With one of the most recognizable faces in show business, it would be easy to focus on the many acting accolades that Angelina Jolie has racked up over the years. Instead, it's important to shed light on her efforts outside of her acting career. While filming "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" in Cambodia in 2001, Jolie had her eyes opened to the lives of millions upon millions of human beings that live in war-torn and impoverished countries. As a result of this experience, she contacted the United Nations and began visiting refugee camps the world over.
Jolie has since gone on dozens of field missions in over 30 countries. When asked why she spends much of her time outside of acting in the service of refugees, she's been quoted as saying she hopes to bring "awareness to the plight of these people..." Jolie has even gone so far as to obtain her private pilot license and owns two private airplanes to assist in her efforts to fly aid workers and food supplies to hot spots in need of support. Say what you will, but Angelina Jolie is so much more than just a pretty face!
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.