best us travel destinations 2022

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The 22 best places to travel in the u.s. in 2022.

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What’s on your travel list for 2022? For the past two years, with many borders closed around the globe, Americans have been rediscovering destinations in our own backyard. As a result, domestic travel has never been stronger—or more exciting. According to recent data from Destination Analysts , 87.2% of Americans are planning a vacation in the next 12 months. “While the road to full recovery may be longer than we would like, we are already looking far beyond the pandemic to a brighter, more globally competitive, sustainable, diverse and innovative future for the whole of the U.S. travel industry,” says Tori Emerson Barnes , executive vice president of public affairs and policy for the U.S. Travel Association.

Note: This story is from 2022. To read about the best places to travel right now, see “The Best Places To Travel In The U.S. In 2023, According To The Experts”

Every year, I round up the best places to visit in the U.S. and around the world. This year, in honor of Women’s History Month in March, I tapped into leading women travel experts and influencers to find out the best places to travel in America in 2022. I also opened my own little black book to give a sneak peek at the destinations that I’m most excited about. The picks are vast, from buzzing cities to mountain getaways to some up-and-coming locations that you might not know—but that you’ll want to put on your own travel wish list.

Timbers Kauai at Hokuala on Kauai, one of the top places to go in 2022.

For those of you who want to explore beyond the U.S., check out “The 22 Best Places To Travel Around The World In 2022,” where travel experts select the year’s most compelling destinations, from Europe to Africa and beyond.

And a note: Travel in the U.S. is still in a state of flux. So if you’re planning a trip anywhere these days, you should check travel restrictions for the destination you are hoping to visit and consider warnings from the CDC .

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Best covid-19 travel insurance plans, the best places to travel in the u.s. in 2022.

Biking in Alaska—one of the best places to travel in the U.S. in 2022.

Where: Alaska

Chosen By: Laura Cole, Top Chef season 15 alum, three-time nominee for a James Beard Best Chef Northwest award and owner of 229 Parks in Denali National Park.

Why: Alaska has always been popular as a cruising destination, but 2022 is the year to get out and explore on land. “Travel throughout the state is allowing people like myself to explore Alaska through the lens of both adventure and food, enjoying fishing, farming and foraging,” says Cole.

Luxury lodges with new year-round experiences include Tordrillo Mountain Lodge on Judd Lake, Eagle’s Nest by Third Edge Heli overlooking the Knik Arm in Wasilla and Sheldon Chalet in Denali National Park, as well as luxury tour operators like Pelorus offering experiences to see rare wildlife and wonderful landscapes in remote Alaska.

“I highly recommend visiting Sheldon Chalet in 2022 as they now offer ice cavern exploration in Denali National Park and you can see the aurora from the comfort of your bed from September through April,” says Cole. “It is a truly unique and life-altering place that connects the awe and scope of Denali and the extreme of the range; fosters a connection to natural splendor, engineering and architecture; and allows visitors to indulge through food, wine, hospitality and Alaska history.”

In other exciting Alaska news: This May will see the release of Sanctity of Space , a new movie that will share the adventures of alpinists Renan Ozturk and Freddie Wilkinson as they explore the Moose’s Tooth and the history and wonders of Denali National Park, giving a great perspective on the last frontier.

Mia Herman in Los Olivos, a town in the Santa Ynez Valley—one of the best places to travel in 2022.

Where to Go: Santa Ynez Valley, California

Chosen By: A self-described “California girl making her way around the world,” Mia Herman is a writer, traveler, eater, drinker and part-time flight attendant. Follow along on her journey at @travelwithmia or travelwithmia.com .

Why : Made famous by the movie Sideways , the Santa Ynez Valley is the buzzing wine region for 2022. It’s best known for the Danish-themed village of Solvang, but there are also plenty of other small towns connected by rural roads, sprawling farms and vineyards—all just two hours north of Los Angeles. “The Santa Ynez Valley feels like classic California wine country, but with a more laid-back, approachable vibe,” says Herman. “It’s less crowded than the other wine regions and still feels like an undiscovered secret, making it the perfect go-to for new wine enthusiasts and devoted wine lovers alike.”

Besides the wine, the food here is spectacular. “Many chefs moved to the area in recent years, and this influx of diverse artistry coupled with the chef-inspired local agriculture allows the Santa Ynez Valley to rival any metropolitan city,” says Herman, who calls the smoked brisket sammie at Industrial Eats in Buellton a “don’t miss.” Other essential stops: Casa Dumetz Wines , Babi’s Beer Emporium and (dim)SAMA in Los Alamos, “which is worth the trip in and of itself.”

Where to go when it’s time to put your feet up? “At Hotel Ynez , you’re in the middle of it all (minutes from Solvang), but you’re tucked away in your own little oasis with a rustic outdoor pavilion, fire pits and a private patio with a hammock,” says Herman. Coming soon: The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection , opening this spring in an 1880’s stagecoach stop in Los Olivos. The historic site is being reimagined with a modern farmhouse design set amid acres of old-growth palm trees.

The new Sensei Porcupine Creek in Palm Springs.

Where to Go: Palm Springs, California

Chosen By: Melissa Curtin is a freelance travel and food writer who madly loves California. She is the founder of LaLaScoop.com . Follow her adventures at @lalascoop

Why: Long revered as California’s resort oasis and a hub for arts and design, Greater Palm Springs is the desert hot spot for 2022. “I adore Palm Springs for the peace and quiet, the nonstop fun you can easily seek out and the perpetual sunshine,” says Curtin. “Palm Springs feels like a small community, but has the culture and vibrancy of a large city. There is always something new to discover.”

In 2022, Greater Palm Springs will welcome a number of new hotels and resorts. “I’m super excited about several new properties coming to the desert this year like the 14-room Azure Sky and Hotel ZOSO ’s revamped design and refresh, with a new food and beverage program.” Also on the horizon: Sensei Porcupine Creek , Hermann Bungalows and The Paloma Resort, each offering their own unique vibes, from ultra-luxe to wellness-minded.

From Coachella to the BNP Paribas Open, world-renowned events are also coming back on the scene and better than ever. “ Modernism Week has expanded to offer more special programming and exclusive tours and events by extending dates to other months like May 12-15 this year,” says Curtin. “Plus, a new Modernism Museum highlighting the best of the modernist era from the 50s to the early 70s is coming soon as an inspirational modernist hub.”

Additionally, in late 2022, the new Coachella Valley Arena will open, serving as the future home of the Seattle Kraken’s American Hockey League (AHL), residencies and major concerts. Another exciting arrival: “Soon surfing in the desert will be possible as the Palm Springs Surf Club arrives—designed by surfers for surfers,” says Curtin.

Exploring the peaks of Aspen in ASPENX gear.

Where to Go: Aspen, Colorado

Chosen By: Katie Jackson has somehow made a living as a full-time travel writer since 2015 when an African safari turned into seven years of living out of a suitcase. In between trips, she can be found recuperating in Montana. She shares her adventures, and misadventures, on IG @katietalkstravel .

Why: Aspen has always been on the map but, from a celebratory standpoint, 2022 is special as Aspen Snowmass turns 75 years old. New this year is ASPENX —a performance product line by artist and innovator Paula Crown (the Crown family owns Aspen Snowmass). Visitors can rent ASPENX equipment and partake in its unique experiences like a chef’s table, full-moon tour, stargazing and even a “snow beach bash.”

“What I love about Aspen is it’s a four-season destination,” says Jackson. “I can visit any time of the year and still feel like I’m experiencing the best it has to offer.” While it’s easy to spend your entire time in Aspen browsing in art galleries and boutiques that attract international shoppers, it seems sacrilegious not to take advantage of the area’s world-class outdoor pursuits. In addition to skiing, this alpine escape offers hiking terrain for all abilities and some of the best leaf peeping west of the Mississippi. Cyclists also flock here to pedal up nearby Independence Pass.

“If I could pull an Eloise and move into any hotel it would be The Little Nell ,” says Jackson. “I’ve seen many a minibar and few can top its impressive fridge and cabinet filled with specialty drinks and snacks—all included in the nightly rate.” She also enjoys crashing at the historic Hotel Jerome , where she camps out at J-Bar and people watches. “You never know which celeb will wander in. Of course, no sighting excites me as much as the hotel’s resident Bernese Mountain Dog/mascot named Rocky.”

Another option for accommodations in 2022: a new collection of chalets recently unveiled by onefinestay , where guests receive 24/7 support from a dedicated concierge team that can arrange everything from winter warmers and aprés-ski nibbles to grocery delivery and ski lessons for the children, as well as tailored getaways with adrenaline-pumping experiences such as heli-skiing or dog-sledding in Snowmass.

Taria Pritchett in Wilmington, Delaware, one of the top places to travel in 2022

Where to Go: Wilmington, Delaware

Chosen By: A self-proclaimed foodie from Wilmington, Taria Pritchett is a pasta lover and local influencer. Follow her adventures @wilmdegirl.

Why: “Wilmington has the charm of a big city with local favorites that make people feel at home,” says Pritchett. Hometown to President Joe Biden, Greater Wilmington is known for its many gorgeous public gardens; Nemours Gardens & Mansion resembles Versailles in France.

Wilmington’s Riverfront offers breathtaking views, a riverwalk, many restaurants, new hotels, a contemporary art museum, mini golf, a beer garden and tiki boat cruises along the Christina River. The boat sails past Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park , named to honor Harriet Tubman, who traveled along the Underground Railroad in Wilmington, and a local abolitionist named Thomas Garrett, who assisted her multiple times. The Riverfront buzzes with excitement when Wilmington Blue Rocks baseball season is in full swing.

