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The Rough Guide to 2022

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written by Joanne Owen

updated 08.12.2021

We asked, and you answered! Huge thanks to the hundreds of travellers who took the time to take the Rough Guides 2022 Travel Survey. From the wheres, whats and worries of travelling in 2022, to your dream destinations and deep-rooted travel aims, the results make for fascinating reading.

2022 Travel Trends

Your number one dream destination japan, crazy about staycations, going green in 2022, active adventuring is in, luxury is out, no work, all play, 2022: a year to explore and recharge.

Alone time? No thanks – together is better

Travel is crucial to your good mental health

Half of you told us: "I live to travel"

Travel ideas for Greece, created by local experts

The Historical and Mythological Cyclades islands

The Cyclades islands include two of the most famous Greek Islands: Mykonos and Santorini. Visit these and some of the smaller, quieter, islands. With white washed houses, narrow cobbled streets, blue domed roofs and stunning beaches, they are what Greece is all about.

A secluded villa stay on Mainland Greece

Stay in a secluded private villa with magnificent views to the sea and explore this beautiful corner of Mainland Greece with your own rental car. Under the impressive Mt Taygetos in Southern Peloponnese, the region of Mani will give you a snapshot of authentic Greece.

Along the Coast of Crete: from Heraklion to Platanias

As Greece's largest island, Crete's culture and atmosphere is distinctly different from mainland Greece. Thousands of years of unique culture and rich history complement the island's untamed natural beauty. Explore Crete at your own pace with this unique self-drive trip!

Cultural and natural sites of Athens and the Peloponnese

Welcome to wonderful Athens for an unforgettable adventure. Enjoy getting lost in this maze of charming streets, where the modern sits beautifully with the ancient. Venture out into the Peloponnese on mainland Greece, and discover historical, cultural and natural wonders the region is blessed with.

An Odyssey Adventure in Ancient Greece

Learn the secrets of Ancient Greek mythology and history visiting the world-renowned site of the Acropolis, explore the unspoiled landscape of Peloponnese, become a true Spartan warrior in Thermopylae and much more - this self drive tour takes you on a real Greek adventure.

Explore Classical Greece: self-drive motorhome trip

This 15-days motorhome road trip will take you to Athens, the city of legends and some of the most fascinating classical sites, such as Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi and the man-made marvels of the Corinth Canal and Byzantine monasteries of Meteora. A perfect tour for history.

Japan is your fantasy trip
But Italy is where you'll actually go
Forget relaxing – adventure is top of your list
Staycations are here to stay
Sustainability matters
Out of office! Travel is not a time for work
Travel is essential for good mental health

Read on to discover more about what travel really means to you, our readers, in 2022.

In terms of money's-no-object, all-time fantasy destinations, Japan came out top, followed by New Zealand , Australia and the USA . Costa Rica and the Maldives were up there, too.

If you're one of those dreaming of heading Stateside next year, don't miss the best places in the USA to visit in 2022 .

Wherever you're dreaming of visiting, with Rough Guides Tailor-Made Trips a local expert in your chosen destination will work with you to plan and book a trip that's just right for you. Or, you can choose from a number of ready-to-go (but fully customisable!) Tailor-Made Trip itineraries .

Osaka castle with cherry blossom. Japanese spring beautiful scene ,Osaka,Japan

Osaka Castle framed by cheery cherry blossom, Japan © Shutterstock

Moving from dreams to reality (where money is a consideration), we asked where you intend to travel in 2022.

Just under a quarter of you plan to travel somewhere close to home, so it looks like the staycation trend is here to stay. If you're planning a UK holiday next year, don't miss our guide to the UK's best eco-friendly hotels and restaurants .

That said, plenty of you are planning to travel to Europe, with Italy revealed as your number one destination, followed by France , Spain , Portugal and Greece .

The USA is popular too, demonstrating a significant intention to travel further afield. If America happens to be top of your own 2022 wish-list, you’ll find inspiration in The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places in the USA .

Charleston SC, a historic Antebellum home flies the American flag in Charleston, South Carolina © James Kirkikis/Shutterstock

Flying the flag in Charleston, South Carolina, USA © James Kirkikis/Shutterstock

From the breadth of destinations you mentioned, it's clear that Rough Guides readers are set on seeing the world in 2022. Wherever you go and however you like to travel, there's a Rough Guides guidebook or ebook to get you there.

A quarter of respondents have the environment is on their mind as they look to 2022. If this is you, don't miss our tips for travelling more sustainably and discover what Rough Guides readers are willing to do to play their part in the results of our sustainable travel survey .

If sustainable travel matters to you, talk to a Rough Guides local expert before planning your next trip. They'll help you arrange a trip that has sustainability at its heart.

Alone time? No thanks – together is better

Given that we’ve spent so long in various states of isolation, it’s no surprise that a mere 3.6 percent of participants are hoping for some alone time.

Many more of you cited reconnecting with family as one of their key hoped-for travel aims. In addition, 15 percent of respondents plan to take a multi-generational trip.

Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaiian Islands © Maridav / Shutterstock

Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii – another of your dream destinations © Maridav / Shutterstock

Over 62 percent acknowledge the pandemic has changed the way they feel about travel in 2022, with most of those respondents citing that they are now wary of the speed at which a situation can change.

The pandemic has also made travellers more determined to fulfil their bucket list dreams and make their travel experiences more meaningful.

mask-dance-tibet-nepal-shutterstock_705287206

Tradtiional mask dance in Nepal, a destination many of you dream of visiting © Shutterstock

Half of you told us: "I live to travel"

In a deeper-rooted, longer-term sense (i.e. pandemic aside), 50 percent of you view travel as a means of trying new things and important for your mental health.

Half of you also agreed with the statement: “I live to travel”, while one respondent shared something we couldn't agree with more: " travel is enrichment” . Here's to 2022 travel being as enriching as possible.

If you’re looking for 2022 travel inspiration, you might want to get your hands on a copy of The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places on Earth 2022 , a picture-packed book that reveals our writers’ recommendations for top destinations to visit in the coming year. In the meantime, read our overview of the world's greatest destinations for 2022 trips .

If you’re ready to start making your 2022 travel daydreams a reality, let us connect you with a local expert in your chosen destination, who'll help you plan your perfect Tailor-Made Trip . They'll take the hassle out of planning so you can focus on what really matters – getting excited about your upcoming adventures.

We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.”

Header image: adventure-seeking mountain-hikers © Shutterstock

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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The Best Places to Travel in 2022

Where will 2022 take you below, you’ll find 39 destinations—from abu dhabi to alberta, canada—where your visit will really count. locals tell us what’s new, exciting, and worth the trip in the coming year..

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Where to Go Next. It feels good to write those words. After a long pause, travel is returning. Borders are reopening, families are reuniting, and deferred dreams are becoming realities. As 2022 approaches, are you eagerly and excitedly plotting out your next 12 months of trips? Or maybe you’re still just fantasizing about travel, unsure about where you’ll go next and when.

To inspire all your travel hopes and wishes, we’ve collected 39 love letters to various places, written by the people who know them best: locals. How did we decide what to spotlight? We focused on the lesser-known sides of a destination (Abu Dhabi and Taiwan); spots where your visit could really count (Turkana, Kenya, and Ten Thousand Islands, Florida); and those cities that could use a little love on the heels of 2020 and 2021 ( Chicago and Copenhagen ). As always, we tell these stories through the lens of travel as a force for good: more inclusive, conscientious, and sustainable. Cheers to a year of getting out there again. —Julia Cosgrove, editor in chief

1. Russian River Valley, California

The gods of climate change made some of their first displays of power in this slice of rural california, where there’s much to love and much to protect.

The Bay Area is still lovable in its fleece-wearing Tesla millionaire kind of way, but—local secret here—the region’s faded old river towns have long been the heart of our most quintessential Northern California-ness. The addled trappings of modern life fall away at the first quake of the aspens. What remains is a refreshingly purer iteration of the human spirit, miles from the venture-funded sleekness of San Francisco.

Here, at a lazy bend in the shimmering Russian River, a wiry man in a milk jug raft drifts past singing Puccini. Explore farther and you’ll discover a five-and-dime on Main Street in Guerneville. Join a barbecue at the Monte Rio firehouse. Feel the gentle purling of the river under your butt as your inner tube floats vaguely west, not a care in the world except not spilling that beer someone tossed you.

The Lower Russian River Valley has long inhabited a slower, more analog era that’s left room for funky charms to take root. The passage of time seemed to just sort of overlook this region—at least until now.

For the full story from Chris Colin, read The True Heart of California’s Bay Area Is in the Russian River Valley .

2. Chicago, Illinois

The windy city is roaring back from the pandemic, thanks to its entrepreneurial spirit and strong sense of pride.

In the aftermath of the Great Fire, which razed more than 2,000 acres of central Chicago in 1871, leaving nearly 100,000 homeless, one resident, William D. Kerfoot, displayed a hand-painted sign that read” “all gone but wife, children and energy. I have been thinking about Kerfoot since the pandemic. But not before a full year of questioning why I still lived in Chicago when everything I loved about it—the theater, music, sports, and dining scenes, as well as the 26-mile lakefront—was closed or verboten.

As the city has been slowly reopening, I have been reminded of Kerfoot’s outlook. Jazz musicians started holding “step sessions” on neighborhood porches, encouraging residents to BYO and use virtual tip jars. They’re planning to return to porches in spring 2022. Entrepreneurs renovated an RV as Majostee Spa , a mobile nail salon making home visits. Stephanie Hart, owner of Brown Sugar Bakery , recognized the need for comfort food during the pandemic; now the baker is looking to open a shop for her famed cupcakes at O’Hare International Airport, where she can, as she puts it, “export a little bit of my African American neighborhood and inspire [people] to come to 75th Street and see everything we’re serving.”

“Chicago sees itself, since the fire, as a city able to withstand whatever,” said Shermann Dilla Thomas, a historian who offers guided city tours. “It also makes us a city that doesn’t believe in small plans. After you get a blank canvas, the sky’s the limit.”

For the full story from Elaine Glusac, read As the Pandemic (Hopefully) Wanes, Chicago Is Back and Stronger Than Ever .

3. Métis Crossing, Alberta, Canada

Alberta’s first métis cultural destination was conceived, built, and operated by métis people to tell their story—and in 2022 it’s getting a huge expansion.

I was about 12 years old when I first met my birth mother and discovered that I was Métis. I saw her several times after that, and though we never discussed why I grew up in foster care, she frequently reiterated that we were both Métis. I’ve spent years trying to figure out exactly what that meant and why it was so important.

Since the 18th century, the French word métis has described individuals in Canada with mixed Indigenous and European ancestry. In Canada’s early years, French and Scottish fur traders married First Nations women of Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Cree, and other cultural backgrounds, and soon the Métis Nation was born. The Métis were known for hunting, trapping, and fur trading, and in 1982 they became one of the three groups of recognized Indigenous Peoples of Canada .

Métis Crossing , which opened in 2005 on the river lots—the riverside settlements home to the earliest settlers in this part of Alberta—is a fascinating place to learn about Métis culture, traditions, and beliefs. There’s a campground with comfortably furnished trappers’ tents, and in 2019, a large Cultural Gathering Centre was built to host educational programs. When I visited in fall 2021, I wanted a cultural experience, and I also wanted to embrace my own Indigenous roots.

For the full story from Debbie Olsen, read Discover a Side of Indigenous Canada at Métis Crossing, Newly Expanding in 2022 .

4. Portland, Jamaica

Avoid the crowds and head to a serene shoreline and the birthplace of jerk chicken.

I escaped my tiny living quarters in Long Island, New York, for rural Robins Bay in Jamaica in September 2020. On weekends, I explore. My favorite discovery is the parish of Portland on the island’s northeast coast, which—unlike Montego Bay and Ocho Rios with many tourists—offers flourishing rain forests, laid-back beaches, and a vibe of soon come, no hurry, no worries. . . .

I have a particular soft spot for Winnifred Beach, where neighbors and families go to relax. Food vendors and artists sell their wares from small shops, made from zinc and wood, and despite the lull in business during the pandemic, dancehall and reggae still boom. Nothing stops the party. If it’s Saturday, true to tradition, somebody is quite likely cooking (and sharing) chicken foot soup. Another favorite ocean retreat is Frenchman’s Cove, where flowing water from the Blue Mountains creates a dramatic canopy of tropical greenery by a white-sand beach. Further south, Reach Falls is beloved for its underwater cave, natural heart-shaped pool reminiscent of a Jacuzzi, mountain views, and lush vegetation.

