2020 is on the horizon, which means travel plans are too! I have compiled a list of 20 places you should check out that are WORTH the trip!
Every year certain destinations like Greece, Amalfi Coast in Italy and even Paris stay at the top. BUT there are a lot of fantastic destinations to also consider.
Below is a list of 20 places!
Jaipur, India
Alaska, USA
This massive state is the northernmost state of the United States and one of the most breathtaking and diverse regions. From the Arctic Circle to the Inner Passage, you’ll experience everything from temperate rainforests, gargantuan glaciers, lush meadows and ice plains.
Bears, eagles, whales and other unique wildlife are found in abundance, as well as a rich cultural history dating back to the earliest indigenous settlers responsible for the famed totem poles found all over the region. Cruising is a popular way to visit Alaska, but don’t discount the other incredible ways to explore this area!
From hiking to kayaking, cruising, seeing the Northern Lights, and even dog sledding, the options in Alaska are varied and unique, making this one of the top 20 destinations to visit in 2020!
- Inside passage cruise
- Glacier Bay cruise
- Things to do in Skagway
- Things to do in Ketchikan
- Things to do in Juneau
- Things to do in Sitka
Barbados, Caribbean
Located in the Caribbean islands of North America, this vibrant tropical destination is conveniently close and yet feels worlds away to those who visit! Pulling from a rich and diverse background of influences, this island country is a patchwork of unique experiences colored by cultures from England to the West Indies and Africa.
In addition to their unique multicultural cuisine and entertainment, you’ll also be able to enjoy the sandy, tropical beaches, storied historical sites, luxury resorts, and lush jungle terrain. And you definitely won’t want to miss the festivals!
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Located in the French Polynesian island chain in the Pacific Ocean, Bora Bora is a highly-sought after luxury vacation destination that offers some of the most stunning views and experiences to be found anywhere in the world!
Rugged volcanic peaks covered in lush jungle forests turn into pristine sandy beaches surrounded by the warm turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean.
A visit to Bora Bora will be a truly memorable experience for any who visit, whether you dive into the Polynesia culture through food and dance or surround yourself with the pristine beauty with a jungle hike or the opportunity to swim with manta rays along the vibrant coral reefs.
- Best time to visit Bora Bora
- Things to do in Bora Bora
- Bora Bora Honeymoon
- Planning a trip to Bora Bora
- Conrad Bora Bora Penthouse
- Things to do in Mo’orea
- Things to do in Papeete Tahiti
Budapest, Hungary
Filled with lavish architecture, delicious cuisine and multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Budapest is a gorgeous European city with a lengthy and colorful history that has created a truly unique city filled with dozens of things to do.
Whether you come for the rich Hungarian cuisine or a chance to marvel at the multiple historical sites, you’ll find Budapest a surprising and rewarding addition to the list of 20 destinations to visit in 2020! Be sure not to miss the lively nightlife and exciting bohemian revival occurring throughout many of the neighborhoods.
Budapest is a great place to start a river cruise on the Danube, and of course, the mineral hot spring baths are an absolute must-do when visiting Budapest!
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Located on the tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, this vacation destination is renowned for its beautiful beaches and unique desert climate. With the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Sea of Cortez on the other, beaches are plentiful and as a popular spring break destination, you’ll also find plenty of beach parties and nightclubs to accompany the stretches of soft, sandy beach.
An added benefit to the desert climate of this beach-filled vacation spot is the fact that there is almost year-round sunshine! With the exception of hurricane season, Cabo San Lucas gets virtually no rain, so you’ll be able to get the most out of your time spent in this fun-filled destination!
Cappadocia, Turkey
In central Turkey you’ll find an otherworldly terrain known as Cappadocia, the unique and stunning destination that makes bucket lists for travelers worldwide. Fairy chimneys and underground crypts stand alongside man-made cave dwellings and ancient rock monasteries to create one of the most unique and breathtaking experiences you’ll find, unlike anywhere else in the world.
One of the top 20 destinations to visit in 2020, this magical landscape is filled with cultural sites and exceptional experiences. Be sure to take a hot air balloon ride to experience this unique region from above, a sight that you will be sure to remember for years to come!
Cartagena, Colombia
Settled by the Spanish during the Colonial period, this tropical destination is a mix of old European charm and robust Colombian culture with a hefty dose of stunning beaches and exotic cuisine.
Explore the historic architecture that feels like you are wandering through an old European city and then hit the beaches for relaxing hours spent lounging in the sun while sampling some of the many unique tropical fruits found in the region.
Afterward, be sure to hit the nightclubs and bars that have become one of the biggest draws for tourists traveling to this Caribbean hotspot on the list of 20 destinations to visit in 2020!
Colmar, France
Filled with picturesque canals and Medieval and Renaissance era half-timbered houses painted in a myriad of pastel hues, this storybook village in the northeast region of France is a vacation destination for many from around the world!
In addition to the quaint cobbled streets and the magical architecture, you’ll find a plethora of historic sites and easy access to beautiful Christmas markets, skiing and golfing as well as some of the best vineyards and wine tours in the region!
The Alsace region where Colmar is located is known for its delicious mix of German and French cuisine, making this a diverse and colorful addition to the list of the top 20 destinations to visit in 2020.
Giza, Egypt
Located on the west bank of the Nile River in Egypt, Giza is one of the top destinations to visit in 2020, perhaps of all time.
