Remote Aussie spot named in world’s best in new ranking

It’s a long way from being a household name. In fact, Imintji is a long way from anywhere. But now this spot has been named on a global hot list.

From Boracay to Bali, here’s where you will want to be in 2020.

When it comes to planning a holiday, we can sometimes be overwhelmed for choice when it comes to deciding where to go.

But if anyone knows about the hottest spots to tick off your bucket list, it’s the tour operators, travel agents and experts who plan itineraries each and every year.

Flight Centre, Australia’s largest travel retailer, has announced their annual WOW List, which aims to give eagle-eyed travellers an expert guide and insight into the most incredible travel experiences around the globe certain to be popular in 2020.

Flight Centre 2020 WOW List has dropped.

The list itself is curated by extensive customer data collated from more than 800 stores Australia wide, combined with comprehensive consultation with the travel agency's own in-house experts and reports.

So which destinations make up the top 20 for 2020?

1. TRAVEL SWITZERLAND BY SCENIC RAIL

Forget travelling by air, because you’ll miss all the alpine scenery and charming villages that fill parts of Switzerland. Instead, jump on board on a Swiss rail journey that crisscrosses the countryside. Look out for notable places like the Bernina Pass, the Matterhorn, Chapel Bridge and the famous Landwasser Viaduct (pictured).

Why fly when you can see Switzerland by rail?

2. GO GLAMPING IN THE KIMBERLEY

Imintji may be only a tiny dot on the map from anywhere, but this outback oasis on the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley is looming large for travellers.

Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge, Kimberley. Picture: Supplied

Think bright-red dirt, sparse green foliage and vivid blue sky. Glamping at the Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge, you’ll get the best of comfort in the most impressive of sceneries.

3. SEE THAILAND’S FLOATING PAGODAS

These otherworldly white pagodas seem to hover mystically from their perch high on the mist-shrouded peaks.

See Thailand's floating Pagodas hovering mystically from their perch high on the mist-shrouded peaks.

Though their origins may look supernatural, the floating pagodas of the Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat temple in Northern Thailand started life via the very hike one takes to reach them — monks painstakingly carried up every slab of material to build the structures.

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4. SET SAIL ON A STATE-OF-THE-ART SHIP

The second ship to launch in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge series, Celebrity Apex is filled with innovative design features. Take, for instance, the two-storey Edge Villas, each with outdoor plunge pool.

Celebrity Apex is set to launch in 2020

5. CLIMB AN ACTIVE VOLCANO IN VANUATU

Getting to Vanuatu’s Mt Yasur volcano on Tanna Island is an experience in itself. But ascending the gurgling volcano is bucket-list material.

Climb an active volcano in Vanuatu has been tipped as a popular attraction in 2020.

The trek leads climbers to the edge of the crater, where sulphur fills the air, and the volcano speaks.

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6. DRIVE THE WALES WAY

Discover the fascinating stories of Wales – and create a few of your own – by taking to the roads. Begin in the Welsh capital of Cardiff and head north to the charming Victorian seaside town of Llandudno.

Discover the fascinating stories of Wales – and create a few of your own – by taking to the roads.

Explore the National Parks of the Brecons Beacons and Snowdownia (pictured), take a brewery tour, and step back in time at historic sites such as Gwydir Castle.

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7. VENTURE TO THE SEVENTH CONTINENT IN LUXURY

The seventh continent enthrals visitors with its sparkling icebergs, glaciers, and wildlife. And Antarctica is now more accessible than ever.

Venture to the seventh continent in luxury, with Antarctica being more accessible than ever.

Two new state-of-the-art expedition ships are due to set sail to the Antarctica Peninsula in 2020, so look out for Aurora Expeditions’ Greg Mortimer and Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Endurance.

8 . BE A GUEST AT AN INDIAN WEDDING

Imagine being surrounded by a riotous flurry of multi-coloured decorations, elaborate silk saris in rainbow hues, and catchy uplifting music as you’re swept up in the joyous celebration of a multi-day Indian wedding ceremony.