For the full story from Sheryl Nance-Nash, read Find the ‘Real’ Jamaica in This Laid-Back Neighborhood .

5. Arica and Parinacota, Chile

Local textiles, llamas, and the world’s oldest mummies are among the reasons to visit northern chile..

When travelers plan trips to the desiccated salt flats and cloud-hugging lagoons of the world’s driest desert, the Atacama, most end up in the resort town of San Pedro. Yet 400 miles north lies a refreshing alternative: Chile’s Arica and Parinacota region.

The main reason to go is to explore a new UNESCO World Heritage site created in July 2021 that honors the Chinchorro culture. These hunter-gatherers crafted the world’s oldest mummies, covering their deceased with clay masks and flowing wigs some 7,000 years ago (2,000 years before the ancient Egyptians). A tourist circuit now unites 19 archaeological sites along the Pacific coast and passes six roadside Chinchorro statues designed by local artists Paola Pimentel and Johnny Vásquez. Meanwhile, the mummy museum in Azapa Valley is preparing for a multimillion-dollar revamp to be completed by 2024.

The 143-mile trip from lowland Arica to highland Parinacota follows another new tourist trail: Ruta de las Misiones. The route includes dozens of hamlets inhabited by the Aymara people, many featuring whitewashed adobe churches and handcrafted alpaca textiles from Indigenous artisans such as Julia Cañari. Putre is the largest of these villages. At an altitude of 11,500 feet, you can acclimatize here for expeditions into the volcano-studded Lauca National Park , llama-filled Las Vicuñas National Reserve , or the blindingly white Salar (salt flat) de Surire , where the hot springs come with views of pink flamingos. —Mark Johanson

6. Acadia National Park, Maine

New england’s sylvan wonderland is filled with winding trails and history lessons.

It’s easy to get away from people amid the 47,000 acres of Acadia National Park , where the jagged Maine coast cuts into the Atlantic. But no matter where you go, you’re surrounded by historical figures. The intricate carriage trails around Mount Desert Island, where much of the park is situated, were commissioned by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in the early 1900s. Many of the island’s other trails were built as part of a New Deal–era Civilian Conservation Corps public works project in the 1930s.

Stone stairs that seem almost magically carved into the mountainside form parts of Homans Path, a trail named for Eliza Homans. She was a wealthy widow and longtime summer resident who, in 1908, first gifted part of the land that would become the park. The 140-acre spread Homans bequeathed includes one of Acadia’s most treacherous and rewarding hikes, the Beehive—a short but steep climb up a cliff face, with a payoff view of Sand Beach and the Atlantic coastline.

Mount Desert Island’s lake and ponds are another plus. For most of the summer, you can jump off the rocks at Echo Lake Ledges or hike to the distant parts of Long Pond, where you’ll be rewarded with crystal clear water and, often, few other swimmers in sight. —Sally Kohn

7. Houston, Texas

In 2022, space city offers distinct dining and art options that celebrate its diverse communities.

As one of the nation’s most multiethnic cities, with some 145 languages spoken, Houston is full of culinary and cultural innovation. MasterChef winner Christine Ha’s restaurant Blind Goat deliciously showcases the city’s Vietnamese community, while the local chain Tacos A Go Go represents some of the best of its Latinx options. (Be sure to try all the tacos while you’re in town: corn tacos filled with barbacoa; shrimp tacos; and migas tacos, a Tex-Mex staple made with scrambled eggs and jalapeños).

For a taste of Houston’s Black-owned restaurants, book a table at Lucille’s , where the celebrated chef Chris Williams turns out fine Southern cuisine (catfish and grits, fish fry, and liver and onions). If you’re craving comfort food, head to Breakfast Klub .

Don’t miss a trip to the Third Ward (the neighborhood where Beyoncé and Solange Knowles were raised). There you’ll find the Houston Museum of African American Culture , which recognizes the achievements of Black Americans. Another essential stop: Project Row Houses , a site encompassing five city blocks that has been serving Houston’s artists of color for three decades. It presents programming that preserves and elevates Black culture and community, regularly running exhibitions and events while supporting young people and small businesses. —Kayla Stewart

8. Charlotte, North Carolina

North carolina’s largest city is turning into an essential food destination, with tempting options across different neighborhoods.

If you asked someone a few years ago what Charlotte is known for, they might have said it’s one of the country’s biggest banking spots. But the city is fast becoming appreciated for its growing culinary scene.

Take the James Beard Award–nominated chef Greg Collier and his wife and business partner, Subrina. In 2020, the restaurateurs opened Leah & Louise , a modern-day juke joint in Charlotte’s creative hub, Camp North End . The cuisine honors their Southern roots: fried oyster sliders and slow-roasted cabbage with pork neck bisque. The pair have a special place in my heart, as they helped found Soul Food Sessions, a pop-up dinner series featuring Black chefs and mixologists.

Exciting new businesses are opening regularly. In September 2021, cocktail connoisseur Tamu Curtis opened the Cocktailery for classes and tastings in the city’s Atherton Mill retail center. In 2022, Ricky Ortiz, the Mexico-born owner of Tacos Rick-O , will expand his food empire beyond his taco truck at Hoppin’ —a self-service beer, wine, and cider spot in South End—with a new concept based on Spanish desserts in the NoDa arts and entertainment district.

“Charlotte’s not just football and finance,” Greg Collier insists. “This ain’t just the cookie-cutter, vanilla shell South . . . It’s a place full of aspirations, mind-blowing creatives, good cooking, and possibilities.” —DeAnna Taylor

9. Anguilla

One of the caribbean’s smallest islands punches above its weight.

With 33 beaches, several islands and cays, and more than 100 restaurants, Anguilla packs a lot into its 35 square miles.

Start by hopping on American Airlines’ new direct flight from Miami into Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport. You’ll disembark mere minutes from any one of the island’s beaches, a string of seductive white-sand scallops lapped by blue water. On Meads Bay, check in to Tranquility Beach, a collection of 15 suites (all with kitchens) that preside over sand resembling powdered sugar and offering magnificent sunset views. Close by is the Hummingbird , a charming cottage studio that’s a perfect choice for solo travelers.

For lunch, try Ken’s BBQ in Anguilla’s capital, The Valley, where they have been cooking fall-off-the-bone tender ribs for more than 20 years. Don’t forget to finish the meal with a Johnny cake or two. If you’re in the mood to treat yourself, end the day with cocktails at Four Seasons Anguilla ’s ocean-view Sunset Lounge, then continue to dinner at beachfront classic Blanchards, where you should sample the grilled Anguillian crayfish.

The next day, if cerulean seas beckon, charter a catamaran to take you from Crocus Bay to Little Bay, a compact cove you might have all to yourself. —Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon

10. Bermuda

Look beyond bermuda’s pink-sand beaches and explore black history on the islands..

Famous for its blush-colored beaches and the shorts, Bermuda has long been a traveler’s dream, but this 21-square-mile archipelago nestled in the North Atlantic also offers a substantial measure of Black culture and history. In 2020, it became one of the first places in the world to honor a Black woman with a public holiday; Mary Prince Day celebrates the formerly enslaved Bermudian who became the first Black woman in England to publish her own narrative, the seminal 1831 book The History of Mary Prince .

Visitors to the islands can follow the African Diaspora Heritage Trail , which includes museums, monuments, and even a seaside cave connected to Bermuda’s Black past. For an experience that showcases both food and history, book Kristin White’s bike tour through the cobblestone streets of St. George’s , a UNESCO World Heritage site. Or on your own, walk past the candy-colored buildings of the capital city, Hamilton, and pop into the Griot bookstore , a sunlit, art-adorned space that sells works by authors of African descent. Pick up a cold-pressed elixir at the mural-covered Om Juicery (locals are partial to “Bountiful” and “Dancing”). In the reef-hugging Sandys Parish, Buna Gallery and Coffee House serves up Ethiopian brews, live music, and local art exhibits in a stylish setting. Settle in and stay awhile. —Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

11. Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico

Yucatán’s welcoming capital city offers a sensory experience on every corner.

Each evening, as the sun begins to settle into its slumber, Mérida comes to life. Nightfall offers a respite from the sweltering heat of the day. Families gather in the zócalo for cultural performances. The city’s main drag, Paseo de Montejo, is lined with tables where patrons delight in nibbles and tipples. Elderly couples salsa dance in the park as if no one is watching, and if you walk down any of the main streets in the Centro neighborhood, you’ll hear the thrums and drums of bachata beats from beyond the swinging doors of local cantinas.

Mérida, the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, revels in permanent celebration, and the city invites you to do the same, to find joy in simple pleasures. It’s a place where diversity extends beyond what to do, see, and eat. LGBTQ travelers, for example, can find nightlife in Centro and spend evenings vibing to live music at Cadadía Bar Café .

Visitors to the city will quickly discover the “Mérida magic” that everyone speaks of—that inexplicable sense of happiness, peace, and community found here. It may be the deep-rooted culture and rich gastronomic heritage that draws people to the colonial city; for me, it was the Mérida magic that turned my three-month visit into home for the foreseeable future. —Colby Holiday

12. Washington, D.C.

Wander around the new waterfront and taste your way through the revitalized capital city.

Washington, D.C., is so much more than its reputation as the center of U.S. politics. It’s a welcoming, walkable city with residents and regions as culturally diverse as the international embassies that line Massachusetts Avenue. Over the past decade, the city has transformed several neighborhoods—the H Street Corridor, Brookland, NoMa, Shaw, and the LGBTQ-friendly Logan Circle. The flourishing food scene attracts locals and visitors to such neighborhood anchors as Tortino (which serves elevated Italian dishes) and the Dabney , a Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in farm-to-table American fare.

But the District’s newest star is the Wharf , where the second phase of a $2.5 billion revitalization project is expected to be completed in 2022. New additions include the 131-room Pendry hotel and a tranquil 1.5-acre green space called “The Green”. Stroll the brick walkway to take in the serene Potomac River while eating delicious confections from District Donuts or shop for clothing, jewelry, and home decor at stores like the Black-owned fashion boutique A Beautiful Closet .

At Kaliwa , order the drunken duck noodles and other Thai and Filipino dishes. Or head to chef Philippe Massoud’s new high-end Lebanese restaurant, Ilili , and try the tender braised lamb shank. Close out your night with panoramic views at the rooftop bar Whiskey Charlie . The Wharf Spiced Rum is a perfect coda to a perfect day in the district. —Kwin Mosby

13. Ten Thousand Islands, Florida

A labyrinthine world of mangroves, sandy islands, and clear skies awaits intrepid kayakers on florida’s gulf coast.

Everglades National Park —the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States—reveals only its outer edges to daytrippers. For a deeper view of a similar ecosystem, head to the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge , just south of Marco Island. Here, one of the world’s largest mangrove systems covers 230 square miles, where fresh and salt waters meet.

“We’re not a beach destination, like St. Petersburg or Daytona,” says Charles Wright, a naturalist who owns Everglades Area Tours and takes guests on kayak adventures through mangrove islands in the Gulf of Mexico. “But there are sandy barrier islands with beautiful beaches . . . from Marco Island to the mouth of the Lostmans River.

“Most people think of swamps when they think of the Everglades—of airboats, alligators, and mosquitoes,” he adds. But the Everglades are much more than that, and the Ten Thousand Islands “are kind of the untapped jewel, with dolphins, manatees, orchids and bromeliads, wading birds, raptors, and more.”

On expeditions from Chokoloskee Island, you’ll camp on deserted islands and visit Native American sites; the Calusa tribe inhabited the area as early as the 15th century. One thing you won’t really see, however, is light pollution—just the canopy of the Milky Way in the inky skies above your camp at night. —Terry Ward

14. Northern Minnesota

Once known for its mining boomtowns, the iron range has gotten a mighty makeover.

Minnesota is lauded for its lakes—more than 10,000 of them—but any local knows that its land deserves some love, too. To get better acquainted, head to northern Minnesota’s Iron Range , which has quietly debuted 250 miles of new biking trails in the past decade. The routes came about largely thanks to local cycling enthusiasts, who have worked to turn the area into a magnet for biking in nature. Tioga Recreation Area added 19 miles of mountain bike trails near the town of Cohasset in August 2019, and a trail expansion is currently underway in Cuyuna County, which already has 50 miles of rust-colored dirt paths spread over 800 acres.

One of the most recent news makers? Redhead Mountain Bike Park , which opened in June 2020 after a nearly $2 million investment, now features 25 miles of trails outside the town of Chisholm. There, you can ride cinnamon-colored paths flanked by steep cliffs that descend into an abandoned mining pit with an aqua-blue lake at the bottom. (You’d be in good company, as more than 25,000 people have ridden the popular trails since the launch.)

