Lousiana's culinary history runs deep throughout the state's most rugged depths from the alligator-riddled swamps to the inner-city. From crawfish boils to Po' boy sandwiches, Louisiana has found a way to make something from nothing every single time. However, the state's rich intermingling with their French heritage has allowed them to master one pastry that has broken its way out Louisiana and is now a world-renowned dessert and/or breakfast option. Ladies and gentlemen, the beignet.
The beignet was originally introduced to New Orleans during the 18th century by French colonists and has become a staple ever since. This particular rendition of the beignet is choux pastry consisting of just flour, eggs, butter, and water, ditching a raising agent that provides it with a unique consistency unlike any other pastry on the market. The fluffy deep-fried dough topped with soft powdered sugar is a foodgasm just waiting to happen and with added flavors like strawberry and blackberry jams, it only elevates the delicious pastry's already legendary reputation.
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.