By Expedia Singapore, on January 16, 2020

Fengshui Travel Guide 2020: Best Places to Travel Based on Your Chinese Zodiac

Chinese New Year is one of the most widely-celebrated events of the year. In 2020, the Chinese New Year starts on January 25, which is a little earlier than we’re used to. As the old adage goes, the early bird catches the worm! This is why it’s best to start the year on a high note. With that said, we approached Fengshui master, Master Seldan, to tell us what 2020 holds for each zodiac!

In the Year of the Metal Rat, the auspicious directions are at the North West and North East. If you’re planning a trip early on in the year, you’ll want to draw positive energies from these locations. Here’s everything you need to know about where to travel in 2020 — based on Fengshui and your zodiac sign!

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

For the Rat, 2020 could be a potentially challenging year. There’s also a tendency for money outflow in 2020, so do your best to strike a balance between spending and saving, especially when travelling! Don’t expect any dramatic changes in romance, but try to spend more time cultivating and enlarging your social circle. Despite some challenges, remember to stay positive!

Where to Travel

BRUNEI

boat along river in front of mosqueCredit: vyngor / Pixabay

People born in the Year of the Rat might want to explore Brunei in 2020. A country that’s both rich in culture and natural beauty, Brunei is famous for its residents’ world-class welfare. While you’re there, plan a visit to the popular Jerudong Park and Selirong Island. Don’t forget to have a taste of their national dish, ambuyat (sticky sago dish).

UZBEKISTAN

mosque with blue dome

Credit: emelyanova2010 / Pixabay

An alternative place to visit would be Uzbekistan, a historical country right in the middle of the ancient Silk Road. They’re known for exporting fresh produce across the world. While you’re there, try their white cherries and bring home some saffron flowers which are used to elevate the flavours of any dish. Don’t forget to visit the majestic Tillya Sheikh Mosque in Tashkent, too!

Ox

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

Travel Buddy: Rat, Snake, or Rooster

2020 Predictions

2020 is looking bright for the Ox! Get ready to meet many supporters who are going to help you with your initiatives. Things are also looking up in the romance department. 2020 is going to be a good time to move on to the proposal stage! On health, nurture your body with proper meals plus exercise. Wealth will also increase with more opportunities. However, try not to overstretch yourself!

Where to Travel

RAYONGwoman lying on beach rayong

Credit: Pinochet68 / CC BY 3.0

Only two hours from Bangkok by car, Rayong is a popular getaway for urban vacationers. When visiting this beachside city, make sure you get to visit Laem Mae Pim which offers an exciting line-up of eateries and inviting waters. You can also feast on the freshest seafood and fruits Rayong has to offer at Baan Pae Market.

DETROIT

buildings skyline detroit

Credit: Alex Brisbey / Unsplash

If you’re looking for a more upbeat vacation in the city, head to Detroit! Enjoy luxury shopping without burning a hole in your wallet at the 1.4 million sq. ft. Great Lakes Crossing Outlets. The little ones get to visit LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Michigan and Sea Life Michigan Aquarium as well.

Tiger

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

Travel Buddy: Horse or Dog

2020 Predictions

Those born in the Year of the Tiger should be cautious in 2020. It would be wise to plan ahead and balance everything you do. Remember to treat everything and everyone with respect to avoid confrontation. You might face some challenges, but putting in extra effort will definitely pay off. Health is also an important matter this year so avoid dangerous activities and watch out for your family’s well-being.

Where to Travel

NIIGATA

japanese garden with pond

Credit: Expedia

Say cheers to the new year with a perfectly prepared sake from Niigata! Niigata is home to 90 sake breweries and is where you’ll find the best sake in Japan. Learn about Sake history, make some, and drink some too.

ZHONGSHAN

Credit: ashengrove / CC BY-ND 2.0

Tiger babies can also head to Zhongshan, the original birthplace of dimsum. Dimsum is an integral part of Cantonese cuisine and is incredibly popular all over the world. You can also enjoy a historical trip to Cuiheng Village now part of Nanlang Town in Zhongshan. The village was the birthplace of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the great leader of China’s republican revolution.

Rabbit

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

Travel Buddy: Goat, Dog, or Pig

2020 Predictions

2020 will be a balanced year for the Rabbit. Avoid any high-risk investments and consider long-term assets to accumulate wealth instead. Do invest more effort so your talents will be recognised by your supporters. As for health, you’ll want to treat every symptom with care. Have regular meals and exercise regularly to keep yourself healthy.

Where to Travel

PADANG

mountain surrounded by trees

Credit: iqbalnuril / Pixabay

Padang in West Sumatra, Indonesia is associated with the Minangkabau ethnic cuisine. Padang cuisine is among the most popular food in Southeast Asia. The spicy coconut curry rendang and soto padang are some of the most delicious dishes. If you can, try to catch the annual Pacu Jawi Festival (Bull Race Festival) while you’re there!

INDIANAPOLIS

street buildings at sunset

Credit: Hunter James / Unsplash

Sports-loving Rabbit babies can head to Indianapolis, too! Indy, as the locals call it, is a sports town. The entire place is crawling with sports bars and sports-themed restaurants. If you like food and theatre, why not combine both at the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Savour the dinner buffet while watching the Broadway shows, concerts, and theatre productions.