If you’re looking for something a little smoother, northeastern Minnesota has you covered there, too. As of press time, the paved Mesabi Trail offers more than 135 miles of biking and walking through forests and small towns. When completed, it will stretch 155 miles from the Mississippi River to the remote Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness , one of the country’s most glorious natural sites. (And no, I’m not biased.) —Katherine LaGrave

15. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica

This lively caribbean coastal town offers excellent surfing and beaches, plus a secret dry season.

In September 2021, Costa Rica’s new Digital Nomads law began granting visas to foreign nationals for up to two years, inspiring remote workers to live out their long-term fantasies of surf, work, ceviche, repeat. Whether you’re eyeing a semipermanent move or just a weeklong break, one place to dip your toes in is Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a small coastal town on the country’s less frequented Caribbean side.

You won’t find the big brands or high-rises of Papagayo and Tamarindo here—just soft sand beaches and green macaws, and local boutiques such as Aloe Tienda for stylish handmade women’s clothing. The African influence is palpable in the Limonese Creole patois, calypso beats, and the coconut-sweetened version of rice and beans.

Another plus of Puerto Viejo: The town experiences a dry season in September and October, when most of the country is inundated with rain. Travelers who visit at this time usually luck out at such mega surf breaks as Salsa Brava. In nearby Cahuita National Park , a large coral reef hosts an array of marine life, ranging from diminutive damselfish to nurse sharks. Snorkelers can experience it in all its glory. After a few days in Puerto Viejo, you might discover it’s time to adopt the Pura Vida lifestyle and stay awhile. —Nina Kokotas Hahn

16. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

A road trip through abu dhabi reveals what lies beneath the surface of this sprawling emirate.

In its 50 years of existence, the United Arab Emirates has developed at lightning speed, creating cities out of the desert with record-breaking skyscrapers, lavish hotels, and a fast pace of life. As the pandemic forced me to slow down, I rediscovered the joy of exploring the hidden sides of my home. By the time my friend Rashid Khalfan invited me to Abu Dhabi, the emirate south of Dubai that covers 26,000 miles, I was ready to explore farther afield.

Rashid, knowing my love for brutalist architecture, showed me some of his favorite buildings, which he admires as symbols of a young nation’s progress. He pointed out the Buty Al Otaiba Tower , covered in rows of hexagonal windows, and the Hamed Centre , with its diamond motif. The most handsome edifice was the Al Ibrahimi building, a circular tower with protruding balconies that resemble woven fabric, designed by the late Egyptian modernist architect Farouk El Gohary . “The older ones have more Arabic touches; the later ones from the ’80s and ’90s have more glass on their facades,” Rashid said.

I could’ve stayed longer, but the Rub’ Al-Khali—the Empty Quarter, an expanse of desert 130 miles to the south—was calling. There the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara rises like a mirage, designed to enable your desert fantasies as you ride camels, smoke fragrant shisha, and let yourself be cocooned in rhassoul clay in the hammam.

For the full story from Nicola Chilton, read A Road Trip Through Abu Dhabi Reveals Its History .

17. Luxor, Egypt

Sometimes, the most enchanting experiences can be found outdoors

Find me a treasure in Luxor, Egypt, that can’t be savored in the open air—I challenge you. In three years of wintering in this city on the banks of the Nile, about 400 miles south of Cairo, I haven’t found one. Luxor is often called an open-air museum, a place where antiquities are as common as mosques, schools, or fruit stands. A visitor could stroll the grounds of Karnak Temple —not to mention Luxor Temple , Valley of the Queens , Valley of the Kings , or the Colossi of Memnon —for days and still find obelisks to marvel at, all while breathing in fresh Sahara Desert air.

Luxor is where I met my husband, and it’s where we now live part-time (when not in Alberta, Canada), in a mud-brick house on the city’s quieter, more rural-feeling West Bank. It’s located on the edge of Medinet Habu Temple , parts of which date to 1500 B.C.E. I joke that we’re basically “glamping in the desert”—never fully inside, because the dust, the donkey braying, and the call to prayer easily find their way in through the corners of our earthen abode. No need to set an alarm clock, since the whoosh of hot-air balloons overhead stirs us awake by sunrise.

For the full story from Colleen Kinder, read Get Outside in Luxor, Egypt, to Walk Among the Kings .

18. Jinja, Uganda

This nile-side city in eastern uganda abounds with outdoor adventures.

Set along the nile river in eastern Uganda, Jinja is home to misty views marked by rapids and waterfalls, as well as roads blanketed by red dust that spools onto the skin with a vengeance. My father’s work in the petroleum industry frequently took him to Jinja, 140 miles west of my hometown, Kisumu, Kenya. As a child, I often tagged along to explore the natural wonders of the area.

On a recent visit, I based myself at the Nile Porch , a hotel with semi-tented, high-ceilinged rooms. I discovered Adrift Uganda , which offers trips along the Nile River that include Class VI rapids, and booked a trip. I was relieved when my group voted to tackle a Class III rapid called Bubugo—until I learned that it means “condolences” in the Lusoga language of Uganda.

Later that afternoon, on a less harrowing quad-biking excursion with All Terrain Adventures through nearby Kyabirwa Village, I charged past farms bursting with maize; kids ran out from the open doorways of mud-brick homes to wave hello.

The next day, as I paddled on flat waters with Kayak the Nile , observing cormorants and kingfishers while otters lazily swam past me, I was reminded of that feeling of limitless adventure that continues to lure me back. —Wendy Watta

19. Karoo, South Africa

This valley northeast of cape town reveals a less explored side of south africa’s interio.

My love affair with the Klein Karoo—a semidesert valley 200 miles from Cape Town, on the southern edges of the Karoo region—blossomed late. In part, moving far away from Cape Town to New York City allowed me to appreciate this area with fresh eyes when I returned.

The Klein Karoo contains a 215-mile stretch of Route 62 that runs parallel to the more famous Garden Route. I traveled the entire road in January 2021, and my first stop was the country’s Sanbona Wildlife Reserve at the foot of the scrubby Warmwaterberg Mountains. The terrain, with its ancient rock formations and indigenous fynbos vegetation, is the only place to see the region’s nearly extinct white lions. At Dwyka Tented Lodge , set in an amphitheater of rock, there’s peace in the deafening silence.

An hour west lies Montagu, a handsome town framed by farms and the jagged Cape Fold Mountains. One of my favorite hotels is Jonkmanshof , a guesthouse set between two restored Cape Dutch buildings. When I return to the region next, I’ll check into Stil , a monochromatic retreat with a sculpture garden that opened in 2021. I’ll also take a morning hike along the Keisie River, where weaverbirds and shrikes soar above. And I’ll follow it with a latte in the tree-shaded garden of the Barn on 62 , a coffee shop at the foot of those magical mountains. —Mary Holland

20. Turkana, Kenya

Explore the northwestern corner of kenya, where archaeological sites and the blue waters of lake turkana await.

Having lived in Kenya all my life, I never knew how rich and varied the landscapes and cultures of my own homeland could be—until I traveled to Turkana County.

This arid part of the country, often called the cradle of humankind, lies 310 miles northwest of Nairobi. Turkana is one of Kenya’s largest counties, but even with its groundbreaking archaeological finds and distinct traditions, few people visit.

During a recent trip, my first stop is Turkana’s dusty capital, Lodwar, where I head to the Mikeka market, famous for its intricate handwoven baskets made with multicolored reeds. The women who create them use the earnings to supplement their agricultural livelihoods, which are constantly threatened by drought. From Lodwar, I travel east for 45 miles until I reach the azure waters of Lake Turkana. I stop at the fishing town of Kalokol to observe anglers dry tilapia and perch and to view Namoratunga II, a 2,300-year-old ceremonial site composed of 19 stone pillars.

Next I drive 50 miles north along the lake to Nariokotome to see the discovery site of Turkana Boy , the most complete known skeleton of Homo erectus, dating back 1.6 million years. A brass replica of the hominid skeleton stands near the site where it was uncovered; the original resides in the National Museum of Kenya . But the site itself, where I can picture Turkana Boy in the very place he once inhabited, offers a powerful reminder of our ancient roots. —Harriet Akinyi

21. Ibadan, Nigeria

A three-hour train ride from lagos, this centuries-old city is rich in history, culture, and hearty cuisine..

Ibadan is the city of my youth, my mother’s youth, and that of her mother before her.

Once an epicenter of Nigerian politics, Ibadan was founded by Yoruba warriors in the 19th century. Today, it’s characterized by its seven hills, colonial buildings, and rusty corrugated roofing. Thanks to the newly modernized Nigerian Railway , my mother and I recently returned to Ibadan from Lagos on a journey that took us past thick rain forests, farmlands, and rural communities.

From the train station, our taxi dropped us at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), founded by Americans in 1967 to improve food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Spread over 2,400 acres, the IITA headquarters includes farms, offices, and a tree-shaded, utilitarian hotel.

From there, we set off to explore the manicured grounds of the University of Ibadan —Nigeria’s first university—and wandered among the eucalyptus and teak trees at Agodi Botanical Gardens. We haggled for yams and fresh ata rodo—habanero peppers—in the Bodija market. At Amala Skye, a buka (canteen) that serves Yoruba comfort food, we fortified ourselves on green-hued ewedu, a soup made with jute leaves.

As we tasted these familiar flavors and recounted our school days, it occurred to me how much there is to explore in my home country. That thought alone brought me indescribable joy. — Mimi Aborowa

22. Negev Desert, Israel

The rocky, dune-filled landscape in the southern half of israel has just welcomed its newest retreat.

I was 13 years old when I visited Israel’s Negev Desert for the first time, and the moment I saw its primeval craters and sand-colored mountains, I was transfixed. During my residential high school program in Israel, the expansive desert offered an otherworldly, biblical antidote to my suburban London childhood.

Since moving to Tel Aviv in 2017, I try to return to the Negev whenever I need to reconnect with my carefree younger self. And this passage through time just got more comfortable, thanks to the sublime Six Senses Shaharut , a resort that opened in August 2021.

I traveled to the desert in the fall, and on arrival to the Six Senses, immediately noticed the site-specific architecture. Built from locally sourced limestone, the buildings blend into their surroundings. My suite was designed using natural stone, copper, and a teak door from an old boat. Following a perfect night of sleep, I awoke to views of the unspoiled Arava Valley through floor-to-ceiling windows. I took an aerial yoga class and then a dip in the infinity pool. Looking out at the desert that has awed me for nearly 30 years, I felt deeply inspired to walk its paths anew. —Natalie Blenford

23. Imlil, Morocco

This small village in the atlas mountains exudes a warm, laid-back hospitality.

Moving a household is always stressful. But when I relocated three years ago to Imlil, a tiny Berber village in the heart of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, my biggest worry was trying to figure out if a mule could carry a washing machine up a mountain.

I had found a house in a family compound carved into the rock of one of the high peaks that surround the main street in Imlil. A valley full of walnut and cherry trees stretches out beneath my terrace, and in the spring the landscape is drowned in pink-and-white blossoms. The day I moved in, children screeched around the communal yard, and the cow—who lives under my bedroom—vied with the chickens to make the most noise. I stepped onto the terrace as the first notes of the Muslim call to prayer rang out, bouncing off the peaks painted golden by the sun. I saw the tiny figures of hikers high on the trails.

At 5 p.m., Miriam, my new neighbor, took my hand in her warm one and led me into her house. “It’s teatime,” she said. Women and children sat on the handwoven carpets, chattering like birds.

Miriam poured the sweet mint tea. “Eat, eat!” she said as she presented a feast of hot flaky flatbreads, honey from wild bees, home-churned butter, and walnuts from the trees outside.

And it is that hospitality that makes a visit to these soaring, juniper-clad mountains so incredibly special. Here, you are not a stranger; you are a friend. —Alice Morrison

24. Copenhagen, Denmark

The green city is expanding rapidly—go now to explore its gritty, evolving liminal spaces.

Not too long ago, I took a walk through the wastelands of Copenhagen. It sounds strange to call them that, because the Danish capital, with all its modern design and hygge, is hardly known for grittiness. But this dusty expanse of mostly empty warehouses and overgrown weeds, languishing to the southwest of the lively Meatpacking District, seemed to qualify. After 20 minutes of wandering, I entered a gate and found myself in an Alice in Wonderland alternate reality. A leafy glade contained dark, rustic wooden barns. Fat heads of garlic and fire-engine-red tomatoes spilled from the door of one, the jangle of a band from another. At an outdoor table set beneath fairy lights, a young mother fed her child pieces of a sandwich.