The city’s food scene has emerged as one of the hottest on the East Coast. Bardea and The House of William & Merry’s chefs have been nominated as “Best Chef'' semifinalists by the James Beard Foundation this year. Bardea Steak is one of the most highly anticipated openings. One bustling spot that offers a trifecta of goodness is Miller Road Station, home to Italian favorite La Pizzeria Metro , Wilmington Brewworks and Sleeping Bird Coffee . Other local favorites that shouldn’t be missed are the comedy lounge House of Laffs ; New Orleans-style dishes and duck-pin bowling at Wilma’s ; flat white coffees at Milk & Honey Coffeehouse ; and a revived French brasserie at Le Cavalier , housed in the historically iconic Hotel DuPont .

Downtown Fort Myers.

Where to Go: Fort Myers & Sanibel Island, Florida

Chosen By: Chloe Caldwell, senior travel writer for UPROXX , social media coordinator @uproxxlife and freelance copywriter. Follow her on Instagram/Twitter: @chloeicaldwell

Why: “Fort Myers totally surprised me,” says Caldwell. “While it may be lesser known than some other Florida hotspots like Miami or Tampa, there’s still so much to see and do. Aside from the endless sunshine, beautiful beaches (make sure to visit Sanibel Island) and fresh seafood, it’s the unique selection of activities that stood out to me.”

In Downtown Fort Myers , history meets the modern era. A hidden gem along the Gulf Coast, the area is best known for the pristine beaches and wildlife found along its barrier islands, the downtown River District and brick-paved streets lined with Art Deco buildings that preserve the city’s history, while a mix of galleries, micro-breweries and local eateries offer endless opportunities for visitors to explore.

"Sports enthusiasts can catch a spring training game at JetBlue Park , beer lovers can hit up the variety of local breweries and history buffs can tour Thomas Edison and Henry Ford's old digs ,” says Caldwell. “There’s truly something for everyone.” This is especially a great year for West Coast travelers to visit the destination, as United Airlines has launched nonstop daily flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). The new service will be running seasonally through May 5, 2022.

Disney World's Cinderella Castle, transformed for the resort's 50th anniversary.

Where to Go: Orlando, Florida

Chosen By: Laura Begley Bloom, travel expert and author of this column.

Why: It’s a banner year for Orlando, and big credit goes to Walt Disney World Resort. For the past 50 years, The Most Magical Place On Earth has been enchanting generations of travelers with its special brand of happiness. So Disney World’s 50th anniversary event—dubbed “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” —couldn’t come at a better moment. You’ll find special touches big and small, from 50th anniversary branded Keurig coffee pods in hotel rooms to pop-up parades in the parks to new rides like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (a reimagining of Paris inspired by the film) and a Guardians of the Galaxy coaster coming to Epcot this summer.

In the Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle has never been more dazzling, thanks to a 50th anniversary refresh that includes gold bunting and other enhancements inspired by the art of Disney legend Mary Blair. Cinderella Castle is also the backdrop for the new “Disney Enchantment” fireworks and lighting projection show (just one of many new shows in honor of the big celebration).

There are also exciting new restaurants, from La Crêperie de Paris in Epcot to Steakhouse 71 , a sophisticated steak spot at the Contemporary Resort (tip: It’s an ideal place to eat, just a short Monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom). On the hotel front, the big news is Star Wars : Galactic Starcruiser , which welcomes guests for immersive, all-inclusive two-night adventures that include secret missions, character bonding and intergalactic cuisine. It’s like being in a galaxy far, far away.

Beyond Disney World, there’s lots of news in Orlando itself, including the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park at Legoland, Steinmetz Hall (an acoustically perfect theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts), ette Hotel Orlando (a wellness property with culinary experiences in partnership with Michelin-starred chef Akira Back) and Art² (an urban park featuring a two-story shipping container).

The Boca Raton in Florida.

Where to Go: The Palm Beaches, Florida

Chosen By: Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Atlanta-based freelance journalist, editor and author. Follow her on her website or on Instagram: @jenniferbfranklin .

Why: “The Palm Beaches surprised me in the best possible way,” says Franklin. “I’ve had the pleasure of visiting twice in the last year for assignments, once in Palm Beach and once in Boca Raton. Part of the joy of the destination is that each town within The Palm Beaches has its own flavor and personality, and there are plenty of properties that let you tailor your stay however you want. Plus, it’s hard to complain about the tropical weather and seemingly endless miles of beaches to enjoy.”

“If you’re looking for a resort with so much to explore that you’ll never need to venture off-property, it's hard to do better than The Boca Raton (in Boca Raton, naturally),” says Franklin. Originally built by architecture visionary Addison Misner in 1926, the resort now comprises five distinct hotels totaling more than 1,000 rooms. “Now under new management, the upgrades are evident, from restoring the Cloister back to its original coastal white to bringing on new restaurant partners. Speaking of dining, don’t miss Major Food Group’s The Flamingo Grill (Instagram heaven with waiters in pink dinner jackets and dishes such as Caesar salad and bananas foster prepared tableside) and Sadelle’s, of NYC brunch fame,” says Franklin. Spend the day on the wide beach or in a private cabana in the newly renovated Harborside Pool Club, not to mention miles of golf courses and the 50,000-square-foot Spa Palmera, with 44 treatment rooms designed by Colin Cowie.

“To stay in the thick of things on Palm Beach itself, I wholeheartedly recommend White Elephant Palm Beach ,” says Franklin. The new art-filled 13-room, 19-suite Mediterranean revival property was originally the Bradley Park Hotel, built in 1924 but got a top-to-bottom renovation in 2020. “Positioned conveniently downtown, you can be at all of the best Worth Avenue shops in a few minutes. Some of my favorites, aside from every A-list designer you can imagine, include il Sandalo of Capri, Blesk Jewelry and Coastal Girls ,” says Franklin. “The hotel will set you up with chairs, umbrellas and towels at the nearby beach, and they’ll even bring you anything you want from the hotel’s menu—the service is to die for.”

Other things not to miss: Have a drink poolside at Swifty’s delightfully retro (and pink!) The Colony hotel , visit the sprawling 75-room Henry Morrison Flagler Museum for a glimpse at the area’s Gilded Age roots and spring for a meal at HMF (named for Flagler) at The Breakers. “You won’t be disappointed,” says Franklin.

Where to Go: Kauai, Hawaii

Chosen By: A Dallas-based travel blogger, Jasmine Alley is a nature-obsessed wanderer and photographer (she’s a sucker for a great view). See her travel adventures and recommendations at jasminealley.com or @jasminealley .

Why: With Hawaii recently dropping restrictions related to its Safe Travels program, travelers are officially welcomed back to the idyllic island chain, with Kauai rising as a standout destination for those looking for a strong dose of authentic Hawaiian culture while escaping the typical crowds of its sister islands. Affectionately known as “The Garden Island,” much of Kauai is a pristine emerald escape, and according to Alley, it’s “a lush paradise great for both adventure-seekers and those looking to simply relax.”

The breathtaking landscapes—from mountains and canyons to lapping azure beaches—offer something for everyone. “For those Jurassic Park-esque views that Kauai is known for, you’ll want to see the rugged Napali Coast. There are three main ways to see it: a boat tour, helicopter tour (we loved the Jurassic Falls Landing Adventure with Island Helicopters) or hike,” says Alley. “You’ll need to reserve a day pass to hike the Kalalau Trail, located at Haena State Park at the end of the road up north.”

Craving a beach day? Check out Hanalei Bay. “Located on the North Shore, it offers the perfect mix of dramatic mountain views, lush palm trees and gorgeous sand lining the crescent-shaped bay,” says Alley. “Drive a bit further north and you’ll reach Tunnels Beach, a beautiful spot to watch the sunset.”

As for lodgings, Alley recommends staying in a central location like Kapa’a or Lihue. “If you’re looking for luxury, Timbers Kauai at Hokuala is an incredible oceanfront property,” says Alley. “Even if you don’t stay there, their restaurant, Hualani’s , is a must, serving up a fresh menu with local ingredients from their on-site organic farm, Hōkūala. To this day, their Hanalei Bae cocktail is the best cocktail I’ve ever had. And I highly recommend the Banana Lumpia for dessert.”

In terms of culinary offerings, Alley advises both beloved and under-the-radar locales along the north shore: “While in Hanalei, don’t miss out on some great North Shore food spots. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Holey Grail donuts (made from Hawaiian-grown taro root), Wishing Well Shave Ice (their organic, housemade coconut flavor pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top) or Nourish Hanalei (a tiny orange hut that serves acai bowls and smoothies with arguably the best views over Hanalei).”

Twin Falls, Idaho—one of the top places to go in 2022.

Where to Go: Idaho

Chosen By: Emily Mandagie, a Pacific Northwest-based travel writer and photographer behind the site “The Mandagies.” Follow her on Instagram .

Why: This is a big year for Idaho. “It often gets overshadowed by its epic neighbors to the west, but Idaho is very much worth its own adventure, too,” says Mandagie. “From high desert terrain to ancient cedar groves (yes, these exist outside of the Redwoods), to epic backpacking and rafting trips, there’s something for everyone.”

For your own private Idaho, you’ll find more options than ever to get off the grid in secluded mountain settings. Sun Valley Trekking wilderness yurts is an amazing way to get into the backcountry but with luxuries like a wood-fired sauna. If that’s too extreme, the Crystal Peak Lookout is a fire lookout tower stay, accessed via a vintage snowcat (as a small add-on to the Airbnb’s winter price). “For an iconic mountain experience, plan a weekend backpacking trip in the Sawtooth Mountains near Stanley. After 10+ miles on the trail, venture out to one of many natural Idaho hot springs and soak away your sore muscles,” says Mandagie.

