Can somebody please take a moment and explain to me how on earth this decade has already been and gone? I can’t believe that it is already 2020! It feels like I only just started my travelling journey, but it has now almost been eight years since I first ventured overseas.
To celebrate the welcome of a brand new decade, here are 20 amazing places that I would highly consider visiting in 2020.
If you want to go on an epic road trip?
Visit Namibia.
The (almost) two weeks that I spend road tripping across Namibia will always be remembered as one of the best trips of my life. The landscapes of this country are unique, stunning and ever-changing, not to mention that there are so many wonderful places to see and things to experience!
As an added bonus, a Namibian road trip is actually an extremely safe and easy trip to take, provided that you do a little bit of forward planning. Not only that, but it is rewarding and satisfying in ways that I can’t even begin to describe.
Want to learn more? Read The Ultimate Guide + Itinerary for an Epic Road Trip through Namibia.
If you want to venture to one of the world’s last wildernesses?
Visit Greenland.
When people ask me about my favourite places on Earth, Greenland has always been right at the top of that list. I first visited in 2015, then again in 2017 and I will be returning for my third visit this year.
If you want to explore a country with little tourism, incredible landscapes and wild nature – then Greenland is for you. Just be prepared that a trip to this corner of the globe won’t come cheaply.
Want to learn more? Read A Short Guide to Greenland Travel.
If you want an eco-friendly island retreat which won’t break the bank?
Visit Timor-Leste.
If you dream of being stranded on a beautiful island and enjoying empty beaches and world class diving, then a trip to Atauro Island in Timor-Leste is for you. Book a stay at Barry’s Place for the cheap ad eco-friendly beachfront bungalows.
Want to learn more? Read Barry’s Place: Eco Friendly Paradise.
If you want a cheap, unique and off the beaten track backpacking adventure?
Visit Sudan.
This often overlooked African gem is a truly wonderful place to backpack! Getting a visa requires a bit of pre-planning, but once you get into the country you can get around with ease and for very little money. Plus, thanks to the black market exchange rate you will find that your money will go a very long way.
Want to learn more? Stay tuned for the Sudan blog series!
If you are looking for world class diving?
Visit Comoros.
On the Comorian island of Moheli, there is a tiny beachfront property called the Laka Lodge. This is one of the few dive centres (I use that term loosely) in the country, and provides access to what is arguably the best diving in all of Africa. These untouched reefs are home to an enormous variety of incredible ocean life, and you’ll barely have any other tourists to share it with!
Want to learn more? Read 17 Things You Need to Know Before Travelling to the Comoros.
If you want a trip with a little bit of everything?
Visit South Africa.
The beauty of visiting South Africa is that you can experience so much variety within one country. If you want winelands, coastal surf towns, cosmopolitan cities, incredible hiking, world class game reserves and some of the most special luxury properties on earth, then a visit to South Africa would be right up your alley.
Want to learn more? Read Magic in Madikwe: A Wonderful Welcome to Jaci’s Safari Lodge.
If you want to see some of the most amazing animals on Earth?
Visit the Democratic Republic of Congo.
If you have ever wanted to see mountain gorillas, you can do so in Rwanda, Uganda or the DRC. I highly recommend the latter. Not only was visiting the gorillas enormously more affordable than doing so in Rwanda or Uganda, but all the money spent within Virunga National Park goes directly to conservation, preservation and research into these amazing animals.
Yes, visiting the DRC does come with risks, but for me, the unbelievable experience I had was worth taking those risks.
Want to learn more? Stay tuned for posts from the DRC!
If you want castles, festivals and to feel like you’ve stepped into a Harry Potter film?
Visit Scotland.
Good golly, I just love Scotland. The haggis, the bagpipes, the castles, the festivals, the accents and the kilts – I just love it all! Do you really any more reasons than that?
Want to learn more? Read Road Tripping Scotland: Exploring All The Castles of Aberdeenshire.
If you want the magic of South-East Asia but without all the crowds?
Visit Myanmar.
Do you love the noodles, temples and humidity of Asia but loathe the crowds? Then Myanmar is for you! Easily one of the least visited countries of SEA, Myanmar still feels unspoilt and special.
Want to learn more? Read 12 Incredible Things to See and Do in Myanmar.
If you want to swim with humpback whales?
Visit Tonga.
