The calendar has turned and 2021 is behind us. With the start of a new year, and countries increasingly opening their borders to visitors, it is time to start thinking about travel for this year. Even though I think the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us, many people are still apprehensive about being in crowded places. That said, I think more-and-more people are ready to start venturing out internationally again this year, which is music to my ears. This world is a big, beautiful, and diverse place, and we are all better off when we get to explore it and learn from each other. If you are looking for some great destinations to travel to this year, then you will want to browse my list of the top travel destinations for 2022.

The destinations on my list of the top travel destinations for 2022 were picked because they are all incredible destinations in one way or another, but also because I consider them to be great destinations for those who are still looking to avoid crowds. On this list, you will find some of the world’s premier mountain and beach destinations, as well as some of the world’s most incredible wildlife destinations. There are destinations on this list that are sure to intrigue all different types of travelers. However, if you have a travel destination in mind for yourself this year and you don’t see it on my list, please be sure to leave it in the comments!

The Top Destinations for 2021

Before I get into my list of the top travel destinations for 2022, I would like to take a moment to review my list of the top travel destinations for last year. I included some incredible destinations on my list last year, and some of those destinations you will find on the list for this year as well. I have heard from many of you throughout the past year, so I know that some of you had adventures planned to some of these destinations. I hope that your travel experiences last year were wonderful, and I wish you happy, safe, and healthy travel this year!

Chilean Patagonia

If you love to hike and be in the mountains, then I can think of very few destinations that you can visit this year that are as beautiful and captivating as the Chilean region of Patagonia. With incredible national parks such as Torres del Paine National Park, Pali Aike National Park, and the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park there is a seemingly endless number of things to explore. In fact, I think so highly of this destination that I have repeatedly written about it on my Travel Bucket Lists over the years. If you decide to visit this year, make sure you check out the infamous “W Trek” in the breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park. Without a doubt, it is one of the most incredible hikes in the entire world. It is just one of the many things that make Chilean Patagonia one of the top travel destinations in 2022.

The Himalayas in Nepal

Speaking of incredible mountain destinations that you can visit this year; I doubt there are any as majestic as the incredible Himalayas of Nepal. With incredible hiking tracks such as the Annapurna Circuit and the hike to Everest Base Camp available for visitors to explore, it is no wonder Nepal topped my list of the Top 20 Mountain Travel Destinations in the World to visit. If you are a hardcore hiker, then chances are that a visit to Nepal is already on your radar. It is among the most popular destinations in the world for dedicated hikers and mountain enthusiasts. With COVID still a lingering concern, this year will be another great year to get outside and visit outdoor adventure destinations such as Nepal.

Melbourne, Australia

There are a lot of absolutely spectacular places to visit in Australia, so if you haven’t been before, I would definitely recommend adding it to your travel bucket list. While the city of Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Outback might get most of the attention from tourists, one of my favorite spots in Australia is the city of Melbourne. Widely considered to be the country’s cultural capital, the city is one of the most diverse cities in the entire world. It is also one of Australia’s most youthful cities. With that comes some of the best nightlife and restaurants that you will find anywhere in Australia. Not only that, but the scenery around the city of Melbourne is absolutely spectacular as well. The infamous Great Ocean Road is only a short drive away, as is Phillip Island, where you can see some of the world’s smallest penguins. As Australia gets set to re-open its borders to international visitors this year, I have a feeling there will be a lot of spots in Australia on the list of top travel destinations for 2022.

The Galápagos Islands

With COVID-19 still stubbornly hanging around, you may want to choose a place to visit this year that isn’t a big, crowded city. There are very few destinations that are as much of a polar opposite of big cities as the incredible Galápagos Islands of Ecuador. Widely considered to be one of the world’s best wildlife travel destinations, the Galápagos are unlike anything else in this world. This is where Charles Darwin developed his theory of Evolution and visitors to this very day can have the same special experiences that Darwin had when he first came to the islands.

Visitors to the islands will see the famed Galápagos tortoises, the amazing sea iguanas, an abundance of Galápagos sea lions, and a host of incredible marine wildlife. If you’re lucky, you will also get to see the incredible Galápagos penguins. These cute creatures are the northernmost penguins you will find in the world. With such beautiful scenery and so much incredible wildlife to see, there is no doubt that the Galápagos Islands are one of the top travel destinations for 2022.

