Bucket List Destinations for the New Year
It’s time to think about that travel bucket list for 2020! It’s a new year, a new decade, and a new you – or maybe the same awesome you in a whole new place. As we venture into a whole new decade (WHAT?!), it’s a natural time to think about how far you’ve come in the past 10 years – and where you want to go in the next round.
If you’re here, you’re likely looking for a little inspiration for the next (or first) life-changing trip. Because we’re all about making dream destinations attainable, I’ve gathered up this ultimate list of my favorite bucket list destinations for the new year along with a few tips to get you started with planning.
Here’s the rundown of the top bucket list destinations for 2020.
Skip to a section:
- California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
- Bali, Indonesia
- Ireland
- Caye Caulker, Belize
- Germany
- Key West, Florida
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Paris, France
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California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
Why a road trip on the California Pacific Coast highway should be on your bucket list
The Pacific Coast Highway (or PCH, or Highway 1) road trip takes you along the gorgeous golden coast of California. You’ll see major cities and deserted hidden gems, sandy shores and rocky cliffs, mountains and desert, wine country and party beaches – but the magic you’ll find on the road in between is what makes this the ultimate bucket list road trip.
You can either start north in San Francisco or south in the Los Angeles area, rent a car, then drive up/down the coast from there – stopping wherever the mood strikes you.
Tips for an amazing trip
This road trip is absolutely more about the journey than the destination so don’t be in a hurry. You’ll want to take in all the views – so treat yo self and rent a convertible. Be sure to stop at El Matador beach, Pfeiffer beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and just about every chance you get along Big Sur.
Airbnb options are prevalent along the Pacific Coast, and often are the nicer yet more affordable option. I’ve made the road trip twice and stayed at the same Airbnb in San Luis Obispo each time and would recommend. Here’s a link to check it out!
Intrigued? Check out our full guide to the ultimate Pacific Coast Highway Road trip here.
Bali, Indonesia
Why Bali, Indonesia should be on your bucket list
With it’s breathtaking beaches, culture, culinary scene, and some of the best surfing in the world, it’s not hard to see why Indonesia is landing on a lot of people’s bucket lists. Bali used to be a backpackers hidden paradise (and in many ways it still is) but with the rise of instagram some areas have become well traveled.
In Bali you can find some of the best snorkeling in the world, visit some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, meet monkeys in the wild, swim with sea turtles, hike through rice terraces, climb volcanoes, and eat nasi goreng to your heart’s delight.
Aside from the plane ticket, Bali is an extremely affordable trip. Luxurious, multi-room private villas with pools are commonly found for $50-100 USD or less per night. Meals come at just a few dollars a pop. You can even go for a full spa day in Ubud including massage, facial, scrub, and hair treatment in a natural rainforest setting for a whopping $50.
Tips for an amazing trip
If you’re looking for a luxe beach getaway with access to fine restaurants or even a hopping bar or two – go to Seminyak. For a laid-back rainforest paradise that feels a little more authentic, go to Ubud. For an off-the-beaten-path beach adventure go to the Nusa islands (Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lemongan, and Nusa Penida).
Check out Highlights of Ubud for details on this magical rainforest town in Bali!
Ireland
Why Ireland should be on your bucket list
Beautiful but unpretentious, Ireland boasts incredible coastlines, fun, walkable cities, and warm people. You’ll be able to visit castles on rolling emerald hills, learn the perfect Guinness pour, and sing hearty folk songs shoulder to shoulder with friendly Irish locals.
Tips for an amazing trip
Fly into Dublin to stay for a few days visiting highlights like the Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Temple Bar district, and taking a tasting tour at the Irish Whiskey Museum. Then, head outside the city for sights like Cliffs of Moher and Blarney Castle. If you’re up for heading to Northern Ireland as well, you can’t miss Giant’s Causeway.
Caye Caulker, Belize
Why Caye Caulker should be on your bucket list
Looking for someplace epic, but still want to chill out? Caye Caulker is a small island off mainland Belize with a culture built around the the mantra “go slow”.
There are no cars – just sand roads, friendly locals, and the bluest, clearest, calmest ocean you’ve ever dreamed of. Picture yourself on the beach – calm, crystal clear turquoise water and white sand. The island is small enough that you can watch sunrise from the beach on one side, then catch sunset from the beach on the opposite side. Off the beach you can find some of the best snorkling and diving in the world.
