Is anyone else in dire need (or want) of a holiday? After a tumultuous 2020 and 2021, travel returns with a vengeance in 2022, with a slew of the best holiday destinations opening their doors to eager travellers eager to get back to exploring.
There are numerous reasons to be excited about travel in 2022, ranging from major events to new flight routes and highly anticipated movie releases that will bring Hollywood-worthy locations to our holiday wish lists.
And although many countries have yet to announce their Covid travel restrictions and procedures for the year ahead, let us take a look at what to look forward to in the top 10 trips of a lifetime.
1. Tokyo, Japan
The Japanese capital is one of the most exciting cities in the world. It is notoriously fast-paced, with neon lights lighting up the crowds as they rush to their next holiday destination.
However, Tokyo is also a city of temples, picnics under the cherry blossoms, and indulging in the abundance of delicious food available on almost every corner.
What You Should Know Before Traveling to Tokyo
For more comfortable temperatures, visit between the months of March and April, or September and November. Of course, the best time to see the city’s cherry blossoms is in the spring.
Fun Fact: With a population of over 36 million people, Tokyo is the world’s largest metropolitan area.
2. Phuket, Thailand
If you want a luxurious holiday that won’t break the bank, start looking for flights to Phuket right away.
This southern Thai island is only an hour’s flight from Bangkok and is surrounded by the Andaman Sea, so there are plenty of white sandy beaches. Visit Promthep Cape, the island’s southernmost point and a popular photo location, if you want to see a beautiful sunset. Climb to the top of Big Buddha, a massive alabaster statue that offers panoramic views of the island and beyond.
If you visit the Soi Dog Foundation– an innovative animal shelter that fights the meat trade and cares for thousands of stray cats and dogs in the area – you can even learn something while on holiday.
What You Should Know Before Traveling to Phuket
Visit between November and April to enjoy the best weather and environments for beach activities like swimming and boating.
Fun fact: The island’s name is not as impolite as it appears. “Po-ket” or “Po-get” is the correct pronunciation.
3. Argentine Patagonia
This Andes region is filled with “cobalt lakes, azure-tinted glaciers, emerald trees, and turquoise skies.” There are few better places on the planet for an adventure and discovery trip.
A trip to the craggy Mount Fitz Roy, the historic (and mysterious) Cave of the Hands, the Punta Tombo wildlife preserve, the Peninsula Valdes marine wildlife refuge, and the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier completes any itinerary. Bring your camera and your sense of wonder.
What You Should Know Before Traveling to Argentine Patagonia
Because springtime in the southern hemisphere occurs in October and November, these are the best months to plan a trip.
Fun Fact: The world’s largest dinosaur fossils were discovered in Argentine Patagonia. They are descended from the largest known titanosaur, which weighed around 83 tonnes.
4. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai has one of the world’s largest shopping malls, the world’s tallest buildings, one of the world’s largest man-made marinas, and so on.
This Las Vegas-style urban centre in the United Arab Emirates offers a diverse range of activities to visitors, including beaches, waterparks, tonnes of shopping, and even an indoor ski resort. Outside the city’s skyscrapers, the vast desert awaits, better discovered by quad-biking or sandboarding.
What to Know Before You Go to Dubai
Though a trip to Dubai is likely to be expensive regardless of the time of year, you can save money by visiting during the hot summer months and booking your hotel room two to three months in advance.
Fun Fact: The artificial Palm Islands in Dubai were built with enough manufactured sand to fill 2.5 Empire State Buildings.
5. Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Sorrentine Peninsula’s Amalfi Coast has long been known for its natural beauty and idyllic coastal towns. During the golden age of Hollywood, it was a popular vacation spot for glamorous movie stars.
Days are spent eating Italian food, drinking wine, and strolling the colourful cobblestone streets.
What to Know Before You Go to the Amalfi Coast
If you really want to work on your tan on the beach, get up early because they are generally first-come, first-served.
Fun Fact: The Amalfi Coast appears in Sofia Loren’s 1995 film “Scandal in Sorrento.”
6. Bali, Indonesia
In recent years, Bali has become a popular holiday destination for groups of “digital nomads” who work and play there.
However, the island’s original charm has not been lost as a result of increased tourism, and it remains a fantastic destination. Swim at the beach, hike active volcanoes, visit temples, and marvel at views of tiered rice terraces.
What to Know Before You Go to Bali
While shoulder season (January to April and October to November) greatly reduces crowds and equates to lower holiday prices, it also means rain. There’s a lot of it. Avoid the rainy season if at all possible.
Fun fact: The Balinese celebrate Nyepi during the Saka new year. This Hindu festival is a day of silence in which everything on the island is closed and no noise is permitted.
7. the Maldives
You can look at pictures all day, but nothing beats actually visiting the Maldives. If you enjoy rich sunsets, flour-like beaches, and vibrant blue waters, this is the place to be.
Though getting to this small island nation southwest of Sri Lanka is difficult, it also means that it is extremely private and secluded, making it ideal for a honeymoon, romantic beach getaway or holiday.
You won’t be bored if you go snorkelling or scuba diving, relax in the spa or wander around the bustling Male’ Fish Market.
What to Know Before You Go to the Maldives
The island nation’s rainy season lasts from May to October, but it’s also the best time to holiday there because there are fewer crowds and lower prices.
Fun fact: The nation’s people converted to Islam in 1153 AD. The Maldives is still the most Muslim country on the planet.
8. Seoul, South Korea
With just one look at Seoul, you’ll understand why it’s so popular. No city in the world is better at spotting a fad and then blowing it up and plastering it on every street corner and back alley than New York.
South Korea’s capital is a flurry of activity, a high-energy hub of 10 million people who fully embrace the work hard, play hard mentality. And because South Korea is small, with Seoul only a four-hour train ride from even the most remote city, it’s easy to go on holiday and explore the entire country.
What to Know Before You Go to Seoul, South Korea
Seoul’s weather isn’t always pleasant. The winters are brutally cold. Summer has a swampy feel to it. Choose a month between September and October, or between April and June, when temperatures range from 55 to 85 degrees.
Fun Fact: the National Capital Area of Seoul is the second largest in the world; Seoul is divided into 25 administrative divisions called gu.
9. Bora Bora
Bora Bora is a small island with a lot to see and do. Vavau Adventures offers a Bora Bora 44-circle island tour where you can learn about the island’s history and culture. Book a lagoon snorkelling tour to travel around the lagoon and admire its natural beauty and clarity.
What to Know Before You Go to Bora Bora
Visitors from other countries must first land at Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport (PPT). Depending on your flight arrival time, you may be able to transfer to a domestic flight to Bora Bora right away.
Fun Fact: The Bora Bora Airport Is On A Motu
10. Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey has some of Europe’s best beaches, many of which are still relatively unspoiled, thanks to its endless Aegean coastline. A magnificent Roman ruin or a magnificent mosque is never far away. The best small resorts for avoiding crowds are Kalkan and Fethiye. Another option for exploring the coastline is to take a gulet cruise. For an exotic short break, Istanbul is unrivalled.
What to Know Before You Go to Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey has reaped financial benefits from its exclusion from the Eurozone. Despite the fact that it has been impacted by inflation and is no longer as cheap as it was 20 years ago, it still compares favourably to its western neighbours.
Fun Fact: Istanbul is on two continents and Old Constantinople was founded on seven hills.
The pandemic has shut in so many of us hopeful travellers so let this be a reminder that there is so much to look forward to beyond COVID. Here’s to manifesting a travel-filled 2022.