Capri, Italy

If there is one thing that I am sure that the country of Italy is not in short supply of, it is incredible travel destinations to visit. While I could have highlighted the incredible cities of Rome, Venice, or Florence as top travel destinations for 2022, I chose instead to recommend one of the country’s tourist destinations outside of the crowded big cities. Located just a short distance off the Amalfi Coast in the Southern part of Italy, the beautiful island of Capri is one of the treasures of Italian tourism. Not only are the beaches and landscapes on the island beautiful and the food delicious, but the island is also steeped in history for visitors to explore. In the time of the Roman Empire, the island of Capri was a vacation destination for emperors. The same beauty that attracted Roman royalty to the island centuries ago still attracts visitors to this beautiful island today.

Lucerne, Switzerland

After a few years of lockdowns, there is much anticipation that many parts of Europe will be more open to visitors in the spring and summer of 2022. While the continent of Europe is filled with incredible places to visit, one of my top picks for the top travel destinations of 2022 is the beautiful town of Lucerne in Switzerland. Nestled in the middle of the gorgeous Swiss Alps at the foot of the beautiful Lake Lucerne, the town of Lucerne is fairytale-like in its beauty and splendor. If you like outdoor adventure, then the area’s many hiking paths, ski slopes, and water sports are certain to entertain you. When you’ve had your fill out of the outdoors, taking a stroll thru the city streets and eating at one of the town’s many incredible restaurants is a great way to wind down a wonderful day. With so many fabulous things to see and do in Lucerne, you may never want to leave.

Burgundy, France

If you have your heart set on visiting Europe in 2022, then another destination that you might want to consider is the incredible Burgandy region of France. Famous for its amazing wines, breathtaking canals that crisscross the countryside, and exquisite grand châteaux and luxury hotels, the Burgandy region of France may be just what the doctor ordered after several years of grueling quarantines and lockdowns. For travelers who just want to kick back and enjoy some incredible food, wine, and scenery, then Burgandy is definitely one of the top travel destinations of 2022 to consider.

An Antarctic Cruise

While spending your vacation sipping some of Europe’s best wine may sound great to some travelers, it may be a little too low-key for the more adventure-inclined travelers out there. If you are a traveler who loves to explore and be on the move when you travel, then I can think of very few destinations as adventurous as a cruise to Antarctica. For many travelers, an Antarctic cruise is one of the ultimate travel experiences to have before you die. Between the massive, building-sized icebergs, the wealth of incredible wildlife, and zodiac excursions filled with adventure, an Antarctic cruise is the crown jewel of adventure vacations. If you are looking to beat the COVID blues with an epic vacation in 2022, then I would suggest considering a trip to Antarctica this year.

Arusha, Tanzania

For travelers who are looking for a wildlife adventure this year but aren’t too keen on the frigid temperatures of Antarctica, an African safari may be just the adventure you are looking for. There are a lot of spectacular places to visit in Africa, but if I think the best place to go on safari in Africa is Tanzania. With incredible wildlife parks like the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Arusha National Park, and many others, Tanzania is home to some of the best wildlife viewing in all of Africa.

If you have dreamed for years of going on an African safari, but haven’t been able to make it happen, this might be the right time to book that trip. With COVID issues still a concern in some regions of the world, small group outdoor adventures like safaris will be in demand this year. That means that Arusha, which is the gateway to many of Tanzania’s safari destinations, will undoubtedly be one of the top travel destinations of 2022.

Southern Utah, United States

For travelers that are looking to up their adventure level in 2022, then a trip to Southern Utah in the United States is one of the best ways I can think of to do that. With deep canyons filled with incredible rock formations, amazing slot canyons to explore, and some of the most rugged and amazing back country in all of North America, the Southern Utah region of the American Southwest never disappoints.

The area includes five national park lands, with Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Park for visitors to choose from. In addition, the Grand Staircase Escalante-National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area include a number of amazing landscapes for visitors to see. With places like Reflection Canyon to explore, it is easy to see why Southern Utah will again be one of the top travel destinations in 2022.

Himeji, Japan

If you are tired of the same, dull beach vacations and are looking to expand your horizons thru travel this year, then you might want to consider a trip to Himeji, Japan. Located in the Kansai region of Japan, the city of Himeji is renowned for its sprawling, breathtaking white Himeji Castle that dates back centuries. It is one of the very few original castles that has survived from Japan’s feudal period.

