By Adiel Kaplan, Lindsey Bomnin, Vicky Nguyen, Julianna Rennie and Erin Williams
Jason Alderman was hungry. It was the beginning of his regular Sunday night commute from San Francisco to Boston, but unlike most weeks, he hadn't grabbed food before boarding his plane. So that June 2018 evening, the public relations executive did something he'd sworn he'd never do again: He ate the in-flight meal.
Sitting in business class, he ordered the duck ravioli after he says the flight attendant assured him it was "very good." But a few hours later, Alderman knew something was wrong.
"About three-quarters of the way through the flight, I start feeling really bad. Really, really bad," he recalled. "If you've never had food poisoning before, it's like going 10 rounds with Muhammad Ali."
Alderman says he managed to reach his Boston apartment before he became violently ill.
He can't remember how long it lasted. "You sort of get lost in this time warp of misery," he said. "I got a few hours of sleep, cleaned myself off, took a shower, and went into work. It was probably one of my lower performing days."
Alderman's story may carry a familiar ring for many travelers. Jokes and tales about the quality of in-flight meals are nothing new. But just how safe is airline food?
An NBC News investigation of airline catering found an industry with limited oversight in which outbreaks are difficult to track. Food safety for airline caterers and airlines is regulated by the federal Food and Drug Administration, which requires inspections of this industry far less frequently than it recommends local health agencies inspect restaurants. When airline food inspections do occur, they can reveal serious safety violations — as many as 22 in a single inspection — but rarely lead to penalties.
Under the FDA's rules, the agency only has to inspect airline caterers every three to five years. FDA rules for airlines are even looser than for caterers: planes receive random FDA inspections "when time and opportunity allow," according to an agency manual.
In contrast, the FDA's food code, which guides the food safety rules adopted by state and local governments, recommends that local authorities inspect food establishments every six months, with exceptions for low-risk facilities. But airline catering facilities don't always fall under those codes. The FDA considers them different from restaurants because caterers do not sell food directly to consumers, instead contracting with airlines that do.
Jason Alderman said the most disappointing part of getting food poisoning after eating duck ravioli on a plane was trying to tell authorities what happened.TODAY
Some states, like California, do send health inspectors to airline catering facilities. But state and local inspection agencies in multiple states — including those that oversee the cities and counties where both Chicago airports, the Dallas-Fort Worth airport and the Atlanta airport are located — told NBC News that airline caterers were outside their jurisdiction, and only inspected by the FDA.
"Dates of inspection represent only a snapshot of FDA's engagement with companies," the FDA said in a statement. "They are not an accurate indicator of FDA's overall engagement. Between inspections, FDA often engages regularly with companies, particularly regarding corrective actions."
In the past four years, FDA inspectors have found condensation dripping onto food, fans blowing dust on food, thermometers off by as much as 25 degrees, raw meat contaminating cooked meat, moldy bread, live birds and insects, as well as bird and rodent poop and more at airline catering facilities, according to more than 1,000 pages of inspection reports obtained by public records request.
Whether those violations may have led to illnesses is difficult to say, according to food safety experts. NBC News also found that tracking foodborne illnesses from airplane food is particularly challenging. First of all, the victims disperse.
"Outbreaks from airline food are very difficult to identify because the people get dispersed into various locations," said Roy Costa, an environmental health inspector and trainer who has worked as a state food inspector and served as an expert witness in food safety lawsuits. "It's not like having a cluster of people that you can identify all had one exposure, so it's difficult to pin them down."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 48 million Americans get food poisoning every year. Scientists have identified more than 250 foodborne illnesses ranging from mild to deadly, all with different incubation periods. The most common ones can hit anywhere from 30 minutes after eating to up to four weeks later, according to the CDC. The longer the incubation period, the harder it is to connect it to the food that spread the bacteria.
Travel isn't the only barrier to discovering potential outbreaks. The systems for reporting illnesses can be confusing to navigate — so even when passengers try to report their illnesses, the stories can fall through the cracks.
Airline catering is a nearly $6 billion industry in the United States alone, according to an analysis of the industry by market research firm IBISWorld. It is dominated by three companies: LSG Sky Chefs (owned by the German airline Lufthansa and larger than the next two caterers combined), Gate Gourmet and Flying Food Group. Together, they make up nearly half the U.S. market. While a few airlines, like United, do some of their catering in-house, most in-flight meals and snacks on major airlines are supplied by catering companies.
Airline catering is a nearly $6 billion industry in the U.S. alone.Kondor83 / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Catering facilities are typically on airport grounds, or located within a few miles of the tarmac. After preparation, food is loaded onto narrow carts that fit in airplane aisles, then placed on trucks with hydraulic lifts that take it to waiting planes.
Club2020 members will get a 20 percent discount on all fares for any flight to any destination.
MEXICO CITY, Mexico-- Just in time for the New Year, Interjet Airlines announced an exclusive travel membership program called Club2020, offering passengers who join the club, 20 percent discounts on any flight they purchase with no restrictions on the fare booked or Interjet destination they can fly to. Club2020 specifics include:
Membership to Club2020 costs $100.00 USD plus applicable taxes (in Canada, $100.00 CAD plus taxes)
Memberships can be purchased directly online and paid for via credit card, debit card or Interjet's e-Wallet
Club2020 membership must be purchased by December 31, 2019, and can be used on flights taken through the end of 2019 and all of 2020
Members can also take advantage of special Club2020 promotions throughout 2020
"This is a great opportunity for passengers to reduce their personal or business travel expenses while at the same time, experience the competitive pricing, free checked bags on select fares, more legroom between seats and excellent on-board service including free beverages and snack as well as drinks that have made Interjet one of the fastest-growing airlines in North America," said Julio Gamero, Interjet's Chief Commercial Officer. "Twenty percent off any fare on any flight is a great way to start the new year," he added.