BaneGaarden , as I learned this enchanted place is called, once housed supplies for railway construction. It was abandoned in the 1950s but has recently been transformed into a cultural center. A farm shop, a bakery, a couple of restaurants, and spaces for pop-ups and other events fill the carefully renovated barns, all of this encircled by deciduous trees. Both geographically and metaphorically, the complex seemed far from Copenhagen’s center. But I realized it wouldn’t be long before BaneGaarden was just another delightful corner of my growing city.

For the full story from Lisa Abend, read As Copenhagen Expands Rapidly, Its Future Is in Its Outskirts .

25. Turquoise Coast, Turkey

Ponder the history of western civilization as you hike along turkey’s ruin-strewn carian trail.

The Carian Trail unfolds like an outdoor museum: Ancient artifacts, pristine coves, and stone villages are linked by mule paths and old caravan routes dotted with campsites and inns. I decided to take on one new section every month, focusing on stretches I could hike in a day.

On my first outing, I walked from my home until the stone path turned to dirt and the houses gave way to coastal shrubs. I reached the first bend and looked back, considering turning around. What if I lost my way?

Instead, I followed the red-and-white way markers tattooed on boulders. I passed beekeepers tending apiaries and wild mountain goats hoofing over loose rocks. I stayed mindful of the thistles and boar tracks, marching down switchbacks lined with wild thyme and sage.

With each hike, I found myself increasingly drawn to the ruins along the route. The trail is named after the Carians, a civilization indigenous to this coastline as far back as 6000 B.C.E. I passed tombs, mausoleums, crumbling walls, and altars. I passed relics of the Persians, Byzantines, Romans, and Ottomans, all of whom left their marks.

For the full story from Jenna Scatena, read Hike Turkey’s Carian Trail, Ponder the History of Western Civilization .

26. Fontainebleau, France

Trade paris for a tranquil weekend in this forested town—once home to royalty—and its neighbor, one of the country’s most notable artists’ communities.

Like many Parisians, my husband and I soldiered through multiple COVID-19 lockdowns in the city with little access to green space. By the end of 2020, we realized we wanted to make a long-term shift to get closer to nature. So we decided to divide our time between Paris and the country, and bought a century-old stone house near a place eminently familiar to us: Fontainebleau, a town 45 miles south of Paris. For more than 15 years, we have hiked, climbed, and explored in the once-royal place, known for its vast forest and intricate sandstone architecture.

The town was built around the 12th-century Château de Fontainebleau , which was updated in the 16th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site currently undergoing another restoration. Ancient forest—54,000 acres of it—surrounds the town, encompassing boulders, hiking trails, and Barbizon , an artists’ village. In the 19th century, iconic painters such as Jules Dupré and Théodore Rousseau, inspired by the sandstone boulders and stands of deciduous trees, created the community, where they pioneered landscape realism and the pre-impressionism movement.

The artistic style remains a fixture in Barbizon, where visitors can explore a dozen museums, galleries, and studios in addition to La Folie Barbizon , an artists’ residence, inn, and restaurant specializing in organic vegetarian fare that opened in the spring of 2020. Despite the changes, the magic that captured the artists remains: Each time I step off the train from Paris, I feel lighter and more connected to the present. —Lindsey Tramuta

27. Bristol, England

In southwestern england, this progressive maritime city has grown into a proper food and beer destination.

Every time I return to Bristol, the West Country city where I spent my teenage years, it’s changed, often substantially. The trading port may wear its heritage on its sleeve—the waterfront’s imposing cranes and the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge are just two examples of Bristol’s maritime and engineering history—but it’s also a modern hub of creativity, ingenuity, and liberal thinking. Since my dad’s work took us there in the early 1990s, the city has witnessed the rise of trip hop, the street art of Banksy, a revitalized harborside and city center, and the advent of its own currency (which transitioned into digital currency in 2021). It was also named a European Green Capital in 2015. More recently, a racial reckoning saw many of the city’s establishments question and ultimately condemn Bristol’s slavetrading past.

My latest trip, in summer 2021, yielded plenty of fresh fun. Since I last visited, Bristol has turned into a bona fide food and craft beer capital, with breweries located in unusual places. The reborn (once again) harborside is now full of restaurants. I liked the hazy IPAs at Left Handed Giant , whose brewpub occupies a former sugar refinery on the riverbank. Near the central train station, visitors can try hop-forward beers in a taproom shared by brewers Newtown Park and Verdant . And at Cargo , a waterfront collection of restaurants and stores housed in shipping containers, travelers can taste everything from bao and poke to local cheese and cider. The complex is diverse, surprising, and full of flavor—just like Bristol itself. —Tim Chester

28. San Miniato, Italy

On your next trip to the bel paese, bypass the tourist-clogged tuscan cities and head for this truffle-loving hill town.

My husband was born in San Miniato, a picturesque hilltop village often overshadowed by its neighboring Tuscan cities: Florence, Pisa, Siena, and Lucca. For years we lived in Florence, but early in the pandemic, we moved back to my husband’s hometown to escape the crowds and be closer to family. I had also discovered that the town was experiencing a culinary renaissance—and for me, as a food writer and cookbook author , that sealed the deal.

San Miniato, with its fertile, tree-covered hills, has long been known for its prized white truffles, grated with abandon over plates of buttery tagliolini and celebrated every November at the local truffle fair, La Sagra del Tartufo Bianco . (The festival marked its 50th year in 2021.) In the months we’ve been here, I’ve appreciated living a five-minute walk from modern Tuscan classics: a fourth-generation butcher, Sergio Falaschi , which has the best view in town and a new casual restaurant out back; Maggese , a fine-dining spot with an emphasis on veggies; Birra e Acciughe , a tiny beer and panino joint named for its long, warm baguettes filled with butter and anchovies; and Pizza del Popolo , a new bakery that sells sourdough and vegetarian pizza a taglio, or by the slice.

The village’s delights extend beyond restaurants. Travelers can taste wines at the nearby biodynamic winery Cosimo Maria Masini , join a truffle hunt year-round, or stretch their legs on one of the walking paths of Via Francigena , the 10th-century Roman pilgrim route that cuts right through town. Whenever I walk it, I’m reminded of how lucky we are to have such abundant countryside—and food—right outside our front door. —Emiko Davies

29. Gorski Kotar & Lika, Croatia

Though travelers best know the country for its picturesque beaches, croatia’s wild interiors are also worth a special trip.

While tourists swoon over the islands and coast of Croatia, its mountainous regions, located southwest of the capital city, Zagreb, remain blissfully off the radar. In Lika and Gorski Kotar, travelers can hike beside Plitvice Lakes and visit no fewer than four of the country’s eight national parks, and spot ancient yew trees and native flowers such as Carniolan lilies.

Drawn by the remote wilderness and my own roots—my mother hails from a now-abandoned hamlet in Lika—I’ve been spending time in the area during the last several years. There, I found Jelena Pirc of Lynx & Fox , who guides day hikes into Gorski Kotar’s rugged sylvan landscapes frequented by bears, wolves, and the endangered Eurasian lynx. Pirc recommends visiting Stara Sušica’s new Large Carnivores Visitor Center , which opened in July.

Farther south in the mighty Velebit Mountains, where old-growth beech forests hide rare western capercaillie birds, the conservation nonprofit Rewilding Europe is reintroducing wild horses and bovines to the Lika Plains and building wildlife-watching hide structures to support nature-focused tourism. Accommodations range from cozy chalets and rustic lodges to the higher-end Linden Tree Retreat & Ranch , located inside the UNESCO Velebit Mountain Biosphere Reserve —even more reasons to detour inland from the Croatian coast. —Anja Mutić

30. Bundoran, Ireland

A popular seaside resort for centuries, bundoran has forged a new identity for itself: surf capital of ireland.

I never thought my quest to learn to surf would lead me to Bundoran, a coastal town in County Donegal in the northwest corner of Ireland. When I first visited in 2015, I thought I’d only be there for the three months my visa allowed. Now, I come every year, often bouncing around Europe or returning stateside while waiting for my visa to reset.

Bundoran was a popular destination long before it became the surf capital of Ireland. During Victorian times, people flocked from across the country to soak in the Thrupenny and West End (Nun’s) Pools. Today, surfers from around the world come to visit Tullan Strand or ride the breakers at the Peak, home to some of Europe’s most consistent waves.

I return to Bundoran each year, vowing that I’ll finally learn to surf. The funny part is, I never follow through. I visit instead for the craic, or good times, in local parlance. There’s still plenty to do in town without getting in the water: It’s not called Fundoran for nothing! Consider taking a hike up Benbulbin, cycling around the Gleniff Horseshoe loop , cliff jumping from the coastal crags, or simply strolling along the Rougey Cliff Walk. If you’re feeling parched afterwards, check out some of my favorite pubs and eateries, including the Phoenix Tavern , the Chasin’ Bull , and Maddens Bridge Bar & Restaurant , where you can enjoy pints while listening to traditional music. —Yolanda Evans

31. Saxony, Germany

Cycle through organic vineyards and past 18th-century castles on a wine tour in eastern germany’s most sustainable wine region.

For more than 850 years, grapes in Saxony—Germany’s easternmost wine region—have been tended and harvested by hand, the wines made painstakingly in small quantities. One of my favorite ways to taste the sustainably grown wines, which are consumed primarily within the region, is also ecofriendly: via a bike ride on the 34-mile-long Saxon Wine Route.

The route starts in the riverside town of Pirna and coils its way through terraced vineyards and historic towns such as Meißen and Radebeul along the Elbe River. In Radebeul, I like to stop at Hoflößnitz , a winery-turned-museum that makes organic wines. At the nearby 18th-century Wackerbarth Castle , visitors can stroll through gardens and goldriesling vines, a variety of grape mainly grown on the Elbe. Travelers can taste sparkling wines at Wackerbarth, the region’s oldest sparkling wine cellar, or try Saxon reds and whites at Schloss Proschwitz Vinothek in Meißen, a town also renowned for its porcelain.

While the path ends in Diesbar-Seußlitz, about nine miles from Meißen, I sometimes take a detour on my way back to Pirna via the Elbe Cycle Route . The Elbe path leads to the village of Schmilka in the Saxon Switzerland Mountains, 16 miles from Pirna. There a 17th-century mill refurbished as a bakery fills the cobblestone streets with scents of spelt sourdough and handbrot, a palm-size bread stuffed with cheese, bacon, or vegetables. Hungry cyclists will also find pâtisseries and an organic brewery in Schmilka, all of which use seasonal ingredients and minimize food waste.

My only (hard-won) advice? Don’t try to complete the entire route in one day. —Christina Ng

32. Sri Lanka

The island nation quietly comes into its own as a nature lover’s low-key paradise.

After international arrivals to Sri Lanka dwindled, the country’s tourism industry pivoted, courting residents with new outdoor offerings: Across the country, we trekked through primary rain forests, snorkeled with sea turtles, and strolled sprawling shores. Good news for international travelers—Sri Lanka’s borders are now fully open.

Born in the fishing hamlet of Weligama, Thilina Dananjaya is not new to tourism; his father opened the first guesthouse here in the 1980s. But Dananjaya, owner of Layback , a boutique hotel focused on surfing and yoga, says his perspective has changed. “Being confined to our homes made us more conscious about the luxury of spending time outdoors,” he says. As a result, Dananjaya and his team added a yoga deck, a store for women-made handicrafts, a new restaurant, and two spacious rooftop terraces.

Farther north, in the central inlands of Sri Lanka, local-run Bush Loft has set up wildlife campsites in some of the country’s most remote corners: fly camping in the grasslands of Buttala, or daily excursions to Yala National Park .

You can also go it alone and arrange your own safari. Recently, in Kaudulla National Park , I spotted a herd of Asian elephants protecting the youngest member of their group, trunks and limbs moving in tandem. Soon after, I watched yellow weaverbirds flitting in and out of their intricate woven nests, which hung from branches all around me. This, I thought—is what Sri Lanka is all about.

For the full story from Zinara Rathnayake, read Sri Lanka Has Come Into its Own as a Nature Lover’s Paradise .

33. Singapore

In a metropolis known for its squeaky-clean streets, a tale of two cities emerges.

Some Singaporeans raise an eyebrow when they learn I live with my family in Geylang. For decades, this township has been notorious as a red-light district, an incongruous aspect of Singapore’s wholesome image. But amid narrow lanes hemmed by shophouses and temples, restaurant chefs are cooking some of the tastiest regional food in Singapore. Many evenings, my wife and I land at Ăn Là Ghiền , a hot pot joint that feels straight out of Hanoi, or Dong Bei Dumpling King , where we always order the crispy pork-and-celery-filled dumplings. For a Thai fix, our go-to is Gu Thai House , curries and noodles all cooked to suitably spicy standards. Anthony Bourdain loved JB Ah Meng for white pepper crab and Sin Huat Eating House for crab bee hoon, a whole crab served with rice noodles.

