Wander-Lush

35 Unusual Holiday Destinations for Alternative Travellers

The very best quirky, unconventional and unusual holiday destinations for travellers who love to go their own way.

Do you consider yourself an unconventional tourist, or are you happy enough to stick to the path well travelled?

‘Off the beaten track’ is one of the most overused phrases in travel writing. In this day and age, there are few destinations truly worthy of such a title. But it’s also true that there’s never been a better time to break from the crowd and travel off the radar.

Also read: 25 best alternative city breaks in Europe .

Some of these holiday destinations are considered unusual because they’re remote and difficult to reach. Others have a harsh climate or are misunderstood, while some are simply overlooked for more touristy alternatives.

Whether it’s pristine nature, complete solitude or authentic cultural encounters you seek, this list has something for you. Compiled by a list of expert travellers, each of these places is utterly underrated and more than worthy of your consideration as an alternative holiday destination.

Browse the full list or use the links below to find a favourite.

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35 unusual holiday destinations that should be on your radar

With the help of my favourite travel bloggers, I scoured every continent to find the best unusual travel destinations worthy of a mention. Here’s what we came up with!

If you have anything more to add, please leave your suggestions in the comments section at the end!

1. Azerbaijan, the land of fire

Editor’s choice

A modern building in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is a strong contender for the world’s most underrated holiday destination.

Compared to its more-popular neighbours, Georgia and Armenia , Azerbaijan’s relatively strict visa policy has been a deterrent for many travellers. But an e-visa introduced in 2017 now makes it easier than ever to travel to Azerbaijan .

Baku, the biggest city, is one of the most curious capitals in the world. Enriched by decades of oil wealth, it boasts ambitious architecture and large-scale civic projects including the Bulvar, a massive seaside boulevard along the Caspian, and the world’s largest flag pole. Icherisheher , Old Baku’s historic core, is a complete contrast, with its Zoroastrian tower and stone caravanserais.

Beyond the city, the otherworldly landscape of the Absheron Peninsula includes mud volcanoes and flaming hillsides (a result of all that subterranean oil). Go mountain hiking, visit the small towns of Guba and Lahic where artisans ply their traditional trades, and visit Sheki , home of the legendary UNESCO Site , the Palace of the Sheki Khans.

2. Oman, for a Middle Eastern road trip

A desert camp in Oman.

The Middle East is the last place most people think of when planning a road trip. But Oman is the perfect place for self-driving.

New highways, cheap fuel and a surplus of things to see make this the perfect spot for an adventurous holiday. If you’re on a budget , you’ll be pleased to know that it’s perfectly legal to pitch a tent almost anywhere you fancy in Oman. A night of glamping in one of the country’s desert camps is also a must.

Start your road trip in Muscat, where you’ll find Oman’s premier cultural institutions and the lively Muttrah Souq, before making your way down the coast. At Ras Al Jinz, the easternmost tip of the Arabian Peninsula, you can visit one of the world’s most active turtle nesting sights.

Inland, Oman offers sweeping deserts, dramatic mountains and valleys for hiking, and a variety of historic fortresses. Drop into some of the many wadis and sinkholes as you go to cool off from the desert heat.

Don’t judge Oman by it’s location on the map – this is an overwhelmingly safe, relatively budget-friendly and abundantly beautiful country with a strong tradition of hospitality and a vibrant, well-preserved cultural heritage.

3. The far north of Vietnam

A large tree hangs over a lake in Northern Vietnam.

Aside from super-popular Sapa and Bac Ha , far Northern-Vietnam is home to a number of lesser-visited national parks and alternative trekking spots. Second or third-time visitors to Vietnam should prioritise spending time in the north.

Ha Giang and Pu Luong both offer underrated landscapes largely free of crowds, while the charming colonial port city of Hai Phong has a similar vibe to Hanoi but with a much slower pace of life. Picking tea in Thai Nguyen, trekking in Moc Chau during spring bloom or tea-picking season , taking a boat out on Ba Be Lake and gazing up at the vertiginous rice terraces around Son La are just a few of the totally unique experiences you can have in Northern Vietnam.

Treat yourself to a local homestay while you’re there – this is far and away the best strategy to get an inside look at some of Vietnam’s many ethnic minority cultures. In Da Bac , yet another hidden gem in the far-north, you can stay with the community in traditional wooden houses while using the small villages as a base for trekking.

4. Transnistria, a breakaway state in Eastern Europe

By Luda from Adventures with Luda

A Lenin statue in front of a Soviet-style building in Transnistria.

Transnistria is an unconventional travel destination for two reasons. First, it’s referred to as ‘a country that doesn’t exist’. Even though it has its own constitution, army, currency, and citizenship, no other sovereign nation actually recognises it as such.

Secondly, Transnistria feels as though it’s stuck in time thanks to the Soviet posters, Lenin statues and 60s-style Khrushchyovka buildings sprinkled around town. Many travellers have called it a ‘Communist theme park’ because of how well-preserved everything is.

Transnistria is the perfect place for travellers who are interested in Soviet history and off-the-beaten-path experiences. It’s easy to reach from Chisinau, Moldova or Odessa, Ukraine and can be part of a day trip or a longer journey.

The majority of things to do in Transnistria are in Tiraspol, the capital. Start off with a walk along October 25th Street, the main road that runs through the city, before stopping at the colourful House of Soviets. See the historical moments on Suvorov Square and take a peek inside the City Library, which still has its Soviet-era murals.

5. Nicosia, the world’s last divided capital

By Helen from Helen on her Holidays

Pretty houses in Nicosia, Cyprus.

Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is the world’s last divided capital city.

Since 1983, the city has been split by the ‘Green Line’, a border between the Republic of Cyprus and Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus.

The border was completely sealed and crossed only by UN peacekeeping forces for decades, but in 2008 the restrictions were relaxed. Today it’s possible to visit both parts of Nicosia . The border crossing and distinct character of the two sides of Nicosia make it one of the world’s most unusual city breaks.

The Greek-speaking Republic side of the border is much like other European capitals, with Starbucks, McDonalds and H&M all present. But at the end of the main shopping street there’s a border crossing, and if you cross into North Nicosia it’s immediately clear that you’ve stepped into a completely different culture.

Both sides of Nicosia have interesting sights, but North Nicosia has the edge in atmosphere and attractions. Don’t miss the stunning mosque set in a former cathedral and the medieval caravanserai.

6. Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, a hidden gem in Canada

By Lee & Stacey from One Trip at a Time

Fall colours in a wide valley.

Most visitors to Nova Scotia will likely visit Halifax, the South Shore, or drive the Cabot Trail. Those who are a little more adventurous might hike the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton , part of the coastal road that encircles the island.

If you’re looking for somewhere less travelled, check out the Annapolis Valley , which may be more than you expect!

History buffs will find places to learn about this part of Canada including the Grand-Pré, a UNESCO World Heritage site that tells the tragic story of Acadian expulsion, and Port-Royal, the first European settlement in Canada founded in 1605.

Food and wine lovers can savour the flavours of the region: Taste hand-picked berries, take a wine tour and tasting at one of the many vineyards, and try the apples the Valley is known for. Locals have been celebrating the annual Apple Blossom Festival here since 1933.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty to love. You can go whale watching in the Bay of Fundy, hike along coastal cliffs or forest trails leading to waterfalls, or canoe and back-country camp in one of the province’s parks or wilderness areas.

All of this is just a taste of what this vibrant region of Nova Scotia has to offer.

7. Mississippi Gulf Coast, the ‘secret coast’

By Charles from McCool Travel

Sunset over a bridge on Mississippi's Gulf Coast.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is one of America’s most underrated destinations and should top every intrepid traveller’s wish list.

This relatively undiscovered area – also called Coastal Mississippi (or The Secret Coast) – is located between New Orleans and Mobile Alabama, and highlighted by gorgeous beaches (with magnificent sunrises and sunsets), abundant waterways, fresh seafood, and a quirky culture.

Popular Coastal Mississippi outdoor activities centre around the USA’s largest man-made beach and largest free-flowing river. At 26 miles wide and 200 feet deep, the continuous beach from Pass Christian to Biloxi is a constant enticement for travellers on the Gulf Coast Scenic Byway. Explore the Pascagoula River on a guided McCoy’s Swamp Tour or rented kayak from Pascagoula River Audubon Center.

Mississippi Gulf Coast is a wonderfully unique and rare coastal ecosystem because of its magnificent live oak trees which magically enhance its two phenomenal small beach towns, Ocean Springs and Bay St Louis.

During your Coastal Mississippi visit, try every version of shrimp and grits and savour as many sunsets as you can.

8. Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, the ‘singing sands’

By Dean and Laynni from Routinely Nomadic

Purple mountains and golden sands in Mongolia's Gobi Desert.

Despite being the most popular destination in Mongolia (which really isn’t saying much considering how few tourists make it there), most travellers still know very little about the sprawling natural beauty of the Gobi Desert .

Fascinating and diverse, it features an impressively desolate and atmospheric desert, along with the 300-metre high ‘singing sands’ of Khongoryn Els, the tallest and most picturesque of the country’s extensive series of wild sand dunes. But there is far more to the Gobi than just desert.

The most efficient way to visit is by rustic-but-adventurous jeep tour. On a typical 7-day, 6-night excursion, you can try horseback riding through the steppes and camel riding through the dunes, enjoy cosy nights and typical Mongolian BBQ in traditional gers , and explore the Flaming Cliffs, the Olgiid Khiid monastery, Yolyn Am gorge, and the deceptively named White Stupa (which is actually a set of stupa-like rocks).

Needless to say, the Gobi Desert has a little something for everyone, except maybe those looking for a decent toilet.

9. Lithuania, a history buff’s dream

By Monica from This Rare Earth

Aerial view of a castle surrounded by a lake in Lithuania, one of the most unusual destinations in Europe.

Lithuania is a little-known country in Eastern Europe filled with castles and forests, shore line and old-town charm.

The capital city of Vilnius was the first of four places in Lithuania to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Sight. A charming blend of old and new, Vilnius is a city of contradictions that any traveller can fall in love with.

Many of the notable sights in Vilnius, Lithuania are completely free to visit. St. Anne’s Church offers an amazing example of architecture, with its stunning gothic-style facade, and the Cathedral Square with its tall white bell tower is stunning. So much of the city’s history can be discovered on a walk around Old Town Vilnius .

An extensive bus system covers the country and can take you to locations such as Trakai Castle, the port town of Klaipeda, and – reachable by ferry – the unbelievable Curonian Spit.

Thirty percent of the country is covered with forest and nature. Between the unspoiled wilderness and the charm of the historical cities, there is truly something for everyone in unexpected Lithuania!

10. The Bahamas Out Islands, an unconventional island paradise

By Jackie from Enjoy Travel Life

Blue waters and cute houses in The Bahamas.

If you’re thinking of a tropical getaway to the Caribbean but feel discouraged by overcrowded beaches and towering resort chains, look to The Bahamas Out Islands. This collection of small islands south of the popular Grand Bahamas offers deserted beaches, unspoiled nature and secluded bungalows.

Here you’ll find an exclusive, unconventional island paradise.

Perhaps you’ve heard about The Abacos or Eleuthera, but as you travel further south along the archipelago, the islands become almost unknown: Cat Island , Crooked Island and Ackins each offer unique island beauty. 

You’ll enjoy the laid-back beach vibe, fruity rum drinks and delicious Bahamian seafood dishes – try Conch and Grouper! If you’re seeking more adventure, you can scuba dive along the islands’ rich coral reef or kayak through the mangroves. You might even try bonefishing or wind-sailing.

Be sure to pack several bathing suits and leave your laptop behind. While some resorts may have Wi-Fi in the common areas, it’s spotty at best. Rest assured, there’s no better place for a digital detox.

11. The High Canadian Arctic

By Mikaela from Voyageur Tripper

A person rides a sled across an ice sheet in the Canadian Arctic.

Nunavut is a seldom traveled destination, but one that deserves a place on any traveller’s bucket list. The largest territory in Canada, Nunavut covers one fifth of the country and extends into the High Arctic, nearly reaching the North Pole.

This land is vast, characterised by rolling tundra and meandering icebergs, ragged cliffs and frozen sea ice. As one of the most remote regions on the globe, activities out on the land are varied and plentiful, including snowmobiling, dog sledding, hiking and kayaking.

Travellers on a budget can explore the capital city of Iqaluit and experience a taste of life north of the 60th parallel. Those with larger budgets can join wildlife safaris and witness wild animals including polar bears, narwhals, beluga, walrus and caribou.

Regardless of the type of trip, any time in Nunavut will leave you craving more. Its magical environment is one that lingers long after the flight home has landed.

12. Lichtenstein, a tiny country with big heart

By Derek & Mike from Robe Trotting

A green valley in Lichtenstein with a small town of orange-roofed houses and a backdrop of mountains.

An amazing destination in Europe that doesn’t attract a lot of tourism is the micro-state of Liechtenstein. One reason this tiny country is so unconventional is the fact that it’s doubly land-locked by Austria and Switzerland. It’s also a mere 25 kilometres long. 

While it may lack territory, there are surprisingly a lot of things to do in Liechtenstein . There are five castles to visit, two of which have been fully restored and three more that are ruins. The royal family also maintains a vineyard and wine cellar in Vaduz, the largest city and capital. Visitors can enjoy a walk-in tasting and wine dinners can be arranged for larger groups. 

In Liechtenstein you’ll also discover beautiful natural wonders. Hiking is one of the most popular activities and Eschnerberg Trail is one of the most-hiked trails in the entire region. The views of the Alpine Rhine and mountains are reason enough to visit Liechtenstein.

13. Iran, the home of hospitality

By Coni from Experiencing the Globe

Unusual architecture in Iran, one of the world's most unconventional destinations.

Iran is often portrayed in the media as a dangerous destination, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s one of the most diverse countries in the world, which makes it a great destination for any kind of traveller.

In Iran, you’ll find rich history, nature, architecture, culture and adventure. But what defines this country is its people. The hospitality you experience has no comparison; it’s simply reason enough to book a ticket.

The country is big, so dedicate as much time as possible to explore it. In a couple of weeks, you can fit in the main sights: Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, the Silk Road city of Shiraz and Persepolis. If you have more time, add Kerman and the Lut desert to the list, the ancient citadels of Rayen and Bam, and Qeshm and Hormuz islands for stunning nature.

If you want to go absolutely off the beaten path and experience the nation’s hospitality at its very best, also include Iranian Kurdistan in your itinerary.

14. Iraqi Kurdistan, a diverse corner of the Middle East

By Diana from The Globetrotting Detective

A beautiful mountain gorge in Iraqi Kurdistan, viewed from above.

Iraqi Kurdistan  is not a well-known travel destination due to the negative portrayal and misconceptions fuelled by the media. First of all, it’s crucial that we understand that Iraqi Kurdistan is an autonomous region recognised by the Republic of Iraq.

It means that Iraqi Kurdistan has its own borders and their own government and military. Therefore, when you hear something about Iraq in the news, that’s most probably not valid for Iraqi Kurdistan.

To see the reality, we have to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan. Iraqi Kurdistan, similarly to Iran, is an extremely safe travel destination.

The first thing that you will learn about in Iraqi Kurdistan is Kurdish hospitality. Hospitality is definitely running in the veins of Kurdish people. They cherish their visitors like a precious jewel and treat them with utmost respect and care. People are so friendly and deeply kind that Iraqi Kurdistan will just get under your skin and you will not want to leave. One feeling that this place can give visitors is that the world would be a much better place just by simply being kind to each other.

In Iraqi Kurdistan, there are tons of mind-blowing places to visit.

Kurdistan offers a plethora of natural beauties such as the Rawanduz Canyon, Halgurd Mountain and Dukan Lake which are perfect hiking destinations as well. You can also witness a lot of cultural diversity in Iraqi Kurdistan. You can learn about Muslim, Christian and Yazidi cultures.

The capital, Erbil, is one of the oldest cities in the world where you can find historical sites, old bazaars, cosy cafés where you can get to know friendly locals.

Some of the oldest Christian monasteries of the world, namely Mar Mattai Monastery and the Rabban Hormizd Monastery are to be found in Iraqi Kurdistan. Another iconic and very important cultural site is Lalish, the most sacred place of the followers of Yazidi faith, where you can only enter barefoot.

15. Pakistan, mother nature at her finest

By Samantha from Intentional Detours

A woman looks out at a blue lake in Pakistan.

Pakistan might just be the most underrated holiday destination in the world. Dozens of record-breaking mountain peaks, lush green valleys, hundreds of kilometres of coastline, a rich cuisine that constantly awes the tastebuds – plus some of the friendliest people in the world – all make this South Asian destination a traveller’s dream.

Perhaps the best thing about Pakistan is that it yet remains mostly undiscovered by foreign tourists. Though numbers are steadily increasing, it’s not uncommon to go weeks without meeting a fellow foreigner when you’re on the road.

Pakistan’s mountains are its crown jewel, and no trip to the country would be complete with a visit to Gilgit Baltistan. Though the Hunza district gets all the glory, don’t be afraid to get a bit off the beaten path and explore places like Ghizer Valley, a beautiful hamlet filled with the bluest lakes and rivers you could ever dream of.

It’s easy to get lost in the mountains, but skipping out on Pakistan’s historical places would be akin to a crime. The country boasts thousands of years of human history, and cities such as Lahore reveal pieces of the Mughal Era everywhere, from the 300-year-old mosques to summer pavilions, tombs, and vast gardens.

The southern province of Sindh is also teeming with historically and culturally important sites and should not be missed, especially when it cools down come October.

16. Sumba, a Bali alternative

By Sarah from Hotels & Hand Luggage

Traditional village houses nestled in a forest in Sumba, Indonesia.

Sumba is a relatively unknown Indonesian island that’s just an hour and a half flight from Bali.

The landscape is teeming with beautiful photo spots including deserted beaches, dancing trees, rolling hills, traditional villages and hidden lagoons. Unlike Bali however, it’s likely you’ll arrive at these enchanting places without any other tourists around.

Sumba is larger than Bali so hiring a driver is a must if you want to make the most of your time here. The island is divided into east and west, with the locals on each side holding different ancient traditions.

There aren’t many hotel options on the island and most offerings are still very basic, but the lack of comfort is worth it to experience a place still steeped in tradition. One accommodation option well worth a visit is Maringi Eco Resort by Sumba Hospitality Foundation, a small, eco-friendly hotel and restaurant that trains young Sumbanese students in hospitality.

17. Small-town Slovakia, one of the most unusual holiday destinations in Central Europe

By Kami from Kami & the Rest of the World

A beautiful church and colourful houses in Slovakia.

Slovakia isn’t exactly the most popular country in Europe Even if tourists decide to visit, they usually only go to the capital city, Bratislava. But Slovakia has so much more to offer. There are so many amazing yet lesser-known places to visit in Slovakia that you should visit before everyone else does.

While Bratislava is a nice place to see, the second-largest city, Kosice offers even more attractions – from historical monuments to amazing cultural spaces and a wonderful food scene.

In Slovakia, you can find one of the most beautiful and impressive mountain ranges in Europe, the High Tatras, with its highest peak Gerlachovský štít at 2,655 metres AMSL. The nearby Spiš Castle is one of the largest castles in Central Europe and a truly remarkable site.

If you like to visit charming Central European towns, you’ll find plenty of them in Slovakia. Bardejov, Banska Stiavnica and Levoca are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

18. Grenada beyond the beach, for a unique holiday in the Caribbean

By Michele from A Taste for Travel

The island of Grenada.

Although famous for its white-sand beaches, this fertile mountainous island might be one of the most overlooked destinations in the Caribbean when it comes to outdoor adventure and cuisine. And while beautiful Grand Anse beach does deserve its many accolades, unconventional travellers will discover it’s well worth exploring beyond Grenada’s beaches.

Top things to do include trekking to sky-high crater lakes, jumping into Concord Waterfall or snorkelling among coral-draped statues within the Underwater Sculpture Museum. After a full day of outdoor adventure, it’s possible to relax in comfort at one of the luxury hotels in Grenada where accommodation options include beach bungalows with plunge pools, hilltop suites and contemporary villas overlooking the sea.

Unlike other destinations in the Caribbean where all-inclusive resorts promote mass tourism, many of Grenada’s hotels are independently owned and operated. They offer travellers a way to experience the island’s unique rhythm, character and local cuisine.

Must-try dishes and drinks to try when visiting the ‘Spice of the Caribbean’ include rum punch topped with freshly-grated island nutmeg, oil down (a hearty stew featuring callaloo, root vegetables, coconut milk and chicken), bean-to-bar chocolate and doubles, a savoury spiced snack.

19. Chile’s Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth

By Dalya from Sweet Little Journey

An ultra-blue lake in Chile's Atacama Desert.

If you love extreme, unique and completely remote holiday destinations, the Atacama Desert should definitely be on your list.

Located on the northern tip of Chile and spanning over 40,000 square-miles, this is the driest place on Earth. Walking through the landscape will make you feel like you’re treading on a completely different planet. In fact, given its uncanny similarity to the surface of Mars, NASA uses this terrain to simulate conditions when testing their rovers!

Aside from the extraterrestrial landscapes, you’ll find various volcanoes, red and pink lagoons , salt lagoons, alpine lakes, and an abundance of wildlife. There’s only one small town in this whole desert, San Pedro de Atacama , which serves as the perfect home base for exploring all the different attractions here.

Given that there are no other settlements for many miles aside from San Pedro, the Atacama Desert has the clearest night skies on Earth.

20. Tajikistan’s Kulikalon Valley, prime hiking country

By Stephen from MonkBoughtLunch

Rugged mountains in Tajikistan, one of the world's most unusual holiday destinations.

Tajikistan’s Kulikalon Valley is off the beaten track even for a relatively un-touristed country. While most international travellers head primarily to the Pamir Mountains in the east of the country, the Fann Mountains in the northwest offer just as much in terms of scenery – and are arguably even better for trekking.

Of all the treks in the region, camping in Kulilkalon is one of the most popular – and for good reason. A string of sparkling mountain lakes that stretch across Kulikalon are fed by glacial streams that run down the valley, and on every side towering snow-capped peaks and a handful of beautiful glaciers dominate the view.

Though transport options are limited and expensive in rural Tajikistan, Kulikalon is made even more attractive by proximity to a rough road. It’s possible to hike up and back as a day trip from the nearby Artuch camp or to make a multi-day trek over the Alaudin Pass and down to the eponymous lake below, returning to a different trailhead in the Alaudin Valley or pushing on deeper into the heart of the Fann Mountains.

21. Asturias, Spain’s cheese capital

By Dagney from Cultura Obscura

A beautiful church in Asturias, Spain.

The Asturias region of Northern Spain is definitely one of the most underrated parts of this otherwise highly touristed country.

For visitors from outside of Spain, the most likely reason for visiting is the Camino, which passes through the Asturian countryside. In general, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. The countryside is full of picturesque towns and beautiful lakes.

However, there is so much more to see and do here. Foodies in particular will love Asturias. The region produces over 50 different cheeses, while nearly every town and city has at least one local cider.

Oviedo, the capital of the region, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just outside the city, you’ll find La Iglesia Skate, a church that’s been converted into a skate park and is full of beautiful, vibrant paintings.

In Gijón , another major Asturian city in Spain , you can visit the Universidad Laboral, the biggest building in Spain, or head to the International Bagpipe Museum.

22. Palestine, the heart of the Middle East

By Claudia from My Adventures Across The World

An aerial view of Palestine's city scape.

Palestine is a terribly underrated destination, and many who travel to the Middle East decide not to visit for fear that it may be dangerous or unwelcoming. It’s actually quite the other way around.

People in Palestine are the epitome of friendly, and they go above and beyond to make visitors feel like guests of honour. Add to that the rich, intricate history, the archeological sites, the natural wonders and the delicious food (and even wine and beer!), and it’s easy to see why this is a place you should not skip when you’re in the region.

Among the highlights of visiting Palestine there’s exploring the city of Bethlehem, where you will find the Church of the Holy Nativity, the Chapel of the Milk Grotto and the West Bank Separation Wall that has been adorned with many murals. There also are also a few Banksy pieces scattered around. Not far from Bethlehem, the Israeli-controlled Palace of Herodion is another very interesting site.

Hebron, a city terribly fought over by Jews and Muslims, should also be visited. Similarly, Ramallah – the current administrative centre – is a city thriving with life. Finally, make sure to go to the Baptismal Source at the River Jordan for a truly mystical experience.

The easiest way to get into Palestine is from Jerusalem. Take bus 231 from the bus station near Damascus gate. Be sure to bring your passport with you and the Israeli custom slip you get at the airport, as you’ll need it to get back into Israel to continue your journey.

23. Gopeng, Malaysia’s little-known heritage town

By Marco from Penang Insider

Inside a heritage wooden house in Gopeng Malaysia.

Gopeng is only 20 km south of Ipoh , but it’s shamefully overlooked, notwithstanding being one of West Malaysia’s top adventure eco-tourism destinations.

Set on a bend of the Kampar river, Gopeng is tiny but boasts natural wonders including Gua Tempurung and Gua Kandu, two of the country’s biggest caves, and tall waterfalls such as Ulu Geruntum, a popular abseiling spot. There are plenty of eco-friendly activities around, including stand up paddle boarding and a tree-top obstacle courses offered by Nomad Adventure.

Further inland is Ulu geroh, an orang asli (Malaysian aboriginal) village from where you can strike out on a short trek to see the Rafflesia in bloom. The world’s biggest flower can be a bit smelly, but the packs of rare rajah Brooke butterflies you’ll spot along the way make up for the stink big time.

Back in town, don’t forget to visit the Heritage House for a dive into the area’s colonial history, and the Gopeng Museum for a simple yet informative look at the town’s tin mining past.

24. Bhutan, for time-honoured traditions and unspoiled landscapes

By Sonakshi & Mainak from Places In Pixel

A traditional ceremony in Bhutan, one of Asia's most unusual travel destinations.

Bhutan is a tiny landlocked country perched in the Himalayas. Due to its location and restrictions around tourism, Bhutan remains an under-explored destination even today. But it’s exactly this reality that makes Bhutan scenically spectacular and a must-visit unconventional destination.

Apart from the usual things to do and places to visit in the major cities of Thimphu, Paro and Punakha, Bhutan has a lot to offer travellers who are willing to try something different. The most unique things to do in Bhutan include:

  • Hiking up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery – nestled high on a precarious cliff, it’s said that a Buddhist Master (Guru Rinpoche) flew on a ‘flying tigress’ and meditated here for months.
  • Trying Ema Datchi (Chilli Cheese) – the national dish of Bhutan is a deliciously spicy stew made of chilli peppers, onions and locally produced yak cheese.
  • Watching the ‘flag down’ ceremony in Thimphu – this takes place every evening at 5pm with great honour and traditional flair.

25. Benin, the birthplace of Voodoo

By Helen from Helen in Wonderlust

Red sands in Benin, West Africa.

Benin is a magical place full of mystery and superstition. Whilst West Africa is a notoriously difficult area to travel to due to the heat, visa restrictions and lack of tourist infrastructure, Benin is an incredibly rewarding destination for the intrepid traveller.

It is also the birthplace of the Voodoo religion.

Voodoo is one of the oldest and most complex religions in the world. It’s often demonised in popular culture, and yet there’s a lot more to this ancient way of life than meets the eye. The word Voodoo itself means ‘spirit’; practitioners believe that everything is alive and connected spiritually.

As well as discovering the ‘secrets’ of Voodoo , there are plenty of other things to do in Benin. You can gain an insight into the trans-Atlantic slave trade on the Route des Enclaves, relax on the beaches of the south coast, see a very different way of life at the Ganvie Stilt Village, and learn about the history of the powerful Dahomey Empire in Abomey. 

Benin is a French-speaking country, therefore having a good understanding of the French language or having a guide that can translate for you is essential.

Go with an open mind and prepare to be blown away.

26. Northern Tunisia, for unusual beach holidays

By Stephanie from The Africa Cookbook

Beach umbrellas and a marina in Northern Tunisia.

While most travellers think of Sousse and other popular beaches in Tunisia when they start planning a vacation, anyone who heads to the north instead of the south will find a wealth of hidden gems to discover.

The white-washed town of Sidi Bou Said on the water has a Greek-island feel, while Lake Ichkeul is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also head to Cap Angela, the northernmost point in the country, where you’ll find a beautiful lighthouse and a statue of the African continent as well as some gorgeous seascapes.

If you’re interested in Carthaginian and Roman history, you can visit the ancient city of Utica, which you’ll find practically empty for much of the year. Yes, you can walk around a millennia-old city and imagine what it would have been like in its heyday without competing with noisy, modern crowds.

Be sure to enjoy the local Tunisian cuisine, which is both tasty and economical.

27. Greenland, for remote adventures

By Kay from The Awkward Traveller

Cute houses and laundry in a village in Greenland.

There are many myths and stereotypes about Greenland , simply because it’s not the first country most people think of for a holiday.

Technically a territory of Denmark, it’s a challenging destination to visit due to expensive flights and limited availability. There are so few visitors that some airports don’t even have a baggage carousel.

However, if you can manage to get there, you’ll find this is a country full of colourful buildings, dramatic landscapes, and unique culture.

Although it’s one of the least populated capitals in the world with only 16,000 residents, Nuuk is the busiest and most active of all Greenlandic cities. Somewhat surprisingly, it’s filled with art and museums as well as nods to Greenlandic history and mythology in its various statues and memorials.

In Greenland, the availability of activities varies entirely based on the seasons. Summer offers hiking and festivals , while winter brings snowmobiling, sledding, and amazing displays of the Northern Lights.

28. The Falkland Islands, for extreme wildlife encounters

By Nadine from Le Long Weekend

A group of penguins in the Falkland Islands, one of the world's most unusual holiday destinations.

The Falklands Islands, or Islas Malvinas as they’re also known, are a destination like no other. They’re a place where you can truly get away from daily life and enter a world that seems unencumbered by modern distractions.

Here, the wildlife rules, and you’ll get well-acquainted with many species as you tour some of the islands that make up this Southern Archipelago off the coast of Argentina. The penguins of the Falkland Islands are the main drawcard, and there are five different species to discover – from the regal King Penguins to the curious little red-eyed Rockhoppers.

Then there are the formidable elephant seals, the talkative sea lions, the hundreds of different birds, and a few unlikely additions too. Both reindeer and foxes roam on two of the islands.

Wildlife aside, the islands are an amazing place to go trekking, explore untouched beaches and enjoy old-school hospitality. Get around by using the Falklands’ dedicated air service, FIGAS, to island-hop.

29. Montenegro’s national parks, beyond the bay

By Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles

A wide valley with a winding road running between the mountains.

Most visitors to Montenegro spend their time in the Bay of Kotor. While undeniably beautiful, there is so much more to discover beyond the coastline.

Take the scenic and winding Kotor Serpentine to the village of Njegusi to visit the humble home where Njegoš, Montenegro’s most influential poet-philosopher, was born. Head further up to Lovcen National Park where you can hike and visit the mausoleum of Njegoš. Stop by the old Montenegrin capital of Cetinje to visit the iconic monastery and admire the architecture.

Lake Skadar National Park is another must-visit in Montenegro . Boat tours are available from Virpazar or the sleepy village of Rijeka Crnojevica. The surface of the lake is covered with lily pads, and you can see any number of birds here.

Up north, Durmitor National Park , the only UNESCO-designated park in Montenegro, offers stunning vistas and the chance to do some epic hikes. Go river rafting on the Tara River and visit the Tara Canyon Bridge, which spans one of the deepest canyons in the world.

30. The Faroe Islands, A self-governed archipelago in Europe

By Supriya from Fun Travelog

Traditional houses in the Faroe Islands with turf roofs.

Europe has thousands of island destinations to choose from, but the Faroes still remain relatively unspoiled thanks to their location.

The Faroe Islands is an independent nation comprised of 18 small islands located between Iceland and Norway. Governed by Denmark, it’s a paradise for hikers and birdwatchers particularly.

Begin your journey by flying into the small and vibrant city of Torshavn, the country’s capital, which is connected by short flight from Copenhagen , Paris, Reykjavik, Bergen or Edinburgh . Make your first stop at the Gásadalur to see the famed waterfall from a marked trail.

From there, every moment of your journey in this small country will be replete with awe-inspiring sights. There are lots of hikes in Faroe Islands , but the most beautiful ones are definitely on the coast of Vagar Island and in Gjógv.

For a completely unique experience, take a 30-minute boat ride to the island of Mykines, which is home to thousands of puffins. They aren’t at all perturbed by human presence and watching them in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

31. Ukraine, for budget-savvy travellers

By Inessa & Natalie from Through a Travel Lens

A railway line tunnel in Ukraine formed by leafy trees.

There are only a few destinations left in Europe that still remain under the radar. Ukraine is definitely one of them. 

Geographically one of the biggest countries on the continent, Ukraine offers something for every travel taste, from sunbathing by the Black Sea in Odessa to hiking in the Carpathians, wandering the magical streets of old Lviv, and exploring the caves of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Pechersk Lavra in Kiev.

It’s best to save at least two weeks to explore Ukraine’s most popular locations. Kiev alone deserves at least four days, let alone the numerous great weekend breaks and trips you can take from the capital. In addition to the aforementioned Odessa, Lviv, and Kiev, smaller towns such as Uzhgorod, Chernihiv, Kamyanets-Podilsky, and Chernivtsi are also highly recommended.

Besides being an underestimated and unconventional destination, Ukraine also remains one of Europe’s most budget-friendly travel adventures, with the daily budget for food, accommodations, transportation, and activities remaining under 30 USD.

32. Latvia, the lesser-visited capital of Art Nouveau

By Eden from Rock a Little Travel

Art Nouveau architecture in Riga, Latvia, one of Europe's top unusual holiday destinations.

Home to a historic city centre, a thriving arts scene and vast countryside dotted with castles, Latvia is one of the world’s most underrated travel destinations.

Visitors to Latvia should experience Riga , the lively capital city best known for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. In fact, Riga has the world’s highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings, examples of which are on display across the city.

Riga’s walkable centre also features local boutiques, cafes , restaurants, bars, and even a few city parks. Riga Beer District is home to several local breweries that serve a variety of craft beers. This is the perfect destination for a night out and a great opportunity to mingle with the locals.

Outside the capital, visitors to Latvia can tour the country’s many medieval castles and fortifications. Those looking to spend some time outdoors can head to Latvia’s beaches along the Baltic coast, or to one of the country’s many national parks.

33. North Macedonia, home of Europe’s Quirkiest capital city

A woman approached a large white spomenik sculpture in the town of Krusevo, North Macedonia.

The tiny nation of North Macedonia is quirky even by Balkan standards. Formerly known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, it may have undergone several name changes in its recent history, but it’s status as a unique destination in Eastern Europe has endured.

North Macedonia’s capital, Skopje, is a mix of archaic Ottoman architecture (the Old Bazaar is one of the largest in Europe) and brand new, shiny sculptures and facades installed as part of Skopje 2014, a huge project to give the city a facelift. The result is a Disneylandesque mix of styles that pushes the ambit of imagination.

Skopje makes for a wonderfully offbeat city break, but when visiting North Macedonia , you should also explore beyond the capital. Lake Ohrid is the biggest tourist draw, while the second-largest city, Bitola , and the alpine town of Krusevo – with its wonderful spomenik – both promise off-the-beaten-path, history steeped travel experiences.

34. Piacenza, a hidden gem in Northern Italy

By Helga from ShegoWandering

A beautiful square and traditional building in Piacenza, an offbeat destination in Italy.

Piacenza is a small Italian city located near the Po river in Emilia Romagna. While still easily accessible by train from Milan or Bologna, it remains a hidden gem.

This town boasts over 1,000 years of local history. Discover the beautiful historic centre of Piacenza with its colourful houses and beautiful passages. Make sure the Piazza Cavalli, home to the town’s most famous landmark, the Palazzo Gotico, is also on your list.

Piacenza has some of the oldest, most important Romanesque churches in the region, including the Duomo di Piacenza, the St. Antoninus Basilica, and the Church of San Francesco. Another important landmark is the Palazzo Farnese, an immense palace now houses a collection of museums.

The region of Emilia-Romagna is famous for its food products. Be sure to sample Salame Piacentini , Coppa Piacentina and Pancetta Piacentina .

35. Brasov, the gateway to Transylvania

By Nicola Rae of See Nic Wander

A historic church and old town in Brasov, Romania.

The Transylvanian town of Brasov, Romania is tucked away in the Carpathian mountains just 2.5 hours from the capital on the way to Transylvania .

Since many people travel to Romania to explore Bucharest or relax on the Black Sea coast, the smaller Romanian city of Brasov often gets overlooked. But for travellers interested in great hiking, quirky historical sites and a bit of Dracula folklore, Brasov can’t be missed. 

Explore the 14th century Black Church, which got its name after being scorched in a fire, a 15th-century citadel that also served as a prison, and Rope Street, one of the narrowest streets in the world.

Brasov is just a short drive from Bran Castle, a fortress that dates back to the 1200s and is famously also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’.

When in Brasov, make sure to take the Tampa Mountain Cable Car up to the prominent Hollywood-style ‘Brasov’ sign for the best views of the city and surrounding mountains.

35 of the most unusual holiday destinations for those who love to travel off the beaten path – from Benin to the Atacama Desert, Pakistan to Lithuania.

Unusual holiday destinations: Share it on Pinterest

Wow, that’s a great guide.

That was an amazing article. Good work Keep it up!

Lichtenstein castle (named after the family) pictured above is in Germany and not in The Principality of Lichtenstein and hence that part of the article is misleading. One visiting Lichtenstein (the country) will not find this castle how hard one looks.

Good pick up, PK! That is my fault – I will update it immediately. Thanks for letting me know!

This was so helpful, I’m doing a school project and I have to find a unique travel destination. Got lots of ideas

Awesome Tshia, glad I could help!

Fantastic list! Considering many of your picks are also on my own list, I have a feeling we are of the same mindset. As I sit at home travel planning for a post-Covid-vaccine world, you have helped to add more places I hadn’t thought of but was searching for in concept.

Thank you and stay healthy!

So glad to hear you found this post inspiring, Nancy! Thanks a lot for the feedback. Happy future travel planning 🙂

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The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022

From far-flung destinations to hometown favorites, 2022 is the year to get back out there and turn your dream trips into reality.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Planning new adventures as a new year approaches is always a thrill, but finding the best places to visit in 2022 is unique. After two years of border closures, cruise cancellations, and travel restrictions galore , 2022 is the year we hope to get back out there, uninhibited (albeit vaccinated and COVID tested ), return to our favorite destinations, and cross new ones off our lists.

Though the hospitality industry was hit hard by the pandemic, many properties used the forced downtime to renovate rooms, add new amenities, and expand outdoor spaces to offer even more once guests return. 2022 is when many travelers will venture further from home, and even overseas, for the first time since the start of the pandemic, finally reaping the benefits of these valiant efforts.

Although COVID variants remain, regulations are still evolving, and precautions must still be taken, many of the destinations we chose for 2022 offer what we believe travelers are looking for in a post-pandemic world, from hotels with private accommodations to destinations teeming with fresh-air activities . Others, like Las Vegas, are for those who are ready and raring to make up for all the social time they missed — with a few splashy headliners, including Adele and the Raiders, thrown in for good measure.

As cruising makes its comeback , we included unforgettable places to see by water, from Antarctica to the Nile, and as hard-hit destinations like Italy and Asia recover, we found the buzziest reasons to return. Of course we didn't forget about all the stateside gems we got to know while domestic travel was surging, from Alaska and California to Florida and Michigan.

Our 2022 list, organized alphabetically, doesn't hold back, with aspirational trips as far away as India, Mozambique, Qatar, and even space — but we're also including hometown favorites, like Walt Disney World and its new Star Wars hotel ; the wellness retreats of beautiful Sedona; and the simple pleasures of small-town , farm-to-table living in Franklin, Tennessee. Because no matter what type of trip you've been dreaming of, we want to help you turn 2022 into the year you get back out there and make it a reality.

