5 places to visit in 2020

It’s time for our annual list, once again!

Each year, we select five destinations from around the globe, which we think are ripe for a visit in the coming year. Of course, we’re not the only ones who make lists like this. Lots of websites and travel companies curate their own lists, but most of them are a heck-of-a-lot broader than ours. We limit our list to 5, because, honestly, no one we know has the time or the budget to take 52 exotic locations to far-flung destinations. As a New Yorker might say to its paper-of-record—”Hey, Grey Lady! What are ya? Nuts?”

Based on what we’re seeing and hearing in the industry, here are the five places that we think make lots of sense this year!

1. Hokkaido, Japan

This is Japan’s best-kept secret, home to the country’s national parks and the country’s northern wilderness. Visitors can hike active volcanoes and soak in hot springs. They can marvel at the endless flower fields of Biei or taste Japan’s freshest sashimi. Visit in winter and catch Sapporo’s Snow Festival, with awe-inspiring ice sculptures and winter sports. We know lots of people will want to visit Japan in 2020 for the Tokyo Olympics, but we think that getting off the beaten path to have an authentic Japan experience on the northern island makes the perfect extension.

2. Namibia

When most people think of visiting southern Africa, they think of South Africa, Botswana, or Zimbabwe. But Namibia is a fantastic option, with its otherworldly landscapes, desert-adapted wildlife, stargazing, five-star lodges, giant sand formations, and indigenous cultures. Visitors can soar over the Skeleton Coast in a helicopter, catch the sunrise at the red Sossusvlei Dunes, meet the Himba in Damaraland and spot big cats at Etosha National Park. If you’re looking for a destination in this part of the world that’s not over-safari-ed (we just made that word up, by the way), call us about planning a trip to Namibia.

3. Greenland

Interest in travel to Greenland peaked suddenly last year, when President Trump announced intentions to buy the World’s Largest Island. (N.B.: It isn’t for sale). We were ahead of that curve, because we’d already taken out group space on an epic journey to visit Greenland, with stops in the Canadian Maritime Provinces. Greenland is remote, it’s covered in ice, and it’s home to polar bears and other arctic wildlife. Greenland, for its part, is welcoming the attention—they’re eager to show visitors the authentic culture of their island, and we’re eager to learn about it!

4. Thailand

Each year, there’s a destination that suddenly gets super popular, and judging from the bookings we’re making for clients’ travels next year, Thailand is where it’s at in 2020. Explore the floating markets after geting a massage at the Wat Po temple in Bangkok. Explore the ancient ruins at Ayutthaya. Relax in a beach resort on the Krabi Coast. Wander around the cultural and religious sites in Chiang Mai. There’s a lot to see and do, and it’s all very much worth it.

5. Scotland

Ireland is an evergreen (forgive the pun) vacation choice for our clients, but increasingly, we’re noticing people are turning their attention to Scotland, as an alternative. It’s not hard to see why. Incredible landscapes, fantastic architecture, beautiful hiking, castles and whiskey! Last year, Balmoral Castle was opened on a daily basis to visitors between April and October. And if you’re a fan of the TV show, Outlander, well, say no more!

So, there you have it! The 5 destinations to put on your list for 2020. If you’re interested in a trip to any of these fantastic spots, let us know, because we’re ready to send you there, with the help of our vast network of preferred suppliers. Let’s make it our New Year’s resolution to travel more in 2020!