While we do love and respect our elders and while Moses Malone and Alonzo Mourning are both from Virginia, we couldn't find it in our hearts to snub Allen Iverson as the NBA king of the Mother of States. Born in Hampton, Virginia, the 6'0 point guard redefined the game using his speed and dribbling ability to leave his defenders disoriented and embarrassed in front of millions of viewers. After all, Allen Iverson is one of the very few players to leave Michael Jordan on his heels and stumbling after utilizing his killer crossover.
After two years with Georgetown Hoyas, Allen Iverson declared himself to the NBA Draft where he was drafted first overall to the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996. He would go on to earn eleven NBA All-Star honors, three All-NBA First Team roster spots, and one NBA MVP (2001). Unfortunately, his only opportunity to win an NBA title was stripped by Kobe and Shaq's Lakers during the 2000-01 NBA season. While he might have had his shortcomings, he is the reason why seven-footers today play face-up, dribble-first basketball. Allen Iverson single-handedly changed the game forever.
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.