Although China, in which the coronavirus is raging, will have to be temporarily removed from the list of visited countries, there are many other interesting places in the world.
And so you can plan your vacation itinerary in advance, the popular travel resource Lonely Planet has published a list of preferred countries to visit in 2020.
10. Uruguay
Seductive and hot Uruguay, with its developed winemaking, huge pastures and boiling hot springs, demonstrates all the greatness and beauty of South America.
This country is home to one of the newest UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the now closed meat processing factory in the town of Fray 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 included in the UNESCO list. It is a small picturesque town of Colonia del Sacramento with its interesting mix of Japanese and Spanish architectural heritage.
9. Morocco
A fusion of lush oriental architecture, ethnic cuisine, yoga and surfing can all be found in the kingdom of Morocco. It contains one of the most fabulous cities in the world - the blue city of Chefchaouen.
Lonely Planet experts recommend visiting cities such as Fez, Essaouira, Meknes, Tetouan and Marrakech first. One of the most popular seaside resorts in the country is Agadir, there is a superbly developed tourist infrastructure, including for families.
And to avoid the crowds of tourists, you can go on a trip to the mountain villages of the Berbers and remote desert settlements.
8. Liberia
When choosing the best countries to visit in 2020, the Lonely Planet staff were clearly inspired by the Atlas of Africa on more than one occasion. And they invite us to start our journey across the Black Continent from Liberia.
The country boasts idyllic beaches, some of the best surfing spots in West Africa, and the immense Sapo National Park, the region's second largest pristine rainforest.
In these dense forests, you have the chance to spot chimpanzees, forest elephants and pygmy hippos.
7. Netherlands
Fun and friendly, the Netherlands is great all year round, and with its excellent rail network and countless cycle routes, you can explore the country far and wide quickly and comfortably.
This year, in April and May, the Netherlands will host such events as King's Day (April 27, 2020, Amsterdam), Liberation Day from 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 to it. This Latin American country boasts 26 national parks and many protected areas, which together cover 25% of the territory.
The Costa Rican authorities 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.
five.Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)
The small and exotic kingdom of Eswatini, also known to us as Swaziland, is one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world.
What can this country offer the Russian traveler?
- Hlane National Park is the largest in the country and has a well-developed infrastructure. It is divided into zones where you can observe lions, white and black rhinos, antelopes, leopards, warthogs and many other animals and birds.
- Ethnographic village of Mantenga with authentic huts resembling hives. Songs, dances, customs of the Swazi people can be seen, heard and even touched here.
- Manzini Market. If you are tired of the Russian and European markets, how about the Swaziland market, where you can buy local artisans, delicious fruits and other interesting things "for a family home"? Get ready to bargain with enthusiasm!
This is just a tiny part of what Swaziland can surprise and delight in.
4. Aruba
The very name of this country sounds like the beginning of an incendiary carnival song. And not without reason, because much attention is paid to the carnival on a small island. The main one is a continuous celebration taking place in January and February.
This vibrant and fun event attracts many tourists and local celebrants to the capital of Aruba, Oranjestad, hence the demand for accommodation is higher than usual. Therefore, it is advisable to check hotel prices and make reservations ahead of time.
This year's carnival runs from January 4th to February 21st, so you still have time to get a ticket to get to it.
3. North Macedonia
If you are wondering why the Republic of Macedonia was suddenly called Northern, then we hasten to answer you 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 came into force.
But the name alone cannot attract tourists. But delicious Balkan cuisine, a visit to Lake Ohrid (the oldest and oldest in the Balkan Peninsula) and the recently launched 495-kilometer High Scardus Trail along the most picturesque peaks of the region are possible. The route is designed for 20 days of travel, so you will not be bored on vacation.
2. England
Few countries are as well-traveled and traveled by tourists as Great Britain. However, in 2020, Lonely Planet proposes to reorient from spiers, churches, castles and other traditional attractions to a less crowded vacation in unity with nature. Namely - take invigorating walks along the coast of England, enjoy delicious seafood, build sand castles, look out for dolphins and indulge in nothing on the cozy and well-equipped local beaches.
In 2020, new sections of coastline will be developed and opened to the public, and then England will be able to boast for the first time the almost 5,000 kilometers of uninterrupted coastal route, the longest in its history.
1. Bhutan
The tourism policy of this small South Asian state can be summed up by the phrase “high cost for the highest quality”.
To preserve the unique nature and culture of their country, the Bhutanese authorities have imposed the highest tourist tax in the world and established rather strict laws for visitors. For example, only accredited Bhutanese tour operators recruit tourist groups and approve pre-developed travel scenarios, so coming to Bhutan as a “savage” and walking wherever you have to will not work.
But the difficulties of arriving in Bhutan are more than offset by its beauty and wonders, as well as its 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 hot stone baths all create a positive and relaxing atmosphere. This country is ideal for a relaxing holiday without piles of rubbish underfoot, impudent sellers, homeless people and beggars.