36 places you should visit in 2020 and the best time to go

With the start of the new year now here, we're celebrating some of our favorite destinations for 2020. Far from just a hit list, these destinations have been hand-picked from Where to Go When, our ultimate vacation planner. From the cacophonous medina of Marrakesh to the idyllic lavender fields of Provence, here are DK Eyewitness’ 36 picks for where to go — and when — in 2020: 

Famed for its exquisitely clear waters and sun-kissed beaches, January in the Maldives means blue skies and a stress-free way to start the year. 

With verdant valleys, abundant wildlife, sun-drenched beaches, and countless opportunities for adventure, it's easy to see why this country is home to some of the world’s happiest people. Begin the year with a dose of Pura Vida, Costa Rica’s no-stress philosophy.

Affectionately called “Africa’s Petra” thanks to its stunning rock-hewn churches, Lalibela is an unexpected treat. The town’s unique mysticism is tangible in January when locals celebrate Leddet (Christmas) and Timkat (Epiphany).

February falls in New Zealand’s summer⁠ — perfect for exploring the lush forest trails, unspoiled beaches, gently rolling farmland, and sparkling rivers of North Island.

Warm, dry February weather is perfect for enjoying Agra’s majestic Mughal architecture, including the monument of all monuments — the Taj Mahal. Nothing is quite like experiencing this architectural triumph in real life, as the marble absorbs and transforms, catching the light differently throughout the day.

Gorgeous swathes of sand, flamboyant Art Deco architecture, cutting-edge contemporary art, and a raucous nightlife — Miami is at its best in February, with mild, dry, sunny weather. The South Beach Food & Wine Festival adds extra cachet.

San Sebastian is the jewel in Spain’s culinary crown, and March is a great time to enjoy extraordinary Basque cider, pintxos (Basque tapas), seafood, and wine. 

The treasures that lie within the dusty pink medina walls of mystical Marrakech are best discovered in March, when temperatures are cooler and crowds are smaller. Wander around the spectacular Jemaa el-Fna, the main square and Marrakech’s beating heart; peruse clothing, jewelry, and stalls galore in the meandering souk; find serenity at Ben Youssef Madrasa, an antidote to the chaos and clammer of the medina.

Whistler is cradled in one of the most scenic spots in Western Canada. Spring sees sunny days and the perfect conditions for a range of winter sports.

Kyoto comes alive in spring as cherry blossoms burst into bloom, creating a magical backdrop to this enchanting city. The custom of blossom-viewing⁠ — or hanami⁠ — is unmissable.

Petra’s rock-hewn faces seem almost otherworldly as they reflect the swirls of color that pattern the surrounding hillsides. April promises cool temperatures and an abundance of wild blooms — the perfect backdrop to this “rose-red city.”

Galápagos Islands offer the most incredible eye-to-eye encounters with wildlife. In April, the islands’ air and sea temperatures are perfect for enjoying a dip.

The Colorado Plateau’s spectacular terrain is pleasantly warm in late May, perfect for hiking and long drives.

One of the world’s most exciting cities, New York is full of cultural riches — art, theater, museums — alongside world-class food and shopping. Late spring is a great time to visit, with mild days and a few festivals taking place, including the Tribeca Film Festival.

A journey along the Silk Road continues to capture the imagination of travelers, from Xi’an’s majestic Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Terracotta Army, to Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves, teeming with Buddhist art. Take your trip in May to avoid the extreme heat of summer.

With fewer people and cooler temperatures, June is a great time for a safari in one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife parks.

Crumbling castle walls shading cobbled city piazzas. Forest footpaths snaking toward thundering waterfalls. Luxury yachts sailing from one idyllic island to another. With its dry weather, June offers the best time to explore Croatia’s endless diversity.

Montreal is a hotbed of fun in summer, and the International Jazz Festival is its shining star. Once the snow melts, the city erupts into a seamless riot of street parties, festivals, and celebrations.

During the height of summer, the landscape of Provence is peppered with fields of purple lavender, and the air is heavy with its sweet perfume. 

The traditional festival of Naadam is held throughout Mongolia every summer, with the biggest event taking place in Ulaanbaatar. Most of this vast country is desert and grassland, and there’s no better time to see locals’ traditional lifestyle than mid-July during the celebrations. 

Famously cool Copenhagen is abuzz in July, with locals flocking to the pretty canals and sprawling parks that pepper the Danish capital. There are plenty of summer events to keep you entertained, including a number of music festivals.

August brings the best weather to enjoy the wild rivers, azure lakes, and snowcapped peaks of this otherworldly landscape.

Switzerland’s small size belies its beguiling charms. In a single day, adventurers can encounter breathtaking glaciers, high altitude lakes, and iconic mountains. For a dash of culture, coincide your visit with Lucerne’s international classical music festival in August.

Make the most of long, warm days during Slovenia’s summer and plan an active trip in the country’s scenic settings. Blessed with voluminous snowcapped mountain peaks, sparkling lakes, gushing waterfalls, and glacial valleys, Slovenia is packed with picture-perfect views.

At the height of the dry season, Namibia’s wildlife congregate around rare rivers and oasis-like waterholes. This makes September one of the best times to visit this lunar landscape.

In September, the lush subtropical paradise of Madeira has the air of a secret garden waiting to be discovered.

Borneo’s rain forests burst with fruit at this time of year, tempting orangutans down from the tree canopy. Join a jungle tour to glimpse the king of the swingers and other incredible wildlife.

Tuscany is a feast for the senses, with sublime art, breathtaking architecture, and romantic landscapes. Harvesttime drapes the rolling Tuscan hillsides in sunburned shades and romantic fall mists.

Warm, spring days coupled with fewer tourists makes October an ideal time for soaking up the diversity and cultural depth of Buenos Aires. Argentina’s capital combines European style and sophistication with the South American gift of knowing how to have a good time.

October is a great time to visit Australia’s adventure playground. It’s fairly quiet, and the weather is perfect — warm, pleasant, and ideal for long days spent outdoors.

Glimmering skyscrapers loom above timeless Buddhist temples and leafy parks in South Korea's capital. While the city pulses, the surrounding mountains provide a peaceful retreat, with walking trails and trees ablaze with fall colors. 

The end of “winter” in the Cook Islands is the perfect time to visit this technicolor paradise, without the threat of rain dampening your spirits.

Brimming with good food and fine wine, Burgundy is France’s heartiest region. In November, the hunting season is underway, mushrooms are being gathered, and the grape harvest is being celebrated, making it the perfect time to chug along the Canal de Bourgogne in a canal boat. 

Reach for the stars in northern Chile. December is the last month of spring, promising warm temperatures, fewer crowds, and clear skies⁠ — the ideal conditions for stargazing in the desert. 

December sees Vienna transformed into a winter wonderland. Frosty nights are made magical by twinkling lights, merry carol singers, and the beautiful handmade crafts displayed at festive markets all over the city.

Christmas celebrations occur throughout the month, but don’t miss Sante Fe's dazzlingly unique festivities from December 23-26.

These 36 spots are just the tip of the iceberg. For over 100 of the world's best destinations and when to visit, flip through a copy of Where to Go When. Fuel your wanderlust, plan your next vacation, or share the travel bug with a friend in 2020.

Please note that not all of the pictures featured in this article are featured in Where to Go When. 

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