Interjet Airlines currently offers flights between 10 U.S. cities and Mexico including New York, Miami, Orlando, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
For more information or to sign up for Interjet's Club2020, click here. For more information on Interjet or to make a reservation, visit http://www.interjet.com or in the U.S. call (866) 285-9525.
About Interjet
Interjet is an international airline based in Mexico City carrying 14 million passengers annually within Mexico and between Mexico, the United States, Canada, Central and South America. In all, it provides air service to 55 destinations in 10 countries offering its passengers greater connections and travel options through agreements with major airlines such as Alitalia, All Nippon Airways (ANA), American Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Air Canada, LATAM Group, Iberia, Lufthansa, Hainan Airlines, Qatar Airlines and Japan Airlines.
Interjet was also honored with Skytrax's World Airline Award as the 'Best Low-Cost Airline in Mexico and Best Cabin Crew in Mexico as well as being awarded the Travelers' Choice Trip Advisor Award as the best Mexico airline.
First major exhibition dedicated to pioneering female entrepreneur who changed the course of modern art
February 23–May 10, 2020
Philadelphia, PA—In February 2020, the Barnes Foundation will present Marie Cuttoli: The Modern Thread from Miró to Man Ray, an exhibition that traces Marie Cuttoli’s pioneering career, from her early work in fashion and interiors to her revival of the French tapestry industry in collaboration with Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, and other modern artists. On view in the Roberts Gallery from February 23 through May 10, 2020, this is the first major exhibition to celebrate Cuttoli’s visionary approach to art and business.
Marie Cuttoli: The Modern Thread from Miró to Man Ray at the Barnes is sponsored by Morgan Stanley. The contributing sponsor is Comcast NBCUniversal. Additional support is provided by Art Mentor Foundation Lucerne and The Coby Foundation, Ltd.
This exhibition holds a special significance at the Barnes; when a selection of the tapestries Cuttoli commissioned toured the US in the 1930s and ’40s, Dr. Albert C. Barnes was one of her most vocal advocates and patrons. The three tapestries he bought after designs by Picasso, Rouault, and Miró form the basis of this exhibition. Among the rich archival materials included in this show is a digitized national radio broadcast of Dr. Barnes speaking about Cuttoli.
“Marie Cuttoli was a trailblazing entrepreneur who breathed new life into the tradition of French tapestry and helped redefine what modern art could be in 20th century,” says Kang. “It is exciting to shine a light on her impressive career and to present a new history of art that includes decoration as a serious endeavor of modernism here at the Barnes—especially given Dr. Barnes’s enthusiasm for Cuttoli and her work.”
EXHIBITION ORGANIZATION Marie Cuttoli: The Modern Thread from Miró to Man Ray is organized by the Barnes Foundation and curated by Cindy Kang, associate curator at the Barnes.
ABOUT THE CURATOR Cindy Kang is associate curator at the Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia. Her research and publications have focused on the relationship between painting and decorative arts in late 19th- and early 20th-century France. She served as managing curator for the Barnes presentations of Berthe Morisot: Woman Impressionist (2018–19) and Renoir: Father and Son/Painting and Cinema (2018). She previously held curatorial and research positions at the Bard Graduate Center, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Frick Collection, and was a scholar-in-residence at the Getty Research Institute. She received her PhD from the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University.
CATALOGUE Published by the Barnes Foundation and distributed by Yale University Press, the exhibition catalogue for Marie Cuttoli: The Modern Thread from Miró to Man Ray features new research and scholarship from specialists in France and the US, including essays by Cindy Kang, Laura Pirkelbauer, Virginia Gardner Troy, K. L. H. Wells, and Bruno Ythier.
The Barnes Foundation was established by Dr. Albert C. Barnes in 1922 to “promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts and horticulture.” Since moving to Philadelphia in 2012, the Barnes has expanded its commitment to teaching visual literacy in groundbreaking ways, investing in original scholarship relating to its collection, and enhancing accessibility throughout every facet of its program.
The Barnes is open Wednesday–Monday, and tickets can be purchased on-site, online, or by calling 215.278.7000. Ticket prices and current hours are listed on our website.
Transformative Travel: I look at how travel can change lives.
In the surf in Miami Beach, which is one of the 25 best places to travel in 2020.
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What’s on your travel list for 2020? Maybe this is the year to see more of the United States. After all, there’s so much to love in our own backyard. I tapped into a handful of travel experts and influencers to find out the top places in the USA that they recommend visiting in 2020. Their picks range from historic cities to mountain getaways to some up-and-coming locations that you might not know—but that you need to see in the new year. Compare these to the best places in the US that the experts chose for 2019. I’ve also got my own shortlist of some of the travel spots I’m most excited about in the US for 2020.
For those of you who want to explore beyond our borders, check out this list of the 27 top places to travel in 2020, where travel experts select next year’s most compelling destinations around the globe. But first, read on for the 25 best places to visit in the United States in 2020. These are locations that will make every American citizen very proud.
On a porch in New Orleans, which is one of the top places to visit in 2020.
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Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
Chosen by: Natalie DiScala is a writer and editor at JohnnyJet.com, covering travel trends, products and family travel.
