Welcome to the new decade. By now you’ve probably brushed off January’s lethargy, and are fixing your sights on the year ahead. If so, we’ve got just the thing: our annual Cool List. We’ve selected the 20 places you should have on your travel horizon. From Cumbria and Cairo to Panama and Pakistan, we’ve scoured the globe for 2020’s most interesting destinations. From hiking trails and emerging culinary hubs to luxury lodges and landmark attractions, it’s a list that gives you plenty of inspiration close to home, as well as further afield. National Geographic Traveller has always championed responsible, sustainable, authentic travel. Considering how, where and why we choose to travel is an ethos now firmly in the public consciousness. Exploring the world this decade means doing so responsibly and with purpose: tour slowly, spend locally and show support. Australia, Puerto Rico, Egypt and Lebanon — all in need of our ongoing support — make our list for this reason. Travel can be a powerful force for good, offering an economic lifeline, and a voice, for beleaguered communities. It can change lives, including yours. We hope this year’s Cool List helps you enjoy the journey.

The list in full:

1. Namibia

Few destinations can compete with Namibia’s raw, unspoiled beauty for off-grid adventuring. Add into the mix a major anniversary and eye-catching new lodges in the country’s untapped south, and Namibia is one to watch in 2020

While many of the country’s off-radar retreats have so far been concentrated in the north, it’s now the copper-hued dunes and game parks of the south that are seeing a wave of design-conscious openings, including Kwessi Dunes, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge and the colonial era-inspired tented camp Sonop. It’s all impeccably well-timed too: this year marks the 30th anniversary of the country’s independence from South Africa and an extra £1.3m has been earmarked for nationwide celebrations on 21 March. namibiatourism.com.na

2. Baja California

Now with direct access from the UK and a raft of new hotels, the beaches, mountains and vineyards of Mexico’s Baja peninsula are no longer just the preserve of holidaying Hollywood

A hop across the border from sunny southern California, most Americans see Baja as an extension of the Golden State itself. Following the launch of TUI’s direct flights from Gatwick to Los Cabos, Baja California is within easy reach of British travellers, too. Los Cabos itself is a tale of two cities (or towns): laid-back, traditional San José del Cabo and buzzing international Cabo San Lucas, linked by ‘the corridor’ — a 20-mile, beach-fringed boulevard flanked by an increasing number of resorts and hotels. The Viceroy opened in 2018 and since then, a succession of luxury resorts has followed suit, including the Four Seasons, a Nobu Hotel and the Waldorf Astoria, with an Aman slated to open this year. visitloscabos.travel visitbajasur.travel visitmexico.com

3. Lebanon

The FCO lifted restrictions on travel to swathes of the country last year and UK travel companies are returning in droves, opening up Lebanon’s archaeological treasures to tour groups

Lebanon is back on the travel map, and its improved safety credentials are the catalyst. In 2019, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office deemed it once again safe to visit the northeast — including the picturesque Bekaa Valley, home to a booming viticulture scene. Companies launching into or returning to the region this year include YellowWood Adventures, Cox & Kings, Explore and Undiscovered Destinations, while Travel the Unknown has tripled itineraries to include specialist tours to lesser-known sights. Meanwhile, the capital’s creative and culinary scene blossoms apace, with luxury digs available at Arthaus Gemmayze, scheduled to open in February. visit-lebanon.org

4. Cumbria

It’s been 250 years since the birth of William Wordsworth and the poet’s home county is as magnetic as ever, with fresh attractions and the UK’s most exciting trio of restaurants

Wordsworth has often been called the first mindful traveller, a man whose wide-eyed odes to the beauty of the great outdoors still help to shape how we see our landscapes. He was born in 1770 and spent the bulk of his life in and around Cumbria’s Lake District, which was then, as it is now, England’s most spectacular corner. This year anniversary year is being marked by a £6.2m facelift of Wordsworth’s former Grasmere home, Dove Cottage, and the adjacent Wordsworth Museum. Cumbria also has three new Michelin stars, awarded to The Cottage In The Wood at Whinlatter, Allium at Askham Hall and The Old Stamp House Restaurant at Ambleside. It brings the county’s total to seven, making it home to the most Michelin stars north of London. golakes.co.uk visitengland.com