20 Expert-Recommended Top Travel Destinations for 2020
If you’re like many avid travelers, the new year sparks excitement for fresh adventures—and 2020 delivers an abundance of compelling options. After rigorous discussions, our experienced editorial team, drawing on insights from trusted on-the-ground writers and specialists, refined a vast global list into these 20 standout destinations. Ranging from accessible U.S. spots (including two in Florida) to remote Himalayan enclaves in Bhutan, each offers major events, sustainability achievements, rising-star appeal, or innovative twists on timeless attractions. Firsthand reporting confirms: These are the places to prioritize. Here they are, in no particular order.
Kenya
Straddling the equator and the Great Rift Valley, Kenya—the birthplace of the safari—boasts diverse landscapes from Indian Ocean beaches to Mount Kilimanjaro’s slopes. The Maasai Mara’s iconic wildlife, including the epic wildebeest migration, remains a highlight, but venture north to Laikipia’s quieter plains and Mount Kenya foothills for rare black rhinos.
Why Visit in 2020: Enhanced access includes Kenya Airways’ nonstop JFK-Nairobi flight (since 2018) and the Madaraka Express railway (launched 2017), linking Nairobi to Mombasa via Tsavo National Park’s red elephants. Nairobi’s vibrant food and music scenes rival Africa’s best. Leading in sustainability, Kenya banned plastic bags and targets 100% renewable energy (wind, hydro, geothermal) by 2020.
Pro Tip: Opt for community-based conservancies over national parks for premier safari camps, uncrowded wildlife viewing, and deeper local connections among Kenya’s 42 ethnic groups. —Richard Trillo, author of The Rough Guide to Kenya and East Africa Manager at ExpertAfrica.com
Hawaii
Hawaii transcends stereotypes with pristine beaches, dramatic mountains, active volcanoes, and a burgeoning cultural revival delivering authentic experiences.
Why Visit in 2020: Beyond U.S.-centric sites like Pearl Harbor, embrace indigenous heritage via Oahu’s Farm to Forest tour, Maui’s Outrigger Canoe Tours, restored heiaus like Kauai’s Kaneiolouma, Molokai’s Mokio Reserve, and Oahu’s Heʻeia fishponds. Southwest Airlines’ new routes, including $29 interisland fares (through March) and discounted mainland flights, make it more affordable.
Pro Tip: Skip airport rentals; choose local agencies like Kauai’s Island Cars or Maui’s Kimo’s Rent a Car for cost savings. —Will McGough, Hawaii-based travel writer for AFAR, Forbes, and more
Japan
Japan blends ancient temples, stunning mountains, beaches, and megacities fusing modern innovation with tradition.
Why Visit in 2020: Tokyo hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games with new venues like Olympic Stadium and hotels such as Hyatt Centric, Hotel Koé, and revamped Hotel Okura. The torch relay spotlights Tohoku’s recovery with the Michinoku Coastal Trail; post-Games, ski Mount Zao or cherry-blossom Hirosaki. Kanazawa offers Kyoto-like culture minus crowds.
Pro Tip: Visit Tokyo pre- or post-Olympics to avoid peak crowds and prices. —Rob Goss, Tokyo-based writer for National Geographic Traveler, BBC Travel; author of seven Japan books
Washington, D.C.
D.C. pairs iconic monuments and free Smithsonian museums with hip neighborhoods, innovative dining, maker shops, and sports energy.
Why Visit in 2020: Election buzz peaks in November; new attractions include Planet Word Museum, National Children’s Museum, American History’s Culture Wing, Air and Space renovations, and 19th Amendment centennial exhibits. Hotels like Riggs Washington DC and MOB Hotel elevate stays.
Pro Tip: Metro’s Silver Line to Dulles opens summer 2020. —Barbara Noe Kennedy, D.C.-based writer for Fodor’s, Lonely Planet
Morocco
Morocco’s UNESCO medinas, sunny coasts, mountains, deserts, and hospitality enchant.
Why Visit in 2020: Modern perks like fast internet, world’s largest solar plant, and Africa’s high-speed rail coexist with timeless Marrakesh (Africa’s 2020 Capital of Culture). Stay in riads over flashy spots like Pestana CR7.
Pro Tip: Women-only tours abound for female travelers. —Lucas Peters, author Moon: Marrakesh; Journey Beyond Travel Morocco Manager
Bhutan
The world’s only carbon-negative nation prioritizes happiness, biodiversity, and organic farming amid Himalayan trails.