— Edited by Nina Ruggiero and Scott Bay

1. Abruzzo, Italy

Stretching from the heart of the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea on the peninsula's southeastern side, Abruzzo, Italy has long been one of the country's most overlooked destinations despite its unspoiled villages, picturesque Trabocchi Coast, and stunning natural escapes. Over the past few years, however, it has gone from a sleepy underdog to an ambitious harbinger of slow travel, sustainable gastronomy, and conscious hospitality. Villa Corallo , a 19th-century mansion near Civitella del Tronto was transformed into a five-star hotel in 2019. Dimore Montane , an eco-lodge opened in 2020 in Majella National Park, marries glamping with environmentally-friendly facilities with a zero waste policy. Meanwhile, restaurants like Bottega Culinaria in San Vito Chietino and Materia Prima in Castel di Sangro are redefining the region as one of Italy's most exciting food hotspots for their innovative and sustainable takes on local produce and traditional dishes (in case Niko Romito's three-Michelin-starred Reale wasn't enough). And completing construction this Spring is Via Verde dei Trabocchi: a cycling and pedestrian path along the Adriatic sea that's being built on a disused railway route. — Marianna Cerini

With many international borders closed over the last two years, many eager U.S. travelers' eyes turned to Alaska. The vast state, famous for its towering, snow-capped peaks, pristine wilderness, massive national parks, and colorful locals, made for a dynamic destination with no passport required. But as borders reopen, interest in the 49th state is showing no signs of slowing down. Alaska's tourism board said early forecasts are projecting that more than 1.57 million cruise ship passengers could visit southeast Alaska in summer 2022. That's an 18% jump from 2019, the previous record year. Many perennial favorite cruise lines , like Holland America, will be returning to full strength after a non-existent 2020 and abbreviated 2021. Others, like Windstar Cruises, UnCruise, and Hurtigruten are rolling out fresh itineraries or are launching new ships. On dry land, Alaska is set to see myriad new offerings and events. In Juneau, the Sealaska Heritage Institute will open their Arts Campus (where visitors will be able to learn about Alaska Native art and culture) and will host Celebration , one of the largest gatherings of Indigenous peoples. In Anchorage, Fur Rendezvous , Alaska's oldest and largest winter festival, will be back from Feb. 25 to March 6 (which also happens to be peak aurora season ). The event hosts activities like the Running of the Reindeer and the Outhouse Races, before culminating with the 50th running of the iconic Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race . — Bailey Berg

3. Anguilla

This easy-going Caribbean gem is simpler than ever to get to with American Airlines launching the first-ever nonstop, direct flight from Miami on Dec. 11. Private charter flights by Tradewind Aviation have also resumed service to the island. And the just-opened Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club has a fleet of jets to ferry guests from key U.S. cities. The sprawling luxury resort will include a few restaurants overseen by chef Abram Bissell, formerly of Eleven Madison Park, The NoMad, and The Modern. Quintessence , a boutique luxury resort with perks like butler service and a 4:1 staff-to-guest ratio, is opening a more affordable annex of suites called Quinn that will debut in 2022 (along with a Champagne cellar tasting room and Art Bar). New Restaurant Uchu at Belmond Cap Juluca is taking inspiration from Belmond's collection of properties in Peru. Named after the Quechuan word for spice, the menu will feature contemporary Peruvian cuisine inspired by three of the country's regions: the coast, the jungle, and the highlands. — Scott Bay

4. Antarctica

The pandemic shutdown created a compelling reason to visit Antarctica in 2022: See how the whales, seals, and penguins react after nearly two years without seeing humans. New polar-class expedition ships and new ways to get to the White Continent are reasons to pack your boots too. Viking Expeditions will be in Antarctica for the first time in 2022 with new, twin 378-passenger expedition ships. Ponant's new 270-passenger Le Commandant Charcot introduces eco-friendlier sailing, as the first hybrid-electric ship fueled by liquified natural gas (rather than heavy fuel). Quark Expeditions' long-awaited 199-passenger Ultramarine delivers exciting heli-hiking adventures via two eight-seat twin-engine helicopters. Hit a craps table in between icy exploration on the luxurious new all-suite 200-passenger Crystal Endeavor . Silversea Cruises' posh, 144-passenger, all-suite Silver Explorer returns with a debut travel option: Skip the notorious (for rough water) Drake Passage and catch a private flight directly from Chile to Antarctica to board the ship. — Fran Golden

American travelers have long loved the Bahamas for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and sunshine just about 50 miles off the coast of Florida, but there are even more reasons to visit the island nation in 2022. Baha Mar on the Island of New Providence has a brand new water park equipped with everything from a lazy river to a surf simulator, and day passes are available for purchase to those who aren't resort guests. For more rest and relaxation, journey to the outer islands of the Bahamas. While charter flights will get you exactly where you need to go, Crystal Cruises is offering a Bahamas-centric cruise that brings guests to some of the quieter and more remote islands. On its mid-July cruise, guests will embark and disembark from Nassau and then be whisked away via "6-star" service to the islands of Bimini, Great Exuma, San Salvador, and Long Island. Beyond the beach, don't forget to indulge in some local food and culture. The Island archipelago is famous for its conch, stew fish, and rock lobster. From late April through early May, Carnival is celebrated in Nassau and back after a pandemic hiatus. Keep an eye out for the famous sound and dance of the junkanoo. — Jamie Aranoff

6. Barbados

Whether you want a relaxing all-inclusive stay or a vibrant vacation filled with dining and nightlife, Barbados has you covered. Nowhere is that more evident than the pedestrian-friendly South Coast, which is teeming with new resorts and restaurants. The O2 Beach Club & Spa is an all-inclusive resort set on the white sands of Dover Beach, with three pools, six dining options, seven bars, and the Acqua spa, featuring the only hammam treatment room on the island. It joins other luxurious South Coast hotels, including Sandals and Sea Breeze Beach House . If you can pull yourself away from the resort pools, head along the coast to Worthing Square Food Garden, an outdoor food hall with 20 vendors serving dishes from around the Caribbean. Or stroll down the mile-long boardwalk for easy access to ocean-front food and drinks at local favorites like Champers, Salt Café, Tiki Bar, and Chill Café & Bar. — Kevin Gray

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

A favorite of adventure travelers for its rainforests and divers who explore the Great Blue Hole and expansive barrier reef, Belize offers an abundance of casual spots and a handful of luxe resorts. The latest arrival is Alaia Belize, an Autograph Collection Hotel , in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, opened mid-2021 with plans to add to its already extensive guest room, suite, and oceanfront villa accommodations. Major airlines are also recognizing the destination's potential with nonstop flights and convenient connections from most U.S. cities. In addition to United and Delta's nonstop flights from Houston and Atlanta, respectively, Alaska Airlines added nonstop service from Los Angeles and Seattle to Belize City in November, and Frontier will start weekly nonstop flights from Denver and Orlando. — Patricia Doherty

8. Budapest, Hungary

Very few places in the world capture both old-world charm and elegant modernity like Hungary's capital city, and Budapest's latest 130-room luxury hotel, Matild Palace , is a shining example. The neo-baroque palace-turned-hotel, which opened last summer in the city's District V, is a UNESCO-protected site that once housed the city's royalty. The hotel is now home to Wolfgang Punk's famed restaurant, Spago , the first of its kind in central Europe. It also hosts the Duchess bar — a rooftop "liquor library" that mixes craft cocktails using local wines and pálinka, Hungarian fruit brandy, which can be enjoyed alongside panoramic views of the Danube river. Surrounded by 22 wine regions, Budapest is a city for oenophiles. Enjoy a glass of Kékfrankos or Kadarka in the Castle District's newly opened wine bar, Takler Borbár Buda , founded by one of the country's renowned winemaking families. Don't leave the city without visiting Marlou , a biodynamic wine bar near the Hungarian State Opera, and Portobello , an unassuming coffee and natural wine bar around the corner from Matild Palace. — Stephanie Andrews

9. Burgundy, France

The region of Burgundy is known for — you guessed it — its Burgundy wine, but French wine isn't the only reason Burgundy is a must-visit in 2022. In the spring, the region's capital city of Dijon will welcome the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin (International City of Gastronomy and Wine), an expansive complex with a cooking school, a new hotel, a handful of restaurants, and a wine cellar with over 250 by-the-glass offerings. The new project is perfectly situated at the starting point of Burgundy's famed wine route — Route des Grands Crus — which runs from Dijon to Santenay and produces some of the country's most well-regarded wines, including pinot noir, chardonnay, and sauvignon blanc. — Evie Carrick

10. British Virgin Islands

Within the Caribbean, the 60 islands that comprise the British Virgin Islands have long held the reputation of luxury draped in relaxation. And now it's doubling down on that brand of island spirit with Richard Branson's second private island, the 125-acre Moskito Island that opened in October and sits right across from his first BVI paradise, Necker Island (which received a serious upgrade when it reopened last year after a two-year closure). The new destination will eventually have 10 private estates that can be rented through Virgin Limited Edition , but among the ones already available are Point Estate, starting at $17,500 a night, and Oasis Estate for $19,000. But Moskito isn't the only shiny new reason to visit BVI. Proving the area's resilience following the devastation after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Saba Rock , the private island long known for its diving, went through a complete reconstruction before reopening in October; the Bitter End Yacht Club reopened in December with BVI's first over-the-water bungalows; and Oil Nut Bay will expand in early 2022 with new villas, a watersports center, and spa. Also on tap for 2022, the solar-powered White Bay Villas and new hilltop suites at Long Bay Beach Resort . And with the Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival returning in the spring of 2022 after being canceled for two years, BVI is proving it's truly back and stronger than ever. — Rachel Chang

11. Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

You're likely to glimpse Europe's pro athlete and yachting crowds at Marriott's four hotels on the Costa Smeralda, the glitzy Italian destination known for its Caribbean-like beaches and luxury resorts. Its glamorous Hotel Cala di Volpe has gradually been unveiling room renovations alongside new dining options, including its Harrods Suite, with a roof terrace and sea-facing plunge pool, and BeefBar 's first Italian outpost. The entire area is one big " Billionaire Experience ," but Formula One and entertainment mogul Flavio Briatore snagged the term for his new dining and nightlife venue in designer shopping destination Porto Cervo. For more of a low-key, family-friendly escape, the Baglioni Resort Sardinia opened an hour south in San Teodoro in June, overlooking the stunning Tavolara Marine Reserve . — Nina Ruggiero

12. Crete, Greece

The Greek Islands have long been a perennial favorite vacation destination for discerning travelers, and Crete, the largest of the 227 islands in the archipelago, deserves a spot atop your must-see list. Yes, it's a place where you can find the white-washed buildings and blue roofs you've lusted after on Instagram for years, and a spot where you can dive into the cerulean blue waters of the Mediterranean at every turn. And of course you can dig deep into both history and mythology as humans have lived on the island since the 7th millennium B.C ., not to mention the fact that Crete is the birthplace of Zeus . It's little surprise then, with all this beauty and history, that Crete continues to harbor a rich creative community, mostly centered in the neighborhood of Chania. There, visitors can peruse works in museums like the Mediterranean Architecture Center , or seek out unique pieces in galleries like the Municipal Art Gallery or the Redd Gallery . To visit Crete, hop aboard a sailing with Silversea , which takes guests to Crete and several other stellar islands, or book a stay at the Blue Palace Elounda, a Luxury Collection Resort , named one of the Top 10 Greece Resort Hotels in Travel + Leisure 's World's Best Awards, 2021. — Stacey Leasca

13. Walt Disney World

The " World's Most Magical Celebration " — Walt Disney World's 18-month-long 50th anniversary event that kicked off on Oct. 1 — continues through 2022 with enchanting touches and highly anticipated ride and hotel openings. Star Wars : Galactic Starcruiser will begin offering its immersive, two-night adventures in a galaxy far, far away on March 1. The interactive, choose-your-own-adventure experience will have guests wielding lightsabers, sleeping on the ship, brushing shoulders with Star Wars characters, eating intergalactic cuisine, and maybe even going on a secret mission, making this a truly unique experience that you can't find anywhere else in the world. Other 2022 openings include the Guardians of the Galaxy : Cosmic Rewind indoor coaster at Epcot, slated for summer. — Elizabeth Rhodes

14. Doha, Qatar

As we ask ourselves what cities of the future should look like, we naturally look around for examples. Places like Shanghai, Tokyo, and New York City seem to fit the description on paper, but I'd argue that no city better encapsulates that definition than Doha, the capital of Qatar. There is so much to discover — from East-West/West-East , a series of four steel monoliths created by sculptor Richard Serra to the Museum of Islamic Art , the massive 560,000-square-foot gallery. Eat at Syrian comfort food spot Damasca One, Em Sherif a rooftop spot that serves up authentic regional dishes, and the lively corner restaurant Nourlaya Contemporary for Sri Lankan cuisine. Stay at the Mandarin Oriental Doha or Banyan Tree Doha . (Read Robinson's full dispatch on Doha in the July 2021 edition of Travel + Leisure) — Whitney Robinson

15. Edinburgh, Scotland

The Auld Reekie is buzzing with new energy. The highly anticipated Hotel W , designed by Jestico and Whiles in conjunction with Allan Murray Architects, is opening next winter. And several other hotels have recently opened in and around the city — Marine North Berwick , the Market Street hotel , Rusacks St. Andrews , and ship-turned-luxury-hotel Fingal . Gleneagles Townhouse , a first-ever city outpost from the famed Gleneagles estate, is opening in the spring. St James Quarter, a developing area of the city, and where Hotel W is being built, is opening next year with 85 shops, 30 restaurants, and a cinema. New in whisky is the September christening of Johnnie Walker Princes Street . And promising to shake up the scotch scene in the capital city is Leith Distillery , opening in the summer. — Scott Bay

16. Finger Lakes, New York

The Finger Lakes have bolstered their wellness and culinary offerings in recent years, carving out a name for themselves in the luxury travel realm. Inns of Aurora , comprising five historic mansions, debuted a holistic wellness facility in 2021 — set on 350 acres overlooking Cayuga Lake, complete with hydrotherapy pools, meditation areas, and a farm fresh cafe. Forty miles west of Cayuga, The Lakehouse on Canandaigua — situated on, yes, Canandaigua Lake — recently unveiled the Willowbrook Spa, which boasts lakeside barrel sauna sessions among other innovative treatments. Sandwiched between Cayuga and Canandaigua lakes is Seneca Lake, home to the largest of the Finger Lakes wine trails (this might be riesling country, but don't knock the lighter-bodied reds till you try 'em) and foodie draws like the 14-seat F.L.X. Table . Travelers visiting in the coming year will also see the Finger Lakes festival roster return in full force, including Rochester's Lilac Festival in May and International Jazz Festival in July, as well as attractions for the historically inclined road tripper, like Cayuga County's celebration of Harriet Tubman's birth through a number of walking tours and activations rolled out through 2022. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

17. Franklin, Tennessee

Despite its count of more than 80,000 year-round residents, the very walkable Franklin firmly grasps onto its small-town charms, starting with a quintessentially quaint downtown chock-full of shops and restaurants finding shelter in brick storefronts lining the sidewalks. The uninitiated might know this place for its past — Civil War museums, battleground sites, and historic markers telling the stories of a slave market, race riots, and Black soldiers in the U.S. Colored Troop division of the army all offer points of education and reflection. But the southern city has many modern-day draws as well — for starters, an exciting food and drink scene that includes the Tennessee Whiskey Trail and Arrington Vineyards , the largest winery in the region. Musical events and venues abound, too: The Pilgrimage Music Festival is one of the biggest in the state, and the 7,500-seat FirstBank Amphitheater , newly opened inside a former rock quarry, has welcomed the likes of the Jonas Brothers and Santana to its stage. There's also Leiper's Fork , a quirky-cool enclave filled with antique shops and art galleries. Even more brand-new to the scene is Southall , a 325-acre farm and inn with 62 rooms and suites and 16 cottages opening this June. The lush setting amid rolling hills makes active adventures (hiking, biking, kayaking), wellness pursuits (a spa, meditation, yoga, and two outdoor pools), and nourishing food (the restaurant uses ingredients grown, raised, and foraged on the property) easy to find. All of this and more lie just a short, 30-minute drive from bustling Nashville, making it tempting to tack onto a visit to the capital city. — Alisha Prakash

18. Galápagos Islands

The world's largest marine biosphere reserve will expand more than 20,000 square miles next year thanks to a recent presidential decree . The conservation measure seeks to combat illegal fishing by offering increased protection to the thousands of species that populate the archipelago's waters as well as a migration corridor stretching up to Costa Rica used by sharks, whales and other sea life. Come January, travelers can cruise this UNESCO-protected region on new nine-day adventures from Hurtigruten Expeditions and outfitter Metropolitan Touring aboard the 90-guest carbon-neutral MS Santa Cruz II. For a more intimate experience, passengers can book Aqua Expeditions ' seven-suite 164-foot superyacht, Aqua Mare, when it debuts in May. At the end of the year, eco-enthusiasts can sail to lesser-explored islands to spot giant tortoises, sea lions, flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and marine iguanas on Quasar Expeditions ' new sustainable yacht — the 18-passenger M/Y Conservation featuring biodegradable amenities, renewable energy and a carbon-neutral footprint. Those with timid sea legs should check into the locally owned and run Montemar in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. — Nora Walsh

19. Greater Palm Springs, California

Greater Palm Springs is kicking its signature self-care into high gear in the coming year. Taking a cue from its sister property, Sensei Lanai , the new Sensei Porcupine Creek is converting a 230-acre private estate into a luxury wellness experience in Rancho Mirage in 2022. In Palm Springs proper, Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza will celebrate Indigenous art and history alongside the new Spa at Séc-he , where visitors will soak in approximately 12,000-year-old hot springs. Nearby, Fleur Noire Hotel just opened its adults-only casitas and bungalows, with a speakeasy Champagne bar to follow. Unexpectedly, the desert has a budding surf scene — the former Wet 'n Wild waterpark is becoming Palm Springs Surf Club , with a state-of-the-art wave pool, spa, restaurant, and bar; DSRT Surf is set to open a 5.5-acre wave lagoon in Palm Desert; and Kelly Slater himself is bringing a green energy–powered wave basin to Coral Mountain , a proposed new wellness resort with a hotel and residences, set to open in La Quinta by 2023 pending city approvals. And for entertainment outside the splash zone, the $250-million Coachella Valley Arena will host hockey, concerts, and more live events by the end of the year. — Nina Ruggiero

20. Greenville, South Carolina

Once in the shadow of Charleston and Asheville, Greenville has emerged in recent years as a go-to destination in its own right — and it keeps giving travelers more reasons to visit. In 2022, the city of just over 70,000 people will welcome a luxury boutique hotel, unveil a new public gathering place, and build on its well-earned reputation as a culinary and craft beer hotspot. The long-awaited, 187-room Grand Bohemian hotel is expected to open its doors this spring, complete with a two-story restaurant and bar, art gallery, and spa. The 60-acre Unity Park will feature plenty of greenspace, an observation tower, baseball fields, playgrounds, and walking and biking trails. And recently opened restaurants, including French Laundry alum Drew Erickson's Camp , Urban Wren, Coral, and an outpost of Nashville's famous Prince's Hot Chicken located inside Yee-Haw Brewing will ensure you're well-fed while in town. — Kevin Gray

21. Ilha Caldeira, Mozambique

While South Africa and Uganda grab headlines for African wildlife, Mozambique has been quietly making strides protecting 17 percent of its land — including beaches, coral reefs, and islands — showcasing its dedication to its natural beauty both on land and underwater. Ever since the country's 16-year civil war ended in 1992, the southeastern African nation has been aiming to build back in the right ways. Case in point: the private island of Ilha Caldeira, less than seven miles off the coast as part of the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago, located within the marine-protected area with 20 percent of the country's intact living coral. It's here that the eco-luxury Banyan Tree resort chain has developed one of its most ambitious projects yet, a five-star property — accessible by jetty or helicopter — with 40 private pool villas that will be completely solar powered. Add to that a fish market restaurant with a 270-degree ocean view, the brand's trademark Banyan Tree Spa, and world-class diving, all in a too-pristine-to-believe beach setting, and this island escape is sure to draw attention away from its Indian Ocean neighbors when it opens at the end of 2022. — Rachel Chang

22. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Those wary of traveling internationally in 2022 will find solace in Jackson Hole, a mountain town with endless open space (Wyoming is the least populated state in the U.S.) and plenty to do. In the winter, life revolves around Jackson Hole Mountain Resort , home to some of the nation's best skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, plan your trip around the Jackson Hole Food & Wine Summer Festival (June 23-25) or head to the nearby Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. For easy access to the mountain town, travelers can hop on one of Aero's high-end, seasonal flights and stay at The Cloudveil off the Town Square or the Caldera House at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. — Evie Carrick

23. Kafue National Park, Zambia

Straddling three regions of Zambia, Kafue National Park is the largest (and oldest) in the country, measuring 8,648 miles. In the wildlife-rich Busanga plains — located in the secluded northern side of the park — spend the night at newly opened Chisa Busanga Camp in their bird's nest shaped rooms. Enjoy a silent safari, thanks to e-cruisers or an e-bike safari provided by the property. See wildlife from above with a hot air balloon safari from Shumba Camp or Busanga Bush Camp . Other accommodation offerings in the park include riverfront Ila Safari Lodge and Mukambi Safari Lodge . Both properties offer fishing, walking safaris, boat cruises, and have Instagram worthy pools (perfect for a soak and the traditional safari sundowner: a gin and tonic). — Mazuba Kapambwe

24. Kaunas, Lithuania

Kaunas, Lithuania has a lofty New Year's resolution. After a century of wars, Soviet rule, and, since the 1990s, independence, this UNESCO Creative City of Design is ready to cultivate a new identity — and it's doing so as one of two European Capitals of Culture for 2022 (alongside Novi Sad, Serbia). The festivities commence in January, with thousands of concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and events throughout the year to celebrate Kaunas' history while cementing its path forward . Also this year, Kaunas will welcome the highly anticipated $30 million Science Island, Lithuania's first national science and innovation center designed by UK firm Malcolm Reading Consultants (MRC). By May, the city's former Magnus Hotel will reopen with sparkly new digs and a posh rooftop under the ibis Styles umbrella . This lively city is also a main stop on the recently unveiled 1,330-mile Forest Trail across the Baltics. And, a host of just-announced Ryanair flight routes, including Madrid to Kaunas, will make visiting this capital of culture a breeze. — Stephanie Vermillion

25. Kyushu, Japan

Kyushu may be less than two hours from Tokyo by plane, but it feels far from Honshū's well-beaten tourist circuit. The southwesternmost Japanese main island is still largely unexplored, providing those willing to venture off the beaten path with a much different Japan than the one they'll find in its cities. As a warm, subtropical island, Kyushu is home to long, golden beaches and some of Japan's best snorkeling and scuba diving. Inland, the country's most active volcano, Mt. Aso, feeds the island's myriad natural hot springs — many of which offer sea views. And while the island has accommodations that include both hot spring resorts and luxury beachfront villas , nothing tops a stay at Hirado Castle , which was recently restored and renovated to welcome visitors overnight . — Evie Carrick

26. Lanai, Hawaii

Wellness opportunities and cultural awareness are showcased along with luxury at Lanai's two Four Seasons resorts. At Sensei Lāna'i, A Four Seasons Resort , guests can now choose the Discover Sensei Experience , offering the ability to enjoy the retreat's amenities without joining the more comprehensive programs. New "Optimal Wellbeing" programs focus on improving performance in tennis and golf along with overall wellness. Four Seasons Resort Lanai is adding an observatory as part of "Love Lanai," featuring cultural experiences designed to share the island's rich heritage. The observatory program will center around the history of Pacific voyaging, native traditions, and astronomy. — Patricia Doherty

27. Las Vegas, Nevada

Never bet against the house: The pandemic may have put a damper on Las Vegas, but the ever-on-the-move city is back in a big way for 2022. A massive new development on the Strip, Resorts World Las Vegas, opened in June, has three distinct Hilton properties under one enormous roof, not to mention more than 40 restaurants and bars, plus pools (plural), and a handful of $15,000-a-night villas . Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, the Cromwell , and downtown's Circa Resort & Casino are also giving visitors fresh options on where to stay. The city's pro sports teams — also now plural — are drawing in fans. And off-Strip "immersive experiences," like the Omega Mart by Meow Wolf and the Illuminarium, both at Area15 , are lending an additional layer of things to do beyond the expected. Not that there's anything wrong with splashing out on dinner and a show after the past two years. Live acts — like Adele's just-announced residency at The Colosseum — are once again hot tickets, as is a table at chic new supper club Delilah , at the Wynn Las Vegas. Some things, thankfully, never change. — Paul Brady

28. Louisville, Kentucky

Your cowboy boots were made for walking the streets of Louisville. Nicknamed "The Bourbon City," an official gateway to Kentucky's bourbon trail, the city is expanding its bourbon footprint in 2022. In October, the Urban Bourbon Trail welcomed the first and only African American–owned distillery in the state, Brough Brothers . Meanwhile, its trailmate, Angel's Envy , will wrap its $8.2-million expansion project complete with a new event space and five tasting rooms in the spring. The city is most well known for hosting the annual Kentucky Derby every spring at the historic Churchill Downs racetrack, and the Downs will open the first installment of its multi-year expansion plan, the Homestretch Club , just in time for the 2022 Derby. There, attendees will be able to enjoy the race with an all-new trackside lounge experience. — Hannah Streck

29. Malaysia

Malaysia is home to a beautiful medley of cultures (Chinese, Indian, and Malay) and a diverse smattering of terrain: bustling cities with towering buildings, verdant rain forests with incredible wildlife, and idyllic islands with dreamy beaches. But all of this and more has been closed to the world for much of the pandemic. Now that the island of Langkawi is open via a travel bubble, with the rest of the country expected to follow suit in 2022, travelers can once again experience Malaysia's many gifts. Langkawi, a beach lover's paradise, blends unspoiled nature (UNESCO-listed Kilim Karst Geoforest Park ) and unparalleled luxury ( Four Seasons Resort , Datai Langkawi ), while cosmopolitan capital Kuala Lumpur draws visitors with its gleaming Petronas Towers, delicious hawker food stalls, and shopping. Then there's Borneo, complete with wildlife-packed jungles and a rich Indigenous culture, as well as Desaru Coast, a 3,900-acre area that's home to coveted resorts like the One&Only Desaru Coast , a tropical oasis that opened in early September 2020 (the brand's first in Asia). — Alisha Prakash

30. Maldives

The Maldives' 1,000+ islands sit in the Indian Ocean like a string of turquoise pearls. The tropical nirvana has 166 accommodation options, including the new Joali Being nature retreat, which leads guests on a transformative wellness journey. Alila Kothaifaru Maldives debuts in February with 80 beach and overwater villas on the Raa Atoll. Coming to the same atoll in May, also with 80 luxury villas, is Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa on a massive lagoon primed for snorkeling. The ever-innovative Soneva Fushi has a new experience that includes zip-lining to a six-course meal 30 feet about the sand. Along with Soneva Jani, they've debuted Soneva Soul , a new spa complex melding ancient and modern techniques. Other vacation favorites are unveiling new digs like the sleek, contemporary renovation of Naladhu Private Island and the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island , debuting in February. — Katie Lockhart

31. Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is considered one of the sailing capitals of the world. It is home to the largest fleet of America's Cup 12 Meter yachts , most of which are available for charter. In May, the coastal town is welcoming a Sailing Museum that is sure to solidify that title. Over the past few years, a slew of hotel openings have closed a much-needed gap for luxury accommodations, including Hammett's Hotel , Brenton Hotel , and The Wayfinder Hotel . The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection is debuting the property's highly anticipated transformation conceived by Dallas-based design collective Swoon — the lobby, dining room, and shared areas are now complete with guest rooms finishing early next year. Renowned beverage executive Maxwell Britten has joined the team as chief cocktail curator alongside an amazing chef who cooks up a selection of elevated pub-inspired dishes. And don't miss Giusto , at Hammett's Hotel, which serves up excellent Italian with a Rhode Island twist. — Scott Bay

32. Nile Cruise, Egypt

There is no trip that will convert you to a life of river cruising quite like a sail down (well, technically, up) the Nile. In fact, the world's first river cruises sailed in Egypt, a country designed around the central waterway, where it makes sense that the Nile would act as your home base. A typical Egyptian river cruise sets sail from Cairo to Luxor and then Aswan, with the occasional stop to visit an island temple along the way — complete with sights like the Pyramids, Valley of Kings and Queens, Nefertari's tomb, and the Temple of Kom Ombo. In 2022, there's more than one new river cruise to choose from, between Uniworld's newly launched S.S. Sphinx and AmaWaterways' Amadahlia , both of which sailed their inaugural voyages in fall 2021. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

In late 2021, Panama launched a tourism platform along with the coolest tagline in travel: " Live for More ." With a booming coffee scene and a renewed focus on its culture, history, and biodiversity , the Central American nation is ready for its moment in the spotlight. It's an attractive place for those looking to get out of resort mode and into a world open for exploration and adventure. Immersive environmental experiences abound here, including trekking through the rainforest on its suspended hanging bridges and walking to the top of the Volcán Barú, an active volcano with both Pacific and Atlantic Ocean views from the top. There is also abundant opportunity to learn from Panama's seven Indigenous communities, each of whom offer their own personalized experiences and are happy to share their craftsmanship and traditions. Panama offers plenty of luxury, too. In its capital city, check into the American Trade Hotel , centrally located in Panama's Casco Viejo district, a historic neighborhood which happens to also be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. — Stacey Leasca

34. Phuket, Thailand

Before the pandemic, Phuket was beautiful but crowded, full of beach bars and tourists chasing all-nighters. It's still full of energy and surrounded by the same pristine sea glass–colored water, but its luxurious side is finally getting the attention it deserves, from its high-end coffee shops to its cocktail bars. Hide from the world in paradise with a stay in one of the private pool residences at Trisara , featuring kitchens, a private chef, butler service, and breathtaking views over the sea, as well as access to the resort's PRU restaurant , which has earned both a Michelin star and a Michelin green star. Or book a stay at the brand-new V Villas Phuket , which offers a curated selection of 19 private-pool, 1-, 3-, and 4-bedroom villas. Later, party the night away in Phuket Old Town with inventive cocktails at Club No. 43 (think: rum with grilled pineapple juice and espuma), or settle in for a great dinner and a night of daring performances at the Junkyard Theatre , which just launched a weekly Saturday night show. — Alison Fox

35. Pico, Portugal

The islands of the Azores — a Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean some 900 miles west of Lisbon — are more popular than ever, and for 2022, travelers will want to fix their eyes firmly on the second-largest isle: Pico, an alluring, otherworldly locale covered with black, volcanic rocks. Conquering Portugal's highest peak, the cloud-shrouded, 7,713-foot-high Mount Pico, used to be the island's main draw, but a recent uptick in hospitality infrastructure has allowed for more opportunity to partake of Pico's most important agricultural output: wine. Renowned Portuguese winemaker Antonio Maçanita just opened a new winery that comes with bookable design-forward apartments adjacent to the island's unique vineyards. On Pico, grapes are planted on volcanic terroir that are then protected from Atlantic winds with rock walls. Maçanita's ​​ Azores Wine Company 's mineral, sometimes slightly salty wines could be the perfect celebratory drink after a grueling hike.The crashing waves around Pico are beginning to seduce surfers, too. And there are also ample opportunities to watch for marine life thanks to 20 species of dolphins and whales (including humpbacks and orcas) that can be spotted in these waters. But if you'd rather eat what's in the water: Try lapas, a local shellfish delicacy best served grilled with butter and garlic and finished with a squeeze of lemon. Thankfully, getting to experience all of this has never been easier: Starting July 1, United Airlines will for the first time connect Newark to the island of São Miguel (the Azores' largest island), and from there, it's a quick hop over to Pico. Or you could always get there via direct flights from Lisbon or Porto with Tap Air Portugal's stopover program. — Chadner Navarro

36. Quebec, Canada

After over a year of tight pandemic restrictions, Canada reopened to American tourists in 2021, so now might finally be time to plan that trip to the Great White North, starting with the province of Quebec. From the charming, French-influenced cities of Montreal and Quebec City to the region's snow-capped mountains, there's something new to explore every season. In December 2021, the first Club Med mountain resort in Canada, Club Med Quebec Charlevoix , opened, offering all-inclusive ski vacations just a short flight from several major U.S. cities. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is offering a foliage-packed autumn cruise from New York to Montreal in October. No matter what time of year you visit, Le Capitole Hotel in Quebec City and Humaniti Hotel Montreal are top picks for places to stay in the major cities. — Elizabeth Rhodes

37. Queensland, Australia

Australia's highly anticipated international border reopening will be well worth the wait, especially as more travelers seek nuanced cultural experiences and sustainable stays. The northeastern state has long been the gateway for visits to the rightly beloved Great Barrier Reef, and beginning in 2022, visitors can learn about conservation efforts and the ecosystem directly from the area's Traditional Land Owners and Indigenous guides during day trips from Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel . Aboriginal elders and Traditional Land Owners are also working with local operator Gudjuda Tours on a daylong excursion to tag and rescue one of the reef's most beloved creatures: sea turtles. Those who want to take a more extended trip to the Whitsunday Islands can look to Elysian Retreat , recently certified as the area's first fully solar-powered resort, or its carbon-negative sister property Pumpkin Island . Back on the mainland, within the verdant Daintree Rainforest UNESCO World Heritage Site, eco-luxury hideaway Silky Oaks Lodge will finally welcome guests back after its $15-million overhaul. — Sarah Bruning

38. Santa Ynez Valley, California

Two hours from L.A., the Santa Ynez Valley is rural, unassuming, and coming into its own. The region has grown grapes for decades and has even made a Hollywood cameo in the movie Sideways. The arrival of newer tasting rooms, restaurants, and hotels in recent years has firmly put the area on oenophiles' and travelers' radars. Start with a private olive oil tasting at Global Gardens and hard cider at Tin City Cider in Los Olivos. Follow with pizza pies at Full of Life Flatbread and vino at nearby female-owned A Tribute to Grace and Casa Dumetz . Detour to Firestone Walker 's outpost in Buellton for a few limited edition craft brews and finish with dishes such as roasted tomato and fennel risotto at the Ballard Inn's Gathering Table . Though it's technically just beyond the boundaries of the valley in Lompoc, The Hilt Estate , is too good to miss. And once it opens this year as an Auberge property, The Inn at Mattei's Tavern will make for the perfect base from which to explore it all. — Tanvi Chheda

39. São Paulo, Brazil

Known for its dynamic combination of luxury, design, and fashion influence, São Paulo is an international metropolitan hub of arts and culture. It's the largest city in South America, hosting an array of entertainment opportunities such as fabulous hotels, decadent restaurants, high-class museums, and iconic mid-century architecture. With airlines including American adding flights throughout Brazil in 2022 and a flourishing hospitality renaissance throughout the city, São Paulo is well prepared for its anticipated influx of new travelers. A must-visit destination for 2022 is the Rosewood São Paulo , located in the heart of São Paulo's Cidade Matarazzo and housed in a historic landmark building. Here, visitors will encounter 200-plus luxurious guest rooms, suites, and residences, plus six restaurants and bars and two pools. — Molly O'Brien

40. Savannah, Georgia

This coastal Georgia city is rightly famous for its atmospheric, moss-draped streets and squares, not to mention its hundreds of years of history. But lately Savannah has been boosted by creativity and innovation outside the sometimes frozen-in-amber Old Town, which means now is a particularly compelling time to visit. Make home base the brand-new Thompson Savannah , a slick 13-story tower with interiors by Studio 11 Design that anchors the still-developing Eastern Wharf neighborhood. Phase one of the 54-acre development, which aims to turn a once-industrial waterfront into a contemporary mixed-use destination, includes hundreds of apartments, fitness trails, access to the Savannah River, and multiple bars and restaurants, including Fleeting , a seasonally driven spot inside the Thompson. At the same time, Savannah's other major waterfront destination has also come into its own. The Plant Riverside District, a stone's throw from Old Town, marked its official grand opening in November 2021, putting a bow on a bustling JW Marriott hotel , countless restaurants and bars, and multiple live performance venues all along a rebuilt waterfront. Not that all the action is along the river: The ever-evolving Starland District, a short drive from Johnson Square, has its share of hangouts including Starland Yard , a food truck park that's also home to the excellent Pizzeria Vittoria Napoletana ; Two Tides Brewing Company , which pours hazy ales and delicious sours in a super-cool taproom; and Troupial , a Venezuelan cafe. You'll also want to pack Wildsam Savannah , a newly released field guide that helps visitors understand the layers of history (and the contemporary politics) that are fueling the latest renaissance in Savannah. — Paul Brady

41. Seattle, Washington

Few places offer both an urban and a natural escape in one destination — and the Emerald City might be one of the best. The city center is world-class with top hotel accommodations ( Four Seasons Hotel Seattle and Thompson Seattle ), locally focused fine dining, and countless cultural sites. Then, just minutes away from all of that is some of the most stunning outdoor recreation out there. Adding to the city's luster is the newly opened Lotte Hotel Seattle . The 189-room tower is bringing high design and refined service to the area. Charlotte , the hotel's restaurant on the 18th floor, serves up an inventive menu that is sure to become an all-time favorite dining experience. The landmark Fairmont Olympic Hotel recently completed a $25-million historic restoration of its public spaces, quickly becoming one of the most Instagrammable spots in town. Plus, its buzzy new culinary showpiece will debut in the months to come. Before leaving Seattle, don't miss a meal at celebrated pasta specialist Brian Clevenger's new restaurant, Autumn . — Scott Bay

42. Sedona, Arizona

Makito Umekita/Travel + Leisure

With tourism already surging thanks to the Instagram fame of attractions like Devil's Bridge, Sedona garnered even more of a following during the pandemic among cooped-up city dwellers enthralled by the destination's red rocks and energy vortexes. In 2022, set your sights on North America's first landscape hotel, Ambiente , home to 40 standalone accommodations (called "atriums"), most with private rooftop decks perfect for stargazing. Opening in May, the sustainability-focused retreat will offer on-site trailhead access — further immersing guests in the Sedona landscape while combating traffic along the city's main highway — and reactivate an ancient waterway to populate a stream running throughout the hotel. Experience Sedona's culinary clout right on property at Ambiente's restaurant, Forty1, housed in a refurbished airstream, or venture next door to Mariposa , the city's must-visit restaurant by chef Lisa Dahl, who pioneered fine dining in this town. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

43. Singapore

Singapore reopened to vaccinated American travelers in October 2021 with the introduction of the country's Vaccinated Travel Lane . Travelers can fly from the U.S. on Singapore Airlines' vaccine-mandatory flights ; the World's Best airline 26 years running launched Vaccinated Travel Lane flights this fall, and United Airlines plans to follow suit by January 2022. Even in the early stages of reopening to foreign travelers, the city-state is already unveiling new culinary ventures. Recently, chef Julien Royer, behind three-Michelin-star Odette, opened Claudine , and Raffles Singapore unveiled Osteria BBR by Alain Ducasse, while Marina Bay Sands plans to debut chef Tetsuya Wakuda's second restaurant within the hotel in the new year. Of course, there's just as much flavor to be found at Singapore's famed hawker centers, now on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. As tourists return to Singapore, new cultural attractions follow — from the return of Singapore Art Week, beginning Jan. 14, to the recent unveiling of SkyHelix Sentosa , an open-air ride towering 300 feet above sea level, for anyone still in need of thrills after a 17-hour flight over the Pacific. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

44. Southwest Michigan

Beaches with ocean-like views were once the main draw to Michigan's southwest coast, but new high-style accommodations and hyper-local experiences are giving us more reasons to go. Where to stay with so many options? Consider the cool new motel-turned-boutique Lake Shore Resort in Saugatuck; The Fields glamping retreat with new spa tents in South Haven; the revamped, modern Harbor Grand Hotel in New Buffalo; or anywhere along the coast with high-touch Bluefish Vacation Rentals , which has killer lakefront homes now stocked with handmade local goods. Hop on the new pedestrian/bike trail in Union Pier, and definitely shop two new woman-owned standouts: the beautifully curated Haven and Ariane Prewitt's AP Cottage, scheduled to open this spring. Women are showing off the culinary scene, too, with everything from a special saison ale — winner of the 2021 Great American Beer Festival — at woman-owned Waypost Brewing Co. , to new herb-inspired cocktails at James Beard-winning chef Melissa Corey's Penny Royal Café & Provisions , to James Beard nominee Abra Beherns' Granor Farm , where dinners return this year in a new glass-enclosed barn. — Nina Kokotas Hahn

45. St. Moritz, Switzerland

If you're on the hunt for glitz, glamour, and powder for days, look no further than St. Moritz, Switzerland. The Alpine ski town has long been considered the birthplace of winter vacationing. Tourists first flocked to the mountain town in 1864 , when hotelier Johannes Badrutt took a few British travelers to the community, promising them bluebird days all winter. It wasn't long until others learned about this hidden winter oasis. Skiers and winter sports enthusiasts flocked to the mountain, which has now hosted the Winter Olympic Games not once, but twice. It's an ideal place for ski bunnies too, thanks to its luxury shopping, and its numerous Michelin-starred restaurants . This winter, head to St. Moritz for its fantastic events like White Surf (Feb. 6, 13, and 20, 2022), an international horse race that takes place across the frozen Lake St. Moritz, and the Snow Polo World Cup (Jan. 28-30, 2022), which happens to be the world's only high-goal tournament on snow. Book a stay at the Badrutt's Palace Hotel , which officially reopened on Dec. 3 for the 2021/2022 season and offers guests the chance to try their hand at high-octane winter sports like skijöring, snowkiting, tobogganing, and even private helicopter tours to the peaks of Piz Bernina and Piz Palü. — Stacey Leasca

46. St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida

The beaches of St. Petersburg and nearby Clearwater are consistently ranked among the best in the U.S. and even the world , but there's more to this destination than white sand, pristine waters, and 361 days of sunshine per year. St. Pete/Clearwater offers more than 30 museums and galleries featuring world-renowned artists like Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso, as well as the largest collection of Salvador Dalí's work outside of Spain. One could say brewing the perfect beer is also an artform that St. Pete/Clearwater has mastered, with its trail of 35+ locally owned craft breweries. Playfully nicknamed the " Gulp Coast ," complete your experience with a digital passport that tracks your beer-sampling progress. These year-round offerings mean you can visit any time, but head over in June 2022 to revel in the 20th anniversary of St. Pete Pride , the largest Pride event in Florida, hosting events for everyone from friends and families to couples and solo travelers. — Jessica Poitevien

47. Todos Santos, Mexico

Todos Santos is one of Mexico's pueblo mágicos, or "magic towns," and locals are working to retain its history and culture while embracing the steady stream of travelers who have begun venturing an hour north of Cabo San Lucas to discover its charm. The area saw a handful of new boutique resorts pop up in 2021 that provide luxury amenities while keeping the rugged land and local flora the centerpiece. Wellness-focused Paradero describes itself as a "landscaping project" that just so happens to have luxurious suites, and El Perdido , an all-villa resort less than five miles south, provides all-terrain vehicles so visitors can get to Los Cerritos beach, the local surf break of choice. Oceanfront Rancho Pescadero 's multimillion-dollar transformation will be complete in the spring. Bookings for its oceanfront villas and penthouse rooms — some with private rooftops and plunge pools — open in January. Todos Santos has fully embraced farm-to-table dining, with Javier Plascencia's orchard-adjacent Jazamango leading the way, and Santa Terra , a cosmopolitan oyster bar meets arts and entertainment venue concept, is in the process of adding multiple bars and restaurants, plus a glamping site and amphitheater, according to its developer, "without chopping down a single tree." — Nina Ruggiero

48. Udaipur, India

After an extremely challenging 20-month closure, India reopened to vaccinated travelers on Nov. 15, 2021. Those looking toward South Asia in the new year, perhaps to see the Taj Mahal in Agra or hit the Goan beaches, should make sure Udaipur is on the itinerary. The city of lakes in southern Rajasthan is thought of as the most romantic Indian destination (even called the "Venice of the East") — but it's not just for honeymooners. From the vibrance of Hathi Pol bazaar and Shilpgram , an artisanal compound on the outskirts of the city with a festival set to return on Jan. 22, to the serenity of Lake Pichola, the artificial lake made in the 14th century, Udaipur is a city where you can fully immerse in Rajasthani culture. A hub of Indian luxury, Udaipur is now home to the country's first Raffles hotel, which opened in October. This private island hotel on Udai Sagar Lake is accessible only by boat — something of a trademark for the over-the-top hotels of Udaipur. Meant to be a flagship hotel in the Raffles portfolio, complete with brand staples (think: bars, both Long and Writers), 101 lavish suites, Rasoi cooking school, and lakeside open-air restaurant Belvedere Point. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

49. Wales, United Kingdom

The only path in the world to follow the whole of a country's coastline, the Wales Coastal Path celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2022. Walking its 870 miles would take three months, but its most spectacular stretches can be seen in one visit — and in style. St David's in Pembrokeshire, west Wales, is Britain's smallest city with a mere population of 1,600 and is home to a Medieval cathedral , a luxury hotel inside Roch Castle , some excellent pubs, and the upscale St David's Gin & Kitchen . Hiking paths with unbeatable coastal vistas are within easy reach (try the St David's Head loop ) and pass neolithic tombs and hillforts. — Jamie Carter

50. Yucatán, Mexico

Mérida, the capital of the state of Yucatán, has emerged as one of Mexico's most popular cities thanks to its lively restaurant scene, a busy calendar of cultural events, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere. Increasingly, however, travelers are venturing beyond the city to explore the state's unspoiled nature reserves, ancient Maya sites, and sprawling haciendas — a number now converted into hotels. Among the destinations that are drawing travelers to Yucatán are El Cuyo, a quiet beach town that was long a closely guarded secret of windsurfers. Now visitors can also enjoy gourmet Mexican fare at the El Chile Gordo restaurant and boho-chic lodgings at the new Casa Mate . In Espita, a charming colonial town near Valladolid, is the Casona los Cedros hotel which opened in summer 2021. Sisal, a historic port in the western part of the state, has attracted new interest since being named a Pueblo Mágico at the end of 2020. A new highway completed in April now connects Sisal to Hunucmá (and then beyond to Mérida) making it easier for beachcombers to visit, and perhaps spend the night at the cool Club de Patos . — John Newton

51. Bonus: Space

This was a monumental year for human spaceflight — not only did NASA and SpaceX achieve a regular cadence of astronaut launches for the first time since the Space Shuttle was retired in 2011, but space tourism has also lifted off in a major way, making space a top destination to visit in 2022. And it's a realistic trip, too, so long as you have the budget for it. Both Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic succeeded in taking passengers to space on short suborbital hops this year, and each company plans to ramp up those flights in 2022 — Virgin Galactic already has more than 600 bookings. The price for a quick jaunt to space? A few hundred thousand dollars . If you have an even bigger budget (say, a couple hundred million dollars), you could charter your own orbital flight in a SpaceX Dragon Capsule, as did entrepreneur Jared Issacman with his Inspiration4 mission in September. There are also tourism trips to the International Space Station in the works; Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa launches on his multi-day journey in December, courtesy of space travel agency Space Adventures and Russia's Roscosmos space agency, which plans to take even more " citizen space explorers " to the orbiting laboratory in the near future. Of course, not everyone has pockets deep enough to cover space travel, but more affordable journeys are on the horizon. Startup Space Perspective plans to launch high-altitude balloon rides to the edge of space in 2024 , for the relatively low price of $125,000. Potential dealbreaker, though — the balloons don't actually reach space, maxing out at 100,000 feet in altitude, while space is considered to begin somewhere between 264,000 feet (50 miles) and 327,360 feet ​​(62 miles). But hey, at least there's a bar on board. — Stefanie Waldek

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  • BEST OF THE WORLD

25 amazing journeys for 2022

We’re ready to explore again. Here are the best adventures for the year ahead.

