With the holidays right around the corner, many people are already thinking about making New Year’s resolutions. But yours aren’t necessarily about cutting back on things you enjoy for your own good. No, you’d rather focus on indulging more in 2020, including traveling more and checking far-flung destinations off your bucket list.
After all, travel has ample scientifically-proven benefits. In particular, it can decrease stress and anxiety, boost creativity, lower your risk of depression and increase your overall level of happiness and satisfaction in life. With that in mind, you may want to consider adding the following must-see destinations to your travel bucket list for 2020:
1. Alaska
You don’t have to leave the U.S. to experience unrivaled natural beauty. Instead, you can just head north to enjoy an Alaska cruise vacation. Our 49th state has become a popular cruise destination in recent years, and for good reason: There is a staggering amount of picturesque rugged terrain and untouched natural beauty to see and experience firsthand.
Alaska has something to offer for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Go whale watching and spend time learning about the area’s Gold Rush history and local native cultural traditions. Love to fish? Alaska offers unmatched fishing opportunities. In fact, you can take a fishing trip with a seasoned local angler to catch some local King salmon or halibut.
For those looking for a wilder adventure, there are also glacier excursions, sea kayaking through fjords, ATV tours, ziplining and whitewater rafting. With so many uniquely Alaskan excursion options, it will be sure to be the trip of a lifetime.
2. Southeast Asia
Explore the jewels of the Far East with a cruise through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Bali and Indonesia. These areas offer abundant natural beauty and unique cuisine. Then again, traveling to this region can be an intimidating prospect due to language barriers and transportation limitations, making Southeast Asia an ideal cruise destination.
A cruise offers all the creature comforts you already enjoy and to which you’ve grown accustomed, while also providing a reliable means of travel to help you make the most of your time, including seeing the sights that each of the exotic ports of call have to offer.
From city tours of the modern metropolis of Kuala Lumpur and exploring the cultural attractions and ancient Buddhist temples in Penang to exploring the stunning beaches of Phuket and nearby Phi Phi Island, there is much to see and little left for you to plan. In particular, we recommend going on elephant safaris and heritage site tours in Bali and discovering the botanic gardens and iconic sights of Singapore.
3. Australia and New Zealand
Discover the Land Down Under by cruising around Australia and New Zealand. Both countries offer a wide variety of landscapes, from the scenic beaches of Sydney and Melbourne to the rugged terrain of Tasmania and the towering fjords of New Zealand.
This corner of the world is steeped in natural beauty, offering unique wildlife adventures, outdoor thrills and unmatched cultural experiences that include learning about indigenous Australians and Maori people. Opt for a longer stay that will allow you to see more of this special corner of the world, with can’t-miss stops like Sydney, Melbourne, Fiordland National Park, Hobart, Wellington and Auckland.
In 2020, Challenge Yourself to Experience Something New
Whether you decide to travel to Alaska, Southeast Asia or Australia in 2020 (or even all three), prioritizing exploration and experiences beyond what you already know is one of the most life-changing things you can do for yourself in the coming year. By pushing the boundaries and stepping beyond your comfort zone, you can find a wealth of self-growth and improvement far above what you may imagine.