Visitors will be immersed in the steep and beautiful history of the country and gain a better understanding of what shaped the Japanese culture we know today. Getting away from the hustle-and-bustle of the crowded cities and exploring the history and culture of Japan is a great way to break the doldrums of tourism travel. That’s why I have the beautiful city of Himeji, Japan on my list of the top travel destinations for 2022.

Squamish, British Columbia

If you follow my blog closely, then you know that I am a huge outdoor adventure enthusiast. When I travel, I really like to be outdoors and explore. That is why I am so excited to introduce you to the incredible Squamish Valley region of British Columbia, Canada. For those who have seen the movie The Alpinist, which is one of several incredible outdoor adventure movies that I recommend watching, the Squamish Valley probably sounds familiar to you.

It is the Canadian equivalent of Yosemite Valley in the United States, which is a climbing enthusiast’s dreamland. However, you don’t have to be a climber to enjoy the sheer beauty of the Squamish Valley. In fact, there are several incredible hikes, rafting tours, and other adventures that you can have in the area. So, if you are looking to up the adventure level in 2022, the Squamish Valley is indeed one of this year’s top travel destinations.

The Oregon Coast, United States

While many countries are starting to open up after long COVID shutdowns to travelers, that doesn’t mean the pandemic has ended or that outdoor getaways won’t still be in high demand this year. If you are looking for a beach getaway that doesn’t include a crowded resort in a tropical destination, then might I suggest considering the incredible coastline of the state of Oregon in the United States. For those who are familiar with the popular 1980’s movie “Goonies”, this beautiful coastline will look very familiar. It was featured prominently in that movie because of its rugged, stunning beauty.

Not only is the rocky coastline beautiful to look at, but there is quite a bit to do in the area as well. Between the incredible Heceta Head Lighthouse, the stunning Multnomah Falls, the breathtaking Cannon Beach, and the area’s many other attractions, you will not be in short supply of fun things to do. In fact, after one glance at my Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary linked below, it won’t be hard for you to understand why the Oregon Coast will be one of the top travel destinations of 2022.

Drive the Ring Road in Iceland

For travelers who are into travel photography, there are very few places in the world as scenic as the breathtaking country of Iceland. While there are many incredible things to see in Iceland and many ways in which you can tour the country, one of the most popular tours for visitors is driving the famed Ring Road. This spectacular route takes you thru some of Iceland’s most infamous landscapes. You will get to see dramatic waterfalls, incredible thermal features, and a host of stunning landscapes that will leave you speechless.

In addition to the beauty, one of the other great reasons to visit Iceland this year is the probability that the country will remain open. Iceland was one of the first countries to re-open its borders to travelers during the pandemic and have generally remained open since. Incredible scenery and predictable travel rules and both wonderful reasons to include Iceland’s Ring Road in Iceland on my list of the top travel destinations for 2022.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

While there is nothing wrong with some of the more traditional tropical beach travel destinations like the Caribbean, Central America, and Southeast Asia, I like to explore places that are a bit more off the beaten path. If you are like me and are looking for a unique tropical destination to visit this year, then I would suggest taking a look at the incredible island of Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania.

Not only are the island’s beaches incredible, but as the past epicenter of the African slave trade, there is a wealth of history you can learn during your visit as well. When you have had your fill of beautiful beaches and history tours, the island is also home to some extraordinary wildlife that you can view on tours and an island restaurant that is one of the most incredible places to eat I have ever visited. These are just some of the many reasons why Zanzibar is one of the top travel destinations to visit in 2022.

Geirangerfjord, Norway

To be honest, I could have just put the whole country of Norway on this list of the top travel destinations for 2022 and I wouldn’t have been wrong. Seriously, the whole country is drop-dead gorgeous and chock-full of incredible things to see and do. However, forced to narrow my suggestion down to one location in Norway that I would recommend, and it would have to be the incredible village of Geirangerfjord. Located in the Sunnmøre region of the Møre og Romsdal province in western Norway, this quaint village sits at the end of the infamous Geirangerfjord, which is Norway’s most beautiful and well-known fjords.

In fact, this fjord is so incredible that it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 and made it onto my list of the Top 50 Destinations in Europe to Visit. Visitors to Geirangerfjord will be treated with incredible hiking paths to explore, viewpoints that will make your jaw drop, and waterfalls like the Seven Sister’s Waterfall that look like they come out of a fairytale book. If you are looking for a travel destination that you will remember for a lifetime, you certainly can’t go wrong with the beautiful village of Geirangerfjord, Norway.

