Everyone had big plans for travel in 2020, and then—well, you know what happened. Still, some places ended up more popular than ever, and some got skipped completely. It's not just about cheap flights or pretty photos. There's a story behind which places made it onto the list of top travel destinations 2020.
Why Did Some Destinations Boom While Others Went Quiet?
You'd think the best places to visit 2020 would be the usual classics. But everything flipped. Local road trips beat far-flung cities. Families picked hidden gems over crowded hotspots. Why? Safety shot to the top of everyone's list. Wide open spaces, clean air, and easy outdoor fun suddenly mattered so much more than they used to.
- National parks saw record numbers
- Small beach towns got crowded (for once)
- Urban escapes went out of style
One friend traded a big overseas trip for camping in their own state. Now, they want to do it again every year. Turns out, the popular travel spots 2020 looked a lot closer to home than anyone expected.
What Made Destinations Trendy in 2020?
The list of trending destinations 2020 had a few surprises. People didn't just want pretty views—they wanted space to breathe, fewer crowds, and ways to control their trip.
Think private cabins instead of hotels, car rentals over trains, and lots of hiking gear. Social media still played a part, but it was more about sharing a personal story than showing off fancy restaurants.
- Outdoor adventures: hiking, kayaking, biking
- Food you could make yourself (hello, campfire meals)
- Spots with flexible booking and zero cancellation fees
If you planned a trip and watched it get canceled, you probably looked up creative road trip ideas next. You're not alone. That's what happened to millions of would-be travelers in 2020.
How Did People Choose Where To Go?
Picking a destination used to be easy. Now, everyone had a different checklist. Some asked, "Is this safe?" Others cared about privacy or if they'd get stuck quarantining for weeks.
Here's what shaped travel choices:
- Restrictions and travel rules (constantly changing!)
- Distance from home
- Flexibility if plans changed last minute
- Chance to spend time outdoors without big groups
One family I know drove eight hours for a quiet cabin, just to skip airports. Their main goal: peace of mind. 2020 made everyone look at travel through a new lens.
Top Travel Destinations 2020: What Surprised Everyone?
Cities like Paris and Rome usually top best places to visit 2020 lists. Not this time. Instead, state parks, secluded lakes, and mountain getaways became superstars.
- Yellowstone and Yosemite hit all-time visitor highs
- Driveable beaches in the US filled up (and then some)
- Remote spots with cute cabins or RV rentals sold out fast
Even tiny spots folks barely heard about before became internet-famous. What counted most? Trustworthy cleaning practices, low crowds, and activities you could enjoy solo or with family.
Travel Trends 2020: New Habits That Stuck
Some 2020 travel habits aren't going anywhere. People got used to planning at the last second, cooking their own meals, and traveling with smaller groups.
- Making backup plans—because cancellations happened a lot
- Packing extra health gear: masks, sanitizer, wipes
- Giving up bucket-list trips for local adventures
Even now, most folks check refund policies twice. And local guides got extra popular for private (not group) tours. Honestly, this made a few trending destinations 2020 even more attractive.
How Did Social Media and Word of Mouth Change Things?
Travel used to be about chasing viral photos. In 2020, people wanted real-time info. Were places open? Was it safe? Did locals want visitors? Facebook groups and local forums mattered way more than travel magazines.
My cousin picked her family's summer getaway after seeing someone post honest reviews and photos—not a glossy ad. People started trusting each other's stories more than ever.
Mistakes Travelers Made With 2020's Trends
Not everything went smoothly. Lots of travelers got stuck with zero refunds. Some arrived to find places closed or too crowded to feel comfortable. The biggest mistakes?
- Not double-checking rules before leaving
- Booking non-refundable stays "for the deal"
- Assuming quiet places couldn't get crowded
I learned the hard way—ended up canceling a last-minute trip because the park closed suddenly. Now, my rule is to triple-check the night before. 2020 changed how we plan, for good.
Will These Trends Shape Travel In The Future?
If you got used to road trips, private cabins, and flexible bookings, you're not alone. The good news? Destinations noticed and are keeping many of these changes.
- Better cleaning standards stayed
- Flexible cancelation policies became the norm
- More details about crowds, closures, and activities shared online
The main takeaway: understanding what travelers want isn't a guessing game anymore. Safety, space, and honest info are sticking around.
FAQ
- What were the top travel destinations 2020 for families?
National parks and driveable beach towns were huge hits for families in 2020. People loved places where kids could run around outdoors and everyone felt safe. Think Yellowstone, the Outer Banks, and small lake towns—places with lots of space and easy activities together. - Which popular travel spots 2020 were less crowded than usual?
Larger cities and famous international spots were a lot emptier. Places like New York and Paris weren't busy like before. Instead, less-known state parks and smaller mountain towns had more visitors, but big cities got pretty quiet compared to regular years. - How did trending destinations 2020 handle safety?
Most places introduced new cleaning routines, spaced out crowds, and asked everyone to follow simple health rules. Many turned to online ticket systems and made sure activities stayed small. If you visited in 2020, you probably noticed hand sanitizer everywhere and lots of signs about distancing. - What travel trends 2020 are people still doing now?
Flexible booking, road trips, and picking less crowded spots are still big. Travelers got used to last-minute changes and protecting their plans. People also care more about outdoor activities and places with good refund policies. Local guides and private tours also keep getting more popular. - How can I spot the best places to visit 2020-style when planning a new trip?
Look for spots with simple outdoor fun, space to spread out, and flexible booking. Check recent reviews and updates for closures or crowds. Local travel groups and forums are great for honest info. And always double-check refund policies—last-minute changes are way more common now. - Did 2020's travel trends affect prices?
Some destinations got pricier because demand shot up—like cabins, RV rentals, and popular national parks. But big city hotels dropped their rates since fewer people visited. If you followed travel trends 2020, you probably noticed more deals for usual hotspots, but rural spots cost more than before.
If you're planning your next adventure, take a few tips from 2020. Look for places that fit your comfort zone, check the fine print, and give those underrated destinations a try. You'll probably find a new favorite you wouldn't have found any other year.