Imagine being surrounded by a riotous flurry of multi-coloured decorations, elaborate silk saris in rainbow hues, and catchy uplifting music as you're swept up in the joyous celebration of a multi-day Indian wedding ceremony.

Head to an Indian wedding with Wendy Wu Tours, and experience the once-in-a-lifetime experience for yourself.

9. SOAK UP THE RAYS AT THE WORLD’S FIRST ISLAND BEACH CLUB IN FIJI

Malamala Beach Club is the world’s first beach club located on its own island — a perfectly circular area of land, ringed by white sand beaches and crystal clear blue lagoons.

A daytrip here is just 25 minutes from the main island, Viti Levu.

Soak up the rays at the world's first Island Beach club in Fiji. Malamala Beach Club is the world's first beach club located on its own island.

10. CHECK OUT NYC’S NEWEST NEIGHBOURHOOD

Now open, Hudson Yards in Manhattan’s Far West Side is definitely buzzworthy. NY’s newest neighbourhood was built from the ground up atop an open-air railyard. Popular attractions include Vessel, the Yard’s seven-storey shopping mall.

Hudson Yards in Manhattan's Far West Side is definitely buzzworthy.

11. BLEND YOUR OWN WINE AT d’ARENBERG CUBE

Striking and modern in contrast to the rural backdrop of South Australia’s McLaren Vale wine region, the d’Arenberg Cube demands your attention.

The structure is reminiscent of an oversized, unsolved Rubik’s cube, reflecting the complexity of creating the perfect drop.

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Blend your own wine at D'Arenberg Cube. Striking and modern in contrast to the rural backdrop of South Australia's McLaren Vale wine region.

Each level, a playground for the senses, is an attraction within itself at the award-winning, experiential venue. On the top level, the Blending Bench allows you play winemaker; tasting, mixing and bottling your own blend of grapes that ripened on the vines below. Name your blend and play sommelier at the next dinner party.

12. DIVE THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Diving below the waves and observing the coral below is a whole new world right on our doorstep. Taking a helicopter to the Great Barrier Reef, the view from the air is absolutely stunning.

In our own backyard, this is why you want to visit the Great Barrier Reef in 2020.

Flying over coral reefs with the ocean below glistening in 50 shades of blue, green and turquoise makes you realise flying is definitely a “wow” way to arrive to Heron Island in the southern Great Barrier Reef. Under the water, it’s a whole new world. The diversity of marine life and the colours of the reef and its inhabitants are astounding and a must-do in 2020.

13. STAND ON THE EDGE OF PULPIT ROCK IN NORWAY

If you’re afraid of heights this may not be for you. But if you’re wanting to be swept up in breathtaking views, a trip to Pulpit Rock is a must. Pulpit Rock is a sheer cliff that towers 604m over the Lysefjord in southwestern Norway and one of the area’s most famous natural attractions.

Stand on the edge of Pulpit Rock in Norway.

The 8km round-trip trail starts with a steep climb, followed by a gentle walk along a mountainside before another steep rise up natural stone stairs. After a series of smaller ascents and descents, hikers will arrive at a wooden walkway on the side of the cliff before the final leg of the trail up a smooth rock surface. Natural paths zigzag along the cliff face before a sheer drop down the fjord before arriving at the rock.

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14. KAYAK WITH ORCAS

Vancouver Island is one of the best places to witness orcas in the wild, and what better way to do it than from the seat of a kayak.

Kayak with orcas in Canada from the best seat in the house.

Breaching beside your kayak, this is about as close as you’re going to get to these majestic creatures. Orcas are abundant in this part of the world, and Johnstone Strait – between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia – is home to the largest resident pod in the world.

15. BEACH YOURSELF IN BORACAY

White-sand and bluewater makes this beach a tropical island dream.

Until Boracay closed to tourism in 2018 for rehabilitation, the island was one of the Philippines’ top tourist draws, famous for its 4km-long White Beach – the white-sand, Bluewater Beach of tropical island dreams. Reopening in October, 2018 with a daily visitor limit, travellers now need to have proof of accommodation on the island in order to board the boat from Kalibo to Boracay.

