By Expedia Team, on January 10, 2020

Fengshui Travel Guide (2020 Year of the Rat): Best Places to Go Based on Your Zodiac

Chinese New Year is right around the corner! With millions of Chinese nationals scattered all over the globe, it’s no wonder Chinese New Year is one of the most widely-celebrated events of the year. This year, we’re welcoming the Year of the Metal Rat! Make sure your year is off to a great start by consulting Fengshui and your zodiac sign.

Like we do each year, we consulted with Fengshui master, Master Seldan, to show us the best way to go about 2020. In this article, we’ll be sharing 2020’s predictions for each zodiac sign and recommending some Fengshui-approved destinations for those looking to travel this year! Read on to find out more!

CHINESE HOROSCOPE FENGSHUI TRAVEL GUIDE 2020

Rat  |  Ox  |  Tiger  |  Rabbit  |  Dragon  |  Snake  |  Horse  |  Goat  |  Monkey  |  Rooster  |  Dog | Pig

Rat

Born in: 2020, 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, and 1948

Travel Buddies: Cow, Dragon, or Monkey

2020 Predictions

Despite it being the Year of the Rat, 2020 could be quite challenging for Rat babies. To make it through this year’s challenges, it’s important to put in extra effort in all aspects. Try to strike a balance when it comes to spending and saving to reduce tendencies of money outflow this year. Do your best to widen your social circle and adopt a healthy and hygienic lifestyle.

Where to Travel

UTTARAKHAND

view of city beside body of water

Credit: Praveen Kumar / Unsplash

In 2020, Rat babies should make a trip to exotic Uttarakhand in India. Its capital city, Dehradun, is situated right in the mountain ranges of the Himalayas. It’s cited as one of the oldest cities in India and is a great place for wellness and spirituality development. Detox your senses with a luxurious spa and immerse yourself in the city’s lush green meadows.

PHILADELPHIA

buildings and cars on street lined with trees

Credit: Expedia

Alternatively, those born in the Year of the Rat can head to the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia! Frequented by millions of visitors each year, Philly is a great place to experience the local art and food scene. Snap some Instagrammable shots at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens where you’ll find artwork by celebrated mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar. You can also attend his mosaic workshop!

Ox

Born in: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, and 1949

Travel Buddy: Rat, Snake, or Rooster

2020 Predictions

2020 is shaping up to be a great year for the Ox. With 2020 comes many friends and supporters. Your love life, school life, and work life will go smoothly this year, but make sure not to overstretch yourself. Stay healthy by taking in proper meals and exercise. Keep an eye out for changes in the weather and seasons.

Where to Travel

LOMBOK

sun chair umbrellas facing beach

Credit: Expedia

Ox babies should visit Lombok in 2020. Excite your taste buds with local spicy food, listen to folk music, and take part in dance performances. Beach bums will be spoilt for choices at the Gili Islands, Senggigi, Kuta, and more. Reconnect with your nature-loving side by visiting the waterfalls at Tiu Teja, Tiu Kelep, or Sendang Gile. Find out more about Lombok here!

IRKUTSK

cathedral by bridge

Credit: Expedia

Apart from Moscow and St. Petersburg, another place worth a visit in Russia is Irkutsk. If you collect or appreciate art, make a trip to the Irkutsk Art Museum which contains about 20,000 art masterpieces. Marvel at the architectural wonders of the Holy Cross Church of Irkutsk, a distinct landmark of Siberian Baroque. You can try a different tour experience and board a ferry to Olkhon, Baikal, and Listvyanka.

Tiger

Born in: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, and 1950

Travel Buddy: Horse or Dog

2020 Predictions

The Tiger would do well to plan ahead and proceed with caution upon entering 2020. Make sure you’re able to balance everything you do. Remember to treat everything and everyone with respect to avoid any confrontations. Take this approach when it comes to both school and work. Be cautious when it comes to handling money as there’s a tendency for money outflow. Stay healthy and avoid dangerous activities!

Where to Travel

PENGHU

old house ruins on green landscape

Credit: jarryyi / Pixabay

In 2020, visit the islands of Penghu on the west coast of Taiwan. You can take a leisurely walk along Shanshui or Aimen Beach. You can even arrange a 90-minute boat trip to Seven Beauty Island, a small but hilly island where you can relax and unwind. Don’t forget to drop by Zhongyang Old Street, one of the area’s busiest and most exciting areas. Penghu is also where you’ll find unique food like cactus ice cream, sorbets, slushies, and even cactus beer! You can also venture to Taipei to sample some tasty Taiwanese dishes.