Guests enjoy the highest Via Ferrata in North America at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

Ready to travel again? Our global editors picked the planet’s 25 most exciting destinations for 2022. Five categories—Nature, Adventure, Sustainability, Culture and History, and Family—frame unforgettable journeys of discovery. This year’s list celebrates a number of World Heritage sites in honor of UNESCO’s 50 years of helping to safeguard cultural and natural treasures. Although the pandemic changed when, where, and how we travel, we are eager to unleash our wanderlust—and see what wonders we’ll uncover.      

BEST PLACES TO ENJOY NATURE

Iced over Rock island in Lake Bikal, Russia

Lake Baikal, Russia

Help save a natural wonder. Baikal is so vast and deep, many locals call it a sea. Covering some 12,200 square miles and with an average depth of 2,442 feet, the massive lake is a natural wonder. It’s also in serious trouble. Despite being named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, Lake Baikal has experienced ongoing pollution, the recent weakening of government protections, and new threats, such as large-scale tourism development. As a result, the International Union for Conservation of Nature deemed the lake’s environmental World Heritage Outlook of “significant concern” in 2020.

Visitors can help safeguard the lake and its varied landscapes—including tundra, steppe, boreal forest, and virgin beaches—by volunteering with Great Baikal Trail Association , the nonprofit environmental group creating a hiking route around the lake. “Volunteering helps protect Lake Baikal nature by developing ecotourism infrastructure,” says association president Elena Chubakova.

Hiking the trail is a planet-friendly way to spot some of the 1,200 Lake Baikal plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth, such as the nerpa, the world’s only exclusively freshwater seal.   — Victoria Meleshko, National Geographic Traveler Russia

Elephants walk around Mudumu National park in Namibia

Discover the next great safari. Namibia evokes images of deserts, immense dunes, and parched mountains. But the Caprivi Strip, a narrow finger of land that juts out toward the east in the extreme north of the country, is a green, wildlife-rich territory. The presence of the Okavango, Kwando, Chobe, and Zambezi Rivers creates an ideal habitat for numerous animal species.

During the second half of the 20th century, the area was the scene of intense military activity. Remote and difficult to access, it was a prime corridor for various armed groups. After Namibia gained independence in 1990, peace—and wildlife—gradually returned.

In the eastern section of the region, Nkasa Rupara National Park is a secret jewel. A ranger station and tented lodge that opened in recent years have made it more accessible to tourism, but it’s still seldom visited. Encompassed by the Kwando-Linyanti River system to the south and by swamps and lagoons to the north, Nkasa Rupara is Namibia’s largest protected wetland. It’s described as a “mini Okavango,” as its floodwaters mirror Botswana ’s more famous Okavango Delta . The park is home to the largest population of buffalo in Namibia. Predators include lions, leopards, and hyenas, while crocodiles and hippos abound in the river.  

Mahango Game Park , in the west, includes wetlands and mopane forests. Here roam large herds of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and nearly all the antelope species of Namibia, including the elusive semiaquatic sitatunga. Go with Nat Geo: See otherworldly landscapes and seek out endangered black rhinos in Namibia. —Marco Cattaneo, National Geographic Traveler Italy

the lush forest in Cape Otway, Australia

Victoria, Australia

Drive the Great Ocean Road.   Green shoots of regeneration are popping up across Australia , where the 2019-2020 bushfires burned some 72,000 square miles of land. The disasters led to the deaths of nearly three dozen people and more than a billion animals.

Playing its own role in these rejuvenation efforts, Wildlife Wonders , in Victoria’s Otways region, is a new wildlife sanctuary tucked away off the Great Ocean Road amid lush ancient forest and waterfalls. It’s the brainchild of Brian Massey, the landscape designer of New Zealand ’s Hobbiton movie set tours. Massey, along with botanists, scientists, zoologists, and environmental specialists, has crafted a sinuous wooden path that winds through the refuge and blends seamlessly into the landscape.

Visitors can set off on 75-minute guided tours of the sylvan site, wandering through thickets of eucalyptus trees and admiring the koalas, wallabies, and bandicoots that now call the sanctuary home. During a stop at the Research Base, guests can learn more about how the site provides a safe space for native species like the long-nosed potoroo, a marsupial that often falls prey to invasive predators such as foxes and cats.

All profits from Wildlife Wonders go toward the Conservation Ecology Centre , which helps to fund several vital conservation projects in the Otways, including one that studies the movement of potoroos before, during, and after planned forest fires. — Connor McGovern, National Geographic Traveller UK

an aerial view of the cara blanca pools in the Belize Maya Forest

Peek at tropical wildlife. The race to preserve one of the largest remaining tropical rainforests in the Americas got a big boost recently. In April 2021, a coalition of conservation partners, led by the Nature Conservancy , purchased 236,000 acres of tropical forest in northwestern Belize to create the Belize Maya Forest Reserve . Along with saving some of the most biodiverse forests in the world from denuding and development, the new protected area—which is contiguous with the neighboring Rio Bravo Conservation Management Area (RBCMA)—closes a huge gap in a vital wildlife corridor that runs from southeast Mexico through Guatemala and into Belize.

The combined reserve, which protects nearly a tenth of Belize’s land area, safeguards and connects essential habitats for an amazing variety of endemic and endangered wild things. These include the tapir, Belize’s national animal; black howler monkeys; more than 400 species of birds; and some of Central America’s largest surviving populations of jaguar. For now, ecotourism activities are based in the more established RBCMA, which has two rustic lodges and offers guided expeditions. Go with Nat Geo:   Take a private tour of the Maya ruins of Tikal, Guatemala, and the cays of Belize.  

Tent camping under a rising Milky Way in Voyegeur's National Park in Minnesota

Northern Minnesota  

Turn off the lights.   Thousands upon thousands of stars dazzle above northern Minnesota . This remote region bordering the Canadian province of Ontario has little to no light pollution, and residents are determined to keep it that way.

The Heart of the Continent Dark Sky Initiative is a cross-border effort underway to create one of the largest dark-sky destinations on the planet. Two of its biggest pieces are in Minnesota: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness , the world’s largest International Dark Sky Sanctuary at more than a million acres, and neighboring Voyageurs National Park , the state’s first International Dark Sky Park. Both wild places received dark-sky certification in 2020, and Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park , which adjoins the wilderness area, earned International Dark Sky Park status in early 2021.

( Here’s how to see auroras—from the Great Lakes .)

“The preservation of darkness at places like Voyageurs National Park not only provides wondrous views and ecological benefits to wildlife,” says Christina Hausman Rhode, executive director of the nonprofit Voyageurs Conservancy . “It also allows us a window to the past; to see the skies as they were hundreds of years ago, used for navigation and storytelling by peoples like the voyageurs of the fur trade and the Indigenous Ojibwe.”

BEST PLACES FOR ADVENTURE

Guests enjoy the highest Via Ferrata in North America at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

Arapahoe Basin, Colorado

Climb the Rockies. For unparalleled views of the Continental Divide, one must climb hand over foot up North America’s highest via ferrata. Arapahoe Basin ’s “iron way”—a climbing route comprising metal rungs and cables—begins at the base of granite Rocky Mountain cliffs and ascends nearly 1,200 feet to a 13,000-foot summit.

A glance below reveals a weathered Colorado landscape dotted with green moss and pink and purple flora, and rock gardens created by the cliffs themselves, the fallen chunks varying in size from pebbles to Volkswagens. The thin air is occasionally punctuated by the shrill peep of a marmot or pika.

Even those without prior rock-climbing experience can scale the cliffs with a guide, using the metal rungs while also gripping the rock or wedging a foot into a crack for leverage. To avoid what could be a thousand-foot plunge to certain death, climbers must clip their harnesses from one cable to the next as they go. The route is entirely exposed and thunderstorms can roll in suddenly.

From the cliffs above, high-alpine mountain goats are often stoic observers, but typically disappear as travelers reach the summit. This marks the halfway point. From here, climbers must also descend, which, for via ferrata first-timers like Michael Lytle, can be the most harrowing part of the journey.

“You try not to look all the way down. The highway looks like a piece of thread from up there,” Lytle says. “The fear factor is real.”  

Millions of jellyfish fill a unique marine lake in Palau

Swim with sharks. When you arrive here, the stamp in your passport will include the Palau Pledge , which all visitors must sign, promising that “the only footprints I shall leave are those that will wash away.” The 59-word eco-pledge was drafted by and for the children of this remote western Pacific archipelago to help protect Palau’s culture and environment from the negative impacts of tourism.

Eighty percent of the nation’s waters—recognized by National Geographic’s Pristine Seas project as one of the richest marine ecosystems on the planet—is preserved as the Palau National Marine Sanctuary . At 183,000 square miles, the no-take sanctuary is one of the world’s largest protected marine areas, safeguarding some 700 species of coral and more than 1,300 species of fish, including a dazzling variety of sharks.

“From the air, Palau looks like paradise on earth,” says Pristine Seas founder and National Geographic Explorer in Residence Enric Sala . “When you get underwater, you’re transported to a different world.”

During the 20th annual Shark Week Palau, from February 27 to March 6, 2022, divers can observe and participate in citizen science–assisted counts of numerous shark species, such as grey reef, blacktip, blue, tiger, and hammerhead. Daily dive sites are chosen for their abundant sharks and other marine life, including large aggregations of manta rays and thousands of spawning fish.  

Snorkelers can join a February or November Oceanic Society tour of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Rock Islands Southern Lagoon , home to reef sharks, dugongs, giant clams, and marine lakes teeming with millions of golden jellyfish. Go with Nat Geo:   Discover the undersea wonders of Palau on this snorkel and kayak tour . — National Geographic Traveller India

Three people on bikes cross over the Seine River in France

Seine River, France

Cycle a new bike trail. La Seine à Vélo is a new cycling trail worthy of painter Claude Monet, whose house and famous water lilies in Giverny are on the route. But the 270-mile Paris-to-the-sea path, opened in October 2020, offers lesser known masterpieces too, such as the colorful street art that brightens the Canal Saint-Denis in Paris .

On the trail’s 15 stages, bikers pass through protected natural areas, including Normandy’s Grande Noé Bird Reserve , located along a major migratory flyway. While rolling across Normandy , they can visit the ruins of Jumièges Abbey , founded in 654, and take a Benedictine monk–led tour of Abbaye Saint-Wandrille , a centuries-old working abbey. The tearoom and gardens of Château de Bizy , a royal residence built in 1740 and inspired by Versailles , offer a respite off two wheels.

While Monet isn’t the only reason to ride the trail, pedal-pushers who love paintings should allow extra time for the Giverny Museum of Impressionism , which explores the revolutionary 19th-century art movement. — Gabriel Joseph-Dezaize, National Geographic Traveler France

New Brunswick

New Brunswick, Canada

Tackle a backcountry trail. A turtle-shaped rock near Nepisiguit Falls, in the Canadian province of New Brunswick , carries with it a legend told by the Mi’gmaq people (also spelled Mi’kmaq). When water levels drop, the “turtle,” named Egomoqaseg, or “rock like a moving ship,” appears to be climbing up out of the river, says trail master Jason Grant, whose father-in-law, Mi’gmaq elder Gilbert Sewell, was a keeper of the story.

“Legend goes, once the turtle is completely out of the water, it will be the end of the world for the Mi’gmaq people,” says Grant. Based on his annual visits to the rock, Grant adds, Egomoqaseg has a long way to go before reaching dry ground.

The falls are a stop along a millennia-old First Nations migration route that has been developed into the longest backcountry hiking trail in the Canadian Maritimes. Running 93 miles along the Nepisiguit River, the rugged Sentier Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail follows ancient portage pathways used by the nomadic Mi’gmaq.  

The route begins at sea level at Daly Point Nature Reserve in Bathurst and ends at Bathurst Lake in Mount Carleton Provincial Park , home to 2,690-foot-tall Mount Carleton, the highest peak in the Maritimes. To promote respect for the relevance of the trail to the Mi’gmaq people, the route’s restoration, completed in 2018, included incorporating Mi’gmaq language and culture, such as teepee campsites and a turtle logo inspired by Egomoqaseg.  

Rafts of people float down a river in the Rio Pacuare Valley

Trek from sea to sea. Stretching across Costa Rica from the Caribbean to the Pacific, El Camino de Costa Rica is a 174-mile-long window into life far off the well-trod tourist path. The 16-stage hiking route primarily follows public roads as it passes through remote villages and towns, Indigenous Cabecar lands, and protected natural areas.  

It’s designed to spark economic activity in rural districts. Local families, nonprofits, and a network of micro-entrepreneurs, such as Ecomiel honey producers, the woman-owned Finca El Casquillo organic farm, and La Cabaña sustainable coffee micro-mill, provide most of the trail’s lodging, food, tours, and other hiker amenities.

Due to the trail’s remoteness and its patchwork of tourism services, Mar a Mar (Sea to Sea)—the nonprofit partnership formed in 2016 to develop, promote, and help sustain El Camino—strongly recommends hiking with a guide. Ticos a Pata , UrriTrek Costa Rica , and ViaLig Journeys are among the tour operators offering guided experiences—from single-day hikes to coast-to-coast treks with multiple river crossings and rambles through ranch lands, rainforests, cloud forests, and sugarcane plantations. Multiday itineraries typically feature optional adventures, such as a white-water rafting trip on the world-class Pacuare River rapids. — National Geographic Traveler Korea

BEST PLACES CHAMPIONING SUSTAINABILITY

Cobalt-winged Parakeet parrots lick clay in the Napo Wildlife Center in Yasuni National Park Quechua

Yasuní National Park, Ecuador

Fight for the forest. In recognition of the global importance of the Amazon, France is leading the fight against deforestation in eastern Ecuador ’s Yasuní National Park , designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1989. The almost 4,000-square-mile park—home to mahogany trees, sweet guabas , anthuriums, palms, and hypnotizingly green ferns—is the first of five pilot sites in the French-funded TerrAmaz program . This four-year initiative, launched in late 2020, supports sustainable development and safeguards biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

Yasuní—considered one of the most biodiverse places on Earth—shelters an astonishing assortment of creatures, such as anteaters, capybaras, sloths, spider monkeys, and about 600 species of colorful birds. In the Napo and Curaray rivers flanking the park, visitors can watch for the Amazon river dolphin, an endangered and enigmatic species.

Yasuní also provides refuge for the Tagaeri and Taromenane people, Waorani Indigenous groups who live in voluntary isolation and use handcrafted canoes to travel between waterways. Tour operators such as Napo Wildlife Center offer excursions and lodging based on a sustainable ecotourism model that benefits the resident tribes. — Karen Alfaro, National Geographic Traveler Latin America

A woman walks along a mountain trail

Chimanimani, Mozambique

Witness a conservation success. “Chimanimani is a timeless place, where local rainmakers still climb peaks to summon rain,” says National Geographic Explorer and photojournalist Jen Guyton , of one of Mozambique ’s newest national parks. Located on the country’s mountainous border with Zimbabwe, Chimanimani National Park , established in October 2020, is home to Mozambique’s highest peak, Mount Binga (elevation: 7,992 feet). It was once flush with elephants, lions, and other large animals whose images appear in ancient rock art created by the ancestral San people.

Poaching during decades of civil unrest decimated wildlife populations, but small numbers of elephants remain, as do at least 42 other species of mammals and a dazzling variety of plant and avian life. In the two recent biodiversity surveys alone that Guyton photographed, 475 plant species and 260 bird species were identified, along with 67 amphibian and reptile species—including one frog and one lizard thought to be new to science.

( How one of Africa’s great parks is rebounding from war .)

Sustainable tourism activities—such as birdwatching, hiking to forest waterfalls, and overnighting at the Ndzou Camp , a small community ecolodge—provide up-close views of a captivating wild place, which Guyton particularly enjoys experiencing at sunset. “With no roads for miles around, there’s total silence except for the birds, and you get a few moments of almost transcendental peace in that warm glow.”

Industrial architecture in the Ruhr Valley

Ruhr Valley, Germany

Get creative. Mining and steel production once dominated the densely populated Ruhr Valley , located in Germany ’s western state of North Rhine–Westphalia. Today, the region is repurposing former slag heaps (mounds of mining waste) and postapocalyptic-looking industrial sites as parks and open-air cultural spaces.  

The most famous is the World Heritage site of   Zeche Zollverein (Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex), home to an outdoor swimming pool, ice rink, and walking trails. “People visiting the Ruhr area are usually impressed by the abundance of green,” says Karola Geiss-Netthöfel, director of the Ruhr Regional Association .

Zollverein is part of the wider Emscher Landscape Park , an east-west system of green spaces and corridors covering nearly 175 square miles. Rent a bike in Essen for a car-free Ruhr Valley trip along cycling routes, many of which follow former railway tracks. Or explore on foot via the 96-mile-long Hohe Mark Steig , a trekking trail opened in 2021.  

“The trail combines nature and industrial culture in a unique way, as you pass by several industrial buildings,” says Geiss-Netthöfel. A top spot nearby: Halde Hoheward, elevation 495 feet, a mountainous slag heap made from 180 million tons of mine waste and topped with a giant sundial. — Franziska Haack, National Geographic Traveler Germany

Orchards and vineyard near Wishram, Washington, looking down the Columbia River towards The Dalles and Mount Hood

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon/Washington

Wine and dine mindfully. The nation’s largest National Scenic Area is probably not where you think it is. It straddles the Oregon - Washington border and comprises 293,000 acres of public and private lands along the Columbia River Gorge.

With Mount Hood nearby, the area attracts more than two million visitors annually. A nonprofit alliance is helping to reduce tourist impact on local nature and culture. This collaboration has become a model for other regions building a sustainable tourism economy.

Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance initiatives include the visitor education program Ready, Set, Gorge, and the East Gorge Food Trail , a network of farms, historic hotels, wineries, and other homegrown experiences. Partnering with other local organizations and educating visitors benefits everyone, says Ali McLaughlin, owner of MountNbarreL , which offers wine-tasting bike tours and other car-free experiences.

“Having tourists who understand the importance of respecting the area they are traveling through has gone a long way toward mitigating concerns from local residents,” says McLaughlin. Go with Nat Geo: Retrace the path of Lewis and Clark’s trailblazing expedition through the Pacific Northwest.

View of Freedom Square from up above the city of Lodz, Poland

Łódź, Poland

Spotlight a green city. Named a UNESCO City of Film in 2017 for its rich cinematic culture, Łódź , a city of nearly 700,000 in central Poland , was a major textile manufacturing center in the 19th and 20th centuries. Now Poland’s Hollywood is flipping the script on its industrial past to create a greener future.

In recent years Łódź   (pronounced woodge) has embraced new ecological technologies, such as using pre-RDF (refuse-derived fuel) and biomass energy to heat homes. In 2021, the city partnered with the European e-commerce delivery platform InPost to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions and traffic in the town’s center by installing 70 parcel locker locations and electric car charging stations.

Nearly a third of Łódź is green space, ranging from new pocket parks to the 2,977-acre Łagiewnicki Forest . In the city’s old industrial areas, factories are being reborn as parks, cultural centers, residences, and retail spaces. The trendiest spot on the cultural map is OFF Piotrkowska , a buzzing art, design, dining, and club district housed in a former cotton mill.  

Another massive factory, built by the I.K. Poznański Cotton Products Company—which employed as many as 7,000 people in 1913—was reimagined as Manufaktura , an arts center and shopping mall spread across 13 historic brick buildings. Manufaktura’s Muzeum Fabryki explores the   Poznański family’s “cotton empire” and the lives of the factory workers. — Martyna Szczepanik, National Geographic Traveler Poland

BEST PLACES FOR CULTURE AND HISTORY

A woman collects tea leaves with a Puer tea estate in the background

Jingmai Mountain, China

Taste tea. One of the oldest cultural landscapes in China is slated to become one of the country’s newest UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2022. The Ancient Tea Plantations of Jingmai Mountain in Pu’er , which collectively form the world’s largest ancient artificially cultivated tea plantation, features about 1.13 million tea trees, the oldest of which is 1,400 years old.

Located in the remote southwestern corner of China’s Yunnan Province, the region was a starting point of the legendary Ancient Tea Horse Road . This 11th-century network of routes was named for its primary purpose: trading Chinese tea for Tibetan horses (130 pounds of tea equaled the value of one horse).

( In search of the perfect cup of tea in China’s Yunnan Province .)

Today, new highways have replaced the route, but the region’s tea plantations remain, as do the four local ethnic minority groups—the Blang, Dai, Hani, and Wa people—who retain their own languages, customs, and festivals. The remote location and limited tea-tourism offerings make a guided trip the best way to experience this enduring cultural landscape. — Yi Lu, National Geographic Traveler China

A collection of artifacts displayed at the Kayano Shigeru Nibutani Ainu Museum in Biratori Town, Hokkaido

Hokkaido, Japan  

Learn about an island’s roots. Most visitors to Hokkaido , Japan’s wildly scenic and northernmost main island, don’t have many opportunities to learn about the Ainu, Indigenous people from the northern region of the archipelago. But the new National Ainu Museum and Park at Upopoy, which opened in 2020, hopes to change that. It joins the Kayano Shigeru Nibutani Ainu Museum , which opened in 1992, in teaching Japanese and international visitors about Ainu culture.

Marginalized since the late 1800s, the Ainu were granted legal protections in Japan in 2019; the country’s new Ainu Promotion Act recognizes and bans discrimination against the Ainu.  

Upopoy has a pressing three-pronged mission: promote, revitalize, and expand Ainu culture before it becomes extinct. Particularly at risk is the Ainu language, which is unrelated to Japanese or any other language, and is considered critically endangered by UNESCO. Listening to conversational Ainu and playing games to learn pronunciation are part of the new museum’s permanent exhibition.  

Visitors can also discover the timely sustainable-living lessons of the Ainu, whose spiritual beliefs are rooted in respect and gratitude for nature. After visiting Upopoy, drive 30 minutes southwest and soak in nature at Noboribetsu Onsen , Hokkaido’s premier hot springs resort which is located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park . Go with Nat Geo:   Take a voyage in the Ring of Fire aboard the National Geographic Resolution.

The coast of Procida lit up at twilight

Procida Island, Italy

Connect with culture.   Chosen pre-pandemic, the theme of Procida’s reign as the Italian Capital of Culture 2022 — La cultura non isola (Culture does not isolate)—now seems particularly on point. The island city, located 40 minutes southwest of Naples via high-speed ferry, plans to use its year in the spotlight to illustrate the importance of culture, particularly in times of uncertainty.

“Today, ‘Culture does not isolate’ is an even stronger call to action because, for us, the island is a metaphor for modern people,” says Procida 2022 director Agostino Riitano. “We are all like islands, creating our own archipelagos where culture has to be the mortar that holds them together; this is even more true following the effects of the pandemic.”

( The pandemic couldn’t silence this Italian city of music .)

Procida 2022 plans to spread cultural programming, such as contemporary art exhibitions, festivals, and performances, over 300 days to encourage responsible travel throughout the year, and to avoid a mass influx of visitors during the summer. In the spotlight as a symbol of the inclusive theme is the island’s Palazzo d’Avalos , a Renaissance palace-turned-prison, built in 1500 and closed in 1988. Most recently associated with isolation, the former prison and its green space (where inmates raised crops, cows, and pigs) will be reborn as a cultural venue and urban park.

People walk down the stairs at the Freedom Hall at The King Center in Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia  

Meet the moment. At a time when voting rights are in contention in the United States, Atlanta is flexing its cultural and political muscle through two formidable voter empowerment organizations: The New Georgia Project and Fair Fight Action , both founded by Atlanta-based political leader and activist Stacey Abrams.

Being at the forefront of social change isn’t new, says city native Bem Joiner, cofounder of the creative agency Atlanta Influences Everything . “Atlanta’s ‘special sauce’ is its three C’s: civic, corporate, and cultural. We’re the cradle of the civil rights movement, the home of Coca-Cola, and our hip-hop culture shapes global culture. There’s no place else quite like Atlanta.”

Georgia’s largest city is also an epicenter of Black entrepreneurship, incubating businesses such as plant-based burger chain Slutty Vegan and eco-conscious Sustainable Home Goods .  

Easily accessible on foot or by bike via the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail , the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood blends nightlife and dining venues, such as Biggerstaff Brewing Company and Ponce City Market , with historic highlights like the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum .

An employee sorts a display of guitars in a shop on Denmark Street

Tin Pan Alley, London

Sing along. Despite pushback from punk and rock purists, the remix of Denmark Street , former hub of the British music industry, promises to hit all the right notes. Once lined with music publishers, recording studios, rehearsal rooms, and dimly lit clubs, the tiny street, nicknamed London ’s Tin Pan Alley, helped launch the British punk rock movement and legends including David Bowie, Elton John, and the Rolling Stones.  

In recent years, the music had all but died, save for Denmark Street’s surviving guitar shops. Now this iconic slice of history is being revived as part of Outernet London, the West End’s new $1.2 billion entertainment district.

The retooled street retains pieces of its storied past: restored 17th-century building facades; the heritage-protected graffiti art of Johnny Rotten, lead singer of the Sex Pistols (who lived here); the old-school music shops (thanks to affordable, long-term leases).  

( Learn more about the unlikely rebirth of a London legend .)

It also welcomes new spaces for infusing with music. There are busker spots where street musicians can make their case for being the next Adele (who debuted at Denmark Street’s original 12 Bar Club ); a free-to-use professional-quality recording studio for up-and-coming artists; and the new Chateau Denmark hotel, spread across 16 buildings steeped in music history.

BEST PLACES FOR FAMILIES

Children ride donkeys to participate in the 4th International Antalya Yoruk Festival

Lycia, Turkey

Learn about nomadic life. The nomadic Yörüks,   originally from different Turkic groups that ranged from the Balkans to Iran , once roamed the plateaus of the Turkish riviera. Most of the Yörüks (literally “walkers”) have now settled down—but many of their thousand-year-old customs are alive and well.  

Located in the historical Lycia region in southwestern Anatolia , Teke Peninsula is one of the spots where Yörük culture remains strong. Teke Yörüks live a semi-nomadic life with their tents, kilim rugs, herds, shepherd dogs, and transhumant traditions, set against a mountainous, Mediterranean backdrop full of olive trees.

In recent years, tour companies have started to merge the marvels of Lycia with Yörük life. Families can trek parts of the famous Lycian Way ; visit ancient sites like Patara, Xanthos, or Letoon; and swim in crystal clear waters while spending nights in hotels, guesthouses, tents, or villagers’ own homes. But it’s the children who have the most fun, as they can experience Yörük culture by making syrup with pomegranates, cooking local pastries, milking goats, or taking part in the olive harvest.

“History, nature, and culture, they’re all here. We wanted to turn this beautiful landscape into a learning platform, but also into a playground,” says Kerem Karaerkek, the chief guide of Middle Earth Travel . “I love how the kids get excited when they step into a Yörük kitchen or when they go on a treasure hunt in ancient Lycian ruins. You can see the sense of wonder in their eyes.” — Onur Uygun, National Geographic Traveler Turkey

The Alhambra Palace and fortress complex in Granada, Andalusia, Spain

Granada, Spain

Marvel at geometric beauty. Built as a palace-city by 13th-century Nasrid sultans—rulers of the longest-lasting and final Muslim dynasty on the Iberian Peninsula—the Alhambra (“red fort”) is considered the Moorish architectural jewel of Europe. The almond-shaped profile of this UNESCO World Heritage site rests on a hill above Granada, one of the most picturesque cities in Spain .

But it’s the mathematical wizardry on display here that is particularly fascinating for families. Intricate mosaics, arabesques (a repetitive, stylized pattern based on a floral or vegetal design), and muqarnas   (ornamental vaulting) make the Alhambra a masterpiece of geometric beauty—and a colorful classroom for age-appropriate exploration of math concepts, such as shapes, symmetry, proportion, and measurement.

Math flows through the Alhambra’s other main design feature, water, which gives life and meaning to the whole. Water provides the refreshing spirit of the gardens and the murmur of its fountains, but is also an element of the architecture itself.

At the Palace of the Lions , one of the Alhambra’s three original royal palaces, families will marvel at the central fountain. Its elaborate design features 12 stone lions supporting a large marble basin on their backs and—thanks to the technical wonder of complex hydraulics—spitting water from their mouths. Go with Nat Geo: Discover Moorish Spain from Córdoba’s cultures to Granada’s Alhambra to Seville’s wonders. —Manuel Mateo Pérez, NG Viajes Spain

View just above the marsh in the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Eastern Shore, Maryland

Be transported by history. The history of the Underground Railroad flows through the waterways, wetlands, swamps, and tidal marshes of Dorchester County on Maryland ’s Eastern Shore. This is where the secret network’s most famous “conductor,” Harriet Tubman , was born enslaved, grew up, and honed the skills—such as trapping, hunting, and using stars to navigate—she used to escape to freedom in Pennsylvania . She then returned 13 times to rescue more than 70 enslaved friends and family. Her heroic story is told at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center , one of the more than 30 stops along the 125-mile Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway .

To bring Tubman’s story to life for kids, Alex Green, co-owner of Harriet Tubman Tours , suggests a kayaking adventure in the byway’s Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge . As a child, Tubman trapped muskrats here and worked alongside her father, a timber inspector who taught her how to move around the marshlands.

“We talk to kids about how the confidence and lessons Harriet learned inside the terrible institution of slavery drove her to accomplish incredible things,” Green says. “Harriet never gave up and she never stopped learning. That’s a lesson they can take home.” Go with Nat Geo:   Embark on a wild Chesapeake Bay escape to see waterways, watermen, and wildlife.

High angle view of Budapest at twilight over ships in the Danube River

Danube River  

Cruise storybook lands. Boating the Danube can seem like traveling through a realm of fairy tales, with its scrolling views of castles, medieval towns, and stately palaces that help to bring European history to life. The river twists through 10 European countries (Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine), and most Danube cruise itineraries include stops in at least four of those, with special family sailings featuring kid-friendly onshore activities.

School lessons focusing on Middle Ages feudalism take on vivid dimensions when exploring Veste Oberhaus in Passau, Germany, one of the largest surviving castle complexes in Europe. Ages-old Hungarian equestrian traditions come alive on a southern Hungarian ranch, where fearless csikós , or mounted herdsmen, ride standing upright and balancing on the backs of two galloping horses.

When off the water, look to wheels. Board Vienna ’s iconic Giant Ferris Wheel, the Riesenrad , or take a bike ride among terraced vineyards in Lower Austria’s World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape .   Go with Nat Geo:   Savor Christmas markets from Budapest to Nuremberg on this Danube cruise . — National Geographic Traveler Romania

a diver swims with a school of fish under water

Dive a longtime marine reserve. Dazzling sunlight, a turquoise sea, palm trees, white beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere: Bonaire checks all the boxes for an idyllic tropical destination. But compared to many other Caribbean islands, Bonaire (pop. 21,000) is quiet and still relatively wild and unspoiled. Off its coast lies one of the oldest marine reserves in the world.

The Bonaire National Marine Park was established in 1979 and has been on the provisional UNESCO World Heritage List since 2011. The reserve encompasses 6,672 acres of coral reef, seagrass, and mangrove vegetation. Bonaire’s healthy reefs are a magnet for divers and snorkelers who can spot up to 57 species of coral and more than 350 different fish species.

Several dive schools on Bonaire participate in the Reef Renewal program , in which volunteers can grow and maintain corals in underwater nurseries, then plant them into the reef. Anyone who can dive can come and help after completing the PADI Reef Renewal Diver course.

( Read more about new efforts to save dying coral reefs . )

Accessibility is another bonus: You don’t need a liveaboard or other boat transport to start exploring. At 54 of Bonaire’s nearly 90 public dive sites, you walk from the beach or a pier straight into the water. —Barbera Bosma, National Geographic Traveler Netherlands

Written by the global editors of National Geographic Travel, with additional reporting and writing by Maryellen Kennedy Duckett, Karen Carmichael, and Shauna Farnell.

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted travel. When planning a trip, be sure to research your destination and take safety precautions before, during, and after your journey. Click here for National Geographic reporting on the pandemic.

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The 22 Best Places to Go in 2022

By CNT Editors

Best Places to Go in 2022

This was the year of getting back out there—as vaccines became readily available in the spring and borders opened slowly throughout the summer and fall, our travel calendars began to fill up once again. Now, as we look ahead to what 2022 has in store, it’s clear that our travel priorities have changed. We’re no longer checking destinations off a list; instead we’re being purposeful about why we choose to take a trip, and thoughtful about how our actions impact local communities while we’re there.

This year’s list of the best places to visit reflects these shifts in thinking: We’ve organized these destinations based on some of our favorite reasons to travel, from exhilarating food and drink scenes and historic sites to explore, to new places to soak in the great outdoors. We hope it makes it easier to plan your next big trip—and helps you narrow down where to go first of the 22 exciting places that made our 2022 list. — Stephanie Wu All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Image may contain Food Egg Confectionery Sweets Dessert and Meal

Birmingham, Alabama

Downtown Birmingham is feeling more revitalized than ever, as several historic buildings have been reimagined as restaurants by local chefs. Five-time James Beard finalist Rob McDaniel, who grew up 80 miles from the city, opened contemporary Southern grill Helen in 2020 inside a 1920s shotgun-style building. You can smell his wood-fired meats from the sidewalk, and inside every meal starts with warm angel biscuits topped with whipped cane syrup butter. A block away at The Essential , Southern-bred chef Victor King and pastry chef Kristen Hall have partnered with farmers to serve vegetable-heavy dishes, homemade pastas, and the tastiest desserts in town (look for Parisian-inspired Bar La Fête from the duo in early 2022).

There’s plenty to do downtown as well. The new Urban Supply mixed-use development will bring century-old warehouses in the Parkside neighborhood back to life with restaurants, bars, shopping, and fitness studios when it’s completed in mid-2022. City Walk BHAM is also in the works, adding markets, green spaces, and food trucks to city blocks beneath Interstate 59/20. The project is set to be complete by summer 2022, when the Magic City will serve as the first American host for The World Games , an 11-day, 34-sport event (including tug of war and wheelchair rugby) expected to draw 500,000 spectators. While downtown has its share of big-box hotels for groups, find a quieter stay at Elyton Hotel in a restored historic building, or the boutique Valley Hotel in Homewood, a mere 10 minutes away. —Kelsey Ogletree

Salon 1905 Belgrade Serbia

Since the dissolution of Yugoslavia 30 years ago, many of its constituent nations (Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro) have emerged as major tourism hubs. Yet Serbia has taken a backseat—until now. Belgrade has earned a reputation as a culinary destination, and the Michelin Guide will soon bestow stars on the city, celebrating its East-meets-West cuisine which draws liberally from neighboring Greek, Turkish, and Central European influences. Standout restaurants include Langouste, run by chef Guillaume Iskandar, whose work at Paris’s Garance earned the place a Michelin star. And the opulent Salon 1905 (pictured) serves a tasting menu with Serbian wine pairings that proves domestic truffles, cheeses, and charcuterie can hold their own against Europe’s best.

The nightlife-rich capital city is often compared to Berlin in the ’90s, but its cool-kid persona is getting a luxe upgrade in 2022 with the opening of a St. Regis. The hotel will be set within a 42-floor tower that will be the tallest skyscraper in the Balkans outside of Istanbul and will anchor the new $3 billion Belgrade Waterfront urban revitalization district, a collection of gleaming high-rises and green spaces.