Why: New Orleans may masquerade as a Mardi Gras party town, but really, it’s a city with a rich history that’s known for its music and food scene—not to mention the festivals. New Orleans has about 130 festivals each year so there’s really no bad time to visit. In 2020, the city is throwing its doors open to host the Women’s Final Four games as well as the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship, making it the perfect time for sports fans to visit. But even if you’re not into sports, New Orleans has so many things for visitors to do. Bourbon Street is the obvious choice for food, drink and jazz and it’s definitely a must-visit location, especially for first-timers to the city. (For easy access to Bourbon Street, check into The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, which is in a 1908 Beaux Arts Maison Blanche building and is wrapping up a transformation to the guest rooms, suites, corridors and the spa just in time to kick off the new decade.)
Chosen by: Becca Ingle is an avid family travel blogger. She is the founder of BeccaIngle.com, where you can read all her travel guides. Follow her on Instagram to see behind the scenes of each trip (@Beccaingle).
Why: Vail, Colorado, is the perfect destination for families and travelers looking to find everything in one central spot. Stay at the amazing Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail to be steps away from Vail Village, a popular town with heated cobblestone streets for strolling, restaurants and bars, coffee shops, ice-skating, a movie theater and a bowling alley, all within reach. The country’s largest free transportation system runs frequently, making it easy to access almost anywhere from Vail Village to Lionshead Village without the hassle of driving.
Pop over to the Gorsuch store to get all your ski rentals and winter clothing for the season. It has everything from designer clothing to home goods and even whimsical gingerbread houses. Vail’s extensive snowmaking upgrades and expansions have opened up nearly 200 acres of new and enhanced snowmaking terrain to allow longer ski seasons. Opening day for Vail Mountain was November 15 and the mountain remains open through April 19, 2020. Put the kids in Vail ski school at Golden Peak Mountain and ski over 5,317 acres of mountain terrain. During peak season, make sure to check out Epic Discovery, where you can ride a rollercoaster through the snow and tube down the mountain. It also has adventure courses, zip lines, a mountain coaster, tubing hills, a climbing wall, bungee trampoline and much more available in the summer months. To get the most bang for your buck, make sure to purchase the Epic Pass for the 2019–20 season. If you are feeling adventurous, book a day of dog sledding with Mountain Mushers, a two-hour scenic ride through Vail Mountains and you will feel like you are in a Christmas card.
A summer evening in the heart of New York's Hudson Valley in Poughkeepsie.
Why: The Hudson Valley is where New Yorkers go to escape the city when they need a healthy dose of nature and relaxation. Just an hour and half north of New York City, the Hudson Valley is comprised of dozens of small, impossibly charming towns east of the Hudson River. And while the air is fresher and things do move slower in the mountains, that doesn’t mean nothing happens up here—in fact, quite the opposite is true. The region recently debuted the third outpost of the beloved Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Rhinebeck, complete with a luxurious spa and wet-room and a knockout Charlie Palmer restaurant. Plus, all 50 rooms have deep soaking tubs and fireplaces, ensuring a cozy and tranquil getaway. Grab a bite at the new Hudson Valley Food Hall in Beacon that’s filled with local vendors, or head to Hudson to eat at Lil’ Deb’s Oasis—its chef-owners were nominated for the Best Chef: Northeast James Beard Award in 2019.
If you need to work off all that food, check out the new Empire State Trail, which is slated to be finished by the end of 2020. The 750-mile biking and hiking route links communities across New York State and links up to the Hudson Greenway Trails. Also new for 2020 is the kid and adult favorite, Legoland New York Resort, opening just in time for July 4th. Expect more than 50 rides for varying age levels, the New York City skyline (and plenty of other cities) built entirely out of Lego, Lego Ninjago World and more.
Writer Patrice J. Williams in Memphis.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PATRICE J. WILLIAMS
Where: Memphis, Tennessee
Chosen by: Patrice J. Williams is a travel and lifestyle writer who has contributed to Fodor’s, USA Today, Travel + Leisure and more. She also appears as an on-air expert for the Today Show, Nate Berkus Show and WEtv. Patrice can be found sharing style advice on her blog, Looking Fly on a Dime, or dishing on travel and lifestyle hacks on Instagram (@PatriceJWill).
Why: Nashville tends to get all of the love, but Memphis is bubbling over with soul and style. This year marked the bicentennial and 2020 enters a New Century of Soul, so the city is sure to have tons to check out for new and returning visitors.
It’s hard to say “Memphis” without thinking of music—the Stax Museum pays homage to the artists who created the sounds that continue to influence current artists. Continuing into 2020 is the “Run This Town” exhibit which tells the story of a dozen Memphian women, including Estelle Axton who co-founded legendary Stax Records, home to Otis Redding and Sam & Dave. Also in 2020, Hattiloo Theater, the only freestanding Black repertory theater in five surrounding states, is set to open its 15th season.
Eating well in Memphis isn’t hard to do and the food ranges from offerings from nationally recognized chefs to down home southern cooking that was a staple for Civil Rights activists. Memphis natives Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman have several James Beard nominations, most recently in 2019, for their string of restaurants including Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen and Hog & Hominy. There are also some touristy spots that are well worth the hype and the wait, like historic The Four Way where Dr. Martin Luther King was a regular. A bustling area like Beale Street is even worth a trip if only for the she crab soup at Itta Benna, which is tucked away upstairs from B.B. King’s Blues Club.
As far as highlights within certain neighborhoods, the formerly industrial Broad Ave Arts District is a hub for shopping and dining, Orange Mound art gallery, The CMPLX, celebrates its one-year anniversary in 2020 and Hu Hotel in downtown has a renovated rooftop bar with views overlooking the Mississippi River.
Downtown Greenville, South Carolina.
