Beat The Lows of 2019 with International Travel Bucket List of 2020

 Last Updated: 02 Jan, 2020 By Ashwini

A wise man once said that the best gift you could give yourself is travelling and he couldn’t be more correct. While 2019 is over and the excitement of the new year 2020 is still sinking in, it’s time you plan your overseas travel. Have you made your International Bucket list 2020 yet? If no, then maybe it’s time to prepare one now and you can use this blog to finalise on destination. Our blog on international travel bucket list 2020 would help you figure out the destinations for your travel to some of the most unique destinations. So sit tight, and enjoy your tour of this mini travel guide.

Turkmenistan – A Passage to the Door to Hell

A fire that has been burning for past 48 years, the door to hell or Darvaza gas crater is the one tourist attraction that has made Turkmenistan famous on the international travel radar. Turkmenistan in Asia has always been defined by its neighbouring countries although, the country shares no cultural or geographic resemblance with them. Once a country on the famous silk route, it was a prosperous one but the ruthless attacks and invasion for different rulers led to the demise of once a prosperous kingdom.

Today, Turkmenistan is known as the place which produces excellent carpet, but the enchanting country is much more than that. It is a place where there is sea, forests, mountains, deserts and oases, in short, the country is a land of infinite hidden surprises. From its bewitching canyons to the doors to hell to wonderful local delicacies to vibrant cultures, Turkmenistan offers a unique experience of Central Asia.

Places to visit in Turkmenistan: Darvaza, Ashgabat, Dasoguz, Konye-Urgench, Awaza, Dekhistan, Nissan, Farap, Hazar, Dekhistan.

Things to do in Turkmenistan: Visit the Darvaza, Aerial view of the city of Ashgabat from the Monument of Neutrality, Exploring the ancient ruins of Nisa, Exploring the Independence Monument at Ashgabat, Hiking at the Gonur Cape.

Best time to visit Turkmenistan: Months of mid-March to May end and from Mid-September to November are the best time to visit Turkmenistan. The temperature during this period is moderate and ideal for day excursions.

Peru – A Trip Down the History Lane

An underrated gem in the South American continent, Peru is a country that will literally take you back in time. The tribe of Incas established an incredible fierce civilisation that had the ability to tame the harsh diversity of Peru. The ancient civilisation lived in harmony with the mountains, rivers and forests. The country that boasts of its scenic landscape and rich heritage, Peru is a perfect destination for those who seek a getaway in the solitude of mother nature.

With ancient society still existing in every part of Peru, you can get acquainted with the centuries-old traditions and tales. Machu Picchu is the major tourist attraction in Peru where you can explore the ruins of the civilisations which once inhabited the high Andes mountains. The large ruins, the strange architecture and perfect masonry have always baffled researchers and historians. Also, a must-have experience is the scenic train ride between Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Places to visit in Peru: Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lima, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Puno, Pisac, Colca Canyon, Huaraz.

Things to do in Peru: Hiking in Huaraz, Exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu, Train ride between Cusco and Machu Picchu, Trekking in Colca Canyon, Exploring the museums in Lima, Exploring the churches in Trujillo.

Best time to visit Peru: Winter months of May to September are the best time to visit Peru.

Australia – The Land of Kangaroos

Crown jewel of the southern hemisphere, Australia is a country of immense vibrancy and rich wilderness. With Kangaroo as their national mascot and the only country in this world which is also a continent, Australia is a destination that will spoil you for good. With a picture-perfect blend of adventure and serenity, the country offers the best of both the worlds.

From its iconic cities like Melbourne and Sydney to its mesmerising beaches of Byron Bay and Fraser Island to natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef and Lord Howe Island, Australia offers something for every traveller. A dream holiday destination, it also proffers some of the most luxurious experiences in its modern cities, while at the same time you can enjoy a laid-back vacation in the quaint countryside. Great Barrier Reef and Lord Howe Island are two of the major attractions in Australia.

Places to visit in Australia: Great Barrier Reef, Lord Howe Island, Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Cairns, Adelaide, Broome, Byron Bay, Blue Mountains, Darwin, Fraser Island, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Things to do in Australia: Surfing in Surfers Paradise and Byron Bay, Deep-sea fishing at Fraser Island, Exploring the Island of Tasmania, Whale watching at Margaret River, Scuba Diving and Snorkelling at Whitsunday Island, Hiking in Blue mountains, Shopping in Sydney and Melbourne.

Best time to visit Australia: The best to visit Australia is throughout the year, however, the weather pattern in Australia is different than that of Northern Hemisphere. The summer season starts from December and lasts till February and winter starts around June and lasts till August.

Japan – Explore The Tales of Past and Future

The perfect description of Japan would be “backpack filled with infinite hidden surprises”. A country of enchanting mountains, numerous shrines, scintillating gardens and many metro cities, Japan is a perfect Asian travel destination. A country known for its warm hospitality and polite culture, Japan’s culture is known to be one of the most polite ones. Heritage and culture are the major attractions in Japan.