Even I need a break from Geylang sometimes, though. Luckily, Kranji, with its open fields and farms, is just 30 minutes north by car. At the Kranji Marshes and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve , two nature parks form a 460-acre haven for migratory shorebirds and raptors. If I’m lucky, I might spot a crocodile at the water’s edge, or a family of macaques scampering through the branches. Here I am, in a jungle away from an urban jungle, both of which call Singapore home.

For the full story from Lester V. Ledesma, read Singapore’s Geylang Neighborhood Is Developing a New Reputation as a Foodie Hot Spot .

34. Goa, India

An indian state celebrates the old with the new.

You could say I grew up with Goa. In my youth, I visited to party with friends, lured by the Indian beach state’s notorious raves. But when I hit my thirties, I began to better appreciate Goa’s rich heritage, its Portuguese influence, and the growing number of restaurants, bars, and stores that celebrate the region’s culture and architecture.

Nowhere is all of this more apparent than in the picturesque historic quarter of the capital city, Panaji, where brightly painted homes share streets with local boutiques like Sacha’s Shop , with its superbly curated resort wear from homegrown Indian designers. Another favorite is the rainbow-shuttered restaurant António at 31 , which opened in January 2021: A throwback to Panaji’s old taverns, the menu from chef Pablo Miranda features seasonal fruit cocktails and tapas such as tender coconut stir-fry and crispy baitfish with kalchi kodi (leftover curry) dip.

In the north of Goa, the newest darling is Felix , a gallery, coworking space, and events spot that serves modern plates with a regional twist, including eggs Benedict with Goan chorizo. For a truly immersive experience, book “A Very Goan Picnic” with tour company the Local Beat . Travelers can splash around a secret waterfall straight out of The Jungle Book and then feast on a home-cooked lunch accompanied by feni (cashew or coconut liquor).

Another highlight is on the way. In the township of Bardez, the Moda Goa Museum & Research Centre , founded by the late Goan fashion designer Wendell Rodricks, will welcome visitors in early 2022 with more than 800 fashion, textile, and art objects. —Jasreen Mayal Khanna

35. Cairns, Australia

Australia’s premier great barrier reef gateway reopens, offering travelers a new way to engage with indigenous cultures.

Visitors to Cairns, a coastal city in tropical north Queensland, typically arrive on a mission: See the Great Barrier Reef. Prepandemic, nearly 3 million people would pass through annually, boarding massive catamarans laden with scuba tanks and snorkel masks, an army of tourists in pursuit of wonder.

As Australia’s borders reopen, Cairns is ready to welcome travelers again, with refreshed esplanade dining, new hotels championing sustainability, and an exciting experience celebrating the Indigenous heritage of the Great Barrier Reef.

Some 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups have a continuing connection to the world’s largest coral reef system, and in 2018, Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel launched trips led by Indigenous Sea Rangers who share cultural knowledge passed down from their ancestors. During the tours, guests listen to evocative creation stories about how the reef came to be, and learn about hunting practices, such as seasonal harvesting, that have safeguarded the reef’s biodiversity for millennia.

Visitors will be able to engage with Sea Rangers more deeply at a new pontoon base for Dreamtime’s day trips to Moore Reef. Opening in early 2022, the floating pontoon will house an on-site laboratory and underwater observatory. Activities will fuse traditional knowledge and modern science to inspire collaborative protection of the Great Barrier Reef. —Sarah Reid

36. Tokorozawa Sakura Town, Japan

A stone’s throw from tokyo, architecture and anime buffs will find a place built just for them.

In the Saitama prefecture, roughly an hour from Tokyo Station, a new “town” was born in November 2020. Dubbed Tokorozawa Sakura Town , it’s a joint venture between the city of Tokorozawa and the Japanese publishing giant Kadokawa, known for its manga and anime titles. Its main focus? Bringing Japanese pop culture to life.

Here, visitors will find two structures by influential Japanese architect Kengo Kuma : the futuristic Kadokawa Culture Museum , with a colossal exterior built using 20,000 pieces of granite, and the minimalist Musashino Reiwa shrine. A highlight inside the labyrinthine five-story museum is the Bookshelf Theater, which has 26-foot shelves and is filled with more than 50,000 books, the majority of which are related to manga and anime. (Yes, you can flip through them.) The sleek Shinto shrine, meanwhile, is guarded by two komainu—guardian lion-dogs—crafted by sculptor Yoshimasa Tsuchiya . The shrine also features an asymmetrical roof and a phoenix painted on the ceiling by Yoshitaka Amano , the renowned designer of Final Fantasy video game characters.

Since Tokorozawa Sakura Town’s inception, architecture and pop culture fans have been drawn to the cultural complex, which also has a brand-new bookstore, restaurants, and a permanent TeamLab installation of giant silver acornlike objects that glow at night amid the trees. There’s also an anime-themed 33-room hotel that hosts character parties—so go ahead, make a long weekend of it. —Yukari Sakamoto

37. Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

New zealand’s south island is rural, uncrowded, and achingly beautiful.

I grew up in the subtropics of New Zealand’s North Island, and the much more temperate, sparsely populated South Island has beckoned me throughout adulthood. Three of the South’s nine national parks are within a 90-minute drive of my current home in Nelson; and there are enough gold-sand beaches, mountains, and alpine lakes to spend a lifetime exploring. Challenge accepted.

Road-tripping is the only way to really experience the South Island’s natural beauty. Start in Nelson, a city of more than 50,000 at the top of the South Island, and drive west about an hour to the eastern entrance of Abel Tasman National Park . Many travelers opt to hike—or “tramp”— the Coast Track , a five-day, 37-mile “Great Walk,” camping in tents along the way. If you have mobility issues (or perhaps toddlers in tow), you can still get the best of the national park via boat tours from Kaiteriteri, stopping at beaches on turquoise bays.

Continue the drive over notorious Tākaka Hill—with its narrow, windy, gut-churning lanes—to Golden Bay, pausing at a lookout for panoramic Tasman Bay views. Stay overnight in a town along the way, such as Tākaka or Collingwood, and end your visit marveling at the 65-foot-high Wainui Falls and Te Waikoropupū Springs. The cold, clear springs are a sacred Māori space—a source of life, healing, and renewal for locals and travelers alike. —Elen Turner

38. Phong Nha, Vietnam

It’s easier than ever to dive deep into the gigantic caves of this unesco world heritage site.

Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park , a geologically notable site in central Vietnam, has tempted daredevils since 2013, when Son Doong , the biggest cave on the planet (large enough to hold a Boeing 747), opened for multiday tours. The Phong Nha–based company Oxalis Adventure is hoping to launch a fresh adventure in 2022 that’s set to rival the Son Doong Expedition, its flagship experience.

On the new Hang Ba tour (still in development), Oxalis guides will lead spelunkers through upwards of five caves with gigantic limestone chambers and dangling stalactites. When cavers aren’t crawling, swimming, or paddleboarding, they’ll be camping and trekking through jungles.

“I’ve been wanting to design this tour for ages,” says Howard Limbert, who led the expedition team that discovered the caves in the early 1990s. Back then, it took 15 hours to reach the cave cluster from Phong Nha village. Thanks to a new road, it may only take five to six hours.

Limbert says that collective efforts to protect the caves (his team has mapped more than 500 in Vietnam) and hire people from the community have reduced the rate of illegal logging and instilled conservationist attitudes. Phong Nha-Ke Bang can serve as a model for other protected areas in Vietnam, Limbert says, including the newly recognized biosphere reserves Nui Chua and Kon Ha Nung. —Joshua Zukas

Together, a new band of chefs and cultural activists is showcasing real Taiwanese food

Taiwanese fare has long been considered a subset of the food of China. But diplomatic contact between China and the contested island nation ceased in 2016, and tensions have continued to climb. One of the by-products: Across Taiwan, many chefs are reviving a distinct national cuisine.

“A lot of people think Taiwanese food is beef noodle soup and xiao long bao [soup dumplings],” says Huang Teng-Wei, co-owner of Siang Kháu Lū , a boutique cooking school that opened in 2019 in Taoyuan, southwest of Taipei. “But in fact, all these dishes came after 1950 with the Chinese immigrants.” Traditional Taiwanese cuisine tends to revolve around root vegetables (like sweet potato and taro) and rice, with dishes such as savory rice puddings flavored with pork. He and his wife, Chou Pei-Yi, are particularly focused on reviving kueh, an old-school rice pastry that was used for centuries as a temple offering to the gods.

Other chefs are celebrating native Taiwanese ingredients. At Akame , a glitzy eatery that has been open since 2015 in Pingtung county, on Taiwan’s southernmost tip, the Indigenous chef Alex Peng uses pine needles and local sumac to flavor meat. Meanwhile, André Chiang—who helms Taipei’s fine-dining tour de force Raw —is committed to using Taiwanese ingredients from regional producers and highlighting Taiwan’s micro-seasons. Menu items might include roasted sliced duck graced with a sheet of seaweed, or a trio of local rice (fermented, purple, and toasted) alongside creamy panna cotta. Chiang’s side gig? Creating an encyclopedia of Taiwanese cooking techniques, ingredients, and food history so that the national cuisine becomes more recognized. —Clarissa Wei

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The best places to travel in 2022: where to go now and why.

By Tully Luxury Travel | 01-18-2022 |

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W e’ve scoured the globe and selected the best places to travel in 2022. Whether because they’re under-the-radar or up-and-coming, whether because of new cultural attractions, much-anticipated hotel openings, a dining renaissance, or new cruise itineraries, these destinations are in that magical sweet spot: well equipped and ready for discerning travelers, but not yet overrun by tourists. So go on, visit a spot that’s new to you this year, or dig deeper into a place you thought you already knew. Or maybe, just find a beautiful beach to tune out and relax on. In our list of Where to Go in 2022, we’ve got the inspiration for everyone.

| The Amazon: Expand Your Understanding

The Amazon’s forest fires have been making headlines for months. Bobby Betenson , a Brazil specialist, wants travellers to understand that they can actually do good for the rainforest by visiting: “The income generated by responsible tourism has the potential to provide an alternative to damaging activities in the region.” Travelers can also visit safely, since “the areas where the fires are burning are quite far from the touristed sections of the rainforest.” They’d be wise to visit soon: “It’s impossible to assure how much this disaster will impact and change the biome. So, the time to experience the forest is now.” Bobby and his team are based in Brazil and know how to craft an itinerary that will not only observe the most respect to the Amazon environment but will also help travelers have the most immersive experience — like these. Bobby's carefully curated selection of boats ranges from small expedition vessels for families to luxury yachts. | Antarctica: Go now, before it gets crowded

An unprecedented number of cruise ships destined for Antarctica are being launched. Eight were delivered last year, and almost as many are expected in 2022. The variety of vessels (ranging from 100 to 530 guests and from casual to ultra-luxurious) opens Antarctica up to travelers who might never have considered the journey before, says Ashton Palmer . It also raises questions about how cruise companies will manage the influx of people. “Most ships are members of, and follow the guidelines set, by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators,” says Ashton. “This self-regulated group has guidelines that require no more than 100 passengers are ashore at any given time.” Growth will raise a challenge, though; Ashton predicts ships limiting the number of sites they visit or the number of landings they make each day. “I would recommend people consider visiting sooner rather than later because more ships will mean more competition for landing sites and also potentially more overcrowding.” | Turkey’s Northern Aegean Coast

“It is still authentic and pristine,” says Karen Fedoko Sefer , a Turkey specialist, “but I do not know how long this will last.” She’s talking about Turkey’s northern Aegean coast, a picturesque stretch of villages, small towns, and historical sites where people are turning their mansions into beautiful boutique hotels , where all of Turkey’s top-notch olive oil and wines are born, where travelers can go hiking and foraging for herbs in the mountains and then cook them with their truly farm-to-table dinner. While much of Europe is seeing worsening tourist crowds, the local people here are trying to preserve this coastline and keep mass tourism out . To experience it respectfully, leave Istanbul and drive along the Marmara Sea. Wind around the Gallipoli Peninsula, to Ayvalik for some olive oil tasting, and then to Junda Island where you can stay in a restored seaside mansion and sail on a private yacht. The next day, take a cooking class in Edremit, where you can pick herbs from the fields for the dinner you’ll prepare. Then it’s on to Urla, for a wine tasting from ancient vines that have been restored and which are now producing world-class pours. A short flight from Izmir will take you back to Istanbul. |South Africa: Safaris are now possible in one week