Need even more space and privacy? There’s a new option to book an entire ski resort to yourself for a day with Soldier Mountain’s My Mountain package. Speaking of skiing, Schweitzer Mountain Resort (with some of the best powder in the Northwest) has welcomed the modern Humbird Hotel, while independently-owned Tamarack Resort has new snowmaking capabilities and a brand-new spa aimed at helping guests recover from big days on the slopes.

“Looking for warmer weather? Southern Idaho boasts high-desert terrain mixed with roaring waterfalls in every direction,” says Mandagie. “Spend a few days in Twin Falls to explore more than 10 waterfalls right in the vicinity. Shoshone Falls is the most iconic, followed by Perrine Coulee Falls and Pillar Falls, to name a few. The Perrine Memorial Bridge is also a famous spot for base jumping .”

Other developments: Boise has a Basque history and 2022 marks the return of a huge cultural festival, Jaialdi . Outside of the festival, Boise’s Basque scene can be enjoyed at newcomer restaurant Ansots , which is making its own Basque sausages and bacon from family recipes.

A bird's-eye view of Bloomington, Indiana.

Where to Go: Bloomington, Indiana

Why: A must-stop on any Midwest road trip and one of the best small towns in the U.S., this Hoosier city should be on your radar for 2022, thanks to its buzzing cuisine and rich culture.

Turkish, Tibetan, Venezuelan, Burmese, Italian, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, French, Japanese—if you can find it on a globe, you can find that food in Bloomington. Big culinary news includes The Elm , a new restaurant serving up spice profiles from the Mediterranean and North Africa, plus Small Favors Bar , a new farm-to-fork restaurant with a goal to source ingredients from farmers within a 50-mile radius. The city is also home to one of the Midwest’s best Tibetan restaurants, Anyetsang’s Little Tibet (operated by a Tibetan refugee and former monk), and Oliver Winery, Indiana’s largest and oldest winery, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

On the culture front, the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University recently completed a three-year, $30 million renovation that added another permanent gallery to the I.M. Pei-designed museum. Explore the country’s only Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center with self-guided walking tours, meditation classes and a stay in an onsite yurt (no TVs or electronics). Other big news: Bloomington’s first park, Cascades Park, and the historic Buskirk-Chumley Theater both celebrate their 100th anniversary in 2022.

Louisville, Kentucky's downtown skyline on the Ohio River.

Where to Go: Louisville, Kentucky

Chosen By: Kay Kingsman, travel writer and blogger at The Awkward Traveller .

Why: “Picture your favorite getaway destination, now subtract the crowds,” says Kingsman. Louisville has plenty of charm and relaxation along with attractions to please a variety of travelers. “Sports fans will enjoy the Slugger Museum and the Muhammad Ali Center , history buffs can see the meeting spot of Lewis and Clark (and York) and there are tons of unique boutique shops down on Market Street for those who like to shop and support locals,” says Kingsman.

Other essential new stops include The Black Heritage Tour Collection , which celebrates its second year with programming and exhibits showcasing African American contributions to the city’s history and culture, and the new Roots 101 African American Museum , which calls itself a “healing place” where visitors can come and experience art, music, artifacts and education.

Louisville’s real showstopper is the food, especially the mom-and-pop establishments. “Definitely check out Yummy Pollo , The Black Italian , SuperChefs and Mack Bros BBQ —you gotta try the BBQ,” says Kingsman. Other new entries include Ashlee Northington’s Happy Belly Bistro , which started as a food truck, and is now serving her rotating menu of fusion foods as a permanent kiosk inside Ten20 Craft Brewery . The Urban Bourbon Trail added Brough Brothers , the first Black-owned distillery in Kentucky, along with The Craftery , its first DIY bar.

When it comes to places to stay, downtown’s new Grady Hotel has a décor that pays homage to one of the 1883 building’s original tenants, the Swann-Abram Hat Co., designer of world-famous Kentucky Derby hats. After an $80 million renovation, the city’s only waterfront hotel, the Galt House , is open once again and features Swizzle Dinner & Drinks , a revolving restaurant with spectacular Ohio River views. Kingsman is also a fan of the 21c Museum Hotel : “It’s walking distance to the nearest bourbon tasting room.”

The fun doesn't have to stop at the city limit. An hour outside of Louisville is Mammoth Cave National Park , the longest known cave system in the world. Over the past year, the National Park Service has implemented an updated tour reservation system for a more organized visit. “The National Park sometimes sells out weeks in advance, so you can also check out a few of the nearby caves like the American Cave Museum that have same-day tours and have also expanded their cave routes to provide visitors with new experiences,” says Kingsman.

Sunset over Lake Charles.

Where to Go: Lake Charles, Louisiana

Chosen By: Danielle Granger Nava, creator of DanielleNava.com , the Front Porch Series and social media accounts for the Charpentier Historic District in Lake Charles. Follow her on Instagram .

Why: After 18 months of recovery from back-to-back hurricanes, Lake Charles, Louisiana is ready to welcome back visitors and show them what they’ve been missing. Known for its juxtaposition of luxury and the great outdoors, Lake Charles has a blend of cultures, music, cuisine and traditions that make this southwest corner of the state a must-visit when traveling along Interstate 10 between Houston and New Orleans.

The area boasts two side-by-side gaming resorts— L’Auberge Casino Resort and Golden Nugget —each with a wide array of dining selections, entertainment options, lazy rivers with swim-up bars, golf and spa facilities. Along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road , you’ll find alligators, nature’s bounty and gorgeous Gulf beaches.

“If you’re looking for the ultimate Louisiana experience, then do not sleep on Lake Charles. You can start your day spotting the wildlife down in Cameron and then come downtown for amazing food—I highly recommend the boudin quesadillas at Tia Juanitas —and end your night with some music, cocktails and a great sunset view at the casinos,” says Nava. “At some point you might want to consider getting a daiquiri to-go, just to complete the experience.”

The arts community is strong, too, thanks to all the Cajun and Creole influences and cuisine here is an attraction in and of itself, from the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail to the Crying Eagle Brewing Company (complete with a beer garden and an outdoor stage) to jazz brunches with over-the-top Bloody Marys. “The best part about living downtown is being able to walk to all the festivals we have. One day it’s all the free gumbo your stomach can handle and then the next weekend it’s live music at our open-air theater,” says Nava. “It never stops.”

The backside of the entrance sign mounted to a building roofline outside of the MassMOCA art museum ... [+] in North Adams, Massachusetts.

Where to Go: North Adams, Massachusetts

Chosen By: Melissa Klurman —travel expert and contributor at Reader’s Digest , The Points Guy and Travel Awaits .

Why: “I fell in love with this art-infused town in the Berkshires when I first visited MASS MoCA ,” says Klurman. “This contemporary arts center is home to both visual and performing arts and sports massive installations in the roomy former Sprague Electric Company Plant (think an entire building devoted just to wall-size Sol deWitt murals and whole rooms devoted to Jenny Holzer, Louis Bourgeois and James Turrell).” With 28 buildings spread over 16 acres, there’s an enormous amount to see and experience—and eat, too. On the premises are food trucks, an ice cream and coffee shop and a craft brewery. “And after a long pandemic hiatus, 2022 brings the return of the live summer shows that the museum complex is known for,” says Klurman. “First up: Memorial Day’s Solid Sound Festival headlined by Wilco, featuring multiple stages and several days of live music.”

The best spot to stay in North Adams is Porches Inn , a series of mill worker houses transformed into a boutique hotel bed and breakfast. “Each room is cozy and unique—and yes, there are plenty of porches (with views of MASS MoCA) where you can sit and rock, plus there’s a nicely landscaped pool out back,” says Klurman. New for 2022, Porches’s owners have transformed an old Main Street hotel into the hip and affordable Hotel Downstreet, just around the corner from the arts center. It’s scheduled to open its doors in April.

The skyline of Jackson, Mississippi.

Where to Go: Jackson, Mississippi

Chosen By: Kristin Luna, Tennessee-based journalist. Follow her on Camels & Chocolate .

Why: Celebrating 200 years of history, Jackson has earned a reputation for being the “City with Soul.” As this year marks its bicentennial, visitors are making the pilgrimage to this vibrant community to experience its culture, thriving arts scene, annual events and exciting dining destinations. “Jackson is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the South’s universal appeal thanks to being a cultural region that's both approachable and affordable, in addition to being central to the majority of the U.S. population,” says Luna.

From its early beginnings where First American settlements dominated the landscape to its social justice initiatives during the Civil Rights Movement, every street has a story waiting to be revealed. History buffs will find that they’re in their element as they explore the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. “The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, in particular, is a must-visit for those wanting to learn more about Black history from the slave trade up to the present—the majority of Jackson's population is Black, and the city is on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail and the Mississippi Freedom Trail,” says Luna. “Jackson is also a hub for creative entrepreneurs with a burgeoning public arts scene driven by the untapped talent of such visual artists as Reshonda Perryman and Birdcap.”

With an array of yearlong events that reflects Jackson’s past while embracing its future, visitors will gain a better understanding of the people and events that have shaped this city. Exhibitions, such as “A Movement in Every Direction: Legacies of the Great Migration ,” showcases the works of 13 renowned African American artists while examining the deep impact of the Great Migration. Jackson’s public art installations add to the city’s streetscape, giving passersby a reason to pause and appreciate the works before them. And epicureans can tantalize their taste buds at some of the city’s most notable restaurants, including Walker’s Drive-In , Lou’s Full-Serv and the Pig & Pint .

Overlooking the Catskills.

Where to Go: The Catskills, New York

Chosen By: Tyler Wetherall is a journalist, screenwriter, teacher and author.

