The top 25 emerging travel destinations, from Kaliningrad to Ipswich
The top emerging destinations for 2020 have been revealed in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards.
“Emerging” destinations were defined as up-and-coming places with a year-on-year increase in positive TripAdvisor review ratings, which had also seen an increase in “saves” in travellers’ trips.
The Russian province of Kaliningrad came top of the list, followed by Saranda in Albania and Beirut in Lebanon.
The simplified e-visa process introduced by Russia in 2019 was praised by TripAdvisor as making it easier to visit Kaliningrad.
“Travellers are taking full advantage, exploring a stunning city that blends the culture and architecture of eastern Europe and Russia together like nowhere else,” it said.
The only UK destination to make the cut was Ipswich in Suffolk, which came in 14th place.
TripAdvisor has tipped the East Anglian town to become one of the next tourism hotspots.
“A destination that’s managed to keep its historical charm intact, Ipswich is a cultural hub of activity,” said the review site. “From strolling through the arboretum at Christchurch Park, taking in a show at the famous Regent Theatre, viewing Constable’s art at Christchurch Mansion, it’s little wonder travellers are falling in love with Ipswich.
“With superb transport links, an excellent range of accommodation options and ever-growing list of theatres, dance houses and things to do, Ipswich is attracting some well-deserved traveller attention.”
TripAdvisor spokesperson Emma Shaw said of the list: “Based on TripAdvisor reviews, ratings, and opinions from millions of travellers around the world, the winners highlight the destinations that should be on your travel radar now.”
The awards also highlighted the top 25 trending destinations that were already getting their fair share of attention.
Kochi in India, Luzon in the Philippines and Porto in Portugal were first, second and third respectively.
The only UK trending destination was Edinburgh. In at number 23, it was lauded for its heritage, culture and festivals.
Top 25 emerging destinations
Kaliningrad, Russia
Saranda, Albania
Beirut, Lebanon
Luxor, Egypt
Naoussa, Greece
Rugen Island, Germany
Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Monopoli, Italy
La Paz, Mexico
Curaçao, Caribbean
Ile d’Oleron, France
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Tulsa, United States
Ipswich, United Kingdom
Franschhoek, South Africa
Tangier, Morocco
Takamatsu, Japan
Cala d’Or, Spain
Petropolis, Brazil
Antwerp, Belgium
Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Alvor, Portugal
Winnipeg, Canada
Darwin, Australia
Agra, India
Top 25 trending destinations
Kochi, India
Luzon, Philippines
Porto, Portugal
Porto Seguro, Brazil
Gramado, Brazil
Lombok, Indonesia
Da Nang, Vietnam
Zakynthos, Greece
Tel Aviv, Israel
Krakow, Poland
Island of Malta, MaltaI
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Cusco, Peru
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Vienna, Austria
Fuerteventura, Spain
Mexico City, Mexico
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Fes, Morocco
Budapest, Hungary
Zanzibar Island, Tanzania
Cartagena, Colombia
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Cebu, Philippines
Moscow, Russia
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The top 10 trending destinations for 2020, according to Google