We have very little doubt that when the creators of 'The Simpsons' designed the character of school bus driver and part-time rock star Otto, they based it directly off one of the most famous rock and roll musicians of all time. Slash is one of the very best guitarists who ever lived, writing the riffs which made Guns n' Roses such a huge deal in the 1980s. Every time you hear 'Sweet Child of Mine,' you're listening to Slash at his fret-melting best. Slash quit the band in the 1990s, but has since returned to the fold, and the legends are back on tour again.
The only difference between Otto and Slash is that the 'Simpsons' character never made it as a rock star, and doesn't appear to have a top hat anywhere in his wardrobe. He's not afraid to pick up a guitar and play, though, and when he does, he seems to be quite adept at it. Given that Slash is now well into his 50s, maybe it's not too late for Otto to make it as a musician after all.
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.