Why: “The Catskills is stunning. It has waterfalls, forests, and the lot, and that’s why tourists have visited in droves—especially artists—for well over a hundred years,” says Wetherall. “Just try to visit in fall and not feel in awe.” A period of economic decline, however, followed the demise of Borscht Belt-era resorts, leaving main streets across the region boarded up. In a familiar story, the last two decades have seen proactive creative folk buying up properties and transforming them into local business ventures across all four counties ( Ulster , Sullivan , Delaware and Greene )—going into overdrive these last two years, as city dwellers flocked upstate. Now those once-boarded up main streets in towns like Livingston Manor, Kingston and Windham are thriving, dotted with new independent shops, restaurants, breweries and bars, becoming destinations in their own right.

“So much of this change has been driven by people relocating to the Catskills with a vision, as well as the gumption and resources to enact it,” says Wetherall. Just look at the cluster of design-forward hotels that have opened in recent years: Urban Cowboy , Eastwind Hotel & Bar , Hutton Brickyards and and revitalized Glen Falls House , with more to come in 2022 like AutoCamp Catskills ’ newest airstreams, Wylder Windham , luxurious Chatwal Lodge and Wildflower Farms . A collection of new restaurants, breweries and tasting experiences are found at the sweet Seminary Hill Orchard & Cidery , picturesque Hudson House Distillery , Southeast Asian-inspired Good Night , unassuming yet eclectic Hollow and massive TAP New York Craft Beer & Food Festival at Bethel Woods.

The natural beauty, of course, remains—thankfully protected and even more easily accessible with the recently completed Empire State Trail , the ever-evolving fly-fishing scene and updated rail trails like Ashokan . Best of all: You can road trip through the region, hopping from one great town to the next.

Writer Cathy Carroll on the grounds of the Minam River Lodge in Eastern Oregon's Wallowa Mountains.

Where to Go: Central Oregon

Chosen By: Cathy Carroll, Bend-based journalist and managing editor of Statehood Media ’s 1859-Oregon’s Magazine and 1889-Washington’s Magazine . Follow her on Instagram to soak up the best of a broadened horizon (@cathycarroll21).

Why : “Like a mountain man who’s gotten in touch with his feelings, Bend has come of age with trending new microbreweries, hotels, spas and boutiques,” says Carroll. Add in some of America’s best landscapes and this area will make your heart pound year-round. “ Mt. Bachelor is known for its powder wow factor with one of the country’s longest ski seasons,” says Carroll. “In summer, it rolls out a green carpet for hiking, downhill mountain biking, paddling impossibly clear lakes, ziplining and a chairlift ride to one of the best dining experiences at nearly 7,000 feet.”

According to Carroll, that’s just the tip of the (dormant) volcano when it comes to adventures. “Climb or meander amid Smith Rock State Park ’s towering spires. Paddle through Bend on the Deschutes River and hop out on the banks of the Old Mill District to hit the shops, dine and hear national acts at outdoor concerts. Get up close to magnificent raptors at the nationally acclaimed High Desert Museum ,” says Carroll.

Where to stay? “Hop on a snowcat for an idyllic winter’s night at Elk Lake Resort or spend a summer’s day boating and swimming through the reflection of snowcapped mountains,” says Carroll. You can also gather the extended family in a mountain-chic home at Tetherow or Brasada Ranch . “Or soak up vintage camp vibes right in Bend at the new Campfire Hotel ,” says Carroll. “Hang at the fire pit, strum a locally made Breedlove guitar and sip local spirits after a swim or soak in the saltwater pool and hot tub.”

Downtown Houston at nighttime.

Where to Go: Houston, Texas

Chosen By: Mariana Cano is a bilingual lifestyle, travel and parenting blogger at yomariana.com and podcaster at Ciudad H . She was born and raised in Mexico City, has lived in Houston for the past 17 years and travels the world with her family of five. Follow her on Instagram @yomarianablog .

Why: “As one of the most diverse cities in the United States, Houston boasts an exciting mix of cultures, food, art, sport and green space to explore,” says Cano. “The city’s harmonizing diversity is what makes ‘H-town’ truly unique.”

In 2022, foodies from near and far will find paradise in Houston’s vast culinary scene. “The famous culinary show, Top Chef , recently named Houston as one of the top gastronomic cities in the country,” says Cano. “From an intimate Asian dining experience meticulously curated at Hidden Omakase to a majestic food-centric journey through India at Mussafer , or an authentic Oaxaqueñan mole flight at Xochi to a cosmopolitan design escapade with exquisite, reinvented paellas at MAD , Houston transports food lovers to faraway countries with one instantaneous bite.”

For art enthusiasts, Houston’s new Nancy and Rich Kinder Building at the Museum of Fine Arts has created a buzz with its masterful architectural design and one of the world’s largest Latin-American art collections. “ The Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel are also must-visit art destinations,” says Cano. “Compelling social spaces like downtown’s POST , a renovated post office transformed into a multi-use complex, offers Houstonians and visitors a place to co-work, enjoy cultural events, grab a bite from the expansive food hall or listen to live music at the brand-new 713 Music Hall .”

The Virginia Beach boardwalk.

Where to Go: Virginia Beach

Chosen By: Robin Catalano , a travel writer who specializes in coastal and waterfront experiences.

Why: Stretching for 35 miles along the Atlantic coast, Virginia Beach is easygoing and eclectic, with attractions to satisfy travelers of all ages. “Picturesque beaches, outstanding outdoor recreation, growing arts and food scenes—all within a few hours’ flight from most of the United States,” says Catalano.

Pick up the Get Outdoors Pass for discounted admission to whale watching, dolphin kayaking tours, nature preserves and more. Watch 17 sailing teams glide for glory in the Worrell 1000, a 1,000-mile catamaran race that returns to Virginia Beach in May. Or ride the waves in the East Coast Surfing Championship , the world’s longest-running competition, in August.

Back on land, the small yet mighty Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art will host a solo exhibition by renowned sculptor and architect Maya Lin. Meanwhile, the flourishing ViBe Creative District is home to vibrant public art, open studios and shops. In October, nearly 200 artists take over the city’s iconic Boardwalk for the three-day, juried Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show .

In a city with more than 250 restaurants, it’s easy to find a palate-pleasing option. “I’m looking forward to the June debut of Waterman Spirits Distillery, from Waterman’s Surfside Grill , originator of Virginia Beach’s signature drink, the Orange Crush ,” says Catalano. Other new food and drink venues include the Shipyard at 17th Street Craft Brewery and pizza crafter the Mellow Mushroom .

Among the many waterfront hotels, the newly remodeled Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel offers family- and pet-friendly accommodations mere steps from the sand and sea.

A Walla Walla landscape in Washington state.

Where to Go: Walla Walla, Washington

Why: When you say “Washington State,” people immediately think of Seattle—but that’s not the only place worth visiting. “On the drier, sunnier side of the Cascades is Walla Walla , the town so nice they named it twice,” says Herman. “The perfect mix of rural-chic and classic Americana, Walla Walla is known as the capital of Washington wine country.” Home to more than 120 wineries, Walla Walla has been named “America’s Best Wine Region” two years in a row by the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

This small town is bursting with historical and cultural sites, art galleries, artisan shops and farm-to-table dining that highlights the region’s agricultural roots including the famous Walla Walla Sweet Onion. “One of the best places to eat is TMACS , a pioneer of the culinary renaissance in Walla Walla that’s famous for its locally-inspired dishes,” says Herman. And don’t miss a stop at Walla Walla Bread Company , but be sure to bring your appetite. “The portions are large and the flavors are abundant,” says Herman. “Go for traditional bacon and egg breakfast or opt for one of their incredible pastries made by co-owner and recent Food Network Best Baker in America contestant, Michele Pompei.”

When it comes to accommodations, look no further than Eritage Resort with 10 sleek bungalows. “It’s located amidst rolling vineyards just minutes from downtown, but it feels like you’re worlds away,” says Herman. For something grander, try Yellowhawk . “This rustic, luxury resort sits on 84 acres and features farm-style dining, an array of sparkling wines, a pool with cabanas, waterfalls and lush gardens,” says Herman.

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.

Where to Go: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Why: The holy grail of astronomy, indoor glamping, a pair of giraffes, Dungeons and Dragons—there’s a lot going on in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

The big news here is Yerkes Observatory—the birthplace of modern astrophysics and home to the world’s largest refracting telescope—which reopens for public tours this year. The 50-acre campus, designed by landscape architect pioneer Frederick Law Olmsted, is also being restored to its original plan as part of the “Olmsted 200” campaign to honor the bicentennial of his birth. “Most people visit Geneva Lake for a vacation, but astronomers know of it as an extraordinary place to work,” says Mary Bergin , whose upcoming book, Small Town Wisconsin: Fun, Surprising and Exceptional Road Trips (Globe Pequot Press), includes Yerkes Observatory.

After a day of seeing stars, check out Grand Geneva Resort & Spa , with award-winning dining, two championship golf courses, indoor and outdoor pools, horseback riding, scooter rentals, hiking trails, a WELL Spa + Salon, state-of-the-art fitness center, award-winning dining and an on-site waterpark at sister resort Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark . Another exciting new place to stay: The Main Street Loft by Keefe Vacation Rental s, an indoor glamping experience.

Other big news in Lake Geneva: For Fans of Dungeons & Dragons, The Dungeon Hobby Shop Museum is now open in the original 1976 home of TSR, the founding company of the famous role-playing game. And at the family-owned Safari Lake Geneva , two giraffes have been added to its animal menagerie.

Shadows at Crested Pool, Upper Geyser Basin.

Where to Go: Wyoming

Why: Yellowstone National Park , the Cowboy State’s unofficial crown jewel, turns 150 years old in 2022. This summer, visitors can be the first to see the new Teepee Village, courtesy of a partnership with several Tribal Nations, which will be at the Roosevelt Arch July to August. In August, Old Faithful will be the site of the Yellowstone Historic Vehicles Display, showcasing all the vehicles people have used to see the park since it was founded in 1872.