Edinburgh, Scotland

If touring history when traveling is your jam, then the amazing city of Edinburgh in Scotland may be just the destination you are looking for. Home to incredible landmarks like the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the enchanting Rosslyn Chapel, the Edinburgh area is overflowing with incredible history for travelers to explore. Few castles in Europe are as fun and inspiring to visit as the beautiful Edinburgh Castle, so make sure you have your walking shoes on when you visit.

Not to mention, you’ll want to peruse the shops on the infamous Royal Mile when you have finished touring the castle. If you have the time, I also recommend making a trip to the nearby town of Stirling to view the Stirling Castle and the memorial to William Wallace (of Braveheart fame). It’s an incredible memorial with one of Europe’s most underrated statues. With all of the incredible history for visitors to explore, it was an easy decision to include Edinburgh, Scotland as one of my top travel destinations for 2022.

The Dalmation Coast in Croatia

If it feels like there is a theme of outdoor adventure and beach vacations on my list of the top travel destinations for 2022, it isn’t by accident. While much of the world is slowly coming out of lockdown from COVID-19, many travelers, including myself, are still not ready to go on busy tours in crowded cities when they travel. I think many travelers are ready to start getting out there again, but they want to ease back into travel and visit places where they can still spread out. For travelers that have their heart set on an amazing vacation near the ocean but aren’t ready to pack into a Caribbean resort just yet, I would suggest checking out the incredible Dalmatian Coast in Croatia.

Located along the country’s eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, it is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful coastlines in all of Europe. Its breathtaking rocky shoreline, intimate islands, and incredible sea caves have been enchanting visitors for centuries. So, if a quiet coastal adventure sounds like an amazing experience this year, check out the incredible city of Dubrovnik on the Dalmation Coast in Croatia for a travel experience you won’t soon forget.

An Alaskan Adventure

Even though the raw beauty of Alaska is legendary, I was still absolutely blown away when I saw the pictures from my wife’s trip last summer. With jaw-droppingly beautiful mountain ranges, gigantic glaciers that defy even the imagination, and some of the most spectacular wildlife that you will find anywhere in North America, the state of Alaska in the United States is an incredible travel destination. It has become even more popular now that there is a desire amongst many travelers to get outside and explore the outdoors when they travel.

If the outdoors is what you are seeking, there is no doubt that Alaska will deliver. The state has eight national parks, which is more than any other state in America and has over 6,600-miles of coastline for visitors to explore. Alaska is home to Denali, which is the tallest mountain in North America and is also home to polar bears and Alaskan brown bears, which are some of the largest land mammals in the world. Whether you decide to visit Alaska to explore the mountains, the coast, or the wildlife, it certainly won’t disappoint.

Banff National Park

If an incredible mountain adventure is what you are seeking in 2022, then I wouldn’t suggest overlooking the incredible Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. The area’s breathtaking turquoise lakes and snow-capped mountains are sure to take your breath away with their beauty. The area is one of the top ski, hiking, and mountaineering destinations in North America, with plenty of incredible ski slopes and hiking trails to keep the outdoor enthusiasts occupied.

When you have had your fill of the outdoors, there is plenty to do in the town of Banff as well. A wide array of shops, wonderful restaurants, and the new 360° Dome, which is an incredible outdoor dining venue, are sure to pique your interest when you aren’t out on the slopes or hiking trails. And if you plan your visit at the right time, you might get to experience the amazing Jasper Dark Sky Festival in the dark sky preserve of nearby Jasper National Park. There is nothing more beautiful than a star-filled sky over the Canadian Rockies. With views like that, I have no doubt that Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada will be one of the top travel destinations of 2022.

Santa Barbara, California

While the ultra-large cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego get most of the tourist attention, there is one California city that I think is extremely underrated as a tourist destination. Located approximately two hours north of Los Angeles, the beautiful city of Santa Barbara, California sits along the portion of the California coast that is a critical marine habitat. Not only is there an abundance of California sea lions and Northern Elephant seals along this stretch of the coast, but you will also find some of the highest concentrations of whales near Santa Barbara as well. This includes the incredible blue whales, which are the largest animals on Earth.

