Skip To Content
bringme FeedonBuzzFeed Homepage
Sign In
Search BuzzFeed

    We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

    10 Places To Visit In 2020 No Matter How You Like To Travel

    Here comes the wanderlust.

    Kirby Beaton
    by Kirby Beaton

    BuzzFeed Staff

    A new year means 365 (or in this case, 366!) more days to travel.

    Soul Pancake / Via giphy.com

    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?

    S4C / Via giphy.com

    Well, fear not, we're here to help.

    These are our top destination picks for 2020 — in no particular order!

    1. Copenhagen, Denmark

    2. Shikoku Island, Japan

    Sand555 / Getty Images

    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

    Sean Pavone / Getty Images

    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

    5. Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

    Dionell Datiles / Getty Images

    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

    Felipegoifman / Getty Images

    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

    Yulenochekk / Getty Images

    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

    Mbrand85 / Getty Images

    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

    Maximkabb / Getty Images

    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

    Pavliha / Getty Images

    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

    Don't forget to check out Bring Me! for all of BuzzFeed's best travel tips and hacks, vacation inspiration, and more!

    Jay Fleckenstein / BuzzFeed