As we welcome 2020 with open arms, we’ve researched the best upcoming destinations of the next year and put together a guide on some of the most stunning destinations to add to your travel bucket-list.

Southeast Asia

It’s no surprise that Southeast Asia makes it onto this travel bucket-list. The region is a patchwork of vibrant and tropical landscapes, wonderful local life and truly unforgettable experiences.

Bali

One of the most popular destinations in recent years, Bali was voted TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Top 10 Choice in 2018. It’s not hard to see why either – the region is brimming with exotic wonder and spiritual moments, making it a worthy contender for your bucket-list.

Ubud, Bali - Indonesia

Popular visiting spots include Ubud’s busy cultural scene and Seminyak’s surfing hot-spot, while those seeking tranquil retreats will favour Sanur or the remote coast of Candidasa. The island of Nusa Dua is the perfect option for those wanting true seclusion, as it can only be accessed via water taxi.

Best time to visit: May to September

Top things to see: Tegallalang rice terraces, the wildlife-rich Monkey Forest of Padangtegal or the underwater Big Buddha along the Ceningan Channel.

Vietnam

SaPa, Vietnam - Southeast Asia

Another popular region is Vietnam, with the stunning location and beaches driving many travellers to enjoy the natural beauty and surroundings on their holiday. Sa Pa is in northern Vietnam, situated amongst the Hoàng Liên Son Mountains, where you can experience local life away from the busy cityscapes of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Best time to visit: March to May and September to November

Top things to see: The colourful, hillside market of Can Cau and Sa Pa’s Ethnomuseum comprising the region’s history and local tribes.

Hawaii

While Waikiki and Maui still generate hype with holidaymakers looking to enjoy a sunny beach holiday in Hawaii, there is more demand for visitors to explore more off-the-beaten track regions while here.

Kauai, Hawaii - Central America

Kauai

According to Hawaii Tourism Authority’s data, Kauai led the region as the top destination island in 2018 – even despite heavy rainfall and flooding. The region offers new experiences for visitors with adventurous souls loving the opportunities on offer here – including ziplining, paddleboarding and even mountain tubing.

Best time to visit: December to April

Top things to see: Experience hiking in the stunning Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge or visit the Waimea Canyon for scenic, expansive views of Kauai’s west side.

Canada

A stunning region all-round, Canada is a prime bucket-list addition. The mountains, lakes and beautiful parks all create a truly spectacular region to explore on your next getaway.

Alberta

Nestled away and hidden by rugged mountains, Alberta is a secret escape of Canada. Amongst boutique shops and château hotels, the region is situated in the small town of Banff, amid the northern Rocky Mountains.

Lake Louise, Alberta - Canada

From skiing, swimming and even boarding an iconic train – the region offers a breadth of activities to enjoy when visiting this postcard-perfect place. The destination is placed in Canada’s first National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – making it a perfect place to add on everyone’s bucket list.

Best time to visit: June to August and December to March

Top things to see: Embark on the Rocky Mountaineer train for a rail journey like no other, ski along the slopes of Mount Norquay or swim in the hot springs.

South America

South America is an endless continent, with various landscapes and cities to encounter. With the colourful, carnival vibes of Brazil to the mysterious Incan history of Peru – it can be hard to know where to start.

Chile

Chile’s Patagonian region is a hiking favourite, with the Torres del Paine National Park reaching 250,000 visitors every year – the most visited site across all of Chile. The park is not only a top for hikers, but also lovers of nature as rare flora and fauna also appear across the 700 square miles. Spot the Guanaco llama and the flowering plan, Darwin’s slipper.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile - South America

The park has been a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve since 1978 and is locally known as ‘En Fin del Mundo’, or ‘The End of the World’. With over 155 miles of hiking trails and plenty of stunning views, it’s a strong candidate for your bucket list.

Best time to visit: September to April

Top things to see: The crystal-clear waters of Lake Pehoé, the Cueva del Milodon Natural Monument and the Balmeceda Glacier in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.

Costa Rica

Rich in rainforest and remarkable scenery, Costa Rica is an amalgamation of all that you desire for an adventure getaway, with a few relaxing gems thrown in. Whether its turtle hatching, white-water rafting, sloth-spotting or zip lining – there is plenty to see and do here it will be wise to add it to your bucket list twice!

Arenal Volcano, Cloud Forest - Costa Rica

Pedrik / Flickr.com, CC BY 2.0

You can also find two of the popular cloud forests in Costa Rica: Monteverde and Santa Elena. Here you are offered the chance to explore tropical forests beneath clouds of fog which form due to the unique atmospheric conditions. Phenomenally biodiverse and home to a number of endemic species, these reserves are not your typical rainforest walk with bridges, aerial trams and zip lines galore.

Both are home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles to spot, and offer plenty of once-in-a-lifetime experience for nature lovers, scientists, environmentalists and hikers.

Best time to visit: December to May (dry season) and May to December (wet season)

Top things to see: All six species of the cat family wandering the forest floor of Monteverde Cloud Forest and views of the Arenal Volcano from Santa Elena Cloud Forest observation tower.

With so much travel inspiration, why not book your next cruise sooner and have a spectacular sailing to look forward to?

Which destination is next on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below.

Post updated 03/01/2020

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Emma Smith
Emma has more than seven years' experience as a writer and has been in the travel industry for nearly five years. She loves learning about new places and cruise ships coming to market, as well as discovering fun and exciting activities to do while you sail. She has cruised with Princess Cruises, Cunard, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Avalon Waterways and Royal Caribbean and is looking to get something in her diary for 2024! Her favourite things to see on a ship include excellent entertainment, a delicious cocktail menu and extraordinary dining venues.

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