If “travel more” is one of your resolutions this year, then you’re in luck, as the staff of Travel + Leisure recently compiled its annual list of the 50 best places to travel in 2020.
The company’s designated travel experts—ranging from travel agents to experienced editors of the publication—curate a detailed list each year, highlighting places across the globe that are at the forefront of conversation due to world-renowned hotels, noteworthy museums, annual events and more.
The 2020 list includes everything from a small surfing town in Denmark to the immense, mystifying mountainsides of Taiwan. Among the 50 destinations, the writers mentioned just six places worth visiting in the United States.
While some are well-known for quaint, waterside views, others are putting themselves on the cultural map with vibrant nightlife and eccentric shopping. Here, we hope to inspire your travel plans for the year ahead by sharing a little information about each one.
Asheville, North Carolina – No. 3
In the midst of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains lies the bustling town of Asheville, North Carolina, known for its eccentric arts scene and historic architecture. When walking Asheville’s streets, you’ll find museums, art galleries and the artwork of local talent stored within former factory buildings. For history lovers, turn to the The Biltmore Estate—built for George Washington Vanderbilt II in the 1800s—as it is one of the city’s most renowned tourist attractions, sprawled across 8,000 acres of land.
Big Island, Hawaii – No. 8
Hawaii has always been seen as a hot spot for your next vacation. Yet this year, Travel + Leisure placed the Big Island at the top of the list, as the western coast is beginning to receive attention from writers, travelers and locals alike. This month, the island’s first Auberge Resorts Collection property, Mauna Lani,opened its doors, inspiring eager explorers to turn their eye to the water-centered paradise.
Boston – No. 10
Recognized as one of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston is home to vibrant cultural history, annual entertaining events and a food scene. Whether you’re planning to take the kids for a walk along the Freedom Trail or are interested in catching a baseball game this summer at historic Fenway Park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this year in Boston. Plus, according to Travel + Leisure, five new food halls plan on opening to the public in 2020, appealing to foodies of all forms.
The Great Lakes – No. 22
While not technically one location, the various cities and small towns along the Great Lakes are generating a lot of buzz in 2020. Shared with Canada and spanning more than 750 miles, Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario have a whole lot to offer on the shore, ranging from dining destinations to scenic views. Interested in seeing it all at once? Travel + Leisure has compiled several of the most well-known small ship cruises that make it easy to explore the beautiful waterside sites this year.
Maine – No. 29
Known as the northernmost state in the US, Maine is the ideal destination for adventurers and sightseers alike. From quaint seaside towns like Bar Harbor to the numerous hiking trails within Acadia National Park, the entire state offers entertainment and activities to explore all year long, no matter the weather. The food scene is worth a visit too, as the majority of restaurants in Maine’s most popular towns source all of their produce and meat locally, ensuring fresh taste.
Oklahoma City – No. 26
Oklahoma City serves as a modern, cultural city inspired by its undeniable Western past. It is home to more national and international equine championship events than any other city in the world, specifically attracting tourists to State Fair Park for annual showcases. This year, the arts world of Oklahoma City will be getting more attention, thanks to the March opening of the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center and the Warhol and the West exhibit debuting at the end of the month, featuring a collection of Andy Warhol’s Western-inspired imagery.
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