20 Vacation Destinations for 2020 and Beyond
We caught up with Kaleigh Kirkpatrick, owner of The Shameless Tourist, to talk all things travel. Based in Aspen and Texas, she provides expert travel planning and advice for clients across the globe. With a passport stamped in 47 countries (and counting)!, Kaleigh has witnessed a monk ordination ceremony in Myanmar, picked up souvenirs in Indonesia, discovered the joy of traveling by train, and mastered the art of crossing multiple time zones. She scouted out 20 destination spots for 2020 and beyond, and gave us the complete scoop.
Egypt (1) was one of the top five hottest destinations for travel in 2019 and I see that to continue for 2020! If you haven’t been to Peru (2) already, it’s a must go with amazing history and landscapes to some of the best gastronomy in the world. For the best experience of Peru, consider allowing me to help coordinate a trip with Belmond Journeys. Belmond owns some of the best hotels, has reliable modes of transportation, and they have long been the biggest player in the luxury travel sphere in Peru making their service amazing and truly seamless.
Now that the Ikon pass is included with Premier Ski passes, we have access to so many ski resorts around the world! Let’s take advantage of it and visit Jackson Hole (3), Deer Valley, or dream big — Zermatt (4)! If you opt for Wyoming, grab a copy of TSG Jackson Hole while you’re there!
Plan ahead for a festive 2020 holiday season and make reservations now for the Macy’s Day Parade or Tree Lighting in Rockefeller Center (5). The Ritz Carlton Central Park offers parade views from many of their rooms, so you don’t even have to change out of your PJs! And for the tree lighting, get in the festive spirit and stay at the Peninsula— their Christmas decor is on point!
If you are looking for a Southeast Asian cultural experience, look no further than Luang Prabang, Laos (6). This small city has all of the culture you are looking for, the luxury of many five-star resorts to choose from, all while still being a little unspoiled by tourism. Bonus: Most of the highlights are less than an hour’s drive from the city, making it easy to see and explore.
Get Active in 2020! Want to do a group trip and see lots of amazing things while at least burning off half of those extra “vacation” calories? Take a Backroads (7) trip. They have itineraries all around the world with a focus on active travel for families with younger kids, families with older kids, and families who prefer to travel without kids.
With the start of a new decade, what better time to plan a bucket list trip than now. I’m talking about an African Safari (8). Micato Safaris have been voted Travel & Leisure’s best Safari outfitter 9 times over— let me help you choose the best one for your family!
Want to stay closer to home but want something different? Consider a resort vacation that offers all of the R&R of being at a beach resort without being at the beach. My favorites are Amangiri (9) in Canyon Point, Utah, Twin Farms (10) – an adults-only destination in Barnard, Vermont, Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek (11) in Saratoga, Wyoming – it offers a separate section for families and adults traveling without kids, or Blackberry Farm (12) in Walland, Tennessee – great for families!
Have children still napping? Consider a short weekend, or even last-minute, trip to Disneyland (13). Pro Tip: If you just want to go for the day and stay away from the hustle and bustle, book Pelican Hill Resort (14), in nearby Newport Beach. Young children love Disney Cruise (15). Like the thought of Disneyworld but hate the crowds and lines? Ask me about how to be the first guest in Magic Kingdom, skip all the lines (even the FastPass lines) and get great photos.
For the family looking for a little more culture and less vacation, consider doing a guided group trip (16). Many of these group trips have built-in date nights, tours geared to keep everyone’s interest, and hotels that have lots of family amenities like pools, and more. Tauck Bridges, Adventures by Disney, Abercrombie and Kent Luxury Family Journeys, and Backroads Family Travel are all great group travel opportunities for the active family.
Seeking total luxury? 2020 is for you. Beach bums will enjoy Como Maalifushi (17), an island in the Maldives. Or consider Laucala (18), a private island in Fiji. Bucket listers will enjoy Abercrombie & Kent’s Luxury Cruise to Antarctica (19). Icebergs, penguins, wildlife, and serenity like no other trip out there. Last but not least, I have a trip the most discerning travel lover will enjoy. The Remote Lands Aman Private Jet is a luxury travel experience like no other.
Contact Kaleigh over at The Shameless Tourist about all your travel needs and questions, then update your passport, pack those bags, and get ready to put your out of office reply on.
