Top Destinations to Visit in 2020 Before They Become Too Popular

If you're hoping to add some mystery and wonder to your travel plans this year, planning a trip to a unique and off the radar destination can help. Consider these countries, villages and regions of the world that are currently underrated but may soon be visited in droves.

With Saudi Arabia finally opening its doors to tourists in late 2019, coastal resort destinations like Jeddah will soon be on every traveler's bucket list. This seaside town boasts a historic region thick with cultural history, a gorgeous waterfront, museums and world-class dining galore.

Travelers seeking one last look at unexplored wilderness should head to Patagonia, which spans the southern tips of Argentina and Chile. The beautiful landscapes that make up Patagonia have something for everyone, ranging from beautiful lakes to rugged mountain peaks, glaciers, ski areas and more.

Switzerland is notoriously beautiful and rugged, yet some areas of this country are much more explored than others. Travelers hoping to get off the beaten path should set up shop at the lakeside town of Lungern, which features a friendly waterfront beach park, the clearest blue mountain waters you've ever seen and to-die-for mountain views around every turn.

The entire country of Norway is brimming with gorgeous scenery, from its ancient and glorious fjords to its rolling green hills and mountains. Lofoten Islands offers more of the same but in an even more secluded setting than the mainland. Depending on the time of the year, you can even see the midnight sun or the Northern Lights.

Puglia, Italy may not be as popular as Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast, but it still has its share of romantic Italian charm. Puglia boasts an array of gorgeous coastal towns along the Adriatic, as much culture and history as you'll find elsewhere in Italy and some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Europe.

Europe is home to numerous popular capital cities, yet Tallinn, Estonia is still slightly off the radar for some. This capital shouldn't be ignored, however. Head to Tallinn to explore the rich cultural heritage of Estonia, the bars and nightlife and the countless historical sites in and around the city's Old Town.

Uruguay is often overlooked as a tourist destination, yet this tiny gem offers the same startling scenery, beaches, nightlife and cultural charm you can find in nearby Brazil or Argentina. Head to Uruguay if your goal is enjoying the great outdoors and wildlife, seeing UNESCO World Heritage sites or checking out a thriving winery scene.

Found halfway between Scotland and Iceland, Denmark's Faroe Islands are a sight to behold. These secluded islands have their own rich cultural heritage, countless historical sights and ruins and lush mountain scenery galore. If you love the outdoors and wildlife, head to the Faroe Islands to see puffins, seals and all sorts of marine animals in their natural environment.

The island of Anguilla, which sits off the coast of St. Maarten in the Caribbean, is surprisingly free of tourists despite is vast natural beauty. This island has several of the top beaches in the world, including Rendezvous Bay and Shoal Bay. You'll also find luxury resorts and resort condominiums galore, delicious seafood and more privacy than you can get elsewhere in the Caribbean.

Montenegro may not be as popular as neighboring Croatia, but it is surprisingly beautiful and unique. This country is home to numerous up and coming tourist destinations, including the seaside town of Kotor. You'll also discover lush green mountains, glacial lakes, ice caves and red sand beaches that will take your breath away.

The tiny kingdom of Bhutan sits on the southern slopes of the striking Himalayas, which is part of the reason the scenery is so beautiful. While Bhutan is vastly undiscovered by tourists, you can come here to explore the local Buddhist heritage, hike through untouched evergreen forests, explore local artistry and more.

Iceland may be growing in popularity as a tourist destination, but it's not quite mainstream yet. If you want to explore off the beaten path, plan a trip to Iceland to enjoy its famous hot springs, hike an active volcano, walk through ancient mountain forests or head out for some of the capital city of Reykjavik's famous nightlife.

Bahrain is made up of 33 islands off the coasts of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Here you'll find modern cities with skyscrapers and updated infrastructure mixed with historic charm and ancient mosques. If you're a foodie, you'll also be delighted by dining options ranging from Arabic to American. Bahrain is also home to one of the largest necropolises in the world, with 170,000 graves from 3,000 B.C. to 600 A.D.

Cyprus is known for its beautiful beaches and strikingly turquoise waters, but not everyone knows its history dates back more than 10,000 years. Plan a trip here to explore its ancient heritage and vast ruins, hike its scenic oceanside mountains or explore its museums. Cyprus is even home to Pafos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which features an underground Tomb of the Kings.

Saudi Arabia is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites that will soon pull in tourists in droves, and this includes Al-Ula, a remote and ancient city carved into the rocks of the country's deserts. Al-Ula is similar to Jordan's Petra, which means it will soon be on the radar of many historical tourists who love exploring off the beaten path.

Crete, Greece is frequently overshadowed by more popular Greek islands like Mykonos and Santorini, but it may not be that way for long. Crete is growing in popularity thanks to its affordable lodging options, especially for families, as well as its cultural heritage, gorgeous beaches and unique local cuisine.

Plenty of islands in the Caribbean are popular with tourists, but Curacao continues to remain off the beaten path. Tourism continues growing here, however, since Curacao has the same gorgeous beaches and tropical beauty you can find elsewhere in the region. As a Dutch island, Curacao also has its own cultural flair and heritage you can't find on many other islands.

If you want to visit Southeast Asia and see somewhere new, consider Vietnam. This country boasts ancient culture and the same beautiful beaches you'll find in neighboring Thailand. You can also visit Vietnam for its many museums and historical sites with stops in popular cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Costa Rica isn't quite overrun with tourists yet, but it may soon be. This Central American country has something for everyone with its own lush green mountains, amazing wildlife, beautiful beaches and decadent cuisine. You can hike, ride zip lines, golf the day away and check out exotic wildlife like crocodiles and sloths, yet the country is known for its hospitality and selection of family-friendly resorts.