Summer is peak season, so book your accommodations ASAP. Yellowstone’s accommodations —some of the most iconic examples of “parkitecture”—include Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins, Old Faithful Inn and Lake Yellowstone Hotel & Cabins. Neighboring Grand Teton National Park also belongs on every national park bucket list. To visit both parks on the same trip, make Jackson Hole your home base.

“Last July, my dad and I had a blast staying at Snow King Resort in downtown Jackson,” recalls Jackson. “We rode its popular Cowboy Coaster down the mountain—I’ve never seen my 66-year-old father laugh so hard—and I can’t wait to return in August when Snow King debuts its new 9,000-square-foot spa.”

In addition to national parks, Wyoming has Cheyenne —famous for its Frontier Days (July 22-31) which claims to be the largest outdoor rodeo in the world—and Cody , home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West , which boasts five world-class museums under one roof. In Cody, Jackson recommends staying at the historic Chamberlin Inn . “As a writer, one of my fondest memories is the time I got to spend the night in the Hemingway room—where Ernest Hemingway stayed during his visit to Cody.”

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Frommer's Best Places to Go in the United States in 2022

With Covid-19 still a major concern, the Frommer's staff struggled with whether to publish our annual Best Places article for 2022. Last year, we temporarily shelved our longstanding tradition in favor of a list of destinations that promote a deeper understanding of the United States. We're still quite proud of that feature, Great Authors on Our America , a collection of mini essays by such big names as David Sedaris, Gloria Steinem, Jodi Picoult, Cheryl Strayed, Fannie Flagg, and Timothy Egan.

This year, we decided to stick with a domestic focus. As many people discovered during the pandemic, the United States is a multifaceted travel destination, with vistas that dazzle the eye, attractions that expand the mind and imagination, food that tickles the tongue, and people who will welcome you like long-lost cousins. We still love foreign travel and intend to return to it in full force, but for now, American vacationers who stay within their own borders risk fewer disruptions from unexpected pandemic rule changes. Just as important, we don't believe you miss out by traveling close to home. Still, health and security stand out as primary concerns this year, so for the first time we also compiled a second, stand-alone list:  The World's Safest Places to Go in 2022 . We see it as a companion to what you're about to read. As always, our Best Places to Go are the top vacation choices for the year. Each was chosen for distinct reasons, whether the places are enjoying a resurgence, honoring a milestone or anniversary, or simply ripe for wider appreciation. These are the 10 places—in no particular order—that will be especially rewarding to visit in 2022.

Pictured above: Swanson River Wilderness, Kenai Wildlife Refuge, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

The Kenai is a mountain-studded, preserve-rich, bald eagle–patrolled  peninsula that stretches 150 miles south from Anchorage . It truly is one of the most spectacularly beautiful places in the United States. We want to shine a spotlight on the region to let more people know it's an option. Not everyone enjoys taking cruise vacations, and many people (wrongly) think taking a ship is the only practical way to experience coastal Alaska. Nope . A road trip along the Sterling Highway with a day cruise in Prince William Sound enables visitors to see everything that Alaskan cruisers do—but at their own pace and with more personal space. These world-class sights include calving glaciers, breaching whales, and other marine life; museums and sites devoted to Native Alaskan culture and history; dog sledding and gold panning operations; superb nature facilities (like the Alaska SeaLife Center ); groovy art galleries in Homer; old Russian settlements; and more. The Kenai is also laced by rivers, making it a top spot for rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing (it has one of the most prolific salmon runs in the world). Pictured above: Porcupine Bay, Kenai Fjords National Park , Alaska

It’s no exaggeration to say, as local artist Jonathan Green told CNN in 2020 , that "Charleston is the Ellis Island for Black people." Before the Civil War, an estimated 40% of enslaved Africans brought to the United States disembarked at Gadsden’s Wharf in the coastal city made prosperous on the backs of those arrivals. Efforts to reckon with that reality and its long legacy reach a major milestone with the opening in late 2022 of the International African American Museum , a facility dedicated to honoring “the diverse journeys and achievements of [enslaved Africans] and their descendants in South Carolina, the United States, and throughout the African Diaspora” on the very site of disembarkation. 

The museum supplies a necessary corrective to what had been, with some notable exceptions (such as the long-established, Black-owned Gullah Tours ), a prevailing tendency among many tourism organizations to romanticize the city as a pastel-hued paradise of Spanish moss and plantation gentility. Visit Charleston earlier in the year for the hugely popular Charleston Wine + Food festival (March 2–6), which returns after taking 2021 off, to fill up on the region’s fabled Lowcountry cuisine—also highly influenced by African American traditions—at a new, larger location at Riverfront Park.  

On March 1, 2022, it will be 150 years to the day since the American Congress made something the world had never seen before: It created the first "national park"  by declaring the area around Yellowstone "hereby reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy, or sale." The northwest corner of Wyoming, tucked in the apron of the Rockies, was the perfect choice to sanctify as a public pleasure park—even today, Yellowstone National Park has the highest concentration of mammals in the Lower 48 states and its 3,472 square miles preserve the planet's largest collection of hydrothermal features like geysers, mudpots, and fumaroles. The park's sesquicentennial is shaping into a celebration that will strengthen its position for the next 150 years, with a slate of educational talks , art shows of local work, and  expanded outreach to the Native American people who have lived on the land for more than 11,000 years. People come and go, but this land is eternally beautiful.

2022 marks 50 years since NASA's Apollo lunar missions ceased and President Richard M. Nixon authorized the Space Shuttle program. The Shuttle stopped flying in 2011, yet the launch pads of Kennedy Space Center, on 219 square miles of Florida's Atlantic coast east of Orlando, are bustling again. Today, nearly 100 private-sector partners, including Elon Musk's SpaceX, use the facility to research, prepare, and launch their endeavors. Cape Kennedy simultaneously functions as a popular museum of past triumphs and a lively spaceport of tomorrow.

This year, the superlative  Kennedy Space Center  attraction adds  Gateway , a 50,000-square-foot permanent exhibition about modern deep space exploration, even as SpaceX, which is leading those explorations, builds a custom launch pad for its fully reusable combined vehicle, Starship . For the first time in a generation, American space launches have regained their status as unifying national events, and the public viewing grounds just west of KSC are once again drawing crowds ( here's the upcoming schedule ). In addition to multiple astronaut launches to the International Space Station, 2022 will also see the spaceport break new barriers by sending the Artemis I test spacecraft around the moon in preparation for sending manned missions into the unknown on long-term missions. The Cape is launching the future once again.

Pictured above: KSC's colossal Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) is 525 feet tall, has the largest doors on the planet, and is painted with the world's largest American flag (209 feet tall).

West Virginia has come into its own as a tourism destination, thanks in large part to the December 2020 designation of the New River Gorge as the country’s newest—and the state's first—national park. Located on more than 70,000 acres in the Appalachian Mountains of the state’s southern region, the park’s titular waterway snakes through densely wooded hills and imposing sandstone cliffs. If you’ve developed a taste for outdoor adventure during the pandemic, this is where to satisfy that urge—conditions are near ideal for whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Hit the park’s hiking trails and you’ll encounter waterfalls, abandoned mining outposts, and staggering vistas of the river and the gorge from the Grandview overlook and the 3,000-foot-long, 900-foot-high New River Gorge Bridge (pictured above).

In Oklahoma, history and culture are coming to the fore in a trio of new museums. Oklahoma City's $175 million   F irst Americans Museum opened in 2021, using priceless artifacts (44 of which are on loan from the Smithsonian), immersive exhibits, and live performances to tell the tales of the 39 Tribal Nations that live in the state.  A little over 100 miles northeast in Tulsa (take Route 66 there—Oklahoma has the longest stretch of it in the country), the new Greenwood Rising history center honors what was once known as Black Wall Street, a prosperous neighborhood that was wiped out in horrific 1921 racial attacks; HBO's award-winning  The Watchmen hinged on that hideous event. Also in Tulsa, the Bob Dylan Center  (pictured above) will debut soon in the heart of the city's buzzy Arts District, close to the facility dedicated to his songwriting progenitor, Woody Guthrie . Opening in May 2022, the Dylan Center promises a deep dive into the seminal work of the Nobel Prize–winning singer-songwriter and poet, housing more than 100,000 artifacts (handwritten manuscripts, music, ephemera), as well as screening films, hosting lectures, mounting concerts, and playing his music.

Puerto Rico has faced more than its fair share of challenges in the past few years: hurricanes, earthquakes, monthslong power outages, and Washington’s indifference (lobbing paper towels at the populace doesn’t count), to name a few. But the island’s exciting capital city has endured all of that and bounced back to reclaim its rightful place as a major tourism draw, with freshly completed repairs to storm-damaged resorts and cutting-edge new attractions such as Distrito T-Mobile , a splashy dining-and-entertainment venue near the Convention Center.

Of course, endurance is nothing new in a town that celebrated its 500th birthday in 2021. Soak up some of that history as well as San Juan’s unique combo of European, African, and Indigenous influences everywhere from cobblestoned, pastel-tinted  Old San Juan (pictured above) to the roadside food stands and traditional music and folk festivals of Loíza on the eastern end of the metropolitan area. Best of all for American travelers: Puerto Rico offers a Caribbean getaway that's still on U.S. soil—no passport needed and no returning-to-the-U.S. Covid-19 test required. (Puerto Rico does have some of its own Covid-related requirements, though; see our Caribbean info page for details).   