National Park enthusiasts will also love Santa Barbara because of its close proximity to several national parks, including Joshua Tree National Park, Pinnacles National Park, and Death Valley National Park. For travelers who aren’t as into the outdoors, the city’s many incredible shops and restaurants are certain to entertain. You also have a great chance of spotting celebrities out and about in the city. If you are looking for a laid-back California vacation this year, there is a reason Santa Barbara, California is on my list of the top travel destinations of 2022.

Jackson, Wyoming

The continental United States has some absolutely spectacular national park lands in both its Western and Eastern halves. However, if you forced me to choose which side of the country has the most incredible parks, I would have to choose the Western United States. Widely considered to be two of the crown jewels of the western national parks of the United States, the amazing Yellowstone National Park, and the neighboring Grand Teton National Park are must-visit destinations in America.

Often called the Serengeti of North America, Yellowstone National Park has some of the most incredible wildlife diversity that you will see on the continent. The park’s valleys are often filled with American bison, elk, and pronghorn antelope. Many visitors are also lucky enough to spot black bears, grizzly bears, and even grey wolves within the park. However, wildlife isn’t the area’s only attraction.

The incredible thermal features and the jagged beauty of the Grand Teton Mountain range are also big tourists draws to the area. If you would like to see these parks, and perhaps even go skiing during the winter, the incredible town of Jackson, Wyoming is a great hub to use during your visit. Not only is it close to the parks, but it is also close to the legendary ski resort Jackson Hole and has plenty of wonderful restaurants and shops for visitors to enjoy.

Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

Widely regarded to be the epicenter of tourism in Bali, which is quickly becoming one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world, the breathtaking city of Kuta on the Indonesian island of Bali, is certainly one of the top travel destinations for 2022. The island of Bali is world renowned for its stunning beaches, incredible sunsets, amazing wildlife, and beautiful high-end resorts. I kid you not, some of the most unreal resort properties that I have seen in the entire world are located in Bali. The pools in some of these resorts alone will leave you speechless.

However, it isn’t all glitz and glamor. If you are trying to stretch your dollars when you travel this year, you will be thrilled to know that Kuta is also one of the most reasonably priced travel destinations in the world. In fact, it is one destination that I have written about where you can visit for as little as $30 per day. So, if you are looking for an incredible travel destination for this year, I would certainly not overlook the incredible island of Bali and its beautiful beaches, fascinating temples, and incredible culture when doing your search.

Budapest, Hungary

Few cities in Europe are as beautiful and intriguing as the wonderful city of Budapest, Hungry. With an abundance of art galleries, historical sights, delightful markets, and incredible thermal pools for visitors to explore, there never seems to be a shortage of incredible things for visitors to Budapest to explore. Budapest is also the capital of the new “Ruins Pubs” craze that is becoming increasingly popular across Europe. These former ghettos turned into lively pubs and restaurants have been popping up across the continent in recent years and can trace their roots back to Budapest. However, the city isn’t just beautiful and fun, it is also one of Europe’s most affordable travel destinations. So, if you are looking to expand the map this year and need a budget-friendly destination to explore that will leave you amazed, I would definitely suggest checking out the incredible city of Budapest, Hungry.

Kauai, Hawaii, United States

The United States of America is a large country with a diverse range of landscapes and cultures. One of the more beautiful landscapes that you will find in America isn’t located in the Continental United States but on one of the Hawaiian Islands. Widely considered to be one of the most incredible coastlines in the entire world, the Nā Pali Coast on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai is drop-dead gorgeous. One look at the gigantic mountainous coastline covered with dense rainforest and you will think you have been transported back to the age of the dinosaurs.

Visitors to the island should prepare to unplug because there are no theme parks or large cities on the island of Kauai. Instead, you will find peace, tranquility, and never-ending beauty. For travelers that are into outdoor adventure, there are several really great trails to explore in the Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, the Lihue Koloa Forest Reserve, and the Koke’e State Park, among other places. If a relaxing getaway is what you are craving this year, then the beautiful island of Kauai in Hawaii is definitely one of the top travel destinations for 2022.

Bar Harbor, Maine

In my opinion, some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world can be found in North America. One of these incredible stretches of coastline can be found in the state of Maine, in the Northeastern United States. There you will find a stretch of rugged, rocky coastline that rivals the rugged beauty that can be found on the Pacific coast in the states of Oregon and California. One of the best places to witness this breathtaking coastline in Maine is near the city of Bar Harbor. Located adjacent to the incredible Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is a stunning coastal city that is full of incredible shops, amazing restaurants, and a seemingly never-ending supply of things for visitors to do. One of my favorite things to do when visiting is to go out on a whale watching or lighthouse tour. And of course, no one can visit the coast of Maine without trying the lobster!

