The tastemakers of travel guide Lonely Planet has chosen their picks, with Salzburg in Austria topping the cities list and the kingdom of Bhutan in the category of best countries.
Sustainability was top of mind when choosing the top destinations to visit, to ensure that "travelers will have a positive impact wherever they choose to go."
In 2020, Salzburg, Austria is poised to become the classical music capital of the world. Bhutan took top honors for its pledge to grow only organic products by 2020.
The Lonely Planet team has asked everyone they know, from their writers and editors to their social media network and beyond, whittled down by their in-house experts. In choosing where to travel, take a more pragmatic approach and see what those in the know have to say on the matter:
1. Salzburg, Austria
Lonely Planet describes Salzburg as a "heart-stealer of an Alpine city." The chief reason to go next year is the celebration of Salzburg Festival.
It has been 50 years since Julie Andrews famously skipped across that meadow in The Sound of Music - a film that put Salzburg on the map.
As the birthplace of Mozart, its streets have always been alive with the sound of music. Mozart Week is a citywide celebration of his work that takes place from 22 to 31 January.
2. Washington DC, USA
The city celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment - the law that granted women the right to vote. The National Portrait Gallery, the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Women in the Arts will have special exhibitions related to this significant milestone in human rights.
You can spend your morning perusing the city's cache of farmers markets and contemporary exhibits and your afternoon taking in the scenery from the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.
Whether you're looking for a romantic weekend getaway or just planning a trip to coincide with your next protest, there are tons to see and do in Washington DC.
3. Cairo, Egypt
Cairo is the capital of Egypt, and most people start their trips from Cairo. Probably the first sight you will meet is the Cairo airport.
Visit Cairo's Grand Egyptian Museum because the year 2020 is set to be the date it throws open its doors.
The best itinerary is one day in Giza where you can visit: Great Pyramids, Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur if you have time and energy.
4. Galway, Ireland
Galway is Ireland's most charming city. It will have a role as a 2020 European Capital of Culture where you can expect street spectacle, live and digital art as well as world-class music, theatre and dance.
Brigit's Garden is a retreat into tranquility developed by Jenny Beale as a not-for-profit project for the benefit of the community. A Chelsea Flower Show-winning designer, Mary Reynolds, worked with Beale on transforming the rock, soil and meadow incorporating a fairy fort, natural woodland and "lochán" or small lake into a spiritual sanctuary.
Meanwhile, Burren Perfumery is a state-of-the-art enterprise dedicated to producing fragrances, soaps, creams and other products, based on tried-and-tested principles of purity, excellence and organic awareness.
Make sure to plan your itinerary with these destinations. You will never regret your vacation in 2020 with these scenic spots.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
