First and foremost, we should probably recognize that the49th state in Alaska isn't known for pumping out world-class athletes. Matter of fact, Mario Chalmers is the only NBA talent born in the state, Anchorage to be exact. However, NBA alumni Carlos Boozer and Trajan Landon did play high school ball in the Russia-neighboring state. But we have to give the Alaskan basketball crown to the former NBA point guard.
Chamers was originally selected 34th overall in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. That same year he found himself as a member of the Miami Heat were he would earn the starting point guard role and win back-to-back NBA Championships alongside Dwyane Wade, Lebron James, and Chris Bosh. While his relationship with James looked shaky at times, he was an integral part of that team's success. These days, Chalmers is an active player in Ice Cube's BIG3 basketball league and playing overseas in Italy.
Wondering where to go in 2020 for an amazing deal, to beat the crowds, or for a truly once-in-a-lifetime travel experience? These destinations are on travel addicts’ radar for rightfully hyped 2020 events, new offerings, and recent developments that make them a must-visit right now.
On top of the majestic scenery its long been known for, Montana is a newly trendy nature getaway celebrated for its expanding luxury hotel scene, culinary offerings, and shop-local boutiques, according to an American Express study detailing where cardholders are traveling in 2020. But Montana is also about to get more accessible than ever before thanks to emerging flight routes sure to stir up competition. Launching two brand-new seasonal routes to Big Sky country, American Airlines will fly from New York’s LaGuardia Airport to Bozeman and Kalispell, Montana, beginning mid-year and continuing through Labor Day. Take advantage of the new direct route before the secret gets out, and so that they’ll continue next year.
One of the cities featured in Booking.com’s travel trends for 2020, Urugay’s capital Montevideo is a stable and LGBT-friendly destination to visit in South America—a continent that’s seen dips in tourism of late thanks to political instability in travel destinations like Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. Travelers identified the city as a trending travel destination for anyone seeking an immersive, one-stop escape; according to the study, “over half (54 percent) of global travelers say they want to go on one long trip to a place that has all of their favorite activities and sights close together.” Montevideo’s offerings include beaches, nightlife, markets, theaters, culinary prowess, and festive Gay Pride Day celebrations in September.
Europe’s intensely overtouristed spots (Venice, Barcelona, Santorini) have new Eastern European hotspots to thank for stealing away some of the spotlight: Romania is making a name for itself as one of the top five most trending Airbnb booking destinations for 2020. The nation that’s home to Transylvania, Dracula’s castle, and well-preserved medieval towns nestled among rolling hills has seen a 298 percent annual increase in Airbnb bookings.