One of the top trending travel destinations for 2020, Japan will take you on a trip to the cultural heritage of Japan. From scenic landscape of Mount Fuji to the bustling city life, the contrast is what makes Japan all the way more special. If you wish to spend a quaint family vacation within the comforts of nature or a luxurious one in an enchanting metro city, Japan is your destination for the year 2020.

Places to visit in Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hakone, Nikko, Kanazawa, Itsukushima, Yokohama, Shirakawa, Matsumoto, Hokkaido, Ishigaki.

Things to do in Japan: Exploring the ancient capital of Japan – Kyoto, Ride the Shinkansen(bullet train), Visit the shrines at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Shop at Harajuku’s Takeshita Street in Tokyo, Visit the Shirakawa-go.

Best time to visit Japan: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) is the best time to visit Japan. During this time, the weather is pleasant, with clear blue skies and little rainfall allowing for a comfortable sightseeing tour.

Lebanon – The Hidden Gem of Western Asia

Probably one of the most underrated destinations in Asia, Lebanon in fact, has everything you seek on a luxury family vacation. Located between Syria and Israel in the Middle East, Lebanon exhibits its culture and heritage with exuberance in the various tourist destinations across the country. From alluring ski resorts to various adventure sports to offbeat trekking trails, Lebanon ensures that no adrenaline junkie go back disappointed. If you seek a vacation in quaint destinations, then here you have plenty on offer. From its azure waters and scintillating beaches to hundreds of historic sites, the country offers a serene family holiday experience like no other.

Places to visit in Lebanon: Beirut, Byblos, Baalbek, Sidon, Harissa, Jounieh, Tannourine, Faraya, Mount Lebanon, Jbeil, Hamra, Batroun Hermel, Afqa, Achrafieh.

Things to do in Lebanon: Explore the local delicacies, Skiing in Faraya and Mount Lebanon, Wine Tasting in Zahle, Hiking in Bsharri and Tannourine, Trekking in Mount Lebanon, Paragliding in Jounieh.

Best time to visit Lebanon: Summer season which starts in Lebanon around June and lasts till September is the best time to visit Lebanon.

The Netherlands – A Country of Scenic Landscape

The crown jewel of Europe, Netherlands or Holland is one of the many enchanting destinations in Europe that will leave you hooked forever. A country, known for its landscape of canals, windmills, tulip fields and mesmerising countryside, Netherlands can be a dream holiday place for any nature lover. No trip to the Netherlands is ever complete without visiting the famous capital of Netherlands, Amsterdam. Reckoned to be one of the best 12 cities in the world, Amsterdam is an ideal place to party and let off the steam of the chaotic daily lives. The country as whole in fact, is a never-ending celebration of art and culture.

Places to visit in the Netherlands: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Delft, Haarlem, The Hague, Maastricht, Eindhoven, Leiden, Utrecht, Groningen, Middelburg, Volendam.

Things to do in the Netherlands: Explore the canals of Amsterdam, Visit Zaanse Schans, Visit the Rijksmuseum, Visit the Anne Frank Museum, Explore the village of Marken, Visit Efteling, Witness the grandeur of Windmills of Kinderdijk.

Best time to visit the Netherlands: Months from mid-March to mid-September are the best time to visit the Netherlands.

Cook Island – A Destination for a Picture-Perfect Beach Vacation

Made of around 15 tiny droplets like islands that are nestled between Hawaii and New Zealand in the Pacific Ocean, Cook Island is a travel experience that will ruin you for your future endeavours. Quite literally a heaven in the Pacific Ocean, Cook Island is a picture-perfect blend of vibrant beach experience and rich cultural heritage. Home to the Polynesian tribal culture, Cook Island offers an opportunity for a unique study of the social evolution of societies. While you can have a quaint and serene beach experience in Cook Island, it’s the diversity on each Island that acts as the major attraction. One of the best destinations for luxury travellers and those seeking an enchanting beach experience, the islands are also a paradise for adventure seekers. The azure water allows for a bewitching underwater experience.

Places to visit in Cook Island: Aitutaki Lagoon, Muri Beach, Motuanga, Cook Island Christian Church, Titikaveka Beach, Aroa Marine Reserve, Maire Nui Gardens, Avarua.

Things to do in Cook Island: Cross-Island hike to Te Rua Manga, Witnessing the marine life at Aitutaki Lagoon, Scuba Diving in Rarotonga, Deep-sea fishing in Akura, Whale watching, High-speed boat ride at Rongohiva Watersports.

Best time to visit Cook Island: Cook Island, being a tropical country, exhibits the tropical weather. Months from April to November are the best time to visit Cook Island as these months are the driest months meaning fewer chances of rain making it the best time to visit.

