It’s almost the holidays which means that it’s almost New Year’s which really means that it’s time to officially start looking forward to next year’s travels! I really wish that I was the type of person that could just go with the flow when it comes to deciding where I go. But I’m not. I have an idea of where I’ll be visiting for the next three years, who I plan to bring with me, and exactly what I want to do while I’m there. Does that make me type A? Anyway, while I mull over what my personality type is, read on for 20 places to visit in 2020 with (or without) your family, in no particular order:
1. The Grand Canyon
My family and I visited the South Rim of the Grand Canyon this April and it was absolutely beautiful. A few hours from Phoenix, the Grand Canyon could easily be overlooked as not that big a deal. At least that’s what I always thought. It was a place I assumed I would eventually get to one day but I didn’t expect it to be anything special.
I was so wrong. The Grand Canyon is stunning and magical and I cannot recommend a visit there highly enough. With or without children (my then 14 month old just wanted to run around), I hope that you add this domestic destination to your 2020 travel list.
2. Madrid, Spain
I LOVE Spain and I want everyone else to too. I’ve been asked a lot what the difference is between Madrid and Barcelona and, in my opinion, Madrid is slower, quieter, and more family-friendly. It could be the fact that I visited Barcelona as a baby-free and energetic 20-something but was with my husband and 10 month old when I visited Madrid, but I just prefer the easiness of Madrid.
Madrid has museums, great restaurants, parks, and other activities, and as the capital of Spain, offers the opportunity to learn about Spanish history in a truly special way. Maybe it’s my background in Spanish literature and language or just my overwhelming wanderlust but to me, Spain is a must do.
3. Paris, France
I’ve visited Paris both with and without a little one and if I had a choice, I’d visit without babies or kids.
How could I possibly admit that? Simple. Paris, and France in general, is one of the culinary capitals of the world. One thing I make a point to do whenever I can is slowly enjoy a good meal.
How often do I get to do that? Good question. Rarely.
Our lives revolve around our children’s schedules, as they should. But parents deserve a break and Paris is somewhere I recommend you visit without kids. Whether it’s your first visit or your 20th, embrace the romance that is the City of Lights slowly and purposefully.
If you prefer to visit Paris with little ones, fret not. Here are some ideas for how to spend your time when you get there.
4. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
No list of 20 places to visit in 2020 would be complete without at least one beach vacation. If you’re reading this from the US, you know that Mexico and the Caribbean are great choices for international destinations with incredible beaches. I’ve visited Mexico on 3 separate occasions and it is easily one of my favorite countries. On our trip to Puerto Vallarta, we stayed just 30 minutes away at the Four Seasons Punta Mita where we had an amazing vacation. I still don’t know how we lucked up on the deal I found but the Four Seasons has given me #travelgoals for life. From the room, to the service, to the restaurants this hotel ruined me for all future hotel stays and owes me nothing.
Six month old baby Solomon enjoyed himself too 🙂
5. Monterey, California
One thing I don’t do enough of is explore the beauty of my own backyard. I’m adding Monterey to my 20 places to visit in 2020 as a reminder to myself that I don’t have to go far to feel like I’m a world away. I encourage you to consider visiting somewhere that’s only a few hours away from you as well.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is fun for kids and adults alike so you could visit with or without little ones. I recommend bringing them along. Solomon first went to an aquarium when he was about 4 months old and, despite not having a clue what he was looking at, even at that young age I could see his curiosity growing. I can’t wait to take him now that he’s talking and pointing out things.
Monterey also boasts a beautiful beach and Cannery Row, an area for shopping and dining. And because it’s only a few hours away from us, we can visit for the day and come home to sleep in our own beds.
6. Antelope Canyon
On the same trip to the Grand Canyon, we also visited Lower Antelope Canyon. You know those beautiful photos (like the one below) of what looks like another planet? It’s real and it is breathtaking. We went in April which we were told was actually the perfect time of year to visit. Arizona is a desert and can get hotter than hell so I don’t recommend visiting during the summer months. I made the mistake of not properly planning for our visit to Antelope Canyon but you don’t have to. Learn from my mistakes and plan accordingly.
7. Washington, D.C.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is only one of the reasons why I want to visit Washington, D.C. in 2020. As the nation’s capital, it offers a opportunity to explore the continental United States. I would also love to visit Howard University, Georgetown, and all the other numerous landmarks and monuments around the city. From California, this would be a cross country trip but still one I would take over a long weekend.
