Dreaming about places new to us and seeing them in a new light is why we travel in the first place.
According to Paul Metselaar, the CEO of Ovation Travel Group, international travel is a big trend for 2020. His agency has experienced "elevated demand for international travel" or demand soar by 40% from last year. Americans spend billions each year on travel abroad. Tourism is a burgeoning business - which made $1.4 trillion in 2018 despite growing concerns over the environmental impact of international travel.
You would want 2020 to begin on a high note. Start your new year on a high note by satiating your itch for wanderlust and finding solitude amidst nature, mountains, and on the land of different countries.
1. Ethiopia
Ethiopia was practically synonymous with famine and drought. it had one of the worst disasters in the world with a series of hunger plaguing the country between the 1970s and 80s. Now, Ethiopia has long recovered from the disaster.
The oldest independent country in Africa is a beautiful country blessed with a peerless history, fabulous wildlife. Sophisticated, intrepid travelers are increasingly seeking out the natural riches of Ethiopia.
Addis Ababa, the capital city, has developed tremendously along with the modern world.
Lalibela is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the most visited site in Ethiopia. It is home to 13 rock-hewn churches built in the 12th century.
2. Sonoma County
Thanks to ambitious water conservation and energy-efficient practices, 99% of the vineyard acreage in this California county is sustainable. Visitors can opt to donate to local charities when booking rooms.
Sonoma has plenty of top-notch wineries, luxurious inns and spas, and excellent dining, set against a backdrop of rolling fields and a rugged coastline. The town of Healdsburg is centrally located with access to more than 70 world-class wineries. Dry Creek Road is home to many of Northern California's wineries and provides a leisurely way to spend an afternoon as you hop from one tasting to the next.
It's impossible not to taste vintages at one of more than 250 wineries. Take in the untamed natural beauty of the Russian River Valley, then catch a glimpse of California history with a visit to Sonoma Plaza and browse its summertime farmers' market.
3. Somerset, U.K.
Known for its art center, Hauser & Wirth made a splash when they opened in Somerset a few years ago.
Sleepy Somerset is the very picture of the rural English countryside. It's a place to wander, ponder, and drink in the sights at your own pace. A real rural delight - all quiet corkscrew lanes, green pastures, cider orchards, gentle hills and dinky villages.
Somerset is also one of the sunniest and most rural counties in the UK. Make sure to visit one of the luxury holiday homes and cottages.
Bruton is no more than a quiet corner. Bruton is the coolest town in the West Country, being close to Glastonbury, but not a place for crystals; arty Frome is nearby, but far less bijou; within easy reach, but packed, of course, with tourists.
Get a good start in 2020 and update your travel itinerary with these places.
