What a magical number combination the year 2020 is just around the corner, so it is time to plan ahead and make the most of it. Not just because of the beautiful number, but also because it is a start of a new decade. So make it remarkable and enjoyable. That goes for anything you do, from your studies, career, relationships, or even things to enrich your life and you as a person.
With this post, I would like to focus on some cultural and authentic destinations for the year 2020. List of destinations I have traveled to myself or is on my bucket list as well. When I was planning where to go next, and how split my work holidays wisely, I came to the conclusion that I have pretty much traveled to many European destinations and they are not as appealing to me as other places harder to get. I wasn’t looking for a short city break anymore, I wanted untouched destinations with a heritage soul. Something different. Something unique for my eyes and senses. Something where I can gain a piece of me.
It is time to slow down with traveling. Travel for the purpose of discovering the uniqueness of each city and country you are in. It is time to stop ticking off the places just for the sake of a tick, and really truly immerse yourself and understand what traveling the world actually means. Immerse yourself into different cultures and start exploring different kinds of humanity in order to find your inner self. If you are living in Europe, look at traveling to some countries in Africa maybe. Or Asia or Middle East. Try something unusual and less obvious.
For this upcoming year of 2020, I have challenged myself to travel to countries with are rich and have differentiated cultural heritage from what I have or have experienced. Countries that make me wonder and explore different kinds of behaviors, traditions, and heritage. I am excited to already book a trip to the Philippines and Israel for the first quarter of the new year.
Below are the top 10 countries for you to start thinking about. So where it will be?
1. RwandaRwanda has made exceptional strides in building itself into a place that celebrates and protects its natural resources. It is a land of a thousand hills with stunning scenery. Travelers are coming here to witness the magnificent gorillas’ treks, but there is much more to see and experience. Visit the incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, rainforest and hills. Rwanda is one of the smallest countries in Africa mainland, located near Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
2. PhilippinesThe Philippines is a Southeast Asian country located in the western Pacific Ocean. It consists of about 7461 islands that are categorized under three main geographical divisions from north to south: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The Philippines have many beautiful natural wonders. From emerald rice fields, volcanoes, and waterfalls to beautiful coastlines. With more than 7000 tropical islands to choose from, it is a joy to do island hopping and explore the magnificent landscape, and enjoy what nature has to offer. Its nature is very much still untouched, as it is not as popular a touristic destination as its other companions, like Thailand or Bali.
3. Padar Island, IndonesiaPadar is a small island located between Komodo and Rinca islands in Indonesia. It is the third largest island part of Komodo National Park. Komodo National Park is still an unspoiled treasure, a better version of Bali if you are ever traveling to Indonesia. The Komodo archipelago is famous for Komodo dragons, giant lizards that can measure up to 3 meters (9.8 ft) long. However, unlike neighboring islands of Komodo and Rinca which are teeming with ferocious lizards, on Padar island the Komodo dragon is extinct. Many companies offer day tours out of Labuan Bajo, so you can easily explore the hills of Padar, chill with the dragons on Komodo Island, relax on Pink Beach, and snorkel at Manta Point.
4. BoliviaBolivia is a country in central South America, with a varied terrain spanning Andes Mountains, the Atacama Desert, the Amazon Basin rainforest, and glass-smooth Lake Titicaca the continent’s largest lake, straddling the border with Peru. Bolivia is one of South America’s most diverse and intriguing nations worth exploring. Not only it offers you the diversity of magical landscapes but you will also come across animal species and nations that you wouldn’t meet anywhere else.
5. PakistanPakistan has much more to offer than you can even imagine. It is the world’s sixth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.7 million people. In the area, it is the 33rd-largest country, spanning 881,913 square kilometers. It may have unstable political situations and a very difficult economy. Nevertheless, for curious minds, it won’t stop exploring and help the country with tourism. Pakistan has many magical mountains, mosques, and cities worth your stop.
6. MyanmarMyanmar (formerly Burma) is a Southeast Asian nation of more than 100 ethnic groups, bordering India, Bangladesh, China, Laos, and Thailand. With the vast diversity of ethnic groups, this country is already making it exciting and mysterious. It is home to many bustling markets, parks, lakes and pagodas dating back to the 6th century.
7. Armania
Armenia is located in the mountains of the Caucasus region between Asia and Europe. Few nations have histories as ancient, complex, and laced with tragedy as Armenia. And even fewer have a culture that is as rich and resilient. This is a destination where you will be intrigued by history, awed by monuments, amazed by the landscape, and charmed by down-to-earth locals.
8. Slovenia
Known for its mountains, ski resorts, and lakes. Beautiful Slovenia is located in central/east Europe and its nature is looking like a postcard. The famous Lake Bled is the main attraction of Slovenia. However go and explore its hot springs, cliffside medieval castles, churches, or 20th-century architecture in Ljubljana.
9. Oman
Oman is an Arab country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. Go beyond the United Arab Emirates and explore the neighborhood – of Oman. It may not have large mosques in UAE, but it still does have a rich ancient heritage and society. It still has many markets and mosques to explore together with natural wonders, from mountains, deserts to coastlines. For visitors, this offers a rare chance to engage with the Arab world without the distorting lens of excessive wealth. Oman’s low-rise towns retain their traditional charms, and Bedouin values remain at the heart of an Omani welcome.
10. Bhutan
Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, is known for its monasteries, fortresses, and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. Bhutan is simply a magic of monasteries. Bhutan is no ordinary place. It is the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments.
