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Monday, December 2, 2019

40 stunning places to visit in 2020 before they become packed with tourists

[Essaouira, Morocco]Shutterstock/Vixit * Escape the stuffed streets of Barcelona and the congested beaches of the Côte d'Azur by staying one step in front of the crowds in 2020. * Insider spoke to holiday experts, prolific travelers, influential bloggers, tour operators, and travel editors from across the industry who gave us their predictions of the hotspots that are on the rise — but not yet so busy that they're unpleasant to visit. * The list includes a gorgeous Greek alternative to Mykonos that's already attracting the stars, a Caribbean island that features black sand beaches and adventure sports, the return of visitors to Egypt, plus Europe's least visited country. * Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. KVARNER BAY, CROATIA Shutterstock/Andrew Mayovskyy "Being a little less accessible than big-name Dubrovnik and Split has seen Rijeka and the nearby islands of Cres, Krk, and Rab bypassed by visitors heading for Istria or on to Triest," said Lonely Planet's VP of Experience, Tom Hall.  According to Hall: "While Rijeka's status as European Capital of Culture will mean there's an excellent programme of events, you've still a little time to get here before the Kvarner region is anything like as popular as the south." TRANSYLVANIA, ROMANIA Shutterstock/Balate Dorin Have you thought about taking a trip to Transylvania? You will now, especially for the captivating old world feel.  Emma McWhinney, Head of Editorial & Communications Manager for Secret Escapes, said: "Famously known as the homeland of Dracula, Romania's Transylvania is less creepy and more charming than you may have imagined. With its whimsical medieval villages, fairytale castles coated in snow, and dramatic natural scenery, it'll feel like a romantic trip back in time. Be sure to visit the magic mountains of Prahova Valley, stroll Brasov's enchanting streets and savour traditional treats, like salted pretzels and a (potent) shot of Tuica." DOMINICA Shutterstock/emperorcosar To beat the crowds in 2020, travel blogger Dan Flying Solo recommends heading to the country of Dominica, as it won't stay a secret spot for long. "This Caribbean island retains its charm partly due to the the indirect flights, but mainly because of the mountainous landscape it boast — but that won't last forever," he said. "Most people see Dominica as a cruise stop, but given the nature of the island, the best bits can't be accessed on a day trip easily, so pack your bags and adventure boots and head here for at least a week. The white sand and relaxed pace of the Caribbean is thrown out the window, with black sand beaches, canyoning, and scuba-diving replacing it. A whole adventure awaits full of natural beauty and crashing waterfalls making this little island much more like Costa Rica than your beach postcard from Antigua!" SEE THE REST OF THE STORY AT BUSINESS INSIDER SEE ALSO: * 27 amazing places that didn't exist 10 years ago * I just ate my first Big Mac at age 30. Hopefully it's the last one I'll ever have. * Take a look inside an abandoned 14th-century church that's filled with 'ghosts'


READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.businessinsider.com