Seville, Spain

If you follow my blog closely, then you are probably aware of my fondness for the country of Spain. In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and one of the continent’s most underrated travel destinations. If you are looking for a great getaway in 2022, there are several destinations in Spain that you could choose from. The cities of Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Ronda, Córdoba, and Toledo are all incredible places that are worth visiting. However, my favorite city to visit in Spain is undoubtedly Seville.

As the birthplace of Spanish Tapas and the final resting place of Christopher Columbus, there are so many interesting things to see and learn about this incredible city. The restaurants in the city are incredible, and there are plenty of live Flamenco shows to catch if you would like to learn about the local culture. The city is also home to some of Europe’s most colorful festivals, with Feria de Abril being one of my favorites. However, you don’t need to visit during a festival to see that the amazing city of Seville, Spain is one of the top travel destinations for 2022.

Livingstone, Zambia

With there still being a premium on outdoor travel experiences as we continue to navigate our way thru the COVID-19 pandemic, the world’s premier wildlife destinations are sure to be popular this year. Not that the top wildlife destinations in the world, such as the country of Zambia in Africa, aren’t typically popular. On the contrary, destinations like Livingstone, Zambia are always high on the travel bucket lists of wildlife enthusiasts. In fact, the city of Livingstone is nearby several of Africa’s top safari destinations, which are some of the top wildlife destinations in the world.

Named after famed British explorer David Livingstone, the city of Livingstone in Zambia couldn’t be located in a better spot for seeing some of Africa’s most amazing wildlife. The infamous Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, the rugged Chobe National Park in Botswana, and the incredible South Luangwa National Park in Zambia are all nearby. Not to mention, when visiting Livingstone, you are right near the incredible Victoria Falls that sits on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. With so many incredible wildlife viewing opportunities and jaw-droppingly beautiful landscapes, it isn’t hard to see why Livingstone, Zambia is one of the top travel destinations for 2022.

The Maldives

For travelers who are looking to get away this year but aren’t ready to tour big cities and don’t have much of an interest in exploring rugged mountain destinations or spending their time on safari, I have a destination that might pique your interest. Widely regarded to be one of the world’s premier tropical island paradises, without the big crowds you will find elsewhere, the Maldives is a dream paradise for many beach lovers. Located in the breathtaking Indian Ocean, the natural beauty of the Maldives will take your breath away with their deep turquoise blue waters and stunning resorts.

The beautiful Hulhumale Beach and Gulhi Beach are great for soaking up the sun, the legendary Banana Reef has amazing snorkeling opportunities, and there are many other boating and water activities to enjoy throughout the islands. In fact, just the name “Maldives” oozes both mystery and serenity. Twenty years ago, not many people had heard of or were planning trips to the islands. They were considered to be too high-end for most travelers and they aren’t the easiest place to get to. A lot has changed in the past few decades and there are now more than 200 different resorts in the Maldives, each catering to travelers with different budgets. So, if crossing this incredible island paradise off your travel bucket list sounds amazing, I encourage you to add the Maldives to your list of the top travel destinations for 2022.

Pico, Portugal

If you haven’t picked up on the themes that link the destinations on my top travel destinations to visit in 2022 list, they are outdoor destinations without big crowds where you can feel safe on the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic. The world continues to open up, but that doesn’t mean that many travelers are ready to start packing into museums or navigating crowded cities just yet. If you are one of these travelers who would prefer to visit a destination that is off the beaten path and less crowded than some of the traditional tourist hot spots, then you will definitely want to consider the incredible island of Pico in Portugal.

Located in the Central Group of the Portuguese Azores, the island is known for its hot, dry climate and black soil stone that is made up of mineral-rich lava. In fact, you can find some of the world’s largest visitable lava tubes on Pico Island, which are one of the island’s top tourist attractions. There are also several incredible geothermal sites, including the infamous Pico Mountain, which is the highest mountain in Portugal. Visitors will also enjoy the incredible Santana – Lajido Trail, the amazing Ponta do Admoiro beach, and the island’s many stunning old churches. There are lots of reasons to visit the beautiful island of Pico, Portugal this year, so what are you waiting for!

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