Dragon

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

Travel Buddy: Rat, Monkey, or Rooster

2020 Predictions

For 2020, the Dragon will need to be more cautious of problems and health this year. Pay attention to your family’s well-being and be more communicative with those around you. Living more healthily will also help you with school. Health-wise, things aren’t looking as positive as in previous years, but it’s nothing to worry about. Diagnose health symptoms as early as possible and eat healthily.

Where to Travel

HUALIEN

beach near mountain hualien

Credit: Shih-Chin Weng / Unsplash

Those born in the Year of the Dragon can head to Hualien, a relaxing city on the east coast of Taiwan. No visit to Hualien is complete without a trip to Taroko National Park, home of the iconic Taroko Gorge. End the day with a visit to Dongdamen Night Market where you can enjoy the family-friendly entertainment options and savour the huge food selections. Looking for a full Taiwan travel itinerary? Click here!

OTTAWA

bridge over water in front of cathedral

Credit: MiniMe-70 / Pixabay

Alternatively, you can also visit Ottawa, Canada’s capital city. Plan a visit to Manotick where you can paddle a kayak or canoe along the Rideau River. Each summer, you can travel back in time by touring Watson’s Mill and the Dickinson House Museum. Both buildings date back to the 19th century.

Snake

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

Travel Buddy: Cow or Rooster

2020 Predictions

2020 will be a prosperous smooth-sailing year for the snake. Be slightly cautious of both your health and wealth. Take everything in moderation and always make the healthier choice. Plan a balanced diet and seek medical attention early as needed. Try to avoid long hours at work — your best effort will do.

Where to Travel

MAKATI

palm trees outside mall

Credit: Expedia

If you think of breakfast, what comes to mind? America has pancakes and the Philippines has tapsilog! Tapsilog stands for tapa (cured beef), sinangag (garlic fried rice), and itlog (egg). Combining these three makes for a nutritious meal. The best place to find tapsilog is right in Makati. Salcedo Saturday Market offers various gourmet food, artisan creations, and Filipino delicacies such as pigeon stew and whole roast pig.

KUNMING

large stone formation in park

Credit: R-Janke / Pixabay

Where can you find a place with 26 ethnic minorities such as Yi, Bai, Miao, Dai, and Hani? Right in Kunming, China. Those born in the Year of the Snake can head to this culturally-diverse town in 2020. To learn more about their ethnic culture, visit the Yunnan Nationalities Museum, the largest minorities museum in China. Kunming is also home to the beautiful Stone Forest where you’ll find a remarkable set of limestone formations.

Horse

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

Travel Buddy: Tiger, Goat, or Dog

2020 Predictions

For the Horse, don’t overthink due to the year’s fluctuating luck cycles. Plan ahead before executing tasks at hand. You may also experience changes in both your home and work environments. There are many opportunities for wealth in 2020 but you’ll need to work hard or else they’ll slip away. Make sure you keep an on your friends and family’s well-being as well this year!

Where to Travel

YOGYAKARTA

temple overlooking forest

Credit: Eugenia Clara / Unsplash

Adventurous people born in the Year of the Horse can head to exotic Yogyakarta located on the island of Java in Indonesia. Visit Borobudur, the largest Buddhist Temple in the world built in the 9th century. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site of both Javanese Buddhist architecture and Gupta art influences from India.

WINDSOR

two people sitting on bench facing buildings

Credit: Expedia

Alternatively, those born in the Year of the Horse can also head to Windsor in Ontario, Canada. If you enjoy whiskey, chances are you may know Canadian Club. Founded in 1894, this popular whiskey brand has its distillery in Windsor. Take the 90-minute tour of the building and learn about the history of the whiskey. The tour, of course, ends with a tasting.

Goat

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

Travel Buddy: Rabbit, Horse, or Pig

2020 Predictions

2020 is the Goat’s year for success in the workplace! Your key to success will be your friends and supporters because they’ll help you resolve issues. Unfortunately, the outlook for health and wealth doesn’t look so good. After the Autumn season, though, things will start looking up and you have to capitalise on that upswing!

Where to Travel

JAIPUR

pink palace with doors windows

Credit: Annie Spratt / Unsplash

Goat babies can head to beautifully exotic Jaipur, also known as the Pink City. The old city was surrounded by walls and gates decorated with drawings on the backdrop of a beautiful pink hue, to retain its old-world charm. Local food and the most famous dishes include the Ghevar (sweet cake), Pyaaz Kachori (fried pastry with spicy onion filling), and Dal (lentils) Baati (hard wheat rolls) Churma.

CHIBA

people visiting theme park

Credit: Colton Jones / Unsplash

Chiba is home to Tokyo Disneyland and is located on the eastern outskirts of Tokyo. Visit the Chiba Museum of Science and Industry to learn about the science and technology applied in many industries. Participate in fun experiments, workshops, and interactive exhibitions.

