Best holiday destinations 2020

1. JAPAN

2020 is a big year for Japan, as capital city Tokyo will play host to the 2020 summer Olympic Games. But, if sports aren’t your thing, this unique country is still worth putting on your must-see list. While Tokyo’s brightly lit skyscrapers will feel familiar, the districts of Harajuku and Akihabara show off Japan’s quirkier side, with shops dedicated to video games, manga and anime, plus carts selling bubble tea. There’s plenty to do away from the city, too. Admire the iconic Mount Fuji, learn about the devastation caused by the atomic bomb that hit Hiroshima, and snap pics of Kyoto’s Instagram-worthy temples and waterfalls. Want to explore Japan’s photo-ready landscapes, ultra-modern tech scene and fascinating history without the hassle of organising it all yourself? Book on to our Japan Unmasked tour, and we’ll sort all the details for you.

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2. JAMAICA

A certain famous spy turns 25 in 2020, and with the upcoming Bond film partially being shot on location in Jamaica, we predict a surge in visitors to this feel-good island over the coming year. It’s made up of sugar-white beaches fringed by swaying palm trees and food huts, and a mountainous, jungle-covered interior that’s home to waterfalls and banana plantations. Sound good? That’s only the start of what Jamaica has to offer. In capital Kingston, explore streets packed with colonial buildings and museums, plus you can pay a visit to haunted mansion, Rose Hall, in Montego Bay. Even better, Mo’ Bay is one of the island’s biggest resorts, so there’s plenty to do – including taking scuba diving lessons in the marine park.

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3. ISRAEL

Israel may be famous for its religious history and holy sites, but that’s just the start of what the country has to offer. Here you’ll find the famous Dead Sea, which isn’t actually part of the ocean at all. Instead, it’s a salt lake known for its alleged healing properties. You can tick off UNESCO World Heritage Site Masada while you’re there, too – the ancient fortress offers up impressive views all the way to mountains in nearby Jordan. Then there’s effortlessly cool Tel Aviv, packed with trendy bars and restaurants, Instagram-worthy flower displays, and busy marketplaces. Expect to see traditional buildings sitting shoulder to shoulder with modern skyscrapers, and more than a few parties when the sun goes down. And, if you do fancy brushing up on your historical knowledge, Jerusalem is the place to go. It’s packed with ancient sites, many of which you’ll visit on our Israel Through the Ages tour, including Bethlehem and the Palm Sunday Road.

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4. MOROCCO

Looking for the perfect holiday shot, minus the beach background? Consider Marrakech, Morocco. Rather than lazy days next to the sea, breaks here involve rainbow-hued souks, blush-coloured alcoves and desert adventures. Marrakech’s palette of colours is an Instagrammer’s dream – which is why we think it’ll continue to be a popular spot for tourists in 2020. If you do want to feel the sand between your toes, head for Agadir’s nine-kilometre beach, or book a desert-based excursion like camel riding or quad biking. Plus, as Morocco is just over three hours away by plane and warm all year round, it’s perfect for a winter break.

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5. LOS CABOS, MEXICO

If you fancy rubbing shoulders with Hollywood A-listers on your next holiday, make tracks for Los Cabos, on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. There are two big names in the region worth exploring. Cabo San Luca's busy nightlife scene pleases party-goers, with a themed club or bar for almost every occasion – plus, you might get lucky and spot a celebrity or two. Meanwhile, quieter San José del Cabo has a more authentic feel, with colonial architecture, local art, and a delicious food scene to dive into. Even better, experiencing both is easy. Just twenty miles run between the two resorts – on a road littered with world-class golf courses.

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Ready to make 2020 your best travel year yet?

Browse the list of destinationswe have on offer around the world, and find out why you should book your summer 2021 holiday early. And, if you fancy going on a few short breaks next year, take a look at our list of our favourite long weekend escapes...

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Author: Lizzie Butler