Advertisement

The top 25 emerging travel destinations, from Kaliningrad to Ipswich

AFP/Getty
AFP/Getty

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

  1. Kaliningrad, Russia

  2. Saranda, Albania

  3. Beirut, Lebanon

  4. Luxor, Egypt

  5. Naoussa, Greece

  6. Rugen Island, Germany

  7. Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

  8. Monopoli, Italy

  9. La Paz, Mexico

  10. Curaçao, Caribbean

  11. Ile d’Oleron, France

  12. Guayaquil, Ecuador

  13. Tulsa, United States

  14. Ipswich, United Kingdom

  15. Franschhoek, South Africa

  16. Tangier, Morocco

  17. Takamatsu, Japan

  18. Cala d’Or, Spain

  19. Petropolis, Brazil

  20. Antwerp, Belgium

  21. Mirissa, Sri Lanka

  22. Alvor, Portugal

  23. Winnipeg, Canada

  24. Darwin, Australia

  25. Agra, India

Top 25 trending destinations

  1. Kochi, India

  2. Luzon, Philippines

  3. Porto, Portugal

  4. Porto Seguro, Brazil

  5. Gramado, Brazil

  6. Lombok, Indonesia

  7. Da Nang, Vietnam

  8. Zakynthos, Greece

  9. Tel Aviv, Israel

  10. Krakow, Poland

  11. Island of Malta, MaltaI

  12. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  13. Cusco, Peru

  14. Buenos Aires, Argentina

  15. Vienna, Austria

  16. Fuerteventura, Spain

  17. Mexico City, Mexico

  18. Chiang Mai, Thailand

  19. Fes, Morocco

  20. Budapest, Hungary

  21. Zanzibar Island, Tanzania

  22. Cartagena, Colombia

  23. Edinburgh, United Kingdom

  24. Cebu, Philippines

  25. Moscow, Russia

Read more

The top 10 trending destinations for 2020, according to Google