KAZAKHSTAN

steps leading up to white mosque

Credit: Azamat Kinzhitaev / Unsplash

Kazakhstan is an ancient country steeped in history and an important Muslim destination. However, you can also find Buddhist monuments there. While you’re there, schedule a short trip from Almaty to Shymbulak Ski Resort, the biggest and most modern ski resort in Central Asia. You also can’t miss out on the ethereal Lake Kaindy located in the Tien Shan Mountains. It’s a truly breathtaking sight!

Rabbit

Born in: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, and 1951

Travel Buddy: Goat, Dog, or Pig

2020 Predictions

2020 is a balanced year for the Rabbit. Travelling a lot this year will help improve your luck. Do remember to keep your emotions in check to avoid affecting your work and avoid high-risk investments when it comes to your money. Make it a point to cultivate relationships within the workplace to gain more supporters and resolve any problems that may arise. Health-wise, you will want to treat every symptom with care and exercise frequently.

Where to Travel

NAGASAKI

row of houses along canal with boats

Credit: Finan Akbar / Unsplash

Rabbit babies, 2020 is the year to visit Nagasaki! Head straight to Huis Ten Bosch where you can see Dutch mills, canal houses, and impressive towers without leaving Asia! Glover Garden is another place you can’t miss out on. It’s an open air museum which features mansions of several of the city’s former foreign residents and other related buildings. Try some local street food such as kakuni-manju (steamed bun with pork cutlet), ebichiriman (steamed bun with shrimp), and marakao (steamed pound cake).

CALGARY

aerial shot of lake surrounded by mountains

Credit: Expedia

To the west, Rabbit babies can visit Calgary in Canada. Music-enthusiasts should visit Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. It features exhibits on Canadian music history and hands-on instrument areas. You can also enjoy some daily acoustic performances while you’re there. Visit the Devonian Gardens, too. It’s an impressive indoor park and botanical garden with 10,000 plants, 500 trees, fish ponds, and fountains!

Dragon

Born in: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, and 1952

Travel Buddy: Rat, Monkey, or Rooster

2020 Predictions

For the Dragon, it’s important to be more cautious of your health and problems this year. Your family’s well-being should be of utmost concern for you. You should also do your best to improve communications with those around you as this will help with your career as well. In the romance department, you might want to take your relationship to the next level. However, make healthier decisions this year by choosing to eat less fried and cold food!

Where to Travel

EL NIDO

boat coasting along river between limestone cliff

Credit: Expedia

Located in Palawan, El Nido is a municipality with a whopping 45 islands and islets to choose from! Relatively unknown to foreign tourists, El Nido is where you’ll find clear waters, lush jungles, limestone cliffs, untouched coral reefs, and stunning seascapes. A visit to El Nido isn’t complete without taking part in kayaking and snorkelling activities. At night, head to one of many beach and music bars!

PUERTO RICO

view of beach behind palm trees

Credit: Matthew Brodeur / Unsplash

This 2020, visit an alternative destination in the USA — Puerto Rico! For retail therapy, Old San Juan is where you’ll find local handmade items and art pieces. You can also head to Plaza Las Américas, home to 300 retail stores! Alternatively, you can embark on a local food tour to get an authentic taste of Puerto Rican cuisine. You can also drink some rum at Casa Bacardi Rum Distillery in Cataño.

Snake

Born in: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, and 1953

Travel Buddy: Cow or Rooster

2020 Predictions

2020 is a prosperous and smooth year for the Snake, but it pays to be cautious when it comes to your health and wealth. Be on the lookout for foot issues and try to consume less high protein food. Stick to a balanced diet and take and seek medical attention early if you feel unwell. Romance-wise, you might face challenges so it would be best to have a trusted mediator to help resolve issues.

Where to Travel

LUANG PRABANG

monks on busy street

Credit: Expedia

Luang Prabang is a great place to travel to solo in 2020— particularly for the Snake! A UNESCO World Heritage City, Luang Prabang is a charming mix of Laotian and French architecture spread across the city. Head to Wat Xieng Thong, the oldest Buddhist monastery in Luang Prabang. You should also take a tour of the Pak Ou Caves where you’ll find thousands of effigies of Buddha.

AARHUS

row of colourful houses along cobblestone street

Credit: Steffen Muldbjerg / Unsplash

An alternative travel destination for the Snake is Aarhus, Denmark. While you’re there, visit Kvindemuseet, the Women’s Museum. This history museum is dedicated to the cultural history of women in Denmark. One family-friendly place to visit is Tivoli Friheden where you can choose from 40 rides, games, and entertainment selections. If you’re a fan of Danish fashion, a visit to the Latin Quarter is a must. It’s where you’ll find designer boutiques on cobblestone streets.

