You’ve heard of ‘Black Friday’ and ‘Cyber Monday’ but what is ‘Sunshine Saturday?’ It’s the busiest booking day of the year, with the best deals. Saturday 4th January 2020 is the day that travel retailers will see a huge increase in holiday sales as people prepare themselves for those Christmas blues.
When you’re full to the brim with Turkey and couldn’t possibly stomach another mince pie – those post-Christmas blues start to creep in – so, what more can you do but book another holiday to cheer yourself up?! After all you have to have something to look forward to in the New Year.
Top holiday destinations 2020
A new decade brings with it the promise of adventure, so we have put together some of the most popular and diverse holiday destinations for you to discover in 2020.
Costa Rica
Offers the perfect distraction from those post-Christmas blues. Explore exotic rainforests or simply sit back and relax on the beach. A great tourist attraction for nature-lovers and adventure seekers.
Best time to visit: January-April
Top travel tip: December-April is the peak season for travel to this hot spot so make sure you plan and book your tickets in advance. Airline and hotels get booked up really quickly for this one so if you are planning to travel in the New Year – plan ahead.
Japan
Japan is one of those awe-inspiring places; rich in culture and incredibly fascinating. Renowned for its traditional tea ceremonies and flower arrangements there’s a wealth of things to do when you visit. With the 2020 Summer Olympics taking place in Tokyo the city will be overflowing with entertainment.
Best time to visit: March – May or September – November
Top travel tip: There is much to see in Japan and public transport is highly efficient. If you plan to travel by rail make sure to buy a Japan Rail pass (JR) to help you move around the city quickly and cost-effectively.
South Africa
South Africa is one for the dare devils, the thrill seekers the people who like to live life on the edge. As one of the top tourist destinations and a popular spot for backpackers this place is bound to get your adrenaline pumping. From cage diving with sharks to mountain tours, South Africa has it all. So, who’s brave enough to live the adventure some people only dream?!
Best time to visit: May – September
Top Travel Tip: Learning the local lingo proves quite helpful when travelling around South Africa and there are some common slang phrases you can learn to keep in the know and ahead of a potential language barrier.
New Orleans:
If you have a taste for the finer things in life, New Orleans offers an incredible scene of vibrant live music and a variety of cultures. Renowned for its undeniably magnificent parades, Mardi Gras will be one of the main attractions as we move into the New Year.
Best time to visit: festivals are at their peak from February to May, but make sure you book well in advance as this destination is very popular amongst party-goers.
Top Travel Tip: With so much to do in New Orleans it’s a good idea to plan your time to make sure you get the most out of your trip. Planning ahead means that you’ll have time to visit all the hidden gems and stop yourself from being lured in by the never-ending party that exists on Bourbon Street.
Austria, Salzburg
2020 is the year of many cultural happenings and Austria doesn’t disappoint. With the Salzburg Festival turning 100, there is no better place to be then this Alpine city. As the birth place of the renowned music composer Mozart, this destination is full of tradition and culture.
Best time to visit: the festival will be taking place from July through to August making it a great time learn more about the city’s heritage.
Top Travel Tip: When it comes to places you are not familiar with it’s always a good idea to learn a few key phrases to help you get by. Check out this guide and learn a few quick phrases.
Italy
A popular tourist destination for many Brits, Italy is one of those tried and tested destinations that will always ensure a good time. As an all-rounder, visitors can indulge in rich history, culture and adventure. Italy is also renowned for its cuisine and is one of the top countries when it comes to food.
Best time to visit: April to June
Top Travel Tip: Beware of pickpockets, like most places’ pickpockets are everywhere and you don’t want to lose your gadgets when you’re abroad. If you are taking gadgets abroad, make sure they are covered either by your home insurance or travel insurance – and don’t leave them unattended! Always remain vigilant when in big crowds or around popular tourist attractions.
Travel tip from TIE:
So now you’ve got a taste of the best holiday destinations for 2020, you just need to check one more thing of the list; travel insurance. Holidays and travel insurance go hand-in-hand, so it’s important that you get the right cover for you and your family when you go abroad. Also, booking your travel insurance as soon as you have booked your holiday will ensure you are covered if anything happens before you go!
Holidays are all about having a good time, but sometimes things go wrong and not buying a suitable could leave you considerably out of pocket.
Happy holiday hunting!
