World travel on the agenda? Before booking your trip, check out Lonely Planet’s Top 10 countries for your 2020 travel adventures.
Lonely Planet, the travel guide brand, compiles its “best in travel” list each year, including Top 10 cities, Top 10 regions and 10 trips with the most value, based on the hottest trends, destinations and experiences. Consider it bucket list inspiration.
Here are its recommended countries for travel in 2020. Learn more about these destinations and what to do while you’re there at www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel.
1 Bhutan
The Kingdom of Bhutan, located on the Silk Road in South Asia, claimed the No. 1 spot partly for its majestic beauty and because it is set to become the first fully organic nation by 2020. The kingdom has lush subtropical plains in the south and sub-alpine Himalayan mountains in the north, which include Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest peak and believed to be the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
2 England
Jolly old England claims the second spot on the list despite Brexit concerns that have rattled the United Kingdom. England offers plenty of travel diversity, from exploring ancient history along Hadrian’s Wall and Stonehenge, to visiting celebrated museums and theaters, to exploring the country’s glorious Jurassic Coast.
3 North Macedonia
The Republic of North Macedonia is on the Balkan Peninsula, bordered by Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece and Albania. Tourism is an economic mainstay for the country, providing a number of natural and cultural attractions.
4 Aruba
The island of Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and located in the Southern Caribbean Sea. It differs from other places in the Caribbean because of its dry climate, which gives visitors an excellent chance of having warm, sunny weather throughout the year.
5 Eswatini
Formerly known as Swaziland, the Kingdom of Eswatini is the smallest county in Africa, bordered by Mozambique and South Africa. Despite its size, the kingdom offers a variety of climate and topography differences, and is known for its wildlife, which include more than 500 bird species and 107 mammal species. The nation has seven nature reserves, four frontier conservation area and three wildlife reserves.
6 Costa Rica
The Republic of Costa Rica is bordered by Nicaragua, the Caribbean Sea, Panama, the Pacific Ocean and Ecuador. It’s a popular destination for travelers from around the world, especially U.S. citizens, who find it easy to navigate within the culture. Costa Rica is considered a pioneer of ecotourism, and each year thousands visit the nation’s many national parks and protected areas.
7 The Netherlands
Many may know the Netherlands as Holland, but it is much more than just that. Its 12 provinces border Germany, Belgium and the North Sea, plus it has several islands in the Caribbean, including No. 4 on this list, Aruba. The region’s rich history dates back to prehistoric times. The nation also is among the most progressive, having legalized abortion, prostitution and human euthanasia, and became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. It ranks high among its citizens for quality of life and happiness.
8 Liberia
The Republic of Liberia on the West African coast started as a settlement of the American Colonization Society, that believed black people stood a better chance at freedom and prosperity in Africa than in the United States. It declared its independence in 1847, making it Africa’s first modern republic. The country is known for its forests, from its mangroves along the coast, tropical rain forests on its hills, and elephant grass and semi-deciduous forests in its northern reaches.
9 Morocco
The Kingdom of Morocco, known as the place the sun sets, is a romantic and exotic destination, and it’s known as a safe place to visit. Many people are drawn to its beaches, but its ancient cities, such as Casablanca and Marrakesh, attract the most visitors. In recent years, visitors have headed to the Atlas and Rif mountains and their hiking trails.
10 Uruguay
The Oriental Republic of Uruguay offers a variety of activities and adventures for travelers interested in exploring the nation’s colonial heritage, historical monuments or beaches of Punta del Este. The beaches are divided with the Mansa, or tame river side, suggested for snorkeling and low-key activities, and the Brava, or rugged ocean side, for surfing and other water sports.