Lonely Planet names Washington, D.C., the second-best city in the world to visit in 2020

Lonely Planet has released its 15th annual list of best places to visit, which includes exotic lands such as … Washington, D.C.?

Indeed, our nation's capital is No. 2 on the travel resource's ranking of top cities to visit in 2020, because, according to Lonely Planet, "the excitement of the year's presidential election" ties into the city's celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Washington will have new museum exhibits, new trees and a refreshed waterfront, all for your visiting pleasure.

Here are the other places the made the global list, including one other U.S. city:

1. Salzburg, Austria

The alpine city's Salzburg Festival is turning 100 (Lonely Planet likes to honor centennials) with special concerts, plays and readings.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

2. Washington

Lonely Planet says the city's "innovative floating wetlands system" has made the District of Columbia greener than ever.

3. Cairo

The Grand Egyptian Museum is set to open in 2020, adjacent to the Giza Pyramids

4. Galway, Ireland

The region has been named the 2020 European Capital of Culture, which means it will host hundreds of events including music, theater and dance.

5. Bonn, Germany

2020 marks Beethoven's 250th birthday, which means travelers can expect plenty of concerts and installations in honor of the world-famous maestro.

6. La Paz, Bolivia

With its cable cars (there will be 11 in 2020) and new culinary schools, La Paz has become more of a destination.

7. Kochi, India

Kochi, the location of the world's first fully solar-powered airport, is showing plenty of street art at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale next year.

8. Vancouver, Canada

Lonely Planet recommends a visit to Vancouver because the city is a leader in urban sustainability.

9. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The emirate has several new reasons to visit, including the six-month-long World Expo 2020 and the Museum of the Future.

10. Denver

According to Lonely Planet, the city has hip new hotels, food halls and a multimedia ride called "Kaleidoscape" at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park.

From last year:Lonely Planet picks the top travel destinations for 2019