With the end of 2019 drawing nearer every single day it’s time to start planning your next holiday! And while there are a ton of lists like this out there I curated mine out of personal experience :). These are in my eyes the 11 Most Spectacular Places that you have to visit in 2020!
I visited all of these places myself and know first hand what makes them so special. Plus I will throw in a few extra tips on when is the best time to visit each place.
All photos in this post were edited with the Dream Away With Me Preset Pack.
1. Sidemen, Bali
While Bali is already on a lot of people their itinerary, the more unexplored part of Sidemen isn’t! Most tourists tend to stick to Ubud, Seminyak and Canggu but boy are they missing out! While the above places are literally swarmed with tourists, Sidemen is Bali in all it’s glory: empty roads, rice fields as far as the eye can see, waterfalls and a lack of tourists.
During my stay in Sidemen I chose for Wapa di Ume Sidemen as hotel. I loved it that much that I booked myself an extra night last minute. You simply can’t put a price on waking up to the most amazing jungle views.
Besides, Sidemen is only a short drive away from other spectacular locations in Bali.
2. Kyoto during Sakura
If there is one city that took my breath away this past year it has to be Kyoto! And while Japan is an amazing country to visit all year round it becomes absolutely magical during sakura season!
There are many spectacular places in Japan, but Kyoto really stole my heart. From visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine to wandering through the streets in the Gion district. Kyoto is a gem that you should definitely visit in 2020.
3. White Desert, Egypt
Out of my entire trip in Egypt, spending a night in the White Desert was the absolute highlight! There is no haggling, no catcalling, just you and the most beautiful nature.
You’ll spend the day exploring the different deserts and spend the night in the middle of the White Desert. Enjoy a local meal underneath the stars and go sand boarding after breakfast.
My biggest tip? One night isn’t enough! If you have the time go for a 2 night trip with Western Desert Tours.
4. The Dolomites, Italy
Even that I just visited them for the first time this year I am already planning to go back in the Winter and Fall next year! The Dolomites are home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe. It’s the perfect place to feel one with nature, go hiking, rent a bicycle or simply relax and take in the beauty around you.
My favourite places:
- Lago Di Braies
- Tre Cime Di Lavaredo
- Val Di Funes
- Alpe Di Suisi
- Lago Di Carrezza
5. Khiva, Uzbekistan
A lot of times Khiva tends to get overlooked by tourists. Most of them flock to Samarkand and Bukhara instead and don’t bother taking the detour to Khiva. Well I say that’s a big mistake! While the historic city itself is an open air museum that you can cross under 20 minutes, it was my personal favourite out of entire Uzbekistan!
The easiest way to get here is to either take a flight from Tashkent or take the train from Tashkent, Bukhara or Samarkand.
6. Aït Ben Haddou, Morocco
Nestled in the Atlas mountains lies Aït Ben Haddou. The ksar, a group of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls, is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat. These days only a handful of people still live here while most of them migrated to the other side and live in more modern houses.
Aït Ben Haddou is one of the most famous filming locations in Morocco. It was used in Gladiator, Game of Thrones, The Mummy, Prince of Persia and Kingdom of Heaven. The easiest way to get here is by renting a car and going on a little road trip!
Stay at L’oasis Du Bonheur to be in the center of all the action.
7. Guilin, China
While arriving in China can be some kind of culture shock, hellooo no English and no regular seating toilets. All of that fades to the background once you see the beauty that this country has to offer.
I stayed at the He/She Hotel in Guilin which already offers a spectacular view from it’s top room.
To fully enjoy the beauty of Guilin and it’s neighbouring town Yangshuo I advise you to stay 4 nights. You’ll have enough time to explore the entire area and watch some of the most spectacular sunsets in your life.
8. Hallerbos, Belgium
During spring this beautiful forest gets transformed into a purple bed of flowers. Their blooming time is a little different each year depending on the weather forecast. But usually the first bluebells start to bloom half of April.
When planning your visit make sure to arrive in the early morning. This place is very popular with the locals, especially during the weekend.
9. Mandalay, Myanmar
When planning my trip to Myanmar I was most excited about visiting Bagan. Unfortunately by the time I arrived it just didn’t feel as magical as I had pictured it. While the setting is absolutely stunning there was almost no pagoda left to climb and only 4 hot air balloons up in the air.
Mandalay on the other hand completely took me by surprise. For one the food in Myanmar is crazy good! I had some of the best street food here during my 3 month trip through Asia.
My favourite locations:
- Mandalay Hill
- Kuthodaw Pagoda
- U Bein Bridge
- Mingun Pahtodawgyi
- Hsinbyume Pagoda
- Saggaing Hill
10. Eibsee, Germany
Eibsee is located in the South of Germany and a must visit for anyone who loves nature. Besides the beautiful lake itself there are a lot of spectacular places just nearby such as Plansee and Wagenbrüchsee. The best way to discover this area is by car.
During my visit I stayed at Romantik Alpenhotel Waxenstein. It’s name doesn’t lie, it’s a super romantik hotel that offers a spectacular view over the Zugspitze.
11. Jaisalmer, India
Jaisalmer is probably the most overlooked city when people are planning their itinerary through Rajasthan. And honestly, it’s a big big shame! Jaisalmer has so much to offer! Not to mention, it’s by far the cleanest city in entire Rajasthan!
When visiting Jaisalmer these are the two best options for accommodation:
- Suryagarh – the best hotel I ever stayed at.
- SUJÁN The Serai Jaisalmer – a luxury desert camp in the heart of the Thar desert.
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Omgoodness SO many good places! You’ve been all over this past year! I’d especially love to get myself to Egypt, Kyoto, Sidemen, and Khiva! xx Bri
Ah so glad you like this list as much as I do 🙂 You will absolutely LOVE these places!
I actually haven’t been to any of these specific places yet. I guess I have a lot of traveling do to in 2020. Getting ready to plan our trip to Egypt though!
Ghehe, you got this! 🙂
EYYYY I’m glad I had already planned to visit three of those countries! But honestly they all look beautiful! Which had the best food in your opinion??
Myanmar for sure!!!!
Your photos of all the places are gorgeous. I’d definitely love to see the dolomites. They look spectacular.