10 INSPIRING DESTINATIONS TO TRAVEL TO IN 2020

Last Updated on 14th March 2020 by Bejal

In a blink of an eye we’ve left behind the party season and entered a whole new decade. A decade to make some more spellbinding memories, a decade to love more and a decade to see more of our beautiful planet earth and all its locales. Join me on a journey of vistas where I intend to introduce you to 10 inspiring destinations to travel to in 2020.

AUCKLAND

 New Zealand’s largest city, also known as ‘City of Sails’ due to America’s Cup sailing races and a harbour full of exquisite sailing boats, is a city with plenty to do, eat and see. Beautiful panoramic coastal views, easy reach to natural landscapes, a thriving food and arts scene but for me it’s also the gateway to a memorable road trip through North & South Island. Pick up your hire car and discover a country with jaw-dropping vistas, a casual routine, extraordinary coastal wildlife and the Maori culture.

PHUKET

Southern Thailand’s largest and most popular island is exactly that due to its proximity to the famous Ko Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay. Spend your days lazing on hidden cove-encased beaches in between snorkelling and enjoying the golden sands of the land. Phuket is also home to some 29 Buddhist temples for the culture vultures. But undoubtedly, the best and most inspiring way to see the coastline around the island is experienced on an authentic long-tail boat.

HALONG BAY (HANOI)

The capital of Vietnam is a fine mix of traditional and colonial French architecture. Watch the amazing water puppet shows, meander through the night markets, educate your curiosity with a trip to the museum of ethnology and mingle with locals practising Tai Chi at the famous Hoan Kiem green lake. Hanoi is 170 KM from the emerald waters and towering limestone islands, known as the Halong Bay. My recommendation: take a three-day, two-night cruise on the bay and discover its gems. Good Morning Vietnam indeed.

 SYDNEY

 In my opinion the NYC of Australasia, Sydney is a city that wraps itself around a stunning harbour with some of the world’s most famous sights, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, I defy you not to like this city. A few years ago we nearly moved to Sydney and the reason being the lifestyle, incredible access to outdoor activities, beaches such as Bronte, Bondi and Manly, the breath-taking Blue Mountains and not to mention the food scene from farmers markets to Michelin starred dining; Sydney you will always have my heart!

HONG KONG 

A former British Colony, Hong Kong is a place where the east and west blend seamlessly. A myriad of street markets, skyscrapers and a melting pot of flavours in terms of its cuisine. Hong Kong comprises a whopping 263 islands. Take a day trip to the famous island of Lantau and take the Ngong Phing 360 cable car to marvel the 112 feet buddha. Join the crowds to watch the popular light show every evening over Victoria Harbour or for amazing skyscraper views, take a ferry and head to The Peak. Spectacular is THE word or maybe awe-inspiring!

KUALA LUMPUR

 The capital city of Malaysia directly translates to ‘muddy confluence’. For me it will always be one of the most memorable gems of Southeast Asia. One of the only places in the world where every religion that resides within it has a Public holiday dedicated to its major festival-truly a fabulous example of cultures residing in harmony. Visit the Batu caves, housing a series of temples in a limestone cave, get the best seat in the house at Traders roof top bar for THE best view of the famous awe-inspiring structure known as The Petronas Towers.

HOI AN (DA’NANG)

The Venice of Vietnam can be accessed via Da’nang, a city located in the central coastal region of the country. Hoi An is an ancient town linked via canals and its old town has been given UNESCO World Heritage Status. The town is very much an untouched colonial representation of the old times in Vietnam and untouched by traffic. Stay in one of the beautiful sea front resorts a short drive from the old town and dip in and out to encounter the lantern filled streets, the temples, old folk chatting and playing dominoes in the streets, street food galore, colourful markets, the Japanese covered bridge and not forgetting getting yourself a beautiful tailored item from the many skilful ateliers.

 KRABI

A lot quieter than its island counterpart, Phuket. Krabi is a place of total beauty and lush hues of green and blue. One of the most idyllic beach settings I’ve ever set my eyes upon comes in the form of Railay Beach and caves. In fact, I’m going to say it’s the most attractive beach in Thailand, accessible only by boat due to the large cliffs surrounding it, making it totally cut off from the mainland. There are around 200 islands sitting off the coast of Krabi so a great base to explore from. Be sure to treat yourself to a massage in one of the beachside huts with the sound of the waves and lapping against the wet golden sand.

INDONESIA

Fly into Indonesia’s most famous island Bali and be introduced to the World’s largest island country. Visiting this stunning archipelago is rewarding in terms of palm-fringed beaches that go on for miles, buttery yellow sand, some of the World’s most inspiring open yolk sunsets and diving on islands such as Gili Air, Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno. Cycle through the Balinese countryside surrounded by paddy fields with the backdrop of volcanoes and beaming welcoming smiles from the locals. Make sure you visit Tanah Lot for sunset. It’s home to a Hindu pilgrimage temple, Pura Tanah Lot and when the tide comes the temple appears to be floating in the sea. Additionally take a boat over to Lombok, a much quieter and reserved version of Bali with beautiful beachfront boutique villas.

SINGAPORE

When travelling onto far flung destinations such as Australasia and the Far East, Singapore serves as the ultimate luxe destination for a short city break. Peruse the many brands at the malls, marvel the Tamil temples in Little India and try Dim Sum in the lantern lit streets of Chinatown. Then at dusk head over to the waterfront to see the Spectra light show courtesy of the grand structure that is known as The Marina Bay Sands. Residents of the hotel can enjoy Singapore city views from the infinity pool on the rooftop of the hotel. Add a quaint touch to your trip by heading to the colonial Raffles hotel and sampling their Afternoon Tea or even a Singapore Sling! After all Raffles is the home of the famous cocktail and was invented here in their Long bar in 1915!

Fancy sharing some of your inspiring destinations this year? Let me know in the comments below…

You can fly to all the destinations above with Qatar Airways;the World’s Best Airline as awarded by Skytrax. Fly from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Cardiff, Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh via Doha.

Disclaimer: This post is a sponsored collaboration with Qatar Airways. I have personally visited these destinations and all views, opinions and photography are my own and therefore remain a copyright of be-lavie.

Á Bientôt…

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