5 great travel destinations in 2020
Independent travel expert Jimmy Martin gives the lowdown on the destinations to see this year
Tokyo
Known to be one of the most densely-packed cities on the planet, the capital of Japan has skyscrapers, busy pavements, bright lights, edgy street fashion and traditional and contemporary culture. It hit the media spotlight for the Rugby World Cup 2019 and all eyes will be back on Tokyo this year for the 2020 Summer Olympics, taking place from 24 July to 09 August. But the destination has more to offer. Make sure you take time to visit a traditional tea ceremony, the largest Pokemon centre in Tokyo, or take the famous bullet train to discover some other fantastic Japanese cities.
STAY: The five star Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi is in a super trendy area and great for the discerning traveller. Room rates from £470
Finland
Voted the happiest place on Earth for the second year in a row, Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a great city to cover on foot. It’s also one of the safest places to go, according to 2019 Travel Risk Map. When you’re there, make sure you also visit the archipelago of Helsinki which consists of around 330 picture perfect islands. It’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. This summer, the capital will also host the first-ever Helsinki Biennial, an international art event bringing outstanding contemporary art to the city. Best of all, you can fly direct from Edinburgh with Finnair.
STAY: Hotel Kamp, Helsinki, is a grand and stylish hotel with a central location near the harbour. Room rates from £260
South Africa
This was a super popular and great value for money destination last year and its appeal continues in 2020. Thanks to easy flight options from Edinburgh, Cape Town, the Winelands, the Garden Route and Big 5 Safaris are all within reach. You can stay anywhere from pretty guest houses to five-star luxury hotels, all budgets are catered for.
STAY: The Last Word Franschhoek has a great location and reviews. Room rates from £230
Italy
Edinburgh has many direct flights to Italy and remains one of our most popular European destinations. Lots of cities can be combined easily by rail – for example, Rome, Florence, Venice or a visit to the scenic and idyllic Italian Lakes like Lake Garda or Lake Como for the magnificent Grand villas and stunning views. For the best fresh seafood, discover the coastal region of Cinque Terre in the northwest or the Amalfi coast in the south, also home to picturesque small beaches and pretty pastel-coloured fishing villages.
STAY: For a perfectly refurbished luxury Palazzo try the Il Salviatino Hotel, on the outskirts of Florence. Room rates from £430
Costa Rica
As featured in the Top Ten Countries for travel in 2020 in Lonely Planet’s annual Best in Travel guide, Costa Rica is for people looking for a real destination holiday. Bordered on the east by the Caribbean Sea and on the west by the Pacific Ocean, the region caters for all types of traveller from adrenalin junkies exploring unique wildlife and landscapes to beach enthusiasts and active families. It also has a good road network and friendly locals to help show off this beautiful country.
STAY: Pacuare Lodge, a unique lodge nestled in the middle of a rainforest and accessible only by 4 x 4 or by raft from the Pacuare river. From £400 incl transfers and tours, min two-night stay.
Jimmy Martin Travel on 94 Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, was crowned the Scottish Agency of the Year in the Agent Achievement Awards 2019. For advice on your next holiday, call 0131 343 1800 or visit www.jimmymartintravel.com