New nonstop flights to the African continent from the United States are a welcome trend for all us exotic-travel lovers who are so time-poor . It started last year when Kenya Airways launched a nonstop between New York’s JFK and Nairobi (see “Kenya: New flights make African safaris easier” in Where To Travel in 2019). This year, there’s even bigger news: United’s introduction of a nonstop route between Newark and Cape Town. It’s been 20 years since there was a nonstop flight from the U.S. to Cape Town, and it will cut flight time down to just 14.5 hours from New York. Travelers no longer need to fritter away valuable vacation hours flying via Europe, or transferring via Johannesburg, in order to access the increasingly exciting food, art, and cultural offerings of Cape Town. Better yet, a safari is now possible even if you’ve got only one week of vacation. You can sample two or three first-rate safari lodges or tented camps, and top that off with a couple of days in Cape Town, all within a 9-day/8-night period (a week plus a weekend). As for the next nonstop to Africa on the horizon, the country to get that will be Morocco. Following Royal Air Maroc’s launch of nonstop service between Miami and Casablanca earlier this year , American Airlines will start flying nonstop from Philadelphia to Casablanca in summer 2022. So both the top and bottom of Africa will soon be that much more accessible. It’s about time. Visit our safari page to learn more! | Cuba: A well-kept secret

Misconceptions abound when it comes to travel to Cuba these days. In truth, travelers can still visit easily—and the fact that most people don’t realize that is what makes 2022 the ideal time to go. In contrast to the rush of tourists who poured in after President Obama loosened restrictions in 2014, large tour groups and cruise ships were banned in June 2019. The significant lessening of crowds that has resulted is not only a reason to get to Cuba soon—before the upcoming election potentially changes travel policy yet again—but also a reason why the experience is more enjoyable. There are more boutique luxury hotels, better-paved roads, and increased internet access too . But the best reason to visit Cuba in 2022 is the same one it’s always been: the people. What’s changed is that now, without group tours pushing through on an assembly line, you can meet local artists, cooks, and musicians in more rewarding ways; for example, dining together in paladares (privately owned restaurants), dancing the salsa in private classes, or sipping mojitos with Grammy-nominated musicians. | Oslo: An architectural boom

Art and architecture fans are excited about Oslo this year, thanks to the unveiling of three eye-popping additions to the city’s skyline. “Oslo is getting a makeover,” says Jan Sortland , Wendy’s WOW List specialist for Norway. In the spring (tentatively April), the new Munch Museum will be unveiled. Designed by innovative Spanish architecture firm Estudio Herreros, the building is made from recyclable concrete and steel and will finally give The Scream a permanent home where it can always be on view. The National Museum is also moving into larger digs in 2022. In addition to providing expanded gallery space (conservators will be moving in more than 100,000 pieces before the opening), the sleek gray expanse is focused on creating open and inviting public spaces, including a rooftop terrace, an airy library, and several cultural and performance venues. Oslo’s new National Library will also open in the spring of 2022, opposite the waterfront Opera House. The library will be almost lacy and translucent, with a façade that will glow different colors at night, depending on what activities and events are going on inside. Visitors can of course browse the extensive book collections, but will also be able to take advantage of a movie theater, media workshops, gaming zones, lounges, and a restaurant. | Panama: Under-the-radar tropical islands

Thanks to its rapidly expanding airport hub, Frank-Gehry-designed Biomuseo, and improving tourism infrastructure, Panama has been climbing onto people’s radar for the past few years. While most people know the country for its famous canal, WOW List specialist Pierre Gedeon is hoping travelers will start paying more attention to its lush rainforests, local traditions, ancient forts, outdoor activities and coffee plantations . What’s more, its coastal islands are home to new luxe resorts that immerse travelers in Panama’s natural environment while also protecting it. A 400-acre, private-island resort off the country’s Pacific coast, Isla Palenque has eight thatch-roofed casitas and one villa constructed out of sustainably sourced local materials. Guests can hike through primary rainforest, snorkel through the Chiriqui National Marine Park, learn about the island’s pre-Columbian cultures via anthropological excursions, or soak in the sun on the island’s seven different beaches. Solar-powered Isla Secas, opened in 2019, is another eco-retreat off the Pacific coast; it’s set on a 14-island archipelago with private casitas. Over on Panama’s Caribbean coast, the Bocas del Toro archipelago is where sun seekers will find the Red Frog Beach Island Resort . This is a more classic Caribbean-style resort with villas, lofts, and condominiums, but thanks to its location near the equator, it is outside the hurricane zone. From mid-December through the end of April is Panama’s dry season; to spot humpback whales, visit the Pacific Coast between August and October. | Negev Desert, Israel: Remote relaxation

Carved out of a cliff in the Arava Valley of the Negev Desert, the Six Senses Shaharut is due to open in the spring of 2022. Until now, travelers’ only high-end desert-oasis option was the Beresheet. The Six Senses will be more remote, with only half the number of rooms (60 suites and pool villas). The difference, says Jonathan Rose , Israel specialist on The WOW List, is that the experience will feel more exclusive and will offer the luxe touches that the Six Senses brand is known for, including its signature spa and hammam treatments. Guests can try overnight camel camping, hiking, rock climbing, safaris, and wine tours, or learn about Six Senses’ local sustainability efforts at its Earth Lab. | Madrid: An old city gets a new spark

With the opening of the Four Seasons and the re-opening of Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid will be turning heads again in 2022, says specialist Virginia Irurita . As she explains: The area around the hotels, Barrio de las Letras and Puerta del Sol, had long been eschewed by Madrileños for being too touristy but is now undergoing a renaissance, with new shops, restaurants, and pedestrian-friendly streets that will encourage mingling between locals and travelers. Small businesses, artisan shops, galleries, and mom-and-pop cafés and restaurants are also opening in the surrounding neighborhoods, raising Madrid’s profile as a destination for those interested in art, design, and gastronomy. | Taninthari Region, Myanmar

The Taninthari region in the south of Myanmar remains untouched and charming—a place where visitors (who are few and far between) will find quaint fishing villages, spectacular beaches, fishermen who still dive for pearls, and the semi-nomadic Moken peoples, whose ancient culture is based on the sea. Bordering the Andaman Sea and the Tenasserim Hills, the area’s key towns to explore are Dawei, Myeik and Kawthaung. Travelers can also charter a boat and sail the pristine Mergui Archipelago. Why do this now? “The place is changing,” says Toni Neubauer , a Myanmar specialist on The WOW List. “After a two-year suspension, plans are again underway to build Southeast Asia’s largest deep-sea port and a special economic zone in Dawei, the capital of the region.” This quiet coastline could soon be transformed into a major commercial center. | Matera, Italy: The new Puglia

Puglia has been hot for a few years now. It’s the region of Italy located just across from the Amalfi Coast (it’s in the heel of the boot-shaped country) and, thanks to its reputation for friendly people and charming villages, its popularity has skyrocketed. “When you walk around in the small towns it is very easy and fun to interact with the locals and truly feel part of the local community,” says Andrea Grisdale , one of Wendy’s WOW List specialists for Italy. But for those who are ready to explore an even lesser-known gem of Italy, nearby Matera is where they should be headed. And soon. The town, located in the Basilicata region about an hour from Puglia, is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Its pride is the sassi, more than a thousand ancient dwellings and churches carved into the natural rock of the town’s steep limestone ravine. The historic grottoes haven’t always been so appreciated, however. After seeing them in 1950, Italian Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi declared the cave homes decrepit and unsanitary and ordered that all residents be cleared out and moved into new housing projects. As a result, the area was abandoned and devolved into a crime-filled slum. Luckily, within ten years locals were already working to save and rehabilitate their unique historic town, and eventually their efforts paid off. In 1993, UNESCO recognized the sassi for their outstanding universal value, and today, the caves have been transformed into hotels, bars, restaurants, shops, and private homes. “Matera is not the easiest place to reach, which is why it has managed to remain relatively unknown,” Andrea says. “When you are driving toward Matera and it finally comes into view, the first thing that most people tell us comes to mind is that it resembles strongly the way Jerusalem is portrayed in so many movies.” | Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

In 2017, Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc on the Caribbean, including Virgin Gorda. The quiet and undeveloped island is back in business, and in March, Rosewood’s esteemed Little Dix Bay resort will unveil its multimillion-dollar renovation. “Virgin Gorda is perfect for travelers looking to go a little more off the grid but still have access to plenty of activities,” says Lindsey Epperly Sulek , Caribbean specialist. “The island is known for the Baths, a natural geological formation that is simply beautiful, but it’s also the perfect home base to island-hop to other spots, like Anegada or Jost Van Dyke.” Little Dix Bay is set in 500 acres of natural gardens and, if it sounds familiar, that’s because it’s famed for being the eco resort that conservationist Laurance Rockefeller built as his family retreat more than a half century ago. Talk to Lindsey about a special promotion she can offer, which allows guests to buy four nights and get the fifth for free through April. | The Lakes District: Argentina

While many Patagonia-bound travelers head to Torres del Paine national park in the south, Argentina’s Lakes District in the north is an up-and-coming—and more affordable—hub for outdoor adventure. Base yourself in the town of San Carlos de Bariloche, in a picturesque valley between the Andes and the large glacial Nahuel Huapi Lake. Known for its Swiss-style architecture and Argentine chocolate, Bariloche is the area’s hub for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor sports. It’s also home to some of the country’s best lodges, such as the five-star Llao Llao golf and spa resort and the Relais & Chateaux Las Balsas property, and critically acclaimed restaurants such as Cassis (recently reopened), Butterfly, and La Salamander. Expect an influx of visitors around the total eclipse on December 14, 2022, cautions Jordan Harvey , an Argentina specialist; he recommends October through March (Argentina’s spring, summer, and fall) as the optimal time of year to visit. “October and November are quiet and lush, and hotels are usually in their lower-rate categories,” he says, adding that this is a time when Southern Patagonia’s weather is good, so a trip could be combined. “On the flip side, March is still really lush and temperate with fewer visitors, and nice for an overall trip in Argentina combining a few regions.” | Gascony: France’s unsung food Mecca

Foodies should head to Gascony sooner rather than later. This agricultural region in the southwest of France doesn’t boast any celebrity chefs, fancy hotel chains, or corporate wineries—and that is exactly its draw. The rich food, roadside distilleries, lively local market towns, and rolling farmland are the stars of this rural area, which remains slower-paced and less trafficked than the beaten paths of its neighbor Bordeaux. A good way to access Gascony’s culinary (and cultural) nooks and crannies is via the scenic Canal a la Garonne, on a canal barge cruise. Much smaller and homier than river ships (and, in some cases, completely private), barges meander slowly through the countryside, stopping frequently to explore villages, sights, and restaurants. Many of the vessels are owned and operated by locals, an arrangement that enables guests to make meaningful—and delicious—connections.

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10 of the Best Destinations to Travel to in 2022

Matt Moffitt

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Travel in 2021 has been characterized by a focus on domestic trips and some (limited) international excursions. As we look to 2022 with the pandemic (hopefully) fading into the distance, many popular tourism destinations are starting to reopen, offering intrepid travelers a great opportunity to explore them before mass tourism returns. Here are the 10 best destinations to visit in 2022.

All of the destinations in this list are either already open, or expected to open in 2022, to fully vaccinated tourists from the US. However, given the fast-changing dynamic of the pandemic, it is recommended that you check official sources for information on entry requirements both when booking and closer to your departure date.

Australia & New Zealand

The Sydney Opera House (left) and Queenstown, New Zealand (right)

These two far-flung countries have been closed to foreign travelers for almost two years. Now that they have abandoned their ‘COVID-zero approach’ to the pandemic, they will soon be welcoming to their shores tourists from abroad.

Australia, being almost the same size as the 48 contiguous U.S. states, offers an array of travel experiences, from cosmopolitan city stays in Sydney and Melbourne, to yachting out to the Great Barrier Reef, and excursions through the vast outback.

If you are visiting between April and October, it’s best to focus your adventures on the northern part of the country (Queensland and the Northern Territory), which enjoy warm temperatures but little rain at this time of year. Conversely, if you’re heading there during southern summer months (broadly November through March), then New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania are the best places to be.

New Zealand is only a three-hour flight from the east coast of Australia, and so can be combined on the same trip. Wellington, the capital, is an underrated tourist destination, with world-class food and museums.

Then head south to one of the adventure capitals of the world, Queenstown. And tack on a visit to Wanaka, located one hour north of Queenstown, less busy, and full of beautiful nature and snowfields.

