20 International Destinations to Add to Your Travel Bucket List in 2020

If you're hoping to explore different cultures, see the world's most interesting historical sights or nosh on local and authentic cuisine this year, you may want to consider heading overseas and out of your comfort zone. These international destinations have something to offer no matter your budget or your travel goals.

Saudi Arabia finally opened its doors to tourists in late 2019, making it an ideal stop for adventure-seekers who want to explore uncharted territory. Head to Saudi Arabia to see UNESCO World Heritage sites like Al-Ula and Historic Jeddah, as well as a unique culture that has been entirely untouched by tourism so far.

Hoping for a relaxing beach vacation in a tropical paradise? Consider Antigua with its 365 beaches-one for each day of the year. This tiny island has plenty of hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive options to fit any budget. The sand is powder white and the sea is clear and turquoise. What else could you want?

Costa Rica offers a little bit of everything for travelers, ranging from lush green mountains to beautiful beaches and trendy towns with delicious local cuisine. You'll also find wildlife galore, including elaborate toucans, sloths and giant crocodiles. This country is tiny, but it packs a lot of punch with so much to see and do all in one place.

If you love castles, locally made wine and gourmet dining in an upscale setting, the Loire Valley of France should be on your list next year. This region of the country features some of the most famous castles in the world including Chenonceau and Chambord along with Michelin-starred restaurants and all you need to live the good life.

Canterbury, England is frequently named one of the most beautiful villages in the entire United Kingdom, and for good reason. This quaint town features cobblestone streets brimming with unique pubs and shopping, one of the most glorious cathedrals in all of England, beautiful bridge-covered canals and more.

Krabi, Thailand may not be much more than a sleepy port town, but the natural beauty is out of this world. You can head to Krabi for hiking with jaw-dropping water views, eat outrageously delicious local Thai food on the cheap, or relax on a breathtaking beach all day long-and often for lower prices than you'll find in other similar beach destinations around the world.

Whether you're a student of history or a Game of Thrones fanatic, Dubrovnik, Croatia should be on your bucket list this year. This wall-flanked city is absolutely preserved and brimming with historical sites and backdrops from famous Game of Thrones Scenes in "King's Landing." You can even take a quick boat ride to the famous island of Lokrum, which sits just offshore with its own monastery and botanical garden.

Dubai is well known for its over-the-top grandeur, beautiful beaches and luxury resorts. Plan a trip here in 2020 to take advantage of surprisingly low hotel and resort rates, world-class dining and shopping opportunities and the unique melting pot of cultures you can only find in the United Arab Emirates.

There's a lot to see and do in Quito, Ecuador, ranging from its iconic churches and cathedrals to its museums and beaches. Quito is also ideal for a culinary adventure if you love local favorites like tamales or librillo with rice. You'll be in an even better spot if you want to visit the Galapagos during your trip to South America since this archipelago of islands sits right off the shore.

Hoping to plan a vacation and a history lesson all in one? Book a flight to Rome, Italy and see sights like the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum and the world-famous Pantheon as you explore this eternal city. You can also spend some time in Vatican City and the Vatican Museums, all of which exist within their own city within Rome.

Norway is easily one of the most stunning countries in the world thanks to its jaw-dropping fjords and secluded natural landscapes. While you can do a land-based trip here and see quite a bit, consider booking a Norwegian fjords cruise so you can see the bulk of the coast and all the glory of the fjords with stops in villages and towns along the way.

There's a reason Israel remains so popular with tourists, and it's much more than the holy sites you can find within this country's borders. Israel boasts gorgeous beaches, numerous archaeological landmarks, amazing museums and more. The famous city of Tel Aviv is modern and cosmopolitan with world-class dining, theater and nightlife galore. You can explore your religious roots in Israel, but you'll also be entertained along the way.

If you love the unique cultural charms of Europe but prefer to vacation along the shore, Lisbon, Portugal could be your ideal getaway. Here you'll find some of the most over-the-top palaces and churches in all of Europe, dazzling nightlife and stunning views everywhere you turn.

There's a lot to do in Budapest, Hungary, whether your goal is relaxing in natural thermal baths, visiting historical palaces or noshing on local favorites like chimney cakes or goulash. The bar scene in Budapest is also consistently thumping if you want to hit the dance floor during your Hungarian getaway.

There's a lot more to Amsterdam than its famous red-light district. This canal-lined city is home to the famous Anne Frank house, art museums galore and unique breweries that have been around for ages. You can book a canal ride or walking tour to see all the city has to offer, or you can explore on your own and create your own adventure.

If you're ready to splurge on an epic vacation in 2020, don't forget to consider Bora Bora. This island, which sits near Tahiti in French Polynesia, is home to some of the top luxury hotels in the world. You can swim with sharks, snorkel with fish in some of the planet's clearest waters and relax in your overwater bungalow in your downtime.

Tokyo, Japan is a modern marvel that has so much to offer tourists, and that includes much more than its traditional Japanese cuisine. For starters, you can head to Tokyo to explore pop culture, shop in the famous Ginza district or stop in a Yokocho (side street pub area) for a drink.

Athens, Greece is slightly gritty but always welcoming and authentic. You can have a four-course meal with drinks in some corners of the city for less than $40 USD per person, and usually with views of the dazzling Acropolis the city is built around. Head to Athens for the food and the nightlife, or to learn all about the birth of modern democracy as we know it.

Aruba is well known for its gorgeous white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, and that's especially true along its famous Palm beach coast. What you don't know is that Aruba has the most casinos of all islands in the Caribbean, along with the most unique dining options to boot. You can head to Aruba to relax or to play, or maybe a little of both.

Santiago, Chile is a vibrant metropolitan city with dramatic mountain views. Families come here in droves to explore its beautiful cathedrals, many of which date back to the 18th century, or to dine on South American cuisine. The nightlight here is also surprising, making Santiago an easy choice if you want to enjoy new cultures and party with the locals all night long.