Filled with ancient tombs, temples, monuments and of course the Pyramids, Giza is a location filled with so many unique and stunning sites that it lands a spot on nearly every traveler’s bucket list. Home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it’s one of those places that you need to see to believe.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Appropriately named, this island is the largest of the three islands that make up the British Territory known as the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean.
Filled with lush jungles and surrounded by pristine beaches, this island is a tropical oasis for travelers and wildlife alike. You’ll find massive groups of stingrays and sea turtle rescue centers amid the white sand beaches and prolific restaurants that take advantage of the bounty of the sea that surrounds the island.
For foodies, one should not miss the Cayman Cookout that takes place in 2020 with celebrity chefs from around the world. This event is held at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman.
A healthy dose of island culture and historic sites make this a well rounded addition to any travelers 2020 plans!
Havasu Falls, Arizona
This breathtaking waterfall is located in the region of the Grand Canyon on tribal lands and has attracted visitors from around the world for years. In fact, tourism was so heavy that it proved to be a detriment to the environment, so you will have to plan well in advance to visit this stunning natural wonder.
Limited tickets are available at the start of the year and usually sell out within a few weeks, so plan ahead if you want to include this waterfall on your list of 20 destinations to visit in 2020!
Jaipur, India
Also known as the Pink City for its unusual and aesthetic pink-hued buildings, this area of India is colloquially referred to as the Paris of India due to the stunning architecture of old palaces and older buildings as well as the surprisingly clean streets and the wealth of shopping available.
Stock up on unique and one of a kind works of art and handicraft while exploring these pink-colored buildings and you too will see why this is one of the most popular destinations in India! Some of the best things to do in Jaipur include the Monkey Temple and Hawa Mahal.
Pamukkale, Turkey
Home to the iconic terraced mineral hot springs, this location is one of the most magical and otherworldly landscapes found anywhere in the world.
The pristine blue waters cascade over multiple pristine white mineral terraces, each one steaming and rich in minerals that are reported to have health benefits. Nearby, you will also find stunning ancient Roman ruins, including baths used by the Romans centuries ago! Pammukale is one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey
Petra, Jordan
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Petra in the country of Jordan is one of the top destinations to visit in 2020.
This breathtaking site sprawls through a cavern and features monumental ancient structures carved into the rock walls. Located in the region between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, this area was once a major hub of travel and trade. Today it attracts hundreds of thousands of people, not for trade but to simply marvel at the stunning architecture of this one-of-a-kind historic wonder.
Rainbow Mountain, Peru
Also known locally in Peru as Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain is a stunning array of sloping hills that are streaked with a myriad of almost otherworldly colors, especially during the right time of day!
When the sun hits just right, this 3-hour round trip hike is well worth the effort to see the slopes come to life in a brilliant play of colors ranging from white to yellow and pink to blue! Be sure to make the day trip from Cusco to see this sight for yourself!
Scottsdale Arizona, USA
With a warm climate year-round and surrounded by sweeping desert vistas, Scottsdale Arizona is one of the top destinations to visit in 2020 for not only its luxury accommodations and breathtaking scenery, but also for its close and convenient location to a number of other sights.
Whether you want to venture into the breathtaking Red Rock countryside or hop to Phoenix for a day in the city, Scottsdale Arizona is a perfect oasis for exploring everything this region of the state has to offer!
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn Estonia, while known for its remarkable Christmas markets, is a gem along the Baltic Sea worth visiting regardless of the time of year!
This Estonian city is home to one of the most well preserved Medieval era cities in Europe and this UNESCO World Heritage site draws visitors from all over the world for this reason! The cafes and nightlife are also another reason to visit, making it a well-rounded and surprisingly robust destination!
Vienna, Austria
Filled to the brim with historic palaces and boasting a list of musical influences that includes a who’s-who list of famous composers such as Mozart and Beethoven, this European city is an eclectic mix of old world charm and modern amenities.
You’ll spend days exploring everything this city has to offer and after strolled the storied streets, you will find plenty of quaint coffee shops and wine bars to wile away the hours.
Vienna is great by itself or explore it while taking a river cruise on the Danube!
Washington DC, USA
The capital of the United States of America is always a top destination, so when crafting your own list of destinations to visit in 2020, be sure to include this lively and exciting city.
From the White House to the Smithsonian and dozens of famous memorials and monuments in between, you will always find something new and remarkable to experience.
Perhaps one of the biggest draws for tourists is the cherry blossoms that herald the arrival of spring in Washington DC. This beautiful sight draws visitors from all over and is one of the most breathtaking experiences to be had in the capital of the United States.
Whitsundays Islands, Australia
Comprised of over 74 tropical islands in the middle of the renowned Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Whitsundays Islands are a chain of islands and islets of all different shapes and sizes, each one offering a new experience and a different vantage point.
From secluded and intimate beaches to lush tropical forests, you will find innumerable different ways to experience each and every one of them! Not to be missed is the opportunity to explore the stunning sprawl of the Great Barrier Reef, where you can snorkel and dive to see the colorful wonder up close and personal, as well as all the marine life that call this place home.
Not to be missed is the opportunity to explore the stunning sprawl of the Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia’s most famous landmarks, where you can snorkel and dive to see the colorful wonder up close and personal, as well as all the marine life that call this place home.
To access Heart Island you would need to fly over it since it is in protected area.
Airlie Beach
Regardless of what you choose to do, you won’t be disappointed by adding this vibrant Australian island chain to your list of destinations to visit in 2020!
Pin for Pinterest:
