With 2020 bringing a new year and a new decade, maybe it's also time to think about some new travel destinations. Perhaps you're one of those people who likes to go back to the same countries for holidays, finding comfort in the familiar. Or perhaps you like to try different places but have been working your way down the same list for years.

Well, there are always destinations that could become your new favourite regular holiday spot, and I'm sure others have emerged since you wrote your list. I've been travelling full time for almost 10 years and it's astonishing how often I still learn of somewhere for the first time or discover a country is completely different to how I expected.

So, to give you a little bit of inspiration for the new year, I want to share my top suggestions for destinations that are perfect for a visit in 2020.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT: Although the only direct flights from Australia to South America are to the Chilean capital Santiago, many people treat it just as a stopover. But Chile, as almost the longest country in the world (just beaten by Brazil), has an enormous variety of things to do. I think it's the natural sites that will impress you the most, but you will also be amazed by the incredible seafood, the vibrancy of Santiago, and the warm hospitality.

THINGS TO SEE: Start in Santiago to explore its cosmopolitan neighbourhoods and expansive museums; then head to the coastal city of Valparaiso where the buildings are painted a rainbow of colours. Up north, the desert landscapes of the Atacama are striking, while Patagonia in the south offers breathtaking glacial views and pristine hiking. Connecting it all are the Andes mountains, with their own adventures to geysers and abandoned mining towns.

ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE: Challenge yourself to climb the 3000-metre-high active Villarrica volcano, usually capped in snow, which looms over the adventure town of Pucon.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT: Recent terror attacks in the region have dramatically reduced the number of tourists to Egypt and, although there is still a small risk, it's a great time to discover one of history's greatest civilisations without the crowds. The historical sights here are some of the true wonders of the world and there's a convenient tourism infrastructure that lets you travel in whatever style you prefer.

THINGS TO SEE: Of course, it's the ancient history that provides the highlights of Egypt and, regardless of how many temples you'll see, the epic Abu Simbel and Karnak will astound you. The Giza Pyramids in Cairo are not to be missed but the city's more modern Coptic and Islamic history is also fascinating. Alexandria provides a literal breath of fresh air on the coast, while adventures into the desert will show you more of the natural beauty.

ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE: Take a cruise down the Nile, where you'll pass by local life on the riverbanks, visit ancient temples at sunrise, and watch the sun set behind the palm trees.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT: With all the tourism development along the east coast of Mexico, you just need to cross the border into Guatemala to discover how the land would've been during the Mayan Empire. Enormous temples take you back in time, while the natural world dominates with volcanoes, lakes, jungle, and beaches. Although there's interesting colonial heritage, the indigenous culture is strong and adds to a fascinating visit.

THINGS TO SEE: The most famous site in Guatemala is Tikal, the 2500-year-old Mayan city that was once one of the greatest metropolises of the empire. It's surrounded by safari-worthy jungle, which you can visit from the charming lake island of Flores. The charming former capital of Antigua is full of Spanish Baroque architecture and surrounded by three volcanoes. Guatemala City has its own architectural gems but it's the small towns with their public squares and taco stalls that have the real charm.

ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE: Hike for days through the jungle to be just one of a few thousand people who visit El Mirador, the tallest Mayan temple ever built.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT: A trip to a Mediterranean island in the European summer always sounds good, but then reality of loud nightclubs, expensive restaurants, and other trashy tourists can ruin it. Menorca is the antidote to all of that, the quiet Spanish island with amazing quality, affordable prices, and smaller crowds. And the beaches, wow!

THINGS TO SEE: Menorca is for relaxing and the beaches are the highlight. The southern coast has turquoise water and sheltered coves surrounded by pine forests, while the northern coast is rougher but has dramatic rock formations and colourful sand as a result. The seafood restaurants and exquisite and I suggest trying the local gin. If you're feeling active, there are plenty of opportunities to sail, kayak, hike, and cycle. And there are even the intriguing ruins of a mysterious ancient civilisation.

ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE: An old defensive path around the entire coast of Menorca has been recently reopened and you hike the whole route in about a week.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT: Forget the rather bleak and dour reputation Poland can have - this is a country full of beauty. From the energetic capital of Warsaw to the smaller picturesque cities, with hiking in the mountains to sailing on the lakes, Poland is full of surprising treasures like castles and charming wooden churches.

THINGS TO SEE: Warsaw has a cool contemporary edge to it but there's still lots of history to discover, particularly the Old Town that was meticulously rebuilt after WWII. The cities of Wroclaw, Krakow, and Gdansk are each beautiful in the own way and worth a visit. Whether it's the Great Masurian Lakes, the Tatra mountains, or Bialowieza National Park, there are large swathes of nature that have been protected and offer glorious natural escapes. Other important sites worth visiting include the imposing Malbork Castle, the wooden churches in the Carpathian region, and the painful but important Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps.

ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE: Spend the day underground in the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the enormous complex with grand chapels and statues carved from the salt, as you explore some of the 300 kilometres of tunnels.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT: Just an hour from Cape Town, this wine region gives you impeccable dining experiences, coupled with some of South Africa's most stunning natural landscapes. It's affordable and safe, and the location means you can explore the region's attractions during the day and relax with a fine meal and even finer wine in the evening.

THINGS TO SEE: Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa but you can discover its heritage quite quickly. The main attraction here is the wine, and there are more than 150 producers in the region that offer tastings or restaurants. The food is incredible and, with the current exchange rate, a bargain for Australians. To learn more about the culture, go on a farm experience or take a tour of the local Kayamandi township. I would also recommend exploring some of the natural reserves of the UNESCO-protected Cape Floral Region.

ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE: Rather than drive the one hour between Stellenbosch and Cape Town, travel in style with a helicopter ride that will combine a scenic flight over the mountains and along the coast.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT: Japan is one of the most popular destinations for Australians but this year, with Tokyo hosting the Summer Olympics, there's never been a better time to visit. Either join the carnival atmosphere during the games or make the most of the other special events taking place throughout the year in the capital and other parts of the country.

THINGS TO SEE: There are probably more things to do in Tokyo than any other city in the world. I suggest seeing some of the traditional sites like the Imperial Palace, the Meiji Shrine, and the Asakusa neighbourhood, where centuries of traditional merge with a modern city. To see the futuristic and trendy elements of this metropolis, explore the districts of Shinjuku, Akihabara, and Harajuku. Get an amazing view from the top of a skyscraper (the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is free), visit some galleries, walk through a landscaped park, sing karaoke, eat ramen, and just try to fit it all in!

ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE: Spend a night in a traditional inn (called a ryokan), where you'll bathe in the shared onsen, eat the multi-course traditional dinner, and sleep on a futon.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT: Tuscany is famous for good reason but the huge crowds of tourists can feel oppressive at times. Right next door is the region of Umbria, which has the same beautiful landscapes, historic cities, and charming towns - yet is cheaper and less stressful. There are lots of historic sights to visit, while the traditional cooking and local wines will leave you more than satisfied.

THINGS TO SEE: The capital of Umbria is Perugia and visiting the historic centre is a feat in itself, as you climb the stairs up the hill to magnificent palaces and churches. Many of the region's towns are on hills, and they are each a masterpiece in their own right - Spoleto, Gubbio, and particularly Orvieto being some of the best. The highlight in Umbria is probably Assisi, the famed birthplace of St Francis, with epic basilica carrying his name. It's also worth spending some time in the countryside at an agriturismo where you can eat and drink the delicious produce straight from the farm.

ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE: Hike the pilgrimage walk known as The Way of St Francis that passes through Umbria on its 550-kilometre route from La Verna in Tuscany to Rome.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT: The former Soviet states in Central Asia have been gradually embracing tourists and it's now easier than ever to visit the region. In terms of sights, there's no country more impressive than Uzbekistan, which its rich heritage of grand Silk Road cities. The capital Tashkent blends the country's different eras and there's plenty to challenge your preconceptions.

THINGS TO SEE: Tashkent was hit by a devastating earthquake in 1966 and much of what you see now has been built since then, including the dazzling metro system with each station decorated differently, many in Soviet style. But there's ancient heritage in Samarkand, with enormous blue-tiled mosques, madrasas, and mausoleums from the 14th century. The other historic cities of Bukhara, Khiva, and Shakhrisyabz take you on the journey of caravans from the Silk Road era, while the bustling bazaars you'll see in towns along way show its legacy remains.

ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE: Leave the cities behind and camp in the desert in the yurt as you learn more about the flora and fauna of Central Asia.