Why Visit in 2020: Gross National Happiness philosophy includes $200/$250 daily tariff covering lodging, meals, transport, guides, and sustainability. New luxury stays: Postcard Dewa, Six Senses Bumthang, andbeyond Punakha, MyBhutan camps.
Pro Tip: Catch the King at October’s Royal Highlander Festival in remote Laya. —Erin Levi, Bhutan expert for NYT, Travel + Leisure
Orlando
Beyond theme parks, Orlando innovates with thrilling updates.
Why Visit in 2020: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, SeaWorld’s Ice Breaker coaster, Disney’s Riviera Resort.
Pro Tip: Use park apps for ticketing, reservations, wait times. —Holly V. Kapherr, Travel Weekly Florida Editor
Curaçao
Willemstad’s UNESCO neighborhoods, beaches, and snorkeling shine.
Why Visit in 2020: Dreams Curaçao Resort, Marriott makeover, Renaissance Infinity Beach Club, airport upgrades, new flights.
Pro Tip: Follow PasaBon for events. —Lebawit Lily Girma, Moon Caribbean author
Scotland
Heritage meets modern vibrancy amid stunning coasts.
Why Visit in 2020: Year of Coasts and Waters: Edinburgh Festival water themes, Fingal boatel, Condita restaurant, Aberdeen updates, Dumbarnie Links.
Pro Tip: Caledonian Sleeper train, Nova Spero cruise. —Robin McKelvie, National Geographic Scotland author
Bozeman, Montana
From cowboy roots to arts hub near national parks.
Why Visit in 2020: Growth, arts, dining, MSU research, Sperry Chalet; outdoor pursuits abound.
Pro Tip: Layer for year-round snow. —Emily Stifler Wolfe, Bozeman writer
Mendocino County
Authentic wine country with coast, redwoods, cannabis.
Why Visit in 2020: New tasting rooms (Smith Story, Twomey), Michelin-star Harbor House, Boonville Hotel, Skunk Train rail bikes.
Pro Tip: Frey Vineyards rebuilt post-fire. —Matt Villano, NYT/AFAR writer
Eastern Europe
Affordable castles, beaches, culture post-communism.
Why Visit in 2020: 30th anniversary; Kraków’s Princes Czartoryski, Budapest’s House of Hungarian Music.
Pro Tip: Travel by reliable trains. —Joseph Reaney, Fodor’s contributor
Blue Ridge Mountains
Southern-Appalachian arts, food scene.
Why Visit in 2020: Asheville beers, Blowing Rock B&B&B, Roanoke dining, Charlottesville wineries.
Pro Tip: Linger in towns, visit galleries. —Jason Frye, Moon Blue Ridge author
Scandinavia
Fjords, northern lights, happy cities.
Why Visit in 2020: Favorable exchange rates; Stockholm e-sports, Copenhagen EURO matches.
Pro Tip: Book early for savings. —David Nikel, Moon Norway author
Florida Keys
Tropical U.S. paradise with reefs.
Why Visit in 2020: Kimpton Key West, Bungalows Key Largo, Little Palm Island, Everglades eco-tents; new flights.
Pro Tip: Stay at Deer Run for Key deer. —Terry Ward, Condé Nast/AFAR writer
Chile
Diverse landscapes, rising star.
Why Visit in 2020: Better flights, Santiago Mandarin Oriental, new airport terminal, Dec 14 solar eclipse in Pucón.
Pro Tip: Protests improving; wilderness unaffected. —Zoe Baillargeon, Chile guidebook author
French Wine Country
Premier vineyards reinvented.
Why Visit in 2020: Natural wine boom; e-bikes in Bordeaux, Citroën tours in Burgundy.
Pro Tip: TGV to Angers, Reims; Paris wine bars. —Eleanor Aldridge, Paris wine writer
Newfoundland and Labrador
Rugged coasts, whales, icebergs.
Why Visit in 2020: Titanic sub dives, Iceberg Alley (melting fast).
Pro Tip: Book rentals early. —Candice Walsh, BBC Travel writer
Sicily
Multicultural island gem.
Why Visit in 2020: Palermo upgrades, Netflix fame, direct U.S. flights.
Pro Tip: Rent a car for ease. —Sarah Murdoch, Rick Steves Sicily coauthor
Pacific Northwest
World-class wines, outdoors.
Why Visit in 2020: “Wiking,” truffle hunts, new hotels like Atticus; Walla Walla’s Valdemar.
Pro Tip: International Pinot Noir Celebration in July. —Kerry Newberry, Fodor’s wine writer
