Best New Places to Vacation in 2020

Each year brings a new crop of up-and-coming destinations around the globe, places that are suddenly getting their time in the spotlight. 2020 will be no different. For the year ahead, travelers appear to be looking to places that allow them to immerse themselves in nature and to escape overcrowding, trends that were also prevalent last year. Here are 18 destinations around the globe that travel industry insiders say will be trending in 2020. (Looking for destinations closer to home? Be sure to check out The One Thing You Must Do in Every State.)

Related: 20 Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences Worth the Extravagant Price Tag

Each year brings a new crop of up-and-coming destinations around the globe, places that are suddenly getting their time in the spotlight. 2020 will be no different. For the year ahead, travelers appear to be looking to places that allow them to immerse themselves in nature and to escape overcrowding, trends that were also prevalent last year. Here are 18 destinations around the globe that travel industry insiders say will be trending in 2020. (Looking for destinations closer to home? Be sure to check out The One Thing You Must Do in Every State.)

Related: 20 Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences Worth the Extravagant Price Tag

While Portugal has been attracting its fair share of tourists for years, the Madeira Islands, an archipelago off the northern coast of Africa, have yet to truly be discovered by the masses. The cluster of four islands — well-known for wine production as well as being home to stunning mountains and an eternal spring climate — are ready for the tourists to arrive. A handful of new hotels have opened on Madeira Island (the main island) and there's new island infrastructure making it easier to explore the ruggedly beautiful landscape.

While Portugal has been attracting its fair share of tourists for years, the Madeira Islands, an archipelago off the northern coast of Africa, have yet to truly be discovered by the masses. The cluster of four islands — well-known for wine production as well as being home to stunning mountains and an eternal spring climate — are ready for the tourists to arrive. A handful of new hotels have opened on Madeira Island (the main island) and there's new island infrastructure making it easier to explore the ruggedly beautiful landscape.

How often in life will you come across an opportunity to experience black-lava bathing pools? Don't miss your chance to enjoy them on Madeira Island. Located in Porto Moniz, slightly more than 45 minutes outside the island capital of Funchal, the calm saltwater pools are surrounded by lava walls.

How often in life will you come across an opportunity to experience black-lava bathing pools? Don't miss your chance to enjoy them on Madeira Island. Located in Porto Moniz, slightly more than 45 minutes outside the island capital of Funchal, the calm saltwater pools are surrounded by lava walls.

Named one of the top places to visit in 2020 by Fodor's, Galway's charms include cobblestone streets, mouthwatering restaurants (including a few Michelin-starred options), charming shops, and plenty of live music at the many, many pubs. The city is also Europe's 2020 Capital of Culture, meaning there will be much to see and do here in the year ahead as Galway puts its best foot forward hosting events, art projects and other festivities designed to highlight Galway's culture and people.

Named one of the top places to visit in 2020 by Fodor's, Galway's charms include cobblestone streets, mouthwatering restaurants (including a few Michelin-starred options), charming shops, and plenty of live music at the many, many pubs. The city is also Europe's 2020 Capital of Culture, meaning there will be much to see and do here in the year ahead as Galway puts its best foot forward hosting events, art projects and other festivities designed to highlight Galway's culture and people.

Galway City Museum provides an in-depth look at the city's intriguing history and heritage. Exhibits cover everything from prehistoric and medieval Galway to what the city looked like in the 1800s. There's also a café at the museum that offers views of the nearby Spanish Arch, which dates back to the late 16th century.

Galway City Museum provides an in-depth look at the city's intriguing history and heritage. Exhibits cover everything from prehistoric and medieval Galway to what the city looked like in the 1800s. There's also a café at the museum that offers views of the nearby Spanish Arch, which dates back to the late 16th century.

For those seeking an affordable up-and-coming destination in 2020, the Republic of Georgia represents yet another notable option, says Maggie Turansky co-founder and lead writer for The World Was Here First, a site devoted to off-the-beaten-path journeys. "Nestled in the Caucasus, Georgia has a lot to offer visitors including incredible mountains, beautiful coastline, and cosmopolitan cities," Turansky says. "Georgia is also known as being the oldest wine-producing nation in the world, with a wine tradition that dates back more than 8,000 years."

