Ahhhhh a new year. You know what that means? No, not setting shaky resolutions vowing to eating less pasta (we know that’s not going to happen) or trading in dating apps for an adorable rescue puppy (although that’s a pretty genius idea).

It means a fresh calendar year of unmolested vacation time. Pristine. Untouched. The world is your oyster. It’s a glorious stretch of time you get to spend unchained from your desk. The options are endless. That’s a good thing, right? Well, not necessarily.

In a study about jams (yes, jams) psychologists set up a display of jars of jam at a local market. One day there was an impressively broad selection consisting of 24 types of jam for customers to choose from. The next day there were a mere 6 varieties. Guess which day sold MORE jars of jam?

While the 24 jam set up generated more interest, people became overwhelmed and ended up walking away without purchasing more often than those presented with the smaller display.

What I’m trying to say is that I don’t want you to walk away jam-less.

No one should live a life void of jam! Especially when paired with a fresh, buttery scone and clotted cream. Yum.

RELATED READING:

➳ 7 Ways To Decide Where To Go For Your Next Adventure
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➳ Keep Calm and Carry-On: Helpful Tips for Packing

So while a clean slate of vacation time is undeniably thrilling, choosing where to go can seem like a daunting task. Whether you possess an adventurous spirit or are a novice traveller, let me help you solve your champagne problem by providing 5 solid vacation spots to spend your holidays in 2020 depending on what type of traveller you are:

Morocco

The Traveller: Does the sight of sweeping landscapes and expansive city views fill you with wonder? Are you driven by your inquisitive nature to explore every nook and cranny for treasures to fill your suitcase? Then Morocco will be the highlight of your 2020.

The Location: Morocco will take your breath away. Whether you’re wandering the blue-washed walls of Chefchaoun, spending the night in the Saharan desert under a blanket of twinkling stars or driving through the Atlas Mountains, it will leave you completely gob-smacked. Indulge your curiosity by scouring the souks for souvenirs you can’t find anywhere else in the world. Just make sure no one barters you for three thousand camels and a shoe shop.

Best Time to Visit: Avoid the scorching heat of the summer and the frigid cold of the winter months by visiting in the spring or fall. However, the coastal regions – like laid-back Essaouira – are pleasant to tour year-round.

START PLANNING:

➳ A Curated 10-Day Itinerary of Morocco
➳ 7 Epic Stops For A Moroccan Road Trip To The Saharan Desert
➳ 7 Souvenirs You Can’t Leave the Souks of Marrakech
➳ What It’s Like To Ride A Camel + Glamp In The Sahara Desert
➳ 8 Drool-Worthy Dishes To Travel To Morocco For

For more on Morocco, click here.

Portugal

Probably the most popular Beach near Lagos Marina – Praia do Camilo

The Traveller: For inexperienced travellers or those who are looking an easy-breezy holiday, book a flight to Portugal. This sunny European destination provides all the benefits of travelling – vibrant culture, good food, beautiful beaches – without the accompanying anxieties.

The Location: Portugal is far enough away that it is exotic while not so far that you feel like a fish out of water. You’ll discover that a language barrier is not an issue as most locals speak English. Whether by train, car or foot, it’s easy to get around the country. The food is delicious and you don’t have to worry that the meat you’re eating used to be a beloved pet.

Best Time to Visit: Steer clear of Portugal during the high season and instead swing by between March and May or September and October for gorgeous weather. June may be busier but there are also a lot of lively festivals.

START PLANNING:

➳ A Curated 10-Day Itinerary of Portugal
➳ 9 Tried-and-True Hidden Gems You Don’t Want To Miss In Lisbon
➳ How To Maximize A Daytrip To The Castles Of Sintra in Portugal
➳ 8 Gluttonous Reasons To Squeeze Porto Into Your Travel Itinerary
➳ A Guide To A Sunny Stay In Lagos in the Algarve

For more on Portugal, click here.

Israel

The Traveller: If you’re an experienced traveller looking to be wowed then Israel may be a sleeper hit for you. It may not be the obvious choice but with the fair weather, rich culture and amazing cuisine, it’ll quickly become your new favourite country.

Location: Immerse yourself in the Israel’s rich culture and deep dive into history that dates back to biblical times. Tour the impressive Bauhaus architecture of the White City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Soak up some sun on glorious beaches and float in the Dead Sea. When the sun goes down, let loose in Tel Aviv’s spirited nightlife scene. Wander the abundant food markets and sample the best hummus you’ve ever tasted. It’ll be a trip you won’t soon forget.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall when the weather is mild (are you sensing a theme?).

START PLANNING:

➳ A Curated 10-Day Itinerary of Israel
➳ 6 Reasons I Chose Tel Aviv For My Next International Adventure
➳ What It’s Like To Float In The Dead Sea (and Essential Tips!)
➳ How To Spend 24-Hours Exploring The Ancient City Of Jaffa
➳ 91 Thoughts I Had While Climbing The Masada Fortress At Sunrise

For more on Israel, click here.

Greece

The Traveller: Greece is always a good idea, especially if broad expanses of crystal clear cerulean waters and simple island living makes your heart skip a beat. If you prefer spending more time in a bathing suit than out, then make a tour around the Cycladic Islands the top of your to-do list in 2020.

Location: Cruise the Aegean sea in a luxury catamaran or leap in from the rocky cliffs in Santorini. Either way, take your time savouring all the joys that each Greek Island has to offer. Sunbathe on the unique volcanic rock moonscapes of Sarakiniko beach in Milos. Cruise between Cycladic islands and dine on the freshest seafood while sea salt crystallizes on your skin and makes you hair wild.

Best Time To Visit: While the summer months have the best weather, it’s prone to be overrun with hoards of tourists and inflated prices. Spring and early summer or early fall are the happy medium.

START PLANNING:

➳ 6 Tips From a Travel Addict to Plan the Perfect Holiday to Greece
➳ A Curated 3-Day Itinerary of Milos
➳ How To Explore Every Inch of Santorini in Only 3 Days
➳ Why Kiki’s Is The Most Popular (& Delicious) Taverna In Mykonos
➳ Moonscapes and X-Rated Views at Sarakiniko Beach in Milos

For more on Greece, click here.

Japan

The Traveller:  If you’re the kind of person who is drawn to the intensity of extremes and craves the thrill of new experiences, then Japan is for you. Even after visiting the country nine times, Anthony Bourdain has said, “I don’t think I’ve even scratched the surface and I don’t think I ever will.”

Location: If there was one word that most accurately described Japan, it’d be: Extra. It is a complete sensory overload. From robot shows to toilets that play music while you do your business to bespoke cocktail bars tucked on the seventh floor of a nondescript building on an equally nondescript street, it  will jolt your soul awake and (over)stimulate all of the senses.

Best Time To Visit: Head to Japan to witness the spectacle of cherry blossom season in late spring. Otherwise avoid the sweltering temperatures by planning your trip for late fall.

START PLANNING:

➳ Essential Tips Every First-Timer Should To Plan A Trip To Japan
➳ Visit The Most Kawaii Temple In Kyoto, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji
➳ teamLab Borderless: Everything You Need To Know Before Going
➳ Feast Your Way Through The Tsukiji Outer Market In Tokyo
➳ Japanese Skincare Products To Buy To Get That “Mochi” Skin

For more on Japan, click here.

Do any of these glorious destinations call out to your nomadic heart? Are you adding it to your bucket list in 2020? If so, let me know in the comments below!

If you still need more advice on how to choose where to go for your next adventure, check this post out.

Keep your stalking game strong and follow me @teriaki if you aren’t already!