Mayar Mosaad “I wish I had never gone travelling,” said no one ever.
They say the world is a book and those who don’t travel read only a page, so we definitely invite you to explore a few more pages this year. The reward of travel is always worth it. Here is a roundup of the best destinations to hit in 2020. You might as well start packing your bags already.
Zambia
A visit to Zambia is an unquestionable face-to-face encounter with Mother Nature. With more than thirty percent of the country’s land reserved for national parks, this southern African destination is the depiction of awe-inspiring wildlife at its finest. To start with, Kafue National Park, the country’s largest, is a port-in-a-storm for flora and fauna. If you enjoy the sight of silky water flows, Victoria’s Falls should not be missed. For all archaeology and history devotees out there, the Livingstone Museum is such an intriguing experience.
Tunisia
While Zambia is a wildlife paradise, Tunisia is a historic pride. The Tunisian ancient city of Dougga is considered the best-preserved Roman town in North Africa, with temples, streets and bath complexes. This includes the walls of the mighty Roman amphitheater of El Djem – a big sightseeing highlight, the surrounding modern town seems like a dwarf in comparison. Besides Tunisia’s historical credentials, the beaches of Djerba Island will leave you with moonstruck eyes. Houmt Souk in Djerba is an old town district, where shopping is an attraction in itself, with plenty of handicraft vendors. Amazingly photogenic, Sidi Bou Said is a clifftop village of petite dimensions that seem to have fallen off an artist’s canvas; it is the portrayal of Tunisian architecture at its best, while the Mediterranean backdrop is the cherry on top.
Japan
This island country has much more than just subtropical scenery to offer this year. Japan’s capital, Tokyo, where ultramodern and the traditional stand side by side, is hosting the anticipated 2020 Summer Olympic Games. Also, Tokyo has the country’s superb National Museum of Nature and Science, housing fascinating interactive displays on space development, nuclear energy and transportation. Not to mention, Tokyo’s Ginza District is the ultimate spot to shop-till-you-drop. In case you want to go on a foodie’s adventure, Fukuoka is a must-go. Nagasaki, which in 2020 marks seventy-five years since the WWII atomic bombing, might be associated with tragedy. However, its numerous attractions today are tangible proof that even catastrophes cannot crumble dreams for a better tomorrow.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Here are merely a few of Vancouver’s most instagrammable places to start with if you head to this city. The Bloedel Conservatory is a picturesque indoor tropical garden located at the stunning Queen Elizabeth Park, a harbor for exotic birds, plants and flowers. Tofino is a pretty fishing village, popular for its whale watching, which you can see up-close from a boat or overhead in a seaplane taking off from the harbor. Lastly, we suggest you never leave Vancouver before taking the Skyride gondola to Grouse Mountain’s peak. Trust us, the thrill will be worth it. The city skyline from the windows alone is enough to get your heart racing.
Sri Lanka
Full of breathtaking landscapes, majestic mountains, lush green tea gardens and golden beaches, the island of Sri Lanka is nothing short of magnificent. The vibes will hit you as you follow the footprints of Buddha on Adam’s Peak, one of Sri Lanka’s most mesmerizing spots, which allows you to witness some amazing views. A very popular tourist destination is Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. You can’t experience anything short of wonderful as you watch baby elephants enjoying a river soak. Known for its unique architecture, the Dambulla cave temple is adorned with over 150 statues of Buddha. Experience the peace and serenity that bear testimony to the extraordinary cultural artifacts in ancient Sri Lanka.
