Titano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

"San Marino has so much going for it: great weather, great food, and, of course, great scenery," Mack wrote. "As travel becomes more accessible to more people than ever before, and travelers are looking for increasingly unforgettable experiences to spend their hard-earned money on, it seems only natural that San Marino will be 'discovered' by the masses soon."

Kiama, New South Wales, Australia

Sophie Gough, Senior Director at KAYAK Europe, said: "While most travelers will know Byron Bay or Airlie Beach, you can visit an Aussie coastal town that's off the general tourist radar.

"Kiama is a little seaside paradise on the Grand Pacific Drive touring route, on the South Coast of NSW. Life revolves around the ocean, with a dramatic, natural rock blowhole as the star attraction. If you love surfing, kayaking, or fishing, you'll have non-stop adventures here and there's an annual events calendar of folks, blues, and jazz festivals."

Canggu, Bali, Indonesia

Speaking about Canggu, Gough of KAYAK Europe said: "The rice field views and volcanic sands of Canggu are no longer a secret, but the chilled-out Balinese town is far less known than some of Bali's more popular resorts such as Kuta, Seminyak and Ubud.

"It's home to a popular surf break at Echo Beach, eclectic cafes, bohemian-style restaurants, street art, and idyllic, nature-lined roads to cycle or ride your scooter down. Every night, watch the sun set into the ocean from beach side bars and make new friends from around the globe. While Bali is one of the best places to go on holiday, Canggu allows you to escape from the crowds while still enjoying Bali's world class beaches."

Exmouth, Australia

"Escape the more popular Great Barrier Reef for some underwater magic on Ningaloo," Gough suggested. "Australia's largest fringing reef combines with the pretty coastal town of Exmouth and the Cape Range National Park, for snorkelling, boating, and hiking. The wildlife here is amazing and expect to see hundreds of fish species, dolphins, manta rays, kangaroos, wallabies, and emus, to name a few."

Sihanoukville, Cambodia

For buzz and the option to slink away for peace and quiet, try Sihanoukville, Cambodia, according to Gough.

"Sihanoukville is the Cambodian version of fun in the sun," she said. "Swim in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand, snooze on white sands, visit nearby islands, eat seafood under thatched-roofed shacks, and drink at the bars on Weather Station Hill. Serendipity Beach is backpacker central, whereby Otres Beach is for those searching for some mellow time."

Kea, Greece

Condé Nast Traveller's Stevens said: "This Cycladic island seems to have ducked under the radar for years, though Athenians are fond of weekending here. There's a major brand hotel opening in 2021 — One&Only — so now is a good time to scout out the island ahead of the pack. There's brilliant wreck-diving (around the sister ship of the Titanic), a smart yacht scene, beaches only accessible by foot, and the magnificent ancient city of Karthaia."

Tasmania, Australia

An island state 240km south of mainland Australia, Tasmania has plenty of rugged beauty to show travelers, according to Gough.

"No matter where you go in Tasmania, you'll find somewhere to get off the beaten path," she said. "Stay in the wilderness if you want to connect with nature or base yourself in Hobart or Launceston for a slice of city life."

For outdoorsy adventures, she said: "Take your pick from incredibly scenic spots, including Cradle Mountain, Freycinet National Park, the Bay of Fires, and the Tamar Valley. Given Tasmania's chilly climate, summer is the only time of year you'll swim in relative comfort at beaches like the famous Wineglass Bay. Come December, the annual Falls Festival hits Marion Bay, to add live music to Tasmania's star-studded line-up of attractions."

Central Otago, New Zealand

Gough said: "At New Zealand's seventh biggest wine region, Central Otago, you'll be far from the crowds and discover some of the world's best Pinot Noir growing among spectacular alpine scenery. It's here you'll find New Zealand's most southerly vineyards. It has to be the only wine region on Earth which offers wine tasting and extreme adventures combinations — think bungy jumping, sky diving, and jet boats."

Butterfly Valley, Turkey

As pretty as it sounds, Butterfly Valley is a virtually untouched haven from the masses, according to Gough.

"Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi) isn't just the best in the country, it could be one of the best beaches in the world. It's located in the tiny hamlet of Faralya, a short taxi boat ride away from Olu Deniz.

"It gets its name from the exotic species of winged beauties fluttering in the canyon — who certainly make for welcome companions as you relax on the beachfront. Butterfly Valley is a totally unspoiled spot of calm, with a credit-card free, relaxed vibe. Instead of swanky restaurants and seven-star hotels, there's self-service food shacks, wooden huts, and pop-up tents."

Albania

PR Manager for Holidu UK, Sarah Siddle, said: "Albania is not a popular tourist destination (as it stands) for Westerners, but it definitely should be. Italy has always been a go-to destination, but Albania, located not too far away across the Adriatic Sea, boasts some stunning beach locations and a trip there definitely comes at much less of a price. Some of the best ones to check out are Bay of Grama, Gjipe Beach, and Ksamil, all of which are seriously under the radar but are a must-see."

Lieberman of The Points Guy also backs Albania as one to watch in 2020. She said: "For adventurous travelers, our bet's on the Albanian Riviera in 2020 — though we expect tourism all across Albania to take off. In 2018, Albania launched Air Albania, its new flagship carrier, which will hopefully make this Balkan nation more accessible. Plus, travelers seeking to escape the crowds of Croatia and even neighboring Greece will love Albania's turquoise-hued waters and endless sunshine."

Mumbai, India

Lieberman said: "We're also watching Mumbai, India, which — after United resumed nonstop flights from the US to Mumbai and New Delhi in September — is getting a new nonstop flight in December from Delta. For travelers who have never visited India before, now is the time to go, thanks to the increased connectivity."

Hydra Island, Greece

Siddle of Holidu said: "Tourists from all over the world flock to the tourists hubs of Santorini and Mykonos to soak up the Greek charm. But instead of finding yourself fighting for space to breathe in these tourist traps, head to Hydra Island.

"It is a small island near Athens. There is a vehicle transportation ban on the island meaning the only way to get around is by foot or donkey! Already a favored location for many of the rich and famous, it won't be long until tourists catch on and add it to their bucket lists, too."

Essaouira, Morocco

"Morocco's capital of Marrakesh is a frenzy of locals, tourists, and everything in between," Siddle said. "Head to the Atlantic coast where you will find Essaouira, a city that is definitely one to watch in 2020, already having appeared on many lists of up-and-coming places. It also recently joined UNESCO's Creative Cities Network, really putting its name on the map as a place to visit for music, architecture, and art lovers alike."

Egypt

Stevens of Condé Nast Traveller said: "It's had a tumultuous time lately, but people are beginning to return to a place that's been a byword for cultural travel since classical times. Those Art Deco-style boats are returning to the Nile, and there's a dynamic female minister, Dr Rania Al-Mashat, determined to draw back visitors to Egypt."

She added "The Grand Egyptian Museum opens in 2020 and will knock the mummified socks off any other collection — we like the idea of seeing King Tut's boomerang throwing sticks. There will be queues when that opens, but also consider less-obvious routes, such as the desert trail across the Sinai, King Seti's reopened tomb, and the contemporary art scene in Cairo's Zamalek district."

Tremiti Islands, Italy

Tremiti Islands, Italy is made up of up of six small islands off the mainland and comes under the province of Foggia. 

Holidu's Siddle said there were less than 500 recorded inhabitants in 2017, and it's reachable by boat from Molise with a lot of caves and bays to investigate.

Cádiz, Spain

"Andalusia is a common tourist destination, but Cádiz remains fairly underrated," Siddle said. "This ancient city is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in Europe!" 

Nicaragua

Philippe Kjellgren, founder of the PK's List travel app and expert advisory service, said that Nicaragua is one of the most beautiful destinations on a budget compared to the quality travelers receive.

He said: "The US put a travel ban on the country in April 2018, because of a civil unrest that lasted three months, but as usual with the things they are never fast to remove a travel ban and as such the country is suffering. I was there in June and it's incredible, volcanoes, amazing beaches, surfing, and some incredible colonial towns."

