destinations
European Travel,  Travel Destinations

20 Destinations You Should Consider in 2020

As we raise our glasses and ring in a new year, it’s also time to set goals for what we hope to accomplish in the coming months.

Consider the goal of more travel in 2020!

To help inspire you, I reached out to 20 travel bloggers and asked them to share their favorite destinations around the globe. Whether you are up for a road trip across the United States or an international adventure, this list has something for everyone.

As you map out the year, I hope you will consider these travel destinations for 2020…and make it an epic year!

20 Travel Destinations for 2020

In no particular order…

1. Disney World in Orlando, Florida

Recommended by Pam Howard with Our Adventure is Everywhere

Walt Disney World is a place full of wonder and adventure. With entertainment, good food and plenty of fun, it can be a wonderful, unique experience with a little smart planning. Use the tips I provide to create a magical vacation for your family!

Learn more about planning a trip to Disney World here.

2. Ireland

Recommended by Allison Gygi at Allison Gygi Travels

Ireland boasts something to cater to everyone’s interests, which is one of many reasons it tops my family’s list of favorite travel destinations. For the urban lovers, beautiful cities dot the Emerald Isle, but you don’t have to drive too far to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. With more castles and ruins than you can visit in a lifetime, Ireland is also jam-packed with mysteries and legends that, to put it simply, are just fun to uncover and explore.

Find out about all there is to fall in love with in Ireland right here.

3. Montana Dude Ranch

Recommended by Joan Stommen with Gramcracker Crumbs

I take each of my grandkids on a vacation of their choice. The only requirements are that it be in the US and something new and exciting for grandma as well!  The Montana Dud Ranch I visited with my grandson is an isolated place where life is structured around animal needs, family-style meals and awareness of nature on acres of mountainous, forested land. A very ‘old west/cowboy vibe’ and a slice of life I’d never experienced before.

Find out more about the adventures to be had at a Montana Dude Ranch here.

4. Chicago, Illinois

Recommended by Michelle Biggers of Endless Family Travels

Chicago really is perfect for a family vacation. With numerous restaurants, tours, museums, and attractions, there is something for everyone. By choosing the right hotel, many of these are even within walking distance!

Learn more about all there is to do in Chicago here.

5. Kansas City, Missouri

Recommended by Sage Scott of Everyday Wanderer

With more fountains than Rome, more boulevards than Paris, and two million of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, Kansas City is a must-visit Midwestern destination for 2020. Right in the middle of America, this centrally-located cowtown is affordable with plenty to do, see, taste, and experience. Prove to your taste buds why Kansas City is called the BBQ Capital of the World by enjoying saucy ribs or tender burnt ends at one of our 100 barbeque restaurants. Cheer for our beloved Chiefs by touring Arrowhead Stadium or attending a game. Take selfies with over-sized shuttlecocks or get lost in the triangular glass-walled maze on the grounds of the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum, and so much more!

Keep reading here for more info about Kansas City.

6. Boston, Massachusetts

Recommended by Amanda Howe with No Home No Madder

As family travelers, we enjoy Boston for the history, beauty, and activities. A family can effortlessly visit the Boston Common and Public Garden, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, and the Children’s Museum, along with other family-friendly sites, all on foot.

Read more about all that Boston has to offer here.

7. Rome, Italy

Recommended by Jeremiah Pittmon with Smiles On Arrival

Rome is a city that is full of history, much of which is really well preserved. It really is an open-air museum. You can enjoy the city by simply wandering its back streets, gelato in hand and allowing the city to reveal itself to you. You can also find amazing food throughout Rome, which is one of my favorite reasons to visit this fascinating city.

Find out even more about Rome here.

8. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Recommended by Travel Addicted Unicorn

Dubai is like no other place in the world.  Where else would you be able to see a mixture of modern buildings, old souks, sandy dunes, and oriental spices?  Dubai promises great adventures and experiences to all visitors.

Discover the highlights in Dubai by clicking here.

