As 2020 gets into full swing, you may have already started to think about travel destinations. What better time than the start of a new decade to knock some items off your bucket list? This year, instead of your usual vacation spot, hop on a flight to one of these locations. Each offers an immense amount of culture and attractions you need to experience sooner rather than later. Here are 10 top travel destinations you should visit in 2020.

1. Peru

Located in South America, Peru offers an incredible amount of history that has fascinated people for hundreds of years. The beautiful sights and kind citizens make this location a must on your bucket list.

• Culture: Peru is home to Machu Picchu, a mysterious set of ruins built around 1450 at the height of the Incan Empire. Set high in the Andes Mountains, this is one of Peru's most-known landmarks. The Peruvian people work extensively to maintain their Quechua culture, most noticeably in the form of intricate textiles.

• Attractions: Historic ruins and sites, beautiful beaches and mountains, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Inca Trail.

Peru is a destination that may have never crossed your mind, but definitely one that requires a visit.

2. Greece

Some of us never travel, and even when we do, it's rarely to a place across the ocean. However, experts say it's so important to set goals, especially while we have the time. So, step out of your comfort zone and visit one of the most ancient countries in the world – Greece.

• Culture: Where to begin? Located in Southeastern Europe, Greece saw the first human arrivals around 270,000 B.C. Greece is considered by many as the birthplace of Western civilization. Check out the Acropolis in Athens, the Byzantine monuments in Thessaloniki, or the Palace of Knossos for a dose of historical knowledge.

• Attractions: In addition to cultural sites – world-famous beaches, diverse architecture, vibrant nightlife, and delicious food.

The next time you find yourself in need of a trip, consider the Greek Isles. It's affordable and full of incredible attractions.

3. Cuba

While traveling to Cuba has become more complicated, it’s absolutely worth the trip.

• Culture: This is a country mostly untouched by certain technological advancements. Locals drive classic cars from the 1950s. You'll find several traditional relics that detail the country's long past. Cuba has a history of colonization, war, and revolution, so be sure to visit a museum while you're there. 

• Attractions: Finca la Vigia, the cities of Trinidad and Havana, and Topes de Collantes.

Cuba is an underrated location ripe with beautiful sights and exciting culture.

4. Italy

Home to the ancient Roman Empire, Italy is a country steeped in art, literature, food, and architecture.

• Culture: Along with Greece, Italy is considered the pinnacle of Western civilization. Many of the great artists, philosophers, and scientists originated here. Italy is as historically rich as its countryside and cities are lush with life.

• Attractions: The Colleseum, Pompeii, the Leaning Tower of Piza, Venice, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Pantheon.

Italy has so many sights to offer that it's impossible to list them all here. From Milan to Naples, Italy is a must-see destination.

5. Galapagos Islands

A beautiful archipelago that sits off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are home to attractions you can't find anywhere else.

• Culture: Though it's not clear who first visited the islands, it's known that the Spanish arrived in the 16th century. In 1835, Charles Darwin visited, which allowed him to develop his theory of natural selection. Here, you can venture to places untouched by humans – 14 of the 19 islands are uninhabited.

• Attractions: Diverse animals, pristine beaches, volcanic rocks, and the Charles Darwin Research Station.

If you're interested in wildlife and want to have a less touristy vacation, this is the place for you.

6. Egypt

This is another country that's filled to the brim with must-see ancient landmarks.

• Culture: Egypt has an extremely lengthy history, more so than any other country in the world. Egyptians put forth some of the most revolutionary inventions, from math to government to the written word. In short, history buffs and casual travelers alike will appreciate Egypt's rich culture.

• Attractions: The Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Nile River, Cairo's Khan al-Khalili market, the Red Sea, and the Egyptian Museum.

There's so much to do and see in Egypt that it's hard to justify it in a short paragraph – just know it should be on your bucket list.

7. Iceland

Iceland is a magical location with an incredible amount of beauty and culture to offer.

• Culture: Norwegians discovered this Nordic island nation in the 9th century. Art is prominent in Iceland's culture, and the people there have a love for tradition, so they work to maintain elements of Old Norse in their modern version of the language. Even today, many believe in the existence of elves, or at least won't rule out the possibility.

• Attractions: The Northern Lights, the Blue Lagoon, and gorgeous landscapes – mountains, waterfalls, volcanoes, ice caves, and glaciers.

If you're up for something different, book an expedition to Iceland for a trip like no other.

8. Spain

Rich with history and attractions alike, Spain enchants visitors with its culture and natural beauty.

• Culture: Early depictions discovered in Spanish caves date back to around 1.2 million years ago. Spaniards have played a part in the development of many languages, artistic feats, successful sports teams, and architectural designs.

• Attractions: Alhambra, La Sagrada Familia, Ibiza, the Aqueduct of Segovia, Madrid's art museums, and the Running of the Bulls.

There's much to do, see, and eat in Spain, so add this to your vacation goals in 2020.

9. Japan

Japan offers a profound history, magnificent beauty, and delicious foods.

• Culture: Humans first inhabited Japan in 30,000 B.C., during prehistoric times. What followed were various dynasties and kingdoms that often ruled for centuries, wars fought by samurai, and the introduction of many cultural periods. Japan is a country stacked with so much to do and see.

• Attractions: The Imperial Palace, Mount Fuji, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Island Shrine of Itsukushima, and the Great Buddha of Kamakura.

If you ever want to visit Eastern Asia, Japan should be at the top of your itinerary.

10. Israel

Also known as The Land of Israel or the Holy Land, this country is sacred to many religions and inextricably tied to history.

• Culture: Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people. Empires ruled here for generations, and believers of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam consider this as the birthplace of their religion. Israelis adopted Zionist ideology in the 19th century, which is reflected in many of their day-to-day activities.

• Attractions: Masada, the Hanging Gardens of Haifa, Jerusalem's Old City, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Tel Aviv, and the Dome of Rock.

Head to Israel to find ancient relics, sacred spots, and breathtaking views.

Bucket List Travel Destinations

These diverse and culturally rich destinations will blow your mind — be sure to add them to your travel list this year and beyond.

About the Author

Alyssa Abel is an education and study abroad blogger with a passion for travel. Follow her @alyssaabelblog on Twitter or read her blog, Syllabusy.