Singapore is a mecca for tourists, offering incredible food from many different cultures (be sure to check out the world-famous hawker centers), as well as shop-till-you-drop adventures on Orchard Road, the city’s busiest commercial street.

Bucket list items: a visit to Gardens By The Bay (Singapore’s top-rated activity on TripAdvisor), a drink by the rooftop pool at the unique Marina Bay Sands Hotel, and a visit to Sentosa Island.

It’s easy to get around Singapore on public transport. Plus, English is widely spoken and public safety is high.

United Kingdom

London bus in front of Big Ben Clock Tower in London, England

There is a lot of pent-up travel demand from both Americans wanting to visit the U.K. and Brits wanting to visit us too.

Get in early and beat the crowds with a visit to London, one of the most dynamic cities on this planet. Be sure to catch a show on the West End, and take a daytrip to Bath to visit the old Roman baths and ruins (it’s only 90 mins away by train).

If you’re looking to get out of the metropolis, then Manchester is a good bet, famous for its free museums, extensive sporting history, and fun nightlife.

Then why not head further north to Edinburgh, visiting the famed Edinburgh Castle, and perhaps even enjoying a hike in the Scottish Highlands?

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Georgia & Armenia

Tblisi, Georgia (left) and Yerevan, Armenia (right)

For those who like up-and-coming travel destinations, look no further. Georgia offers delicious food, beautiful mountain towns, gorgeous hiking in the Caucasus Mountains, and wine country to rival Napa and Sonoma (dry red wine is the most popular variety here).

Neighboring Armenia is known for its early Christian history, pristine nature, and hospitable locals, and is somewhat still unspoiled by mass tourism.

These two neighboring countries sit east of the Black Sea, wedged between Turkey and Russia. You can visit both on the same trip, with a suggestion to spend 7-10 days in each country.

The Lakes District (to the south of Santiago) features towering volcanoes, pristine lakes, and lush greenery. It’s an awe-inspiring place and a great option during the (southern) summer.

Heading further south, you’ll reach Puerto Montt, the jumpoff point for excursions to Patagonia. It’s best to come here between December and February, when there is less snow cover and you can enjoy more open hiking trails.

This land of ancient ruins and beautiful islands was a popular destination in the summer of 2021, and 2022 is set be similar—but on a larger scale.

This country sells itself—with idyllic coasts, food to make you salivate, and a whole lot of nightlife and dancing.

If you’re interested in visiting in 2022, book flights and accommodation early. You might want to consider traveling in June or September, when the weather and sea temperatures are warm but crowds thinner.

7 Secret Tips for Finding Travel Deals

The frontage of Al-Qalawun Complex in Cairo, Egypt

Speaking of ancient wonders, there are few destinations in the world like Egypt. Built around the mighty Nile River, the most populous country in the Arab world is home to one of the world’s earliest and greatest civilizations, offering travelers a rich history, majestic monuments, and golden sand beaches.

The best times to visit Egypt are during the shoulder months of April-May and October-November, when you’ll get a reprieve from the scorching summer temperatures.

This sultanate, located on the far eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula, has been creeping onto travelers’ radars over the past few years.

Known for its ecotourism, travelers to Oman can take excursions through its many wadis (river valleys), palm-fringed oases, and white sandy beaches. The most comfortable months to visit weatherwise are between November and March.

This South Pacific island nation is at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists, offering miles of palm-lined beaches, luxurious private resorts and spas, and warm hospitality thrown in for good measure. Families will be happy as Fijians are known for their love of children.

Nonstop flights are available from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Honolulu, making this heavenly destination a top choice for those on the West Coast.

The Five Happiest Countries in the World

Grand Palace of Bangkok, Thailand with city skyline in the background

There’s a reason the Land of Smiles is the most visited country in Southeast Asia. It combines warm hospitality, mouth-watering food, and stunning beaches and mountains.

Be sure to carve out some time to visit bustling Bangkok, with unrivaled shopping and nightlife, and Chiang Mai in the north, offering a contrast with its lush mountains and popular nature attractions.

The country reopened to fully-vaccinated tourists on November 1. Best to get there before tourists swarm its pristine beaches again.

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

The 8 International Destinations Topping Our Readers’ Travel Lists

Destinations

International travel is poised to make a surge in 2022 and our readers are ready! Over 35 percent of our readers, age 50 and up, plan to make at least one international journey this year. The top eight destinations include beautiful European bucket list spots, as well as our easy-to-get-to neighbors like Canada and Mexico. Read on to discover the full list!

With favorites like Rome and more quaint towns like Calabria , there is a certain charm Italy has year-round, and our readers continue to bask in it. Between the beautiful landscape and cherished history that lives on in Italy, it would be difficult to choose between a countryside, Tuscany road trip , or a visit to the historic bell tower of Lake Resia .

Aside from the memorable destinations to visit in Italy, TravelAwaits has provided tips on communicating like an Italian and has even explored the world of prosciutto .

Speaking of food, you can’t mention Italy without it. From food tours in northern Italy to the best truffle festivals all around the country, it’s safe to say that there’s something for even the pickiest of eaters to enjoy along the Italian streets.

Italy is a destination that is hard to pass over when planning your international vacation. But who knows? Maybe you’ll visit and fall in love with some leaning Italian towers that aren’t located in Pisa .

street at Banff city Canada during winter

As many people know, during wintertime, Canada is transformed into a wonderland of snow. It’s also the perfect chance to explore the powdery terrain of the Trans Canada Trail , or be swooned by the charm of a Canadian Christmas village .

But the fun doesn’t stop when the holiday season is over. Visit British Columbia’s Vancouver Island and discover the visual euphoria of Butchart Gardens . Another one of our more popular destinations, Prince Edward Island provides travelers the opportunity to soak in one of Canada’s best coastal experiences as well as a literary road trip based on Anne of Green Gables .

Whether it’s how to spend a day in St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador or how to enjoy lobster in Nova Scotia , TravelAwaits has you covered when it comes to all things Canada. And, before you pinpoint that perfect town to check off your travel list, be sure to see our 2021 guide to Canada’s friendliest small towns .

When it comes to luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and delectable cuisine, Mexico has all of the above. Ponder your destination choices with places like Isla Mujeres or Isla Holbox . But if narrowing down your options tends to be a tricky task, simply enjoy all there is to do in the country’s capital , Mexico City .

Not only does the beauty and relaxation of Mexico continue to attract visitors worldwide, but its history is also worth noting — Mexico being one of the premier destinations to learn about the ancient Maya civilization . Visit Yucatan to traverse through two archeological sites at Chichen Itza and Uxmal, get over to Quintana Roo to learn about the Maya ruins of Coba, or explore all three in one trip !

With coastal towns like Tulum and Sayulita , and some of the country’s freshest lobster on the Yucatan Islands , Mexico is sure to joy travelers of all walks of life — but especially expats .

Paris (France)

While many travelers look to be indulged in the Parisian culture of the Eiffel Tower and the many things that make Paris the City of Lights , others might prefer to enjoy a quiet picnic or pamper themselves with a French spa . Either way, Paris alone can fill the itineraries of casual and professional travelers alike.

Throughout the year, travel became a bit complicated. But our writers still kept readers informed on their favorite destinations, especially Paris . Although it might be known for things like cafés and history , the city also has luxurious champagne bars and enticing train trips from Paris for visitors to explore.

While good food , better views , and historic locations all attract Paris’s eclectic mix of tourists, it’s the shopping that really makes the city’s individuality stand out. If you’re already knee deep in the culture and history of Paris, double down and check out one of the city’s most well-known vintage shops . If you’re a heavy-hitting fashion guru, however, you may want to be pointed in the direction of Paris’s best designer bargains .

Whatever it may be, Paris is designed to thrill visitors. And if you don’t know where to stay, check out these luxurious hostels , one of many options for overnight stays in the city.

View of the old city center and the cathedral from the top of the Space Metropol Parasol (Setas de Sevilla)

It’s no surprise that our readers are looking forward to visiting the beautiful Mediterranean country of Spain . From the laid back culture, preserved historical architecture, delectable cuisine, and incredible coastal beaches, Spain is always at the top of travel bucket lists.

Spain offers a rich history for travelers to explore, like the 11th-century town of Avila , dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spectacular castles dot the countryside, including Alcazar de Segovia , the castle said to have inspired Cinderella’s in Walt Disney World . Venture over to the Atlantic coast to take in Costa da Morte , or Coast of Death, which, despite the name, has fabulous beaches to relax on during your trip.

Foodies will love the authentic and flavorful Spanish cuisine found around every corner. Discover some of the top bars and tapas restaurants in Seville and some of the best spots to enjoy paella in Barcelona . Don’t miss stopping by the oldest restaurant in the world if you’re traveling through Spain! This restaurant has been open for over 300 years and is known for its mouth-watering suckling pig.

Ireland is another popular travel destination for Americans; it tops many ancestral trail bucket lists. It is truly a charming country to explore, speckled throughout with friendly, culture-rich villages.

We all know the traditional Irish color is green and that’s because this country is full of rich green landscape, as far as the eye can see. Renting a car and road-tripping through the narrow, windy highways is an excellent way to meet locals and experience the true culture. Make sure to pop into a few pubs along the way, especially Sean’s Bar in Athlone , quite possibly the oldest operational bar in the world.

Many travelers choose to start their trip in Dublin , the capital of Ireland and the perfect hub to begin and end day trips . Don’t miss visiting the incredible Cliffs of Moher , an easy 3-hour drive from the city. History lovers and superstitious travelers alike will love seeing the Blarney Castle in County Cork , less than 4 hours from the city. Legend has it, if you lie on your back and bend back to kiss the stone, you’ll be blessed with the “gift of gab.” (We can’t speak to whether or not this will be a blessing for the rest of your travel group.)

London (England)

England , in particular, the capital city of London , is the next international hotspot our readers can’t wait to visit in 2022. Since English is clearly the primary language, the country is comfortable and friendly for Americans to vacation.

London is one of the world’s oldest cities and many historic buildings and traditions remain intact. Make sure to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Westminster Abbey , a medieval Gothic church that has been home to many significant events, including the crownings of kings and queens since 1066. Speaking of royalty, everyone has to check out Kensington Palace , home to many members of the royal family, and Buckingham Palace , the official home of the queen. The Changing Of The Guards at Buckingham Palace ceremony happens daily at 11 a.m. and is a huge tourist attraction. Check online first to make sure your chosen day has a public ceremony scheduled.

Aside from royals, London is rich with renowned museums , great foodie finds , and fabulous champagne bars . Make sure to map out your journey in advance; public transportation is the easiest way to venture but can cause some initial confusion.

Germany , another popular travel destination, offers visitors a chance to explore the rich culture, carefully preserved cities, and plenty of outdoor activities in the countryside. Plus, who doesn’t want to experience at least one Oktoberfest in its homeland?

Many people may first think of the larger cities, like Berlin and Munich , when planning a Germany trip. Of course, war historians must spend time exploring these cities. Berlin houses many preserved World War II sites; check out our writer’s top recommendations here . And, the town of Dachau, just northwest of Munich, draws almost a million visitors annually for a somber experience, visiting one of Germany’s most infamous concentration camps .

This country is also full of smaller medieval towns like Regensburg , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town, complete with cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved ancient architecture, is the oldest city along the Danube River . The southern part of the German countryside is ripe with wineries, perfect to stop for a sip while taking in the serene hilly landscape. Germans love their water activities and every traveler should spend a day relaxing on one of the best islands in the Baltic Sea, Rügen .

For more 2022 travel inspiration, check out:

The 10 States That Top Our Readers 2022 Travel Lists
14 Quaint U.S. Islands To Explore In 2022
22 Best Places To Camp In 2022

Allison is the General Manager at TravelAwaits . She has a strong passion for the outdoors and loves spending her weekends hiking, horseback riding, and exploring with her family and three oversized dogs. Her favorite travel destination is Colorado, especially Rocky Mountain National Park, where she once spent time as a wrangler leading horseback trail rides through the park. Allison has worked for TravelAwaits' parent company, Quillt Media, since 2016 in various roles, including Business Development, SEO management, and Advertising Operations. Currently, she manages brand partnerships, site enhancements, and new marketing initiatives.

Brian has a passion for film and his hobbies include writing movie reviews, playing and watching soccer, and exploring the city of Philadelphia. He has published stories for the online publication Philadelphia Neighborhoods and his coverage went on to win the 2021 Division I Keystone Student Media Award for Best Ongoing News Coverage.

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Slow travel, staycations and city life: How will we travel in 2022?