Jamaica – An Ideal Caribbean Destination for Party-Goers

One of the most vibrant and happening places on the globe, Jamaica is the travel experience you have been seeking all this while. A beach paradise blended with a vibrant and outgoing culture, Jamaica is a never-ending carnival. Birthplace of Reggae music, this Caribbean country offers a blend of British colonial architecture and the local Caribbean culture. Also referred to as the land of happiness, Jamaica boasts of the abundance of scenic landscape – azure beaches, caves, forests and hiking trails. One of the best travel places in the world for that much-needed break from the mundane lives, it is certainly a destination to add your bucket list in 2020.

Places to visit in Jamaica: Negril Beach & the Negril Cliffs, Dunn’s River Falls, Blue and the John Crow Mountains National Park, Port Antonio, Doctor’s Cave Beach, Kingston, Falmouth, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay.

Things to do in Jamaica: Exploring Frenchman’s Cove, Diving in the Blue Lagoons and Blue Holes, Rafting in the Rio Grande and Martha Brae River, Hiking to Dunn’s River Falls, Snorkelling and Scuba diving in Montego Bay.

Best time to visit Jamaica: November and December are the best time to visit Jamaica as the weather is pleasant with clear blue skies.

Russia – A Land of Several Untold Stories

Russia isn’t what you have heard or read on the news, in fact it is a land of breathtaking geographic and cultural diversity. This largest country in the world can’t be described in one line or one sentence. From its freezing Siberian region to vibrant Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia holds many secrets close to its heart, which can only be unravelled by exploring it yourself. Its landscape varies from forests to enchanting sub-tropical beaches. Being at the centre of many historical events, it houses many memorials and monuments that still narrate the tales of past.

Places to visit in Russia: Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Sochi, Vladivostok, Irkutsk, Volgograd, Altay, Anapa, Ekaterinburg, Kaliningrad, Kazan, Murmansk, Golden Ring.

Things to do in Russia: Visit the Winter Palace, Skiing in Sochi and Ekaterinburg, Hiking around Lake Baikal, Visit Bunker 42 in Moscow, Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg.

Best time to visit Russia: Russia can be extremely cold during winters, hence the best time to visit Russia is from May to October. During this time, natural sites and fountains are accessible and moderate climate allows for a comfortable sightseeing tour.

Italy – The Hub of Culture and Art

The land of vintage rustic charm, Italy is one of the best travel places in the world. A country which has a major mark on the progressive Western culture and lip-smacking cuisines, Italy has always been a favourite holiday hotspot. The country offers a blend of heritage and modern wonders and it is known for art treasures, stunning landscape, alluring cities, top class cuisine and artistic people. From its colourful countryside of Naples to enchanting castles of Tuscany to romantic Venice to modern Milan and Rome, Italy offers nothing but the best. A romantic country at heart and one of the major art destinations in the world, Italy is the perfect destination for luxury travellers and an apt pick for the European travel bucket list.

Places to visit in Italy: Rome, Venice, Florence, Naples, Pisa, Milan, Siena, Pompeii, Catania, Bologna, Tuscany, Amalfi, Genoa.

Things to do in Italy: Explore the waters of Lake Como, Enjoy the artistic side of Italy at Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Stand in Juliet’s balcony in Verona, Witness the grandeur of Coliseum, Take a trip down the history lane at Pompeii, Follow the famous Chianti Wine Route.

Best time to visit Italy: The best time to visit Italy is in the Spring season (April – June) or Fall (September & October). During this time, the destinations in Italy is less crowded and the prices are low and the moderate temperature allows for a perfect excursion tour.

Iceland – The Right Destination to Chase the Northern Lights

From breathtaking Ice glaciers to active volcanoes to geothermal springs, nature takes the centre stage when in Iceland. A country that tests your survival skills in winters, this European place is perfect for those who seek solitude amidst the wilderness of nature. It is one of the best holiday destinations for 2020 as it will leave you in awe with the prowess of the mother nature. Part of the Nordic countries, Iceland takes great pride in its Vikings culture and history and it is visible in the way people have taken up the challenge of surviving in some of the harshest environment. Iceland’s distinct music, art, literature and cuisines will leave you hooked with this country forever.

Places to visit in Iceland: Reykjavik, Jökulsárlón, Thingvellir National Park, Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Husavik, Landmannalaugar, Vatnajokull National Park, Golden Circle Route, Blue Lagoon.

Things to do in Iceland: Whale watching in Húsavík, Trekking in Vestrahorn Mountain, Witnessing the natural Geysers in Haukadalur Valley, Hiking in the colourful mountains of Landmannalaugar, Watching waves crash onto the shore at Dyrhólaey, Exploring Ice Caves in Vatnajökull Glacier, Catching Northern lights, Experiencing Hot spring in Blue Lagoon.

Best time to visit Iceland: Iceland can be visited throughout the year but if you wish to see Northern lights, months of September to January are the best time to visit Iceland.

Add these destinations to your international bucket list for the year 2020 and have an amazing travel year ahead. Also, if you think we missed out on some amazing places around the world, let us know in the comment section below.

For any queries, feel free to post your questions in the comment section below.

Published: 24 Jan, 2019By Ashwini