Pre-pandemic, New York City had some of the highest hotel rates in the hemisphere. But because of the near-elimination of business travel, nightly rates are in free fall, making this moment the best in ages to visit Gotham affordably. Broadway tickets have also gone down, thanks to a steady stream of deep discounts from sources like  Broadway Box , TodayTix , and the TKTS booth in Times Square—we snagged seats for two Broadway shows for just $39 a pop, about a quarter what they would have cost in 2019. Not every show is that cheap, of course, but because there are fewer tourists in town, tickets to every show are now available, including the big hits.

The past year has also given the city several new world-class attractions. These include the innovative "floating" park known as Little Island (pictured above), a psychedelic observation deck called SUMMIT One Vanderbilt , and the highest outdoor building climb on the planet. That addition has daredevil visitors scaling a 1,271-foot-tall skyscraper in  Hudson Yards . Old favorites are also returning, better than ever. The American Museum of Natural History opened a downright spectacular renovation of its hall of gems and minerals, the Frick  Museum is digging deep into its archive to display masterworks the public doesn't usually get to see (while it's temporarily in a different space), and the Metropolitan Museum is offering several potentially groundbreaking exhibitions such as " Before Yesterday We Could Fly: An Afrofuturist Period Room ." And don't forget about the landmark Whitney Biennial, that institution's sweeping, semiannual survey of the best of contemporary American art.

The Great Lakes make up one of the largest and most wondrous ecosystems in the United States, if not the planet, accounting for roughly 21% of the world's fresh water. On the shores of the Great Lakes and nearby you'll find some of America's mightiest cities, its most appealing beaches and natural sights, and some of its most historic and welcoming small towns.

Individually, these elements have drawn vacationers for centuries, and indeed, some tall-masted ships and smaller expedition cruise operations, such as  Pearl Seas Cruises  and  Haphag Lloyd , have been creating multi-day vacations on these waters for years. But in 2022, the Great Lakes will be newly knit together by high-end sailings by the famed Viking Cruises on its  swanky Expedition line  (the Viking Polaris is pictured above) and the French company Ponant (in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys ). Sailing the Great Lakes just became a far more luxurious vacation option. The most common itineraries take cruisers between Toronto or Thunder Bay and Milwaukee or Duluth, visiting such highlights as historic Mackinac Island , Niagara Falls , Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore , and  Georgian Bay (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve).

It's no secret that Las Vegas is one of the world's top destinations for music and entertainment. But the pandemic has sent the city's residency programs into overdrive with an ever-expanding list of big names who have decided that letting their audiences come to Nevada is a smarter alternative to widespread touring. We're about to see upcoming residencies by the likes of Adele, John Legend, Carrie Underwood, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, Celine Dion, and Sting. Comedy residencies are also a growing trend in Vegas, with Jon Lovitz, Bill Maher, Jim Gaffigan, and George Lopez all slated to take the stage on a regular basis. Many of these stars will play  Resorts World Las Vegas  (pictured above), the first major new gambling compound in Sin City in over a decade. Resorts World cost a reported $4.3 billion to build, so it has a huge stake in attracting major crowds to the Strip with the city's first Asian-style street food court, a bakery from star pastry-maker Dominique Ansel (creator of the  cronut ), and that aggressive events schedule stuffed with A-list performers. Other stories you may like:  •  The World's Safest Places to Go in 2022

•  Best Places 2021: Great Authors on Our America

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22 of the best places you should travel to in the US in 2022

• As COVID continues, domestic getaways remain one of the best travel options for US travelers. 
• If you want to plan a trip in 2022, we found 22 places worth visiting that won't require a passport.
• Here's where you'll find pretty scenery, exciting events, hotel and restaurant openings, and more.

Travel demand is expected to soar in 2022.

If you're feeling ready to travel again, you're not alone. The World Travel & Tourism Council expects soaring demand for travel in 2022, with levels that may even outpace pre-pandemic times .

However, with a new COVID variant and ever-changing border constraints, it may be easier to keep those passports at home and stick to exploring the United States.

Thankfully, there's no shortage of worthy destinations. From world-famous cities making a comeback to remote paradises, national parks, and dreamy islands, several places in the US are poised to make a big splash in 2022 thanks to new venue openings, milestone anniversaries, special events, and more.

Orlando will celebrate Walt Disney World Resort's 50th anniversary, plus a revamped airport in 2022.

If you're a Disney fan, there's never a bad time to visit Orlando.

But 2022 will be extra special for the city when Walt Disney World Resort celebrates 50 years in Orlando. The golden anniversary festivities will span 18 months through spring 2023, but when you visit the parks in 2022 , expect special lighting and projects, commemorative statues and character costumes, and much more.

If you prefer luxury versus overly theme-y accommodations, stay at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort , the only Five Diamond-rated property in Central Florida.

The $2.7 billion renovations of Orlando International Airport are also slated for completion in early spring 2022 . Costing more than any other single investment in Orlando, the overhaul includes the introduction of Brightline, Florida's high-speed passenger rail service.

Katy Perry and Carrie Underwood will begin Las Vegas residencies next year, along with many new attractions.

No matter how many times you've visited Vegas, a new year always brings new reasons to go back. That's because the city is constantly evolving with new shows and attractions as well as an endless-seeming array of world-class culinary and hospitality options.

The Strip recently opened its first new ground-up resort in more than a decade with Resorts World Las Vegas that's worth checking out. And Wynn Las Vegas spent $200 million to revamp its rooms and welcomed new restaurants like the sumptuous and star-studded supper club, Delilah , also known as the no-photos-allowed Kylie Jenner favorite venue , in partnership with The h.wood Group.

Or, try the new FlyOver in Las Vegas , a first-of-its-kind attraction on the Strip, and plan to buy tickets to any of the new artist residencies planned for 2022 that include Katy Perry and Carrie Underwood , who both kick off in December with dates into the new year.

Visit San Diego for newly opened concert venues, museums, beaches, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Find a sunny escape in San Diego almost any time of year. It also helps to learn that the city is more than 80 percent vaccinated among residents over 12, as of publishing.

Visit in 2022 and enjoy the San Diego Symphony's brand new outdoor concert venue, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park , or the reopened Mingei International Museum at Balboa Park, designed by Jennifer Luce.

Or indulge at some of the city's newly minted Michelin restaurants, including Addison , now with two stars, and one-star newbies Soichi Sushi , Sushi Tadokoro , and Jeune et Jolie .

For laid-back luxury, check in to the Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa , a hacienda-style retreat situated on 10 acres between San Diego's seaside villages of La Jolla and Del Mar.

The CMA Music Festival, with four days of country music, returns to Nashville in June.

Country music fans rejoice:  CMA Fest is finally coming back in Nashville in June after a two-year hiatus.

Summer will also make for steamy outdoor hangouts at the 166-year-old Centennial Park , which is undergoing a major renovation and recently unveiled the first statue of women's rights pioneers Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Also opening in May in Music City is Conrad Nashville , centrally located in Midtown and billed as the city's first ultra-luxe property. Don't leave without a visit to a joint like Party Fowl to try the famous Nashville hot chicken.

Foodies should head to Houston, Texas for a diverse culinary scene and a new food festival.

Houston was recently named the nation's most diverse city , and if you don't already think of it as a foodie destination, 2022 is time to start. Indeed, Bravo's "Top Chef" announced its 19th season will take over the city, and a new food festival, Commune, will launch in town from Indie Chefs Community beginning in March.

Stay in the center of it all at the new Hyatt Place Houston/Downtown for easy striking distance to sightseeing.

Major food and music festivals are all set to return to New Orleans.

Following Hurricane Ida and even amid COVID, New Orleans is thriving, thanks to a major hotel boom , world-class dining, entertainment of all kinds (music oozes from everywhere), and plenty of festivals, which will be back in full force in 2022 after a major push to promote safe events in town . Come for Jazz Fest, Essence Fest, Tales of the Cocktail, and of course, Mardi Gras.

Stay at Virgin Hotels New Orleans , which recently reopened in the trendy Warehouse District.

Maui offers US travelers a dreamy tropical paradise without leaving the country.

Maui is a top-ranked search destination for 2022 travel , which makes a lot of sense given that it offers a bucket-list tropical trip that feels far-flung without leaving the country.

With spectacular beaches, dramatic mountains, and active volcanoes, it offers all the natural beauty you'd expect from an island paradise. But there are tons of things to do, too. Unlike some of the less built-up islands in the state, Maui offers a lively atmosphere along with the sophistication of a major urban destination.

Come in April for the Maui Marathon, or in June for the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival. Stay at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea , which you may recognize as the filming location for HBO's "The White Lotus."

New York is welcoming back tourists with indoor dining, reopened attractions, and the long-awaited return of Broadway.

After an achingly long hiatus for theater buffs, Broadway is back, and that alone is worth a pilgrimage to New York City for many. The highly anticipated Museum of Broadway is also set to debut in summer 2022.

Toss in the return of indoor dining and drinking, and there's much to celebrate in the Big Apple going into 2022. Spend a day reading at the New York Public Library, visit the Bronx Zoo, and indulge in any style of cuisine from street food to the ultimate in elevated dining. Or, catch some of the best city sights from the water on a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise .

Hailed as a sign of the city's recovery, the 1,878-room New York Hilton Midtown reopened in October .

Soak up culture of all kinds in Los Angeles.

The Super Bowl will draw many visitors to Los Angeles in February , but beyond sports, the city is in the midst of a major cultural boom thanks to the hotly anticipated — and visually dramatic — Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which is open at last .

For additional outings, Lacma, the La Brea Tar Pits, the Petersen Automotive Museum, and more museums offer additional world-class culture in 2022.

Also next year, Conrad Los Angeles is set to open downtown in the spring as part of Related Companies' mixed-use development, The Grand LA , designed by Frank Gehry.