Swimming with humpies is one of the greatest things I have ever done, and Tonga is the best place to do so. Plan your visit between mid August and late September for the best chance of getting in some epic swims!
Want to learn more? Read What it’s Really Like to Swim With Humpback Whales in Tonga.
If you want stunning beaches, azure oceans and the juiciest mangoes in the world?
Visit the Philippines.
The word has gotten out about the Philippines. Once an off the beaten track part of SEA, this island nation has exploded in popularity in recent years – be sure to go soon before it’s busyness rivals Thailand!
Want to learn more? Read Glorious Miniloc Island.
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If you want to go on a true once in a lifetime expedition-esque adventure?
Visit Antarctica.
Make sure not to miss Port Lockroy, Base Brown and Paradise Bay – they are some of my favourite places in the region.
Want to learn more? Read Paradise Bay: The Most Picturesque Place in Antarctica.
If you want to visit the safe, affordable and beautiful jewel of the Middle East?
Visit Oman.
Oman is the perfect road trip destination. Roads are good, fuel is (dirt) cheap and the scenery is gorgeous. Visit around December for the most comfortable temperatures.
Want to learn more? Stay tuned for posts from the upcoming Oman series!
If you want to live life on the literal edge?
Visit Zambia.
The Devil’s Pool is a naturally formed infinity pool set at the edge of the wondrous Victoria Falls. Only accessible for a few months each year during the dry season, this is an experience for the true adrenaline junkies out there.
Want to learn more? Read The Devil’s Pool: What It’s Like to Hang Out on the Edge of a Waterfall.
If you are looking for unique wildlife and undeniable luxury?
Visit Madagascar.
Set on the island of Nosy Ankao, Time + Tide Miavana is one of the most luxurious and exclusive resorts in the world, as well as being a gateway to all the incredible landscapes and wildlife of Madagascar. If you want to splurge on a truly special stay, this is the place to do it.
Want to learn more? Read Time + Tide Miavana: Where Extreme Luxury Meets Wild Nature in Madagascar.
If you are interested in hiking, ancient architecture and eating your body weight in hommus?
Visit Jordan.
Ancient structures don’t get much more impressive than those of Petra. This rose gold city is one of the most stunning places on Earth – and with Jordan being as safe, easy and friendly as it is, you have no reason not to go.
Want to learn more? Read The Best View of the Treasury + How to Get There.
If you want to splurge on something special?
Visit the Maldives.
The Maldives is another destination that begs for a splurge. Home to a veritable arsenal of 5* overwater and island resorts, you truly have your pick of the litter! My favourites are Soneva Fushi and Maalifushi by COMO.
Want to learn more? Read Soneva Fushi: The Robinson Crusoe-esque Resort of Your Dreams.
If you want to go hiking, whilst drinking and eating to excess?
Visit Argentina.
My favourite spots? Iguazu Falls, El Chalten and Mendoza!
Want to learn more? Read The Easiest Way to Visit Perito Moreno Glacier.
If you want a magical East African safari and some truly unique experiences?
Visit Kenya.
There is nowhere else on the planet where you can eat breakfast with a family of Rothschild giraffes! Giraffe Manor is truly a once in a lifetime experience, and it is reason enough to visit Kenya – although there is much much more to explore in this stunning East African nation!
Want to learn more? Read What it’s Really Like to Spend the Night at Giraffe Manor.
If you want to go on a safe, easy, exciting and visually arresting road trip?
Visit Iceland.
If you want to go on adventure but are nervous to go to some of the more unusual destinations on this list, then Iceland is a fantastic starting point. The country has so much natural beauty to offer, and is one of the safest places in the world.
Want to learn more? Read A (pretty much perfect) 10 Day Ring Road Itinerary + Guide.
Great post 😁
Thank you so much! Where will you be travelling this year?
you never stop amazing me Ms Elle – I have just returned from INDIA – way out of my comfort zone – should travel with you sometime !
Love following your travels, sometimes with a little pang of jealousy. I’m heading home to Scotland this year to see my family, and doing a bit of Euro-hopping while I’m there with Germany, Norway, and Poland added in.
So many great ideas, and it was fun to see some of your old photos. Thanks!
Excellent article. Have watched the documentary Virunga several times, and every time I finish watching it, I just want to venture on going to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and visit Virunga National Park; Such a volatile country politically, Definitely would be life changing. Thank you for sharing! 🐒