8. Portland, Oregon
Oh, Portland.
I visited Portland this last May for a conference and I just didn’t have enough time. This is a city that my husband really wants to visit so it would be a perfect weekend destination for a baecation in 2020. Portland is a super cool city with tons of little shops and great food and bar options. It has a laid back, hippy energy to it and I would love to spend more time there. Also, I’d recommend renting a car and exploring the surrounding areas a bit. I was dying to get out of the city and get into nature – which is not like me at all.
9. Livermore, CA
I might be a little bias here but I’m going to add Livermore, CA to this list 😉 Livermore has some great wineries and it’s only about an hour outside of San Francisco. Although it’s not Napa, it’s much more affordable than Wine Country and very close to home. I will definitely be going wine tasting in Livermore next spring.
10. Orlando, FL
The mom in me cannot WAIT for my kids to get old enough to take to a Disney park. So for those families, or just super cool couples, who have kids old enough to enjoy the park and make it worth the price tag, I hope you can make it to Orlando, Florida. My mom’s side of the family lives all over Florida and I’ve visited a lot of the state throughout my life. Orlando is in Central Florida so it’s a bit of a drive to a beach but there’s plenty to do in the city that you might not miss it. And if you do, the beaches in Florida are beautiful and worth the drive. Trust me.
11. Great Wolf Lodge, Texas
Again, my kids are too young to enjoy all the fun at Great Wolf Lodge but I have serious FOMO watching people on social media have the time of their lives here. Add it to your list and tag me in your Instagram stories lol.
12. Ayutthaya, Thailand
Ayutthaya is the former capital of Thailand and a couple of hours away by car outside of Bangkok. The ruins and history that’s told in this city more than make up for the drive. I’m including Ayutthaya on this list of 20 places to visit in 2020 because it’s an easy day trip to add to your time in Bangkok. And if you’ve never been to Thailand, check out my post here.
13. Negril, Jamaica
Jamaica is such an easy country to love. The people are happy and kind, and the weather and landscape are perfect. My one piece of advice: be careful with the rum punch. Thank me later.
14. New York City
New York city is my favorite city and I don’t foresee ever visiting somewhere that will change that fact. With or without kids, make sure you find some time to visit this remarkable city in 2020. From restaurants to Broadway to museums, concerts, sporting events, NYC has something for everybody. I love just walking around Manhattan without a plan, people watching or window shopping. The energy is unmatched.
I will be in NYC twice next year for two conference, one of which is Audacity Fest! Will you be there?
15. Accra, Ghana
2019 marked the 400th anniversary of the first slave ship to Jamestown, Virginia and to commemorate it, Ghana invited the diaspora “home”. I was unable to make the journey to Ghana because I was pregnant and just overall unprepared but my parents did and they are still raving about their time months after returning home. If you’re like me and you were unable to visit this year, add it to your list of 20 places to visit in 2020.
16. Venice, Italy
Venice is one of the unique places on this planet that will forever have a piece of my heart. We first visited Venice in March 2017 and while the weather was cold and moody, it was exactly what I needed at the time. Yes, it’s romantic but it’s not just a place to visit with a romantic partner. Just like Paris, whether it’s your first or your fiftieth time in Italy, make Venice a stop every time.
17. Fiji
Fiji is beautiful and welcoming and at just a mere 11-hour nonstop flight from San Francisco, is a must visit if you’re looking for an out-of-the-box destination to visit next year. I wrote about my time in Fiji here and I hope it convinces you to make the trip.
18. Tokyo, Japan
I’M GOING TO THE OLYMPICS IN 2020. Sorry for shouting. But ya girl is excited!
Have you ever dreamt of something your whole life and knew you would make it happen some day but had no idea when? That’s the Olympics for me. I can’t wait.
This is our annual baby-free vacation and we will be away for about 11 days. I plan to eat my way through a few cities, experience traditional Japanese culture, and maybe even try karaoke!
19. Charlotte, North Carolina
It seems like everyone is telling me how amazing Charlotte is and that I have to visit. I am adding it to my list of 20 places to visit in 2020 because I haven’t heard a bad thing about this city and I want to visit more each time someone brings it up/
20. Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii. The only thing better than one beach vacation a year is two beach vacations. Between Hawaii and Mexico, you can’t go wrong. Luaus, beaches, poke, hiking, and sunshine. You name it, Maui’s got it.
Whoo! This was a long list. What’s on your short (or long) list of destinations for 2020? Tell me in the comments!