9. The North Carolina Mountains

Recommended by Anna Cook from Stuck on the Go

The North Carolina mountains have it all from vibrant cities to gorgeous landscapes, 5-star dining, and award-winning wineries and breweries. Take a trip here once and you’ll want to come back, again and again, to continue exploring.

Keep reading here to reveal even more about the mountains of North Carolina.

10. Japan

Recommended by Josy Austin from A Walk and a Lark

Japan is my all-time favorite destination in the world. You may already be planning to visit in 2020 for the Olympic games, but even if you go for the sport, make sure you save time to explore this fantastic destination. I love to visit Japan’s mountains for the spectacular hiking (or skiing in winter!), the cultural festivals, (I love the fire festivals or the crazy “naked man festival,” and of course for all the food.

Learn all about Japan here.

11. Utrecht, Netherlands

Recommended by Renee Hannes of The Holidaymaker

Charming would be the one word I would use to describe this quintessential Dutch town just outside of Amsterdam. Utrecht’s historic center is small and compact, making it very possible to experience all of its attractions easily within one day. Definitely what sets this city apart is the beautiful Oudegracht (or old canal) that flows right through the city’s center. I spent hours just strolling along the picturesque double-level canal and to me, this is what made Utrecht so special.

Click here to read more about Utrecht.

12. Paris, France

Recommended by Julianne from Pints, Pounds, & Pate

In all my travels, it’s honestly hard to beat Paris. Excellent public transit, amazing food, world-class museums, and thousands of years of relatively undisturbed history, jumbled up into one *huge* city! Whether it’s strolling Paris’s magnificent boulevards or stumbling into one of its many high-end shopping destinations, there’s something for everyone in a city that cannot be explored fully, even in a 10-day trip.

Find out what to do, and not do, in Paris here.

13. The Bay of Islands in New Zealand

Recommended by Becca Arlington with Travelling the World in 360

The Bay of Islands in New Zealand is one of my favorite destinations because it is very beautiful and natural, it isn’t too overcrowded with tourists. I really enjoyed hearing all of the Māori stories relating to the area. The Bay of Islands contains the northwestern-most point of the country and the place where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea. You can also visit Ninety Mile Beach, which stretches as far as the eye can see with plenty of sand dunes for sand boarding fun! On your way back to Paihia from the Bay of Islands, make sure you stop off for some of the finest fish and chips in the country and look out for penguins, as there are many Little Blue Penguins in the area.

Keep reading here for more information about The Bay of Islands.

14. Prague, Czech Republic

Recommended by Jason Carlton at Carltonauts Travel Tips

I love wandering the narrow streets of Prague to explore the architecture, history and street markets. There are countless museums and ornate castles to explore. The food is inexpensive and delicious – which can sometimes be a tough combination for travelers. I’m looking forward to returning to Prague to share this beautiful European city with my wife next summer.

Click here to find out all there is to do in Prague.

15. Costa Rica

Recommended by Beth Seager of Beth Travels

Walking through Costa Rica is like walking through a zoo! The national parks are beautiful, but even without the parks you are sharing the space with monkeys, iguanas, brightly colored birds (and unfortunately, insects and spiders, too). You’ll be woken up by howler monkeys and occasionally stand in their poo. Pura Vida!

Read more about the wild adventures to be found in Costa Rica here.

16. Carson Valley, Nevada

Recommended by Angela DiLoreto with Fitting in Adventure

Carson Valley is unique as it manages to stay current while embracing and remembering its history. The scenic views, wildlife, and state-of-the-art distillery mix with miles of trails to truly embrace an unplugged getaway!

Keep reading here to find out more about Carson Valley.

17. Provence, France

Recommended by Alison Browne from Dreamer at Heart

Provence, France is like stepping into a fairytale. Little medieval villages are perched on hilltops, and glorious lavender fields stretch before you. The Mediterranean Sea is never too far away and the exquisite food and wine (did someone say rosé?!) are even more divine than what you would expect in France. Chill by the sea, explore the cities, or hike and kayak. Provence, France is a delight at every turn.

Discover even more about Provence by clicking here.

