The Dalai Lama said ‘Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.’ So now that we’re starting 2020, and a new decade with it, let’s all make a new year’s (or new decade’s) resolution to travel to at least one new place every year. Travelling is so important for the body, soul, and mind. Meeting new people, adapting to new people and discovering yourself – travelling opens so many avenues and has so many benefits that there are no excuses for you to not pack your bags and take off in the new year.
To help you decide where you should travel, we’ve combined a list of 20 places within and outside India. These places aren’t your usual touristy places since not many people must have travelled there but that is exactly where their beauty lies! So bookmark this list and start ticking off places as you visit them!
Places To Visit In 2020 Outside India
1. Laos
Laos, or Lao People’s Democratic Republic, is a Southeast Asian country. It also happens to be the most ethnically diverse country in the whole region. With untouched natural beauty, cultural festivals and lack of commercialization makes it a must-visit.
2. Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of East Africa. If you wish to enjoy the beauty of Seychelles or Maldives but you’re on a budget then Zanzibar should be your next travel destination. The country has a rich and complex history which is supplemented by picturesque beaches. It also makes for a perfect honeymoon destination or a short romantic getaway!
3. Helsinki
Helsinki is the southern capital of Finland and it sits on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland. The place does not really boast of attractions or architecture to lure you in. But it is the spirit of the city and the experiences you’ll have there that you should visit at least once. From dancing with the locals to going skinny dipping to attending music festivals, this will be the perfect vacation for anybody who loves to immerse themselves in the local culture.
4. Azerbaijan
A former Soviet republic nation, Azerbaijan, is bounded by the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains. The country shares its borders with Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, and Turkey. This geographical location makes the nation a perfect blend of East and West making it the ideal tourist spot. The capital city of Baku is an amalgamation of an old, historic city with modern, extravagant buildings which makes it extremely tourist-worthy.
5. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a Central American rainforest country surrounded by the Caribbean and the Pacific. It is so abundantly blessed with natural resources and beauty that everyone who loves spending time among flora and fauna. With forests that look like they’re right out of Jurassic Park to adventure activities for everyone to beaches you’ll want to sunbathe on all day, there is something that caters to every type of traveller.
6. Canary Islands, Spain
While Spain is mostly famous for Madrid and Barcelona, there is also an undiscovered part of Spain, off the coast of north-western Africa that does not get the credit it deserves. These volcanic isles have black and white sand beaches to die for as well as an active volcano Mt. Teide housed on the largest island, Tenerife. Tenerife also happens to have an astronomical observatory which is a part of Teide National Park.
7. Morocco
A North African country flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Morocco, stands out of the crowd because of its culture which is a mix of Berber, Arabian and European influences. While Morocco can boast about its beaches all day long, the Atlas mountains also hold an extremely special place in fans’ hearts. With multiple souks to shop at, food that’ll have you licking your fingers and architecture that’ll mesmerize you, this is a place you must visit!
8. Armenia
Armenia is a former Soviet republic nation in the mountainous region between Asia and Europe. It is a country that has been vastly overlooked but boasts of a rich cultural heritage and food you won’t be able to stop eating. Once there, you just cannot ignore the view of the magnificent Mount Ararat, which happens to be the symbol of the motherland for all the people native to the region. Also, who wouldn’t love to sit by the Lake Sevan, which happens to be so high up in the mountains that it legit looks like the water is touching the sky!
Fun Fact: Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion.
9. Copenhagen
The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, lies on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager. Renowned for its fine dining scene, jazz clubs and canal tours, the city will give you an unmatched experience. The Danish pastries alone are enough to draw you in, aren’t they?
10. Slovenia
Known for its lakes, mountains and ski trails, Slovenia is a Central European country with such vast diversity of nature that you’ll find hills for hiking and beaches for chilling, all in one place. The USP of the country, though, has to be its people who are extremely warm, hospitable and welcome you with open arms and bowls full of food.
11. Dominica
A hidden gem of the Caribbean, Dominica is a mountainous island with naturally occurring hot springs and tropical rainforests. The island is so small that it is only 47 km long and 26 km wide with a cluster of nine volcanoes, one of which is active. Your vacation will be far from a normal holiday, it’ll be an adventure with a little side of the Caribbean hospitality and love.
12. Rwanda
Formerly known as Ruanda, Rwanda is a Central African country that also happens to be one of the smallest countries on the African mainland. But don’t be put off by its size ‘coz the country packs a punch when it comes to nature and its gifts, wildlife, shopping, and cuisine. After all, it isn’t called the ‘Land Of Thousand Hills’ for no reason!
13. Portugal
Bordering Spain on the Iberian Peninsula, the South Eastern country in Portugal has been influenced by its location of the Atlantic Ocean when it comes to its architecture and food. The Algarve in South Portugal is famous for its beaches, 150 in number while you can find opulent castles and palaces of Sintra not far from Lisbon, the capital city. Whether it is partying in Porto or visiting the historic village of Monsanto, this one country will offer you more experiences than you can count.
14. Metz, France
Situated in the North-Eastern Grand Est region, Metz is a city along the Moselle and Seille rivers. Once there, you can marvel at the beauty of the Metz Cathedral or take a walk along the Moselle river which really isn’t that long to feed the swans there. As you’re exploring the beautiful town, you’ll find lots of delicious food that’ll satiate you for days to come.
15. Argentina
The Argentine Republic, or Argentina, is a country located in South America. If you’re a wine lover, pack your bags and head over to the country right now! And if you’re not into wine, you still need to head on over there for their winter sports, summer sports, shopping carnivals, and festivals which Buenos Aires is a host to throughout the year!
Places To Visit In 2020 Within India
16. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Lying 3kms from the Great Himalayan National Park, Tirthan Valley is an untouched and pristine land of beauty that is abundant in adventure activities. You’ll see a surprising number of foreigners here who come seeking peace with a little bit of adventure.
17. Ponmudi, Kerala
Ponmudi is a picturesque little town in Trivandrum, Kerela. In this area, which is nestled in the hills of the Western Ghats, trekking and mountain climbing on the highest peak in the region, Agasthayarkoodam, is a common activity.
18. Gokarna, Karnataka
Initially, a Hindu pilgrimage town, Gokarna has now become a hub for beach lovers. If you’re bored of Goa and just how commercialized it is, you must visit Gokarna at least once to live the slow, relaxed life of the beachside minus the noise.
19. Bundi, Rajasthan
Previously called ‘Bunda-Ka-Nal’, Bundi is a princely state in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan. It is of great historical value since it houses some of the most magnificent palaces, majestic forts, its baolis (meaning water wells or step wells), haves, temples, and chhatris with carved pillars.
20. Talasari Beach, Odisha
Talasari beach is located in Baleswar district of Odisha. If you’re wishing to discover a beach that has not been ruined by human presence yet and will totally refresh your senses, it is a must-visit. A simple walk across the beach will give you more peace than anything you’ve ever experienced.
Have you visited any of these places? We’d love to know!
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