Monkey

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

Travel Buddy: Rat or Dragon

2020 Predictions

2020 is a great year for Monkeys, career-wise. Your superiors and colleagues may present some challenges, but open communication will improve work relationships. Take advantage of opportunities to partner with others and present your talents. However, be wary of disagreements and adhere to ethics if any disagreements arise. Romance and health are both looking positive for the Monkey.

Where to Travel

MACAU

canal surrounded by buildings and shops

Credit: Henry_Wang / Pixabay

Macau is deeply influenced by the Portuguese after becoming a colony for decades. Macau is an excellent place to try fusions of Portuguese and Cantonese cuisine. Don’t miss out some freshly-baked egg tarts and pork chop buns. If you enjoy F1 or car racing, visit the Grand Prix Museum to satisfy your interest.

PORTUGAL

old church facade with windows

Credit: Kutsal Amaç Kuruhan / Unsplash

Hop on to Portugal next to see where Macau gets its roots! Viseu is an ancient city, with 16th-century houses with gargoyles and Gothic windows. The majestic Misericórdia Church is ornamented with Manueline style ropes and knots in stone. Appreciate some artwork by Vasco Fernandes, a Portuguese painter from the 15th century in the museum named after him.

Rooster

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

Travel Buddy: Ox, Dragon, or Snake

2020 Predictions

For the Rooster, 2020 will be the year of love! You’ll receive good fortune in love, marriage, receiving a child, and even starting a business! Just remember to communicate with your significant other. Career-wise, some issues might come up, but persistency will give you a significant boost. You might even receive rewards for your hard work. School, health, and wealth are all looking good for the Rooster in 2020, too!

Where to Travel

ULAANBAATAR

small houses surrounded by mountains

Credit: Tulguldur Baatar / Unsplash

Visit Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia and enjoy your stay with a nomadic family. To better understand the local Mongolian culture, try out sheep herding, milking cows by hand, and making dairy products. Being a nomadic nation, you can find high-quality dairy products such as urum (a thick layer of cream), Mongolian butter, aaruul (dried curd), and many more. Try Mongolia tea with fresh milk from either cow, camel, or sheep with a pinch of salt.

JORDAN

camel sitting in front of ruins

Credit: Mousssss Liu / Unsplash

An alternative travel destination for Rooster kids is Jordan. Jordan is home to the Dead Sea, which is full of abnormally salty water that’s so buoyant it’s impossible for you to sink. Experts say it offers significant health benefits including increasing blood circulation, easing discomfort from arthritis, and revitalizing skin. Schedule a trip to the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dog

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

Travel Buddy: Tiger, Rabbit or Horse

2020 Predictions

The focus for the Dog in 2020 will be health and family. It’s important to keep an eye on your family’s well-being this year. If you’re in a relationship, support your partner in improving their health. In 2020, be cautious in everything that you do, particularly when handling money. You might also face obstacles at work, but your friends and supporters will be there to help you.

Where to Travel

BHUTAN

monastery on mountain

Credit: Matt Alex / Unsplash

Visit Bhutan and explore Thimphu through hikes to Tango Goenpa Monastery which contains important monuments and the iconography of deities. Bhutan is also where you’ll find the enormous Shakyamuni Buddha statue. Get a glimpse of Bhutan’s love for traditional textiles at the Bhutan Textile Museum and the Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre. For a more detailed itinerary, check out this Bhutan travel diary!

LIECHTENSTEIN

castle on hilltop surrounded by mountains

Credit: Henrique Ferreira / Unsplash

Liechtenstein is one of the world’s smallest and richest countries. Visit the majestic Gutenberg Castle, a 13th-century castle perched on a hilltop. It cuts a striking figure on the horizon and boasts nice strolls in the vicinity. For souvenirs, visit Hoi Liechtenstein in Vaduz where everything is either Liechtenstein-made, Liechtenstein-designed, or Europe-made.

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 things may look up in 2020! Since the Pig is still recovering from bad luck, it’s important to tread lightly into the new year. Save your strength and prepare yourself for unexpected circumstances. In the middle of the year, there might be some opportunities to increase wealth, but beware of scammers! Take the initiative to improve on both romance and health in 2020.

Where to Travel

PHNOM PENH

people sitting on riverfront benches

Credit: travelphotographer / Pixabay

Phnom Penh is one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable travel destinations. At Phnom Penh, visit The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda which serves as the King’s official residence and is a symbol of the Kingdom. Visit Koh Dach known as Silk Island and learn about Cambodian silk weaving to create stunning designs. Hop on the many Phnom Penh Food Tours takes guests off-the-beaten-track to sample authentic Cambodian flavours at markets, street food stalls, and hole-in-the-wall eateries.

NOTTINGHAM

museum in front of lawn

Credit: Expedia

Nottingham is the land of Robin Hood right in the heart of England. Pop by the Lace Market to visit the city’s best bars and restaurants hidden along cobbled streets. You can also visit the Old Market Square, one of UK’s largest public spaces with shopping outlets spread out in every direction.

With a new year comes many new opportunities! Be guided by your zodiac signs to ensure a lucky and prosperous new year. If you’re looking to travel, make sure you’re travelling to the right places at the right time. Don’t forget to brush up on your Fengshui Do’s and Don’ts when travelling! Happy Chinese New Year!