18. Montego Bay, Jamaica

Recommended by Anthony Jefferson at Traveling Session

Located on the tropical island of Jamaica, Montego Bay is an excellent place to visit. The turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and incredible sunsets provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing stay. For the indulgent traveler, you can eat and drink all you want at any of the all-inclusive resorts. It’s no wonder Montego Bay is such a popular destination.

Keep reading here for more information on Montego Bay.

19. Hawaii

Recommended by Jordin Chope with Jordin’s Journeys

The Big Island of Hawaii is a wondrous destination for all! Beautiful beaches and ocean activities are abundant. The Big Island also offers unexpected surprises of snow-capped peaks, lava fields, rainforests, and a desert.

Click here to find out more about more things to see and do in Hawaii.

20. Birmingham, Alabama

Recommended by Chelsey Knuth at The Wisconsinista

I was so impressed with Birmingham’s historical and natural attractions during my visit in April of 2018. As the backdrop for many events in the Civil Rights movement, the city strives to remember and learn from its history through the preservation of sights like the 16th Street Baptist Church, as well as creating learning opportunities through the new Civil Rights Institute and Heritage Trail. It also boasts incredible natural spaces like the new Railroad Park downtown and the iconic Barber Motorsports Park on the outskirts of town.

Learn more about Birmingham by clicking here.

BONUS: Venice, Italy

Recommended by yours truly, Traveling Tanya!

I couldn’t wrap up this post of amazing destinations to consider in 2020 without adding my own personal favorite…Venice. In 2019 I had the pleasure of traveling to Venice for the second time…and I would go ever single year if I could! With its picturesque bridges, winding alleys, majestic canals, and beautifully decaying architecture, Venice is like no other city in the world.

Go here to read all about our Venice Vacation.

If you haven’t been to Venice, I urge you to put it on your travel bucket list. While you are making that list, I hope you will ponder all 20 destinations mentioned in this post. Take some time to visit the websites for each of the travel bloggers listed above, and you will have plenty of travel inspiration for 2020 and beyond.

Wishing you a safe and happy 2020!

Happy Travels!

Tanya in Venice

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

P.S. Subscribe to my email list here and never miss out on any of Traveling Tanya’s exciting excursions or travel tips…plus I’ll send you my free Packing List!

Pin It For Later!

Make travel a priority in 2020! These favorite destinations from 20 travel bloggers will provide plenty of travel inspiration.

12 Comments

  • The Holidaymaker | Renee

    Such a great list of places to spark anyone’s travel plans in 2020! I have been to many of these, and will be planning to visit Ireland in 2020, so I have pinned this one for later.
    Thank you for including me among these other fantastic travel bloggers that I will now check out their content.

    • admin

      Ireland is somewhere I haven’t visited yet but would love to one day! So many cool destinations and not enough time!

  • Josy

    You have soooo many fantastic (and varied) ideas here!

    Thank you so much for letting me be involved Tanya. I will always love Japan, but it’d be amazing to visit this year while they prepare for the Olympics! There are several other places here that I would love to get to in this shiny new decade.

    p.s. I am with you about Venice. I have to admit I didn’t love the food there, but it is still a magical spot to visit. 😀

    • admin

      Yes this would be the perfect year for a trip to Japan! I have never been but my husband got to go for work once and it was quite a unique experience!

    • admin

      Krakow is a great addition! I’ve never been but know someone who has been several times and absolutely loves it…Poland is on my travel bucket list!

    • Felicia Edelman

      I love all the trip ideas. You forgot California. Sometimes when we are on our Harley Davidson Motorcycle my husband and I look at each other and say “we could be anywhere in the world” when we haven’t even left our home state!

  • Amanda

    So many of these destinations are on my travel wish list! I love everyone’s experiences and hope to check some of these off in 2020!

  • Jeremiah Pittmon

    We were so close to going to Venice. We were already going to be in Rome and Naples so we decided to add a different location and went with London. We also keep hearing wonderful things about Japan from different people that we meet, so we’re really intrigued about visiting there also.

    • admin

      With so many amazing destinations and limited travel time, it is so hard to choose! I do hope you make it to Venice one day…it is my favorite!