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Where: Greenville, South Carolina
Chosen by: Katie Jackson is a Montana-based travel writer whose work has been published by Travel + Leisure, USA TODAY, Fox News and The Sunday Times. Every trip she takes is an investment, and she likes to pay the rewards forward by helping other travelers. You can follow her adventures (and misadventures) on Instagram.
Why: Residents are so proud of being #YeahThatGreenville (the US has 35 Greenvilles), it’s the region’s most used hashtag. I don’t blame the locals for bursting with hometown pride. What sets Greenville apart from other Southern cities is its backdrop: the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 22-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail and waterfalls cascading through downtown don’t hurt either. Falls Park on the Reedy is to Greenville what Central Park is to New York. Except Central Park doesn’t boast an awe-inspiring suspension bridge floating above landscaped gardens below. Greenville also has also award-winning performance venues, North America’s only BMW museum and the most dog-friendly downtown I’ve ever seen.
Why visit now? Greenville is one of the country’s fastest growing cities, so flights are plentiful and cheap (discount airline Frontier Airlines just added service in September). Don’t leave town without trying an acai bowl at Southern Pressed Juicery or the homemade sourdough bread at the newly opened farm-to-table standout, Topsoil. My favorite place to stay is in the foothills at Hotel Domestique—a French chateau-inspired boutique hotel owned by Tour de France legend, George Hincapie.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is just one of the many reasons that Orlando is a top spot to visit in ... [+]
PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN DUBOIS
Where: Orlando, Florida
Chosen by: Megan DuBois is a theme park expert and frequent traveler to magical places. She frequently covers breaking theme park news, food, drinks and trending destinations. Her work can be seen on Popsugar, Insider, Family Vacation Critic, TravelPulse and more. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
Why: Orlando always has something new and interesting, but in 2020 there’s so much to do you might need to visit two or three times to see it all. For the theme park fan, Walt Disney World is the spot to be with quite a few new attractions coming or that recently debuted. Disney’s Hollywood Studios just opened Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in December 2019, following Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge which opened earlier this year; and on March 4, an all new attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, will start taking guests into the cartoon world. Epcot is also undergoing a huge transformation and in summer 2020, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will begin taking guests on an adventure through Gusteau’s restaurant. There’s also a brand-new stunt show coming to Universal Orlando—the Bourne Stuntacular, which will debut spring 2020. Stay at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa, opening February 2020 for easy access to both Disney and Universal, and enjoy the modern elegance of the sprawling resort.
Outside of the theme parks, there are dozens of small neighborhoods to explore, each with their own individual flair. Winter Park is a hot spot for dining, and new in 2020 is Sixty Vines, which is going to be the spot to see and be seen. The wine bar will feature more than 60 wines on tap along with Napa Valley seasonally inspired cuisine. For those looking for variety, A.G.’s Market, a new 22,000 square foot food hall is coming to Orlando and will feature local vendors and nightly views of the Disney fireworks. Knife and Spoon, opening spring 2020, is a concept from chef John Tesar, who is a James Beard Award semifinalist and Top Chef contestant.
The snow-covered mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho.
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Where: Sun Valley, Idaho
Chosen by:Teddy Minford spent her childhood in Europe before moving to Sun Valley, Idaho. She now lives in New York, where she’s always planning her next trip. When she’s not writing and editing for Fodor’s, you can usually find her reading a book.
Why: Way back in 1936, Sun Valley became America’s first ski resort, catering almost exclusively to a clientele of celebrities, financiers and international athletes. Today, it’s still the coolest ski town in the United States, with hip restaurants, cozy hotels, legendary nightlife and an astounding number of art galleries and music festivals that would rival a city 100 times its size. The year-round community of local artists, writers, small business owners, philanthropists and—yes, they’re still around—celebrities who call this place home are dedicated to the natural beauty, outdoor adventures and the fact that there’s not a single high-rise building or chain restaurant in town. Plus, the skiing’s not bad either. The word “authentic” is constantly overused in travel writing, but this place is truly one-of-a-kind and for that reason, it’s one of our favorite places in 2020.
The Caribbean? No Indiana Dunes State Park, overlooking Lake Michigan.
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Where: Indiana
Chosen by: Pauline Frommer is the co-president of Frommer Media LLC, which publishes the Frommer’s guidebooks and Frommers.com. She co-hosts two radio shows on travel (for WABC and Radio America), pens a syndicated newspaper column for King Features, and is the author of the best selling Frommer’s EasyGuide to New York City 2020.
Why: In 2020, Indiana is celebrating two important birthdays. The first is America’s newest national park, Indiana Dunes National Park, on the shores of Lake Michigan. There, visitors will discover Mount Baldy, a sand dune mountain that’s always changing shape, as well as gorgeous beaches and freshwater swimming. And then Indianapolis is coming into its own, right in time for its 200th birthday. Indianapolis is blossoming right now with a rich cultural scene and some of the most interesting museums in the United States.
Be sure to check out the Children’s Museum if you’re traveling with kids (don’t miss the dinosaur section!) and Newfields, a sprawling museum of art geared toward people who don’t typically go to art museums. The Madam Walker Legacy Center, which will complete renovations in 2020, honors the entrepreneur—and first female African-American millionaire—Madam Walker. There, visitors can engage in programming and view artifacts from her life and business. And then there’s Bottleworks, which is home to an old Coca-Cola factory that's being turned into the newest neighborhood. It’s going to be filled with cute boutiques, nice restaurants and even a hotel. For more ideas of where to go in Indianapolis, check out Frommer’s list of the top places to go in 2020 here.
