This tiny paradise tucked away in the Himalayas is covered in stunning forests and mountains. They also do tourism differently here with a strong emphasis on protection and sustainability. It is, in fact, the only carbon negative country in the world - they remove more greenhouse gasses than they produce! And they are working to be the first organic nation as well! By limiting visitors to ensure that their landscapes and treasures are preserved for the future as well.
Home of The Adventure People - It just shows that you don’t have to venture too far to see beauty, and England certainly has an abundance of it. With rugged coastlines, picturesque cities and dramatic peaks the country offers visitors diversity and a whole lot of history to explore as well. One of the main reasons Lonely Planet included it is the continued investment in the England Coast Path which is set to become the longest trail of its kind in the world!
The country formerly known as Macedonia! Though the change may be small it has given a new lease of life to this Balkan nation which has long been known as a foodie’s paradise. There is a huge amount of history, culture and natural beauty to explore and more recently the UNESCO protected Lake Ohrid and High Scardis Trail have become more accessible to visitors wanting a more adventurous trip.
Aruba has been pioneering sustainable tourism with new home-sharing accommodation options and even has become a place to try out new renewable energy solutions. They are also working to ban single-use plastics which are destroying beautiful reefs and beaches. Both the metropolitan Sunrise City and the beautiful surrounding areas are cleaner and more desirable visitor destinations. The county is becoming a hub for artists who are enriching the city with artworks.
5. eSwatini
Another entry that has gone through a rebrand! Former Swaziland is not one of the most well known Southern African destinations and definitely one of the more unrated. Expect incredible and unique wildlife as well as more adventurous activities like zip-lining and white water rafting, all without the crowds of more well know safari destinations. The country has invested in better infrastructure and is working hard on conservation for 2020.
Costa Rica has flown the flag for sustainable tourism and combines adventure with wildlife preservation to make a great destination for visitors. The protected rain forest takes up a quarter of the land and the country has worked hard to find the right balance between encouraging tourists and protecting the huge diversity in plants and animal life. Adventure lovers can explore volcanoes, try ziplining or relax on some of the most beautiful beaches.
The Netherlands may be small but it packs a mighty punch for visitors. The country’s most visited location is Amsterdam, for good reason with bars restaurants and canals to explore. Tourists are encouraged to cycle around the city like locals and the sophisticated infrastructure makes visiting the rest of the country super easy. With huge cycling routes, UNESCO sites and many historical monuments and experiences, this is a country to always come back to.
8. Liberia
The West African country is another underrated country on the list. The wildlife alone is a reason for visiting with unique animals like the mini hippo living in its dense forest. Most excitingly for 2020 the country is working with Norway to stop deforestation next year which will mean a safe haven for the many creatures that call the rich rainforest home. And then there are beautiful beaches to explore and Lonely Planet quotes the country’s people as one of its greatest assets.
2020’s capital of culture has long been a favourite destination for whether you are looking for bustling cities with vibrant medinas or mountain escapes. The famous cities of Marrakesh and Fez have long been popular with visitors wanting to immerse themselves in the bustle of Media life but increasingly visitors to the mountains and the blue city of Chefchaouen can see what authentic Morroco has to offer.
Perfect for visitors looking for adventure, Uruguay is rich with history and natural beauty waiting to be explored. The country has worked hard to be progressive and sustainable in its approach to tourism and is trying to make the most of its many open areas. The beaches are stunning and varied, with great spots for snorkelling, surfing and watersports. Plus the food and wine in Uruguay are pretty awesome too!
We have been looking at Lonely Planet's Best in Travel List and these are the top countries that should be on your radar in 2020.
