We will be open at 9:00 am. Call 020 7590 0610
Gorilla in Rwanda

2020 Holiday Hot List

Our specialists' top destinations

Article content

5 December 2019 by Emily Newton-Smith

As we look forward to another exciting year in travel, one which marks Wexas’s 50th anniversary, our specialists have picked out their must-visit destinations for the months ahead, and it’s a truly globespanning mix. Whether you're seeking adventure, history and culture, or an escape into nature, there's something for everyone.

To start, we’ve got a pair of Wexas favourites – Sri Lanka, with its unique blend of history, wildlife and Indian Ocean charm, and Japan, a country looking forward to an Olympic summer. Then, having followed in the bow waves of Wexas honorary president Sir Ranulph Fiennes with a cruise to Antarctica, we continue the wildlife theme in Rwanda among gorillas and chimpanzees. Both trips offer the ultimate blend of wilderness and luxury.

The theme of nature continues in Chile, where we shine a spotlight on two all-inclusive lodges – one in the Atacama, one in the Andes – and look forward to the total solar eclipse in December. And, lastly, there’s a fresh take on the Italian Lakes, as we venture beyond the likes of Como, Maggiore and Garda to bring you some lesser-known gems.

Sri Lanka

beach and ocean in Sri Lanka

Despite the challenges of 2019, Sri Lanka continues to dazzle with its mix of cultural intrigue, sun-soaked sands and superb accommodation, making it one of our ones to watch for the second year in a row. There's everything from tea plantations to pristine beaches here – all set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenic beauty. And, there's plenty of wildlife to watch too; head out on safari to seek leopards or on a boat tour to spot whales. Whatever you choose to do here, it's sure to be memorable.

Read more on our Sri Lanka holidays here

Japan

Temple in Japan with cherry blossom

After the success of the Rugby World Cup and with the summer Olympics on the horizon, now is Japan’s time in the sun. And with so much to see and do, it's no wonder it's on our hot list for 2020. Ride the world-famous bullet train, cruise across lakes and explore grand temples on itineraries that piece together some of this special country's highlights. From standing in the shadow of Mount Fuji to viewing Tokyo from atop the world's tallest tower, you'll have a wealth of experiences to choose from.

Read more on our Japan holidays here

Antarctica

Penguin colonies in Antaractica

To commemorate Sir Ranulph’s ground-breaking expedition 40 years ago, the ‘white continent’ simply had to take its place on our 2020 hot list. At almost twice the size of Australia, Antarctica is truly vast. And, despite holding 70% of the world’s fresh water, it’s also our driest continent – a great desert of glaciers and ice sheets surrounded by the frigid waters of the Southern Ocean. Of course, aside a handful of hardy scientists rotating stints at remote research stations, its otherworldly terrain is largely uninhabitable. But still, it remains a must-see destination for intrepid travellers keen to follow in the footsteps of the world’s exploring pioneers.

Read more on our Antarctica holidays here

Chile

Atacama desert in Chile

Chile’s topography spans everything from arid grasslands and volcanic rock formations to dense rainforests and glacial rivers. It’s all big, beautiful and begging to be explored, particularly the jagged might of the Andes and the scorched red sands of the Atacama Desert. And, in December 2020, Chile will witness a total solar eclipse; fitting for a country that boasts some of the best sky-gazing on Earth.

Read more on our Chile holidays here

Italian Lakes

Lake Iseo in Italy

While the Sicilian coastline and wine regions of Tuscany remain favourite destinations for Wexas clients every year, the Italian Lakes deserve just as much attention. Beautifully temperate in spring, summer and autumn, there’s plenty of opportunity for travel even during low season – and in 2020, hotels and tourist attractions will open earlier and close later to maximise availability. Everything seems slower- paced, even in the tourist hotspots, but nowhere is this more apparent than on the quiet shores of the smaller lakes. 

Read more on our Italian Lakes holidays here

Rwanda

Gorillas cuddling in Rwanda

Once overlooked in favour of Africa’s Big-Five big hitters, the rare chance to come face to face with the mighty mountain gorilla, as well as the emergence of some seriously stylish accommodation, have brought our last hot list destination Rwanda firmly into the spotlight. And its moniker, the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’, only hints at how impressive Rwanda’s landscapes are; misty rainforests roll into green hills and valleys dotted with villages and quiet, beach-fringed lakes, all set against a backdrop of still-smoking volcanoes.

Read more on our Rwanda holidays here

Related offers

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Best of Sri Lanka

15-day tailor-made holiday from £5,260 pp incl. flights

From sweeping tea plantations to UNESCO-listed treasures and the wildlife of the Yala National Park, spend two memorable weeks exploring the history, culture and beaches of this Indian Ocean gem.

View of a deserted beach on Sri Lanka's East Coast

Sri Lanka's Ancient Kingdoms & East Coast Beaches

13-day tailor-made holiday from £3,910 pp incl. flights

Visiting Sri Lanka's most impressive ancient monuments and beautiful beaches in utter luxury, enjoying the services of a private driver throughout and staying in only the finest hotels. Think beach villas and palatial country manors.

Sensoji, Tokyo, Japan

Essential Japan

10-day tailor-made holiday from £3,805 pp incl. flights

Get a taste of all that this spectacular and multi-faceted country has to offer, with private tours of Tokyo, traditional ryokan stays, trips on Japan's 200mph bullet train and visits to world famous temples.

Mt Fuji, Japan

Best of Japan

14-day tailor-made holiday from £6,545 pp incl. flights

With a rail pass and a host of included tours and traditional ryokan stays, this is your chance to experience the best Japan has to offer as you explore the country's hi-tech cities, ancient temples and spectacular national parks.

Atacama Desert, Chile

Landscapes of Chile

12-day tailor-made holiday from £8,005 pp incl. flights

This country-spanning tour of Chile takes you from Santiago’s storied streets to the grasslands and glaciers of Patagonia and otherworldly Atacama Desert. Round things off with a luxury stay in artistic Valparaíso on the Pacific coast.

Italian Lakes - Lake Iseo Italy

Hidden Lakes of Northern Italy

11-day tailor-made self-drive from £1,775 pp incl. flights

Explore northern Italy without the crowds, stepping a little off the beaten track to discover some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe, with stays at four of the region's lesser-known lakes.

Gorilla, Rwanda

Highlights of Rwanda: Gorillas and Chimpanzees

9-day tailor-made holiday from £6,000 pp incl. flights

This spectacular tour sees you explore Nyungwe National Park where you'll track chimpanzee. Then, relax on Lake Kivu before trekking with gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, deep in the jungles of Rwanda.

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0610 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ABTA & ATOL protected