Happy New Year! Where will you go? What will you do? The year ahead is full of possibilities and wonder. Allow this month-by-month travel itinerary to spark your imagination and inspire you to pack your bags, walk out your front door, and explore the world.
New Year’s Travel Resolution – Where to Go in 2020
January: Zurich, Switzerland
Switzerland is a wonderland during the dreary winter months. Maybe you’re drinking warm spiced wine by a cozy chalet fireplace. Perhaps you’re hopping off the train at Gornergrat, clipping into your skis, and gazing at the iconic Matterhorn. Whatever you’re doing, Switzerland is bound to take your breath away in a way no other country has ever done before. In January, travel to Zurich, the heart of Europe, and witness the transcendent beauty of snow-covered peaks that loom behind the city’s lake. Zurich is a natural destination for travelers, as it has the largest central railway station in Switzerland, giving you access to some beautiful Swiss mountains like Flumserberg, Engelberg, and Laax.
February: Copenhagen, Denmark
There are certain things you can only experience in Copenhagen during the winter, making February an excellent time to plan your next visit. Every year, the Tivoli Gardens begin—a themed amusement park with fairy lights, special events, and fun rides. For a less expensive activity, you can visit the ice skating rink in front of Frederiksberg Have. Admission is free, and skates are available for rent for around 50 DKK (~8 USD). After an adventure-filled day, take your sweetheart to a romantic country inn and celebrate Valentine’s Day the Danish way.
March: London, United Kingdom
Signs of spring will come when you visit London in March. Take advantage of the blooming crocuses and daffodils by visiting the Kensington Palace Gardens or Kew Gardens. Take your mother out for a traditional afternoon tea, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at one of London’s top Irish pubs, or view a free comedy show at Angel Comedy. March is an excellent time to visit the city of London due to its mild temperatures and the green, blossoming parks.
April: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The month of April is still considered part of The Netherland’s high season but is less crowded than the highly anticipated summer months. It is festival-filled. The Amsterdam Tulip Festival takes place every year for the entire month. Last autumn, 500,000 tulip buds were planted in public areas and the gardens of special buildings. The Imagine Film Festival begins on the 10th this year and lasts for eleven days. It is the only film festival in The Netherlands that focuses on fantastic films. Towards the end of the month, the people of Amsterdam celebrate The King’s Day, one of the largest and most colorful festivals in the country, in honor of the king’s birthday.
May: Barcelona, Spain
This year, take a trip to the idolized city of Barcelona during May. Hang out with Sant Ponç, the patron saint of herbalists and beekeepers, near L’Hospital street on May 11th and celebrate a tradition that has been alive since medieval times. Are you visiting toward the end of the month? Purchase tickets to the acclaimed Primavera Sound festival on May 27. Every so often, the crew at Primavera set up a program of free gigs to take place in different neighborhoods throughout the city. So, even if you don’t get a ticket to the festival, you can still have a piece of the action.
June: Vienna, Austria
Nothing quite like taking a bike ride through Vienna’s city center and adjacent districts during a warm, breezy summer day. Pack your bags and take a trip to Vienna this June to take advantage of activities that aren’t possible during the colder months. Learn how tango and salsa in the square of baroque cathedral St. Charles Borromeo in the summer evenings or share a drink with your travel partner on the 25 Hours Hotel rooftop bar. Try the traditional Steckerlfisch at a daily barbeque that sports fifties retro-style furniture in a shady garden at The Volksgarten Pavillon. Whether you’re into wine, art, biking or historical sightseeing—Vienna has a place for you.
July: Santorini, Greece
I’m not going to lie to you, the crescent-shaped Santorini in July is one of the busiest times of the year. But, if you can see past the crowds and stare into the royal blue hues of the ocean, it’s worth it. Take in your surroundings by walking from Fia to Oia. This 6-mile one-way hike passes through four different towns. For foodies, it’s imperative you make a trip to one of the many wineries. It is said that the island’s volcanic terrain affects the flavor of the wine. For the romantic couple, wander around the white-washed Oia or stay a couple of nights at the Cave Hotel. For the adventurous duo, rent a 4-wheeler or scooter or take a mud bath by the volcano.
August: Reykjavik, Iceland
The month of August marks the official last month of summer in Iceland and is one of the warmest months of the year. The locals are trying to soak up the last bit of sun, so it’s an energetic and lively time to be visiting the city. This month, Reykjavik becomes even more vibrant when they celebrate Gay pride. Over 100,000 people come together with parades, arts, and music. On the second and third Saturday of August, you’ll find Menningarnótt or The Icelandic Culture Night. On these nights, the entire city turns into an Icelandic culture hub, expressing themselves through art shows, music concerts, and events all over town.
September: Paris, France
Paris is a wonderful city to visit in the colorful autumn. Practice your je ne sais quoi, and travel to lover’s city this September. Every year, at the beginning of the month, Le Grand Feu puts on the largest fireworks in Europe. Thousands of people gather at the Domaine de Saint-Cloud for the two-hour show. Before you leave (and the leaves fall), appreciate your surroundings by taking a stroll through some of the beautiful Parisian gardens. At the end of September, Fetes des Jardins opens 150 gardens to the public and hosts special events. And of course, you mustn’t forget to visit the iconic Eiffel Tower and wander around its colossal base!
October – Rome, Italy
The iconic city of Rome is a brilliant place to visit in October when the days are warm and the nights are cool and comfortable. Dive into some of the seasonable favorites at the dinner table—white truffles, pumpkin, mushrooms, radicchio, and persimmons. On certain days of the week, you can visit the famous Colosseum from 8 pm until midnight through the 28th of October. On the last Sunday of the month, the Vatican Museums are open and free for visitors.
November – Budapest, Hungary
Are you a guitar hero veteran and want to take your skills to the next level? This November, travel to Budapest in Hungary and partake in their annual International Guitar Competition. It’s open to all guitarists at any level. If a guitar isn’t your thing, there’s plenty of other ways to enjoy the Hungarian capital. November 11th is St. Martin’s Day in Hungary. It’s a traditional feast day celebrated by drinking wine and eating goose. Enjoy the St. Martin’s Day festivities at Vajdahunyad Castle.
December – Prague, Czech Republic
End the year on a high note by visiting Prague in December. It’s budget-friendly and is considered one of the most stunning cities in Europe due to its diverse architecture. Be sure to visit Marthy’s Kitchen for a hearty breakfast and Malostranska Beseda for a traditional Pilsner. And, for heaven’s sake, don’t forget the Christmas markets! Read more about Christmas in Prague here.
New Year, New Language For You!
Discover new worlds. Experience life-changing adventures. Create unforgettable memories. Easy listening, rewarding results in just 30 minutes a day!
Give us 30 minutes a day and we’ll have you speaking your new language in no time. That’s all it takes for you to confidently inquire about prices, order dinner, ask for (or offer) directions – in your new language – with a near-native accent. Just listen, respond and learn to converse in … French while commuting … German while jogging … Spanish while cooking. It’s really that portable and flexible.
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