Meanwhile, Serbia’s second city, Novi Sad, has been named one of three European Capitals of Culture for 2022, marking one of the first non-E.U. cities to receive the honor. A progressive hub of music, art, and literature set along the Danube River, Novi Sad has opened several new venues in preparation for its close-up: a former pasta factory, a silk-dyeing facility, and an 1890s château have been transformed into contemporary art galleries and performance spaces that will host events and exhibitions throughout the year. —Nicholas DeRenzo

Credo Restaurant Trøndelag County Norway

Trøndelag County, Norway

Central Norway’s Trøndelag County has become a world-renowned food region in recent years. The area’s diverse landscape—forests, mountains, fjords, and fields—produces high-quality seafood, organic dairy products, and fresh vegetables, which farmers share locally and with restaurants around the world.

Trondheim-Trøndelag was named the European Region of Gastronomy 2022 , and to see what all the fuss is about, food connoisseurs should start at the newly refurbished Britannia Hotel to dine at Michelin-starred Speilsalen , Norway’s Restaurant of the Year 2020. Indulge in head chef Christopher Davidsen’s signature dish, featuring scallops from the island of Frøya fried in organic butter from the town of Røros and served with celery and caviar. Visit Bula Neobistro for chef Renée Fagerhoei’s lamb from Madsøy island with anchovy and green pepper sauce. Stop by chef Heidi Bjerkan’s one-Michelin-star Credo (pictured) for the grilled langoustine tail or langoustine soup, and wrap up your tasting tour at Kraft Bodega , where chef Thomas Bogan serves a delicious dessert of waffles with porcini ice cream, Norwegian apples, and brown cheese—all dishes you won’t find anywhere else.

The region hosts several annual celebrations, like the Trondheim Wine Festival in March, the Trondheim Brewery Festival and the Trøndelag Food Festival , one of Europe’s largest, both in July, and the Trondheim Gin Festival in August. Consider timing your visit around one of these events, where you’re bound to be surrounded by like-minded gourmands. —Kwin Mosby

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Banff Gondola

Alberta, Canada

Alberta’s turquoise lakes and snow-capped mountains have always attracted crowds, but there’s a new draw as international travelers return : a spotlight on the area’s Indigenous heritage.

Fort Edmonton Park, Canada’s largest living history museum, is now home to the Indigenous Peoples Experience , a 30,000-square-foot immersive exhibit exploring First Nations and Métis culture. For a deeper dive into the region’s thriving Métis community, head to cultural interpretation center Métis Crossing , which recently debuted its new wildlife park and will open a 40-room boutique lodge accented with Métis artwork this month. Later this winter, the property will also launch Whispers from the Stars, an evening experience where Métis knowledge holders will tell stories of the constellations.

The annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival in the dark sky preserve of Jasper National Park is also including more Indigenous voices in its programming (think drone light shows narrated by Indigenous leaders). Those planning a stay in Jasper can look forward to the June opening of a new 88-room wilderness-themed hotel from local hospitality and attractions company Pursuit .

And Banff has debuted new experiences including the 360° Dome , a private outdoor dining venue at Fairmont Banff Springs that pairs local fare like bison short ribs with Bow Valley views. Next summer, the historic hotel will debut a $28-million renovation of its Royal Suite and Fairmont Gold rooms. Those visiting this winter can cap off the evening at the Banff Gondola with Nightrise, a multi-sensory experience (running December 2 to March 12) that highlights the historical significance of the Stoney Nakoda Nation through multimedia storytelling against a backdrop of alpenglow-drenched mountains. —Julia Eskins

Hauser  Wirth Menorca on Isla del Rey

Balearic Islands, Spain

Rugged landscapes, a laidback lifestyle, and Ibiza’s infamous party scene have long drawn travelers to the sun-bleached shores of the Balearic Islands. Over the past year, though, the archipelago off the east coast of mainland Spain has refocused its ambitions toward art.

Last summer’s opening of Hauser & Wirth Menorca (pictured)—a new arts center and the gallery’s latest international outpost—was just the starting point. Located on the historic Illa del Rei in Manorca’s Mahón harbor, the site has taken over an 18th-century naval hospital and outlying buildings. With eight galleries, a restaurant, shop, garden, and an outdoor sculpture trail with works by Frank West, Louise Bourgeois, and Eduardo Chillida, it puts the sleepy Balearic island on the international art map with big-name exhibitions, educational activities, and sustainable initiatives .

Art and design stand out at the archipelago’s new hospitality offerings, too. In Mallorca, Can Ferrereta , a boutique hotel housed in a restored 17th-century building, features a Maison Assouline-curated library and works by local and Spanish artists—Joan Miró, Riera i Aragó, Bárbara Vidal—in all its 32 rooms and communal spaces. On relaxed Formentera, the recently opened Casa Pacha has stylish retro interiors by Patricia Galden Studio and statement decorative objects from local artisans. Meanwhile on the hard-partying isle, the Six Senses Ibiza will feature farm-to-table dining, music, art, wellness, and sustainable fashion, as the Balearics’ first BREEAM -certified resort. 2022’s debuts— El Vicenç de la Mar and the Kimpton Hotel Santa Ponsa , both in Mallorca—are bound to have unique draws of their own. —Marianna Cerini

The Loutrel Charleston South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston will honor its African roots in a big way in 2022. The long-awaited International African American Museum is slated to open in the fall, and will examine the African diaspora and Charleston’s role housing one of the largest slave ports in the U.S. The museum sits on the hallowed site of said port, Gadsden’s Wharf, where the tide washes in and out near contemplative gardens. The exhibits will tackle centuries of difficult history and highlight contemporary Black artists, while the genealogy center is designed to help visitors connect the past to the present through their own family trees.

Music lovers will have plenty to look forward to at the Spoleto Festival USA , one of the country’s most prestigious classical music events. The opera Omar , which will have its world premiere at Spoleto, explores the life of a Muslim African scholar who was captured on the border of Senegal and Mauritania in 1807 and enslaved in Charleston. Grammy Award winner Rhiannon Giddens co-composed the score with Michael Abels, best known for his work on the films Get Out and Us. Shortly after, the city will join its three main Juneteenth festivals into a bigger and better Lowcountry Juneteenth Experience to wrap up the celebration.

The historic district has plenty of new places to stay, dine, and further explore the city’s origins. Luxury hotel The Loutrel (pictured) is inspired by Charleston’s renowned gardens, with expansive views from its rooftop terrace, and The Residences at Zero George provide longer stays for those who love the elegance of the award-winning hotel. Finally, don’t miss the refined, creative southern dishes at Lenoir , served by James Beard Award winner Vivian Howard, and traditional French cuisine at Brasserie La Banque . —Sarah Enelow-Snyder

Mandarin Oriental Istanbul Turkey

Istanbul’s cultural scene is poised for the global spotlight in 2022. Billions of dollars have been poured into urban renewal projects that are finally coming to fruition. “I’ve lived here for 23 years and I can really see a major transformation,” says Karen Fedorko, founder of Sea Song Tours . Travelers can follow the newly established  Beyoğlu Culture Road —a two-hour walking trail that knits together many of the city’s new and restored attractions. Begin at Taksim Square to visit the newly built Taksim Mosque and Atatürk Cultural Center, a once-abandoned 1960s architectural icon that has been faithfully restored to house an opera hall, theater, rooftop restaurant, and a façade where live performances are projected. Strolling down Istiklal Street, pop into the beautified Atlas Cinema and neoclassical Istanbul Cinema Museum  before making your way to the Galata Tower. The medieval stone landmark’s redone rooftop is the place for a view of the city’s fabled east-meets-west skyline. The route culminates at the Bosphorus where Galataport , a new arts and culture hub in the Karaköy neighborhood, touts a newly minted world-class cruise terminal, restaurants from international chefs, a revamped fine arts and sculpture museum , and a refurbished Ottoman clock tower in Tophane Square. Opening late next year along the waterfront is the highly anticipated new home of contemporary art museum Istanbul Modern , whose show-stopping Renzo Piano design will house the works of big-name Turkish artists. Travelers can bed down in the just-opened Bosphorus-facing Mandarin Oriental in Kurucesme (pictured) or the Four Seasons in Sultanahmet, which will reopen in 2022 after significant renovation. Or plan a stay at the Peninsula hotel in Karaköy whose waterside rooms, Turkish baths, and swimming pools will give new life to an old port terminal when it debuts at the end of next year. —Nora Walsh

Image may contain Rock Archaeology Slate Cliff Outdoors Nature Hat Clothing Apparel Human and Person

London will be in a festive mood in 2022 as The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee marks 70 years of Her Majesty’s reign. Events honoring Britain’s longest-serving monarch range from solemn services to rollicking celebrations. The biggest party unfurls over a long weekend, from June 2 to 5, where visitors can join the waving crowds lining The Mall for The Queen’s Birthday Parade (also known as Trooping the Colour), cheer for the races at Epsom Downs, and soak up the street carnival atmosphere of the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.

Raffles introduces its first London hotel with The OWO (pictured), which will house 120 guest rooms and 85 private residences in the splendid Old War Office building that once served as Churchill’s headquarters. If it looks familiar, that might be because the OWO has appeared in five James Bond films. In fact, Ian Fleming was inspired to write the Bond stories when he worked in the building as a naval intelligence officer. 

Other new lodging options include The Peninsula London , overlooking Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, and the Lost Property from Curio Collection by Hilton, combining new accommodations with a preserved façade near St. Paul’s Cathedral. And The Audley, a five-story historic pub in Mayfair, reopens in the fall after an art-filled reimagining by the Hauser & Wirth team, complete with a new restaurant and private dining rooms. —Laura Beausire

Querétaro Mexico

Querétaro, Mexico

Follow any of the shaded, twisting pedestrian alleys in Querétaro, which sits two-hours north of Mexico City , and you’ll arrive at a flower-drenched plaza, often surrounded by Colonial-era convents, palaces, and 18th-century homes, many of which have been converted to modern destination restaurants that rival those of the country’s capital.

Founded by the Otomí people in the 15th century, this city is a crossroads of Indigenous cultures, but has also served as a major base for Franciscan missionaries, a center for silver wealth, and a political seat—in 1917, regional representatives created and signed the country’s constitution. Though Querétaro’s international importance has faded since, its beauty and Baroque architecture remain.

The mid-17th-century Templo y Convento de la Santa Cruz anchors the historic city center, and its recent preservation effort earned Querétaro a nomination for UNESCO’s Jean-Paul L’Allier Prize in 2020, which honors exemplary urban cultural heritage conservation. This might just be the only place in the world where tech and aerospace workers commute on roads that weave under the slim arches remaining from a 1738 aqueduct.

Despite a slow two years during the pandemic and recent flooding, the city is growing as a tourist destination, with new hotels under construction that signal a wider opening to international travelers. One unique offering is already available to book: After sales fell because of COVID, a cheese factory outside of town kept its workers safely on the job by employing them to build the Hotel de Tierra : nine rammed-earth rooms, sustainably built from and on the soil of its adjacent vineyard, Tierra de Alonso. —Naomi Tomky

Rapa Nui Chile

Rapa Nui, Chile

Some 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile in the South Pacific Ocean, UNESCO-listed Rapa Nui is famous for its roughly 900 monolithic moai stone statues sprinkled across the island. Now, just in time for a major anniversary, the world’s most remote inhabited island is preparing to open its borders after almost two years of isolation.

2022 marks 300 years since Dutch explorers arrived on Rapa Nui’s shores on Easter Day, which is how the 64-square-mile volcanic landmass acquired the appellation Easter Island. Locals, however, trace their lineage to a thriving Polynesian civilization dating back to the 4th century and take great pride in their native Rapa Nui language and culture, which has experienced a renaissance during the pandemic. And with less food being brought to the island, there was a boom in ancestral agriculture, yielding a bounty of guava and taro root. Some sustainability-oriented initiatives are in place as well, including proposals to limit the number of visitor arrivals to protect its cultural assets from erosion. When the island reopens to fully vaccinated tourists in February, be the first to stay at the newly branded Nayara Hangaroa , where self-drive ATV tours allow guests to take in iconic attractions like the Ranu Kau crater, moai sites at Rano Raraku quarry and Ahu Tongariki, the Orongo ceremonial village, and Anakena beach at their own leisure. For a complete cultural immersion, tap Abercrombie & Kent for local guides, a traditional meal in a friendly home, and insider’s access to the two-week-long Tapati Festival held every February. —N.W.

Image may contain Vehicle Transportation Train Train Track Railway Rail Wheel Machine and Locomotive

When Portuguese sailors first landed on what is now Cape Verde in 1456, they arrived to a largely untouched archipelago devoid of inhabitants and with few natural resources. This remote group of islands—located 369 nautical miles west of Senegal —soon became a stopping point in the transatlantic slave trade, resulting in the unique blend of Portuguese and West African traditions and heritage (many of today’s residents have roots tracing back to each) that exist on the island today.

This year, Hurtigruten Expeditions will launch sailings to the island country, beginning with a 14-day journey aboard its 180-passenger MS Spitsbergen in November. The company is scheduled to be the only expedition cruise to visit Cape Verde this year—and it’s also their first-ever trip to Africa . The ship will make stops at some of the archipelago’s most notable islands (there are 10 in total, as well as several islets), including Santo Antão, with its hikable misty pine forests and steep-cliff canyons, and Fogo, home to the awe-inspiring (and still-active) 9,281-foot-tall Pico do Fogo volcano, western Africa’s highest peak. For those who aren’t on a cruise, an inter-island ferry system and relatively inexpensive domestic flights makes island-hopping doable, too.

And you’ll want to explore on land: Known for its laid-back vibe and innate hospitality, Cape Verde is considered an LGBTQ+ oasis within Africa thanks to progressive laws. Mindelo, on the island São Vicente, hosts an annual Pride parade that will take place in the summer. As Cape Verde’s cultural capital, this colorful port city is a great place to catch performances of morna, a locally honed, melancholic music symbolizing longing for the African mainland, as well as the rousing tunes of accordion-based funaná . Listen from new Mansa Floating Hub , a futuristic-style floating music center that opened in August atop Mindelo’s Porto Grande Bay. —Laura Kiniry

Pearl Seas Cruises Great Lakes Milwaukee

The Great Lakes

The Great Lakes comprise 95,000 square miles of freshwater flanked by thick forests, historic sights, and skyline-speckled cities. But despite the waterside attractions, this stretch of the upper Midwest and Canada has long been off the cruise-industry map. Soon, those tides will turn.

In spring 2022, Viking’s posh new Octantis expedition ship will sail from Milwaukee, Wisconsin , to Toronto and Thunder Bay, Ontario, meandering by Great Lakes gems such as Mackinac Island and Sleeping Bear Dunes. The vessel, crafted for Viking’s new Antarctic voyages, welcomes up to 378 guests; it’s the largest Great Lakes cruise option to date.

For something more intimate, French cruise operator Ponant and partner Smithsonian Journeys will unveil their own Great Lakes voyages in fall 2022. Itineraries on ships like the 184-guest Le Bellot run from Toronto to Milwaukee, with a stop at Niagara Falls along the way. Ponant and Viking will share these waterways with small-ship cruise outfitters like Pearl Seas Cruises (pictured), Hapag-Lloyd Cruises , and Plantours Cruises .

Thanks to new infrastructure and accommodations, Great Lakes port cities stand ready to host disembarking guests. Milwaukee will debut several new hotels in 2022, including the Kinn Guesthouse MKE Downtown and The Adams Hotel , while Canada cruise hub Toronto has eight new openings on the docket, including a W Hotel . —Stephanie Vermillion

Seven Stars Kyushu Japan

Kyushu, Japan

The southernmost of Japan’s four major islands, Kyushu is known for its vibrant food culture, abundance of historical sites , subtropical climate, and laid-back reputation.

Despite its seemingly remote location, Kyushu is surprisingly accessible, both by air via Japan’s many domestic carriers and by Shinkansen (bullet train). A flight from Tokyo to Fukuoka, Kyushu’s largest city, clocks in at just under two hours, while a train trip from Shin-Osaka Station to Fukuoka’s Hakata Station takes roughly two and a half.

Kyushu’s rail network will receive a notable boost when the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen, connecting the historic port city of Nagasaki with Takeo Onsen in Saga prefecture, opens in the fall. Foreigners can take advantage of highly discounted rail passes throughout Kyushu, with unlimited rides on all trains operated by the JR Kyushu Railway Company .

Onsen lovers have plenty to choose from in Kyushu as well—hot springs are dotted everywhere from the famed black sand beaches of Ibusuki in Kagoshima prefecture to the rural enclave of Yufuin in Oita. In the summer, Hoshino Resorts will open Kai Yufuin , a luxury property designed by famed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, featuring 45 guest rooms in the remote onsen town.

Those looking for a bit more adventure should head to the city of Sasebo in Nagasaki prefecture for a luxury catamaran cruise around the Kujuku Islands. Some packages include meals, but there’s also the option to seek out a Sasebo Burger , a popular item whose influence is traced back in part to the large number of American service members who arrived in the city after World War II. —Kat Bee

Uzbekistan

2021 marked Uzbekistan’s 30th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union, just as a slew of new projects set the foundation for the country to be more accessible than ever.

The new airport terminal at Samarkand, opening this month, is a beautiful introduction to the Islamic architecture style found throughout Uzbekistan. The center of the airport is shaped like an open book in a nod to the work of astronomer Mirzo Ulugbek. The high-speed train network, which opened in 2012, is being extended to the ancient Silk Road town of Khiva in 2022, so visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site from the capital city of Tashkent no longer requires hours in a car weaving through desert dunes. A number of exciting openings and events are also set to take place next year, with the unveiling of the Silk Road Samarkand Complex . It will house restaurants, cafes, and boutique hotels including the 22-story Samarkand Regency Hotel, the country’s first five-star stay, in the first half of 2022. The first-ever Silk Road Literary Festival will also take place there in the fall, as well as the grand reopening of the renovated State Museum of Arts , designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. —Michelle Tchea

Image may contain Animal Elephant Wildlife and Mammal

In Gabon , where dense rainforests spill onto serene tropical coasts, tourism has barely made a whisper. But adventure seekers, nature lovers, and environmental advocates who visit will find incredible biodiversity, and a country determined to put critical conservation and eco-tourism projects in place before the masses arrive.

With over 70 percent of its territory covered in forest, Gabon has already made its mark in the world of conservation. Over the last two decades, the government has secured 15 percent of its land as protected areas and established 13 national parks , nine marine parks, and 11 aquatic reserves, safeguarding the country’s magnificent wildlife and habitats. With the launch of the African Ecotourism Safari project in March 2021 and the anticipated opening of Petit Loango Lodge in early 2022—the first of the African Conservation Development Group ’s sustainable luxury lodges—the equatorial African nation’s exquisite landscapes are gradually becoming more accessible to adventurous travelers.

Beyond the reaches of Loango, find leatherback turtles nesting in sand dunes along the shores of Pongara National Park, spot whales spouting among crashing blue waves in Mayumba, climb verdant mountains and staggering cliffs in Bateke Plateau, explore historic caves and savanna in Birougou, and marvel over waterfalls plunging into the rapids of the blackwater rivers in Ivindo National Park. You’ll also find low-impact tented camps throughout the country, everywhere from Moabi Tented Camp amid the rolling savanna of Lope National Park, to Pongara Lodge on the pristine beaches and mangrove swamps of the namesake national park on the Atlantic Coast. —Alicia Erickson

San Domenico Palace Taormina A Four Seasons Hotel

Sicily, Italy

Last year, the buzz around Italy's largest island was the opening of two flashy resorts: Villa Igiea in Palermo and the Four Seasons on the east coast. Both are spectacular, but you’d be missing the point of a trip to Sicily if you spent the entire time holed up there. Consider the properties as bookends to a trip exploring the core of the region, where slow-living traditions hum on—and are becoming increasingly dependent on outside visitors to survive. United's long-awaited direct flight from Newark to Palermo may finally launch this year, making the destination easier for Americans to reach than ever before.

South of the Four Seasons in the beautiful, Baroque town of Noto , the regal Seven Rooms is where to stay after dinners of fettuccine ai funghi at Manna and a late night passeggiata with locals past the grand cathedrals. This coming summer, its team will open a small retreat on the nearby seaside (the exact location is yet to be announced). A 15-minute drive away in Ragusa, the cheerful Maria Guastella is one of the only sfilato Siciliano embroiderers keeping what was once a grand Sicilian artform alive, and her workshop is open for visitors. Just down the hill is Rosso Cinabro, the last artisan carettiere (cart maker) whose hand-carved and -painted wagons tell a story of the destination centuries ago.

Heading west, the millenia-old temples at Agrigento are also unmissable. Base yourself nearby in Fontes Episcopi , a divine eco-retreat with an ivy-draped courtyard and a lively farm kitchen; in February, it will open three new stand-alone suites with skylights and terraces just behind the pool and orchards. Closer to Palermo, the men in rainboots working the salt flats by Trapani showcase a tradition increasingly threatened by industrial engineering. Watching them work is extraordinary—like so many of the experiences in Sicily, it is a reminder that often the most important reason to go somewhere is to preserve what has always been there. —Erin Florio

Oasia Resort Sentosa Singapore

For years, Singapore has attracted those at the forefront of finance, technology, and business. Now, a 10-year push to transform the republic into a sustainable city promises to lure more eco-explorers—especially now that vaccinated U.S. travelers no longer have to quarantine upon arrival. Efforts are already underway: At the new ABC Waters at Jurong Lake in Singapore’s west, visitors can discover 12,000 square feet of man-made wetlands via sleek wooden walkways that wend toward expansive views of the lake and the occasional glimpse of otters, Malayan water lizards, and jewel-hued tropical birds. Meanwhile, the Rail Corridor—a cross-country rewilding project and nature trail—recently saw the launch of a central 2.5-mile stretch dotted with relics like the hauntingly solitary Bukit Timah Railway Station office, built in 1932 and abandoned in 2011 when the line was decommissioned.

The plushest beds in town will be at the Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa when it opens in 2022, 135 years after the original Raffles Hotel was established. An all-villa sanctuary, it will house 61 butlered villas amid more than a million square feet of tropical gardens. But there are other options for a fresh green perspective, like the new wellness-focused Oasia Resort (pictured), where you can dine on locally farmed barramundi and get a massage with recycled coffee grounds. And those seeking a getaway that’s even more embedded in nature will soon be able to set up camp at Singapore’s first off-grid accommodation by Sentosa Development Corporation on the uninhabited southern Islands. —Audrey Phoon

Image may contain Building Bridge Suspension Bridge and Rope Bridge

Tropical Honduras , an under-the-radar divers ’ and bird-watchers ’ paradise, is fast becoming a hot spot for eco-conscious travelers.

The Cayos Cochinos Foundation —a nonprofit based in its namesake archipelago off Honduras's Caribbean coast—is one of the many sustainability organizations prioritizing the protection of Honduras's rainforests and barrier reefs . The archipelago is already famous for its cerulean waters, white-sand beaches, and spectacular freediving, but in 2022 the Foundation will launch eco-tours allowing travelers to participate in reef cleanup, spot pink boas on hikes, and join scientists in monitoring turtles.

Back on the mainland, zip-line through 400 acres of pristine rainforest in Rawacala Eco Park , which will launch two new hiking trails and bird-watching platforms alongside a revamp of their zip-line systems in 2022. After exploring Copán’s Mayan ruins , visit the nearby Paseo de los Girasoles , a sunflower plantation put in to improve grazing conditions. Visitors will soon be able to enjoy its new farm-to-table café, pergolas, and hammocks—just try to visit before everyone on Instagram catches wind of this photo-friendly spot.

For eco-friendly accommodations, try Rawacala Eco Park’s sister property, Paraiso Rainforest & Beach Hotel , or its new venture, Paraiso Boutique Hotel, opening in 2022 on Utila . The property—which will offer eco-tours through the Cayos Cochinos Foundation—will employ solar panels and recycle rainwater, in addition to reducing plastic waste by favoring local produce. The Grand Roatán Resort will also reopen as a Kimpton mid-2022 with living green walls, a reverse osmosis water generation plant, and a new spa. —Eva Sandoval

Senglea Malta

Seemingly little more than a few specks on a map of the Adriatic, the island nation of Malta has felt like a well-kept secret among European travelers—it’s accessible, just an hour by plane or ferry from Sicily, and its crystalline waters, surrounded by fossil-studded limestone cliffs, are prime for summer sunbathing and year-round scuba diving. Along the coast, there are a whopping 80 wrecks to dive, and the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit is dedicated to maintaining them. There’s a cultural draw, too, as Arabic, Italian, French, British, and Norman influences intertwine in ancient fortified cities, with a cuisine, traditions, and language unlike any other in the region. The island was first inhabited prior to 5000 B.C., after all, with ancient megalithic temples—like Ġgantija and Ħaġar Qim—where visitors can see its storied past.

This might just be the year the destination becomes less of a secret. In 2021, Viking Cruises launched three new itineraries departing from Malta that sailed the Adriatic and Mediterranean, and the cruise line plans to add additional sailings from Malta in 2023. On land—yet still close to the water—three notable properties have opened, including a Hyatt Regency and Marriott Hotel & Spa in the beach town of St. Julian’s, and the decadent Iniala Harbour House in the capital city of Valletta. New transportation, including a recently launched speed ferry, makes it easier than ever to get from the island of Valletta to Gozo. And as for the food scene? Two more Malta restaurants were added to the Michelin Guide in 2021, including ION at Iniala, for a total of five in the country of less than 500,000 lucky residents. —Megan Spurrell

Panama

Copa Airlines’ popular Panama Stopover program is back, allowing travelers to add a one- to seven-day stopover en route to 36 destinations in South America at no extra cost. There are fewer Americans here than in neighboring Costa Rica, and with hundreds of islands on both the Caribbean and Pacific sides, you won’t be fighting for beach real estate. Make like the mammals and freshwater fauna of the Pliocene era, who migrated between North and South America when the isthmus of Panama formed, and linger awhile to explore Panama’s biodiverse jungles and beaches.

Bocas del Toro is a must-visit, with sprawling beaches that never feel too crowded and turquoise waters home to 95 percent of the coral species found in the Caribbean Sea. Memorable wildlife encounters include nighttime snorkeling in bioluminescent waters and exploring the subterranean lakes of Nivida Bat Cave with the help of headlamps and a knowledgeable guide from Hello Travel Panama .

The mountainous region of Chiriquí is equally enchanting, between its beaches and highlands, where active Volcán Barú looms large. Check in at the new 10-room boutique hotel Finca El Oasis and leave at midnight to hike the summit by daybreak for a panoramic sunrise above the clouds. Fuel your hike with locally grown coffee that you can’t find back home, like Chiriquí’s highly valued Geisha coffee. If a hike sounds too intense, there are off-road tours to the top of the volcano too, and canopy zip-lining right on the property. —Amber Gibson

Sumba Island Indonesia

Sumba, Indonesia

With millions of tourists Eat Pray Love -ing their way around Bali every year, it has become increasingly difficult to find a quiet beach or a waterfall without a gaggle of snap-happy travelers nearby. If you’re after a post-pandemic trip of quietude and untamed wilderness, you’re better off hopping on a 50-minute turboprop flight headed east from Bali, to Sumba.

About twice Bali’s size with only a fraction of its crowds, this rugged island is often compared to Bali before its tourism boom. Here, you’re more likely to share sugar-white beaches with grazing sandalwood ponies, and nosy dolphins will often be the only creatures you’re riding a wave with. And there’s more to love: hike through frozen-in-time hilltop villages bookended by ancient stone megaliths, swim in glassy lagoons, and bear witness to pasola, a boisterous ceremonial spear fighting competition (not for the faint of heart), typically scheduled between February and mid-March.

Though Nihi Sumba put the island on the map for deep-pocketed surfers back in 2012, a new crop of boutique resorts now make a five-star visit slightly more affordable. Opened in April 2020, Alamayah combines six rattan-wrapped suites with an Ayurvedic spa and Turkish hammam, plus a restaurant where plant-based dishes and remedial potions by an in-house herbalist take center stage. Mid-2022, Cap Karoso will open a small village of 47 suites and 20 beachfront villas on Sumba’s western tip. Its design melds the French owners’ Parisian flair with Sumbanese ikat and carved wood panels, while the resort’s organic farm will double as an agricultural school and artist atelier. With these hotels making efforts towards sustainable tourism development (Cap Karoso partnered with southwest Sumba’s governor for a 2022 launch of the Kodi Reserve, a coral restoration and reforestation program), the island is unlikely to follow in Bali’s trampled footsteps anytime soon. —Chris Schalkx

West Virginia

West Virginia

Our collective obsession with the outdoors this past year turned out to be fortuitous timing for West Virginia: Last December’s $2.3 trillion stimulus package redesignated the New River Gorge as America’s newest—and the state’s first—national park and preserve in an effort to promote tourism. Comprising some 73,000 acres, the park features 1,000-foot-high sandstone cliffs for climbing, 53 miles of river for whitewater rafting, and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, which you can traverse on a guided trek across its 24-inch-wide catwalk.

But it’s not just national parks that benefited: West Virginia state parks are on track to hit a record 10 million visitors this year, and lawmakers approved $42 million in budget surplus for infrastructure improvements, including 20 new cabins at Coopers Rock State Forest and 25 new tree house cabins at Beech Fork State Park. Meanwhile, the new Elk River Rail Trail in central West Virginia is transforming an old railroad line once used to transport coal into a hiking and biking path that, at an eventual 74 miles, will be one of the longest trails east of the Mississippi.

If you need a little more comfort during your stay, the Hotel Morgan recently reopened in Morgantown. The space dates back to 1925 and has hosted the likes of Harry Truman and Eleanor Roosevelt. Next up is the new Schoolhouse Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, which will open in the town’s 1912 high school building. Financed by the Disability Opportunity Fund, the boutique property is being hailed as the world’s first fully accessible hotel, with each of the 30 rooms and suites designed to accommodate wheelchair users. —N.D.

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52 Places for a Changed World

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Saguaro cacti at sunset in Saguaro National Park, Arizona.

Susan Wright for The New York Times

Map of Chioggia, Italy

Chioggia, Italy

Built on a cluster of islands in the Venetian lagoon, with centuries-old buildings rising from the canals in all their decadent glory, Chioggia is called “piccola Venezia,” or little Venice. Locals beg to disagree: If anything, they say, it’s nearby Venice that should be described as Chioggia’s larger doppelgänger, and it’s true, Chioggia is older. Venice is so worried about being overwhelmed once again after the pandemic that it is planning to resort to surveillance cameras and cellphone data to control the crowds; visiting other culturally rich places like Chioggia can help relieve the pressure. Today, Chioggia is popular with Italian and German visitors, drawn both by the architectural beauties in the historic center and the family-friendly beaches of its mainland suburb, Sottomarina. The city, which has preserved a rough maritime vibe, can serve as an ideal base for bicycle tours . It is also known for its radicchio. During a time of increased awareness of overtourism, this miniature Venice is a delightful alternative for travelers looking for a lesser-known destination.

— Anna Momigliano

Chimanimani National Park

Mountain range rising in the horizon of Chimanimani National Park.

Chimanimani National Park, Mozambique

Even at a time when many of the world’s countries were under extreme duress, the case of Mozambique was severe enough to catch the attention of the United Nations: In March, Secretary General António Guterres called upon the international community to help the African country as it faced the triple threat of climate change, Covid and conflict. It’s not the first time that Mozambique has faced such crisis — its civil war of more than 15 years resulted in a million lives lost and a huge loss for its wildlife, too. But the country showed its resilience. In 2008, the Gorongosa National Park launched a vast program to repopulate a reserve decimated by poaching, accompanied by grass-roots efforts like training local women as game wardens. In May, another spectacular national park was unveiled: Chimanimani, along the border with Zimbabwe. The park has priceless ancient rock paintings; secluded sacred mountains including the country’s highest peak, Mount Binga; and natural habitats for the plants, birds and wildlife like the southern-ground hornbill, miniature squeaker frog and Agama kirkii lizard.

— Ondine Cohane

Tony Cenicola/The New York Times

Aguachile Tostada and other dishes from restaurant Mariscos El Submarino.

Queens, New York

Queens wants you to show up hungry. “There’s probably nowhere else in the world where you can sample the home cooking of more than 150 different countries within such a compact space,” says the restaurant critic Robert Sietsema, who covers the borough’s restaurants for Eater.com. And at a time when long-haul travel is still uncertain, a dim-sum lunch at Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao in Flushing is as quick and delicious a ticket to China as some nostril-clearing shrimp aguachile at the new Mariscos El Submarino in Jackson Heights is a trip to Mexico. “The Queens restaurant industry was slammed by Covid-19, but now it’s recovering because we’re a borough of family-centered communities where the restaurants take care of their own,” says Jonathan Forgash, a chef and borough resident who founded Queens Together , a nonprofit, in March 2020.

— Alexander Lobrano

Northumberland

Andy Haslam for The New York Times

Bamburgh Castle at dusk.

Northumberland, England

Britain’s diverse coastline, from the cliffs of Dover to the boardwalks of Brighton, will soon have a unifying element: the 2,800-mile England Coast Path . Developed in part by the governmental organization Natural England, the path aims to increase public access to the coast while also restoring landscapes, improving community connection and promoting sustainable travel. Trail segments that have opened include a 44-mile stretch in the northeast, from the River Tyne to the Northumberland coast , which is the epitome of rugged England: misty dunes, rocky headlands, wild beaches. At night, look up. The Northumberland International Dark Sky Park has some of the lowest light pollution in the country and features one of the largest areas of protected night sky in Europe. Gaze at galaxies sprayed across the sky at Kielder Observatory , and then venture to the ancient past as Hadrian’s Wall is celebrating its 1,900th anniversary with a yearlong festival .

— AnneLise Sorensen

Zihuatanejo

Adrian Wilson for The New York Times

A view of the beach after sunset from inside Playa Viva.

Zihuatanejo, Mexico

This laid-back beach town — neighbor of Ixtapa, the resort destination on the Pacific Coast — and communities around it have spawned grass-roots environmental projects that travelers can support. The conservation nonprofit Whales of Guerrero has helped train fishermen as whale-watching guides, and Campamento Tortuguero Ayotlcalli offers opportunities to join turtle nest patrols and release hatchlings. The guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela , Rodrigo Sánchez and Gabriela Quintero, are involved with local vegan initiatives; Mr. Sánchez runs his own plant-based restaurant, La Raíz de la Tierra . Check into Playa Viva , 30 miles south. The solar-powered regenerative resort has helped revive the adjoining village of Juluchuca by providing education and employment in conservation, tourism and agriculture. It recently joined a new regional project to protect the watershed of the Juluchuca River, which begins in the mountainous interior where guests can take A.T.V. excursions to explore the headwaters at an off-grid coffee and cacao plantation.

— Elaine Glusac

Tomas Munita

A tour guide on a horse pulls tourists in a boat through wetlands.

Iberá Park, Argentina

Twenty years ago, this reserve in Argentina’s northern Corrientes region wasn’t so much a park as it was tiny parcels of wilderness surrounded by cattle ranches. That’s when the Rewilding Argentina foundation and Tompkins Conservation, created by the North Face co-founder Douglas Tompkins and his wife, Kris, the former chief executive of Patagonia, stepped in and began buying land. Today, Iberá Park is one of the largest in Argentina, close to 2 million acres of protected grasslands, lagoons, islands and wetlands — and a sanctuary for huge populations of animals. Now the Rewilding Argentina foundation, funded by tourism and a consortium of philanthropists around the world has saved dozens of species from extinction here, notably jaguars, giant anteaters and giant river otters, and has become a refuge for marsh deer, maned wolves, rheas, grassland birds and the aptly named — and endangered — strange-tailed tyrants. Tourism and infrastructure are strictly managed, and staying in one of the park’s campgrounds directly supports the foundation, continuing the cycle of conservation.

— Danielle Pergament

Alentejo Wine Region

Marcus Westberg for The New York Times

Map of Alentejo Wine Region, Portugal

Alentejo Wine Region, Portugal

Alentejo has most of the elements required for wine production: sun, soil, native grape varieties and a centuries-old winemaking legacy. What does it lack? Rain. Global warming has increasingly threatened this arid region known for warm and full-bodied reds, so in 2015, the area created the Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Program . By prioritizing water conservation, with measures like developing cover crops for water retention and creating ponds to collect rainwater, the program has helped wineries reduce their average water consumption by 20 percent; some that were using 14 liters of water to produce 1 liter of wine have decreased their needs to 6 liters of water. While upcoming projects include an online calculator for members to measure their carbon and water footprints, the program in 2020 created a certification process to further verify that wineries are following green initiatives. These wineries include Herdade de Coelheiros , a verdant estate with a walnut orchard, a cork forest and a herd of sheep — an organic solution for weed control.

The Lucayan Archipelago

The bahamas, turks and caicos.

Caine Delacy

A shark underwater.

The Lucayan Archipelago, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos

Consider — without fear — the shark. In the last 50 years, global populations have declined by more than 70 percent . Industrial-scale fishing hauls them in by accident. Some cultures have an appetite for them. And yet sharks, one researcher has said , are the “white blood cells” of the seas, cleaning sick, dying and dead animals from the waters. The good news is that efforts are underway to support sharks — even in the turquoise waters off some of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. In 2011, the Bahamas established the Bahamas Shark Sanctuary , the first of its kind in the Atlantic Ocean. Now it’s calling itself the “ shark diving capital of the world .” During the pandemic, Turks and Caicos — which, along with the Bahamas, forms part of the Lucayan Archipelago, an important shark habitat — began its own shark preservation effort, with help from the Caribbean Shark Coalition . Researchers have been tagging sharks in the waters off the tiny islands, gathering data that will assist Turks and Caicos, which has already prohibited most shark fishing, to establish further protections.

— Nina Burleigh

Maria Mavropoulou for The New York Times

A view of the island, with the hot springs at the historic Thermae Sylla Spa hotel visible.

Evia, Greece

The Other Human food pantry was established more than 10 years ago, serving Athens, Thessaloniki and the island of Evia in the wake of Greece’s financial crisis. As the country recovers from last year’s wildfires and floods, The Other Human has expanded to help those who lost their livelihoods, and welcomes travelers to get involved. At weekly food drives held in Evia’s capital, Chalkida, meals are cooked and eaten together to establish a sense of community. Volunteers are invited to help cook, pack hampers with food and essentials, and contribute funds to rebuild schools and aid locals with essential bills. Lost in the fires were homes, businesses, olive groves and one third of Evia’s beloved pine forest, which generations had relied upon for resin and honey. Increasing tourism is vital for the economic recovery of this island a short trip from Athens. In addition to community projects, visitors will find a hilltop acropolis and other archaeological sites in Eretria, mineral-rich thermal springs in Edipsos and showstopper sunsets, with the Aegean Sea as a backdrop.

— Caterina Hrysomallis

Cobscook Shores

Chris Shane

Trees with leaves turning yellow, and picnic bench facing a lake.

Cobscook Shores, Maine

“Vacationland,” as Maine calls itself, thrives on the allure of its craggy coast and woodlands, and attracted more than 3 million visitors in the first nine months of 2021 to coastal Acadia National Park alone. Navigate 95 miles northeast near Lubec to find a new park that aims to ease overtourism: Cobscook Shores . Comprising 15 blocks of land spread primarily across three Down East peninsulas, Cobscook offers undeveloped beaches, coves and bluffs that can be reached by hiking trails and biking paths, as well as channels to be explored by paddlers. Just five backcountry campsites offer opportunities to stay overnight in the reserve, but there are more sites at nearby Cobscook Bay State Park , and the Inn on the Wharf in Lubec offers accommodations in a renovated sardine factory. The philanthropist Gilbert Butler, a conservationist who has invested in preserving natural areas from the Adirondacks to Patagonia, created the 780-acre Cobscook Shores, amplified by thousands of surrounding acres managed by state and federal entities and private conservation groups.

Christopher Miller

Aerial view of islands and mountains.

Hoonah, Alaska

Once dependent on fishing and logging, Hoonah , about 20 miles south of Glacier Bay on the Inside Passage, now relies on cruise tourism, not just for its livelihood but also for its cultural continuity. The community, which is half Huna Tlingit, is counting on a robust return to sustainable tourism in 2022, having recently introduced a second ship dock at its cruise port, Icy Strait Point , a half-mile from the original to prevent overcrowding. Additionally, the Native-owned Huna Totem Corporation, which runs tourism operations for the town on behalf of its 760 residents, built a gondola system to shuttle passengers in eight-person aerial cabins, which can handle 5,600 riders an hour, eliminating up to 100 exhaust-emitting buses. Bear- and whale-watching excursions underscore the community’s reverence for nature, and by next April, the gondola system will reach the top of Huna Mountain, with its hiking trails and views of Chichagof Island and the Tongass National Forest. Locals credit visitors’ interest in Native culture with the revival of the Indigenous language and local art.

Waiter stands at a table of diners inside a restaurant.