Wondering what travel trends will look like in the year ahead? We gaze into our crystal ball and see what’s hot for 2022

Cornwall, UK (Shutterstock)

Staycations are here to stay

With borders opening across the world, some people will be desperate to catch the next plane abroad. However, many of us have been learning about the hidden gems on our doorsteps with this extensive time spent at home. Our love for staycations will flow into 2022, as we continue to explore the beautiful, diverse and lesser-known landscapes, from wonderful wild spots to overlooked small towns.

Discover some of the best bucket list adventures in Britain

Machu Picchu without the crowds (Shutterstock)

Seeing places without the crowds

For those who do want to venture beyond their homes, there might not be a better time to visit some of those bucket list destinations, especially any honeypot sites. Travel will continue to be quieter than it was pre-pandemic, meaning popular cities, landmarks and tourist attractions will have fewer visitors, creating a much more relaxed experience, especially out of season.

The streets of Hoi An, Vietnam (Shutterstock)

Slow and sustainable

After years of chasing our favourite destinations, flitting from country to country, trying to cross off as many places on our scratch maps as possible, the pandemic forced us to stop in our tracks and reassess. What do we want from travel? If we want to experience the truly authentic side of a place, we need to slow down, stay longer and take it all in. It’s a chance to connect with the people, culture, and our surroundings. It’s a way to live like the locals do, and explore deeper, by train, bike, or foot. On top of this, slow travel will reduce your carbon footprint, minimising your impact on the environment. Bonus!

Scenic train journey through Sri Lanka (Shutterstock)

Travelling by train

With slow travel going full steam ahead, it looks like there is going to be a boom in people exploring destinations by rail. With new, eco-friendly trainlines popping up all over the world, it will be easier, now more than ever, to admire some of the most scenic spots of a country from the comfort of a cosy carriage. Whether you’re there to enjoy the ride, or just trying to get from A to B – trains are in.

Discover some of the world’s best railway journeys

Amazing eco lodge (Shutterstock)

Upgrade travel

No, this doesn’t mean just getting first class seats on a flight (although, that would be nice too). Upgrade travel is our version of ‘revenge’ travel. Many travellers will feel robbed of important adventure time during the pandemic, and have now saved up enough pennies to splash out on those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Perhaps you’ll pick that extra-luxurious eco lodge in Costa Rica, or escape to a paradise island in the Caribbean? Wherever you go, it’s time to treat yourself.

New Orleans. Louisiana (Shutterstock)

Rediscovering city life

We’ve been keeping our distance for far too long – It’s time to experience the buzz of city life again. Many places have been adapting to a different way of life, so when we return, the streets will feel fresher and more vibrant than ever before. We want to visit those pavement cafes, discover new museums and exhibition, immerse ourselves in the culture, creativity, and history of these lesser-known and less-crowded hubs. The question is, which one will you choose?

Austria hiking (Shutterstock)

Nature nurtures

The ultimate digital detox. Leave your phone, zoom meetings, and most of all, social media at home and be at one with the great outdoors. Whether you’re exploring Europe’s refreshing and rejuvenating forests, mountains, and lakes, or getting lost in the remarkable desert landscapes across the Middle East, it’s time to immerse yourself in the wonderful world nature created. It’s good for the soul.

More travel inspiration for 2022

Bucket list natural wonders of the world, dreamy places to stay in 2022, 15 epic walking trails for 2022.

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2022: Daring to Explore Again

Long-postponed trips sometimes fizzled into staycations as Covid lurked and costs rose. But when we were finally able to travel, we were dazzled anew.

Supported by

By Morrigan McCarthy

Dec. 20, 2022

This was the year the world (mostly) reopened for travel. It came in fits and starts, and a year that was supposed to be the year of big travel turned, for many, into a summer of staycations with rising costs and yet another spike in Covid cases. But travel did come back, eventually, and with it a whole host of postponements , cancellations and general chaos .

When we were finally able to get back out there and explore, many found that travel looked a little different, whether because of climate change , economic change or simply because our own ideas of what constitutes a good vacation had shifted in the course of the time that we mostly stayed home.

As the last couple of years have taught us, the ability to travel is truly a gift, and as we plan the adventures that 2023 will hopefully hold, let’s all agree never to take it for granted.

On the New York Times Travel desk, we spent 2022 navigating the twists and turns of this year along with everyone else. We dared to dream a bit, and this fall we brought back the popular column 36 Hours, after a two-year hiatus:

A skyline of lit skyscrapers stretches across the frame, looking south in Manhattan. The sky is pink with bands of dark clouds.

Does the cabin crew ever get scared in the air? Can middle-seat passengers really claim both armrests? How do I survive a flight with my toddler? Kristie Koerbel , a 20-year veteran flight attendant shared tips and answered all our questions — and some we never thought to ask.

We got lost in the beauty and community of train travel and explored new alternatives to what (in the United States at least) has often been considered the least comfortable form of travel — long-haul buses:

If you preferred a more meandering kind of two-wheeled travel, Alex Crevar wrote about riding his bicycle from Italy to Croatia , taking in ancient traditions, sublime food and perched-village photo ops:

We brought you to the far corners of the world through spectacular photography:

And finally, we had some suggestions for stretching your travel budget, including some alternative locales to consider , ideas for traveling in Europe as a retiree and much more from our Frugal Travel column , which has been covering budget travel for almost 30 years! It’s something to consult as you plan — maybe you can squeeze in a little more travel next year than you thought? And isn’t that the dream?

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places for a Changed World for 2022.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

D enver: The city is undergoing a rebirth , with a newly refreshed Union Station and the gradual reopening of the mile-long, pedestrian-friendly 16th Street Mall to go along with views of the snow-capped Front Range.

Amtrak’s Empire Builder Route : Most people who take the 4,000-mile journey from Chicago to Seattle will just watch the heartland whiz by. Our writer hopped off to explore six places you might otherwise miss .

Provincetown, Mass.: Located at the tip of Cape Cod, P-town (as locals call it) has overlapping — and sometimes competing — identities : one of America’s oldest art colonies, nature preserve, thriving L.G.B.T.Q. resort and historic Portuguese fishing village.

Lake Como, Italy: Stars like George Clooney frequent this scenic corner of northern Italy, but you might be surprised by how affordable it can be. Here’s an insider’s guide .

South of France: Horses, bulls and birds of all types live among the pink marshes of the Camargue, a rugged landscape shaped by the relentless push and pull of sea and river.

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Books in Order: Moon Middle East & Africa Travel Guide by Sarah Smierciak

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From the breathtaking sites of the ancient world to the colorful corals of the Red Sea, experience a land of treasures with Moon Egypt. Inside you'll find:Strategic, flexible itineraries including a two-week best of Egypt trip Can't-miss experiences: Wander in the shadows of… Read More

Moon Morocco

Grand imperial cities, calm desert oases, Mediterranean beaches, and ancient history: experience an incredible crossroads of culture with Moon Morocco. Inside you'll find:Flexible itineraries for visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites and holy places, plus a two-week best of Morocco trip to Marrakesh, Casablanca,… Read More

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Intro Regional Airports in Decline Pickleball on the Rise "Golden Age" Travel Western Getaways Outdoor Gear Trends Not Your Grandma's Timeshare Reunion Destinations BeReal & Authentic Travel Social Media CLOSE Part of 2023 Travel Trends

TripSavvy Is Examining 2022's Biggest Travel Trends

We take a look at the most significant industry shifts this year

Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to hop on the inaugural sailing of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Prima , the first in a six-ship class. When I accepted my invitation to join, I knew that the Prima was loaded with a bunch of "firsts"—the first three-level racetrack at sea, the first free-fall slide, the first-ever food hall on a cruise ship. And while all of these attractions were, in a word, incredible, what first drew me in was the pickleball court.

I used to play tennis in middle school and high school, but since moving to New York, I've only picked up a racquet all of one time. So on Day One of my cruise, when half the passengers hadn't boarded yet, my mom and I took advantage of the relative emptiness of the ship and made a beeline for the pickleball court. It was caged in, the metal bars there to keep balls from flying over the ship's side, and four paddles and a couple of whiffle balls were ready for the taking. Having never played before, I thought it would be a lot like tennis, but it took a surprising bit of arm power to send the ball over the net with a resounding thwack.

Those moments with my mom, tossing the ball up in the air and shuffling up and down the court, ended up ranking among my favorites onboard the Prima. It's a good thing we went when we did: word on the ship was that it was one of the most popular activities on board, and we likely would have had to wait hours to play had we gone some other time. In fact, it was such a hit that a representative of NCL shared with TripSavvy that pickleball will be on every ship in the Prima fleet.

Truly, pickleball is seemingly taking the world by storm. It's the country's fastest-growing sport (case in point: our company now has a dedicated pickleball Slack channel), and as travel writer Lisa Davis writes in her newest feature for TripSavvy , pickleball courts have even been popping up at hotels across the U.S.

But pickleball isn't the only thing that's revolutionizing the travel space. This December, TripSavvy is looking at the hottest trends in travel. From the decline of regional airports to the rise of reunion destinations , from the resurgence of Golden Age travel to BeReal transforming the way we use social media on the road, the post-pandemic world has steered jet setting as we previously knew it in unexpected yet wonderful ways. In our newest package of features, we wanted not only to create a time capsule of 2022, but also to predict where we expect travel to be heading in the new year. We hope these stories delight, intrigue, and inspire you as you plan your 2023 travels.

2023 Travel Trends

Related articles, more related articles.

IMAGES

5 Travel Trends in 2022
Best in Travel 2022
2022 Luxury Travel Trends Guide
2022 Travel Trends
Travel in 2022: A Look Ahead
What Travel Will Be Like in 2022

COMMENTS

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Here's to 2022 travel being as enriching as possible. If you're looking for 2022 travel inspiration, you might want to get your hands on a copy of The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places on Earth 2022, a picture-packed book that reveals our writers' recommendations for top destinations to visit in the coming year.
Where to travel 2022: The best destinations to visit
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Mount Desert Island's lake and ponds are another plus. For most of the summer, you can jump off the rocks at Echo Lake Ledges or hike to the distant parts of Long Pond, where you'll be rewarded with crystal clear water and, often, few other swimmers in sight. —Sally Kohn. 7. Houston, Texas.
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W e've scoured the globe and selected the best places to travel in 2022. Whether because they're under-the-radar or up-and-coming, whether because of new cultural attractions, much-anticipated hotel openings, a dining renaissance, or new cruise itineraries, these destinations are in that magical sweet spot: well equipped and ready for discerning travelers, but not yet overrun by tourists.
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Germans love their water activities and every traveler should spend a day relaxing on one of the best islands in the Baltic Sea, Rügen. For more 2022 travel inspiration, check out: The top 8 international destinations include beautiful European countries, as well as our neighbors Canada and Mexico.
Slow travel, staycations and city life: How will we travel in 2022?
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Moon Middle East & Africa Travel Guide
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50 Places to Travel in 2022 (Best Emerging Destinations)
50 Emerging Places to Travel in 2022. 1. Querétaro, Mexico. Move over Valle de Guadalupe, there's a new Napa Valley of Mexico. Travel Lemming's Photography Editor Clara in Queretaro. Winemaking is absolutely booming in this quiet Mexican state, thanks to Querétaro's many microclimates.
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TripSavvy Is Examining 2022's Biggest Travel Trends
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Check National Rail live trains real time status and departure boards for all train stations. Get train times, station and platform details before departure.

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The Best Places to Travel in 2022

1. Russian River Valley, California

2. Chicago, Illinois

3. Métis Crossing, Alberta, Canada

4. Portland, Jamaica

5. Arica and Parinacota, Chile

6. Acadia National Park, Maine

7. Houston, Texas

8. Charlotte, North Carolina

9. Anguilla

10. Bermuda

11. Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico

12. Washington, D.C.

13. Ten Thousand Islands, Florida

14. Northern Minnesota

15. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica

16. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

17. Luxor, Egypt

18. Jinja, Uganda

19. Karoo, South Africa

20. Turkana, Kenya

21. Ibadan, Nigeria

22. Negev Desert, Israel

23. Imlil, Morocco

24. Copenhagen, Denmark

25. Turquoise Coast, Turkey

26. Fontainebleau, France

27. Bristol, England

28. San Miniato, Italy

29. Gorski Kotar & Lika, Croatia

30. Bundoran, Ireland

31. Saxony, Germany

32. Sri Lanka

33. Singapore

34. Goa, India

35. Cairns, Australia

36. Tokorozawa Sakura Town, Japan

37. Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

38. Phong Nha, Vietnam

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