New Year, new adventures.
From celebrating the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo to watching whales and exploring the wilderness in Canada, there are countless reasons to get out and explore. But where to? We rounded up six of this year’s top destinations, each touting cultural events, travel awards and exciting, new offerings.
Here are the best places to visit in 2020:
The Plaza de España in Seville, Spain mixes several styles of renowned Spanish architecture: Baroque Revival, Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival.
Credit: Istock.com
Spain
A top 2020 destination according to National Geographic, Spain doesn’t disappoint with sun and sand, estates nestled in mountains, wine and tapas. Feast on fresh seafood, Iberian ham and Valencian paella, and if you’re in the north of Spain, wash it down with authentic cider poured high to splash into your glass. And for fantasy and literary enthusiasts, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe on the Basque Coast was Daenerys Targaryen’s home, Dragonstone, in “Game of Thrones”.
Nature lovers will want to head southwest to the Canary Islands, home to several starlight reserves making it a top spot for stargazing.
Start planning a vacation to Spain here.
The Chureito Pagoda in Fujiyoshida, Japan offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
Japan
Home to the next Summer Olympics, all eyes will be on Japan this year, and we’ll be making special visits to Tokyo, before, during and after the Olympic Games. Indulge in culinary masterpieces at both Michelin-starred restaurants and street markets, like sushi, wagyu beef or the fluffiest soufflé pancakes. Explore on your own to get futuristic with Tokyo’s tech like AI robots and even smart toilets!
For a wellness escape, try one of the 2,000-plus famed onsens, natural hot springs heated by volcanoes. History buffs will also love the many temples, Shinto shrines and feudal castles—like the five-story Karatsu Castle.
Check here for a look at cruises to Japan.
Vancouver is home to the Science World and BC Place, a multipurpose stadium recognized globally for its Northern Lights Display.
Credit: Istock.com
Canada
Whether you’re sailing from the Pacific Northwest or from the northeast when Oasis of the Seas homeports in the New York area for the summer, you can explore the never-ending scenic terrains of Canada and meet friendly locals. While you’re on the hunt for poutine, the wild may call as well. Answer by heading to snow-peaked mountains with lakes sculpted by glaciers perfect for kayaking, world-class whale watching on either coast and endless sightseeing at any of the 40 national parks filled with forests, waterfalls, dunes and marshes.
Set course on a cruise to Canada here.
The Great Wall of China, one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World,” is more than 13,000 miles long.
Credit: Istock.com
China
The Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Confucius Temple. China’s natural and man-made wonders will awe you. From Hong Kong to Beijing, you’ll find towering mountaintops, lush forests, roasted goose and traditional Chinese dumplings; just some of the reasons many Chinese locations topped 2020 travel lists—like Beijing. Discover giant Buddhas throughout, including the 112-foot-tall Tian Tan Buddha in Hong Kong. In the first week of October, be sure to partake in the country’s Golden Week, a holiday of reunions, and firework celebrations.
Discover cruises sailing to China here.
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous buildings from the 20th century.
Credit: iStock
Australia
Travel + Leisure named Australia “2020 Destination of the Year” for its award-winning restaurants, wineries and even whiskey distilleries, as well as the best of city life, country living and beach bumming. Get artsy and admire the architecture of the Sydney Opera House or suit up and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, Aussies surf some of the world’s best waves, or you can head to lesser-known Tasmania and hike up to Mount Wellington’s snow-covered summit.
Pro tip: Keep cruising to Australia on your radar. Our second private island destination , Perfect Day at Lelepa, at Vanuatu, will be the first carbon neutral private cruise destination in the world — coming in the future.
Here you can find itineraries to the Land Down Under.
After a $250 million transformation, Perfect Day at CocoCay brings a lineup of thrills and ways to chill to The Bahamas.
Credit: Royal Caribbean
The Bahamas
The Bahamas will always be the perfect getaway whether a quick three- to four-night trip or longer warm-weather escape, especially on Anthem of the Seas, sailing to the island country from New York. Odyssey of the Seas will join its sister ship in The Bahamas when the ship makes its U.S. debut in 2021. Don’t miss Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, which boasts the tallest waterslide in North America, the highest vantage point in The Bahamas via our helium balloon, Up, Up & Away; and the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, ideal for rest and relaxation.
Book an island getaway to The Bahamas here.
Ring in the start of a new decade with original, once-in-a-lifetime journeys around the world, whichever of these top destinations calls to you most. Discover more epic 2020 destinations and the cruises that will take you there.