Horse

Born in: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, and 1954

Travel Buddy: Tiger, Goat, or Dog

2020 Predictions

For Horse babies, try not to overthink too much this year. The key to a smoother 2020 is to plan ahead before executing the tasks at hand. Expect some changes in both your home and work environment. The good news is that there are many opportunities to increase your wealth, just make sure you put in effort to accumulate it or else you might lose it. Health-wise, do watch out for environmental changes which can affect your respiratory system. When travelling, always pay attention to your surroundings.

Where to Travel

AYUTTHAYA

temple ruins on green lawn

Credit: Expedia

Ayutthaya is a historic city in Thailand and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Several foreign settlements found their home here in the past. Find Dutch influence at Baan Hollanda Museum, Portuguese influence at Wat Chaiwatthanaram, and Japanese influence at Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre. Ayutthaya is also an excellent place to sample some local delicacies like boat noodles and roti sai mai (cotton candy)!

DELPHI

theatre ruins surrounded by cliffs mountains

Credit: Victor Malyushev / Unsplash

alt-text: theatre ruins surrounded by cliffs mountains

Horse babies should visit Delphi, Greece in 2020, too. It has a rich archaeological heritage and is famous for the Ancient Oracle. Delphi is best explored on foot so you can enjoy its many historical sites, tiny chapels, small settlements, forests, and hilltops with amazing views. You can also sample local Greek wine at Argyriou Winery where they produce 9 types of wines.

Goat

Born in: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, and 1955

Travel Buddy: Rabbit, Horse, or Pig

2020 Predictions

2020 is a generally positive year for the goat. This year, you’ll want to focus on strengthening relationships with people around you to help resolve any issues in your personal and professional life. At work, you’ll want to thoroughly check the details and suitability of your projects before launching them. Money-wise, you might lose some initially, but you can potentially gain it back. After Autumn, expect a change in your luck for the better! Expect a positive outcome in your love life, too.

Where to Travel

BAGAN

silhouette of temple and hot air balloons

Credit: Expedia

Bagan was the former capital of Myanmar. It is home to 2000 ancient monuments and pagodas all spread out across the city. One of the most popular is Lawkananda Pagoda, a stunning golden pagoda built by King Anawrahta in 1059 A.D. Aside from visiting the city’s many monuments, you can also take a trip to Nga Tha York Village where you can learn how locals make soya bean paste and earthenware. Check out this food guide for all the best eats in Myanmar!

DUBLIN

black steel fence in front of black double doors

Credit: Tavis Beck / Unsplash

A good place for Goat babies to visit this year is Dublin, Ireland! If there’s one thing you must do while you’re there, it’s to book a trip to the Guinness Storehouse. Here, you can learn more about the history of beer and have some, too! Another place to visit would be the English Market which dates back to the 1700s. You’ll find a wide array of items here, including local produce, artisan bread, and excellent cheeses. Don’t forget to visit the Titanic Quarter in Belfast as well!

Monkey

Born in: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, and 1956

Travel Buddy: Rat or Dragon

2020 Predictions

For the Monkey, 2020 would be an excellent year for career development with several opportunities to partner with others. If any disagreements arise, remember to adhere to ethics and everything should be fine. Overall, wealth, health, romance, and career are all looking good for the Monkey in 2020! When travelling, however, do avoid unnaturally dark places.

Where to Travel

DA NANG

boat on body of water at sunset

Credit: Expedia

Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s up-and-coming tourist destinations. Head to the popular Han Market which was founded in the 1940s and is still the best place to get great deals on a variety of products. Appreciate some Vietnamese art at Non Nuoc Fine Arts Village where you’ll find finely-crafted rice mortars, sculptures, and jewellery. You should also visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture, the only museum in the world dedicated to Cham culture. It holds an important collection of terracotta and stone pieces which date back to the 7th to 15th centuries.

ABERDEEN

streets surrounded by buildings

Credit: Expedia

Where in the world can you find 263 castles, 55 golf courses, 8 distilleries, and 5 ski centres? We only know of one place and that’s Aberdeen in the UK! This place offers so many activities that you probably won’t have enough time to do them all. If you’re pressed for time, visit key attractions such as the impressive Dunnottar Castle and the magnificent King’s College Chapel.