Cleveland, Ohio

Dinner isn’t usually part of the prisoner re-entry system, but at EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute in Cleveland’s Buckeye-Shaker neighborhood, the mission is larger than braised artichokes and Burgundy snails: The aim is to teach former prisoners a new trade. Founded by Brandon Chrostowski, a classically trained chef, EDWINS includes a fine-dining French restaurant, bakery, butcher and event space, all open to the public. The campus has a test kitchen, apartments and basketball courts, and EDWINS continues to buy and refurbish buildings in the underserved neighborhood (a culinary class is available on closed-circuit tablets in prisons throughout the country). The institute helps former inmates get a place to live rent-free (relocation fees are paid in part by the Cleveland Browns football team), a driver’s license, legal counseling and health care. “It’s not just about a wonderful restaurant, it’s not just about re-entry,” said Councilman Blaine Griffin of Cleveland. “This is social entrepreneurship at its best.”

Clara Tuma for The New York Times

Ski gondola arriving at Pointe Helbronner over a snow-covered mountain range.

Courmayeur, Italy

This charming town at the foot of Mont Blanc, in a historically French-speaking region of Italy, has long made an effort to strike a balance between tourism and conservation. Decades before overtourism became alarming, Courmayeur began limiting access in the summer to its two high valleys, Val Veny and Val Ferret, with a fixed number of private cars and a separate quota for those with reservations at one of the local inns, known for their polenta concia — creamy polenta with local fontina cheese. Some days, private cars are banned altogether , and in the winter both valleys become ski slopes. The cable car that carries visitors to Mont Blanc, a breathtaking experience, uses energy from renewable sources . But it takes more than a village to stop the global warming threatening Mont Blanc and its many glaciers. One of them, Planpincieux, has been declared in danger of collapse . Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, so visitors should follow warnings to avoid some routes — or the entire area — when risk is deemed too high.

Red River Delta

Justin Mott for The New York Times

Artisan Nguyen Huu Hoa at his home in Dong Ho Painting Village with a stack of traditional folk paintings.

Red River Delta, Vietnam

Once travel begins to normalize, tourists will undoubtedly flock to Vietnam’s world-famous beaches and dynamic megacities. But head north to the traditional villages of the Red River Delta, and you can immerse yourself in centuries-old cultural practices and a way of life that is at risk of disappearing. Since ancient times, villagers along the Cau River in northern Vietnam have sung Quan họ, a call-and-response folk music style performed by alternating all-female and all-male duets from neighboring villages that was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage practice in 2009 . In the decade since, 49 ancient villages in Bắc Ninh and Bắc Giang provinces have taken measures to safeguard the cultural heritage of Quan h ọ — which includes countless rituals celebrating culinary traditions — and to address rural-urban migration through cultural tourism. Hanoi-based tour operators like Vietnamstay and Khoa Viet Travel offer travelers a chance to explore the villages’ Buddhist temples, craft communes, Ly Dynasty pagodas and waterways while helping to preserve the past.

— Charly Wilder

South Africa

Joao Silva/The New York Times

Guests in a vehicle take pictures of a pride of lions during a game drive in the reserve.

South Africa,

After nearly two years of restricted travel and the recent detection of the Omicron coronavirus variant, South Africa’s many outstanding wildlife reserves and conservation projects are badly in need of support. Lockdowns caused a 96 percent drop in visits to South Africa’s national parks, jeopardizing the efforts of places like iSimangaliso Wetland Park , an 800,000-acre UNESCO World Heritage site on the country’s eastern coast. Home to elephants, leopards, lions, rhinos and whales, iSimangaliso also supports more than 12,000 jobs and an environmental education program involving 150 schools. Visitors can keep it classic and track the “Big Five” — elephants, rhinos, buffalo, lions and leopards — on safari at some of the country’s approximately 500 private game reserves, like Kariega and Manyeleti . Or they can go a step further and volunteer to monitor biodiversity with the Endangered Wildlife Trust at Medike Nature Reserve in the Soutpansberg Mountains, or help save the dazzling aquatic life and octopus teachers that inhabit the Great African Seaforest , the planet’s only forest of giant bamboo kelp.

Uttarakhand

Poras Chaudhary for The New York Times

Colorful town of Gopeshwar sits on the side of a mountain range.

Uttarakhand, India

In northern India , along the Tibetan border, the Himalayas soar to 25,000 feet and paths wander by misty waterfalls, ancient temples and through rhododendron forests. But those paths can be deadly, especially to local men who drink too much and tumble to their deaths. In 2009, Poonam Rawat-Hahne, a social justice activist with ties to the region, learned of the tragedy of those left behind. Ms. Rawat-Hahne was inspired to start a nonprofit called the Bachan Charitable Trust , which has a sustainable-travel arm called Fernweh Fair Travel that’s based on a simple idea: Train widows and survivors of domestic violence to offer homestays, cook for visitors and be guides. Fernweh brings a maximum of eight groups of no more than 10 people a year to villages like Gopeshwar , Mandal and Chopta, where travelers can do yoga, take cooking lessons and hike among the wild orchids of the nearby Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary . Visitors stay in cabins, village homes and, soon, a new eco-retreat in Koteshwar . Funds support environmental and educational programs in at least nine villages; a group buying just one meal from a widow will support her for months. “This is not mass tourism,” Ms. Rawat-Hahne says. “This is empowerment.”

— Tim Neville

Fogo Island

Newfoundland, canada.

Alex Fradkin

A corner of Fogo Island Inn, with a view of the water and mountains in the background.

Fogo Island, Newfoundland, Canada

In 1992, Newfoundland’s moratorium on cod fishing decimated fishing villages along the region’s Atlantic coast, including Fogo Island, a granite outpost of stilt-supported fishing shacks and saltbox cottages. But the arrival of the angular and arresting Fogo Island Inn in 2013 changed the island’s fortunes, as intended by its founder, the Fogo native Zita Cobb. Nine years later, the population has stabilized and more than 70 new businesses have opened, along with a dozen food producers. Now there are lodging alternatives to the inn (where rates start at over 2,500 Canadian dollars, or about $2,000, a night), including vacation homes with names like Aunt Glady’s from The Old Salt Box Co. , and cottages from Escape by the Sea . In summer, after summiting bald Brimstone Head, one of the island’s highest points, or watching birds or icebergs, fuel up at Scoff , run by former cooks at the inn, or Bangbelly Café . The strong arts-and-crafts scene, including galleries such as Fogo Clay Studio , attests to the power of tourism to sustain a community.

The Great Highway

San francisco.

Beth Coller for The New York Times

Map of The Great Highway, San Francisco

The Great Highway, San Francisco

Most pandemic-related shutdowns were disruptive reactions to a disease-dominated world, but many people across the U.S. welcomed one exception: prohibiting car traffic on city streets. In San Francisco, the street shutdowns included a two-mile stretch on the city’s far western edge known as the Great Highway. The throughway became a destination, a beach-front promenade flanking the raw expanse of Ocean Beach, and a community center — friends met up for walks, local children learned to ride bikes, and everything “popped up,” from street art to protests and trick-or-treating . But opponents took issue, with claims of increased traffic, limited access for older people and the disabled, and general inconvenience. In an uneasy compromise, city officials reopened the highway to traffic Monday to Friday. Still, on weekends, the Great Highway has become a unique destination — in a city full of them — to take in San Francisco’s wild Pacific Ocean coastline by foot, bike, skates or scooter, sample food trucks and explore local cafes , restaurants , record stores , bookstores and more. It’s also a telling microcosm of the ways in which our cities, and our values, shifted during the pandemic.

— Lauren Sloss

Shutterstock

Cherry blossom flowers in bloom in front of a traditional wooden machiya building in Gion district, Kyoto.

Kyoto, Japan

Tucked between pachinko parlors and convenience stores, Kyoto’s machiya — traditional wooden townhouses, long and narrow, and often hiding courtyard gardens just beyond their latticed fronts — have been vanishing since World War II. The city has worked hard to preserve the structures: A machiya development fund was created in 2005, and the buildings were twice put on a watch list by the World Monuments Fund . To encourage their conservation, the buildings are also taxed at a lower rate than modern high-rises. But those efforts may now fall short. Teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, Kyoto is in cost-cutting — and revenue-raising — overdrive. After tourism dropped by 88 percent in 2020, some traditional neighborhoods may be threatened by commercial development. Tourism can help. Some investors have converted machiya into guesthouses, boutiques and high-end restaurants. When visitors, and their dollars, come to these properties, they send a message: The history of machiya matters to Kyoto.

— Debra Kamin

El Yunque National Forest

Puerto rico.

Panoramic view over the hills in the jungle of the El Yunque national forest in Puerto Rico.

El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest within the U.S. Forest Service’s holdings. The forest, whose name is a Spanish derivation of an Indigenous Taino word, offers one of the most diverse ecosystems in the network, with wildlife including the famed Coqui frog, the island’s unofficial symbol. Hit by the back-to-back hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, El Yunque is still recovering from the impact, and funding for everything from infrastructure to conservation has been slow to arrive. But local organizations like the nonprofit Love in Motion haven’t been waiting. Its initiatives include rebuilding the Picachos and Angelito trails (you can also swim in the natural pool along the latter); the sister organization Local Guest arranges low-impact itineraries like bird watching and hiking while community building. Stay in a locally owned property like Dos Aguas , which has been in the same family since the 1950s (currently available only as a full house rental because of Covid) or the Rainforest Inn , with a botanical garden and solar-powered electricity.

Sierra Leone

Renato Granieri

Woman sits in a chair on the balcony of an eco-lodge in the jungle.

Sierra Leone,

In the 1980s, the sandy, palm-fringed beaches of this West African country used to attract high-flying tourists from Europe and beyond. But visitors disappeared when civil war broke out in the 1990s, and today — after nearly 20 years of peace and nearly six years after an Ebola outbreak ended — most have yet to return. But this small nation has an enormous amount to offer adventurous visitors, and authorities hope that tourism will be a more sustainable resource than diamonds or gold. Visitors who make the trip can spend the night in a jungly eco-lodge at the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary (your stay supports the sanctuary’s work); enjoy a cold beer and fresh lobster on the beaches of the Western Peninsula; learn about a painful chapter in history on a tour of the ruined slave fort on Bunce Island ; and make the three- or four-day expedition to the top of 6,381-foot Mount Bintumani , the country’s highest peak.

— Paige McClanahan

Andreas Meichsner for The New York Times

Chef Ana Roš prepares several starters in the kitchen at Hiša Franko

Slovenia wants to cook for you, because the June 2020 launch of the first Michelin guide devoted to its restaurants was a source of national pride. It validated the way this central European country of just over 2 million people has been putting environmentally responsible travel and its good food and wines at the heart of its identity as a desirable destination for travelers since it became independent 30 years ago. “From the very beginning, we knew our food was special and would become a major reason to visit our country,” says Ana Ros, the chef at Hiso Franko , Slovenia’s most famous restaurant and the only one with two Michelin stars. Slovenian cooking is a delicious reflection of the country’s location at a culinary crossroads between Mediterranean, Germanic and Slavic countries, but the real reason its food is so good is that it’s made with produce from the country’s small farms. Some of them, like Govc , are part of a farm-stay network the Slovenian government launched in 1992.

Emilio Parra Doiztua for The New York Times

Wind turbines of a hydroelectric plant at Gorona del Viento, with cacti in the foreground.

El Hierro, Spain

A few hundred miles off the coast of Morocco, flung out in the middle of the Atlantic, is El Hierro, the most remote — and, some say, the most charming — of the Canary Islands. It’s also a pint-size leader in renewable energy. In 2014, El Hierro opened Gorona del Viento, a power plant that uses a system of reservoirs and wind to supply the island’s electricity (wind provides power while pumping water into reservoirs; hydraulic turbines take over when the wind dies down; diesel supplies a fallback when both those sources are lacking). Recently, Gorona del Viento was able to supply the island’s 11,000 inhabitants with 100 percent renewable energy for 25 consecutive days. As the infrastructure of El Hierro plants one foot in the future, the island’s cultural identity keeps the other rooted in the past. El Hierro’s historic language, Silbo Herreño, is one of the last whistling languages in the world. When the island’s elders noticed that the Herreño whistle was dying out, the cultural association on El Hierro began offering free classes after school, at weekend markets and to the island’s shepherds (who traditionally communicate by whistling).

Summerland Peninsula

Asanka Brendon Ratnayake for The New York Times

Map of Summerland Peninsula, Australia

Summerland Peninsula, Australia

Every evening on Phillip Island, a throng of tiny penguins emerges from the surf, waddling up toward nests that dot Summerland Beach. The penguin parade, as it’s known, is a sight that has garnered attention since the 1920s, when visitors began flocking to this island in southeastern Australia for a chance to see the world’s smallest penguin breed (adults average just 13 inches tall) up close as they head home after a day of fishing. For a time, the crowds that gathered for the nightly ritual caused problems for the penguin colony, as did the cars, pets and construction that accompanied a nearby neighborhood, Summerland Estates. Today, however, this piece of land is a remarkable ecological success story. In 1985, the state government implemented a plan to buy every piece of property on the peninsula and return the land to its natural state — and to its original inhabitants, the tiny penguins. The process was completed in 2010, and the penguin population now sits at around 35,000 breeding-aged birds, up from 12,000 in the 1980s. In 2019, a new $58 million visitor center opened to the public; it includes educational elements and a restaurant where you can sit and watch what is now the largest colony of the world’s smallest penguin.

— Besha Rodell

Dana Biosphere Reserve

Daniel Rodrigues

A hiker stands in a patch of sunlight surrounded on the Oasis of the Wadi Ghuweir Trail.

Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan

Perched on a cliff overlooking the central valley of Jordan’s largest nature reserve stand the quaint Ottoman-era stone houses of Dana Village. Once abandoned by the Ata-ta tribe, the settlement is being brought back to life through an ecotourism project that aims to preserve the area’s biodiversity by empowering local communities. Many of the 15th-century houses have been converted into eco-lodges with terraced gardens and orchards, creating an oasis above the desert plains below. Along the village’s cobbled streets, local women sell handcrafted jewelry and homemade jams produced from fruits grown in their orchards. Dana Village marks the start of the nine-mile Wadi Dana hiking trail that spans the reserve and its flora and fauna. The reserve is home to 833 plant species and several endangered bird species, as well as archaeological ruins from the Byzantine, Nabatean and Roman periods, including the ancient copper mines in Wadi Faynan.

— Ceylan Yeginsu

The Netherlands

A canal with a small bridge in the foreground, lined with trees and brick houses on a cloudy day.

Gouda, The Netherlands

In 2019, the Dutch tourism board made the surprising announcement it would stop promoting travel to the Netherlands. Because of overtourism, it would also shift to encouraging visitors to consider the country beyond Amsterdam and to travel more sustainably. A charming example of a Dutch destination that ticks these boxes is Gouda, a small historic city in the south. Internationally renowned for its namesake cheese, which has been produced there since 1184 and is one of the world’s 10 most popular cheeses, Gouda is an ideal base for a car-free visit to the Netherlands. An extensive system of well-marked bicycle routes (with charging stations for e-bikes) makes it easy to explore the city and surrounding region. The new 25-room Weeshuis Gouda hotel occupies a beautifully renovated 16th-century orphanage. Visit the new Gouda Cheese Experience , which opened in June 2020 in a butter-yellow former 19th-century military barracks, for a tasting of artisanal aged cheeses.

Danish students sit in front of a window during a visit at the Thy National Park Visitor Center.

Thy, Denmark

If Denmark has a final frontier, it’s Thy. Silent dunes, tangled forests and near-mythic gales make this region in northwest Jutland about as far away from Copenhagen as you can get. Thy is an epicenter for wind energy — around 50 percent of Denmark’s electricity in 2020 was powered by wind and solar — and those interested in learning more about wind turbines and renewable initiatives can visit the Østerild test facility’s visitor center . The wind also shaped Thy’s coastline, where the wryly named Cold Hawaii surf community rides the curving shore’s distinctive swells. Not to be missed is the sprawling Thy National Park , rippling with dunes, meadows, marshes and lakes, big and small, and its new visitor center in Nørre Vorupør, uniquely designed to gently fold into the sandy landscape. The Thy wilderness is also folded into food and drink: Enjoy beer spiced with bog myrtle from Thisted Bryghus , fresh catch from the fish auction at Medvind and the “National Park platter” at Stenbjerg Kro .

The Red Sea Mountain Trail

Sima Diab for The New York Times

Trail co-founder Ben Hoffler and guide Mostafa Abo Alfadl walk through Wadi Abo Elhassan.

The Red Sea Mountain Trail, Egypt

For centuries, pastoral nomads in Egypt’s Eastern Desert traversed this arid region by a network of pathways over granite ranges, across barren valleys and through colorful canyons. Now the Ma’aza tribe has revived the ancient footpaths to create the long-distance Red Sea Mountain Trail . The 100-mile trail opened a few months before the pandemic shut the world down, and now its founders are hoping to organize the first through hike later this year. Meanwhile, the Ma’aza tribe offers day hikes through separate sections of this astonishing wilderness, hemmed between the Nile River and the Red Sea. All hikes are led by Bedouins. On the trek to Jebel Abul Hassan, hikers find themselves in a magical narrowing gorge flanked by pink and black granite walls. The hike up the sheer slopes of Wadi El Gattar reveals stone hermit cells built by early Christians fleeing the Romans, and primitive rock art from long before then. It’s the ultimate sustainable tourism project: the water drawn from wells, the flat bread baked in campfires, and the Bedouin legends, traditions and knowledge of the terrain preserved for future generations.

— Patrick Scott

Little Calumet River

Rudy Schultz/Openlands

A teenager and woman paddling a canoe on the water.

Little Calumet River, Chicago

In the Calumet region of Southeast Chicago, interest in the area’s nearly two centuries of African American heritage is flourishing alongside a new marine trail. Established by the urban conservation organization Openlands and community partners, the seven-mile African American Heritage Water Trail aims to tell the story of the Little Calumet River and those connected to it throughout history, like freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad who found shelter at Ton Farm, owned by Dutch immigrants. Paddle by canoe or kayak to the trail’s other key sites, including Chicago’s Finest Marina, one of the oldest Black-owned marinas in the area, and the Major Taylor Trail Bridge, named after the African American cyclist legend. And history isn’t the only draw for visitors: Thanks to initiatives by Audubon Great Lakes and other conservation groups, more marsh bird species are returning to this restored wetland area.

The Inner Hebrides

A view across Lussa Bay, with a red telephone booth in front of a stone building on the right.

The Inner Hebrides, Scotland

These islands along Scotland’s west coast are known for their wild, secluded beauty: fields of wildflowers, solitary beaches, ever-swirling seas. They’re also known for producing some of the world’s best single-malt whisky. Now, several new energy initiatives are helping to make the region — and its distilleries, which are largely reliant on fossil fuels — more eco-friendly. This year, the Bruichladdich Distillery, founded in 1881, is starting a pilot project on the island of Islay to begin using hydrogen fuel, in addition to fuel oil, to power its stills. According to the company, the zero-emission boiler, which will generate some of the steam required for distillation, will be the first of its kind in Britain. Plans are also underway to build new underwater wind turbines in the waters around Islay and Jura, a neighboring island, beginning in 2023. Those, too, could one day contribute to powering the islands and their distilleries, bringing an age-old industry — and the many tourists it draws — into a more sustainable future.

— Jenny Gross

Gil Giuglio

Two cyclists ride through a lush, tree-lined road.

Normandy, France

Claude Monet’s paintings of Normandy’s moody Atlantic coast could now have another element: a bicycle path, winding in the distance. New bike routes in the region include the 932-mile Vélomaritime , which starts south in Brittany, travels along the shore of the English Channel and ends at the Belgian border. Along the way, Mont-Saint-Michel rises out of the water and World War II’s D-Day landing beaches beckon. The Vélomaritime is one of the newer trails making up the EuroVelo , a bike network that aims to unite the European continent. The new 260-mile La Seine à Vélo , with a focus on promoting environmentally friendly bicycle tourism and connecting with local communities, embarks from Notre-Dame in Paris and follows the Seine to the Normandy coast, through sun-dappled countryside. La Seine à Vélo’s final stretch swoops through the area of Pays d’Auge, the cradle of Camembert, Calvados and cider.

Benjamin Rasmussen for The New York Times

Two skiiers backcountry skiing uphill through snow.

Estes Park, Colorado

Climate change has diminished snow and made for spottier ski seasons in many destinations. Skiers aiming to shrink their carbon footprint can turn to a ski town with no ski lifts: Estes Park , the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park , about 65 miles north of Denver. The town’s original ski area, Hidden Valley , opened in 1955 in the park but closed in 1991 because it couldn’t compete with larger areas’ snow-making capabilities. Now, with runs still cut into the mountain, it attracts backcountry skiers who champion its powder with a “no pain, no altitude gain” attitude. Those new to backcountry skiing can learn how to uphill and descend safely with a course from the local Kent Mountain Adventure Center . Rewilding Expeditions offers more unmechanized recreation, including camping and snowshoe tours, and private tours led by Yellow Wood Guiding focus on wildlife and photography. Toast your adventures aprés-ski with an Altruism amber from Estes’ Rock Cut Brewing Company , which donates $1 of every Altruism beer sold to local organizations and nonprofits.

Kunta Kinteh Island

Shutterstock/Damian Pankowiec

The ruins on Kunta Kinteh Island.

Kunta Kinteh Island, Gambia

Kunta Kinteh Island, a speck of land near the mouth of the Gambia River, was a key site in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Formerly called James Island and used for hundreds of years as a staging ground for the transport of enslaved people, the island, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site , was renamed in recent years after a character in Alex Haley’s best-selling book “Roots.” Now, because of heavy erosion and rising seas, the island is at risk of being lost altogether. Its ruins — including the cramped quarters where men and women were confined before being sent across the Atlantic — have been partly protected, but only a fraction of the island’s land mass remains, the rest having been reclaimed by the surrounding water. Local tour guides can be hired to explain the island’s history , and a small cruise company runs annual river trips into Gambia , giving guests the opportunity to donate to a school and film festival the company founded deeper inland.

A scenic route along the Gradini del Petraio, overlooking the city and the Gulf of Naples.

Naples, Italy

See Naples and die, they say, meaning that this Mediterranean beauty should be on everyone’s bucket list. But sadly, Naples faces a precarious future. Without intervention, this densely populated city is expected to experience 55 days of extreme heat per year by 2049 and 93 days by 2081, according to a recent report . The good news is that some locals are rolling up their sleeves. A group of residents in the working-class neighborhood of San Giovanni a Teduccio has set up a “ fair energy” community to provide free, clean electricity to families living below the poverty line, with a system of 166 solar panels. Local authorities encourage tourists to visit the city by foot , taking tours across Naples’s fabled stairways . The Pedamentina , a scenic route tracing it roots to the 14th century and consisting of paved descents and more than 400 steps, cannot be missed.

Höga Kusten

Tommie Svanström Ohlson & ARKNAT

A sculptural hut sits atop a vista of a forest.

Höga Kusten, Sweden

Swedes have long sought solitude in the untamed northern region known as Höga Kusten, or the High Coast, for its dramatic cliffs and pristine archipelago. With more than 100 nature preserves, a national park and hundreds of miles of trails, this wilderness refuge is a draw for hikers, cross-country skiers and mountaineers seeking less-trodden paths, stunning vistas and uncrowded campsites. A dedication to sustainable tourism, including a pledge to make the area carbon-neutral by 2030, promises to protect the future of the coast, its beautiful lakes and its old-growth forests. Last summer, new electric buses began ferrying hikers from nearby towns to the park’s entrance. To inspire hikers to appreciate the surrounding nature, the ArkNat architecture project has built several sculptural huts along the trails.

— Ingrid K. Williams

Gabriela Herman

Street scene from the town square in Humboldt.

Humboldt, Kansas

In 2016, a group of Kansas locals who had left decades ago began asking themselves, “What would it take to move back home?” The answer lay in tiny Humboldt, two hours southwest of Kansas City with a population of fewer than 2,000 people. With the support of the local community, the group established an organization, A Bolder Humboldt, to revitalize rural living, with the town becoming an unexpected and affordable oasis of cool surrounded by fields of wheat and soybeans. A Bolder Humboldt has already opened shops, community gardens and co-working spaces, with a boutique hotel, a honky-tonk bar and a bookstore all in the works. Outdoor movies are screened on the town square, and the whole town participates in an annual water fight. Base Camp is a collection of lakeside rental cabins at the edge of town, and cyclists can ride a 60-mile trail to nearby Lawrence and the University of Kansas. Humboldt is betting these elevated experiences will draw both locals and tourists to the glories of the Great Plains.

— Gabriela Herman

Kieran Dodds for The New York Times

Houses along a coast, sun peeking out from behind a mountain in the background.

With its average temperatures rising faster than anywhere else on the planet , Greenland is establishing a holistic, sustainable approach to tourism that aims to be in harmony with its people, natural wilderness and 4,500-year-old Inuit culture. The world’s largest island, a Danish territory, is now directing various grants to locals, including the Inuit dog-sled tour company Greenland Dog Adventure , and offering free training and tourism degrees at Campus Kujalleq in Southern Greenland. Also in Southern Greenland: Greenland Trees . For more than a decade, this nonprofit — in a region sheltered from the island’s traditional stormy weather — has planted thousands of trees to offset carbon emissions , and future plans include building a greenhouse to cultivate seedlings and restoring land at a former military base. Volunteers are welcomed to help plant trees and enjoy Greenland off the beaten path. Here visitors can see Norse ruins — the area is a UNESCO World Heritage site , for Norse and Indigenous culture — and experience the aurora borealis, with few others blocking the view.

— Daniel Scheffler

Mallory Solomon

A woman stands in a colorful pink and orange outdoor room.

Marrakesh, Morocco

While women in Morocco have been granted some additional rights in the past two decades, the country recently ranked 144th (out of 156 countries) in a World Economic Forum study of gender parity. Fortunately, entrepreneurs are creating foundations, cooperatives, shops and restaurants to employ, educate and empower Moroccan women. Since many are in Marrakesh, a trip to this “Jewel of the South” offers an opportunity for visitors to help. The Al Kawtar boutique, stocked with clothing, bags and other textiles sewn by disabled women, also operates a home where the women live and receive care. For carpets, consider visiting the atelier of Salam Hello , which is devoted to paying weavers — mostly rural women — a fair wage and using profits to assist them. Come lunch or dinner, a traditional Moroccan meal — tagine, couscous, fruit salad — at an Amal restaurant provides direct assistance to disadvantaged women and helps finance a nonprofit association that trains women in culinary skills. Finally, when it’s time to sleep, consider Peacock Pavilions . The luxury resort, located in an olive grove outside of Marrakesh, is owned by the creators of Project Soar , which provides education and leadership training to teen girls.

— Seth Sherwood

New Zealand

Northland NZ

Ngawha Springs at sunset.

Northland, New Zealand

According to Māori legend, the North Island of New Zealand was an enormous fish, caught by the demigod Māui , and now the forested region of Northland is known as “the tail of the fish.” Endless cultural lessons await travelers here. At the newly redeveloped Ngawha Springs , where the people of Ngapuhi came to replenish their wairua, or spirit, visitors can soak in dozens of mineral-rich geothermal pools to alleviate pain and repair common ailments. Also reopening is the cultural and educational center Te Ahurea, which includes an interactive pā or settlement site highlighting the history and traditions of the Hongi, Rewa and Tāreha Māori Indigeneous peoples. For day tours, the Māori-owned and -operated Tu Tika Tours organizes private adventures that reveal local customs through storytelling, welcome ceremonies, singing, weaving and cuisine. And to rest your head, the secluded eco-retreat Tahi offers luxury while boasting of giving 100 percent of its profits back to local conservation, culture and community.

Vancouver Island

British columbia, canada.

Serena Renner

A lush, green, old-growth rainforest.

Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Long a destination for adventurers eager to surf Tofino or watch for orcas or humpback whales , Vancouver Island has recently been the center of a controversy around one of British Columbia’s few remaining patches of old-growth rainforest. These complex ecosystems, which remove and store significant amounts of carbon from the atmosphere, are in increasingly short supply — an argument demonstrators are using against loggers as they try to protect Douglas firs and yellow cedars in the island’s Fairy Creek forest on Pacheedaht First Nation territory. While the fight rages on and Fairy Creek remains inaccessible, the wonderland of Cascadian rainforest can be explored at MacMillan Provincial Park , Pacific Rim National Park Reserve or the UNESCO-protected Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve . Experiencing old-growth forests while we still can is an affecting way to better understand what’s at stake, and what we stand to lose.

Elijio Panti National Park

Robert Rausch for The New York Times

Map of Elijio Panti National Park, Belize

Elijio Panti National Park, Belize

Since gaining its independence in 1981, Belize has long prioritized the conservation of its lands and waters. At a park near the country’s western border with Guatemala, those conservation efforts extend to cultural and floral realms, too. Elijio Panti National Park, a lush, 13,006-acre oasis, is one of only a handful of parks in Belize that’s comanaged by a Maya community. The park takes its name from Don Elijio Panti, a renowned Maya healer who worked from a small hut a couple of miles from the park’s entrance. A series of medicine trails display the names and uses of the nearly 100 native plants — like balsam and gumbo-limbo — that Mr. Panti foraged here. “The day we forget how to use our medicinal plants is the day we go extinct,” said Maria Garcia, Mr. Panti’s niece, who inherited her uncle’s interest in herbal medicine and serves as one of the park’s stewards. Nearby hotels have begun highlighting the park as an attraction; at GAIA Riverlodge , guests can sign up for a five-hour guided tour led by a local shaman.

— Alex Schechter

Palm trees in front of the Revere Quality House after sunset.

Sarasota, Florida

Architecture Sarasota is a new organization founded to protect and promote the most spectacular concentration of modernist buildings east of the Mississippi. In a booming city on Florida’s Gulf Coast, where there’s a constant tug of war between developers and preservationists, raising the profile of these modernist buildings is intended to give them greater value in the eyes of locals and attract design tourists, says Anne-Marie Russell, the organization’s executive director. The buildings were the work of architects in what was known as the Sarasota School of Architecture, which emerged during the 1940s and ran through the mid-1960s. Among the best-known architects were Paul Rudolph and his partner Ralph Twitchell, Philip Hiss, Gene Leedy, Carl Abbott, Victor Lundy and Jack West. “Our hope is the Sarasota School’s innovative sensitivity to climate and environmental concerns will spur innovative and sustainable design here today,” Ms. Russell said. Architecture Sarasota organizes guided visits to and private stays at some of the best modernist houses and runs an annual MOD Weekend of tours, exhibits and similar events.

Vanuatu Tourism Office/David Kirkland

Four people sit on a boat floating on a freshwater pool.

Visitors to Vanuatu’s alluring swimming holes insist that each one is a slightly different shade of blue — some are an intense turquoise, others are sapphire. After diving into these natural freshwater pools, surrounded by lush foliage, travelers will find remarkable water clarity, even 60 feet down. The pools have been off-limits to visitors from abroad since March 2020 , when this collection of around 80 islands, scattered across an 800-mile arc of the South Pacific, shut its borders to protect itself from the coronavirus. The plan is to reopen when more residents are vaccinated.The archipelago, which some liken to Bali or Fiji 40 years ago, because it has yet to reckon with overdevelopment, is also confronting a crisis beyond the pandemic. Along with consistently ranking among the happiest nations out there, Vanuatu is the most disaster-prone country in the world , and climate change is contributing to those disasters, which include cyclones and sea level rise . This tiny country of around 300,000 people is now leading the fight to get the International Court of Justice to issue a legal opinion on countries’ obligations to each other to take action to slow climate change. Addressing this currently unresolved area of international law could influence policies not only in Vanuatu, but everywhere we travel.

— Heather Murphy

Santa Cruz County

Surrounded by redwood trees, two hikers walk through the Redwood Grove Loop Trail.

Santa Cruz County, California

In 2020, wildfires across California threatened some of the world’s oldest forests, including at Big Basin Redwoods and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Parks in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Thankfully, most of the parks’ mighty redwoods survived the flames, and now hope — in the form of expanded green initiatives — is dawning across Santa Cruz County. While Henry Cowell is open, as is a small section of Big Basin, with more ambitious rebuilding planned, the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County is developing new hiking trails, including in the 8,500-acre San Vicente Redwoods. On the North Coast, the Cotoni-Coast Dairies , a recent addition to the California Coastal National Monument , is slated to open within the next year, with nearly 6,000 acres of coastal terraces, redwood forests and sweeping views of the Pacific. The area’s designation as a national monument will help protect its rich ecology and cultural history, including ancestral sites of the Indigenous Cotoni people.

Serra da Capivara National Park

A stone arch peeking above trees at Pedra Furada.

Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil

Sure, it’s the dramatic mesas and canyons of northeastern Brazil’s caatinga, or cactusy shrub lands, that first catch the eye. But what distinguishes this national park from countless other breathtaking Brazilian landscapes are the archaeological and artistic remains of ancient humans who many researchers believe arrived more than 20,000 years ago. The now 88-year-old French-Brazilian archaeologist Niède Guidon first documented the exuberant red ocher cave drawings depicting hunters, prey, revelers and play in the 1960s. Her team unearthed archaeological finds that called into question previous theories on how humans reached the Americas; the area became a national park in 1979, added the Museum of American Man in 1986 and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991. The Museum of Nature, opened in 2018, brought a record 30,000 visitors to the park the next year. The pandemic slowed momentum but not progress: New archaeological sites were prepared for visitation, new visitor bathrooms were installed, and most notably, an impressive 200-foot enclosed ladder up a steep cliff face opened in October, allowing safer and far faster visitor access to a popular panoramic viewpoint.

— Seth Kugel

Saguaro National Park

John Burcham for The New York Times

Saguaro cacti at sunset.

Saguaro National Park, Arizona

Saguaro National Park, whose two parcels sit on either side of Tucson, is home to almost 2 million of the tall, multi-limbed cactuses for which it is named. For decades it has delighted visitors with hiking trails, archaeological sites and epic vistas. But climate change is now threatening the very cactuses that have made the park an iconic destination. Rising temperatures, along with more frequent — and hotter — wildfires, are curbing the growth of new saguaro. A National Park Service report found that out of 10,000 cactuses, only 70 were less than 11 to 15 years old, a disturbing trend that puts the future of the cactus population in the park at risk. To help mitigate the effects of wildfires, the park launched an eradication program targeting buffelgrass , an invasive species that is drought-resistant and provides an outsize amount of wildfire fuel. The park has also organized monthly buffelgrass pulls, where teams of volunteers spend four hours digging up and disposing of the invasive species. Put on hold during the pandemic, the group pulls are slated to begin again early this year . Officials are also planning to begin a program where visitors can “adopt” specific areas of the park and pick buffelgrass on their own time.

— Daniel Tepper

A view of Cies Islands from Pedra da Campa.

Islas Cíes, Spain

Even before the pandemic, the Islas Cíes off Spain’s Galician coast had long limited the number of daily visitors — 1,800, in high season — to protect its environment and guard against overtourism. This verdant archipelago, part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park , is a vision of protected biodiversity: flourishing nature preserves, teeming marine life and robust colonies of seabirds. The strict conservation efforts include restrictions against cars, hotels and noise, and ensure that only in designated areas can visitors explore long, curving beaches, snorkel through clear waters and hike trails that wind toward picturesque lighthouses. The delight continues at night: Ink-black starry skies have earned a Starlight designation for limited light pollution. Island ferries depart from Galicia’s Rías Baixas region, with highlights that include misty albariño vineyards, Pontevedra’s old town, and Vigo and its Calle de las Ostras, where you can slurp up fresh oysters at outdoor wooden tables.

Joann Pai for The New York Times

For people riding an escalator down in Monte-Carlo.

Monaco’s gilded reputation shimmers worldwide, but these days the principality’s glow is unequivocally green. The sovereign city-state on the French Riviera has an ambitious plan to cut its carbon emissions by 55 percent before 2030 and turn carbon-neutral by 2050. Its sustainability efforts are driven by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, a global charity prioritizing environmental action that was established in 2006. Sixteen years later, evidence of the principality’s initiatives is visible (and enjoyable) in the 0.76-square-mile enclave. It has a robust network of electric cars, bikes and hybrid buses, and a solar-powered water taxi that transports people with ease. Strollable public parks and gardens make up 20 percent of Monaco (where escalators help with the climbs), while snorkeling is the activity du jour off Larvotto Beach , where sea life thrives amid 3-D printed reefs, submerged roughly 60 feet below the water’s surface to restore habitats damaged by human activity. The locally based company Terrae takes urban gardening and farming to new heights, populating rooftops and balconies, and supplying residents and restaurants, including Michelin-starred Blue Bay . Meanwhile, the Distillery of Monaco produces bitter orange liqueur and gin, flavored with citrus from trees in Monaco and nearby villages.

— Kimberley Lovato

Bronzeville

Kevin Miyazaki for The New York Times

A statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. faces a street lined with shops.

Bronzeville, Milwaukee

At times overshadowed by its namesake neighborhood in Chicago, Milwaukee’s Bronzeville district is again distinguishing itself as a center of African American culture. From 1910 to the 1950s, the area buzzed with Black-owned businesses, but it was decimated by “urban renewal” projects that razed thriving Black neighborhoods across America. Today’s Bronzeville is supported by about $400 million of redevelopment funds from organizations like the Historic King Drive BID , P3 Development Group and Maures Development Group (all led by people of color). Symbolic of this reinvigoration is the reopening this year of America’s Black Holocaust Museum . Founded in 1988 by Dr. James Cameron, the only known survivor of a lynching, the museum attracted visitors from around the world before closing in 2008 when it lost funding during the recession. On Feb. 25, the museum will reopen in a 10,000-square-foot space that takes visitors on a journey through more than 4,500 years of African and African American history. Nearby, businesses like Gee’s Clippers (a barbershop housed in a 1930s bank) and the Bronzeville Collective (a retail space featuring local Black brands) elevate African American artistry, while the newly opened Maranta Plant Shop , Sam’s Place Jazz Cafe and soon-to-open Niche Book Bar prove that Bronzeville is back.

— Shayla Martin

Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve

Corey Myers/NWTT

Looming cliffsides.

Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve, Canada

Designated in 2019 and located in the Northwest Territories, Canada’s newest national park, Thaidene Nëné, means “Land of the Ancestors” in the Denesuline language. The park is a mix of boreal forest and tundra along the eastern shoreline of Great Slave Lake. It also sets a new precedent in including Indigenous peoples in park management and oversight. The first Canadian national parks, created in the 19th century, excluded Indigenous peoples from their traditional lands. Although this policy changed, overall control remained in the hands of Parks Canada. At Thaidene Nëné, Indigenous communities, including the nearby Dene settlement of Lutsel K’e, have helped create and manage the park from the beginning. Economic opportunities derived from the park, like guiding and cultural heritage tours, flow back to these communities. Ni Hat’ni Dene is a network of Lutsel K’e residents employed to protect, monitor and provide interpretive tours of the park. Visitors can hike along the trails of Dene ancestors, paddle through the many coves and waterfalls of the eastern arm of Great Slave Lake, fish for lake trout and Arctic grayling during the summer’s nearly 24-hour light, and camp at the transition point between the subarctic and Arctic environments.

— Peter Kujawinski

Cerro Castillo National Park

A huemul sits on a hill in a forest.

Cerro Castillo National Park, Chile

Located along the Route of Parks of Patagonia, a network of 17 national reserves that make up about a third of Chile, Cerro Castillo was designated as a national park in 2018 and is at the center of an effort to protect the country’s national animal, the huemul or South Andean deer, from extinction. The huemul population has dwindled to 1,500, about 1 percent of its historic size. Rewilding Chile , a conservation organization started by the co-founder of the North Face, Douglas Tompkins, working with the Chilean government, is leading an initiative to save them. The National Huemul Corridor would give the huemules more room to roam between the parks, and Rewilding Chile is gathering funds to build a huemul rehabilitation center in Cerro Castillo to treat animals infected with Linfoadenitis caseosa, a disease transmitted by cattle. Visitors to Cerro Castillo may spot the animals while enjoying a short walk on one of the trails through the Lenga and Ñirre forests, or can opt for a circuit through the park that takes four to five days. The park’s crown jewel is a mountain peak that resembles a castle, from which it takes its name.

— Concepción de León

Daintree Rainforest

Map of Daintree Rainforest, Australia

Daintree Rainforest, Australia

The 180-million-year-old Daintree Rainforest in northern Queensland is one of the world’s most complex ecosystems. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage site , the area is home to sparkling rivers, copious wildlife and lush tropical flora, all of which tumble down to white sand beaches that abut the Great Barrier Reef. The region has always been popular with tourists. But in 2021 it became an even more compelling destination, after nearly 400,000 acres of land, including Daintree, were handed back to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji , an Aboriginal people who are believed to have lived in the area for more than 50,000 years. The hope is that the transfer of ownership will encourage visitors to learn more about the culture and ecological stewardship of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji, as well as provide career opportunities for members of the tribe. It is an example of the increasingly vital role Indigenous Australians are taking in the country’s tourism industry.

unique travel destinations 2022

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Corrections

Jan 10, 2022: An earlier version of this article misspelled the surname of a restaurant critic in New York City. His name is Robert Sietsema, not Robert Sietsma. The article also misstated the status of a huemul rehabilitation center planned for Cerro Castillo National Park in Chile. The project is still in the process of getting funded, it is not in the construction stage yet.

