10 Places To Visit In 2020 No Matter How You Like To Travel
Here comes the wanderlust.
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A new year means 365 (or in this case, 366!) more days to travel.
And while most of us would love to travel everywhere, unfortunately our wallets say otherwise.
But with so many amazing destinations around the world, how do you decide which ones to put off and which one to book now?
Well, fear not, we're here to help.
These are our top destination picks for 2020 — in no particular order!
1. Copenhagen, Denmark
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Who'll love it: solo travelers
Why go in 2020: Ranked the 7th safest city in 2019, this Nordic destination is a solo traveler's dream. With plenty of cultural sites to see, including the newly renovated Museum of Copenhagen (set to reopen in Feb 2020), there's no possibility of getting bored here.
What to do: Stroll along the Nyhavn canal and people watch, or head to Reffen, a large open-air food market that's the perfect place to try a bunch of different local dishes!
Where to stay: Generator Copenhagen, Hotel Kong Arthur, Tivoli Hotel
2. Shikoku Island, Japan
Who'll love it: off-the-beaten-path travelers
Why go in 2020: This year is a big one for Japan with Tokyo hosting the Olympics, so why not skip the crowds and explore one of the country's lesser-traveled but equally beautiful areas? Shikoku Island, with its lush greenery and coastal views, isn't just stunning — it's delicious, too! It's known as Japan's udon capital, so there's no shortage of drool-inducing activities.
What to do: Take a ride in the Udon Taxi, which takes you to the tastiest spots on the island.
Where to stay: Kotohira Kadan, Dormy Inn Matsuyama, Hotel Nikko Kochi Asahi Royal
3. Portland, Maine, USA
Who'll love it: people who travel with their stomachs
Why go in 2020: Portland, Oregon, might have been in the spotlight for the last few years, but it's time for its East Coast counterpart to take center stage. Since being named Restaurant City of the Year in 2018, this seaboard city has only become even more of a hotspot for trendy food.
What to do: You can't leave without trying its speciality: the lobster roll. With plenty of options it can be hard to find the best — luckily we have you covered!
Where to stay: The Inn on Carleton, The Francis, Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Maine
4. Galway, Ireland
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Who'll love it: history buffs
Why go in 2020: Galway is one of the European Capitals of Culture this year, and it's easy to see why. With its blend of trendy shops and restaurants (thanks in part to its large student population), historic bridges, and stone buildings, this city has it all.
What to do: Visit the 18th century Eyre Square in the heart of the city for a slice of history, and then stop by Glasshouse for modern drinks with a farm-to-table twist.
Where to stay: Galway Bay Hotel, Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Weir Haven Boutique Bed & Breakfast, Clarinbridge
5. Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Who'll love it: adventurers and thrill-seekers
Why go in 2020: Only an hour or so from Dubai by car, Ras Al Khaimah is known as the thrill-seeker's mecca in the Middle East thanks to a multitude of zip lining options (including the world's longest!) and its rugged, natural landscape. The thrills here won't stop until you do.
What to do: Climb along Jebel Jais via ferrata, the first protected climbing route in the Middle East.
Where to stay: Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, Hilton Garden Inn Ras Al Khaimah
6. Paraty, Brazil
Who'll love it: beach bums
Why go in 2020: As of 2019, citizens from countries including the US, Canada, and Australia no longer need visas to visit Brazil, so your trip just got that much easier. Located about a four-hour drive from Rio, this quiet and pristine beach area was recently named a UNESCO heritage site, so get your oceanside caipirinhas in now before Paraty becomes the next tropical hot spot.
What to do: Lounge on Cão Morto beach and soak in both the sunshine and the shockingly turquoise waters.
Where to stay: Eliconial Paraty Pousada, Casa Mar Paraty, Casa Colonial Paraty
7. St. Petersburg, Russia
Who'll love it: travelers who have already been everywhere
Why go in 2020: If Russia ever seemed too complicated for your bucket list, get ready because as of October 2019, nationals from 53 countries — including all of the EU — can now visit St. Petersburg using an e-visa.
What to do: Soak in the architecture at the Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood which, despite its name, is one of the most beautiful spots in the city. Then dig into some traditional comfort food like beef stroganoff at Gogol.
Where to stay: Renaissance St. Petersburg Baltic Hotel, Akyan St. Petersburg, Crowne Plaza St. Petersburg
8. San José, Costa Rica
Who'll love it: eco-conscious travelers
Why go in 2020: Last year Costa Rica was given a UN Champions of the Earth award for its efforts in leading nature protection and the fight against climate change.
What to do: Head to Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo to get your rainforest fix in ASAP. Then, refuel with dinner at Cocina Eclectica, where the chef creates a unique menu for you based on what's fresh and local that day.
Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana, Radisson San José, Hotel Santo Tomas
9. Kauai, USA
Who'll love it: nature lovers
Why go in 2020: Hawaii's "Garden Island" is known for its lush tropical greenery and blue waters, and the Kalalau Trail shows you the best of both. The 11-mile trail is known as one of the most beautiful, yet dangerous, in the world and only recently reopened after extensive renovations. Getting a visitor's permit is more exclusive than ever — they run out quickly — so be sure to put Kauai on your bucket list now!
What to do: After you've finished hiking, don't forget to explore every inch of this island. Head to Mark's Place on the opposite side for some of the best Hawaiian food of your life.
Where to stay: Hanalei Colony Resort, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort
10. Marrakech, Morocco
Who'll love it: art lovers
Why go in 2020: Named the very first African Capital of Culture this year, this colorful and lively city has been cemented as the leader in the continent's art and design world. Plus with new art festivals popping up each year, the art scene is sure to get even more diverse.
What to do: Get lost in the labyrinth-like medina full of local jewelry, clothes, leather goods, and pottery, and find your own piece of the city to take home.
Where to stay: Hotel Sofitel Marrakech Lounge and Spa, Dar Les Cigognes Marrakech, Mandarin Oriental Marrakech
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