Starting a new year means planning another year’s worth of vacation days. Although social media and travel lists might inspire your trip, how do you truly know if a destination suits you? Our “where to go” guide aims to be different, not just showing popular Instagram spots or trendy destinations. Based on data from our Editors’ Choice Awards and insights from our global team of editors and writers, we have thoughtfully selected 19 destinations worldwide, both large and small, perfect for different traveler types. Whether you’re traveling with children, planning to bring back souvenirs, or preparing to hike, you’ll find your ideal location here.
Some of our choices might be expected—like Melbourne as a coffee lovers’ haven or Washington, D.C., for history enthusiasts. However, others are surprising. For instance, Richmond, Virginia, boasts a vibrant bar and distillery scene, and a tiny Balkan country might be your top beach destination for 2020.
Read on and get ready to pack your bags—this guide will assist you in planning your travels for the year ahead.
If your last visit to New Orleans was a decade ago for a bachelorette party, it’s time to return. While the city has always been known for its incredible food and rich history, new openings of museums, hotels, and even an entire airport make this the ideal year to explore the Big Easy. It’s a family-friendly destination too.
A newly opened state-of-the-art airport makes just flying into the city a transformed experience. You can enjoy local flavors from popular eateries like Dooky Chase and Folse Market without even leaving the airport, attracting even non-traveling locals.
On the museum front, the Louisiana Children’s Museum has moved to a new location at City Park, offering engaging exhibits, while the New Orleans Museum of Art has expanded its sculpture garden, which features works by esteemed artists.
In the Warehouse District, the World War II Museum recently unveiled the Higgins Hotel & Conference Center. This Art Deco-inspired venue is named for Andrew Jackson Higgins, a remarkable New Orleans native pivotal to wartime efforts. And as always, New Orleans promises delightful meals and beverages. For example, the Sazerac House on Magazine Street provides an interactive cocktail museum experience, while renowned eateries like Compère Lapin, Herbsaint, and the Elysian Bar, located in the stylish Hotel Peter & Paul, promise culinary satisfaction.
Rwanda has captivated adventurers, primarily drawn to see endangered mountain gorillas in its north. With a growing array of world-class resorts and improved accessibility, 2020 presents a prime opportunity to explore this destination.
Despite its tragic history, Rwanda has emerged as a modern tourism success story, leading eco-friendly and progressive initiatives. It boasts universal healthcare and mandatory education, among other accomplishments. It is recognized as one of Africa’s safest countries, with Parliament members predominantly women. Tourism has significantly contributed to its growth, and the supporting infrastructure is developing.
One&Only has opened Gorilla’s Nest, nestled in the foothills of the Virunga mountains, while Singita has launched the eco-friendly Kwitonda Lodge and private Kataza House villa. Though pricey, both companies support initiatives in reforestation and conservation. Volcanoes Safaris’ Virunga Lodge, a fixture in the region, marked its 15-year anniversary in 2019 and is undergoing renovations.
Travel became even simpler with Rwanda’s visa-on-arrival process initiated in 2018, and RwandAir is considering launching direct flights from New York to Kigali this year.
Washington, D.C., stands firm in anticipation of Election Day. Celebrating 100 years since women’s suffrage, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History will introduce an exhibition to reflect on voting rights. The Capitol Building has unveiled a monument honoring suffrage advocates, and the National Archives Museum is showcasing artifacts relating to the suffrage movement.
Language enthusiasts can look forward to the Planet Word Museum opening this year, and photography lovers can explore the National Portrait Gallery’s new exhibitions, including portraits of cultural icons Anna Wintour and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
History lovers will find no better time to visit D.C., with an array of new hotels ready to welcome guests. Viceroy’s Hotel Zena will open with a notable art program, while other choices include Generator, Riggs, and Thompson in the Navy Yards district.
Las Vegas football fans might face a unique challenge when the Raiders move to the city this year. The new Allegiant Stadium, a $2 billion marvel overlooking the Strip, might see more visiting fans than locals.
Vegas, already home to the Golden Knights hockey team, is ready for Raiders fans with an impressive array of sports facilities. Hockey supporters sport their team gear in the city on game days, and the Raiders’ upcoming practice facility in Paradise, Nevada will offer advanced facilities.
The city is emerging as a sports destination. Vegas, famously known for boxing matches and sportsbooks, is now a haven for sports lovers with the Raiders, Golden Knights, and WNBA’s Aces all calling the city home. Even college sports fans have reason to visit, with NCAA restrictions on tournaments in states with sports betting recently lifted.
Richmond, Virginia, is catching the attention of top mixologists and craft beer brewers. With a vibrant cocktail scene and breweries revitalizing historic areas, it’s a treasure for those seeking the finest drinks.
The Jasper opened in 2018 and set Carytown abuzz with its inventive libations. Since then, the city hasn’t slowed with places like Alewife, Perch, and Heritage, offering unique cocktails, and lively dive bars such as Cobra Cabana and Fuzzy Cactus. In Jackson Ward, Saison continues to innovate with South American-inspired drinks, and Quirk Hotel’s Maple & Pine offers a stylish setting with fantastic cocktails. Brenner Pass’s intriguing cocktail selection should not be missed, either.
Beer fans can explore Scott’s Addition for top breweries like Strangeways, Vasen, and Isley. Tabol Brewing in Battery Park stands out with its experimental barrel-aged sours. Brewery excitement has reached Manchester, home to new establishments like Dogtown Brewing Co. and Basic City Beer Company.