Jan 11, 2022: An earlier version of this article misstated the status of Puerto Rico's El Yunque National Forest. It is the only tropical rainforest within the U.S. Forest Service's holdings, not the only rainforest. It also misstated the reopening date of a museum in Milwaukee. America’s Black Holocaust Museum is scheduled to reopen this year, not 2023.

Jan 12, 2022: An earlier version of this article omitted an organization that purchased land to protect wildlife in Argentina. It was Tompkins Conservation, as well as Rewilding Argentina.

  • 1. Chioggia, Italy
  • 2. Chimanimani National Park, Mozambique
  • 3. Queens, New York
  • 4. Northumberland, England
  • 5. Zihuatanejo, Mexico
  • 6. Iberá Park, Argentina
  • 7. Alentejo Wine Region, Portugal
  • 8. The Lucayan Archipelago, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos
  • 9. Evia, Greece
  • 10. Cobscook Shores, Maine
  • 11. Hoonah, Alaska
  • 12. Cleveland, Ohio
  • 13. Courmayeur, Italy
  • 14. Red River Delta, Vietnam
  • 15. South Africa
  • 16. Uttarakhand, India
  • 17. Fogo Island, Newfoundland, Canada
  • 18. The Great Highway, San Francisco
  • 19. Kyoto, Japan
  • 20. El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico
  • 21. Sierra Leone
  • 22. Slovenia
  • 23. El Hierro, Spain
  • 24. Summerland Peninsula, Australia
  • 25. Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan
  • 26. Gouda, The Netherlands
  • 27. Thy, Denmark
  • 28. The Red Sea Mountain Trail, Egypt
  • 29. Little Calumet River, Chicago
  • 30. The Inner Hebrides, Scotland
  • 31. Normandy, France
  • 32. Estes Park, Colorado
  • 33. Kunta Kinteh Island, Gambia
  • 34. Naples, Italy
  • 35. Höga Kusten, Sweden
  • 36. Humboldt, Kansas
  • 37. Greenland
  • 38. Marrakesh, Morocco
  • 39. Northland, New Zealand
  • 40. Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
  • 41. Elijio Panti National Park, Belize
  • 42. Sarasota, Florida
  • 43. Vanuatu
  • 44. Santa Cruz County, California
  • 45. Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil
  • 46. Saguaro National Park, Arizona
  • 47. Islas Cíes, Spain
  • 49. Bronzeville, Milwaukee
  • 50. Thaidene Nëné National Park Reserve, Canada
  • 51. Cerro Castillo National Park, Chile
  • 52. Daintree Rainforest, Australia

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The 22 best places to travel in 2022, according to ovation travel group.

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Camel tourists caravan walking on sunset desert near Dubai skyline.

Looking for the best place to travel in 2022? Make sure you have a passport.

According to an exclusive survey by Ovation Travel Group's agents, only two of the top destinations are in the United States. The others are in far-flung locations many American travelers have never heard of. 

Paul Metselaar, the CEO of Ovation Travel Group, says the list of 22 best places to travel in 2022 reflects a historic desire to cross borders and have a new experience. 

"We're seeing high levels of pent-up demand for international travel," he says. "Certainly the most since 2019." 

These are the 22 best places to visit in 2022

Here are the 22 best places to travel in 2022, according to Ovation's list of the top leisure destinations compiled exclusively for Forbes.

1. Taormina, Italy

3. Santa Fe, New Mexico

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5. Anguilla

6. Ljubljana, Slovenia

7. Faroe Islands

8. Ischia, Italy

9. banff, canada, 10. galapagos islands, 11. majorca, spain, 12. porto, portugal.

13. Bodrum, Turkey 

14. Seychelles

15. napa valley, calif..

16. Quito, Ecuador

17. San Sebastian, Spain

18. yucatan, mexico, 19. pink granite coast, france, 20. namibia.

21. Chefchaouen, Morocco

22. Paro, Bhutan

Why should you see the 22 best places to visit in 2022.

Why go to these 22 best places in 2022? Here's what experts had to say:

Belvedere of Taormina and San Giuseppe church on the square Piazza IX Aprile in Taormina.

Why visit? Set up on a hill, the town of Taormina is vibrant and charming, with views of the famous Mt. Etna and its postcard-perfect beaches. Travel experts say its friendly climate and people make it the number-one destination on this list of the 22 best places to travel in 2022. 

Who should go : Couples and families looking for five-star stays. Both Four Seasons and Belmond have beautiful resorts in Taormina.

Don’t miss : A day-trip to Mt. Etna. “Hike and explore the lava craters and learn the history of the volcano and its eruptions,” says Jill Fischbarg, a luxury travel consultant with Ovation Travel Group. “End your day with a visit to one of the area's wineries to taste the region's famous Etna Rosso and Bianco.”

Westminster and the Big Ben clocktower by the Thames river in London, United Kingdom, just after ... [+] sunset.

Why visit? “ London is truly one of the world’s greatest cities, and it’s shining brighter than it has in years,” says Andrew Steinberg, a luxury travel concierge at Modern Travel, an affiliate of Ovation Travel Group. “London blends the old and new, making it relevant to all travelers, young and old.” 

Who should go: Theater lovers, foodies (dining to compete on a global scale), shopaholics (shopping is a sport in this city), history lovers (Winston Churchill’s war room is a must), and those with an insatiable appetite for British royalty.

Don't miss: Claridge’s newly renovated rooms and all their restaurants, but especially Davies and Brook (from Daniel Humm); the Connaught bar, which is the top in Mayfair, and the new Red Bar (featuring red artwork from top female artists including Louise Bourgeois).

Downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico at dusk. Santa Fe is the capital of the state of New Mexico. Santa Fe ... [+] is the oldest capital city in the United States and the oldest city in New Mexico.

3. Santa Fe, N.M.

Why visit? Santa Fe is one of the most historically significant cities in North America. It's also the highest-rated American destination on this list of the 22 best places to travel in 2022. “With a historic downtown, art galleries, Native American culture and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe has much to offer any traveler,” says Jessica Levy, a luxury travel consultant at Ovation Travel Group. 

Who should go : Couples, multigenerational families, and groups of friends.

Don't miss : The Santa Fe Opera and the Auberge hotel, Bishop’s Lodge.

Burj Al Arab Hotel with Dubai Skyline, Dubai.

4. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Why: Dubai has all the glitz and glamour, with its world-renowned restaurants and sunny beaches. “Dubai has the culture of the Middle East and the desert topography, giving it a unique quality that is hard to find elsewhere in the world,” says Sylvia Lebovitch, president and founder of SL Travel Advisors , an affiliate of Ovation Travel Group. “Guests can dine in a traditional Middle Eastern restaurant or at a Michelin Star restaurant run by a celebrity chef. The anticipated opening of Atlantis the Royal promises to be one of the most impressive projects of the year.” 

Who should go: Couples, families and singles. There is something for everyone, from the indoor ski park to the beaches.

Don't miss: Spending the day enjoying a local pastime, dune bashing and sandboarding the desert. 

Anguilla is one of the top 22 destinations of 2022.

5. Anguilla 

Why visit? The powder-white sands glisten alongside the crystal-clear turquoise waters, painting for the picture-perfect shoreline, says Aanchal Gandhi, vice president of leisure and independent advisors at Ovation Travel Group. 

"Anguilla has incredible soul that is glorified by the locals while maintaining humbling hospitality," she says. "You feel this from the moment you step onto Anguilla. The island offers delectable award-winning dining experiences and also beachside shacks that serve up some of the best jerk-style meats. You can immerse yourself into the local island life and simultaneously enjoy the mesmerizing luxury. Anguilla is one of the favorite Caribbean destinations that vacationers always return to."

Who should go: Beach lovers. Anguilla has 33 uncrowded beaches to discover. Also, snorkeling enthusiasts can enjoy huge coral gardens on Dog Island or Shoal Bay. 

Don't miss: Exploring the island on a Moke, an open-air rental vehicle. Or take a five-minute boat ride for the fresh seafood on Scilly Cay. Make sure to introduce yourself to Alexander, who has taken over his family business and serves one of the best rum punches on the island. 

The franciscan Church of Annunciation and the Triple Bridge at dusk.

6. Ljubljana, Slovenia 

Why visit? Ljubljana is the picturesque capital of Slovenia, a small country rich in culture, gastronomy and natural wonders. “Not far from the capital, you can enjoy snow-capped peaks, turquoise rivers and a Venetian style coastline,” says Laurie Robinson, luxury travel advisor for Ovation Travel Group. “Castles and gorgeous landscapes are moderately priced compared to other European countries.”   

Who should go: Romantics, history and gastronomy buffs, as well as outdoor activists. 

Don't miss : Ljubljana’s many bridges, its castle and funicular with its setting on the river providing an engaging café scene and compelling art venues. 

Faroe Islands, one of the remotest destinations on the list of top places to visit in 2022.

7. Faroe Islands 

Why visit?  The Faroe Islands, an 18-island archipelago north of Scotland, lying between Iceland and Norway, are a place of rustic beauty and spectacular landscapes. It may be one of the most remote destinations on this list of the 22 best places to travel in 2022. “The terrain is rugged, but the experience is beautiful and exciting,” says Elaine Esposito, a luxury travel advisor for Ovation Travel Group. “It is a destination waiting to be explored and definitely a vacation with bragging rights.” 

Who should go: Foodies and anyone who enjoys nature, hiking, fresh ocean air, puffins, sheep, and Faroese salmon.  

Don't miss: The ferry ride to Mykines Island. The journey takes you past Drangarnir Arch, the “sea stack” rock formation with a hole in the middle. And the hike to the Mykines lighthouse is unforgettable. 

Castello Aragonese in Ischia Ponte, on Ischia island near Naples, Italy. Many little boats in the ... [+] sea.

Why visit?  Ischia, the island often referred to as Capri’s big sister, is located in the Gulf of Naples and is only accessible by private boat, ferry or hydrofoil. “This gives the island a cachet of exclusivity and privilege. While jet setters make their pilgrimage to Capri, those in the know have flocked to Ischia for decades,” says Barbara Hammer, president of BH Travel Group, an affiliate of Ovation Travel Group. 

Who should go:  Ischia is the perfect destination for those who have visited the more mainstream resorts like Capri and Positano. It is also a destination for families and couples who are looking for an activity-filled Italian getaway.

Don't miss : A meal at Ristorante Emanuela, located on Maronti Beach, which is famous for cooking their fresh fish and local meats cooked in the ground using volcanic properties.

Hiking to the top of Moraine Lake in Banff National Park.

Why visit? Banff was established as Canada’s first national park in 1885. "And to many, it represents the essence of what Canada is all about," says Andrew Williams, managing director of Travel at Will , an Ovation Travel Group affiliate. "Banff is an easily accessible wilderness that seamlessly caters experiences for travelers of all types. Untamed wilderness meets modern urban development lures in everyone from rugged mountaineers to busloads of sightseeing senior citizens."

Who should go: Nature lovers, fisherman and active travelers.

Don't miss: Nature is the main attraction here. In warmer months, don’t miss a hike in the Canadian Rockies or kayaking on Lake Minnewanka. In the winter, hit the slopes at one of the local ski resorts.

Diver viewing endangered green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas agassisi), resting in reef, Galapagos ... [+] Islands, Ecuador.

Why visit? ” The Galapagos Islands are like no other place with unique wildlife up close and primeval immersion in nature,” says Marcella Rappoport, president of MR Journeys, an affiliate of Ovation Travel Group.

Who should go:  Nature lovers, science geeks and even those looking for romance.

Don’t miss : Snorkeling with sea lions, swimming with turtles, and scouting for whales.

Cala Figuera, Mallorca, Spain.

Why visit? Majorca offers an air of authenticity from its natural beauty to its thriving artist community across the island, as well as organic olive groves and ancient stone villages. “From the freshly grated tomatoes with olive oil for your toast in the morning, to the scent of orange blossoms in the air, authenticity is the feeling Majorca gives you,” says Fiona Bayne, luxury travel advisor, Ovation Travel Group.

Who should go: Couples and families. 

Don't miss: The austere splendor and luxurious privacy at Cap Rocat, an ancient fort perched on the edge of the sea. Try one of the suites with a private pool carved from the rock.

Porto, Portugal old town skyline from across the Douro River.

Why visit?  In a region considered the birthplace of Portugal, Porto offers great culinary and wine experiences, fabulous boutique hotels and great value. “Be sure to dine at Casa de Cha da Boa Nova. Built on the rocks, overlooking the sea, this restaurant in Leca da Palmeira has received two Michelin stars,”says Ashley Diamond, a luxury travel consultant affiliated with Ovation Travel Group. And Portugal currently has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world.

Who should go:  Couples, friends, adults, history buffs, oenophiles and those looking for a different corner of Europe to explore.

Don't miss: Wine tasting in the Douro Valley and exploring the region by boat down the Douro River. From Porto you can also explore World Heritage sites such as Guimaraes. 

Bodrum castle and harbor in Bodrum, Turkey.

13. Bodrum, Turkey

Why visit?  Bodrum is one of the hottest up-and-coming destinations, with many new luxury hotels opening. “It offers a gorgeous seaside with incredible food,” says Lebovitch. “There are trendy ‘see and be seen’ beach clubs as well as more remote beach clubs.” 

Who should go:  Trend-seekers, sunbathers and foodies. Bodrum appeals to anyone looking for a beach vacation alongside culture.

Do not miss:  Charter a yacht from Bodrum’s harbor and explore the rocky Bodrum peninsula.

Baie Beau Vallon, a tropical beach on island Mahe in Seychelles.

Why visit? The Seychelles offer an idyllic place to travel as home to some of the world's best beaches, with picturesque turquoise waters and breathtaking coral reefs. “The word ‘paradise’ was likely created as a tribute to these majestic islands,” says Kherri Jean, CEO of Full of Wander Travel , an Ovation Travel Group affiliate. “There are also tons of five-star hotels like the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles that specialize in creating unparalleled luxury experiences for their guests.”

Who should go : Couples looking for a luxury retreat or nature lovers in search of their next rare find.

Don't miss : A visit to Aldabra Atoll to meet their famous residents, the giant tortoises, who are known as the oldest living creatures on earth.

Napa Valley wine country mountain hillside vineyard growing crops for grape harvest and winery ... [+] winemaking. Rows of lush, green grapevines ripen in cultivated agricultural farm fields glowing in sunset.

  Why visit? Napa is close to home with private residences that are in favor today – a perfect long weekend getaway to recharge and refuel while experiencing some of the top food and beverage in the country. “After a devastating loss from fire, the valley is thriving with top chefs at the French Laundry remaining a favorite,” says Steinberg. “Plus, the wines are better than ever and more activities are being offered within five star resorts. With the new Four Seasons Napa, new Montage property and a few Auberge properties slated to open in 2022, the buzz is loud.”

Who should go: A great place for couples to celebrate alone or with friends of any age.

Don't miss : Naturally, don’t miss wine and olive oil tastings. Don’t miss French Laundry for dinner, or the Four Seasons Napa and Montage Hotel for accommodations.

Night scene of Plaza Grande (Plaza de la Independencia) in Quito, Ecuador featuring Carondelet ... [+] Palace (Palacio de Carondelet), the seat of Ecuador government.

16. Quito, Ecuador 

Why visit? Quito has Spanish Colonial architecture and cobblestoned streets, while the area surrounding the city features lush hills, volcanic mountains and snow-capped peaks. “Quito is astonishingly beautiful,” says Williams. “It was one of the first two World Cultural Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO in 1978. The Old Town is the least altered, best preserved and largest in the Americas.”

Who should go : History buffs, xenophiles and antiquarians.

Don't miss : When visiting Quito, take in the Old Town with a historical tour of the grand cathedrals on the edge of town and the well-preserved Spanish Colonial houses in La Ronda.

Typical Pintxos, tapas, on a bar counter in San Sebastian, Donostia, Basque region, Spain.

Why visit?   You'll find several renowned Michelin-star restaurants in this village on the north coast of Spain. “Famously home to Basque cuisine and pintxo bars that define how locals socialize,” says Gandhi. “San Sebastian also offers a city beach to lounge and laze during the day for a siesta.” For the art and history lovers there is architecture, with emblematic edifices dating back centuries.

Who should go : Food lovers. Bar hopping from one pintxo bar to another speaks to the variety of endless tapas. 

Don't miss : A roller coaster ride on top of Mount Igueldo to see the breathtaking panorama views of Concha Bay and San Sebastian. Also don’t forget to eat a slice of a burnt Basque cheesecake from La Vina; it’s the best way to end the day.

Pink Lake in Yucatán, Mexico.

Why visit? Rich in Mayan history and immersed in lush tropical jungle, Mexico’s Yucatan is a destination where nature, wellness and culture are fused together. “It is great for visiting Mayan ruins and exploring colonial towns,” says Levy. 

Who should go : Ideal for those seeking relaxation or those looking for unique and distinctive experience.

Don't miss : The tequila tasting at the Chable Yucatan. 

Lighthouse of L'Ile Louet as seen from Pointe de Penn-al-Lann, Brittany.

Why visit? The Pink Granite Coast is wild and beautiful, full of extraordinary pink rock formations that stretch over tiny islands and inlets, perfect for hiking, cycling and exploring.  “Perros Guirrec and Tregastel have great hotels – Castel Beau Site and Manoir Lan Kerellec,” says Robinson. “Plus, the area has amazing cuisine.”  

Who should go: Adventurers, boaters and anyone looking for a really authentic outdoor experience.

Don't miss: Paimpol beach and the car-free Brehat. Sept Isles National Park is home to a huge colony of puffins and cormorants. Walk from Tregastel Beach to Ploumanac’h to see the rock formations. 

The road to Little Kulala Lodge in Namibia.

Why visit?  For those craving the uncrowded outdoors, Namibia offers access to nature, wilderness and wildlife in abundance. “After the extended period in lockdown, Namibia offers wide-open spaces,” says Robinson.

Who should go:  Anyone who enjoys wild, open spaces, deserts, and the road less-traveled, including those seeking luxurious accommodations with few other people around.

Don’ miss:  Spitzkoppe offers breathtaking landscapes of an outcrop of granite peaks rising from the desert. Stay for sunset or camp under the stars.  

Blue coloured medina in Chefchaouen, Morocco.

 21. Chefchaouen, Morocco

  Why visit? Known as the Blue City, Chefchaouen has retained Andalusian-influenced soul; this town is the most Hispano-Moorish influenced of Moroccan cities. “With houses built into the mountainside, narrow, winding streets and a haunting blue light that washes over the city, Chefchaouen feels like a dream,” says Diamond. “This enchanting provincial capital lends itself to strolls, which are perfect for discovering its rich heritage, admiring the architectural treasures that populate its alleys, and meeting the people who live and work there.”  

Who should go: Culture seekers and travelers looking for authentic experiences. 

Don't miss: Getting lost in Chefchaouen’s medina.

Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktshang) in the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Why visit?  Bhutan is an otherworldly destination shrouded in mystery, where a traditional Buddhist culture gradually embraces global progress. “Still one of the most unknown and unexplored countries in the world, Bhutan fascinates visitors because of its spectacular scenery and unmatched cultural prosperity,” says Williams. “In Paro, you can’t help but find serenity surrounded by magnificent mountains coddled in the welcoming embrace of the locals’ hospitality. Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness permeates every aspect of daily life.”

Who should go: Wellness travelers (physical or mental), xenophiles and historians.

Do not miss: Take the hike up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Travelers with mobility challenges can make part of the journey on horseback.

Christopher Elliott

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Best of the World: 35 incredible places to discover in 2022 and beyond

Hollow rock is an iconic coastal formation on the north west of Lake Superior by the border of Minnesota.

If you’re looking for inspiration, editors from National Geographic Traveller titles around the world have picked the planet’s 35 most exciting destinations for travel in 2022. Five categories — Adventure, Culture and History, Nature, Family and Sustainability — frame unforgettable experiences that reveal the beauty and diversity of the world around us. The pandemic may have changed when, where, and how we travel, but there’s no doubt that we’re excited to pack our bags and hit the road again.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon/Washington, is the US’s largest National Scenic Area. 

SEVEN SUSTAINABILE DESTINATIONS  

1. Chimanimani National Park, Mozambique Support conservation efforts in a biodiverse wonderland

Located on Mozambique’s mountainous border with Zimbabwe, Chimanimani National Park, established in October 2020, is home to Mozambique’s highest peak, the 7,992ft Mount Binga. It was once flush with elephants and lions, whose images appear in ancient rock art created by the ancestral San people.

Decades of poaching and civil unrest decimated wildlife populations, but small numbers of elephants remain, as do at least 42 other species of mammals and a dazzling array of plant and avian life. In two recent biodiversity surveys alone, 475 plant species and 260 bird species were identified, along with 67 amphibian and reptile species, including one frog and one lizard thought to be new to science.

From National Geographic Travel US (Maryellen Kennedy Duckett)

2. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon/Washington Mindfully wine and dine in the US’s largest National Scenic Area

The US’s largest National Scenic Area is probably not where you think it is: it straddles the Oregon-Washington border and comprises 293,000 acres of public and private lands along the Columbia River Gorge. With Mount Hood nearby, the area attracts more than two million visitors annually. To help reduce tourist impact on local nature and culture, a nonprofit alliance has kick-started a collaborative movement that has morphed into a best-practice model for building a sustainable tourism economy.

Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance initiatives include the visitor education programme Ready, Set, Gorge , and the East Gorge Food Trail , a network of farms, historic hotels, wineries and other homegrown experiences.

3. Ruhr Valley, Germany Be surprised by art and nature in a former industrial zone Mining and steel production once dominated the densely populated Ruhr Valley, in Germany’s western state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Today, the region is repurposing former slag heaps and post-apocalyptic-looking industrial sites as parks and open-air cultural spaces. The most famous is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Zeche Zollverein ( Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex ), home to an outdoor swimming pool, ice rink and walking trails.

Zollverein is part of the wider Emscher Landscape Park, an east-west system of green spaces and corridors covering nearly 175 square miles. Rent a bike in Essen for a car-free Ruhr Valley trip along cycling routes, many of which follow former railway tracks, or explore on foot via the 96-mile-long Hohe Mark Steig , a trekking trail opened in 2021.

From National Geographic Traveler Germany (Franziska Haack)

4. Yasuní National Park, Ecuador Learn what’s at stake in a threatened, biodiverse paradise

In recognition of the global importance of the Amazon, France is leading the fight against deforestation in eastern Ecuador’s Yasuní National Park, which was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1989. The 4,000sq-mile park — home to mahogany trees, sweet guabas , anthuriums, palms, and hypnotisingly green ferns — is the first of five pilot sites in the French-funded TerrAmaz programme. This four-year initiative, launched in late 2020, supports sustainable development and biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

Considered one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, Yasuní shelters an astonishing array of creatures, such as anteaters, capybaras, sloths, spider monkeys and about 600 species of bird.

From National Geographic Traveler Latin America (Karen Alfaro)

5. Łódź, Poland Focus on a factory town turned sustainable-living leader

Named a UNESCO City of Film in 2017 for its rich cinematic culture, Łódź, a city with a population of around 700,000 in central Poland, was a major textile manufacturing hub in the 19th and 20th centuries. Now Poland’s Hollywood is flipping the script on its industrial past to create a greener future.

Łódź is a leader in sustainable living, embracing innovative ecological solutions, such as using pre-RDF (refuse-derived fuel) and biomass energy to heat homes. In 2021, the city partnered with the European e-commerce delivery platform InPost to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions and traffic in the city centre by installing 70 parcel locker locations and electric car-charging stations.

From National Geographic Traveler Poland (Martyna Szczepanik)

6. Adelaide, Australia On track to become the world’s next National Park City

Following the lead of London, which became the world’s first National Park City in 2019, metropolitan Adelaide, Australia is vying to become the second. Already named the third-most-livable city on the planet in The Global Livability Index 2021, South Australia’s cosmopolitan, coastal capital is working to become cooler, greener, wilder and more climate-resilient through rewilding projects, such as creating more butterfly-friendly habitats (the city has some 30 threatened butterfly species), studying the possibility of bringing the platypus back to the River Torrens after a 140-year hiatus, and awarding community grants to plant tens of thousands of trees across South Australia.

7. Grenoble, France Green Capital of Europe for 2022

With two rivers running through it and magnificent mountain ranges on the doorstep, Grenoble — Europe’s Green Capital for 2022 — is a big draw for eco-conscious, all-action, outdoorsy types. If canyoning and paragliding are your thing, you’ll fit right in. But the Capital of the Alps has cultural depth, as well, embodied in the Museum of Grenoble , stuffed with works by masters such as Monet, Canaletto and Klee, as well as a dynamic contemporary art scene.

Thanks to its university — the third-largest in France, with a reputation for excellence in microelectronics, nuclear physics and political studies — Grenoble nurtures clear-thinking problem-solvers. Crammed into a valley, the city would suffer from overcrowding and pollution were it not for its sustainable urban plan, combining cycle lanes, pedestrian streets, speed limits and efficient public transport.

From National Geographic Traveller UK (Emma Gregg)

Travel with Nat Geo: Discover these unique destinations and many more travelling with Nat Geo Expeditions. Check all our itineraries

Discover more about each destination

Fishermen at the Saint George branch of the mighty Danube River, Dobruja, Romania.

SEVEN FAMILY JOURNEYS  

1. Danube River Take a cruise through storybook land

Boating the Danube can seem like travelling through a realm of fairytales, with its scrolling views of castles, medieval towns and stately palaces that help to bring European history vividly to life. The river twists through 10 countries, and most Danube cruise itineraries include stops in at least four of those, with special family sailings featuring child-friendly onshore activities.

School lessons focusing on Middle Ages feudalism take on vivid dimensions when exploring Veste Oberhaus in Passau, Germany, one of the largest surviving castle complexes in Europe. Ages-old Hungarian equestrian traditions come alive on a southern Hungarian ranch, where fearless csikós , or mounted herdsmen, ride standing upright, balancing on the backs of two galloping horses.

From National Geographic Traveler Romania (Maryellen Kennedy Duckett) Go with Nat Geo: Ready to plan your trip? Nat Geo Expeditions offers an 8-day Danube River Cruise to enjoy the European Christmas markets this winter

2. Eastern Shore, Maryland Discover the marshlands that shaped Harriet Tubman

The history of the Underground Railroad flows through the waterways, wetlands, swamps and tidal marshes of Dorchester County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. This is where the secret network’s most famous ‘conductor’, Harriet Tubman, was born enslaved, grew up and honed the skills — such as trapping, hunting and navigating by the stars — she used to escape to freedom in Pennsylvania. She then returned 13 times to rescue more than 70 enslaved friends and family. Her heroic story is told at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, one of the more than 30 stops along the 125-mile Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway .

3. Bonaire Dive into one of the oldest marine reserves in the world

Dazzling sunlight, a turquoise sea, palm trees, white beaches and a laid-back atmosphere: Bonaire ticks all the boxes for an idyllic tropical destination. But compared to many other Caribbean islands, Bonaire (population 21,000) is quiet and still relatively wild and unspoiled. And off its coast lies one of the oldest marine reserves in the world.

The Bonaire National Marine Park was established in 1979 and has been on the provisional UNESCO World Heritage List since 2011. The reserve encompasses 6,672 acres of coral reef, seagrass and mangrove vegetation. Bonaire’s healthy reefs are a magnet for divers and snorkellers who can spot up to 57 species of coral and more than 350 different fish species.

From National Geographic Traveler Netherlands (Barbera Bosma)

4. Granada, Spain   Marvel at the geometric beauty of the Alhambra

Built as a palace-city by 13th-century Nasrid sultans — rulers of the longest-lasting and last Muslim dynasty on the Iberian Peninsula — the Alhambra (‘red fort’) is considered the Moorish architectural jewel of Europe. The almond-shaped profile of this UNESCO World Heritage site rests on a hill above Granada, one of the most picturesque cities in Spain.

But it’s the mathematical wizardry on display here that’s particularly fascinating for families. Intricate mosaics, arabesques (a repetitive, stylised pattern based on a floral or vegetal design) and muqarnas (ornamental vaulting) make the Alhambra a masterpiece of geometric beauty — and a colourful classroom for age-appropriate exploration of maths concepts, such as shapes, symmetry, proportion and measurement.

From Viajes National Geographic Spain (Manuel Mateo Pérez)

Go with Nat Geo: Ready to plan your trip? Spend eight days exploring the rich culture and heritage of Granada with Nat Geo Expeditions

5. Lycia, Turkey Learn about nomadic life in the sunny Mediterranean

The nomadic yörüks , originally from different Turkic groups that ranged from the Balkans to Iran, once roamed the plateaus of the Turkish riviera. Most of the yörüks (literally ‘walkers’) have now settled down — but many of their thousand-year-old customs are alive and well. Located in the historical Lycia region in southwestern Anatolia, Teke Peninsula is one of the spots where yörük culture remains strong. Teke yörüks live a semi-nomadic life with their tents, kilim rugs, herds, shepherd dogs, and transhumant traditions, set against a mountainous, Mediterranean backdrop full of olive trees. In recent years, tour companies have started to merge the marvels of Lycia with yörük life.

From National Geographic Traveler Turkey (Onur Uygun)

6. Nottinghamshire, UK Robin Hood country gets a revamp

Fresh from an exciting £30 million revamp, the 400-year-old Nottingham Castle has thrown open its sturdy wooden gates again and is bigger than and better than ever. The highlight is a permanent new exhibition dedicated to Robin Hood and his fellow Nottingham rebels, with the focus on interactive fun including storytelling and ballads in a mocked-up forest clearing, as well as longbow-firing, digital archery competitions and sparring with Little John in the beautifully designed gaming spaces.

Throw in some caves to explore, along with vast grounds in which to run amok, with family trails, seasonal events and a fantastic new family adventure playground, and you have all the makings of brilliant day out combing fun and learning in equal measure.

From National Geographic Traveller UK (Rhonda Carrier)

7. Hadrian’s Wall, UK The UK re-frames its ancient Roman frontier as its big attraction

A simultaneous celebration of the ancient and new, this UNESCO-listed structure — which was begun in AD 122 and formed the north-west frontier of the Roman empire for nearly 300 years — marks its 1,900th birthday in 2022 with a year-long festival of special events and activities. Think live outdoor performances, historic reenactments, sunset music sessions, an illuminated garden, thought-provoking outdoor art installations, compelling talks and even a Roman Big Birthday Bash. And all this spread across the entire 73-mile length of this coast-to-coast route, in all three counties that it crosses: Northumberland, Cumbria and Tyne & Wear. And, this year, the region gets a big injection of cash: £30m in government and charity funding to improve transport links and upgrade visitor centres.

From National Geographic Traveller UK (Rhonda Carrier)

A golden-fronted woodpecker eats a papaya in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize.

SIX PLACES TO DISCOVER NATURE  

1. Belize Get a front row seat to tropical wildlife

Nature scored a big win recently in the race to preserve one of the largest remaining tropical rainforests in the Americas. In April 2021, a coalition of conservation partners, led by the Nature Conservancy , purchased 236,000 acres of tropical forest in northwestern Belize to create the Belize Maya Forest Reserve. Along with saving some of the most biodiverse forest in the world from denuding and development, the new protected area, which is contiguous with the neighbouring Rio Bravo Conservation Management Area (RBCMA), closes a huge gap in a vital wildlife corridor that runs from southeast Mexico through Guatemala and into Belize.

2. Northern Minnesota  Turn off the lights in dark-sky country

Thousands upon thousands of stars dazzle above northern Minnesota. This remote region bordering the Canadian province of Ontario has little to no light pollution, and residents are determined to keep it that way.

The Heart of the Continent Dark Sky Initiative is a cross-border effort to create one of the largest dark-sky destinations on the planet. Two of its biggest pieces are in Minnesota: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), the world’s largest International Dark Sky Sanctuary at more than a million acres; and neighbouring Voyageurs National Park , the state’s first International Dark Sky Park. Both wild places received dark-sky certification in 2020 and Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park , which adjoins BWCAW, earned International Dark Sky Park status in early 2021.

3. Namibia Point yourself to the next great safari destination

Namibia evokes images of deserts, immense dunes and parched mountains. But the Caprivi Strip, a narrow finger of land that juts out toward the east in the extreme north of the country, is a green, wildlife-rich territory, thanks to the presence of the Okavango, Kwando, Chobe and Zambezi Rivers, which create the ideal habitat for numerous animal species.

During the second half of the 20th century, the area was the scene of intense military activity. Remote and difficult to access, it was the ideal corridor for various armed groups. After Namibia gained independence in 1990, peace — and wildlife driven away by fighting — gradually returned.

From National Geographic Traveler Italy (Marco Cattaneo)

4. Lake Baikal, Russia Trail-build at the world’s biggest freshwater lake

Baikal is so vast and deep that locals regularly refer to it a sea. Covering around 12,200sq miles and with an average depth of 2,442ft, the massive lake is a natural wonder. It’s also in serious trouble. Despite being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, ongoing pollution, the recent weakening of government protections, and new threats, such as large-scale tourism development, caused the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) to deem the environmental World Heritage Outlook of Lake Baikal of ‘significant concern’ in 2020.

Visitors can help safeguard the lake and its wide array of landscapes — including tundra, steppe, boreal forest and virgin beaches — by volunteering with Great Baikal Trail (GBT), the nonprofit environmental group creating a hiking route around the lake.

From National Geographic Traveler Russia (Victoria Meleshko)

5. Victoria, Australia Spot unique Australian wildlife along the Great Ocean Road

Green shoots of regeneration are appearing in Australia, where some 72,000sq miles were burned during the 2019-2020 bushfires, leading to the deaths of at least 34 people and more than a billion animals.

Playing its own role in these rejuvenation efforts, Wildlife Wonders , in Victoria’s Otways region, is a new wildlife sanctuary with a mission. Tucked away off the Great Ocean Road amid lush ancient forest and waterfalls, it’s the brainchild of Brian Massey — the landscape designer of New Zealand’s Hobbiton experience — who, alongside botanists, scientists, zoologists, and environmental specialists, has crafted a sinuous wooden path that winds through the refuge and blends seamlessly into the landscape.

From National Geographic Traveller UK (Connor McGovern)

6. Kent, UK Bison in the Kent countryside and rewilding success stories nationwide

When Kent Wildlife Trust and the Wildwood Trust set out to hire the UK’s first bison rangers in early 2021, more than 1,000 applications flooded in. Successful candidates Tom Gibbs and Donovan Wright have an exciting task ahead: in spring 2022, they’re managing the reintroduction of four European bison, bred by the European Endangered Species Programme, to Blean Woods near Canterbury, an ancient reserve of coppiced chestnut, birch and oak.

Hunted to extinction in Britain thousands of years ago, bison are forest architects: by rubbing against trunks and eating bark, they cause weak trees to tumble, allowing multiple plant and animal species to thrive. Once the hefty foursome has settled in, Donovan — who previously led Big Five walking safaris in Africa — will use his skills to help visitors respectfully approach them on foot.

Downtown Atlanta as seen from the city’s Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia, US.

EIGHT CULTURAL EXPERIENCES  

1. Atlanta, Georgia Be inspired by a southern US city rising to meet the moment

At a time when voting rights are in contention in the United States, Atlanta is flexing its cultural and political muscle through two formidable voter empowerment organisations: The New Georgia Project and Fair Fight Action , both founded by Atlanta-based political leader and activist Stacey Abrams.

Being at the forefront of social change isn’t new, says city native Bem Joiner, co-founder of the creative agency Atlanta Influences Everything . “Atlanta’s ‘special sauce’ is its three Cs: civic, corporate and cultural. We’re the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement, the home of Coca-Cola and our hip-hop culture shapes global culture. There’s nowhere else quite like Atlanta.”

2. Hokkaido, Japan Find the flip side to anime-filled Japan

Marginalised since the late 1800s, the indigenous Ainu people from the northern region of the Japanese archipelago, were finally granted legal status in Japan in 2019. But while the country’s new Ainu Promotion Act recognises and bans discrimination against the Ainu — who now reside mainly on Hokkaido, Japan’s wildly scenic and northernmost main island — it does little to directly help them, indigenous activists say. That could change in the future, however, as more Japanese and international visitors travel to Hokkaido to learn about Ainu culture at Upopoy , the new National Ainu Museum and Park complex, opened in 2020.

3. Procida, Italy Connect with Italy’s Capital of Culture

Chosen pre-pandemic, the theme of Procida’s winning bid as the Italian Capital of Culture 2022 — La cultura non isola (Culture doesn’t isolate) — now seems particularly on point. The island city, located 40 minutes southwest of Naples via high-speed ferry, plans to use its year in the spotlight to illustrate the importance of culture, particularly in times of uncertainty.

Procida 2022 plans to spread cultural programming — such as contemporary art exhibitions, festivals and performances — over 300 days to encourage responsible travel throughout the year, and to avoid a mass influx of summer visitors. In the spotlight as a symbol of the inclusive theme is the island’s Palazzo d’Avalos , a Renaissance palace-turned-prison, built in 1500 and closed in 1988.

4. Tin Pan Alley, London Make some noise in the birthplace of British punk rock

Despite pushback from punk and rock purists, the remix of Denmark Street, former hub of the British music industry, promises to hit all the right notes. Once lined with music publishers, recording studios, rehearsal rooms and dimly lit clubs, the tiny street, nicknamed London’s Tin Pan Alley, helped launch the British punk rock movement and legends like David Bowie, Elton John and the Rolling Stones. In recent years, the music had all but died, save for Denmark Street’s surviving guitar shops. Now this iconic slice of music history is being revived as part of Outernet London , the West End’s new £1bn immersive entertainment district.

5. Jingmai Mountain, Yunnan, China Be transported by tea          

One of the oldest cultural landscapes in China is slated to become one of the country’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2022. The Ancient Tea Plantations of Jingmai Mountain in Pu’er, which collectively form the world’s largest ancient artificially cultivated tea plantation, features over one million tea trees, the oldest of which is 1,400 years old.

Located in the remote southwestern corner of China’s Yunnan Province, the region was a starting point of the legendary Ancient Tea Horse Road. This 11th-century network of routes was named for its primary purpose: trading Chinese tea for Tibetan horses (60kg of tea equalled one horse).

From National Geographic Traveler China (Yi Lu, and Regina Zhuoqing Li)

6. Oslo, Norway Fjord City gets a marvellous make-over

Fjord City, an urban renewal project reimagining of Oslo’s waterfront, is making the city’s cultural sites and scenic, 62-mile-long Oslo Fjord more accessible to all. The massive transformation, slated to be finished by 2030, has so far moved highways underground and repurposed industrial sites to create a seamless transition between the city and the fjord. A pedestrian- and wheelchair-friendly promenade stretches nearly six miles along the new-look harbourside, which is bookended by the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art to the west and the Oslo Opera House to the east, where visitors can walk on the sloped roof to look out over the water.

7. Rome, Italy A hip new chapter for the Eternal City

They call it the Eternal City, but that doesn’t mean Rome is stuck in the past. For starters, a hit squad of cult international hotel chains has parachuted in post-pandemic, choosing to set up in residential areas where tourists rarely tread. Soho House opened in autumn 2021 behind the train station in the San Lorenzo district. On that same, eastern side of the city is The Hoxton, Rome , which has already brought London chic to the elegant Parioli district.

Closer to the centre, the W Rome opened in November just off Via Veneto, aiming for a dolce vita vibe. On the other side of the Tiber is perhaps the most exciting of all: Mama Shelter Roma , in the Prati district, which occupies two modernist former office blocks, both listed buildings.

From National Geographic Traveller UK (Julia Buckley)

8. Cairo, Egypt A grand museum opening, a film launch, and more, put Cairo in the spotlight

Egypt’s capital will shine under a bright spotlight in 2022. Hollywood is releasing a much-anticipated adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile , featuring an all-star cast that includes Kenneth Branagh and Gal Gadot. It also marks 100 years since Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb; Jean-François Champollion deciphered the Rosetta Stone, unlocking the meaning of hieroglyphs; and the country celebrated semi-independence from British Rule.

Linking them all is the hotly anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum . Slated to be the largest museum in the world dedicated to one civilisation, this mega-sized, £600m complex, located two miles from the Giza pyramids, will exhibit the complete contents — around 5,000 items — of King Tut’s tomb.

From National Geographic Traveller UK (Emma Thomson)

New Brunswick, Canada. 

SEVEN ADVENTURE DESTINATIONS  

1. New Brunswick, Canada Tackle the longest backcountry trail in the Canadian Maritimes

The Nepisiguit Falls, in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, are one of many stops along a millennia-old First Nations migration route, which has been developed into the longest backcountry hiking trail in the Canadian Maritimes. Running 93 miles along the Nepisiguit River, the rugged Sentier Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail follows ancient portage pathways used by the nomadic Mi’gmaq. The route begins at sea level at Daly Point Nature Reserve in Bathurst and ends at Bathurst Lake in Mount Carleton Provincial Park , home to 2,690ft Mount Carleton, the highest peak in the Maritimes. To promote respect for the relevance of the trail to the Mi’gmaq people, the route’s restoration, completed in 2018, incorporates Mi’gmaq language and culture.

