The last month of 2019 is quickly approaching, which means it’s time to start planning travel for 2020. If you’re looking for destinations to relax in warm weather, get a bit of adventure and try delicious foods, you may want to head to Mexica, Central America or the Caribbean.
To make things easier, check out a list of the best places to visit in these regions in 2020, according to Fodor’s Go List.
The Caribbean
Aruba
Aruba is a Dutch Caribbean island known for its spectacular beaches. The island offers amazing dining and shopping that competes on an international level.
Head to Aruba on Memorial Day weekend for the Soul Beach Music Festival or maybe Island TakeOver in the latter part of October. Aruba has its own Fashion Week in April and Aruba Art Fair in November.
You can also do typical island activities such as lounging on the beach and snorkeling.
Bahamas
The Bahamas is known for its white-sand beaches and friendly locals as well as being super close (less than 200 miles) to Florida, making it an easily accessible destination.
There are over 700 islands and cays which make up the Bahamas. Many of those islands were severely damaged by Hurricane Dorian in September 2019 but there are 14 islands (Nassau and Paradise Island included) that are undamaged.
Enjoy delicious food and tasty rum while visiting this destination. You can also swim with spotted pigs, go surfing or get an Ayurvedic massage.
Whatever you choose to do in the Bahamas — you’re guaranteed to have a great time.
Montserrat
This island is very calm and is the epitome of a Caribbean getaway. The island has a population of fewer than 6,000 people after volcanic eruptions in the 1990s.
If you love nature, you’ll absolutely adore the lush rainforest of Montserrat. Visiting Montserrat’s National Trust Botanical Gardens is a must as well as the Montserrat Observatory for breathtaking views.
There are eight black-sand beaches on the island as well as Rendezvous Beach, a white-sand beach.
St. Barth’s
The wealthy and famous have been vacationing in St. Barth’s for years but so can you! Visit the capital city Gustavia of shopping, great restaurants, and people watching.
Relax on Colombier Beach but be aware that you can only access the beach by boat or on foot.
You can also head to the Grand Cul de Sac to see sea turtles!
Mexico
Valladolid, Yucatán
Known as the “Capital of the Mayan east”, Valladolid is the second-largest city in the Yucatán State.
Take a stroll through the city and you’ll be taken back to the 19th-century with its colonial architecture and a historic downtown quarter.
Dine at one of the restaurants while strolling to try local dishes such as papadzules (similar to a vegetarian enchilada and covered with a sauce made using pumpkin seeds), marquesitas (crispy pancakes stuffed with cheese and chocolate).
While shopping, you’ll be able to find handmade souvenirs and locally made clothing.
You can also enjoy history by visiting the Mayan pyramids as well as monasteries and convents.
Central America
Guatemala
Guatemala is a charming and magical country filled with ancient ruins, jungles and volcanic lakes.
Explore the capital of Guatemala City where you can visit museums and take in the culture of the city. Or perhaps you can check out the beautiful cathedrals in Antigua.
The best part of Guatemala is the kind and friendly locals who will make you feel more than welcome.
San Jose, Costa Rica
The capital city of Costa Rica is an underrated mecca for foodies. Not only is the food impeccable in San Jose, but it’s incredibly eco-friendly. In fact, Costa Rica won the United Nations 2019 Champions of the Earth award — the highest environmental honor by the United Nations. The country is on track to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and by 2030, it will have 100% renewable electricity.
Chefs in Costa Rica are now using all of the produce grown in the country, resulting in a culinary renaissance.
San Jose has lots of up-and-coming neighborhoods where you’ll find indigenous foods made only with the freshest ingredients.