If you seek travel inspiration for the new year 2020, here are the top 20 destinations for you to kick off the new decade.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) gathers these wanderlust-inciting 20 destinations for 2020 from a list curated by Forbes Travel Guide’s editors.
If you look hard enough, you can find something enticing about nearly every city on this list.
1. Las Vegas
The National Football League (NFL) American professional football league is taking its draft to Vegas from April 23 to 25 of 2020, and relocating the Raiders to the new Allegiant Stadium. The Las Vegas Valley as a whole serves as the leading financial, commercial, and cultural center for Nevada. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous for its mega casino–hotels and associated activities. So set your calendar to have the entertainment of life.
2. Tel Aviv
Ancient history and modern living meet in this bustling beach city along Israel’s Mediterranean coast. While no day in this urban hot spot would be complete without a few hours on the golden sands, you’ll also want to make time for the newly opened White City Center.
3. Macau
Macau observes its 20th anniversary as a Special Administrative Region of China on December 20. Since Portugal transferred sovereignty in 1999, Macau has established its identity as a destination with a rich culture, luxurious hotels, world-class restaurants and lavish casinos.
4. Nashville
With fresh hotels springing up, classic stays, new attractions like the National Museum of African American Music, and spruced-up old favorites, the Music City will hit all the right notes in 2020.
5. U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands
Hurricane Irma devastated the region, but this cluster of Caribbean paradise is experiencing a rebirth. Two of the territories’ top hotels reopened last November after a $100 million renovation. No better time to visit than in 2020.
6. Okinawa
With its sun-drenched beaches and Blue Zone, regions where people tend to live longer than average, the Hawaii of Japan should be high on your travel radar this year. Leading up to July’s Olympic opening ceremony in Tokyo, the prefecture will play host to a two-day leg of the Games’ torch relay.
7. Dubai
The top destinations for 2020 won’t be complete without mention of Dubai. The city known for over-the-top luxury keeps reinventing itself. There’s always something splashy and new. But when Dubai hosts the 2020 World Expo, it will mark the largest event to be staged in the Middle East and a first for the region. Running October 20 to April 10, the expo, expects to bring in millions of visitors to see the first Emirati opera, more than 200 food and drink spots, eye-catching architecture and art, and much more.
8. Tokyo
How about Tokyo? The world will turn its collective head toward Japan’s capital for the 2020 Summer Olympics from July 24 to August 9. Get ready!
9. Edinburgh
There are already a host of reasons to visit Scotland’s capital, from the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle to the famous Festival Fringe. Next year promises to bring even more excitement as the evolving city debuts new attractions like the three-story Johnnie Walker Experience and the massive Edinburgh St. James mixed-use complex.
10. Sonoma
Following a string of wildfires, this resilient Wine Country enclave is open for business. The area’s picturesque vineyards, delightful restaurants and gorgeous galleries offer all the elegance of Napa without the crowds. While wine tasting is certainly a highlight, Sonoma County also offers year-round entertainment. The Sonoma International Film Festival takes place March 25-29, while the Sonoma Speed Festival unfolds May 28-31. There are also charming spots, like chateau-style Hotel Les Mars in Healdsburg, and sumptuous new retreats to rest your head.
11. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia recently launched tourist visas for the first time, hoping to draw more than 100 million visitors by 2030. They’ll come for Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s being reimagined into a cultural and entertainment powerhouse with a slew of restaurants, hotels, museums, a golf course, a Formula E racetrack and a 15,000-seat arena.
12. Rome
The Eternal City celebrated the 500th anniversary of Da Vinci’s death in 2019, and 2020 will honor that of Raphael. The Renaissance painter will be featured in a Scuderie del Quirinale exhibit (March 5-June 14, 2020) that will include a 1504-06 self-portrait and Madonna of the Goldfinch.
13. Kohler, Wisconsin
You’ve likely never heard of this small town an hour north of Milwaukee. But you will, once the Ryder Cup takes off here in 2020. The Pete Dye-designed Whistling Straits will become the first public course to host the competition since 1991. Even if you aren’t a golf fan, this destination warrants a visit—it’s home to The American Club and Kohler Waters Spa, Wisconsin’s only Five-Star hotel and spa, respectively.
14. Monterey, California
If the awe-inspiring scenery in Big Little Lies didn’t prompt you to visit this coastal beauty, then use Monterey’s 250th anniversary as an excuse. Embark on one of the best road trips in the U.S. through the region and make stop-offs for innovative Five-Star cuisine at Aubergine at L’Auberge Carmel, historical walking tours, golfing at famed Pebble Beach and relaxing in Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa’s newly renovated spa—including soaking in the Spa Suite’s side-by-side tubs, which overlook Monterey Bay.
15. Bangkok
A wave of activity pushes Thailand’s capital to the top of our itinerary. After it was named a UNESCO Creative City in October, hot new hotels are popping up, favorite stays are getting a refresh and there’s always news on the food scene.
16. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
It’s easy to fall for SMA. Spanish colonial buildings awash in hues of terra cotta, salmon and ochre line cobblestone streets; the Mercado de Artesanías keeps the city’s artistic spirit intact; and wandering mariachi bands provide a live soundtrack. To see more of SMA, visit a bar with a view, like Rosewood San Miguel de Allende’s Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar, which overlooks the city—or Atrio or Quince, both of which put you up close to the skyline star, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. But the best way to take in the city’s splendor is from Live Aqua Urban Resort San Miguel de Allende’s new hot-air balloon.
17. Jamaica
No Time To Die, the 25th installment in the James Bond movie franchise, premieres in April. Some of the film’s scenes were shot in Jamaica, an island that Bond creator Ian Fleming called his seasonal home for nearly two decades. Retrace his steps (or those of 007) in Montego Bay by kicking your feet up on Half Moon Jamaica’s gorgeous grounds or trying something shaken not stirred at Round Hill Hotel and Villas’ Seaside Terrace. Another reason to visit: March will see the debut of Eclipse at Half Moon, a hotel-within-a-hotel with 57 accommodations, two restaurants, three bars, a Fern Tree – A Salamander Spa, an infinity-edge pool and a private beachfront with a natural swimming cove.
18. Maldives
A trip to this magical chain of Indian Ocean atolls is always a good idea. But in the new year, the Maldives’ sparkling blue waters make an even bigger splash with exciting renovations, smashing debuts and new wellness offerings from established resorts that you can’t wait to experience.
19. St. Petersburg, Russia
This romantic Russian city is a picturesque introduction to the country with its colorful buildings, regal architecture and myriad museums—and in recent years, its flourishing modern nightlife. Russia’s cultural capital is primed to show its underrated sporty side in 2020 when it plays host to the country’s inaugural Ironman triathlon (taking place July 19) and four matches of soccer’s Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Euro Cup in June.
20. Cape Town
With its photogenic Winelands, ever-evolving art scene and influx of high-end hotels, the Mother City should be high on your bucket list. The upcoming year will provide a prime opportunity to visit the South African capital, promising to shave up to eight hours off travel time.