The trips you take will depend on where you are at in your life in 2020. Maybe you and your friends want to let loose and create memories backpacking through Eastern Europe. Or you’ve always travelled with people—solo travel seems to be calling as you daydream about that first solo trip. A trip can also be focused on something you’re passionate about—adventure, foodie, and family trips await you and we’ve got the list to get you pumped to broaden your horizon in 2020!
1. The ‘backpacking’ trip
DESTINATION: EASTERN EUROPE
Backpacking is for the adventure-seeking travellers and is a good option for those keen to save their pennies in order to make the journey last a little longer. Often taken as a transitional trip, i.e. between high school and university or between jobs, backpacking is an excellent way to see the world on a budget and a great opportunity to make friends in the boisterous hostels and homestays along the way. Eastern Europe is considerably cheaper than Western Europe and is a great option for that much-needed backpacking trip.
Check out our Chasing the Local Experience in South-East Asia Post.
Alternatives: South-East Asia; South America
2. The ‘island’ trip
DESTINATION: THE NUSA ISLANDS – LEMBONGAN, CENINGAN & PENIDA
The island trip is a time for relaxation, rejuvenation, and suntans. Expect to plan less and lay on the beach more. Islands are usually more laid back than the mainland and you can still get the sense that you are exploring unknown territory. Head out to one of the top island destinations of 2019, Bali, and make your way down south to the island triplet — The Nusa Islands. I fell for Nusa Penida but give yourself some extra days and island hop around all three.
Find more bite-size recommendations for Bali and The Nusa Islands!
Alternatives: Boracay, Philippines; Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands, Australia
3. The ‘solo’ trip
DESTINATION: PERU
A solo trip is a time for personal growth and a chance to find out more about the world and yourself. Peru has such a variety of activities that will be sure to push you beyond your preconceived limits. Climb every mountain, float along Lake Titicaca, and of course hike the Inca Trail to the sun gate of Machu Pichu. No textbook can compare to what you will learn on a solo trip! For more on Peru, pick some or all of Wanderlust’s 9 Top Things to do in Peru
Alternatives: Norway, Japan, or Croatia
4. The ‘couples’ trip
DESTINATION: THE AMALFI COAST, ITALY
What’s a life without a bit of romance that sparks the flame in a way only a “trip for two” can!? Insert the pastel-colored hillsides overlooking the shimmering Amalfi Coast (Italian: Costiera Amalfitana). Couples that travel together stay together. Talk about an unforgettable experience with your partner. In a word: Bellissimo.
Alternatives: Havana, Cuba; Granada, Spain
5. The ‘spiritual’ trip
DESTINATION: A SPIRITUAL RETREAT IN UBUD, BALI
Bali will forever put a smile on my face every time I think back on the time I spent there in the cultural center of Ubud. There is an energy to the city that transforms any yoga retreat or message into a spiritual experience. There are endless amounts of retreats to be a part of in Ubud and you can even go to a sacred water temple where the locals cleanse their spirits and honor their deities and past ancestors. Start with our complete guide to your first time in Ubud.
Related Post: https://sintraventure.com/nomad-travel-one-month-in-bali/
Alternatives: Dubai; Skiing in St. Moritz, Switzerland
6. The ‘festival’ trip
DESTINATION: HOLI FEST, INDIA
Other festivals like Burning Man and Coachella are western favorites but there is no other festival quite like the Holi Festival. The original festival is held in India and parts of Nepal — it’s the most colorful festival in the world. And if you are a bonfire fan, night 1 of the festival is a huge bonfire celebration of light over darkness, good over evil.
Alternatives: Coachella, Thailand Lantern Festival, Burning Man
RELATED POST: Looking for some cool adventures around Los Angeles to ring in the New Year?
7. The ‘family’ trip
DESTINATION: NEW ZEALAND
Family vacations seem to always leave one family member sour because their dream destination wasn’t the final choice. Cost, proximity, and popularity among the family are 3 big factors when picking the ideal place. New Zealand offers the ideal combination of fun outdoor escapades and adventure activities as well as some surreal scenic drives that will have the entire family pointing out new moments around every corner. Everyone in the family will never want to leave New Zealand.
Alternatives: Fiji; Hawaii
8. The ‘BFFs’ trip
DESTINATION: SPAIN
Sometimes the ‘BFF’ trip is a must when the calendar keeps filling up and it’s been too long since you and your best friend goofed off — laughing until the sun rises. Vibrant cities with a reputation for epic nightlife and tapas ( inexpensive bites ) is a bullet-proof plan. Plus, what is better than dancing like no one is watching with your bestie in a foreign country!? Cue the salsa music, it’s time to make your way to Spain.
Alternatives: Morocco; Spain; Greece
9. The ‘road’ trip
DESTINATION: RING ROAD, ICELAND
The Ring Road (or Route 1) in Iceland is quite possibly the easiest road trip you can do – it is a loop around the entire island making it virtually impossible to get lost. With that being said, give yourself a couple of weeks to explore the ring because there is just too much sightseeing to rush.
Alternatives: South Island, New Zealand; Garden Route, South Africa
10. The ‘hiking’ trip
DESTINATION: OREGON, USA
From the elegant Mt. Hood to the coastal climbs — and views — Oregon is officially a top U.S hiking mecca destination. Recently nicknamed the United State’s Iceland, Oregon offers everything it’s new doppelganger provides but is on United States soil.
Alternatives: Overland Track, Iceland, Fitz Roy Trek, Patagonia
RELATED POST: https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/best-hikes-oregon-usa/
11. The ‘foodie’ trip
Me and some new Vietnamese friends stuffing our faces at a local eatery in Da Lat, Vietnam
DESTINATION: VIETNAM
Out of all the South East Asia countries, Vietnam offers a foodie variety that is sure to satisfy even the grandest food bellies — watch out for the food coma — you’ve been warned. Each region serves up cuisine that differs slightly in taste and flavor: in Northern Vietnam, black pepper is often used in place of chilis, and flavors are subtle; Central Vietnamese dishes are more complex and the use of chilis is abundant; and South Vietnam offers slightly sweeter dishes. It tends to go from sweeter in the South to spicier as you move up North so if you want to get the full foodie tour, spend a month treating yourself to premium cuisine fuel!
Alternatives: Lima, Peru; New Orleans, USA
RELATED POSTS: How to find the foodie spots while planning your DIY Vietnam Day Trips
12. The ‘volunteer’ trip
DESTINATION: ANYWHERE
It’s amazing the things we can accomplish when we all lend a hand to causes bigger than ourselves. Volunteer opportunities are available in most developing parts of the world. Volunteer World currently lists 1,600 volunteer opportunities. This could be a great time to bond with family and friends while helping a community in need.
Pin It!
Looking to become Nomadic in 2020!?
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and also shop our curated collection of adventure gear to get you set up for your first nomad trip! We are all nomadic.
Want to add an adventure story to Nomad Niche? Work With Us