Puerto Rico beckons with stunning beaches, but it’s the island’s culinary scene that steals the limelight.
Post-Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, local efforts focused on using fresh produce from Puerto Rican farms to provide food and rebuild agriculture. This laid the groundwork for a thriving farm-to-table food culture.
Celebrity chefs including José Andrés and Jose Enrique were instrumental in rebuilding the island’s food scene, with chef Mario Ormaza reopening several restaurants and expanding others in San Juan’s Santurce neighborhood. Among these innovators is Francis Gúzman, who returned to San Juan to open Vianda, a celebrated farm-to-table dining spot.
Book a tour with Spoon Food Tours to sample San Juan’s finest culinary offerings and learn about the historical influences on the dishes.
Rome, our top pick for romance in 2020, is at its most enchanting at twilight. With its streetlights and splendid views, the Eternal City is ideal for a romantic getaway.
Visit Capitoline Hill, perfect for heartfelt proposals, or Janiculum Hill for panoramic views from the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola. Romantic lodging options include Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese, Chapter Roma, Palazzo Naiadi, and Hotel De’ Ricci, each offering unique charms.
Enjoy a candlelit meal at a quaint trattoria on a piazza for an unforgettable romantic experience.
Victoria, the brunch capital of Canada, boasts a variety of brunch spots to satisfy everyone.
Embrace the city’s tea culture at Venus Sophia Afternoon Tea Room & Vegetarian Eatery in Victoria’s historic Chinatown, serving delightful fare including Egyptian date cake and smoked cheddar raclette.
For a fancy brunch, head to The Courtney Room for Crab & Chives Benny, or try Sleeping Beauty Pancakes at Nourish, celebrated for their cardamom oatmeal recipe. Saveur offers an upscale experience with creative dishes like the Egg “McDuckin” Breakfast Sandwich.
Tucson, known as the Science City of the Southwest, offers exciting opportunities for curious minds.
Marvel at 150 moving sculptures at the Museum of Kinetic Art, learn about missiles at the Titan Missile Museum, and immerse yourself in stargazing at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium.
Discover Tucson’s vibrant sky viewing chances at Kitt Peak National Observatory, offering telescopic exploration of celestial bodies.
Buenos Aires has evolved into a hub for style hunters, offering designer boots, vintage finds, and one-of-a-kind showrooms.
Snag colorful handmade boots from Jessica Kessel, or visit Jessica Trosman’s factory/boutique for high-end designs. Vintage lovers will delight at Justo y Necesario in Palermo.
Explore San Telmo Street Fair for unique antiques and live music. For fewer crowds, visit Mercado de La Pulgas, or opt for private showrooms with Shop Hop BA tours.
Montenegro’s stunning Adriatic coastline awaits discovery, offering pristine beaches and lively nightspots alongside deep fjords and medieval towns.
With affordable prices compared to other Mediterranean destinations, Montenegro is seeing luxury hotel growth, including Luštica Bay’s Chedi and Porto Novi’s One&Only.
For luxury retreats, stay at Aman, adjacent to Sveti Stefan island’s ancient monastery.
Bangkok isn’t only a hub for street food but also for gourmet cuisine.
With top-notch Thai restaurants featuring local ingredients, Bangkok is a fine dining destination. Sorn and R-Haan top Michelin’s list with innovative Thai dishes, while Bo.lan and Nahm showcase culinary artistry.
Explore Le Du’s modern Thai menu or sample authentic dishes at Nahm from celebrated chef Pim Techamuanvivit.
Galway, already a cultural hotspot, will shine as the European Capital of Culture, hosting 2,000 events celebrating its heritage.
Immerse in the festivities with diverse themes shaped around the Celtic calendar. Enjoy local festivals like Galway Races and more.
Michigan, with expansive forests and coastlines, offers outdoor adventure.
Hike Sleeping Bear Dunes, kayak beneath cliffs at Pictured Rocks, and explore waterfalls, including Tahquamenon Falls.
Enjoy Isle Royale National Park’s quiet refuge and take in breathtaking natural wonders like Kitch-iti-kipi.
St. Louis offers family-friendly fun with many free attractions, notably the Saint Louis Zoo located within Forest Park.
The City Museum and The Magic House promise play and learning for kids. Treat your family to a frozen custard concrete at Ted Drewes.
California’s Central Coast, with stunning landscapes and sustainable tourism, is perfect for nature lovers.
Relax at Sycamore Mineral Springs or hike via Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Luxuriate at eco-friendly Hotel Cerro, which promotes environmental commitment.
Seoul’s vibrant food scene makes it a top pick for quick bites.
Explore delicious street foods and cozy restaurants like Egg Drop and Isaac Toast. Enjoy quick treats while shopping in Myeongdong.
Melbourne, consistently praised for its coffee culture, is a destination for coffee connoisseurs.
Experience its laid-back, social atmosphere in cafes like Kettle Black, St. Ali, and Brother Baba Budan.
Copenhagen’s “bageri” renaissance offers artisanal pastries and bread by top bakers and chefs.
Taste authentic rye bread at Hart Bakery and check out Meyers Bageri, known for savory baked goods. Delight in pastries like kanelsnegle at various bakeries.
Embark on a Danish pastry crawl through this enticing city.
