The top 25 emerging travel destinations, from Kaliningrad to Ipswich

Suffolk town is only UK entry

(AFP/Getty)

The top emerging destinations for 2020 have been revealed in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards.

“Emerging” destinations were defined as up-and-coming places with a year-on-year increase in positive TripAdvisor review ratings, which had also seen an increase in “saves” in travellers’ trips.

The Russian province of Kaliningrad came top of the list, followed by Saranda in Albania and Beirut in Lebanon.

The simplified e-visa process introduced by Russia in 2019 was praised by TripAdvisor as making it easier to visit Kaliningrad.

“Travellers are taking full advantage, exploring a stunning city that blends the culture and architecture of eastern Europe and Russia together like nowhere else,” it said.

The only UK destination to make the cut was Ipswich in Suffolk, which came in 14th place.

TripAdvisor has tipped the East Anglian town to become one of the next tourism hotspots.

“A destination that’s managed to keep its historical charm intact, Ipswich is a cultural hub of activity,” said the review site. “From strolling through the arboretum at Christchurch Park, taking in a show at the famous Regent Theatre, viewing Constable’s art at Christchurch Mansion, it’s little wonder travellers are falling in love with Ipswich.

“With superb transport links, an excellent range of accommodation options and ever-growing list of theatres, dance houses and things to do, Ipswich is attracting some well-deserved traveller attention.”

TripAdvisor spokesperson Emma Shaw said of the list: “Based on TripAdvisor reviews, ratings, and opinions from millions of travellers around the world, the winners highlight the destinations that should be on your travel radar now.”

The awards also highlighted the top 25 trending destinations that were already getting their fair share of attention.

Kochi in India, Luzon in the Philippines and Porto in Portugal were first, second and third respectively.

The only UK trending destination was Edinburgh. In at number 23, it was lauded for its heritage, culture and festivals.

Top 25 emerging destinations

1. Kaliningrad, Russia
2. Saranda, Albania
3. Beirut, Lebanon
4. Luxor, Egypt
5. Naoussa, Greece
6. Rugen Island, Germany
7. Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
8. Monopoli, Italy
9. La Paz, Mexico
10. Curaçao, Caribbean
11. Ile d’Oleron, France
12. Guayaquil, Ecuador
13. Tulsa, United States
14. Ipswich, United Kingdom
15. Franschhoek, South Africa
16. Tangier, Morocco
17. Takamatsu, Japan
18. Cala d’Or, Spain
19. Petropolis, Brazil
20. Antwerp, Belgium
21. Mirissa, Sri Lanka
22. Alvor, Portugal
23. Winnipeg, Canada
24. Darwin, Australia
25. Agra, India

Top 25 trending destinations

1. Kochi, India
2. Luzon, Philippines
3. Porto, Portugal
4. Porto Seguro, Brazil
5. Gramado, Brazil
6. Lombok, Indonesia
7. Da Nang, Vietnam
8. Zakynthos, Greece
9. Tel Aviv, Israel
10. Krakow, Poland
11. Island of Malta, MaltaI
12. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
13. Cusco, Peru
14. Buenos Aires, Argentina
15. Vienna, Austria
16. Fuerteventura, Spain
17. Mexico City, Mexico
18. Chiang Mai, Thailand
19. Fes, Morocco
20. Budapest, Hungary
21. Zanzibar Island, Tanzania
22. Cartagena, Colombia
23. Edinburgh, United Kingdom
24. Cebu, Philippines 
25. Moscow, Russia