For those seeking an affordable up-and-coming destination in 2020, the Republic of Georgia represents yet another notable option, says Maggie Turansky co-founder and lead writer for The World Was Here First, a site devoted to off-the-beaten-path journeys. "Nestled in the Caucasus, Georgia has a lot to offer visitors including incredible mountains, beautiful coastline, and cosmopolitan cities," Turansky says. "Georgia is also known as being the oldest wine-producing nation in the world, with a wine tradition that dates back more than 8,000 years."

Often referred to as Georgia's most attractive town, the beautiful hill community of Sighnaghi is located in the heart of the country's Kakheti region, an area known for its viticulture, Turansky says. "Colloquially referred to as the city of love this walled town is incredibly picturesque and romantic, surrounded by vineyards," Turansky says.

Often referred to as Georgia's most attractive town, the beautiful hill community of Sighnaghi is located in the heart of the country's Kakheti region, an area known for its viticulture, Turansky says. "Colloquially referred to as the city of love this walled town is incredibly picturesque and romantic, surrounded by vineyards," Turansky says.

Located on the southernmost reaches of South America, Patagonia is a place of rugged beauty where there are few inhabitants but an abundance of breathtaking sites ranging from the Andes Mountains to grasslands and deserts. It is a destination that allows for truly getting (far) away from it all. Travel company Contiki, which caters to 18- to 35-year-olds, says the far-flung region has been increasing in popularity of late, making it the company's nomination for one of the best new places to vacation in 2020. "People just love the combination of hiking and being rewarded with sights of white glaciers and deep blue lagoons," said Contiki's Laura Condrut said.

Located on the southernmost reaches of South America, Patagonia is a place of rugged beauty where there are few inhabitants but an abundance of breathtaking sites ranging from the Andes Mountains to grasslands and deserts. It is a destination that allows for truly getting (far) away from it all. Travel company Contiki, which caters to 18- to 35-year-olds, says the far-flung region has been increasing in popularity of late, making it the company's nomination for one of the best new places to vacation in 2020. "People just love the combination of hiking and being rewarded with sights of white glaciers and deep blue lagoons," said Contiki's Laura Condrut said.

With so much magical natural beauty, the top sight in Patagonia largely depends on the interests of the visitor. However, Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is easily among the most photographed and striking attractions. The sprawling 877-square-mile park is a place where visitors can take in such varied sights as virgin forests, ice fields, glaciers, and picturesque valleys.

Related: 30 Beautiful Destinations for Taking Photos Around the World

With so much magical natural beauty, the top sight in Patagonia largely depends on the interests of the visitor. However, Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is easily among the most photographed and striking attractions. The sprawling 877-square-mile park is a place where visitors can take in such varied sights as virgin forests, ice fields, glaciers, and picturesque valleys.

Related: 30 Beautiful Destinations for Taking Photos Around the World

Receiving a spate of publicity in 2019 including being mentioned by The Wall Street Journal, and appearing on the feeds of numerous travel influencers, Namibia is another up-and-coming destination for 2020, according to the experts at Contiki. The Southwest African destination is particularly popular among travelers seeking a break from crowds and wanting an opportunity to explore stunning natural beauty. The country is home to Africa's deepest canyon as well as intriguing rock art sites and plenty of wildlife. "Namibia is quickly turning into one of the best African spots to visit lately, especially due to its beautiful landscapes, amazing safaris and traditional communities," Contiki's Condrut says.

Receiving a spate of publicity in 2019 including being mentioned by The Wall Street Journal, and appearing on the feeds of numerous travel influencers, Namibia is another up-and-coming destination for 2020, according to the experts at Contiki. The Southwest African destination is particularly popular among travelers seeking a break from crowds and wanting an opportunity to explore stunning natural beauty. The country is home to Africa's deepest canyon as well as intriguing rock art sites and plenty of wildlife. "Namibia is quickly turning into one of the best African spots to visit lately, especially due to its beautiful landscapes, amazing safaris and traditional communities," Contiki's Condrut says.

