Believe it not, England has achieved second place in Lonely Planet’s list of best destinations for tourism next year (Best in Travel 2020). Nice work, England. But we’re guessing warm weather wasn’t one of the voting criteria. There is a destination however that made Lonely Planet’s top five and ticks our box for year-round sunshine. And it’s an island idyll that is closer and more affordable when you book with Kenwood Travel….
In the list of destinations voted best for tourism in 2020, England was just pipped to first place by Bhutan in the Himalayas. Lonely Planet describes Bhutan’s unique holiday appeal as ‘low volume, high value tourism’, due in part no doubt to its magic, mystery and monasteries. A traditional Buddhist outpost with an eye on global developments including aspirations to be the first fully organic nation by next year, Bhutan certainly makes a worthy winner. England’s second place was awarded for its ‘timeless treasures’ such as Bessy’s Cove in Cornwall and other scenic spots.
England’s ‘topicality, unique experiences and wow factor’ also endeared it to the judges. An official statement reads: ‘Brexit uncertainties have dominated the headlines in recent years but one constant amid all the confusion has been the timeless treasures that England is famous for: the historic castles and cathedrals, the quaint villages and rolling countryside, and of course, the seaside. Taking a bracing walk on a windswept pier, eating delicious fish and chips, searching for marine life in rock pools, finding fossils in ancient cliffs, building sandcastles and dolphin-spotting on picturesque beaches are just some of the activities offered by the English seaside.’
Along with England and Bhutan, North Macedonia in southeast Europe, eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) in Africa and Aruba in the Caribbean completed Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2020 top five. All great holiday destinations, full of adventure and authentic encounters. But when it comes to classic sun, sea, and sand, only one place on the list passes muster.
Aruba is a real hidden gem in the south Caribbean. American holidaymakers seeking sunnier climes during winter already know about its sandy white beaches, good quality all-inclusive hotels and walkable capital Oranjestad. Trekking a little further along the island’s rugged coastlines repays the curious traveller too: shipwreck diving, horse riding and kitesurfing all make use of the astonishing marine and leeward scenery. Looking for a hotel from which to base an Aruba holiday? Trust Kenwood Travel’s Caribbean specialists to recommend their favourites. We contract the island’s best hotels directly; try the all-suite Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort, eco-friendly Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort or the all-inclusive Barcelo Aruba.
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