Charleston stands out for its culinary scene, historic architecture, and big upcoming events.

With a celebrated culinary scene, luxurious accommodations, historic architecture, and big events on the 2022 calendar, Charleston remains a perennial favorite domestic destination.

The city's popular culinary festival, Charleston Wine + Food Festival returns in March. The anticipated International African American Museum , which explores the city's role in the history of slavery, is also set to open early in the year.

Book a stay in the heart of the Historic District, in close proximity to the city's top boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Try the 52-room HarbourView Inn , which recently unveiled a $1 million refresh with designs from local artists and a refurbished rooftop.

Miami will host Formula 1's first-ever Grand Prix in May.

Packed with restaurants, big-name cultural institutions, a hot art scene, and one of the best beaches in the country, Miami is always top-of-mind for an easy getaway. As a result, it's also been named the most popular relocation location in the U.S.

In 2022, come for Formula 1's first-ever Grand Prix in May , or any time for beaches and nightlife. If you need a place to stay, W South Beach recently unveiled its $30 million design renovation, new spa, and a $100 million art collection with dozens of Warhols in the lobby. 

San Juan, Puerto Rico, the oldest city in the US, will mark its 500-year anniversary in 2022.

Plan a visit in the new year to check out Old San Juan in Puerto Rico, the oldest city in the United States and its territories, when it marks its 500-year anniversary in 2022.

To celebrate, the blue cobblestone city will bring events, festivals, tours, and more through June. A quick drive away, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico on a private peninsula makes a nice base, with the island's largest lagoon-style pool, and its first floating waterpark over the ocean.

Plan a culturally educational and food-forward visit to our nation's capital.

With 2022 a non-election year, and interest in traveling to the nation's capital on the upswing after a major pandemic hit, it's the ideal time for a culturally educational and food-forward visit to Washington, D.C.

Logan Circle, which is well-placed for sightseeing, offers two new lively spots that have become neighborhood favorites: Hotel Zena and Viceroy Washington DC . Both hotels are conveniently centered around 14th Street NW, a trendy spot for taking in the city's attractions, eateries, and nightlife.

For an enchanting island getaway away from crowds, take the ferry to Daufuskie Island, South Carolina.

This magical getaway might not be on your radar but it should be. Accessible by ferry, Daufuskie Island is blanketed in lush Spanish moss and is steeped in Gullah history. Mostly dirt roads traverse the tiny island on the southernmost tip of South Carolina, making it an idyllic place that seems plucked from a much earlier era.

Here, you'll find nearly private white sand beaches, plus a top-ranked golf course.

On the island with no bridge, visitors stay at Haig Point , the island's only private, residential community in historic accommodations — the Strachan Mansion or 1873 Lighthouse.  

Escape to the desert in Palm Springs for midcentury design, music festivals, and LGBTQ events.

Palm Springs, California, and its environs are ideal for a 2022 trip if you're among the many travelers with remaining safety concerns thanks to its beautiful weather, wide-open spaces, and outdoor venues that includes more than 300 golf courses.

The famously LGBTQ-friendly destination also packs an impressive annual event calendar, from an international film festival in January to Modernism Week in February, and music festivals in the spring, including the long-awaited return of the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals.

Casa Cody , the oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs, has standalone cottages for travelers seeking privacy and space.

Sip on world-class wine from lauded vineyards in Napa and Sonoma.

Northern California's Napa and Sonoma are home to some of the most famous wine-producing regions in the world, and a trip here in 2022 is a good choice for travelers with a pandemic savings surplus, as it's typically quite pricey.

The region comprises a sprawling landscape of bucolic vineyards, world-class restaurants, plus culture and shopping aplenty. Bring your wallet to dine at Thomas Keller's Yountville restaurant, The French Laundry . And if you visit in 2022, you'll be one of the earliest visitors at the new Four Seasons Napa Valley , set upon a working winery.

Invest in self-care in 2022 in Arizona's Sonoran Desert.

If all the stress 2021 (and 2020) has you craving both healing and wide-open spaces, head to Arizona's Sonoran Desert for a much-needed recharge.

Fly into Phoenix, which is surrounded on all sides by mountains, and visit the Phoenix Mountains Preserve , which includes thousands of acres of stunning hiking and biking trails through desert scenery. Or, head east to hit the Superstition Wilderness and the trail in Lost Dutchman State Park .

Complete the wellness experience with a stay at Castle Hot Springs , which was Arizona's first luxury resort, originally founded in 1896. Its mineral hot springs date back 13,000 years, and the 30-room resort has a digital detox philosophy. Newly added this year on property is Arizona's first-ever Via Ferrata cable climbing course.

Savor starry skies in Utah's canyon country, a place beloved by reality stars like the Kardashians.

Utah is a dream destination for travelers seeking nature and isolation, and not just during the daytime. The state is home to the world's highest concentration of Dark Sky Parks, so designated for incredible starry nights. All 18 such designated zones in Utah offer stunning scenery by day, too.

If you want to see stars of another sort (and money is no object), stay at Amangiri, a favorite among the Kardashians and Real Housewives where lodgings cost thousands nightly. 

Yellowstone National Park turns 150 years old in 2022.

America's first national park, Yellowstone, turns 150 years old in 2022. Celebrate the milestone with a visit to the park's famous geothermal features and spot-protected fauna, including elk and wolves that roam freely, as well as 300 unique species of birds. Expect special art, exhibits, and events in honor of the milestone.

Book ahead and stay at Old Faithful Inn , a national historic landmark and the most-requested lodging facility in the park. Its building began in 1903 with local logs and stone.

Greenville, South Carolina is a delight for foodies, sports fans, and outdoorsy types.

Greenville has flown largely under many travelers' radar, but this special Southern city is worth discovering in 2022. Its growth as a foodie destination continues with Lewis BBQ (coming 2022) and CAMP from French Laundry alum Drew Erikson, plus more than two dozen breweries.

Be one of the first visitors to the stunning new 60-acre outdoor park, Unity Park , right along the town's 22-plus mile Swamp Rabbit Bike trail, set to open in the spring. That's right around the same time as NCAA March Madness comes to town , too. Visit in May to stay at the new Grand Bohemian when it opens . 

For surfing, scenic nature, and ample art all year, consider Virginia Beach.

Virginia Beach stretches for a full 35 miles across the East Coast along the Atlantic Ocean, offering wide, clean beaches that are easily accessible for regional travelers, and so much more.

The East Coast Surfing Championship will celebrate its 60th anniversary in Virginia Beach in August, a weeklong celebration on the beach. The seaside city also offers 293 parks and park facilities, 29 miles of scenic waterways, and 300 miles of bike ways and trails.

Art appreciators will want to visit the ViBe Creative District or check out the Maya Lin solo exhibit coming to Virginia MOCA in 2022. Stay at the iconic, and newly restored,  Cavalier Virginia Beach , which has welcomed travelers for almost a century.

Baltimore is booming thanks to brand new hotels, eco-friendly endeavors, and the oldest public market in America.

Baltimore belongs on your list for 2022 for its diverse community of entrepreneurs and innovators, and an explosion of growth that includes the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore , The Ivy Hotel , and Sagamore Pendry Baltimore .

Plus, look out for budding developments and cultural districts including Harbor Point , the city's newest luxury waterfront neighborhood, and a truly sustainable one, with walkability, environmentally conscious buildings, an urban vegetable farm, smart irrigation systems, 9.5 acres of green space, and more. The new year will also bring the highly anticipated reopening of the iconic Lexington Market, the oldest public market in America . 

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12 Best Places to Visit in USA in 2022

America’s vast and hugely diverse landscape is ripe for discovery in 2022. The United States covers almost 4 million square miles, each one special in its own way. You could spend your whole life exploring this country and still have more to see. The best places to visit in the U.S. range from bustling cities to the blissful quiet of the deep wilderness.

Top American Destinations

The magic of America is its endless variety of cultures, sights, history, and people. This is a great year to travel the country and explore the best places to visit in the USA in 2022.

1. Albuquerque

When it’s time to eat, enjoy some of the area’s famous roasted hatch green chiles. They impart a delicious, distinctive spin on traditional Mexican dishes.

See Albuquerque on: Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta & Southwestern Tour

2. Cascade Mountains

See the Cascade Mountains on: Sights of the Pacific Northwest

3. Charlotte

4. Grand Canyon National Park

See the Grand Canyon on: Crimson Canyons & Mesas National Parks Tour

5. Kenai Fjords National Park

See Kenai Fjords National Park on: Alaskan Discovery Tour

6. Mackinac Island

Island activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, tours of Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac, or Fort Holms, dining at Grand Hotel , and excellent shopping. Be sure to stop in at a few of the fudge shops, whose irresistible smell perfumes the entire downtown district.

See Mackinac Island on: Mackinac Island & Grand Hotel

7. Mount Rushmore

See Mount Rushmore on: Rocky Mountains & Black Hills National Parks Tour

8. Na Pali Coast

See the Na Pali Coast o:n Hawaiian Islands Cruise & Tour

9. New Orleans

New Orleans’ spicy, bold, exquisitely flavorful Creole and Cajun cuisine are a huge draw. You must try dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish etouffee—followed by a doughy, freshly fried, powder sugar-covered beignet.

See New Orleans on New Orleans & Western Caribbean Cruise

10. San Diego

There are military museums and memorials in and around the city. The USS Midway , the 20 th century’s longest-serving aircraft carrier, has been repurposed as a historical naval aircraft carrier museum.

See San Diego on: Pacific Coast Cruise

Taos has also long been a mecca for artists. The glorious work of local painters, craftspeople, sculptors, and ceramicists adorns the streets and fills the countless art galleries and museums around the city.