The location of a salt pan that was formed more than 100 million years ago (and is so large it's visible from space), Etosha National Park is one of the most well-known attractions in Namibia. The park is also said to be the country's most impressive wildlife sanctuary, where lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos are all regularly spotted.

The location of a salt pan that was formed more than 100 million years ago (and is so large it's visible from space), Etosha National Park is one of the most well-known attractions in Namibia. The park is also said to be the country's most impressive wildlife sanctuary, where lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos are all regularly spotted.

While hordes of tourists have found their way to neighboring Croatia, far fewer explore Montenegro, says Brit Boone, travel expert and founder of Meanderbug, a social enterprise that partners with local families in the country to develop travel experiences. Montenegro is dotted by medieval villages; awe-inspiring, rugged mountain landscapes; and more than a few picturesque beaches overlooking the Adriatic.

While hordes of tourists have found their way to neighboring Croatia, far fewer explore Montenegro, says Brit Boone, travel expert and founder of Meanderbug, a social enterprise that partners with local families in the country to develop travel experiences. Montenegro is dotted by medieval villages; awe-inspiring, rugged mountain landscapes; and more than a few picturesque beaches overlooking the Adriatic.

A walled city on the Adriatic surrounded by mountains, Kotor has been recognized by The New York Times and CNN as one of the top places to visit in Montenegro. The city's old quarter traces its roots to the 12th and 14th centuries. Its many cobblestoned streets are lined by medieval churches, cafés, and colorful homes.

A walled city on the Adriatic surrounded by mountains, Kotor has been recognized by The New York Times and CNN as one of the top places to visit in Montenegro. The city's old quarter traces its roots to the 12th and 14th centuries. Its many cobblestoned streets are lined by medieval churches, cafés, and colorful homes.

The HBO series "Chernobyl," based on the real-life nuclear plant explosion of the same name, was the surprise hit of 2019 and renewed interest among adventure travelers for some of the sites showcased in the show including northern Ukraine, says Bealby of Wild Frontiers. One of the least well-known countries in Europe, (at least from a travel perspective), Ukraine is a former Soviet nation where travelers will find ancient castles, picturesque countryside and UNESCO-protected towns that ooze charm.

The HBO series "Chernobyl," based on the real-life nuclear plant explosion of the same name, was the surprise hit of 2019 and renewed interest among adventure travelers for some of the sites showcased in the show including northern Ukraine, says Bealby of Wild Frontiers. One of the least well-known countries in Europe, (at least from a travel perspective), Ukraine is a former Soviet nation where travelers will find ancient castles, picturesque countryside and UNESCO-protected towns that ooze charm.

A city that hosts more than 100 festivals annually, Lviv, is widely described as one of Ukraine's most beautiful destinations. Just 45 miles from Poland, the city's brightly painted buildings are among the highlights here. There's also a plethora of galleries and museums, making it a cultural hub in Ukraine.

A city that hosts more than 100 festivals annually, Lviv, is widely described as one of Ukraine's most beautiful destinations. Just 45 miles from Poland, the city's brightly painted buildings are among the highlights here. There's also a plethora of galleries and museums, making it a cultural hub in Ukraine.

Between 2018 and 2019, Wild Frontiers' bookings to Mongolia more than doubled, says Bealby, who suggests the country is another up and comer for 2020 and beyond. The world's most sparsely populated country, Mongolia is a legendary nomadic nation with a history dating back to the Mongol Empire and the famed warrior and conqueror Genghis Khan. The country is dominated by vast, undeveloped landscapes, deserts and deep blue skies, an ideal destination for outdoors lovers. "Travelers are seeking more opportunities to get in touch with nature in wilderness destinations," Bealby said.