2. Costa Rica Go on a coast-to-coast trek

Stretching across Costa Rica from the Caribbean to the Pacific, El Camino de Costa Rica is a 174 -mile window into life far off the well-trod tourist path. The 16-stage hiking route primarily follows public roads as it passes through remote villages and towns, Indigenous Cabecar lands, and protected natural areas. It’s designed to spark economic activity in rural districts. Local families, nonprofits, and a network of micro-entrepreneurs, provide most of the lodging, food, tours and other hiker amenities available on the trail, such as Ecomiel honey and La Cabaña sustainable coffee.

From National Geographic Traveler Korea (Maryellen Kennedy Duckett)

Go with Nat Geo: Ready to plan your trip? Nat Geo Expeditions has a 10-day expedition cruise to discover the secrets of Central America from Costa Rica to Panama

3. River Seine, France   Cycle a new scenic route from Paris to the English Channel

La Seine à Vélo is a new cycling trail picturesque enough for French painter Claude Monet himself, whose former house and famous water lilies in Giverny are on the route. But the 270-mile Paris-to-the-sea path, which opened in October 2020, offers lesser-known masterpieces too, such as the colourful street art that brightens the Canal Saint-Denis in Paris.

Along the trail’s 15 stages, bikers also pass through protected natural areas, including Normandy’s Grande Noé Bird Reserve, located along a major migratory flyway. While rolling across Normandy, they can visit the ruins of Jumièges Abbey , founded in 654, and take a Benedictine monk-led tour of Abbaye Saint-Wandrille , a centuries-old working abbey.

From National Geographic Traveler France (Gabriel Joseph-Dezaize) 4. Arapahoe Basin, Colorado Reach a Rocky Mountain high For unparalleled views of the Continental Divide, one must climb hand over foot up North America’s highest via ferrata . A climbing route comprised of metal rungs and cables, Arapahoe Basin’s Iron Way begins at the base of granite Rocky Mountain cliffs and ascends nearly 1,200ft to a 13,000ft summit. A glance below reveals a weathered Colorado landscape dotted with green moss and pink and purple flora, and rock gardens created by the cliffs themselves, their fallen chunks varying from pebble- to car-sized. Climbers scale the cliffs using the metal rungs while also gripping the rock or wedging a foot into a crack for leverage.

From National Geographic Travel US (Shauna Farnell)

5. Palau   Go shark diving in the Pacific

Step off the plane at Palau International Airport and the stamp in your passport will include the Palau Pledge , which all visitors must sign, promising that ‘the only footprints I shall leave are those that will wash away’. The 59-word eco-pledge was drafted by and for the children of this remote western Pacific archipelago to help protect Palau’s culture and environment from the negative impacts of tourism.

Some 80% of Palau’s waters is preserved as the Palau National Marine Sanctuary. At 193,000sq miles, the sanctuary is one of the world’s largest protected marine areas, safeguarding more than 700 species of coral and 1,300 species of fish, including a dazzling array of sharks.

From National Geographic Traveler India (Maryellen Kennedy Duckett)

Go with Nat Geo: Ready to plan your trip? Snorkel and kayak Palau's pristine seas with Nat Geo Expeditions

6. Taghazout, Morocco Enjoy the ride in one of North Africa’s best surfing spots

With waves, dunes and ramps to ride and a traditional souk to explore, finding an active pursuit in Morocco’s surf capital, Taghazout, is no problem. A favourite of European backpackers and surfers, the former fishing village on the country’s southwestern Atlantic Coast isn’t under the radar anymore (there’s a Hyatt Place resort and the luxury Fairmont Taghazout Bay opened in July 2021), yet it remains charmingly laid-back and local. Surf season is October to April, when a consistent northwest swell creates quality waves at reef, point and beach breaks such as postcard pretty Panorama, a sheltered, sandy-bottom break ideal for beginners.

7. Peru A new UNESCO listing for Chankillo

Six hours north of Lima, in Peru’s largely undiscovered north, stand 13 time-worn mounds spread across a hillside like the ridged backbone of a dinosaur. More than 2,300 years old, these towers form the oldest astronomical observatory in the Americas and in July 2021 were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Thor Heyerdahl mentions them in his classic travelogue Kon-Tiki , but hypotheses about their use weren’t formalised until 2007. Located in the already-archaeological-rich Casma-Sechín river basin, this pre-Incan 300-metre-long chain of towers allowed the sun-worshipping inhabitants to observe the sunrise and sunset and calculate the exact date to within one or two days — staggering for the time — to plan their planting and harvesting seasons, as well as religious festivals.

From National Geographic Traveller UK (Emma Thomson)

Read more from  Best of the World: 35 incredible trips for 2022 and beyond

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Top 20 Underrated Destinations for your 2022 Travel Bucket List

Looking for somewhere unique and unexpected to travel to this year? After these wild last two years, nothing feels better or more exhilarating than getting on a plane or staying in a hotel when it's the first time you have in a while. Here are 20 underrated and amazing places that are open for tourism!  Our guide to 20 lesser known and visited places for the adventurous traveler.  

As travel requirements are changing so constantly, I did not include specifics for most locations in this post, as they will update and change somewhere before I even publish this post! But all locations are open for tourism with simple testing and/or vaccination requirements. (Any country that has mandatory quarantine requirements is not counted as "open".) Check the exact details for your destination at the US State Gov Travel Site here .

1. Loreto, Baja California, Mexico

unique travel destinations 2022

Do you want to take a trip to Cabo - but with less crowded, better beaches, less commercialization AND half the price or less? Then Loreto should be your next sto p. Located on the Gulf of California side of Baja, Loreto is a few hours' drive north of Cabo - but there are direct flights here from LA, San Francisco, Phoenix, Dallas, and a few cities within Mexico. The flight from LA is only 90 minutes, and the water is the clearest and most Caribbean aqua-blue I have seen anywhere in Baja - as well as amazing food, a cute and historic town, and tons of hiking and nearby nature to explore. If you're most interested in swimming and beaches, the summer and spring and fall shoulder seasons are the best time to visit. If you're more interested in the history, hiking, nature, and land exploring, and whale watching - winter time is the best (temperatures in the winter are typically 60s-70s, but the water can be cold for swimming.)

For an example of how well-priced this beach town is - we stayed at probably the nicest hotel in Loreto (around $150-200 a night), and one afternoon we ordered a giant pizza and 2 glasses of wine to the hotel pool - and the total for all was less than $20. We're already planning a trip back! You can read my full travel guide with all of the details here .

See more of Loreto in my Instagram stories highlights here . 

unique travel destinations 2022

Tourism in Oman had been growing over the past few years, but it is still a place that most people know very little about, or can place on a map. From endless orange sand dunes to the whitest beaches with the clearest water , our road trip through Oman was one of the highlights of this year, and I still have so, so much more to share from it! The Middle Eastern country is incredibly safe to drive around, the people are particularly friendly (even in the markets, sellers were the least aggressive I have seen just about anywhere), and within a few hours drive the country has everything from tropical blue water to gorges, endless orange sand dunes, historic villages, and epic mountain peaks. 

Don't miss my entire Oman Road Trip 7-10 Day Itinerary to see more about how incredible this country is. Also dive  into the most beautiful beaches with Daymaniyat Island Guide , and everything you need to know for the famous Wadi Shab Oasis hike . Nervous about driving? I answer all your questions here: Is it safe to rent a car in Oman ?

See more of our Oman road trip on my Instagram Stories Highlights Here .

3. Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

unique travel destinations 2022

Our trip to Ireland this summer was the first new country we had been to since before the Pandemic - and exploring somewhere so new and so beautiful felt AMAZING! We booked a trip very last minute when they just opened their borders to Americans, and over a week drove through most of the Island. The road that cuts in and out of the West Coast of Ireland is known as the Wild Atlantic Way, and is a winding, windy, breathtaking path through some of the most beautiful cliffs and countryside we had ever seen. One benefit of traveling through the country at this time was that so many famous places were much quiet than usual - we came to the cliffs of Moher for sunset and had practically the entire place to ourselves.

The Irish people are known for being incredibly friendly and kind, and that reputation held up for everyone we we met traveling - people were leaning over tables to talk to us after noticing our American accents and wanting to hear about how travel was and what we thought of the country. There were still some restrictions in place in August and practically everyone we spoke with apologized profusely that the pub scene was not as lively as usual due to the limits, but we still had an absolutely incredible time. Ireland has an extremely high vaccination rate and is ready and welcoming for visitors! 

See more of our Ireland Road Trip on our Instagram Stories Highlights here . 

4. Sitka, Alaska

unique travel destinations 2022

There is so much more to Alaska than snow and glaciers - and South East Alaska is a BEAUTIFUL place to visit. We came up here this summer and were just blown away with the natural beauty and kind people we met in the historic town of Sitka - which is an amazing place to visit in the summer. Dive in deeper with my full Sitka travel guide here . 

Currently, Sitka is most well-known as a cruise ship port of call, but the town is well worth staying for a few days - there are incredible hikes, stunning scenery, amazing local seafood, cute boutiques and cafes to visit, deep-sea fishing, and tons of cool animal experiences (I was so excited for my bear photos from the Fortress of the Bear!) Want to read more? Click here for 15 fun things to do in Sitka .

See more from Sitka in my Instagram Story Highlights here . 

5. La Paz, Baja California, Mexico

unique travel destinations 2022

Just a 2-Hour Drive from the much more popular Cabo San Lucas (and a direct flight from a number of West Coast cities), La Paz, Mexico is the hipper, lesser-known sister to to Baja California's Cabo. A historic town with cool cafes, amazing food of both the high-end and street-taco variety, a walkable city center, and one of Mexico's most beautiful beaches - the incredible Balandra Bay - La Paz has a little of everything.

If you're looking for an amazing option on a serious budget, to not travel too far, or are trying to squeeze in a gorgeous destination without traveling halfway across the world - La Paz is an amazing place to visit, and is where we actually spent the week that would have been our wedding in 2020!

See more of La Paz on my Instagram Stories Highlights here .

6. Loire Valley, France

unique travel destinations 2022

Instead of going to Paris (or better - in addition to going to Paris!), Central France's Loire Valley is a dream of beautiful fairytale villages, wine tasting, vineyards, incredible food, history, art, and a seemingly endless amounts of absolutely stunning castles! It's the perfect destination for the dreamiest, most romantic spring or summer road trip.

Fly into Nantes (a quick hop from Paris), rent a car, and make your way through the countryside for a week or two, ending in Paris. What's more romantic than wearing your prettiest dresses and drinking fine wine in renaissance castles and little stone french villages?  And where do you stay? The most adorable little local inns and real CASTLES. There are so many amazing chateaus (The French word for castle) that you can stay in all over the region. While France doesn't have a reputation of being the kindest people, we found that everyone we met outside of Paris (and I say this as someone that LOVES Paris ), was much friendlier and so welcoming and interested in speaking with us. It's been a few summers since our trip through France and we're still dreaming of it!

7. Vienna, Austria

unique travel destinations 2022

While Vienna is a known European city, it does not get the credit it deserves amongst the big hitters. The city feels like Paris, mixed with the beautiful small villages of Germany. It is a vibrant, fun city with tons of history, architecture and art. If you've done the main circuit of Paris, Rome, London, etc, add Vienna to your next European tour and you will be wondering why it took you so long to make it here!  I've laid out all of the best spots to hit in my Instagram Guide , and one place to absolutely not miss is the Versaille-style Schonbrunn Palace.

See more of Vienna on my Instagram Stories Highlights here .

8. Big Island, Hawaii

unique travel destinations 2022

Of all of the major Hawaiian islands, The Big Island is the least visited. Overshadowed by the accessibility and fame of Oahu , the lux resorts of Maui , and the famous scenery of Kauai , the Isle of Hawaii is rarely ever an Island visited on a first or even second trip to Hawaii - but everyone is really missing out here! Between the endless lava fields, and airport beach some of the clearest aqua water in all of Hawaii, one of the only green sand beaches in the world, live volcanos, and incredibly epic hikes, the Big Island is an adventure all its own. It's also home to our favorite resort in all of Hawaii .

Not sure which island is right for you? Check out: Which Island in Hawaii should I go to? A trip planning guide .

9. Moab, Southern Utah

unique travel destinations 2022

Since we have spent so much time traveling within the US over the past years, we have now seen the majority of the states and I say with confidence: Utah is the most varied, beautiful, and just spectacular state in this country. (I would say Hawaii and California are close runner-ups, but neither have quite the variety of places that look so unique and alien so close together.)

Arches National Park, and particularly Delicate Arch is incredibly famous - and with good reason - but we found nearby Canyonlands National Park to be practically deserted, and even more stunning. The town of Moab is full of great food and little shops and is a great place to stay for a few days, with easy driving access to multiple state and national parks. And honestly, even just the side of the road every few minutes is endlessly beautiful and full of rocks to climb and places to explore. If you haven't made it to Utah yet, this is your sign! 

10. Ventura, California

unique travel destinations 2022

A little plug for my hometown here! If you're coming to LA or driving up the famous California One Highway, a stop in Ventura is well worth it. What was always a sleepy little beach town has grown tremendously over the best few years (with the amount of wealth creeping down from Santa Barbara and up from LA, it was bound to happen.) Check out our film  to get inspired! Whether you're looking for famous surfing breaks, wine tasting or a beer crawl, or some of the world's best Mexican food, this local small-town experience has a bit of it all. Find all the best local spots with my travel guide ! 

11. Seville, Spain

unique travel destinations 2022

Not nearly as well known as Barcelona or Madrid, Seville is a great city to experience a more local side of Spain. We booked an AirBnB in the old city center here for a shockingly cheap price (bonus, Seville is not an expensive city!) and just explored our way around on foot. The city is warm and vibrant, wine and beer flow like water, and having a tapa at one restaurant and then moving a door or two down to grab the next course at the next one makes you feel like you fit right in from day one. The one thing not to miss is the incredible Alcazar of Sevilla ! Save all of the best local spots and plan it all with my Sevilla Travel Guide !

12. Dominican Republic

unique travel destinations 2022

While the Dominican Republic has been the most toured island in the Caribbean for years now, the vast majority of tourists will just come to Punta Cana and not see much of the country besides the resort. Besides beaches, crystal-clear caribbean water, and fields of palm trees, there are incredibly vibrant cities on the Island. My favorite by far is historic Santo Domingo, which was established in the 1500's and looks much more like Rome than the Caribbean. Read more about where to visit on my guide here !

See more of the city life of Dominican Republic in my Instagram Stories highlights here . 

13. Moorea, French Polynesia

unique travel destinations 2022

While Tahiti and Bora Bora have the fame and the glamour, the island of Moorea is truly a gem worth visiting, and can be visited very affordably - making a Tahitian vacation possible for everyone!  The island is a short, $15 ferry ride away from the main island of Tahiti and has everything you could want from paradise - lush green mountaintops, epic hikes, crystal clear water, sting rays, sharks and rays and roadside fruit stands, and accommodations for $50-100 a night! Read my full budget travel guide to Moorea here ! 

French Polynesia reopened for tourism a while back and has great success with welcoming visitors back into the country! If you're looking to take an even bigger trip, take a flight to nearby Bora Bora for a truly luxurious experience. Combining a high-end resort in Bora Bora with adventuring on your in Moorea is an incredible way to have one of the best vacations of your life! 

See more from both in my Instagram Stories Highlights here . 

14. Marfa, Texas

unique travel destinations 2022

Marfa, Texas , is an unexpected art mecca and wonderfully strange and charming destination. From the famous Prada Marfa art installation, to the Insta-famous El Cosmico Airstream and Teepee park, to the world renounced art galleries, this West Texas middle of nowhere town is well worth a visit. Despite it's remote location, Marfa has five-star hotels and restaurants, specialty coffee shops, and curated fashion boutiques. Visit the nearby Observatory to see planets through world-class telescopes and grab some incredible Mexican food at the taco trucks! Plan it all with my guide here .  

15. Wyoming, USA

unique travel destinations 2022

Honestly, I didn't expect too much from Wyoming and the state BLEW ME AWAY. We drove from corner to corner on our big road trip this summer and while some areas are full of plains, there was so much to see here. One of my favorite stops was actually Terry's Bison Ranch , just over the border from Colorado, where we road the Bison Train and were able to feed Bison from our hands (!!)

We shopped for western wear at the famous Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters , explored the historic western town of Buffalo, and drove through fields of flowers with mountain backdrops all before hitting the main attractions - Yellowstone National Park, Jackon Hole, and Grand Teton National Park. All of which you could spend days in exploring, hiking, and enjoying. Wyoming really reminded me that we didn't need to travel far for both incredible photo opportunities and experiences. 

See more from Wyoming in my Instagram Stories Highlights Here .

unique travel destinations 2022

The islands of Fiji recently reopened for the first time since the Pandemic and are ready and welcoming of visitors! We spent an incredible 2 weeks in Fiji a couple of years ago - our first ever trip to the South Pacific! - and feel completely in love. Flights to Fiji are direct from LAX and can often be found at discounted deals.

Fiji's can be quite easy to visit, as the international airport drops you off right on the main island - with many of the most beautiful places to stay and see just a short drive or ferry ride away. One of our highlights of the trip here was visiting Castaway Island - the island where the movie was made and hopping a fight to Suvi to state at the amazing Savasi Island Resort - one of our favorite hotels anywhere in the world. 

While many of Oceania's other islands still remain closed to travelers, Fiji is an amazing place to getaway and refresh your soul - in either a luxurious, high-end resort style, or in a budget-friendly, locals way. 

17. Guadalajara, Mexico

unique travel destinations 2022

Mexico's second biggest city does not get the credit it deserves - it is historic, beautiful, vibrant, and is surrounded by nature and a number of destination towns. We visited during Dia De Los Muertos which was an INCREDIBLE cultural experience that I cannot recommend highly enough. While you're here, a trip out to Tequila, Mexico (yes the birth place of Tequila) is a must, as is visiting Lake Chapala and the expat town of Ajijic. Check my travel guide here! While you're here, don't miss the magical town of Tequila , and the Jose Cuervo Day Trip you can take to get there.

See more from Guadalajara in my Instagram Stories Highlights here . 

18. Cozumel, Mexico

unique travel destinations 2022

Unlike its loud partying neighbor Cancun, Cozumel is a place where people come to relax and unplug. The island is a relatively undeveloped island and still has miles and miles of untouched nature - however there is an international airport right on the island with direct flights from many US cities, making it an easy place to access. It's an amazing spot for snorkeling and diving and the main city San Miguel has a laid-back vibe with a mix of high-end restaurants and cute casual cafes. 

Cozumel's biggest highlight is the water - the oceans here are some of the bluest I have seen anywhere in Mexico, and the water is warm, tropical, and full of sea-life. On our day out on a boat here, we saw a seafloor full of seastars, swam with dolphins, and were even visited by giant sting rays! I'm dying to come back here for SCUBA diving!

unique travel destinations 2022

Just below Mexico's Quintana Roo, Belize is a tropical paradise with both a huge backpacking, budget travel scene as well as high-end luxuries, as well an incredible area of protected Mayan Ruins that feel completely undiscovered in comparison to the more well-known sites in Mexico. Belize is open for tourism and the locals are incredibly ready to welcome back travelers. 

See more photos from our trip to Belize here !

20. The Great American Road Trip

unique travel destinations 2022

2020 saw road trips come back and trend with a vengeance - and the classic Americana road trip is an incredible way to return to travel. I have always loved road trips - we have taken them everywhere from South Africa to Oman to all over Europe . Road trips are freeing - you have compete control of where you go, when you get there, and where your luggage is at all times. 

And for those that aren't currently interested in flying, a road trip is often the best and most distanced way to travel. And even in the best of times, traveling through the American Southwest is an experience that everyone should have - for so many of my foreign friends, it's the number one thing that they want to do when they come to the US. Check out my detailed itinerary for the Perfect 7 Day Southwest Roadtrip for all the information on what the best stops are and how to get there efficiently. 

Which destinations interest you the most? Wishing you your best ever year of travel for 2022! 

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Check out this list of the top 20 underrated travel destinations you need on your travel bucket list! | once in a lifetime destinations | bucket list destinations | most beautiful destinations in the world | off the beaten path destinations | bucket list before I die | best places to go | travel destinations | travel after lockdown ideas | couples travel destinations | honeymoon travel destinations | couples travel bucket list | bucket list ideas for couples travel

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Industry Insiders Share the Top Travel Destinations for 2022

From artistic towns in Mexico to hidden gems in the Mediterranean.

scenic view of sea against sky

We've asked the team at luxury travel advisory brand Essentialist , Brandon Berkson of Hotels Above Par and HAP Concierge , as well as popular travel photographer Ana Linares about where to travel in the new year. Our editors are also sharing the locales they are dreaming of visiting this year—and invite you to join us. Whether you're looking for a laid-back getaway , trip to a buzzy city, or an immersive experience in a new-to-you city, our industry insiders have some brilliant inspiration to offer as you plan your 2022 travels.

Just remember that it's as important as ever to stay up-to-date with the latest travel restrictions, both domestically and internationally, to ensure you'll have the best trip possible and stay safe. Working with a travel advisor , such as the teams at Essentialist or HAP Concierge, will reduce stress and even help you create a fabulous plan B just in case.

The History and Culture of Budapest

daytime view of budapest landmarks in autumn

Instagram's wanderlust darling Ana Linares says she's dreaming of visiting Budapest in 2022. Hungary's capital city is the ninth largest city in the European Union and bursting with breathtaking architecture, unique cultural offerings, and centuries of history to discover.

There's something for everyone in this charming city, from spectacular thermal baths to memorable musical performances to fabulous art destinations. And you won't want to miss staying in one of Budapest's jaw-dropping luxury hotels, such as Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest and Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest . It won't take long to understand why the city is nicknamed "Paris of the East."

Immersive Journeys in Japan

view of temple

Japan continues to grow in popularity as a top destination for experiencing well-rounded getaways that will leave one feeling refreshed and inspired. According to the team at Essentialist, Japan is a must-visit destination in 2022 for its incredible variety of nature, culture, history and of course food.

The team specifically recommends Hokkaido for incredible skiing, Kyoto for its culture and traditions, and Naoshima in Southern Japan for art lovers. Consider booking a portion of your stay at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn that honors the country's lifestyle and hospitality. Zaborin in Hokkaido and Aman Resorts' Amanemu are some of the country's most luxurious takes on these accommodations.

Paris, Anew

elevated view of eiffel tower and paris skyline at sunset, france

When are we not dreaming about our next trip to Paris? Editor in Chief Steele Marcoux says the city is her top destination for 2022 for five major reasons. First, the Hôtel de la Marine has just reopened after a four-year renovation while the Musée Carnavalet has also recently reopened after a five-year restoration. We can't wait to catch Musée Nissim de Camondo 's major exhibition of the work of Edmund de Waal and finally check out the highly anticipated Bourse de Commerce that has been transformed by Francois Pinault. We also can't wait to discover French artist and designer Marin Montagut's new shop near the Luxembourg Gardens.

Check out our guide to the best hotels and restaurants in Paris or join us this spring for an unforgettable week of exclusive experiences.

The Artistic Side of Mexico

a spanish colonial catholic church in oaxaca

Brandon Berkson says that he's anticipating Mexico to be one of 2022's hottest travel destinations, but not the Mexico of spring break's past. "Our southern neighbor was an idyllic destination for Americans this past year, being that it didn’t have the overwhelming restrictions countries overseas had in place," says Berkson. "With the volatility of restrictions and the omicron variant, Mexico, in my opinion, will again be a big vacation spot for Americans in 2022."

While he says Cabo San Lucas and Cancún will always be top spots for travel in Mexico, Berkson advises checking out some overshadowed cities like Oaxaca de Juarez and the increasingly popular San Miguel de Allende to discover another side of Mexico. "They pulsate with culture and ooze authenticity; a stray away from the overly-commercialized feel of Cabo and Cancun, they are a great way to delve into the heart of Mexico. Plus, San Miguel de Allende’s boutique hotel scene is unrivaled." His picks: Hotel Matilda and Casa Hoyos . We also love Laura Kirar's Mesón Hidalgo .

The Organic Beauty of the Andes

Lake Pehoe, Torres Del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

Nature-centric getaways will still be at the forefront of our 2022 travel plans, according to the Essentialist team of luxury travel advisors. Essentialist suggests visiting Patagonia for its alpine lakes, monumental glaciers and charming villages. With top skiing in the winter months and horse treks in the warmer season, both sides of the border offer incredible landscapes, delicious local wines and plenty of choices for carnivores alike. What more could you ask for?

The team also suggests checking out the Argentinian side of the Andes where you'll find neoclassical cities, monstrous glaciers, and more fabulous food and drink. We suggest visiting Mendoza, Salta, and El Calafate for unique tastes of this gorgeous country.

The Quieter Side of California

santa barbara marina shoreline breakwater with recreational boats, ca

For those seeking a domestic getaway that feels worlds' away, our editors are looking to California in 2022. However, our itineraries aren't for L.A. or San Francisco this year, though we do adore these design-centric cities. Places with more opportunities to experience nature while enjoying plenty of luxurious amenities such as Santa Barbara, Napa, Sonoma, Palm Springs, and the Central Coast are what we have in mind.

It won't take long to discover why Santa Barbara is affectionately known as "the American Riviera," and it's a perfect destination for those dreaming of the South of France but don't want to leave the U.S. Napa and Sonoma feel reminiscent of Italy's wine country for those dreaming of Tuscany, while Palm Springs offers a one-of-a-kind desert wonderland . And we anticipate the Central Coast to become ever more popular with its burgeoning culinary scene, stunning natural beauty, and up-and-coming wine culture.

Sound intriguing? Join us in exploring the most inspiring gardens of The Golden State this fall . We'll be traversing Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, and Pasadena and discovering the splendor of these fabulous locales.

Portugal's Magnificent Azores

scenic view of sea against sky

Portugal is emerging as a top wine and travel destination, but the breathtaking Azores islands are still relatively free from tourist traps and long lines. The team at Essentialist says the Azores have emerged as a fantastic alternative or add-on to mainland Portugal travel. "With a quickly developing hotel and restaurant scene and a growing reputation as the Hawaii of the East, this trending locations is top on Essentialist’s list for the new year," notes a representative from the brand.

The Azores have become a top surf destination, as there are premium waves virtually year-round and the islands also produce some pretty great wine. Plus, you simply can't beat the views, from the lush, hydrangea-lined roads to the spectacular Mediterranean waters.

Alluring India

city palace in udaipur, india

Ana Linares says she hopes to return to India for the first time since the pandemic. She says it's possibly the most special place she's ever visited, and it certainly offers plenty of fodder for a travel photographer. A favorite city of our team (and designers alike) is Udaipur in Rajasthan.

Home to 11 royal palaces, stunning courtyards and gardens, and one of the country's most luxurious hotels: The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur . There are also a variety of five-star wellness spas, such as Ananda and The Postcard Velha . And of course, if you're looking to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of cities that put Manhattan to shame, like Mumbai, or Dehli.

Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor based in Birmingham, Alabama. Before going on her own, Lauren worked for brands such as VERANDA, EatingWell, and Cooking Light , and she covers all things lifestyle from interior design and luxury travel to wine and wellness.

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unique travel destinations 2022

9 trending destinations to earmark for your 2022 travels

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Recently updated on July 18th, 2023 at 11:56 am

After two years of on-off again travel, there’s plenty of pent up excitement to get travelling again. But when it comes to booking future plans, where to go? And what are the travel trends that have emerged since we last travelled? From responsible travel experiences to big bucket list adventures, here’s our pick of the biggest trending 2022 travel destinations. 

1. Scandinavia

red cottages on rocky shoreline green northern lights Scandinavia

Since we’ve lost over two years of travel, more people are ready to splurge on their 2022 travel destinations. And if you want extravagance, it’s got to be Scandinavia. Imagine luxury hotels set on the edge of plunging fjords and world-class train journeys winding through lush mountains. Think lavish palaces dripping in royal history, and stylish cities packed with all the best boutiques, bars and restaurants. From Sweden, Norway and Denmark, to Finland and Iceland, it’s time to go Nordic on your 2022 travels.

GET INSPIRED BY: Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords  

2. Australia & New Zealand

milky way stars lighting up the sky in Australian desert

We’ll never take a holiday for granted again, so 2022 is the time to go all out with some big bucket list destinations – like Australia and New Zealand. With breathtaking and diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, delicious cuisine and incredible cultures, both countries are bucket list goals. As soon as those borders are open again, we’re sure there’ll be plenty of travellers making their way down under…. So get in first in 2022!

RELATED CONTENT: Where to go in 2021 or 2022 with Trafalgar to make up for lost time

GET INSPIRED BY: Highlights of Australia and New Zealand

3. Costa Rica

shimmering blue waterfall green jungle Costa Rica

There’s never been a better time to take care of your wellbeing. If you’re ready to get away and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul in an eco-friendly paradise, Costa Rica has to be on your list. You’ll get back to nature with jungle adventures, wildlife experiences, volcano treks and plenty of beach time.

RELATED CONTENT: 8 travel trends that experts predict will actually happen in 2022

Plus you’ll get to meet inspiring locals from organic farmers to wildlife conservationists. Sustainable travel will be one of the biggest 2022 travel trends, so get ahead and start planning your Costa Rica trip.

GET INSPIRED BY: Costa Rica Eco Adventure

4. Greece & Italy

blue ocean green cliffs Zakynthos Greece

After living through such uncertain times, we all could go for some predictable pleasure. Greece and Italy never let you down, from the gorgeous islands to the romantic cities and ancient history.

Whether you want to hop through wineries in Tuscany, or lounge on the beaches of Santorini, you know you’re in for a truly wonderful time in this sunny part of the world. The best part? You can easily combine both Greece and Italy in one perfect trip.

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Italy and Greece

5. Georgia & Armenia

rugged mountains Armenia 2022 travel destinations

Tired of looking at the four walls of your house? You’re probably ready to look beyond the classic destinations and embark on an offbeat adventure. Why not choose Georgia and Armenia, two incredible, yet relatively untapped, countries in Europe?

They might be a well-kept secret now, but they’re set to be a trending 2022 travel destination… So it’s time to start planning now. From the gorgeous mountain landscapes and the ancient monasteries and wineries to the friendly locals and indulgent cuisine, Georgia and Armenia are the ultimate destinations for a brand new adventure in 2022.

GET INSPIRED BY: Georgia and Armenia Uncovered

emerald lake forest mountains Canadian Rockies

Spending time in nature is good for your mental and physical wellbeing … And there are few better places to get outdoors than Canada. As soon as you set eyes on the snowy peaks of the Canadian Rockies and the emerald lakes of Banff and Jasper National Parks, you’ll fall in love all over again with our beautiful planet. Take a ride across the Athabasca Glacier, journey through spectacular scenery on the Rocky Mountaineer train, or learn about the traditions of the country’s indigenous people. Canada is definitely on the cards for 2022.

GET INSPIRED BY: Iconic Rockies and Western Canada

7. Kenya & Tanzania

lion gazing out over the sunset Kenya 2022 travel destinations

After reflecting on the impact that tourism has on people and the planet, the future of travel is all about responsible and sustainable tourism. Many communities have suffered greatly in the wake of the pandemic. We can’t wait to get back to our favourite spots to support our local hosts again, including in Kenya and Tanzania.

When you go on safari with Trafalgar, you’ll support local businesses and families, and protect the incredible wildlife. Spot elephants and lions in the Serengeti and meet the colourful Masai tribesman. Walk the ancient floor of the Ngorongoro Crater and visit sanctuaries for rhinos and chimpanzees. Responsible travel will be one of the biggest 2022 travel trends, and Kenya and Tanzania are at the top of the list. 

GET INSPIRED BY: African Safari Adventure

8. Singapore

city streets golden mosque dome Singapore

Where better to treat yourself after a tough two years than Singapore? This luxurious city-state is the perfect place for a stopover or a longer holiday. Plus Singapore had one of the most effective responses to the pandemic , making it a safer option for 2022 travel.

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Imagine lavish skyscrapers and malls and showstopping gardens and waterfalls. Wander through world-class museums, theme parks and attractions, and colourful neighbourhoods. Experience a rainbow of diverse cuisines and cultures from China to Malaysia to India. Singapore really has it all and it’s no wonder it’s going to be a trending destination in 2022.

GET INSPIRED BY: Highlights of Singapore and Malaysia

9. Great Britain and Ireland

winding roads green mountains Isle of Skye Scotland Highlands

If you want the best of nature and history, Great Britain and Ireland should be at the top of your 2022 travel destinations list. This is a place where you can marvel at the world’s most beautiful landscapes while diving into centuries of history.

Wander through regal castles then roam through the Scottish Highlands or the golden beaches of Devon and Cornwall. Unravel the mysteries of Stonehenge and the Giant’s Causeway, then walk in the footsteps of authors and poets in the Lakes District. With friendly locals welcoming you at every stop, Great Britain and Ireland will be one of the most soul-stirring travel destinations in 2022. 

GET INSPIRED BY: Britain and Ireland Grandeur

Which destinations are you planning to visit with Trafalgar’s 2022 travel packages? Let us know in the comments below!

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The 22 Best Travel Destinations For 2022

Happy New Year’s, y’all! 2021 has come and gone. It has been both the most challenging and rewarding year that I’ve had as a full-time travel blogger. Weaving my way around the globe and trying to travel responsibly during the pandemic was an endless puzzle. The ever-changing restrictions made it difficult, but also brought about unexpected and unforgettable moments. From getting involuntarily stranded in Pakistan to getting voluntarily stranded in Turkey, it’s been one heck of a year.

But now, it’s time to look forward to new adventures. If there’s one thing that I became good at while traveling during COVID, it’s figuring out what’s open and what’s worth visiting. As I traveled through Europe, my travel plans pretty much came down to whatever country was open at the time. That led me to off-the-beaten-path destinations that I might otherwise have never considered.

I’ve included a good mix of countries from every continent in this list (except Australia because y’all are never going to open at this rate), so you’re bound to find a destination that suits your fancy. Most of these destinations, I’ve visited personally. The others, I plan on visiting in 2022, so hey, maybe we’ll run into each other there! Without further ado, here are the top 22 travel destinations for 2022.

Oh, and before you go, make sure to have good travel insurance handy whenever you’re out adventuring. I use  SafetyWing  to keep me covered throughout my travels.

Let’s start with an all-time favorite country of mine. Mexico has remained open for pretty much the entirety of the pandemic. After living out of my car in the U.S. for the first few months of lockdowns, I booked a flight to Mexico. It was a desperation attempt to rekindle the travel blog, one that worked out better than I could have imagined. I ended up spending six months in Mexico, divided between nearly two dozen of its 32 states. Mexico has become a haven for travelers and remote workers . Warm weather year-round plus a lower cost of living has attracted people from all over the world to Mexico. Most people flock to the beaches of Mexico , but there is so much more to this country.

guanajuato mexico pipila monument view

From the colorful  calles  of Guanajuato and Oaxaca , to the mountains of Monterrey and the jungles of La Huasteca Potosina , do not restrict yourselves to the coastline. Mexico is a country that I truly believe has it all, from snow-capped peaks to vast deserts and everything in between. All of this, plus its lax entry requirements make it a top travel destination for 2022.

My Complete Mexico Travel Itinerary

Colombia was the first country I ever solo backpacked to. For that, it will always hold a special place in my heart. Lately, the nostalgia has been real as travelers have been flocking by the hundreds to Colombia’s Caribbean coastline. It’s a great escape for these cold winter months. Like Mexico, Colombia has much, much more to offer than just sun and cervezas . Medellin is one of my favorite cities in the world, and the neighboring town of Guatape can’t be missed. The Valle de Cocora is a one-of-a-kind travel destination, as is the trek to Colombia’s Lost City.

Comuna 13 Medellín Colombia

And of course, if you’re looking for a good time, there is no better place to party than Colombia . From Cali to Cartagena, you’ll have no shortage of options for a good fiesta .

There are no shortage of amazing destinations in Latin America that are currently opening up to be explored. For those of you that have followed me for a while, you know that Peru is one of my favorites. How many countries can boast having the Amazon Rainforest, Pacific Ocean, the Andes Mountains, and countless ruins of millennia-old ancient civilizations ? Peru is a tried-and-true destination in South America. You can never go wrong with a trip to Peru.

huacachina peru travel guide

20 Must-Visit Travel Destinations in Peru

Sandwiched between Colombia and Peru is Ecuador. What this smaller country lacks in size, it makes up for in immense natural beauty. Ecuador is famed for being home to the Galapagos Islands, but there’s much more to the country. You’ve got beautiful cities like colonial Cuenca and lush Baños , surf towns like Montanita , and mountain getaways like Chugchilan and Vilcabamba . Feel like hiking? There’s Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, two of South America’s most challenging summits. The Amazon Rainforest also extends into Ecuador, and one can have an authentic Amazon experience in the jungles of Ecuador.

laguna del quilotoa ecuador

I planned on visiting for two weeks and ended up staying for nearly two months. And I still have to come back for the Galapagos. Don’t underestimate Ecuador as a travel destination. This country is amazing, and it’s currently open to tourists.

One Month Ecuador Travel Itinerary

Costa Rica is a bit of an enigma. Although it’s located in Latin America, it is lightyears ahead of its neighbors when it comes to sustainability, infrastructure, political stability, and other environmental issues. That makes it an excellent introductory destination for travelers wanting to dip their toes into Latin America. Costa Rica has stunning cloud forests, monstrous volcanoes, and an abundance of surf towns to choose from. It’s also one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, which is wild considering how small the country is. Despite its size, Costa Rica packs a punch. Be sure to put it on your 2022 travel bucket list.

manuel antonio costa rica

Perhaps my favorite country in Central America, Guatemala is starting to get noticed after being in the shadow of neighboring Mexico. Antigua is fast-becoming a digital nomad hotspot, almost as quickly as Lake Atitlan has become a hub for hippies. Elsewhere in the country, you have Semuc Champey, Flores, and the ruins of Tikal made famous as the Rebel base of Yavin IV in the Star Wars trilogy.

Lake Atitlan Guatemala

Guatemala is a paradise for adventurers, with the grueling hike up to Acatenango being one of my top bucket list experiences I’ve ever done.

Poland is arguably the premier destination of Eastern Europe. It is beautiful, historic, and budget-friendly. While Western Europe has no shortage of tried-and-true travel destinations, Poland is an excellent country to begin your forays into Eastern Europe. Poland is a great mix of modern and historic. It is as safe and modern as any Western European country, but maintains its own unique charm. All of that, along with relatively relaxed COVID restrictions make it a top European travel destination for 2022.

unique travel destinations 2022

The small country of Albania is one of Europe’s top hidden gems. I hopped over on a ferry after peak season prices in Greece started to drain my wallet. I had no idea what to expect, and admittedly, had a rough first few days in Sarande . However, it didn’t take long for Albania to start winning me over. What it lacked in tourism infrastructure, it made up for in authenticity. The charm of Albania lies in the kindness of their people and the rawness of its beauty and nature. It was a shock adjusting from Greece, where everything was super photogenic and easy to figure out. Once you learn to go with the flow in Albania, it will definitely win you over.

valbona to theth hike albania

The Backpacker’s Crash Course Guide to Albania

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Another Balkan country that won me over this past year was Bosnia and Herzegovina. The capital, Sarajevo , is my favorite city in all the Balkans. Sarajevo is one of the most fascinating cities I’ve ever visited, with enough history to keep you both entertained and heartbroken for weeks. The city’s got a lot of character to it, and the kindness and hospitality of Bosnians despite everything they’ve been through stood out to me.

mostar old town bosnia travel guide

The rest of Bosnia is filled with stunning natural beauty and adrenaline-inducing adventures. Make sure to visit the small town of Mostar and its iconic bridge.

Croatia is one of Europe’s fastest growing tourist destinations. For my fellow travelers looking for a good time, look no further. With sparkling Mediterranean waters, historic cities, and no shortage of party islands to choose from, Croatia is a young backpacker’s paradise. It is more expensive than the other Balkan countries, but still a good, budget-friendly alternative to Italy or Greece. The quintessential Bacchanalian sailing trip can’t be missed, of course, but don’t ignore inland Croatia entirely. With beautiful national parks, quaint villages, and the unique capital city of Zagreb , there’s much more to explore in Croatia.

dubrovnik croatia budget travel guide

As timeless of a travel destination there is, it’s hard to leave Italy off of any travel bucket list. This summer was my first time truly exploring the country, and if my bank account would only cooperate, I would have never left. Italy is pure magic, and it’s still very possible to go off-the-beaten-path and avoid tourists. It’d be criminal to skip the tourist hotspots of Venice, Florence, and Rome, but there is so much beyond those cities that Italy has to offer. You can also visit Tuscany where you can experience its beautiful scenery. historical towns, wineries, and good weather to name a few. You can easily look for luxury  Tuscany villas  where you can enjoy the panoramic sceneries and learn the rich culture of this city. Italy is also one of the easiest countries to travel around in, with a fast and reliable train system to take you all over the country.

backpackers guide to florence italy

Of all the countries I visited in 2021, I might have fallen in love with Turkey the most. Istanbul catapulted its way to possibly my favorite city in the world . What a shame, because there was so much more of Turkey I wished to explore and I ended up spending two months in Istanbul. My small glimpses at the rest of Turkey confirmed to me that this would be a country that I would return to time and time again. The magical region of Cappadocia was breathtaking, and proved to be so much more than just hot air balloons and influencers. The Mediterranean coast of Turkey is absolutely stunning.

hot air balloon ride cappadocia turkey

A Turk once told me that Turkey does everything better than Greece, except marketing. And hey, he had a point. Turkey is a huge country with history dating back tens of thousands of years. It is a crossroads of civilizations. The mix of European, Asian, and Middle-Eastern cultures, cuisines, and traditions makes Turkey a uniquely exciting travel destination.

