With fabulous new hotels set to open, exciting world events and new flights making exciting destinations more accessible than ever before, 2020 looks set to be a great year for new adventures. But where to go first…?
A Brazilian Beauty
Rio may have the glitz and glamour, caipirinhas on Copacabana, but it would be foolish to dismiss Brazil’s other city. What it lacks in good looks, bustling São Paulo (pictured) more than makes up for in soul. And the financial and cultural hub of South America’s largest country is about to become closer than ever before thanks to new Virgin Atlantic flights from London Heathrow in the spring. Taking off from 29th March, the new daily service will open the door to São Paulo’s gourmet bistros, arthouse cinemas, belle epoque covered markets, bold architecture and and alleyways ablaze with street art.
Affectionately known as ‘Sampa’ and home to some 12 million Paulistas, São Paulo is fast emerging as the gourmet epicentre of the region (sorry Buenos Aires). Don’t miss the hand-stuffed fried ‘pasteis’. Meanwhile, architecture lovers will marvel at the 459-ft tall Edifício Copan, designed in an ultra-rare ‘serpentine’ style by the late modernist master, Oscar Niemeyer.
Secret Sydney
Australia may be suffering with terrible bushfires and that's even more reason for us to visit and support the recovery once the situation improves. Home to a rather famous bridge and the most iconic opera house in the world, Sydney is, for many, a place that sits up high on the bucket list. And now it’s possible to discover it like never before with the newly launched range of insightful tours and quirky experiences from MakeMyDay. Take a stroll around the arty and rarely-explored neighbourhoods of Redfern and Chippendale, see the sun come up from a kayak under the Harbour Bridge and eat your way around the world on our immigrant food tour. If that’s not enough. There are secret beaches and haunted vaults to discover. What will you pick?
Richly Rewarding Rijeka
Few people have heard of Rijeka but Croatia’s third largest city - located in the rugged north of the country – is about to enjoy its moment in the spotlight as one of this year’s European Capitals of Culture. Perfectly placed on the coastline of Kvarner Bay, and gateway to some of Croatia’s most beautiful islands, Rijeka is a revelation.
Home to a colourful 20th century shipbuilding port with an industrial-chic hipster vibe, the city has been rapidly gaining a reputation as an ‘alternative’ travel destination in recent years, as former warehouses are transformed into uber-cool art spaces and indie music venues. Don’t miss the 13th century Trsat Castle, situated high on a hill with panoramic views of the Rjecina River valley.
Glorious Galway
Dublin may well be the go-to place for an Irish minibreak but Galway, a bohemian city on the west coast and the second city to be crowned European Capital of Culture for 2020, is about to enjoy a surge in popularity.
And it’s not hard to see why. From brightly-painted pubs hosting live Irish music until the early hours to uniquely Galwegian gatherings such as the delicious International Oyster and Seafood Festival in September, the streets of this buzzing city are alive with craic and good cheer all year round. The cherry on top? The nearby 7th century Kilmacduagh Monastery, the majestic cliffs of Moher and the gorgeous Aran Islands are not to be missed.
London on the up
It’s not been an easy 12 months for London (let’s not mention the B-word!) but the mighty British capital is a resilient place and things are looking bright for 2020.
For starters, the city is anticipated to welcome a ‘record’ number of new hotel openings, equating to over 8,000 new rooms in total, to suit all budgets and preferences. The 53-room Guardsman Buckingham Gate, a stone’s throw from Her Majesty’s pad, will welcome its first guests in June. And that’s not all. London will also be welcoming football fans from around the world this summer as it plays host to seven games of the UEFA Euro 2020 championships including the final. But whether or not England will be playing in that match remains to be seen…
MakeMyDay offers unique and handpicked experiences and tours in exciting cities all around the globe.
Image credits: Skeeze/Pixabay