No one wants another boring vacation. You scroll through the same old places, see everyone at the same beaches, and your camera roll looks nearly the same as your neighbor's. If you're looking for somewhere that screams "yes, this was my year," you're in the right spot. The best travel destinations 2020 aren’t all about big crowds or huge price tags, but about stories you’ll want to tell over and over.
What Makes a Destination Stand Out in 2020?
The world is packed with places fighting for a spot on your bucket list. But what really makes a destination stick out this year? It’s not just about stunning views (though those help). It's about what you can't find anywhere else: unique culture, new hotspots, local food that surprises you, and adventures nobody back home has done. The best travel destinations 2020 are all about the feeling you get—whether it’s excitement, calm, or 'wow, I have to show people this.'
- Unexpected festivals
- Locals who make you feel at home
- Spots where it feels like you discovered something secret
- Moments that make you put your phone down
Which Top Places to Visit in 2020 Are Actually Worth It?
Trendy doesn’t mean overrated. Here are a few places lighting up everyone’s travel radar for good reasons:
Bali, Indonesia – Still Got It
Bali is on every top places to visit 2020 list, and there’s a reason. It's not just about crazy nightlife or pool floats—think rice fields at sunrise, warungs serving real local food, and surfing at beaches you've never seen in an Instagram post. If you wander away from the main towns, Bali still delivers those quiet, magical mornings people dream of.
Ljubljana, Slovenia – Europe’s Secret Star
If crowds drive you nuts, but you still want cobblestone streets and castles, Ljubljana is your jam. This city is small, green (as in, they ban cars downtown), and packed with color. Coffee by the river, an unexpected food scene, and castles that don't feel like museums. It’s a popular tourist destination 2020 overlooked—don’t make the same mistake.
Kyoto, Japan – Tradition Meets Now
Shrines and cherry blossoms? Sure, but Kyoto is buzzing in new ways for 2020. The art scene is wild, the food is next level, and side streets have tiny shops you won’t find anywhere else. It's a must-see location 2020 travelers are finally putting at the top, especially since it blends old-school vibe with fresh energy.
Cartagena, Colombia – Caribbean Vibes and History
Cartagena mixes sun-drenched days, salsa nights, and colonial charm that doesn’t feel fake. It’s affordable, warm year-round, and every street looks ready-made for stories. Plus, the locals go out of their way to make you feel welcome—something trending travel spots don’t always pull off.
New Zealand’s South Island – Pure Adventure
If you want mountains bigger than your commute problems, lakes so clear they look fake, and enough adventures to fill up a year, South Island is your answer. Hike, bungee, ski—then unwind in tiny towns that feel like movie sets. It’s not the cheapest, but every photo you snap will make people jealous.
Must-See Locations 2020: Hidden Gems or Hype?
Not every must-see location 2020 is blasted across your social feeds. Some are low-key on purpose. The best ones mix the thrill of finding something new with the comfort of not being packed in like sardines. Here are a few crowd-beating picks:
- Georgia (the country): Epic mountains, food that surprises, and a capital (Tbilisi) that’s buzzier than most of Europe.
- Jordan: Petra is Insta-famous, but Wadi Rum feels like Mars and isn’t overrun. Plus, floating in the Dead Sea is wild.
- The Azores, Portugal: Lush islands where you can whale watch, hike volcanoes, and absolutely chill.
How to Survive and Actually Enjoy Trending Travel Spots 2020
Crowds happen, but that doesn’t mean you can't have a blast. Here’s what helps:
- Visit early or late in the season—fewer people, same views.
- Get up at sunrise (yeah, it’s painful, but you’ll have places to yourself).
- Skip major sights for an afternoon and just wander—best discoveries happen when you’re kind of lost.
- Eat where the locals do. Ask them, not your phone.
The truth? Even the best travel destinations 2020 have lines and selfie sticks. Roll with it and focus on the parts you’ll actually remember.
Making Your 2020 Trip Memorable (for Good Reasons)
Booking flights and hotels is just step one. The fun—and the stories—start when you ditch the script a bit. A trip sticks with you when you jump into things that weren’t on your calendar, talk to strangers, or get hopelessly lost and end up finding the best bakery you’ve ever tried. The must-see locations 2020 list is just the starting point. What you do there—and how much you let yourself get swept up in the moment—is what counts.
- Jot down one thing you want to try that scares you a bit.
- Take fewer photos, remember more details.
- Give yourself time to do nothing—that’s when real adventure finds you.
FAQ
- What are the best travel destinations for 2020 if I’m on a budget?
Some of the top places to visit 2020 that won’t break the bank are Georgia (the country), some parts of Mexico like Oaxaca, and Eastern Europe, including places like Romania and Bulgaria. You still get great food, cool sites, and friendly people for way less cash than Western Europe or the big name spots. - What are some must-see locations 2020 solo travelers love?
Popular tourist destinations 2020 for solo adventurers include Kyoto for its safe and walkable streets, New Zealand for non-stop adventure, and Portugal’s Azores for chill vibes and beautiful hikes. These places are easy to navigate alone and make meeting new friends natural. - Are any trending travel spots 2020 good for families?
Definitely. Bali is always great for families thanks to its beaches and kid-friendly culture, while Slovenia’s lakes and castles feel like a real-life storybook. New Zealand’s South Island has adventure for all ages—think glowworm caves, animal parks, and safe cities. - How do I avoid crowds at popular tourist destinations 2020?
Travel in shoulder seasons like late spring or early fall. Book sites first thing in the morning or right before closing. Try visiting lesser-known areas just outside the top spots. And if you find yourself stuck in a crowd, take it slow and look for side streets—there’s often something cool nearby. - Should I pick new trending travel spots 2020 or stick to classics?
Mix it up! Classics are popular for a reason, but new spots give you bragging rights and new stories. See the big sights if they matter to you, but spend some days exploring places you haven’t seen plastered all over your feed. You’ll remember those even more. - How do I make the most of my trip at the best travel destinations 2020?
Leave some space in your schedule to be spontaneous. Talk to locals, eat food you can’t get at home, and don’t sweat mistakes (they’re often the best part). Remember, it’s about experiences, not just ticking boxes on a list.
Pick a spot, book the ticket, and let this year’s adventure surprise you. You’ll walk away with more than souvenirs—you’ll get stories that outlast any Instagram update.