The island was one of the Philippines' top tourist draws, especially after reopening in October 2018.

White Beach has lost none of its lustre, the sandy stretch is still a popular spot with bars and restaurants along the beachfront and boutiques and local markets for souvenirs. There’s a lively atmosphere and the beach itself is back to its pristine best.

16. GO SCRAMBLING ON THE ISLE OF SKYE

Rambling, by definition, is “walking in the countryside for pleasure”. It’s wonderfully British and romantic in summer or winter.

But when the ground you’re rambling across gets steeper and you find yourself using your hands to climb up a craggy basalt peak … now you’re scrambling.

Go rambling on the Isle of Skye and get to know Scotland's craggy landscape with a scramble.

Scrambling is also one of Britain’s favourite outdoor pastimes, and there’s nowhere more thrilling to get your scramble on than the Isle of Skye.

With 22 peaks, Black Cuillin Ridge is known as the UK’s toughest mountain challenge. If that makes you a little nervous, don’t be. You don’t need to take on the most challenging climb to witness some of the most beautiful and dramatic scenery in the world.

17. BE WOWED BY THE RESTAURANT SCENE IN BALI

As one of Australia’s favourite holiday destinations, relaxing by a pool can really work up an appetite.

A host of esteemed international chefs have traded big cities for beach views, transforming Bali into a modern foodie mecca. With menus dishing up everything from Mediterranean to Mexican, Asian fusion, modern Australian and experimental fine dining, the more than 20 million tourists who grace Bali’s shores annually are spoiled for choice.

Be wowed by the restaurant scene in Bali with world-class settings now on the menu.

Dedicated foodies can indulge in a burgeoning dining scene that’s equal parts sophisticated and adventurous. Venues such as Sardine take inspiration from local flavours in refined Balinese fusion dishes, while Italian Osteria Da Maria will have guests trading Bintangs for burrata and bolognese. So, bring your appetite – exploring the culinary landscape of Bali is hungry, but rewarding work.

18. GO CAVING AMID MAYAN RUINS IN BELIZE

It’s not easy to get to, but as with most things, the more difficult the challenge, the greater the reward.

Deep in the Belizean jungle, it’s an hour’s ride from San Ignacio and another hour’s light trek on paths and through three rivers just to reach the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave (ATM cave).

The ruins in Belize are incredible and full of history.

It’s humid with smatterings of light rain, there’s been a snake sighting and all we can hear are howler monkeys in the trees above us. How, we wonder, did the intrepid archaeologist who discovered the ATM cave in 1989 after more than 1000 years of them being “lost” even get here?

19. FLOAT AWAY ON A NILE RIVER CRUISE

It’s incredible how many Egyptian antiquities you encounter on a Nile River cruise.

To be in the presence of the last Ancient Wonder of the World – the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx – is something I’ll always treasure.

Float away on a Nile River cruise

On a nine-day cruise itinerary from Cairo, I was able to experience this ancient destination from the modern comfort of my luxury cabin, seeing the beautiful scenery and temples that line the banks of the Nile and waving to the locals as we coasted along. Watching the feluccas sailing in the sunset, it was a fitting ending to a trip back in time.

20. STARGAZE THE LARGEST DARK SKY RESERVE IN THE WORLD

Clarity of the cold night is endless

On a chilly evening in September, I left the warmth of my accommodation at Lake Tekapo in New Zealand to travel to the brand-new Dark Sky Project Base on the lakefront, ready to stargaze the Southern skies.

Stargaze at the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the world.

The Crater Experience at Cowan’s Private Observatory is a five-minute bus ride from the base and it’s soon evident why the South Island region of Aoraki Mackenzie has earned its reputation as the world’s largest gold-standard International Dark Sky Reserve.

With the clarity of the cold night and limitless sky, constellations and galaxies can be observed with the naked eye as well as through the powerful 14-inch optical telescope.

The Travel ideas: Wow List 2020 magazine will be available from Flight Centre stores and online from Thursday, 5 December, 2019.