2020 has officially started which means one thing—the holiday breaks are over, and we’re back in our desks or back in classes. And then it hits you, we’re back on a mundane routine. Your thoughts begin to wander and you find yourself daydreaming about your next escape from reality…
To help with your planning, the world’s largest travel platform, TripAdvisor has revealed to us some of 2019’s most popular attractions from all around the world, perfect for those ready to start dreaming up their 2020 holiday bucket list!
Colosseum – Rome, Italy
For the second consecutive year, Italy’s iconic amphitheatre takes top spot as the globe’s most popular destination. Built to hold more than 50,000 spectators, the former gladiator arena is a not-to-miss destination if you’re visiting Rome. To experience Ancient Rome and the Colosseum hassle-free, book a skip-the-line ticket on a half day walking tour. Alternatively, if you really want an exclusive experience, try an underground tour to gain access to restricted parts of the Colosseum visitors can’t normally enter.
What travelers are saying of the underground tour: “This was an incredible tour and I was so excited to get to places most people don’t see. We went out onto the “stage” and underground was fascinating. You could really get the feel for how things might have worked way back in the day. After that we walked up and around and to my surprise, she unlocked a door and we got to go even further up than anyone else!”
Louvre Museum – Paris, France
The famous home of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Louvre, is considered the world’s greatest art museums with an unparalleled collection of items covering the full spectrum of art through the ages—it’s like heaven on earth for art enthusiasts! Being so, it’s pretty much a full house all year long. So to bypass the crowds, get on the skip-the-line walking tour to some of the museum’s most iconic works, or check out the Mona Lisa at closing time. For a tour with a twist, explore the museum with a family treasure hunt or a murder mystery experience.
What travelers are saying of the family treasure hunt: “Usually younger kids may get bored easily about art and history (even though they would be so excited at the beginning), so having an activity like a treasure hunt in such a big museum would arouse their interest. My son had a great fun, and I can say it’s a big success!”
Vatican Museums – Rome, Italy
Take a visit to the home of the Pope and the vast complex of museums that chronicle the history and accomplishments of mankind over the last 2000 years. Spend more time admiring the historic artwork and less time waiting with a skip-the-line entry ticket that also offers a guided tour option. If you’d like to say hello to the Pope, guarantee your entry to the weekly Papal audience and enjoy a close-up encounter with one of the world’s most prominent religious figures.
What travelers are saying of the Papal audience and presentation: “I am not Catholic or follow any religion, but enjoyed the fact that people from all around the world can come together and smile and sing together. Great experience. Guide was very good too.”
Basilica of the Sagrada Familia – Barcelona, Spain
This unfinished Roman Catholic basilica is perhaps Gaudi’s best work yet. Construction on the basilica started in 1992, and while it’s still yet to be completed, this is one spot no traveler to Barcelona will miss. Its popularity amongst tourists from all parts of the world means that there’s always long queues, so plan ahead and book a fast track guided tour or one with optional tower entry to breeze your way to the front.
What travelers are saying of the fast track guided tour: “This whole experience was truly amazing. The building itself is an incredible building especially when you see how it reacts with the sunlight. Gaudi’s design was truly amazing and the fore-sight. Our guide was good and had many interesting facts plus the entry into the building was easy.”
French Quarter – New Orleans, United States
Rich with history and culture is the French Quarter, right at the heart of the cultural centre of New Orleans. Foodies won’t want to miss the small-group walking tour that ends at the legendary Café du Monde. If you’re feeling adventurous, discover the neighbourhood’s bawdy side with a salacious history tour, capped off with a traditional burlesque performance.
What travelers are saying of the salacious history tour: “Highly recommend this incredible tour! Robin is an amazing guide whose passion and knowledge for this little-known sordid side of New Orleans history has been the unanimous favourite experience of our trip.”