Places to stay as recommended by PKs List are Morgan's Rock on a private mile-long beach and Jicaro Island on Lake Nicaragua for stunning volcano views. 

It's recommended that you always check government travel warnings before planning a trip.

Myanmar

Kjellgren said: "This is, in my opinion, one of the most incredible countries to visit. Again, because of unrest in the northern part of the country, many people do not want to go here. But the fact is that this country has some of the most amazing experiences such as different culture on Inle Lake, Bagan with its thousands of temples and even the Capital Yangon, soon with a Rosewood Hotel.

"It has some of the best beaches in the world. Whatever political issues there might be, the entrepreneurs — or should I say pioneers — are struggling as a result and it's a must visit place before becoming too popular."

PK's List recommends to stay at Awei Pila for the beach, and if you're in the city, try Rosewood Yangon. For the most authentic experience you will never forget, stay at the Inle Princess Resort and in Bagan book a room at the Aureum Palace. 

You should check government travel warnings before planning a trip.

Madagascar

"This diverse country is so much more than lemurs, even if that is one of the main draws to go here, but go visit the Baobab Alley, the deserts in the south, and tropical islands of the north, whale watching, incredible diving, and so much more," Kjellgren said.

He recommends a stay at one of the world most exclusive resorts, Time+Tide Miavana, which is listed in his pick of 31 incredible hotels everyone should stay at in their lifetime, ranked by price.

Bolivia

Bolivia is the country that surprised Kjellgren the most on his recent 800 Days Around The World Tour.

He said: "This has got to be one of the most amazing places on earth, the salt flats will take you to another planet. It's awe-inspiring, the culture, the people, and even great food.

"La Paz is also an incredible city, with great restaurants and also some cool hotels. For salt flats, stay at the Luxury Airstream campers by Crillon Tours, or the newly opened Kachi Lodge that looks like igloos on the salt flats. In La Paz stay at the Atix Design Hotel."

The Azores, Portugal

"We've long had a crush on Lisbon and Comporta, but Portugal's Atlantic islands are a wilderness that feels long overlooked by the UK," said Condé Nast Traveller's Stevens. "Volcanic drama, secret surfing beaches, thermal pools, eco-conscious hotels, and a thousand shades of green."

Philippines

Stevens recommends a visit to the Philippines, "and particularly Siargao, a teardrop-shaped island discovered by surfers, which feels like Bali three decades ago, with yoga retreats, beach shacks, and cliff jumping.

"But it's also still possible to find beach-hopping escapism on Palawan, which inspired Alex Garland to write 'The Beach' all those years ago."

Puglia, Italy

Kjellgren said: "This is quickly becoming very popular destination in Italy, still a bit more laid back then other parts of Italy, but increasingly popular, with new small hotels popping up."

Some places recommended by PK's List are the Masseria Trapana, Masseria Torre Maizza by Rocco Forte, and La Pescheria. In the historical town of Lecce try La Fiermontina.

Tajikistan

Siddle of Holidu said: "Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan are beautiful countries that are amazing for hiking trips and found to be really safe."

Bhutan

Tucked in eastern edge of the Himalaya's, the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan has only been allowing tourists from 1974. Siddle describes it as a hidden gem in Asia.

 

 

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

According to Siddle, Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil is said to be virtually unknown for non-Brazilian travelers.

Stretching 70km of Brazil's north Atlantic coast and protruding 50km inland, the name is translated to "bedsheets" in Portuguese. The expanse of desert landscape that has been swept into rippling sand dunes sees rainwater lakes collecting in the rolls at certain times of the year. 

Costa Rica

Reigo Eljas, lastminute.com's Country Director UK & Ireland, said: "As the rainforested heart of Central America, Costa Rica should sit high on the list for tourists looking to explore a new and exciting environment. With holidaymakers usually visiting neighboring countries such as the Caribbean islands and Mexico, few travelers realize the potential this enchanting country has to offer."

He added: "The biodiverse landscape is not only a haven for nature but is heavily protected and supports sustainable tourism. Those visiting Costa Rica should be sure to visit the Teatro Nacional in San Jose and the Cortes Waterfall in Bagaces." 

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