European destinations are going to be pretty hot for travellers in 2020, and that’s nothing new, but what’s changing are the destinations themselves. Everybody’s been to Paris, and Venice is old news.
Millennial travellers no longer want to visit the traditional tourist spots that their parents visited. What’s more important to this generation of travellers are unknown destinations, hidden gems, and truly authentic experiences.
If all of those things make you eager to quit your job and move abroad, or simply make you want to purchase a round-trip ticket for a winter vacation, then we’ve got news for you. Here are the seven hottest European destinations for 2020 you’re going to have to travel to.
Best European Destinations 2020
How do these rankings work?
1. Budapest, Hungary
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – Budapest is about to become one of the world’s most visited cities. Brimming with intriguing architecture and rich cultural heritage, Budapest still feels slightly untouched by tourists.
Check out local ruins bars, enjoy a river cruise along the Danube, or meet locals on a walking tour. This city truly has it all, and the local exchange rate makes it an ideal vacation spot for travellers on a budget.
2. Malaga, Spain
Madrid and Barcelona are so last year. 2020 is going to be all about Malaga, one of the most beautiful cities along Spain’s Costa del Sol. Hometown to Antonio Banderas, you’ll find there’s plenty to do in Malaga – like enjoy the 360-degree views from the Gibralfaro Castle or even head out to one of Spain’s best hikes along the Caminito del Rey.
3. Dubrovnik, Croatia
If you follow the Instagram couple community then you’ll know that most couples have recently made trips to Croatia this year. Dubrovnik, in particular, provides travellers with an almost romantic setting in a fairytale town along the Adriatic coast.
Head over to the nearby town of Cavtat for truly breathtaking scenery and to remove yourself even further from the tourist scene. Here, you can enjoy lots of watersports, horseback riding, and nature hikes.
4. Bratislava, Slovakia
Centuries-old history envelopes the sleepy yet modern town of Bratislava. Slovakia is just one of the European countries we predict will see an increase in tourism in 2020.
Bratislava feels as if it belongs in a fairytale book and the fact that you’re not surrounded by tourists with cameras around their necks make the city feel that much more magical. Check out the Bratislava Castle, the UFO tower and St Martin‘s Cathedral for stunning views and unique cultural insights.
5. Athens, Greece
Tourists have long since traversed the remarkable Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini. Cruise ships pass by there each year. This year, it’s going to be all about visiting Athens.
The super-sunny capital city is one of the most culturally-impressive and well-preserved cities in the entire world, making it one of the top European destinations for travellers looking to enjoy the perfect mixture of great nightlife, spectacular food, and rich history.
6. Transylvania, Romania
Romania has been rebuilding itself for the past few decades only to just recently debut on the millennial travel market. From the cascading Carpathian Mountains to the numerous centuries-old castles that line the countryside, Romania is a country with plenty to offer any kind of tourist.
Bucharest is a great place to start, but we believe that more travellers are going to head to Transylvania, where there are numerous small towns to explore and enjoy. We suggest a stay in Brasov on your way to visit the famous Bran’s Castle.
7. Braga, Portugal
Similar to Madrid and Barcelona, we believe that visitors in Portugal are a bit over it when it comes to the two largest cities of Lisbon and Porto. This makes Braga one of the hottest European destinations for the coming year.
Braga is located just an hour away from Porto by train. And, it’s home to cosy, winding streets and a truly remarkable Gothic cathedral.
Sunsets here just seem so much sweeter than anywhere else in Portugal. It might be the lack of Insta-tourists clambering for the shot that makes the difference.
If you are a young lady and you do such, travel to main metropolitan cities and travel during the daytime.