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HOT SPOTS

The Sun’s travel team reveal the best destinations they visited in 2019 – and where they’re headed next year

Lisa Minot, Jacob Lewis

Published: 23:07, 28 Dec 2019
Updated: 11:49, 31 Dec 2019

THE Sun’s travel team has clocked up a fair few airmiles this year reviewing a host of exciting destinations across the globe.

From America’s Deep South to a galaxy far, far away there’s plenty to inspire anyone looking to book their next break.

Our travel editors reveal the places they’re looking forward to exploring in 2020Credit: Getty - Contributor

Sun Travel Editor Lisa Minot and Deputy Travel Editor Jacob Lewis look back on their travels of the last 12 months – and they reveal the places they’re looking forward to exploring in 2020.

Mayan Riviera, Mexico

THE Mayan Riviera is increasingly popular with Brits keen on a Caribbean all-inclusive tropical escape. Unico 20°87° stunned me on a trip this year, delivering top-end food and drink as well as the chance to explore the surroundings all for one good-value price.

You can find all-inclusives for less money but for sheer value, I would say this is hard to beat.

or call 0344 493 0120.

Scottish Highlands

ANYONE who saw the Call The Midwife Christmas special will agree, the stunning Scottish scenery almost stole the show.

And my trip to the Highlands this autumn could not have been more perfect.

Stay at the Pine Bank Chalets in Aviemore – a three-night break is from £426 for four. See . For more info see .

Charleston, US

AMERICA’S Deep South opened up to Brits this year with the launch of a new direct route to the historic coastal city of Charleston, South Carolina.

And it didn’t take long for this Southern belle to captivate me with its charms.

or call 0344 493 0122.

Hvar, Croatia

THE island of Hvar and its ancient capital have turned a corner in the past year.

After a brief spell as the 18-30s party isle, the Croatian destination has had a family-friendly makeover, reminding us there is more than a fishbowl of cocktails on the menu.

Tel Aviv, Israel

ISRAEL’S metropolis on the Med has developed a reputation as one of the world’s coolest nightlife destinations.
Not a brand to miss the party, Virgin Atlantic launched daily flights from Heathrow in October.

Jerusalem is just 30 minutes away by train from Tel AvivCredit: Getty - Contributor

I touched down on one of its first flights for a weekend of bohemian beach life, fantastic food and 24-hour parties.

Chill with a cocktail at the La La Land beach restaurant or learn to “hang ten” at Waves Surf School. The old port city of Jaffa offers artistan shops and galleries.
For wraparound views, try Haiku Skybar on the 18th floor of the Lighthouse Hotel. And Jerusalem is just 30 minutes away by train.

GO: TEL AVIV

Four nights’ B&B at the Gilgal Hotel Tel Aviv, including flights is from £634pp. See .

Black Spire Outpost

THE largest new land in any Disney park ever, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge offers unique thrills.

I was in Disneyland California for the May launch and it didn’t disappoint.

or call 0344 557 3859.

Car app is key to rentals

Use the Virtuo rental car app from £35 a day.

USE your smartphone as a key to unlock premium cars in Manchester, Edinburgh, London and 14 other cities overseas.

Choose from a Fiat 500X, BMW X1, Mercedes A-Class and Mercedes GLA. Then escape to the countryside or embark on a spontaneous road trip while abroad from just £35 a day.

Virtuo cars can be picked up at more than 50 city centre locations and around a dozen airports in Europe

The app, which just had a design refresh, is ridiculously easy to use and booking takes only a few steps. Before setting off, simply log any damage not listed in the app and head on your way.
Unlocking the car with your phone is slick and simple. Petrol levels and miles driven on the virtual key keep track of your journey.

Lisa's 2020 wish list

SEEING SAO PAULO: I have not explored much of South America, so the launch of Virgin Atlantic’s new direct route to Sao Paolo is one I am looking forward to. I will be stepping on board in April. Sao Paolo may not have Rio’s incredible beaches but the heart of the country’s financial centre offers so much more than its skyscrapers. A thriving 24/7 clubbing scene, cool bars and innovative restaurants make it a fantastic alternative city break.

CRUISING IN GREECE: This may not sound revolutionary but with so much of Greece still not ticked off my wish list, a five-night cruise with Greek specialist Celestyal Cruises has piqued my interest. The line’s mid-size ships are not the jazziest on the market but its ability to call at smaller, less crowded ports and included excursion plans mean I will get the chance to explore more for less.

Winter Savings

SWAP those fairy lights for the bright lights of Vegas, as Virgin Atlantic launches its winter sale.

Fares are discounted across the airline’s entire network, with economy prices from just £235pp return and holiday packages from £369pp.

Tickets on the Virgin's new Gatwick to New York service are marked downCredit: Alamy

There are even reduced fares on Virgin’s new-for-2020 Sao Paulo route. Tickets on the airline’s new Gatwick to New York service, which takes off in March, are also marked down.

Offers include return economy fares to LA from £287pp, Boston from as low as £235pp and Upper Class tickets from £1,491pp.

As for flights-and-hotel deals, why not pop across the Pond with three nights’ room-only at The New Yorker, A Wyndham Hotel, from £892pp based on two sharing, including Heathrow flights on February 2?

Try your luck with four nights, room only, at the Circus Circus Hotel & Resort in Las Vegas from £400pp based on two sharing including flights departing Heathrow on February 2.

Or meet Mickey with seven nights, room only, at the Baymont Inn & Suites in Orlando from £499pp based on two sharing including flights departing Gatwick on March 4.

You can find out more and book over at virginatlantic.com.

Jacob's 2020 wish list

SEATTLE’S NATURAL WONDERS: I will be taking my first trip to America’s Pacific Northwest. Surrounded by water, mountains and forests, Seattle is the gateway to the stunning natural wonders of the state of Washington. Budget carrier Norwegian resumes its seasonal route to the Emerald City on March 31, with fares from just £184.90 one-way. There has never been a better time to visit.

FOLLOW BOND TO MATERA: Having just seen the trailer for 007’s latest outing, No Time To Die, I would love to meet the star of the show. No, not Daniel Craig or Lea Seydoux. I mean the tiny southern Italian city of Matera. It is the setting for an adrenaline-fuelled car chase in the film but tourists usually visit here for something more sedate and stay in boutique cave hotels carved into the mountainside.

Stacey Solomon enjoys romantic holiday with Joe Swash in the Maldives

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