When it comes to recharging our batteries, switching off from our daily lives and achieving a sense of escapism and all-round respite, a holiday is simply unrivalled. A change of scenery and an exploration of another environment is necessary at times.
There are other ways to switch off and take our mind off our professional or personal lives, with many people turning to books, fitness classes or even settling down on the sofa for a game of 9 masks of fire slot by Microgaming. The options are endless, but they don’t all provide the same benefits of a holiday. In fact, there isn’t really any competition.
To help give you some holiday planning inspiration, we thought we’d go through some of the best places to visit in 2020. Happy holidaying!
Rijeka, Croatia
Croatia’s reputation as a holiday destination is growing around the globe, especially for holidaymakers who are on a budget but also want to experience Croatia’s culture and also relax on one of the many beautiful beaches that the city has to offer. Rijeka is the country’s third-largest city, and it has many charming monuments, deliciously fun street festivals, and a beautiful shipbuilding port which is also known for its punk-rock heritage. Rijeka was named the European Capital of Culture for 2020, which is hardly surprising given its wealth of rich history and an array of things to see, such as the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Rijeka has it all, especially for the budget-conscious.
Qingdao, China
If you’re after a city with character, then Qingdao certainly fits the bill with its Yellow Sea coast, accompanied by historic German buildings, and modern art sculptures. The architecture in the city is simply unrivalled when it comes to a mish-mash of styles, with modern villas and old town mansions offering a stark contrast. The city is also known as being a green one thanks to its collection of parks, boardwalks, hiking trails, spring water pools and its fresh sea air. Qingdao is about to get even greener too, with the announcement of China Eden in 2020. If you’re keen to visit a modern city championing a green way of life, then you can’t really go wrong with Qingdao. It has everything.
Siargao, Philippines
It isn’t too near to home, so you’ll need a good pair of headphones for the relatively long flight, but a trip to Siargao in the Philippines is certainly worth the journey. Bali is where most people tend to visit when exploring paradise in this part of the world, but Siargao is quickly establishing itself as a worthy alternative. The teardrop-shaped tropical island is adored by surfers, is largely untouched, boasts pristine beaches, beautiful mangrove forests, and stunning groves of coconut palms. The island is typically Filipino but with less of a tourist feel to it, and will provide you with the typically beautiful beaches the country has a reputation for. If you’re a surfer keen to ride some big waves, then it’s even more ideal.
Yerevan, Armenia
If beautiful hill walks with stunning views are your thing, then Armenia is a hidden gem you simply have to visit. Not only does it cater to walkers, but Armenia also has some of delicious cuisine on offer too, from its manti dumplings to its tasty honey-drenched baklava which is arguably the best of its kind in the world. Restaurants, cafes and street food is Yerevan’s particular speciality, with exquisite wines on offer throughout the region, with its wines expected to compete with New Zealand and South Africa in the coming years.
And there you have it, some of the best holiday locations you should consider when next you wanna go on a vacation or holiday trip.