Walking along a beach trail in Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard.
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Where: Martha’s Vineyard
Chosen by:Tiffany Dowd is a global luxury hotel expert and luxury travel influencer known as “Luxe Tiffany” and founder of Luxe Social Media. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
Why: Just a 30-minute ferry from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, picturesque Edgartown is the hideaway for celebs and A-listers alike including the Obamas, who recently purchased a spectacular home in the area. A former whaling town, the streets are lined with impressive Greek revival homes, former whaling captains’ homes, upscale shops, art galleries and top restaurants.
Chosen by: Olivia Balsinger has utilized her global perspective to manifest a career as a travel expert. She ditched NYC corporate life for adventure (and lust over a Danish boy!) in Copenhagen and hasn’t looked back. Olivia has visited 103 countries and was honored as InterContinental Group’s Latin America “Journalist of the Year.” She is the co-host of the upcoming immersive travel series Journey's Beyond and is the co-producer of Fly Brother, coming to PBS in 2020. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
Why: A haven for fishers, foodies and beach bums alike, the Florida Keys is the 2020 U.S. destination spot that encompasses it all. Often referred to as “America’s Caribbean,” the archipelago is home to more than 1,700 islands. Key West, by far the most developed and largest city in the Keys, is a melting pot of San Francisco temperament and Caribbean temperature. It is sprinkled with fruity Key Lime pies, the flair of neighboring Cuba and a generally laid-back attitude.
No trip to Key West is complete without a visit to The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum where the prolific author lived and wrote for 10 years. And 2020 brings a new way for Hemingway aficionados to gain insight into his life—Key West Food Tours is launching a 3.5-hour walking tour that retraces the author's steps around Old Town. The tour includes two food tastings, two cocktails, a rum sampling and a plethora of anecdotes of Hemmingway’s storied life.
For an all-day activity, FuryWatersports has an experience that begins with a 90-minute sail to the Great Florida Reef, the third-largest coral barrier reef system in the world, where participants can borrow snorkeling gear and jump right in. A tour of Key West’s First Legal Rum Distillery will surely add spice to any itinerary. The first for the Florida Keys, the distillery is located in a former Coca-Cola bottling plant and then converted into a pre-Prohibition Era bar called Jack’s Saloon.
Next year brings new accommodations perfect for a range of budgets. The 101-room Hampton Inn Key West has just completed a 14-month renovation, while the 5.5-acre Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort, is set to reopen in spring with 15 redesigned thatched-roof bungalow suites. And 2020 also brings exciting tech news: The Florida Keys & Key West Travel App is your key to the Keys. This new digital tool encourages safe driving and sightseeing on the famed Highway 1, using geographic locations to trigger and alert drivers of upcoming scenic, iconic and historical points—including diving spots. Plus, there are more ways to travel to this captivating frontier: On February 15, American Airlines will launch seasonal nonstop weekly service between Massachusetts’ Boston Logan International Airport and Key West International Airport, jetting visitors to this little pinpoint of paradise.
St. Louis downtown city skyline at twilight.
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Where: St. Louis, Missouri
Chosen by: Marcia DeSanctis writes for Vogue, Departures, Travel + Leisure and Air Mail, and is the author of a New York Timesbest-selling book about France.
Why: Why doesn’t everyone visit St. Louis, Missouri? And frankly, move there? As American cities go, it’s as vibrant, diverse and hip as it gets, and if that’s surprising, stop in next time you’re flying from New York to LA. Though the city endured some rough economic times in postindustrial years, start-up culture is redefining its economy in big, positive ways. That, on top of a legacy of architectural masterpieces from its moneyed past make the city the rarest of paradoxes: a cool city with class.
Name another steal-your-breath experience like the moment the 630-foot arch comes into view above the Mississippi River. The Gateway Arch National Park recently reopened after $380 million renovation, and the results are stunning. On Christmas day 2019, The 120,000 square-foot St. Louis Aquarium will open in the 125-year-old Union Station. In September, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum on the campus of Washington University unveiled its striking new expansion with an exhibit by Ai Weiwei. And of course, the St. Louis Blues won the 2019 Stanley Cup, so catch the champs at the Enterprise Center. In spring, it’s worth diverting for the cherry blossoms at the Botanical Gardens, the oldest in the country.
Downtown St. Louis has come alive in recent years. Rooster is great for a stick-to-your-bones brunch, while Blood and Sand, formerly a members-only supper club, is now open to the public for innovative American cuisine. Around Victorian-elegant Lafayette Park, try Polite Society for a romantic, locally sourced dinner, then head to Clementine’s Creamery for handcrafted ice cream, some of it spiked. In the trendy Botanical Heights district, try Nixta for cutting-edge Mexican, and across the way, in a repurposed gas station, Olio for fresh Mediterranean small plates.
The new Navy Beach in St. Thomas.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NAVY BEACH
Where: U.S. Virgin Islands
Chosen by: As The Points Guy’s travel editor, Melanie Lieberman manages destination coverage and other travel features. Before joining the TPG team, Melanie was an editor at Travel + Leisure magazine, and her work has appeared in Bloomberg Pursuits, Yahoo Travel, Jetsetter and Saveur magazine, among others.
Why: More than two years after hurricanes Irma and Maria, the U.S. Virgin Islands are truly making a comeback—and not just in the way of superficial repairs. Beloved properties like The Westin St. John and The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas were completely reborn in 2019. And a new resort, Noni Beach (the first Autograph Collection hotel in the U.S. Virgin Islands) will debut in the new year.
