Although China, in which the coronavirus is raging, will have to be temporarily deleted from the list of visited countries, there are many other interesting places in the world.
And so you can plan your vacation route in advance, the popular tourist resource Lonely Planet has published a list of preferred countries to visit in 2020.
10. Uruguay
Seductive and hot Uruguay with its well-developed winemaking, huge pastures and boiling hot springs demonstrates all the greatness and beauty of South America.
One of the newest UNESCO World Heritage Sites is located in this country - the now closed meat processing factory in the city of Frei Bentos. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was the largest meat processing center in all of South America.
And if the topic of meat and its processing is not particularly close to you, then in Uruguay you can find another attraction listed by UNESCO. This is a small picturesque city of Colonia del Sacramento with its interesting combination of Japanese and Spanish architectural heritage.
9. Morocco
The combination of lush oriental architecture, national cuisine, yoga and surfing - all this can be found in the kingdom of Morocco. It houses one of the most fabulous cities in the world - the blue city of Chefchaouen.
Lonely Planet experts recommend visiting cities such as Fes, Essaouira, Meknes, Tetuan and Marrakesh first of all. One of the most popular sea resorts in the country is Agadir, where the tourism infrastructure is excellently developed, including for family people.
And to avoid crowds of tourists, you can go on a trip through the mountain villages of Berbers and remote desert settlements.
8. Liberia
When choosing the best countries to visit in 2020, Lonely Planet employees were clearly more than once inspired by the Atlas of Africa. And they invite us to begin our journey across the Black Continent precisely from Liberia.
This country boasts idyllic beaches, some of the best surfing spots in West Africa and the vast Sapo National Park - the second largest area of virgin rainforests in the region.
In these dense forests, you have a chance to see chimpanzees, forest elephants and dwarf hippos.
7. The Netherlands
The cheerful and friendly Netherlands is beautiful at any time of the year, and thanks to the excellent railway network and the huge number of bicycle routes, you can explore this country up and down quickly and comfortably.
This year in April and May, the Netherlands will host such events as King's Day (April 27, 2020, Amsterdam), Liberation from the Nazi Occupation (May 5) and Eurovision 2020 (May 12).
6. Costa Rica
Delicious coffee, over 100 volcanoes, and most importantly - the huge biological diversity of this small country annually attract thousands of tourists. This Latin American country boasts 26 national parks and many protected areas, which together occupy 25% of the territory.
The authorities of Costa Rica understand the importance of preserving this piece of tropical paradise and have found a way to maintain a balance between human diversity and harmonious coexistence with their neighbors - from iguanas, agouti rodents and sloths to crocodiles and jaguars.
5. Esvatini (formerly Swaziland)
The small and exotic kingdom of Esvatini, also known to us as Swaziland, is one of the most underrated tourist destinations in the world.
What can this country offer the Russian traveler?
- Hlane National Park is the largest in the country and with well-developed infrastructure. It is divided into zones in which you can observe lions, white and black rhinos, antelopes, leopards, warthogs and many other animals and birds.
- Mantenga ethnographic village with authentic hive-like huts. Songs, dances, customs of the Swazi people can be seen, heard and even touched here.
- Manzini Market. If you are tired of Russian and European markets, what about the Swaziland market where you can buy local artisans, delicious fruits and other interesting “home for family” items? Get ready to bargain enthusiastically!
This is only a tiny part of what Swaziland can surprise and please.
4. Aruba
The very name of this country sounds like the beginning of an incendiary carnival song. And for good reason, because carnival on a small island pays great attention. The main one is a continuous holiday, held in January and February.
This bright and fun event attracts many tourists and locals celebrating in the capital of Aruba, the city of Oranjestad, therefore, the demand for accommodation is higher than usual. Therefore, it is advisable to check hotel prices and make reservations ahead of time.
This year, the carnival runs from January 4 to February 21, so you still have time to get a ticket to get to it.
3. Northern Macedonia
If you are wondering why the Republic of Macedonia was suddenly called Northern, then we hasten to answer that in January last year (and after decades of political discussions with neighboring Greece), the country's parliament voted to rename it, and in February 2019 this decision entered into force.
But tourists cannot be attracted by one name. But delicious dishes of Balkan cuisine, a visit to Lake Ohrid (the oldest and oldest on the Balkan Peninsula) and the recently launched 495-kilometer High Scardus Trail hiking route along the most picturesque peaks of the region are possible. The route is designed for 20 days of travel, so you do not have to miss holiday.
2. England
Few countries are so well-worn and traveled by tourists as the United Kingdom. However, in 2020, Lonely Planet offers to reorient itself from spiers, churches, castles and other traditional attractions to a less crowded holiday in unity with nature. Namely, to make invigorating walks along the sea coast of England, enjoy delicious seafood, build sand castles, look out for dolphins and indulge in idleness on cozy and well-equipped local beaches.
In 2020, new stretches of the coast will be equipped and open to visitors, and then England for the first time will be able to boast an almost 5,000-kilometer continuous coastal route, the longest in its history.
1. Bhutan
The tourism policy of this small South Asian state can be characterized by the phrase “high cost for top quality”.
In order to preserve the unique nature and culture of their country, the Bhutanese authorities introduced the highest tourist tax in the world and set rather strict laws for visitors. For example, only accredited Bhutanese tour operators recruit tourist groups and approve pre-designed travel scenarios, so coming to Bhutan as a "savage" and going where you have to will not work.
But the difficulties of arriving in Bhutan are more than compensated by its beauties and miracles, as well as tranquility, safety and cleanliness. Buddhist monasteries, traditional dzong fortresses, majestic snow-capped mountains and forests (they cover about 70% of the country) and even local baths with hot stones - all this creates a positive and relaxing atmosphere. This country is an ideal option for a relaxing holiday without heaps of garbage under your feet, impudent sellers, homeless people and beggars.
