Six top destinations for 2020 from Plenty Holidays

It’s the start of a new decade, and a good time to dust off our bucket lists and check out the must-see destinations of 2020!

Featured in our Directory here, one online travel agency that makes getting to the top places easy and affordable is Plenty Holidays – an independent company, TTA and ATOL protected, whose goal is to offer the most competitive price comparisons in the travel market.

So, we thought we’d take a look at six of the most popular destinations that Plenty Holidays customers are travelling to right now, and combine that with top tips about those locations from a decade of our own Places We Like articles.

Malta

Valletta rooftops and the Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Photograph by Graham Soult

What Plenty Holidays say about Malta: “Malta is literally crammed full of fascinating history – 7,000 years of it to be precise. So it goes without saying that a spot of sightseeing is generally the order of the day. Its fabulous climate, stunning beaches, and natural landscape make it the perfect destination for those looking to soak up some sun, sea and relaxation.”

Our top tips: Many people rightly visit Malta for what we describe as its “lively resorts, turquoise bays and sandy beaches”, but it’s the country’s heritage that really wows. The compact capital Valletta offers fabulous architecture and stunning views at every turn, while the fortified city of Mdina is awash with interesting narrow streets and magnificent palaces.

Morocco

Agadir. Photograph by Maciej Podgórski

What Plenty Holidays say about Morocco: “Morocco is distinguished by its Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences. The city of Fes is notable for its medina, Fes el Bali. Visitors can go hiking and skiing in the central Atlas Mountains. Beach destinations include the resorts of Essaouira, and Agadir, known for its crescent-shaped bay.”

Our top tips: We’ve previously written about the bustling modern city of Agadir – where the 16th-century Kasbah offers impressive views – from which Essaouira with its historic Medina is an easy day trip. Meanwhile, Fes offers yet more colourful experiences, in a city that combines Arab, Jewish and French influences.

Madrid

Gran Via, Madrid. Photograph by Josele Gonzalez

What Plenty Holidays say about Madrid: “Madrid is a city so full of life and culture that it’s hard to do justice to it in a few paragraphs. Artistically the city holds its own against any in Europe, with the of the best art museums on the continent where renaissance masterworks and seminal 20th-century pieces are waiting to captivate you.”

Our top tips: With Costas galore as well as the cultural allure of the Catalan capital Barcelona, it’s easy for Madrid to get overlooked amid all Spain’s other attractions. Our tips include getting in some retail therapy in the Gran Via, enjoying an art fix at the celebrated Prado National Museum, and finding a tapas restaurant in the Paseo del Prado.

Dubai

Al Garhoud Bridge in Dubai. Photograph by fsg777 at Freeimages

What Plenty Holidays say about Dubai: “Dubai is known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene. Burj Khalifa dominates the skyscraper-filled skyline. At its foot lies Dubai Fountain, with jets and lights choreographed to music. Just offshore is Atlantis, The Palm, a resort with water and marine-animal parks.”

Our top tips: Everyone knows that Dubai – and the United Arab Emirates generally – has plenty of sun and sand, as well as some of the most dramatic modern buildings anywhere. Our article highlights some of the more surprising sporting activities that you can get up to in Dubai, including skiing – thanks to the Ski Dubai indoor ski slope – and kayaking.

The Algarve

Alcantarilha. Photograph by Emmanuel Wuyts

What Plenty Holidays say about the Algarve: “A soft climate tempered by the Atlantic, soft sandy beaches, mouth-watering cuisine, exhilarating coastal scenery; it’s no wonder that Portugal’s Algarve is one of Europe’s favourite holiday destinations.”

Our top tips: Alongside the Algarve’s familiar coastal hotspots, there’s plenty for culture buffs to love about this region of Portugal, too. Charming towns and villages like Tavira and Alcantarilha are influenced by the area’s Moorish past, while areas like Ria Formosa Natural Park offer enjoyable walking trails as well as plenty of birdspotting.

Hurghada

Desert near Hurghada, Egypt. Photograph by Marcel Groot

What Plenty Holidays say about Hurghada: “The city of Hurghada used to be a quiet fishing village [and] has seen rapid transformation to become the leading seashore resort on the Red Sea. While the city’s main attractions may be its beaches and water-related activities, there’s much to do on dry land as well.”

Our top tips: Echoing Plenty Holidays’ observation, our own Hurghada article highlights some of the activities to enjoy beyond the beaches. The city is well located for taking a trip into the nearby desert – on horseback, camel, or quad bike – or, head right into the sea, and you’ll find some of the region’s best opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Where are you heading to in 2020? Share your stories in a comment below, or tag @HTDHolidayTips on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.