Need ideas on where to travel in 2020? I wondered that myself and decided to make a list of some of the top places I’ve been to and some of the top spots I still want to go. In 2020 I’m looking at budget-friendly places, places that have risen in tourist ranks, and, most of all, safe destinations.

Keep in mind that these are just opinions coming from an American perspective. There was much thought that went into my “where to travel in 2020” list. I wanted to keep in mind all the different types of travelers and their needs.

My first pick goes to Toledo, a former imperial city south of Madrid in Spain. This city is gorgeous and home to extensive monumental and cultural heritage. In 1986 Toledo got a UNESCO World Heritage Site status and is still very well preserved.

Fly into Madrid and take a train, car, or bus. My suggestion is to ride the direct high-speed train from Atocha train station.

Bogota has come from a dark past to become a breakout destination for many tourists. Here you’ll find the old and new in contrast and plenty of opportunities to take stunning photos, walk tree-lined streets and try authentic Colombia food.

Fly into Bogota from North America, Europe, or South America. Be careful with taxis and always call one in advance, use Uber or take the bus.

Turks & Caicos may be the best-kept secret in the Caribbean. It’s stunning with big white sandy beaches, friendly locals, and beautiful resorts. It’s expensive; however, in this case, you get what you pay for with seclusion and a relaxing Caribbean vacation.

Fly into Providenciales on Caicos Island and stay or continue onto Turks Island. Caicos Island is the more stunning island.

First off Switzerland as a whole is a gorgeous country. But specifically, the interior mountainous part region near Grindelwald is out of this world stunning. Take a train ride through or stay, and you’ll still have a fantastic experience.

Fly into Zurich and take trains to get to Grindelwald. It’s the most efficient and easiest way to travel through Switzerland.

Kauaʻi is probably the prettiest island in the Hawaiian chain. It’s lush, rainy, and full of beautiful valleys with waterfalls and out of this world scenery. Kauaʻi is also the most chill of the major Hawaiian Islands, making it a top spot in Hawaiʻi.

Fly direct into Kauaʻi or connect into Honolulu and then transfer for a short 45-minute flight. Kauaʻi is easy to get around by car.

Bhutan has slowly risen to become a premier destination for many tourists who want a more authentic experience. The country regulates tourism and wants their land to be pristine. It makes for an unforgettable experience of nature and culture.

Fly into Thimphu from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Singapore, or Thailand. You’ll need a tour guide for the rest of your time.

Nobody ever talks about traveling to Luxembourg, and I’m not sure why? It’s an amazing hidden gem sandwiched between France, Germany, and Belgium. Luxembourg City sits right on a vast, stunning valley with beautiful architecture.

Fly into Luxembourg or take a train from France, Germany, or Belgium. Luxembourg is small and easily accessible.

I may be biased here because I live in Chicago, but Chicago is an upcoming destination. What you find in Chicago is good eating, plenty of skyscrapers, and a wealth of iconic sights. You’ll find plenty to explore in one of the many neighborhoods.

Fly into Chicago into Midway or O’Hare. I would take the blue line into downtown Chicago and use taxis after that.

Tokyo, Japan, has a lot going on in 2020 with the Olympics going on. However, beyond that, Tokyo has so much to offer and see that it’s mind-boggling. From Tokyo, there are also fantastic spots around Japan like Osaka and Kyoto, to discover.

Fly into Tokyo and take the express train into downtown Tokyo. Japan is easy to get around with its high-speed train service.

If you have time and can afford it, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing animals in their natural habitat. Tanzania has excellent options for taking a safari to the Serengeti. Take time to check out nearby Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire.

Fly into Kilimanjaro and have a guide set up. Many flights from North America go through Europe, Africa, or the Middle East.

San Marino, for some reason, is never mentioned on travel websites. Having been there, San Marino is a beautiful mountain country in the heart of the Italian countryside. San Marino is a perfect spot to relax and take in the scenery.

Fly into Venice, Rome or Milan and take a train to Rimini. From there, it’s an hour bus ride from Rimini to San Marino City.

Gorgeous only begins to describe the Canadian Rockies. Extending from British Columbia, Alberta, and the Yukon, many mountains have very well never been explored by humans. I would start in Banff and Lake Louise in Alberta.

Fly into Calgary or Vancouver if you want to drive. From there, you’ll need to rent a car or take a hotel shuttle if that’s possible.

Way up north in Lapland, Finland is the home of Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, Finland. Lapland is one of those places best experienced in the winter with a real ice hotel, the northern lights, and winter activities. A must is the Santa Claus village.

Fly into Rovaniemi, or Helsinki, and then take a train. Rovaniemi is small itself, and everything is usually walking distance.

Mongolia is one of those obscure countries that you don’t hear too much about. However, it’s culturally and visually stunning in the countryside of Mongolia. From Ulaanbaatar, travelers can enjoy a traditional yurt to experience nomadic life.

Fly into Ulaanbaatar and then have a tour guide. There are many ways to get around, but it’s recommended to go on a tour.

Key West is the end of the road for the continental USA, and it certainly feels like it. It’s about a 4-hour drive from Miami, but it’s a fun drive because you drive through many beautiful islands. Key West is expensive but indeed relaxing.

Fly into Miami or Key West, although you’ll pay a lot to do that. I recommend a drive from Miami to experience the journey.

Malta is a gem in Europe and one of the few capital cities with a very different feel culturally and architecturally. A mix of Italian and Arabic influences Valletta is a fascinating city. From there, I recommend Marsaxlokk, M’Dina, and the three cities.

Fly into Malta from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Getting around Malta is comfortable with a car or a taxi.

You’d be hard press to find more scenic islands in the Caribbean with turquoise water, white sand, and lush green hills. The British Virgin Islands have a lot to offer from snorkeling, sunbathing, sailing, scuba diving, and exploring the many islands.

Fly into St. Thomas, San Juan, Antigua, or St. Martin. From there, take a plane or the more popular way, a boat ride to the islands.

Uruguay gets overlooked by its neighbors Argentina and Brazil, but it’s where these countries come on vacation. Montevideo is one of the safest cities in South America and easy to explore. Take a few days to explore the entire Montevideo area.

Fly into Montevideo and take a taxi, car, or bus. From there you can take a taxi, walk or bus to get around Montevideo.

Muscat, in recent years, has gotten more recognized status because of its well-preserved city. There is plenty to explore, including the old walled city. Beyond that, there are mosques, museums, souks, and plenty of chances to enjoy the local seafood.

Fly into Muscat and then take a taxi or the bus into the city. Taxis are the standard way to travel once you’re in Muscat.

For my last pick, I choose Santa Fe in New Mexico. First off, Santa Fe is the oldest capital in the United States and also the highest capital at 7,000 feet. It’s a gorgeous city surrounded by mountains and home to cultural diversity and arts.

Fly into Santa Fe direct or Albuquerque and then drive an hour. Santa Fe is tiny, and most of the time, you can just walk.

There is nothing better than planning and getting excited about a new trip. Some of these places are my personal goals for 2020 or the near future. I hope my “where to travel in 2020” list was helpful and inspires your travels.