Tips for an amazing trip
You’ll fly into Belize City, Belize, then pick up a taxi to the Caye Caulker ferry. Caye Caulker is just about a 30 minute ferry from the main land but operates at a whole different pace. You’ll only need to pack your casual beachwear, because Caye Caulker is all about chilling out. Hang out by the beach, go snorkling, or grab a few drinks from the in-ocean swingset at the Sip N’ Dip.
Germany
Why Germany should be on your bucket list
The castles, the culture, the food and drink – there’s so much to see in Germany! You don’t have to choose just one city. With the extensive train system throughout Europe, it’s easy and inexpensive to pop around.
So you can see Berlin (and the Berlin Wall), Munich (where the original Oktoberfest still takes place), Frankfurt (with it’s gorgeous old town Römerberg), Neuschwanstein Castle (the one Disney’s castle is based on).
Tips for an Amazing Trip
Why not plan your trip to catch Oktoberfest? The original Oktoberfest has taken place in Munich since 1810. Just be sure you book a table in one of the tents – and don’t skip the lederhosen and dirndl! Everyone, and I mean everyone will be wearing them at Oktoberfest! But remember, contrary to popular belief, Oktoberfest takes place in September rather than October.
As for your journey elsewhere in Germany, you can travel easily by train. The bus system in Germany is also quite good – much cleaner, more organized, accessible, and comfortable than in the US. Check out Flixbus for great deals.
Key West, Florida
Why Key West should be on your bucket list
Key West is the southernmost key off the tip of Florida. You’ll be charmed by it’s vibrant, walkable streets, lively bars, Caribbean style seafood, and conch houses. Famous for their bed and breakfasts, Key West is thankfully a small genuine little gem of the US.
Off the shores of Key West you’ll find the Dry Tortugas – one of the most remote US National parks. Unforgettable day trips are offered, where you can snorkel with sea turtles in the unspoiled waters and reefs, and tour the storied Fort Jefferson.
Tips for an amazing trip
You can fly directly into Key West, but you’ll find flight prices much cheaper into Miami or Fort Lauderdale airports. From there, rent a car and take a short road trip on the Overseas Highway. Just as it’s namesake suggests, the Overseas Highway to Key West is a small highway that crosses the ocean between Florida’s Keys. At many points there’s only crisp blue ocean as far as the eye can see. If that’s not a bucket list road trip material I don’t know what is!
Check out these guides to learn more about Key West and get planning!
Key West Itinerary and Top 5 Things to Do in Key West
Rocky Mountain National Park
Why Rocky Mountain National Park should be on your bucket list
With it’s extensive trails, snow-capped mountains, and gorgeous views, Rocky Mountain National Park is one for the books. My favorite trail to check out is Emerald Lake Trail and you can check out my full guide here: Emerald Lake Trail – the Ultimate First Timer’s Guide.
Tips for an amazing trip
Fly into Denver and make a road trip of your journey up to Rocky Mountain National Park. Then, you can either stay in the park or nearby. The accommodations range from campgrounds to lux lodges or bed and breakfasts.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Why New Orleans should be on your bucket list
Not just a party town – New Orleans, or “the Big Easy” is a city with many sides. While so many tourism-heavy places are often scrubbed of personality, New Orleans’ character is unwavering. Sure, it’s a party town, but you’ll also find unique cuisine, great music, beautiful architecture, and warm (if maybe a little eccentric) locals.
Tips for an Amazing Trip
You’ll want to stay in the French Quarter. From there most everything is walkable. Be sure to save a day for the dreamy Garden District – you can take the St. Charles Streetcar there for just a few dollars!
I love New Orleans so much I’ve written several guides. Check out Top 10 Things to Do in New Orleans and The Top 5 Brunch Places in New Orleans to get started!
Paris, France
Why Paris should be on your bucket list
Is Paris really not already on your bucket list? Sure it’s a tourist hub but things are usually popular for a reason!
Paris – with it’s dreamy cityscape, excellent food, neighborhoods like Montmartre, history, and HELLO the Eiffel Tower, Paris really is all it’s cracked up to be.
Tips for an Amazing Trip
Resist the urge to over-plan a trip to Paris. Leave time to wander and explore the city. Take advantage of the train as well! It’s the fastest and most affordable mode of transportation – especially from the airport.
Check this out: What to do with 1 Day in Paris
What’s next up on your bucket list? Would love to see you all achieving your bucket list dreams! Tag me in your bucket list travel photos on Instagram @wherever.someday for a chance to be featured!
