unique summer destinations in 2020 that are not only geographically diverse but also out of the ordinary

unique summer destinations in 2020 that are not only geographically diverse but also out of the ordinary

It’s never too early to start making your summer globetrotting plans. The world with its diversity offers exotic destinations that cater to any preference from hiking, sea diving, local delicacies, sledging, kayaking, operas, art, culture, carnivals, among others.

Do you have a penchant for adventure? Or is it eco-tourism? Here are ten unique summer destinations in 2020 that are not only geographically diverse but also out of the ordinary.

1. Playa del Carmen, Mexico

About 45 minutes away from the Cancun International Airport, this fantastic beach town is a well-hidden treasure. Unlike many other places in Mexico, most visitors do not flock here, making it an enjoyable destination in May. Have fun with watersports such as snorkelling at Cenote Dos Ojos or Cenote Azul.

While in Playa, you can visit Los Fundadores Park, 3D Museum of Wonders, or Playacar. And there are modish hotels such as We Playa, Newport House, Grand Hyatta, or The Palm.

Tulum and Coba Mayan ruins are just 45 minutes away from Playa. The more famous Chichen Itza and Ek Balam are about 2.5 hours away.

Foodies will have their tastebuds frolicking with Mexican cuisine. Who doesn’t love a good Mexican taco? And there are other delectable recipes on the table. Eat at Kaxapa Factory, Oh Lala, Clorofia or Harry’s Steakhouse. Alternatively, visitors can enjoy the budget-friendly local foods at the Mexican markets.

How well can you handle spicy Mexican food?

1. Sicily, Italy

Most towns have adopted a modern look, but Sicily still has preserved its Baroque architecture. History lovers can have a peek into the cultural and historical beauty that has since faded in most parts of the world. Noto village is an excellent example of this maintenance of centuries-old architecture and limestone backdrops.

Visit the legendary Valley of the Temple to see the seven Doris temples that are nestled in captivating scenery of olive trees and almond groves.

Travelers can also hike the trails of Mt, Etna one of the most active volcanoes in the globe and Europe’s biggest volcanic mountain. Also, do not miss Palermo’s opera house, local cooking in outdoor markets, the local wine or a visit to the Island of Ortigia.

Siargao, Philippines

Bali used to be the most popular destination in this part of the world. Who knew the new contender would be this relatively tiny tropical place south-east of Philippines? It has become a surfer’s paradise.

The number of travelers thronging this newfound place has increased tenfold. There are 12 flights per day in Siargao’s tiny airstrip compared to the two flights per week they used to have only a few years ago.

Legendary surfers such as Anthony Kiedis and Kelly Slater have visited Siargao to ride the famous Cloud 9 wave.

The place also offers verdant mangrove forests, lovely beaches along its coast and alluring groves lined with coconut plants. Visit the local markets and meet several travelers with their surfboards marveling at the wares in the local markets. Also, tourists can have a taste of the local foods such as rice- dried on tarps.

After the surfers, came the eco-entrepreneurs. Developers and investors have developed a keen interest on the island, and the mushrooming hotels and businesses are an indicator of these investments. Bullan Villas and Kubo are the new competitors challenging the already-established Nay Palad Hideaway and the Harana Surf Resort.

It is not all about surfing. Explore the green scenery and ambience of Siargao on a motorbike. Also, places like Guyam, Naked Island and Daku offer relative tranquillity. Pacifico and Alegria, located north of Siargao, have a thinner crowd for those seeking moments alone.

New Zealand

New Zealand is one place that offers almost every traveler a taste of what they like. It is a destination where vacationers can create memorable times this summer vacation. Photographers, birdwatchers, honeymooners, families, adventure seekers, history and culture enthusiasts, and more usually head here come summers.

Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit sequel fans can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata. Step into the lush scenery that is home to the legendary film productions. It is just an hour away from Auckland.

Apart from Auckland, people visit Christchurch, Queensland, Wellington, and Rotorua. And the Rees Hotel, Braemer Lodge & Spa, and the Haka Lodge are highly-rated places to stay.

As always a trip is never complete without a taste of the local cooking. Sidart Restaurant, Sid at the French Café, and Fleurs Place are good windows to the local cuisine.

New Zealand also offers activities such as learning Maori tradition, kayaking, sandboarding, ziplining, kayaking, a tour of Glowworm Caves, wine-tasting outings or shopping opportunities.

Cape Town

Cape Town is among the highest-ranked places to visit this summer in Africa. The warm, calm climate makes it a fabulous destination throughout the year. Families, couples, single travelers or eco-tourists will enjoy their tour here.

Stellenbosch, which is about an hour away from the town, is a hub for wine connoisseurs. It is famous for its Pinotage wine.

Do not forget to visit Table Mountain. Here, tourists get a birds-eye-view of the expansive Atlantic Ocean, the city below and Cape of Good Hope located south of Cape Town. Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is also a beautiful place for nature lovers and those who need a moment of tranquillity.

There are other places to visit for picnics, swimming, hiking, shopping, food outings, wild animals, or watersports. They include Signal Hill, Robben Island Museum, Sea Pint Swimming Pool and Cape Point Nature Reserve.

DoubleTree by Hilton, Green Elephant Backpackers and Black Sheep Restaurant are great places to stay during your tour.