Between 2018 and 2019, Wild Frontiers' bookings to Mongolia more than doubled, says Bealby, who suggests the country is another up and comer for 2020 and beyond. The world's most sparsely populated country, Mongolia is a legendary nomadic nation with a history dating back to the Mongol Empire and the famed warrior and conqueror Genghis Khan. The country is dominated by vast, undeveloped landscapes, deserts and deep blue skies, an ideal destination for outdoors lovers. "Travelers are seeking more opportunities to get in touch with nature in wilderness destinations," Bealby said.

Among the top attractions in this stunning country is the annual eagle-hunting festival. "One of the last great nomadic spectacles, the Altai Kazakh Eagle Festival takes place in the far west of Mongolia, where up to 50 eagle hunters show off the dexterity of their birds, alongside camel races and horseback games," Bealby explained. "Other highlights include the ancient rock art of Tavan Bogd National Park and an ever-changing scenery including alpine lakes and dazzling glaciers."

Among the top attractions in this stunning country is the annual eagle-hunting festival. "One of the last great nomadic spectacles, the Altai Kazakh Eagle Festival takes place in the far west of Mongolia, where up to 50 eagle hunters show off the dexterity of their birds, alongside camel races and horseback games," Bealby explained. "Other highlights include the ancient rock art of Tavan Bogd National Park and an ever-changing scenery including alpine lakes and dazzling glaciers."

Brisbane has been busy laying the groundwork to put itself on the map in a big way with globetrotters. To date, that effort has included a $135 million expansion of Brisbane Airport's northern international terminal, which allowed airlines to increase their service schedules. In addition, Qantas has announced it will begin offering non-stop flights from Chicago and San Francisco to Brisbane in 2020. As for what to see once you arrive, Brisbane offers a mix of outdoor recreation, nature, wildlife, and culture. The laid-back city is among those on Fodor's 2020 Go List. The publication called it an up and coming destination that's downright irresistible.

Brisbane has been busy laying the groundwork to put itself on the map in a big way with globetrotters. To date, that effort has included a $135 million expansion of Brisbane Airport's northern international terminal, which allowed airlines to increase their service schedules. In addition, Qantas has announced it will begin offering non-stop flights from Chicago and San Francisco to Brisbane in 2020. As for what to see once you arrive, Brisbane offers a mix of outdoor recreation, nature, wildlife, and culture. The laid-back city is among those on Fodor's 2020 Go List. The publication called it an up and coming destination that's downright irresistible.

With the future of koalas in serious danger, perhaps consider paying a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in the Brisbane suburb of Fig Tree Pocket. Created in 1927 to provide a safe refuge for sick, injured, and orphaned koalas, the facility offers visitors an opportunity to connect and learn, while also aiming to inspire guests to make changes in their lives to help protect wildlife and habitats. The facility also offers premium full-day tours that provide behind the scenes access to the animals.

With the future of koalas in serious danger, perhaps consider paying a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in the Brisbane suburb of Fig Tree Pocket. Created in 1927 to provide a safe refuge for sick, injured, and orphaned koalas, the facility offers visitors an opportunity to connect and learn, while also aiming to inspire guests to make changes in their lives to help protect wildlife and habitats. The facility also offers premium full-day tours that provide behind the scenes access to the animals.

Chad gained independence from France in August 1960, meaning 2020 is the 60th year of its independence, says Bealby, of Wild Frontiers. "The fifth-largest country in Africa, Chad is huge and largely untouched by tourism," Bealby added.

Chad gained independence from France in August 1960, meaning 2020 is the 60th year of its independence, says Bealby, of Wild Frontiers. "The fifth-largest country in Africa, Chad is huge and largely untouched by tourism," Bealby added.

Chad's Lakes of Ounianga, a UNESCO World Heritage site made up of 18 interconnected lakes, are a striking expanse of blue in the otherwise barren desert, Bealby says. Visitors to the region also encounter some of the oldest rock art in the Sahara and the eerie Martian-like sandstone formations of the Ennedi Massif, which have been carved over time by wind and water. "This is a trip for the truly adventurous, where they are likely to see few other people, never mind tourists," Bealby says.