The U.S. Virgin Islands are also closer to the mainland than ever now, with American and Delta expanding their Caribbean networks through new codeshare partnerships with Silver Airways. St. Croix, for example, is now on Delta’s flight map, and American is even launching new flights to St. Thomas from Chicago (ORD) and Dallas (DFW) on Dec. 21.
Once you’ve arrived, visit the new swim-up taco bar off the coast of St. John that opened in March, or check out Navy Beach St. Thomas—an outpost of the iconic Montauk restaurant that will welcome guests at the Yacht Haven Grande before the end of the year. From here, you can watch the yacht-filled harbor from the outdoor lounge while plotting the rest of your 2020 adventures. For more ideas of where to go in the USVI, check out The Points Guy’s list of the top places to go in 2020.
The skyline of Scottsdale, Arizona, in evening light
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Where: Scottsdale, Arizona
Chosen by: Dylan Essertier is a writer, speaker and the founder and CEO of Dylan Grace. Dylan’s travel expertise has been featured in WSJ Magazine, Vogue, Conde Nast Traveler, Departures and more. Sign up for free weekly travel tips via her website and follow her around the world on Instagram.
Why: Scottsdale has always been best known for its rugged beauty—most notably, the saguaro-dotted desert. But these days, it’s the city’s rich cultural traditions that are taking a spot in the limelight. In 2020, in addition to touring Frank Lloyd Wright’s legendary home and studio, getting a glimpse at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and enjoying the city’s free ArtWalk, visitors can experience unique works from around the globe at the recently-opened immersive art hub, Wonderspaces. Hotels and resorts have also been upgraded in recent months. The W Scottsdale unveiled six new Penthouse suites in June, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess refreshed its 458 rooms and pool area and the Royal Palms Resort and Spa just rolled out a new 11,000-square-foot spa. Culture, cacti and chic hotels—what’s not to love?
Northern California's Cascade Range.
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Where: Redding and the Shasta Cascades, California
Chosen by:Melissa Klurman is a travel expert, writer and editor and contributor at Reader’s Digest, Frommer’s Travel Guides and Parents, among other publications.
Why: Beautiful and remote, the Northern California city of Redding and the Shasta Cascade region are about as under-the-radar as it gets in the lower 48. Considered to be a hidden gem in the west, it’s often referred to as “California’s Last Frontier,” and it’s also one of the best bargains anywhere in the United States. The region is scattered with 50 waterfalls, dozens of lakes, rivers, mountains, historic mining towns, two national monuments, six national forests, seven state parks and even active volcanoes—most of which are free or very inexpensive, so you’ll never break the vacation bank. For example, snowshoeing at Lassen Volcanic National Park costs just $1 per person. Plus, hotels, including the iconic Thunderbird Motel, rarely go above $100, making this a bargain vacation you’ll want to return to in every season in 2020.
Cityscape of downtown Denver with the Flatirons and Longs Peak in the background.
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Where: Denver, Colorado
Chosen by: Olivia Balsinger has utilized her global perspective to manifest a career as a travel expert. She ditched NYC corporate life for adventure (and lust over a Danish boy!) in Copenhagen and hasn’t looked back. Olivia has visited 103 countries and was honored as InterContinental Group’s Latin America “Journalist of the Year.” She is the co-host of the upcoming immersive travel series Journey’s Beyond and is the co-producer of Fly Brother, coming to PBS in 2020. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
Of course, Denver’s proximity to nature is an enormous draw for tourists. Just minutes outside the city center are trails for hiking and running, opportunities for kayaking and even 85 miles of bike paths to test out Denver B-cycle, the city’s pioneering bike-sharing program. The craft beer scene in Denver is unparalleled—with almost 200 breweries and more popping up each day, there is always a reason to cheers for a drink with friends. The Mile High City’s chef-driven cuisine is also continually expanding—momentarily transport yourself to the south with a brunch at Julep, a sophisticated restaurant that honors the history and traditions of southern hospitality through fresh ingredients and innovative recipes. For a multi-sensory experience, book a dinner at Il Posto, a restaurant that harmoniously pairs Italian wines and dishes.
Denver combines historic Victorian brick buildings in Larimer Square and LoDo (Lower Downtown) with the bold architecture of today, all within a laid-back, walkable city center. And as tourism continues to skyrocket, hotels are opening and expanding. The Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel is in the midst of an $80 million renovation, which will change the face of the mall and the 16th Street hotel. The Four Seasons Hotel Denver is, true to brand, a luxurious urban escape just steps from the buzzing and historic Larimer Square. And for a boutique hotel experience in the trendy Cherry Creek neighborhood, check out the hospitable service (and rooftop pool views!) at The Halcyon.Denver serves as the ultimate metropolitan home base for exploring the rugged interior of the United States.
Looking at the view on the trail to Angel's Landing in Zion National park in Utah.
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Where: Southern Utah
Chosen by: Katie Jackson is a Montana-based travel writer whose work has been published by Travel + Leisure, USA TODAY, Fox News and The Sunday Times. Every trip she takes is an investment, and she likes to pay the rewards forward by helping other travelers. You can follow her adventures (and misadventures) on Instagram.
Why: Southern Utah’s crown jewel, Zion National Park, recently turned 100 years old and the National Park Service is hosting special events to celebrate. New Zion-area lodging for 2020 will include the rural Open Sky glamping resort and in St. George, The Advenire which is just as luxurious but conveniently located downtown. Now is also a great time to visit Utah’s second oldest national park, Bryce Canyon National Park. As of August, it currently allows visitors to explore its vast red rock landscape by e-bike.