Remember, to avoid dark alley or streets. And try to be in the company of other travelers and guides at all times.

The British Virgin Islands

In September 2017, hurricanes Maria and Irma wreaked havoc in the British Virgin Islands. The destruction of property and tourist residential villas saw a drop in tourism by 90%!

Guess who’s making a comeback.

Most hotels have renovated and re-established their premises in the past three years. And more have announced that they will ready when summer comes. 2020 summer vacationers can get an early chance of visiting the picturesque bays and swimming with the different schools of fish in the area.

Oil Nut Bay, was the first place to throw its doors wide open. It covers about 300 acres and is dotted with chic two-bedroom villas and floating private pools (reachable by boat or helicopters). The Guana Island, covering 850 acres, has seven beaches on its coastline and is highly exclusive (hosts 35 guests at most).

Eco-tourists also have a chance to contribute to the ongoing restoration of the islands. The Seeds of Love organization, the brainchild of Gabi Romberg, is running most of these restoration activities. ‘Voluntourists’ contribute significantly to awareness and fundraisings in a bid to have the indigenous plants restored.

In August 2019, Beyond the Reef project started stripping harmful substances from the wreckage left in the wave of this destruction. The Willy T ship and three planes were sunk and holes cut on their surfaces. Divers can now take a tour on the vessels, and the funds go to the local community and giving the children swimming lessons.

The resilience of the locals and investors will be rewarded with the expected influx of visitors vacationing here when summer comes.

Las Vegas, USA

Will pool parties make the summer feel alive? Vegas should be the summer destination in 2020. Often overlooked by most people, it is a fascinating place that offers many thrills. Gamers can try their hands at the well-known Casino Royale.

When it comes to Vegas, there is no shortage of places to stay. Places like Westgate Las Vegas Resort, Stratosphere Casino Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, or Luxor Hotel & Casino offer incredible services. Eat at Carson Kitchen, Other Mama, Aburiya Raku and Eat.

Gamers, party animals, club-hoppers, among others are sure to enjoy the bustling Vegas nightlife. There are no dull days. And visiting during the weekdays is a bit pocket-friendly.\

It should not be all partying since there are places to visit such as the Grand Canyon, Bellagio Fountains, MGM Grand and Fremont Street.

Kyoto, Japan

Tokyo is the hub of modernity, but Kyoto strikes an effortless balance between the old and the new life. The ultramodern railways, futuristic shopping malls and the posh hotels blend naturally with the peaceful Karesansui rock gardens and the timeless Shinto shrines.

Tokyo will be hosting the 2020 Summer Olympics from 24th July to 9th August. And Kyoto, though 450 km from Tokyo, is revamping and preparing for the throngs of visitors set to arrive. The fastest bullet train will get you to Tokyo in 2 hours 20 minutes.

Hotel Fauchon and Ace Hotel may be the newcomers in the hospitality sector for vacationers in summer in 2020. The modish Izakaya pubs and centuries-old Shosei-en Garden also provide visitors with the opportunity to mingle with the locals. The Olympic Games will also set a world stage where people from different cultures get to meet and revel together.

The Summer Olympic 2020 may just be a repeat of the Rugby World Cup, 2019 which attracted many Westerners to Japan.

Kangaroo Island, Australia

This island, christened the little Noah’s Ark, is a sanctuary for many endangered species, hence its name. Unfortunately, the recent bushfires burned approximately a third of the area causing untold damage, deaths of about 25,000 koalas, destruction of sceneries and displacements.

The Southern Ocean Lodge, one of the grandest, was destroyed by the conflagration.

James and Hailey Baillie, owners of the Southern Ocean Lodge, believe Kangaroo is still a hub for tourists. They are rebuilding their business but again urge visitors to visit the unaffected 250,000 hectares. The Seal Bay sea-lion sanctuary, the Little Sahara dunes and some top eco-lodges are still standing. You can enjoy round-the-clock services in these areas.

The KI Wildlife Network among others have significantly participated in restoration efforts and caring for the injured and orphaned animals. It is not late to join the volunteers and eco-tourists in the summer of 2020.

Tasting Australia has also been organized for foodies from April 2020. In the 10-day festival, tourists can sample delectable meals from Australia, juniper gins, honey from the Ligurian bees, gourmet sheep’s cheese and much more.

KYRGYZSTAN

Now here is a place where the bold types can enjoy. Some tourists opt to go off-grid for some time, forget the troubles of crowded places and lose themselves in untamed and fresh hinterlands. Kyrgyzstan checks all these boxes, but for how long?

This summer, tourists can let themselves go in the mountainous regions that are bordered by plunging valleys in this beautiful country. Striking backdrops, the prehistoric Silk Road and dizzying passes also dot the place.

Get to see and maybe stay in the bunking homesteads in Kyrgyzstan. Another way to partake in their culture is hiking the Issyk Kol Trail Network. Tourists can follow this 506-mile network of trails for the landscape and a feel of the local nomadic life.

Do not forget to share shots of vodka after these excursions as you mingle with the locals.

CONCLUSION

There are many places to visit around the globe in the summer of 2020. As a tourist, one can travel from Kyrgyzstan to Tokyo to New Zealand this summer or maybe choose to enjoy the thrills of a single place. Have fun.