5 Instagrammable destinations to visit in 2020 that aren’t overrun by tourists
Article Published by: goodmorningamerica.com
By Laura Laughead
The new year — or the new decade — is the perfect time to start planning your next trip.
But if you’re tired of spending your travels swarmed by tourists, we have you covered.
Frommers, one of the biggest names in travel guide books, has dropped a new list of the top 20 places you can visit in 2020. Frommers Travel Editorial Director Pauline Frommer joined “Good Morning America” to share more details on some of these gorgeous locations, including five places that you probably haven’t seen yet in your Instagram feeds.
For the first time ever, Frommers is asking the internet for help this year in choosing the last destination on its 2020 list. If you and your savvy traveling friends know of a great overlooked location, find out how to vote here.
Tropical Hot Spot: The Bahamas
The Bahamas are one of the most popular tropical destinations, but what you might not know is that they’re already back open for business after being hit by the devastating Hurricane Dorian. The country is comprised of 700 islands spread out over 100,000 square miles, and you can do your bit to help the 30 percent of the nation affected by the hurricane by spending your tourist dollars here. Tourism is one of the biggest employers in the country, and right now the cost of traveling there is one of the biggest bargains it’s been in a while.
Hidden Gem: Indiana
To get your dream beach vacation, you don’t have to travel to the coasts or Hawaii. Try Middle America.
Indiana Dunes is the country’s newest national park, complete with everything from hiking trails to beautiful beaches. This year, the state’s capital, Indianapolis, is celebrating 200 years, and you won’t want to miss the party in the city, which offers a new bottle work district, a growing culinary scene, world-class museums and more. Octavia Spencer’s new Netflix series even paid a visit to the city’s Madame Walker Legacy Museum dedicated to the nation’s first black female millionaire.
International ‘Off The Beaten Path’: Emilia-Romagna
Who doesn’t dream of eating your weight in pasta and bread while staring out at the Amalfi Coast? But the last few years, Italy has seen more than its share of “overtourism.” If you’re still looking to live your Italian dream without running into selfie-snapping tourists, explore the Emilia-Romagna region. It’s every foodie’s dream and the place where even the Italians go to pig out. Walk down streets lined with legs of prosciutto or wheels of Parmigiano cheese, and sip wine as you watch Lamborghinis roll off the assembly line.
International ‘Off The Beaten Path:’ The Ausangate Trek, Peru
Forget the crowded though classic Macchu Picchu or the Inca Trail. Peru’s Ausangate Trek features the highest peak in the region and a trail you don’t have to book months in advance. You start your journey with a blessing from a shaman and a traditional meat-and-potatoes meal cooked underground. Then, you can hike a trail passing clear skies and turquoise lakes and even an alpaca or two. The highlight of the journey is the Rainbow Mountain, which will definitely make your Instagram explode with color.
Once in a Lifetime Adventure: The Poles
You don’t have to be an intrepid explorer anymore to visit the locations with the world’s harshest climates. The last few years have seen a boom in cruise ships bound for the Poles. You can see penguins and a seeming world of white while staying in total luxury. However, the once in a lifetime adventure doesn’t come cheap. Trips there start at $6,000.
About Scott Livengood
Scott Livengood is the owner and CEO of Dewey’s Bakery, Inc., a commercial wholesale bakery with a respected national brand of ultra premium cookies and crackers.
Previously, Scott worked at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts for 27 years, starting as a trainee in 1977. He was appointed President of the company in 1992, then CEO and Chairman of the Board.
Scott has served on numerous boards including the Carter Center, the Calloway School of Business and the Babcock School of Management, Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County, and the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce.
He started a new business, StoryWork International, in 2016 with Richard Stone. The signature achievement to date is LivingStories, a story-based program for improved patient experiences and outcomes in partnership with Novant Health.