While I dig unique rock formations, it’s actually snowsports and unparalleled powder that draw me most to this beautiful corner of the Beehive State. Boasting a base elevation of 9,600 feet, Brian Head Resort claims to have “The Greatest Snow on Earth.” This season the resort is even better than ever after investing $6 million in upgrades. Getting to Southern Utah is as easy as finding reasons to extend your stay by an extra day or two. It’s just a few hours by car from Salt Lake City and is even closer to Las Vegas. You can even add it on to a Grand Canyon trip.
A beautiful day at the Sand Harbor area of Lake Tahoe
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Where: Lake Tahoe, California
Chosen By: At the age of 21, Lexie Alford became the youngest person to travel to every country on earth and broke the Guinness World Record. Follow her on Instagram (@LexieLimitless) and read more about her accomplishment here.
Why: When people imagine traveling to California, they most often visualize driving down the PCH in a convertible mustang and encountering celebrities below the Hollywood sign. As a native to one of the most visited states in the US, I can say from experience that travelers who only visit Southern California are missing out on the best part. A few hundred miles north lies Lake Tahoe, a crystal clear, alpine paradise hidden in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Home of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Lake Tahoe is best known for its eight top-rated ski resorts and laid-back mountain culture. A powder day in Lake Tahoe wouldn't be complete without indulging in the après ski nightlife by the fire pit with a locally brewed craft beer.
Although Lake Tahoe is a winter wonderland, this place offers something for everyone all year-round, especially if you are a nature lover or an adventure enthusiast. From lakeside casinos and luxury resorts to golfing, camping and fishing during the summer months. You can even take a cruise around the 22 mile-long lake to get the most panoramic view of the snowy peaks. I also can’t forget to mention the countless hiking and biking trails surrounding the lake that are available to the whole family. If escaping from the city is in your 2020 travel plans, look no further than Lake Tahoe.
Why: The 2020 Democratic National Convention is bringing global attention to water-loving Milwaukee, and it’s also trending as Airbnb’s top destination to visit in the world. The city that turned beer brewing into a major industry by 1900—thanks to barons Blatz, Pabst, Schlitz and Miller—excels today because of multiple personalities. Kayak on downtown rivers, book an Edelweiss cruise along Lake Michigan’s shore or simply stroll Bradford Beach. The city’s biggest parties happen on 75 acres of lakefront: That includes Summerfest (the world’s largest music festival) and many ethnic celebrations.
For lodging, immerse yourself in visual to performing arts at the Saint Kate, where each room is a masterpiece, or book boutique digs at The Brewhouse Inn, on the former Pabst campus. Best city quirks: a museum devoted to bobbleheads, and a factory tour to see the birth of Cheeseheads.
Cross Country skiier in winter forest snow storm
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Where: McCall, Idaho
Chosen by: Olivia Balsinger has utilized her global perspective to manifest a career as a travel expert. She ditched NYC corporate life for adventure (and lust over a Danish boy!) in Copenhagen and hasn’t looked back. Olivia has visited 103 countries and was honored as InterContinental Group’s Latin America “Journalist of the Year.” She is the co-host of the upcoming immersive travel series Journey’s Beyond and is the co-producer of Fly Brother, coming to PBS in 2020. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
Why: Mother Nature had something up her sleeve when sculpting the intricate, stunning landscape that is southern Idaho. Often an overlooked touristic destination, Idaho is a land of breathtaking nature, adrenaline-pumping adventure, and is a beer lover’s haven. And while Idaho has slowly inched its way onto adventure traveler’s shortlists, there’s a possible chance you haven’t heard of McCall—the quaint and quirky mountain town about an hour from the capital, Boise.
Though McCall only has about 3,200 full-time residents, this former mining and timber community is a Mecca of brewing with three craft breweries. The town also boasts several mouthwatering restaurants, including two with executive chefs who have been honored by the James Beard House. You won’t feel guilty for overindulging, however, as activities are aplenty here—bike the charming city center streets, test out the zip line at Cascade Raft’s new rope challenge, kayak in Ponderosa State Park, horseback ride at Ya-HooCorrals and—finally—relieve your muscles at the famous Burgdorf Hot Springs, nestled in the mountainous valley. McCall hasn’t been saturated by tourists yet. It is still brimming with authentic character and kind locals, excited to show off their paradise in the mountains in the upcoming decade.
Swann Memorial Fountain With City Hall In The Background Philadelphia
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Where: Philadelphia
Chosen By:Amy Alipio is a senior editor at National Geographic Traveler.
Why: Philadelphia is having a moment. As only one of two locations within the United States that was hand-picked for National Geographic’s Best Trips of 2020 list, Philadelphia has a strong history and is making its comeback with incredible restaurants, art, fashion and—above all—a resilient revolutionary spirit.
As one of America’s oldest cities, Philadelphia has reinvented itself for a new generation. A year-round destination, it has vibrant murals and glinting metalworks, authentic Italian food and hip coffee shops and a postindustrial feel that make this one of the top cities in the world to visit in 2020.
Plus, 5 more spots on my personal list:
Exploring Miami Beach.
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Where: Miami, Florida
Why: Miami is always abuzz, but a number of exciting openings will keep the city in conversations as a must-visit destination in the new year. Make a beeline for the Raleigh Gardens, which is hosting an immersive, beachside art experience: the largest-ever outdoor public show of the work of Claude Lalanne and Francois-Xavier Lalanne (together known as Les Lalanne). Expect to see over 40 sculptures and objects by the duo—with free admission—in the dazzling new beachside tropical garden designed by architect Peter Marino and landscape architect Raymond Jungles at the Raleigh Hotel. In other culture news, The Rubell Museum has just opened its doors to a new campus in Allapattah, an emerging neighborhood for arts and culture. Another recent Allapattah debut is El Espacio 23, an art space that features thousands of photographs, paintings, sculptures and videos that billionaire Jorge Perez collected around the globe. In the cool Wynwood area, the Museum of Graffiti just made a splashy debut during Art Basel. The first museum of its kind, it celebrates the pioneers of this edgy art form and chronicles its history.