Rooster

Born in: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957 and 1945

Travel Buddy: Ox, Dragon, or Snake

2020 Predictions

For the Rooster, romance will be the main highlight of the year! 2020 will bring fortune in the form of marriage, receiving a child, or starting up a business. Career development, education, and wealth for the Rooster looks positive this year as well. Despite this, always be cautious of disagreements and plan your activities wisely. Stay healthy by exercising and eating nutritious food to boost your immune system.

Where to Travel

TIMOR-LESTE

aerial shot of beach with trees

Credit: Tanushree Rao / Unsplash

Timor-Leste (East Timor) is a former Portuguese colony with Indonesian influence. Yet to be discovered by tourists, the country has a highly diverse marine life and untouched coral reefs. Now is as good a time as ever to explore this country before it further develops. Go for a deep-sea dive or snorkel at Atauro Island and Jaco Island. You’ll also find yourself surrounded by Portuguese fortresses, churches, and other monuments from Timor-Leste’s time as a Portuguese colony.

LANKARAN

Lankaran is a coastal city in the south-eastern part of Azerbaijan on the Caspian Sea. The place is teeming with fortresses and one worth visiting is the 18th century Lankaran Fortress with high stone walls and rows of sharp teeth. Another must-visit location is also the centuries-old Khanega, a place of worship for Muslim pilgrims. To satisfy your food cravings, head to Lankaran Bazaar, a lively town market where you’ll find local delicacies and produce.

Dog

Born in: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, and 1946

Travel Buddy: Tiger, Rabbit, or Horse

2020 Predictions

In 2020, the Dog should pay more attention to their family’s well-being. Health and safety take priority this year so try to avoid travelling to potentially dangerous places and taking part in risky activities. Be cautious when it comes to wealth at the beginning of the year and avoid high-risk investments. For school, work, and health, put in a little more effort to improve the outcome.

Where to Travel

BANDA ISLANDS

beach with view of volcano

Credit: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

For 2020, Dog babies should plan a visit to Banda Islands in Indonesia. A haven for seafood lovers, the harbour market has the freshest seafood, with dozens of street stalls grilling the catch of the day. You should also try spicy tuna sambal and nutmeg jam while you’re there! Visit the Istana Mini, a grand and atmospheric mansion built in the 1820s during Dutch rule.

NAZARETH

synagogue and churches

Credit: Expedia

Nazareth offers many historical and important Christian sites such as the Church of the Annunciation, Synagogue Church of the Greek-Catholic community, and Nazareth Nuns’ Convent. Make a trip to El Babour, a massive spice store, offering fragrant and tasty herbs for cooking along with perfumed oils. For an unforgettable adventure, visit the Templars’ 150-metre tunnel in Akko. It has an underground stream and an impressive domed ceiling.

Pig

Born in: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, and 1947

Travel Buddy: Rabbit or Goat

2020 Predictions

2019 wasn’t a great year for the Pig, but 2020 may be better overall. As the bad luck from the previous year wears off, you’re still recovering your energy. Do enter 2020 with caution and save your strength for any unexpected changes that may happen. Luckily, wealth will be smooth this year and expect extra income towards the middle of the year. Career-wise, 2020 will be a much smoother year. Be more health-conscious this year and be wary of any heart or eye issues. Consider regular check-ups to ensure optimal health.

Where to Travel

HAINAN ISLAND

alleyway with old building and chinese lanterns

Credit: Denny Ryanto / Unsplash

Take it slow with a visit to Hainan Island in China. Home of the world-famous Hainanese cuisine, Hainan Island is the perfect place to sample free-range Wenchang Chicken, Jiaji Duck, Dongshan Mutton, and Hele Crab. You can find all these and more at Qilou Snack Street. Enjoy a cuppa at Xinglong Tropical Garden which has cafes hidden in a rainforest with tropical gardens!

DAEGU

street lined with cherry blossom trees

Credit: Expedia

Daegu is the City Of Oriental Medicine and houses Korea’s largest and oldest oriental medicine markets. Get your health back on track and ask for health tips from local shopkeepers. Visit Seomun Market as well, with 4,000 vendors selling high-quality clothing and delicious traditional treats. While you’re there, make sure you get a taste of Seomun Market’s fish cake and sujebi (hand-pulled dough soup). Daegu is also an excellent place to see some beautiful cherry blossoms!

As we welcome a new lunar year, it pays to consult feng shui and your zodiac sign to make sure you have a lucky year! If you’ve got travel goals set for this year, head to these feng shui-approved destinations for a safe and enjoyable trip! Happy Chinese New Year!