On the border of Eastern Turkey, you’ll find the small, mountainous country of Georgia. It has been open to tourism for most of the pandemic, and while I never made it there myself, quite a few of my travel blogger friends did. They had incredible things to say about the country, and if I didn’t fall in love in Istanbul and stay for months, then I would have undoubtedly made my way to Georgia. There’s always next time.

unique travel destinations 2022

Georgia is amazing for lovers of the outdoors. The natural beauty of Georgia can’t be overstated. It’s not super established as a tourist destination, so if you’re looking for raw and real travel experiences, look no further than Georgia.

The island of Cyprus is one of the largest in the Mediterranean. It’s also one of the most beautiful. With Turkish and Greek influence, Cyprus has the best of both worlds. It’s a pretty overlooked travel destination, but one of the most rewarding for those who do make it here.

unique travel destinations 2022

Looking to get a taste of the Middle East? Jordan is a wonderful place to start. I mean, Petra alone makes Jordan worth visiting, but there’s much more to this country than its World Wonder. The cuisine is amazing, the people are friendly, and the natural wonders will make you feel like you’re on another planet entirely. You’ll probably recognize some of Jordan’s most iconic attractions because you’ve seen them in some movie that takes place on a far off world.

unique travel destinations 2022

Ahh, my current top bucket list country. From Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti to Zanzibar, Tanzania has been calling my name for a long time. It’s got everything I desire in a travel destination. World-class hiking, stunning natural beauty, wildlife, culture, and of course, a laid-back beach town to vibe and relax in following some hectic adventures.

unique travel destinations 2022

I carry a copy of The Alchemist with me everywhere I go. Whenever I’m feeling burnt out, it’s a good reminder to trust the journey, even if it may be riddled with challenges. I’ve read it a dozen times, so it’s honestly a miracle that I haven’t followed in Santiago’s footsteps and made it to Egypt yet. It’s one of the top destinations on my radar for 2022. Beyond the Pyramids, a Nile River Cruise, the beach town of Dahab, and the countless temples and archaeological sites make Egypt a world-class travel destination.

unique travel destinations 2022

Morocco is another North African destination that has been on my radar for a while. It’s been a popular getaway during the pandemic due to its lax entry requirements, and people have been taking advantage. Morocco is filled with breathtaking natural beauty, historic sites, and some of the most beautiful cities you’ll ever lay your eyes on.

unique travel destinations 2022

At long last, Thailand is starting to open back up to tourists. It doesn’t matter what kind of traveler you are, you can’t go wrong with Thailand. The islands and beaches of the south are rightfully world-renowned. The lush mountains and mouthwatering cuisine are a huge draw to the north of the country. And I don’t care what anyone says, Bangkok is an amazing city. It’s the liveliest big city I’ve ever been to. There’s just so much character and chaos in Bangkok that you can get an adrenaline rush just from walking down the street.

koh phi phi thailand boats

Thailand is a timeless travel destination, but is especially great for backpackers and young solo travelers. The hostels in Thailand are world class and the country as a whole is very budget-friendly. If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of solo travel and backpacking, Thailand is an excellent choice.

One Month Thailand Itinerary for Backpackers

cucukan beach bali indonesia

Indonesia has started opening back up to tourism, and the digital nomads and hippies have started making their way back to Bali. Bali is far and away Indonesia’s most famous island, but don’t limit yourself solely to Bali. Indonesia has treasures beyond your wildest dreams. Neighboring Lombok rivals Bali in every way, with a fraction of the tourists. Komodo Island is a bucket list destination. The island of Flores offers a glimpse into humankind’s wild past. And of course, the island of Java is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural beauty.

One Month Bali Itinerary for Backpackers

karakoram trekking expedition pakistan

Of all the trips I’ve ever taken, Pakistan ranks as the most unforgettable. There’s no other place like it. From the madness of its big cities, to the raw, untamed beauty of its mountains, Pakistan will leave you breathless in every sense of the word. It’s not quite as easy to get to as the other countries on the list, but if you make the effort, you won’t be disappointed.

And hey, shameless self-plug, but if you want to come along on an expedition on Pakistan in 2022, look no further than this blog. Our first round of dates has filled up, but just register your interest on this page , and we’ll keep you updated on if we launch a second round of dates for this year.

sri lanka group expedition sigiriya rock

Sri Lanka is the pearl of South Asia. This island off the coast of India is one of the most spectacular countries I have ever visited. Few countries this small can claim to have such a variety of activities. Whether you’re a history geek, wildlife enthusiast, surfer bro, or nature-lover, Sri Lanka has much to offer . You can be hiking up a mountain for sunrise, seeing elephants on safari by noon, and then make it to the coast in time for sunset. What more could you ask for?

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Russian Tours and Cruises from Express to Russia

  • Moscow Tours

Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Moscow Kremlin, photo by Walkerssk on Pixabay

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

St. Basiils Cathedral, Moscow, Photo by vierro from Pexels

A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Photo by Andrey Omelyanchuk on Unsplash

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

unique travel destinations 2022

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

unique travel destinations 2022

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

Tours by car

unique travel destinations 2022

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

unique travel destinations 2022

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

unique travel destinations 2022

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

unique travel destinations 2022

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

unique travel destinations 2022

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

unique travel destinations 2022

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

unique travel destinations 2022

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

unique travel destinations 2022

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

unique travel destinations 2022

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Spasskaya Tower,Moscow Kremlin, Russia, image from Shutterstock

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

Portrait of Leo Tolstoy by Ilya Repin (1887)

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy convent, Moscow, Russia, image from Shutterstock

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow, Russia, image from Shutterstock

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

unique travel destinations 2022

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

unique travel destinations 2022

Moscow Metro walking tour

The Kremlin, Moscow, Russia, image from Shutterstock

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

unique travel destinations 2022

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

unique travel destinations 2022

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Girl with Peaches by Alexander Serov

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

unique travel destinations 2022

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka, photo by Detonart at Pixabay

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Customer

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Novodevichy Convent, Moscow

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Kremlin in the times of Ivan III

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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12 all-inclusive resorts with the best food.

All-inclusive properties aren't typically known for their cuisine, but these standout resorts break stereotypes.

All-Inclusive Resorts with the Best Food

unique travel destinations 2022

Courtesy of Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa

All-inclusive resorts aren't necessarily known for their dining options or cuisine. In fact, many people have traditionally associated all-inclusive resorts with bland buffets and uninspiring meals that are meant to feed the masses.

Fortunately, more and more all-inclusive resorts are elevating their culinary offerings with diverse options, locally sourced ingredients and acclaimed chefs. Follow your taste buds to these all-inclusive resorts with the best food.

El Dorado Seaside Suites: Riviera Maya, Mexico

Tropical mexican shrimp cocktail, made with mango, onions, fresh tomatoes and lemon over a corn tostada

Getty Images

Located in Mexico's Riviera Maya, about halfway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, El Dorado Seaside Suites is part of the Karisma brand of resorts, which is known for its "gourmet inclusive" offerings. This meal plan covered by the room rate includes customized dishes from world-class chefs, as well as breakfast, lunch, dinner and specialty bites.

This all-inclusive resort is for adults only , and the on-site dining options cater to more mature tastes as a result. Visitors to the resort can choose from various cuisines around the world, including Mexican, international, Latin fusion, Asian fusion, Italian and more. The resort even boasts a beachfront barbecue spot that serves gourmet hamburgers, grilled chicken and shrimp kebabs, among other favorites. There are also several unique swim-up bars to select from, all of which serve curated cocktails throughout the day. Past guests here have raved about the food and drinks, with many saying they didn't have a bad meal or cocktail their entire trip.

Read: The Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

Sun Palace Cancun: Cancun, Mexico

Sun Palace Cancun is another resort that features fresh and unique dining options in an all-inclusive setting. Geared toward adults and specifically couples, Sun Palace offers guests the chance to dine on a range of global options, from Thai and Latin American to Italian and Mexican-inspired cuisine. Four bars and a cafe serving coffees and sweets are available, and guests who want to dine with utmost privacy can opt for 24-hour room service instead of going out.

While foodies will be satisfied by the world-class gastronomy at this resort, guests who love a good drink will enjoy the premium, top-shelf spirits and the fully stocked minibar in their room. Other all-inclusive amenities to enjoy range from live entertainment and an oceanfront infinity pool to nonmotorized water sports equipment like paddleboards travelers can rent. Recent guests said their meals were excellent, with most of the positive remarks centered around dining at the Italian and Thai restaurants.

Read: The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun

Royalton Bavaro, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

unique travel destinations 2022

Courtesy of Royalton Luxury Resorts

Punta Cana 's Royalton Bavaro, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino is an all-inclusive paradise for all ages, and its room options reflect its diverse clientele. The property boasts a traditional Luxury Junior Suite that comes with or without a swim-up option, and it also offers suites with one or two bedrooms that are ideal for families.

Dining options at Royalton Bavaro cater to all sorts of tastes, and fresh meals are available 24 hours a day. In addition to round-the-clock room service, visitors can opt to dine at 11 different restaurants, including a teppanyaki eatery, a Brazilian grill and an Italian trattoria.

When it comes to kid-friendly options, a food truck serves gourmet burgers and hot dogs at the beach during the day. The Gourmet Marché international buffet also serves unique dishes and fresh bites from around the world; a special kids buffet is available as well to keep everyone in your crew happy and fed. Reviewers agree the food at the property is well above average, particularly at the on-site teppanyaki restaurant. And thanks to the resort's Marriott ties, Marriott Bonvoy rewards program members can earn points on a stay here or put points toward covering room rates.

Read: The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana

IBEROSTAR Rose Hall Beach: Montego Bay, Jamaica

IBEROSTAR Rose Hall Beach is a five-star resort with a convenient location about 10 miles east of Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica. This kid-friendly property sits along a beautiful stretch of shoreline with crystal clear waters that are ideal for snorkeling or floating, and it has a huge oceanfront pool, a kids club and its own dive center.

Gastronomy options are impressive, and visitors can dine at four main restaurants during their stay. Options include Uncle Tony's buffet and rotisserie (which dishes out international and Jamaican cuisine); an expansive buffet for breakfast; an Italian restaurant; and a Japanese dining outlet with options like sushi rolls, maki, gyoza, various types of teppanyaki and more. An oceanfront snack bar also offers hamburgers, hot dogs and other quick bites throughout the day.

Reviewers say the food at the property was great, especially when it comes to the jerk chicken the island of Jamaica is known for.

Read: The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica

Jade Mountain Resort: St. Lucia

unique travel destinations 2022

Courtesy of Jade Mountain Resort

While Jade Mountain Resort of St. Lucia is a traditional hotel, the property offers an all-inclusive package for guests who want to bundle all their food and drinks into the nightly rate. That said, the way this resort is set up makes it unique from typical all-inclusive properties. All meals at the property are created by an expert chef and culinary team, and travelers can enjoy the tasty dishes in-suite or on the property's Celestial Terrace. The resort's main restaurant, Jade Mountain Club, also features James Beard Award-winning chef Allen Susser's "Jade Cuisine," which can be described as modern fusion cuisine with cultural influences and tropical flavors.

Resort guests can also sample fine cuisine at any of the restaurants of Anse Chastanet , which is located directly below Jade Mountain and accessible by foot or a resort shuttle. In Anse Chastanet's Treehouse Restaurant, for example, Jade Mountain guests can nosh on fresh Caribbean cuisine. In the Piti Piton Lounge, visitors are served a vegetarian and vegan menu featuring farm-to-table ingredients, which can include locally sourced turmeric, cashews, tamarind, mango, avocado and more. There are also plenty of other amenities to enjoy at the resort, from participating in yoga or fitness classes to relaxing with a spa treatment. Guests who stayed at this chic resort seem to agree the dining experience is superb overall, especially when it comes to enjoying romantic meals at the Jade Mountain Club.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya: Playa del Carmen, México

Grand Velas properties are known for their luxury amenities, as well as their superior on-property gastronomy. The Grand Velas Riviera Maya is no exception since it offers an array of gourmet cuisine options curated by expert chefs from around the world, including French-inspired dishes, Mexican cuisine, Asian fusion, Italian dining and more. There are eight signature restaurants to choose from, and this five-star resort also offers 24-hour suite service. Overall, consumers love the unique menus offered at the property, as well as the selection of premium spirits available.

Other perks at this luxury property include pool and beach concierge services; an in-suite minibar that's restocked daily; a kids club and teens club; and complimentary yoga, Pilates and zumba classes, to name a few. Every suite option at the property also includes more than 1,000 square feet of space, and some have a private plunge pool.

Read: The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Playa del Carmen

Twin Farms: Vermont

unique travel destinations 2022

Courtesy of Twin Farms

A must-visit destination in Vermont , Twin Farms dubs itself as "your perfect hidden getaway," which makes sense considering the property is tucked away on more than 300 pristine acres of Vermont countryside. Visitors come here to get away from it all, with options to ski the resort's private mountain in the winter or go hiking, biking and exploring during other seasons of the year.

This unique all-inclusive establishment is also known for its food and wine, and its location makes it ideal for sampling locally sourced ingredients from nearby dairies and farms. The property also grows herbs, fruits and vegetables in its own garden, just as it sources syrup from its own maple trees and honey from its own beehives. The eclectic property even has its own expert sommelier, who is charged with creating wine pairings and selecting distinctive wines for every meal.

Reviewers tend to focus on one thing when recounting their visit to this property: its amazing cuisine and the unforgettable food and wine experiences they had as a result.

Sandals Royal Curacao: Curacao

Sandals Royal Curacao is the newest luxury resort from the Sandals all-inclusive brand, and it is sure to offer the type of dining experience and food quality you expect. An adults-only resort geared toward romance, Sandals Royal Curacao offers unlimited fine dining at eight different on-site restaurants and three ocean view food trucks. Cuisines offered on the property range from Latin fusion and fresh seafood to Mediterranean and Italian, and visitors can also enjoy creative cocktails made with premium liquors at 13 unique bars, including a swim-up bar. Recent guests loved the food trucks, as well as the fresh sushi offered at the property.

Suite options here are impressive as well, with many rooms offering a private plunge pool or swim-up access. Sandals Resorts also feature unlimited use of water sports (nonmotorized and motorized) equipment like snorkeling and scuba diving gear, round-trip airport transfers, and endless other perks in your stay.

Margaritaville Beach Resort Capa Cana: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Lifestyle Resort (JPG)

Courtesy of Karisma Hotels & Resorts

Punta Cana's Margaritaville Beach Resort Cap Cana is another Karisma property that features the brand's signature "gourmet inclusive" dining options in a luxurious all-inclusive atmosphere. This Caribbean hideaway promises immersive culinary experiences, mixology classes and cocktail tastings, and features a few signature bars with top-shelf spirits and wines from around the globe. When it comes to dining, visitors will find four amazing eateries serving everything from old-world Italian cuisine and Latin and Asian fusion food to tacos and seafood. Room service is also available 24 hours a day, including cuisine delivery directly to your room's swim-up pool. Overall, guests rave about the food quality, particularly the breakfast buffet.

While this property is family-friendly, an adults-only section (called Hammock) is available for mature guests who want more privacy and access to an adults-only pool and swim-up bar.

Read: The Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana

TRS Yucatan: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Located about halfway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, Mexico, TRS Yucatan is the adults-only "resort within a resort" option at the Palladium all-inclusive resort complex. Known as one of the best all-inclusive resorts for honeymoons and other romantic getaways, this property is one of very few that offers a range of rooms and suites with their own private pools. Guests at the resort can also choose from numerous other pools, including a multitiered oceanfront infinity pool and a sea pool that is fed with ocean water.

Gastronomy is taken seriously at the TRS Yucatan, and this shows in the dining options available at the resort. Guests can choose to dine at 19 different eateries across the Grand Palladium complex, including some exclusive to TRS Yucatan guests. For example, El Gaucho specializes in Argentinian specialties, whereas Tentazione offers Italian delights and La Bohème focuses on fresh French cuisine. Past guests also loved the on-site Chic Cabaret & Restaurant, which wows visitors with a multicourse dinner served alongside a dazzling burlesque show.

Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

unique travel destinations 2022

Puerto Vallarta's Garza Blanca Reserve Resort & Spa is another traditional resort that offers an all-inclusive dining plan for guests who want to indulge. Visitors can dine at three different gourmet restaurants on-site, including a steakhouse, an innovative Mexican restaurant and an Italian eatery. Adults in each party can also eat at three restaurants at the adjacent sister resort, Hotel Mousai , which features restaurants dishing out Italian fare, Japanese cuisine and contemporary Chinese food.

Garza Blanca Preserve serves meals with mouthwatering flavors and the freshest ingredients, and the resort frequently receives rave reviews for its innovative menu options and the cleanliness of the property. When it comes to rooms, this Puerto Vallarta resort also specializes in options for families and large groups. Guests can book suites and penthouses with up to four bedrooms, some of which come with butler service. The resort also boasts a stunning oceanfront infinity pool, activities like kayaking and hiking, and a world-class spa with many relaxing treatments to choose from.

Read: The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Puerto Vallarta

Belle Mont Farm: St. Kitts

The Caribbean island of St. Kitts offers lush tropical beauty, stunning white sand beaches and a range of luxury resorts that cater the most discerning guests. Travelers seeking a one-of-a-kind vacation experience for foodies should consider Belle Mont Farm, a luxury boutique hotel with an unparalleled location on 400 acres of tropical, organic farmland. Not only does this resort feature organic and creative meals made from ingredients grown and nurtured in local soil, but it also focuses on sustainability and aims to keep the resort environmentally accountable.

The resort lets travelers book a cottage or villa and they can opt for an all-inclusive package that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. The resort's must-try al fresco "Farm Table" dining experience lets guests indulge in freshly made breads and family-style dishes as the sun sets, and the property's main restaurant serves freshly caught seafood, free-range proteins, and organic fruits and vegetables plucked directly from the farm's land. Traveler favorites at the resort include the homemade pastries and rolls, as well as the freshly caught fish served on a daily basis.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S.
  • The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
  • The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean
  • Cruise Lines with the Best Food
  • The Best International Travel Insurance

Adults-Only All-Inclusive Mexico Resorts

unique travel destinations 2022

Tags: Travel , All-Inclusive Vacations , Hotels and Resorts

World's Best Places To Visit

  • # 1 South Island, New Zealand
  • # 4 Bora Bora

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17 Exciting Things to do in Moscow

Written By: Linda Voltaire

Updated On: December 21, 2022

Visiting Russia? These are the top 17 things to do in Moscow to help you plan your trip.

If the western world has New York City , the first great metropolis on the eastern side of our planet is Moscow. A huge city with a complicated and impressive history, Moscow gets a bad rep over Russian politics – but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. Capital to the largest country in the world, Moscow takes the grandeur of its standing very seriously.

This is a place where luxury is king and where opulence takes a front seat in every aspect of life. The buildings are grand and imposing, the parks are luscious and enormous, and even the subway stations look different in Moscow than anywhere else in the world.

Table of Contents

Best Things to do in Moscow, Russia

Walking around Moscow is also going through the tumultuous history of the 20th century, which had Russia as one of its main protagonists. There are fascinating remains of these times everywhere in the former Soviet capital, from the gorgeous Seven Sisters skyscrapers to the Orthodox cathedrals that were closed for the better part of a century.  Still, Moscow is also a completely modern city, with a vibrant social and party scene, incredible restaurants, and some of the most luxurious hotels in the world.

After living in Russia’s capital as an ex-pat for four years, I got the privilege to experience not only the main attractions in Moscow but also the everyday life in this huge city and quickly found my sweat spots off the beaten tracks! So here is my list of my top 17 things to do in this exciting metropolis!

Attractions in Moscow

When visiting a famous city like this one, it’s a must to go through the most iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin & Surrounding Area

No place tells the story of Moscow’s power in the past century the way the Red Square does. This is where the biggest political meetings in the USSR occurred for many decades, and you can feel the power on each step.

Here, you’ll also find the historic museum at the entrance, showcasing the decades of history behind this iconic landmark. The Lenin Mausoleum, perhaps the most famous resting place in the world and home to the remains of the former communist leader, is also here.

On one side of the Red Square you’ll find the Kremlin, the fortified complex that now hosts the presidential residence. This is also home to the most iconic of all Moscovite landmarks: St. Basil’s Cathedral, a 16th-century marvel of colors. This is the best spot to take a selfie and show the world you’ve reached the Russian capital!

  • Get your Kremlin Skip the Line Tickets and Kremlin tour here.
  • Free cancellation up to 24-hours in advance of the tour.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

You can easily spend a couple of days just exploring the Moscovite city centre, and the Bolshoi Theatre should be your second stop. Walk past the Red Square and then head to the nearby Bolshoi Theatre, one of the oldest and most renowned houses of opera and ballet on Earth.

Visit for the impressive early 19th-century architecture, but if you’re seeing a ballet performance, make sure you book between 3 and 6 months in advance! I can strongly recommend this as it is a truly unique experience!

  • Book a private 2-hour tour of the legendary Bolshoi Theatre.
  • See the presidential box reserved for tzars, watch a rehearsal and skip the lines through a separate entrance.
  • Free Cancellation up to 24-hours in advance.

3. Luxury Shopping at GUM and TSUM

While many might think of Moscow as the sad place with the long bread queues from the USSR days, it’s been quite the capitalist haven for a while.

If you’re up for some shopping, you’ll find one of the biggest luxury malls in town, TSUM, right behind the Bolshoi and GUM, at the red square. GUM is the most famous department store in town, where you’ll find luxury everywhere and all high-end brand. 

All in an imposing late 19th-century building with lots of history, worth a visit just for the design, its bridges and the glass roof even though you are not up for shopping!

4. Christ the Savior Cathedral

A newer addition to the gorgeous Moscovite cathedrals and my grandeur neighbor during my years in the city Don’t let the young age of this building fool you. After the perestroika in the early 90s, the newly revived Russian Orthodox Church received permission to build a cathedral on this site. They did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church.

The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes as tall as the skies in bright gold and gorgeous paintings and decor! Bring a shawl to cover your hair to adjust to the local tradition.

Head to the back of the cathedral and you will find one of the most photographed bridges in Moscow, the Patriarshiy Most. This is the perfect spot to get a good view and photo of the cathedral but also to see the Kreml and Gorky Park from a distance. Or why not just enjoy a moment watching the river and its boats!  

  • Get around Moscow with ease using the Hop On Hop Off boat and Bus ticket. 24, 48 or 72-hour tickets available.

5. Gorky Park

Cross the river and head to Gorky Park along the Moscow river. The most famous green area in town, similar to New York ’s Central Park and the weekend hangout for locals. There are many beautiful parks in the city, but if you’re only visiting for a few days, this is the unmissable one! 

With fair attractions to entertain children, beautiful artificial lakes and gardens, and lots of outdoor activities, it’s a lovely place to relax. A place of rest in the middle of the metropolis. The area in front of the New Tretyakov Gallery & the Muzeon Park of Arts is actually one of my favorite oasis as a bit more quiet and peaceful than Gorky itself.

Why not spend some time in the museum to get a great tour of Russia’s history through art or just enjoy the art exhibition outside where local artists spend their weekends. 

6. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow is from the Moscow River. There are many stops for the boats and one is just next to Gorky Park. See the city from another perspective – and turn the ride into a romantic one by taking the evening cruise. Moscow is magic during the night.

If you’re looking for a truly luxurious experience, take the Radisson Blu cruise – or the Erwin for a delicious seafood dinner. Both stop at Gorky or at the luxury Radisson Royal Hotel, set in one of the Seven Sister’s skyscrapers.

  • We use Get Your Guide when booking city tours and they offer a River Sightseeing Cruise seeing all the main tourist attractions in Moscow

7. Metro Hopping

First inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow subway system is one of the oldest in the world, and certainly the most beautiful. Started under Stalinist times, each metro station is dedicated to grandeur and oozing personality.

Visiting the subway stops is an attraction in and of itself, and Komsomolskaya, Mayakovskaya, Kropotkinskaya are my favorites. Those surrounding the Red Square are also mesmerizing – in general, these are kind of like underground palaces.

Most of the signs at the Moscow Metro now have Latin letters, so it’s very easy to get around!Unfortunately, the trains are not as beautiful and pleasant as the stations but still, this is a true Moscow experience.  Take a guided tour of the 9 most beautiful Metro Stations including the award-winning art deco station. See more details here.

8. Arbatskaya & Artsy Moscow

Novy Arbat Street is one of the most touristy areas in the city, with lots of shops and cafés directed at visitors. When you walk a little beyond, you’ll find a different part of town, where the hip scene thrives because so many artists live in the area. Just follow the small streets with fewer tourists!

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings hosts the main building of the Moscow State University, one of the most prestigious colleges in Russia – and the one with the best view.

Although this is a little outside the city centre, the sight from above is more than worth it, with the nearby fountains and park and then the whole of the city behind them.

10. Russian Market

If you love to visit markets wherever you go, Moscow has one of the most impressive ones in the world – the Izmailovsky. You can easily take the metro here and feel like you’ve been transported to another time.

This place was first built in the 16th century and retains the look of an old fairytale, with a lineup of colorful old castle. A lovely local experience beyond the confines of the bustling metropolis, where you can also try some delicious Russian barbecue.

Here, you’ll find beautiful souvenirs at great prices.

Off The Beaten Track Moscow

Once you’ve covered the most touristic spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer – and the places below will also be full of locals! Moscow is a city for hipsters, full of trendy and arty spots where you can literally feel the creativity oozing! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend my sweat spots below!

11. Patriarshiye Prudy

This is my favorite area in the entire city! While Moscow is generally a very noisy metropolis, Patriarch Ponds is far quieter, yet such a vibrant place. This is a very hip and trendy area making you think you are rather in Paris than in Moscow. Here the streets are narrow and full of chic eateries and clubs to see the local crowd.

A little bohemian and with an air of peace you won’t find anywhere in the city this is a great spot to spend an afternoon with your thoughts.

12. ArtPlay

Barely 15 minutes away from the city center you’ll find the artsiest Moscow district: ArtPlay. For decades, this block was a factory, but it was renovated to become a hub for the arts not too long ago.

Now, you’ll find it’s full of exhibitions, showrooms and art schools – and some of the most creative people in town. Writers, painters, and young hip people use ArtPlay as a rendezvous, and you can feel the creative energy here. The industrial design with modern interior decoration is also a feast for the eyes!

13. Shopping Local Designs

If you’re into design, both international and local, you’ll find lots of cute things at Patriarshiye Prudy. Department store Podium Market is also a great spot for shopping, as a department store everywhere in town, with lots of local and international brands. There’s one in the Four Seasons Hotel next to Red Square. My favorite Moscow mall is Tsvetnoy Central Market, a cool spot with great brands, lots of inspo, and even a cute café!

14. Moscow City

Like many other great capitals of the world, for the past few decades, Moscow has hosted a super modern area full of modern skyscrapers – Moscow City. With a completely different vibe than the rest of town, it’s like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressively tall glass buildings. Here, you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, such as Ruski and Sixty they are perfect spots for dining or enjoying a glass of wine with a view. There are also a relatively new shopping mall with lots of international brands called Affimall!

Wine, Dine, and Party in Moscow

Gone are the gloomy Moscow days – cold as it might be in the winter, Russia’s capital is a place for the senses. Great food and drinks abound – and the clubs are hot, too!

15. Where to Eat in Moscow

Moscow is a great metropolis where people love to dine out, and there are endless options for delicious food. The flavors are as diverse as you’d expect from a big city, with options of fine dining and little hipster eateries. 

  • For traditional Russian flavors, I can’t recommend Café Pushkin, Dr. Zhivago, and Turnadot enough.
  • When looking for international cuisines, Italian is always the way to go, and my local favorite is Probka.
  • Fine dining is best done among the clouds at White Rabbit, with European flavors.
  • As for the hip spots, you can spend a full day just eating around trendy places, from burgers to Asian fusion.

More Dining Options

  • Patriarshiye Prudy offers a lot of small and classy spots with cool concepts, like breakfast restaurants I Love Cake and Fresh.
  • For dinner, I love the NYC experience of Saxon & Parole, and the wonderful trendy Pins, with its delicious food and drinks.
  • For delicious Asian food head to CutFish. 
  • Lastly, there’s a recent revival of food markets in Moscow, offering lots of great choices of international flavors at affordable places.
  • Don’t miss out the Vietnamese food stand at the Danilovsky market, and everything at Usachevsky!

16. Rooftopping

Big cities deserve to be seen from above, having a cocktail among the clouds. These are my recommendations for rooftop bars in Moscow.

  • As I mentioned in the Moscow City section, Sixty & Ruski are two of my favorites, overlooking the newest part of town. 
  • White Rabbit and its fine dining is also a lovely place for a fun dinner looking down on Moscow.
  • O2, in the city center, has an advantage above all others: amazing views of the Red Square.
  • Buono, above the Radisson Royal Hotel, might be the most romantic rooftop hotel in town, with its candlelit setting.
  • Also on the Radisson stands the Mercedes. It’s a luxurious and posh experience with delicious cocktails.
  • The Sky Lounge offers a peculiar experience, mixing an old Soviet building with futuristic additions.

17. Moscow by Night

Party the night away! The city is full of bars everywhere, but there are some areas where you’ll find more than others.

  • Patriarshiye Prudy has lots of hip and small clubs and great bars, including the super fun private club Clava, which has a great vibe and people from all walks of life.
  • For more hipster style bars, Red October is the place to go.
  • Streak is a summer favorite, with a lovely terrace to catch a beautiful sunset – plus, their mozzarella bar is delicious.
  • At night, Red October lights up with clubs everywhere, including the cool rooftop one Gipsy.
  • Jagger is also a great spot during summer with a more relaxed vibe in garden setting. 
  • For the traditional Russian luxury experience, go to SohoRooms, a whole other world including all-night go-go dancers.

There are so many things to do in Moscow at night and during the day, you definitely need several days to explore this exciting destination.

Moscow is a must-see city, a city like no other ! I hope you will enjoy this Russian metropolis as much as I did!

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About Linda Voltaire

Linda Voltaire is the owner of Travel with a Silver Lining, home to reviews of gorgeous boutique & design hotels, hip & trendy eateries as well as authentic and personal travel experiences beyond the crowd. She started blogging after a life-changing trip across South America. Follow Linda at TravelWithASilverLining / Facebook / Instagram /

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10 thoughts on “17 Exciting Things to do in Moscow”

These places look so awesome! Moscow is truly a beautiful city

Very good article, you have explained so nicely. Russia has always been a part of history and its good to know about much more about architecture and other things, wish i could see the inside of façade

Thanks for sharing such a nice article.You have very beautifully explained everything that one need for a trip to Moscow.

Nice article. Love the hidden gems and graffiti art, would love to visit Artplay. Thanks for a comprehensive guide to Moscow!

Moscow is a city where the past and the future live side by side. Here we can find everything from medieval fortresses and Soviet monoliths to glass skyscrapers and innovation centers.

Your article is good and meaningful .

Thanks for sharing about ArtPlay district, we didn’t know about it and it looks amazing 🙂 Hopefully there’ll be a second time in Moscow, we visited last May and really liked the city!

Wonderful stuff! I’ve been to Moscow, but not properly – it’s a long story lol!

Anyhoo, my next thing is to fly from Berlin to Moscow and then travel from there to Beijing via the Trans-Mongolian / Trans-Siberian train. Now, if only I could just find the time …!

I hear Moscow is very beautiful at night. I hope to get out there one day. A friend of mine went to St. Petersburg and had a great experience. Despite all the tension we see on the news with Russia and other Countries like the U.S. I wonder what the sentiment is with Russians and foreigners visiting their country for tourism. Especially Americans.

that looks like quite a beautiful place. 🙂

USA TODAY

National Geographic unveils best travel destinations for 2024: See full list

L ooking for exciting locations to explore this year? From diving with sharks on Australia's Coral Coast to rafting the white rapids of West Virginia, National Geographic has some unique ideas for you with its annual Best of the World 2024 list .

The list, released first to USA TODAY on Tuesday, includes top destinations in the world and lesser-known ones. They range from Paris and Niagara Falls to the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia and archeological sites on the Spanish island of Menorca.

Unlike previous years, National Geographic is emphasizing must-do experiences at each destination, instead of just listing out locations. And in another step away from previous editions , the publication has added rankings to help readers prioritize their bucket list.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

"I'm so excited about this," said National Geographic Editor-in-Chief Nathan Lump at an exclusive preview in New York last week. "We've really extended it to be bigger than ever before. And we just think that is a really, really great way to serve our travelers who are looking for great ideas all the time."

Lump said the list was being released on Tuesday to coincide with National Vacation Day, the last Tuesday of every January.

Millions of vacation days go to waste every year, and Lump said that he hopes that this year's list will inspire readers to get out of their comfort zone and explore the world.

The list of the top 20 travel experiences is curated by National Geographic explorers, photographers, and editors. It's “a celebration” of “travel’s power to transform us and our connections with one another," the magazine said.

What are the best places to visit/experience in 2024?

National Geographic’s top travel experiences for the year are:

  • Horseback safari in Kenya.
  • Olympic Marathon in Paris.
  • Ski tour through UNESCO sites in Georgia.
  • Bear-watching at Katmai National Park, Alaska.
  • Live music in Kyoto, Japan.
  • Magdalena River Cruise in Colombia.
  • Road trip on Route 66 in New Mexico.
  • Explore ancient rock art in Algeria.
  • Dive with sharks on Australia's Coral Coast.
  • Volcano hiking in Panama.
  • Observe the total solar eclipse in Niagara Falls, New York.
  • Trek a glacier in Chile.
  • Step back in time at Menorca's archaeological sites.
  • Ride classic rails through the Scottish Highlands.
  • Indulge your taste buds in Isan, Thailand.
  • Wander the tea trail in Sri Lanka.
  • Gallery hop in Sao Paulo.
  • Raft the rapids in West Virginia.
  • Go antiquing in the Hudson Valley, New York.
  • Sleep at a floating lodge on Tofino Island, British Columbia.

How did National Geographic decide these places?

Putting together and consolidating a list of places is no easy feat but Amy Alipio, senior editor at National Geographic, told USA TODAY that it's her favorite project every year.

To put together the list, Alipio explained that her team taps into their global network of experts around the world. While work on the list is an ongoing process, National Geographic sends an official call out to its global network in April, said Alipio, who has been heading the list since its inception 12 years ago.

“We asked them, ‘What places do you love? What have you seen or done lately that you were absolutely blown away by or where do you want to go next?’” she said.

This year they also asked their experts to share what exactly they would do in those locations and that made the list even more personal, Alipio said.

“We're not just mentioning places," said Alipio. "We're mentioning where to go, but (also) what to do once you're there. I think we're really pinpointing ways people can connect and immerse themselves in a destination.”

Ranking the list

This is the first time that National Geographic has ranked it's "Best of the World" list to give readers an insight into what is trending and timely.

"For example, like the horseback safari (in Kenya), – just because people are really into slow travel," she said. "But also our No. 2 experience is really timely. It's about the Paris Olympics, which are this summer."

"I think it really was kind of like a mixture of superlative and timeliness," she adds.

The rankings have also been added as a response to audience feedback that they needed help prioritizing their travel plans.

"People do ask us like, 'What's the No. 1 thing on this list?'" Alipio said. "And now this year, we finally can tell people, 'Yeah, well, actually, we do have a number one that we really like.'"

What US sites made National Geographic's 'Best of the World 2024' list?

The following U.S. destinations made National Geographic's list this year: Katmai National Park in Alaska, Route 66 in New Mexico , Niagara Falls and the Hudson Valley in New York and West Virginia’s New River.

National Geographic recommends bear-watching at the Alaska national park along the Pacific Coast, which has the highest concentration of brown bears in the world. However, the publication suggests ditching the popular Brooks Camp visitor center and taking a trip through areas like Hallo Bay and Geographic Harbor. This activity is among the top five activities suggested by National Geographic.

National Geographic also recommends road-tripping on Route 66 through New Mexico, catching the total solar eclipse on April 8 at Terrapin Point in Niagara Falls State Park , antiquing in New York's Hudson Valley and rafting through the rapids in West Virginia's New River .

Where to see it: 2024's total solar eclipse will pass through over a dozen states

Just go to this Alaskan national park: You don't need to fly to Norway to view fjords.

Best places to visit in South and Central America

Colombia, Chile and Brazil in South America are among the best places to visit in 2024, while Panama is the best place to visit in Central America, according to National Geographic.

National Geographic recommends taking a cruise on Columbia's Magdalena River, soaking in the natural beauty and culture through the colonial towns and floating villages that surround the river.

Brazil's largest city, São Paulo, is an art-lovers paradise, and travelers can gallery-hop through the city's numerous galleries and art exhibitions, browse renowned street art, and check out the Museu de Arte de São Paulo , which holds more than 11,000 artworks from around the world.

In Chile, National Geographic suggests trekking through Patagonia’s Northern and Southern Ice Fields glaciers before they completely succumb to rising temperatures and climate change.

If you're into sustainable tourism, National Geographic recommends exploring Panama, which is currently promoting a government-supported community tourism network that allows travelers to select trips that "provide immersive experiences in less-visited areas of the country."

Among the highlights is the Ruta de la Caldera, a system of five hiking trails around the extinct El Valle de Antón volcano.

Best places to visit in Africa

The No. 1 destination on National Geographic's list is in Africa. Going on a horseback safari in the Borana Conservancy , a 32,000-acre preserve in northern Kenya, is the top thing to do this year, says the publication.

“To journey on horseback is to break down the walls – meant to protect, but also to separate – between oneself and the natural world,” Nichole Sobecki, a photographer and lifelong equestrian, said in a statement provided by National Geographic. “Your horse is your guide, and translator, responding to the low growl of the lion, the soft scent of a herd of elephants, the cool morning breeze descending from Mount Kenya’s glacial peaks."

The North African state of Algeria is also on National Geographic's list, ranking at No. 8. Algeria is home to Africa’s largest national park and holds one of the world’s greatest concentrations of ancient rock art, according to National Geographic. Tassili N'Ajjer National Park, also a UNESCO World Heritage site , is a "geologic wonderland of sandstone pinnacles and arches surrounded by orange dunes," says the publication.

Best places to visit in Europe/UK

Among National Geographic's best places to visit in Europe and the United Kingdom in 2024 are Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Menorca in the Mediterranean Sea for a taste of history and the Scottish Highlands for a luxury train trip .

While Paris is a bucket list location, National Geographic recommends traveling there for the Summer Olympics and participating in the Olympic marathon course. Twenty thousand regular runners will be allowed to run the 26.2-mile loop that links Paris and Versailles, beginning at the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and passing through nine districts before finishing at Les Invalides on the banks of the Seine.

"Amateur athletes will be able to run the same route as the Olympic marathon, by night, enabling as many people as possible to follow in the footsteps of outstanding athletes," according to the race website. "This will be an extraordinary experience, on a unique and original route, celebrating the heritage and history of the Paris region and the whole of France."

Best places to visit in Asia

Among National Geographic's top recommendations for Asia in 2024 are: Kyoto in Japan , Isan in Thailand, the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia – which is located in both west Asia and Eastern Europe – and the newly opened Pekoe tea Trail in Sri Lanka.

"Carving a path through cloud-swathed villages and centuries-old tea estates, the new long-distance Pekoe Trail gives hikers a chance to explore Sri Lanka’s quiet central highlands," National Geographic writes .

Best places to visit in Australia

The Coral Coast , stretching almost 700 miles along the Indian Ocean north of Perth, is one of National Geographic's top recommended spots for 2024. Underwater activities include exploring the world’s largest fringing reef, Ningaloo Reef, "a stunning counterpart to the over-touristed Great Barrier Reef," and swimming with dolphins, whale sharks, and manta rays.

Between July and October, some 40,000 humpback whales migrate down the Australian coast, allowing travelers to observe them up close.

Interestingly, both National Geographic editors, Lump and Alipio, are looking forward to a deep-water adventure at Australia's Coral Coast.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: National Geographic unveils best travel destinations for 2024: See full list

Visitors view brown bears in Brooks Falls, Alaska within the Katmai National Park and Preserve on Aug. 11, 2023. Many come to see brown bears between July and September each year, as millions of sockeye salmon swim upstream to spawn. Hungry brown bears make sure the fish don't reach their destination and instead end up in their bellies.

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