In January, look for a new eco-friendly Art Deco boutique hotel called Greystone Miami Beach, which will be the adults-only property in Miami Beach. And finally, Gitano Miami, the third outpost to the Tulum-based restaurant, is now open at boutique hotel Casa Faena. Take your cocktail to the sprawling rooftop garden for Instagram-worthy views.
The old town of the city of Ponce in Puerto Rico, United States.
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Where: Puerto Rico
Why: What hurricane? It’s been more than two years since Irma slammed into Puerto Rico, and now the island is back and better than ever. In 2019, Puerto Rico began celebrations for the 500th anniversary of its capital, San Juan, and the revelry will continue throughout 2020 and culminate at the end of 2021. In early 2020, the much-anticipated El Distrito will open in San Juan as an immersive and multi-sensorial experience. You’ll discover a central plaza with a hotel, urban zipline, restaurants, bars, lounges, disco, movie theaters and more.
Puerto Rico is heaven for foodies. A fun way to see the island is on a culinary tour with Spoon Food Tours, which takes visitors on tasting trips through Old San Juan or around the countryside on a chinchorreo (a party bus). Another must-see: the new Ron de Barrillito Visitor Center in Bayamón, where you can sample the island’s oldest rum.
The island of Puerto Rico is also easier to reach, with air access at a 10-year high, including new airline routes from Allegiant and Frontier. And the best part? You’ll get a Caribbean vacation experience with no passport required—plus no fees for changing currency or international cell phone plans.
Plimoth Plantation, a living museum in Plymouth, Massachusetts, which is one of the top places to ... [+]
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Where: Plymouth, Massachusetts
Why: Next year will mark 400 years since the Mayflower landed at the Wampanoag homeland of Patuxet—now known as Plymouth—so it’s the perfect time to explore this historic destination’s captivating, if not complex, background. The Massachusetts town will be hosting events and festivals throughout 2020 to commemorate the anniversary. Travelers can tour iconic landmarks and explore Plimoth Plantation, which brings the past to life with recreations of a Wampanoag homesite (staffed by Native People who wear historically accurate clothing and teach visitors about the traditions of their people) and the original pilgrim village (complete with actors in period costume reenacting life as it was 400 years ago). You can also see a full-scale reproduction of the Mayflower, the ship that brought the colonists here in 1620.
You’ll also want to check out modern day Plymouth: The town’s historic district is now sprinkled with charming boutiques and cool restaurants and has stunning views of the harbor where the first pilgrims settled.
Taking in the views of Los Angeles.
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Where: Los Angeles, California
Why: Tinsel Town is known for many iconic landmarks, such as the Hollywood sign and the Santa Monica Pier, but 2020 brings with it a slew of news around the greater Los Angeles area. Scope out the Academy of Motion Pictures Museum when it opens next year for an opportunity to “go inside the movies” at a museum dedicated to exploring the art, science and history of the film industry.
Spa lovers are in for a treat in 2020 when milk + honey opens a Los Angeles day spa, the brand’s first location outside of Texas, featuring hyper-clean bath, body and skincare treatments. There’s news for sports fans, too, with the debut of SoFi Stadium in 2020. SoFi Stadium is the anticipated home of the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers and is scheduled to host Super Bowl LVI in February 2022. Universal Studio Hollywood will thrill guests with a new ride based on Illumination’s blockbuster movie: “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash!” The year 2020 is also going to be a banner one for the LGBTQ community with the 50th anniversary of LA Pride.
A nighttime aerial view of downtown Branson, Missouri in the Ozarks.
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Where: The Ozarks
Why: Generally considered an unassuming and often overlooked piece of America’s heartland, the Ozarks are becoming one of the fastest-growing vacation areas in the country. When Vrbo examined destinations based on average annual travel demand growth over the past three years, one of the top picks was Bella Vista, Arkansas, situated near the majestic lakes of the Ozarks; travel demand was up 70%.
In the Missouri section of the Ozarks, golf lovers will be flocking to Tiger Woods’ first public golf course, Payne’s Valley, when it opens in spring 2020 at Big Cedar Lodge, a wilderness resort that sprawls across 4,600 acres just eight miles south of Branson. Inspired by a commitment to conservation, Big Cedar Lodge was created by Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, as a way for travelers to connect in the great outdoors.
Thrillseekers will love Silver Dollar City, a theme park that is celebrating its 60th anniversary season in 2020. Silver Dollar got its start with Marvel Cave, one of Missouri’s famous caves. Locals and travelers enjoyed it so much that its owners added rides, entertainment and food to keep crowds happy when they weren’t underground. The cave is still open to this day, and the park’s newest attraction, Mystic River Falls—with the tallest drop in the Western Hemisphere—will wow guests when it opens in summer 2020.
In other news, there’s the new Aquarium at the Boardwalk, featuring a jellyfish infinity room, a magical underwater mermaid palace and more; WonderWorks, a new science-focused indoor amusement park with over 100 hands-on interactive exhibits; the Big Air Trampoline Park, with 57 attractions including a Ninja Warrior Course; and Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park, which will be adding plenty of thrills in 2020.