12. Washington, D.C.

See Washington, D.C. on Discover Washington D.C.

See the Best Places to Visit in the USA In 2022 with YMT Vacations!

If 2023 is your year to explore the United States, a guided tour with YMT Vacations is the best way to do it. No matter what you want to see or where you want to go, there is a YMT vacation for you! To experience this and much more,  make your reservations  by calling your travel agent or YMT Vacations at  888-860-1969 .

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The 22 Best Places to Go in 2022

By CNT Editors

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.

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

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

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

Alex Erdekian

CNT Editors

Jesse Ashlock

Charlie Hobbs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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, 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

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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U.S. News Reveals the 2021-22 Best Vacations Rankings

Scenic spots, beautiful beaches and national parks dominate new and updated lists.

USN Reveals 21-22 Vacations Rankings

Washington, D.C. – U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Hotels , Best Cruise Lines and Best Travel Rewards Programs , today released its annual rankings of the Best Vacation Destinations. The new rankings highlight the World's Best Places to Visit , as well as region-specific lists like the Best Places to Visit in the USA and niche lists like the Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA . In addition to these legacy rankings, new lists include the Best Weekend Getaways in the South , the Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest and the Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA .

"Over the past few years, we've seen an influx of travelers looking to escape to the slow pace of nature, researching destinations like well-known national parks, scenic beaches and small mountain towns. The trend continues this year, especially as tourists continue to adhere to CDC travel guidelines and seek vacation spots with space to spread out," said Christine Smith, senior travel editor at U.S. News. "The U.S. News Best Vacations lists highlight a wide variety of destinations both close to home and abroad, helping tourists find the best spot to match their interests and wallet."

New Zealand's South Island, with its breathtaking mountain views, wide range of extreme sports and stunning golden beaches, takes the top spot on the World's Best Places to Visit . Paris, known for top tourist attractions, legendary cuisine and unique charm, comes in at No. 2. Bora Bora at No. 3, Maui, Hawaii, at No. 4 and Tahiti at No. 5 round out the top five destinations. As more countries reopen to Americans and domestic locales are ready to welcome visitors, the rankings can guide consumers toward planning their next much-anticipated vacation.

Once again, the calming appeal of forests, canyons and mountain ranges lands national parks at the top of the Best Places to Visit in the USA list. Grand Canyon National Park tops the ranking, followed by Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Maui, Hawaii, and Glacier National Park. The unmatched views at each destination provide a quiet escape from the chaos of the home office. The new list of the Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA also offers the best of both worlds to travelers looking to hike or bike while still enjoying the comforts of small-town life. Gatlinburg, Tennessee, leads that list, followed by Bar Harbor, Maine, and Telluride, Colorado, rounding out the top three.

For those who wish to stay close to home or just want a quick escape, the lists of the Best Weekend Getaways in the South and the Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest offer spots known for their welcoming locals and ample activities, including Asheville, North Carolina, and Chicago. Adventurers with a bit more time on their hands can explore a spot on the Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA . Bar Harbor, Maine, leads this list, boasting lots of East Coast charm, superb whale watching opportunities and easy access to Acadia National Park.

U.S. News analyzed more than 1,100 destinations using a methodology that combines travelers' opinions, as provided by user votes, with expert and editor analysis. Each destination is scored in 10 categories, from sights, culture and food to nightlife, adventure and romance, offering a comprehensive evaluation of each destination.

U.S. News also announced updated rankings of the best destinations in Europe , Mexico , Canada , the Caribbean , Asia , Africa , Australia and The Pacific and Central and South America . And for those looking for an affordable getaway, U.S. News ranks cheap vacation options in the U.S. and Europe .

2021-22 U.S. News & World Report Best Vacations Rankings

See the full rankings here .

World's Best Places to Visit

• South Island, New Zealand
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Maui, Hawaii
• Tahiti, French Polynesia

Best Places to Visit in the USA

• Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
• Yosemite National Park, California
• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
• Glacier National Park, Montana

Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA

• Washington, D.C.
• Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
• Philadelphia
• Williamsburg, Virginia

Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA

• Bar Harbor, Maine
• Telluride, Colorado
• Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
• Sedona, Arizona

Best Places to Visi t in Mexico

• Playa del Carmen

Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean

• British Virgin Islands
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• St. Vincent and The Grenadines

Share your destination's ranking or post about your vacation on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram by tagging @USNewsTravel and using #BestVacations.

Media Contact: Sarah Javors, [email protected] , 202-955-2153

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower citizens, consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

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Susan Wright for The New York Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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Elisabeth Goodridge, Alice Fang, Stephen Hiltner, Matt Ruby and Amy Virshup. Additional production by Michael Beswetherick.

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Suzanne MacNeille and Lynda Richardson

Baden Copeland

Photo Editing

Phaedra Brown

Related Coverage

The World Has Changed, So Has ‘52 Places’

52 Places to Love in 2021

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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Where to Travel in 2022

'Tis the season to start dreaming of all the trips we want to take next year.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

And just like that, another extraordinary year nears its end. In between wrapping up the rest of 2021 with subdued holiday gatherings and quiet champagne toasts at home, the mind inevitably wanders. To what could be in 2022. To the trips we may finally get to check off that bucket list, whether it's to see the Scottish countryside from a sumptuous train fit for a royal, or to soak in the same ochre-hued New Mexico landscape that so captivated Georgia O'Keeffe for many years. Or to old haunts we just can't wait to visit again with a fresh perspective and peace of mind. Or to the fabulous new hotels ready to welcome us with superb hospitality and plush digs. These are still uncertain times, but we can dream—and tentatively plan—for the future. Below, 17 of the best destinations to put on the travel list for 2022.

Lanai, Hawaii

READ REVIEWS Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort

Napa Valley, California

Even for those who aren't diehard oenophiles, there is still plenty to do in Napa. In fact, vineyards make up only 9% of the region with the rest—including 53,000 acres that are under the care of the Napa Valley Land Trust—ripe for all manner of outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and hot springs. Brand new in Calistoga is the Four Seasons Napa Valley , which opened in November and is the first resort here to be set within a working winery. Also coming soon, in February, will be a new Auberge Resort called Stanly Ranch , where just 78 cottage suites, all equipped with outdoor terraces with fire pits, will be spread out over a 700-acre private ranch that dates back to the 19th century.

READ REVIEWS Four Seasons Napa Valley

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Undoubtedly one of the most unique cities in the U.S., Santa Fe has rich Native American history, strong Spanish influences, and a vibrant arts scene, from the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum to Canyon Road, a stretch of art galleries featuring a diverse selection (think: Fernando Botero sculptures, handwoven Navajo rugs). Then, there is Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu (an hour's drive from Santa Fe), a 21,000-acre retreat that so impressed O'Keeffe, she lived there for forty years and prominently featured its landscapes in her work. A trip to the city is worth it alone just to check out its hottest new hotel, Bishop's Lodge , a legendary 150-year-old landmark that Auberge Resorts restored into a luxurious property sitting on 317 acres bordering the Santa Fe National Forest. It beautifully pays homage to the city's Southwestern heritage with activities like sunrise horseback riding and guided pueblo tours.

READ REVIEWS Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection

Members of the new pot elite , rejoice. Malta just became the first country in the European Union to legalize marijuana. Not so into the cannabis? As a picturesque archipelago that has served as a filming location for a number of period epics, from Gladiator and Troy , to Munich and Murder on the Orient Express , Malta hardly wants for scenic sights (and FOMO-inducing Instagram backdrops). And having long ago suffered through a succession of invasions—by the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, Normans, the Kingdom of Aragon, the French, and the British—the Mediterranean country has a panoply of rich history, culture, and architecture. Stay at the Xara Palace , a former 17th-century palazzo that is now a Relais & Chateaux and the only hotel located in Mdina, the medieval walled city that used to be the island's capital (until 1530) and served as the center of Maltese nobility.

READ REVIEWS The Xara Palace

New York City

After being hit hard during the pandemic in 2020, NYC has been on the rebound ever since, slowly but surely getting back to the bustling and dynamic metropolis it was in the Before Times. By February a brand new Ritz-Carlton opens in Manhattan's NoMad district—and it conveniently fills a gaping hole in the neighborhood left by the abrupt closure of the NoMad Hotel earlier this year. The Ritz will bring on a celebrity chef of its own, José Andrés, who will open an outpost of his popular DC power spot, Zaytinya, plus a high-end restaurant called the Bazaar later in the year. The 250-room hotel will also have the most coveted of NYC hotel amenities: a rooftop bar.

Queen Elizabeth celebrates her platinum jubilee in 2022, and while that may be reason enough to go to London to witness all of the official celebrations that will swirl around Buckingham Palace in June, how about paying tribute to the UK's longest reigning monarch with a pilgrimage through her beloved Scotland? It's not hard to see why she retreats to the Highlands every summer to rest at Balmoral Castle, said to be her favorite palace. But first, start in capital city Edinburgh to marvel at its eclectic mix of medieval and Georgian architecture and then check into the Balmoral, a Rocco Forte hotel (not to be confused with the queen's pad), for a night or two of 5-star pampering and Michelin-starred dining. Then it's up to the Scottish Highlands and the town of Braemar, which neighbors the queen's Balmoral, to stay at the the Fife Arms , a former Victorian-era coaching inn that was completely transformed by art world power couple Iwan and Manuela Wirth into an absolute jewel box of a property bursting with more than 16,000 works of art. Not so confident about driving on the other side of the road? Enter: the Royal Scotsman, a Belmond Train that is quite possibly the most luxuriously appointed way to take in the stunning countryside.

READ REVIEWS The Balmoral

READ REVIEWS The Fife Arms

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is absolute heaven for foodies (musts: the modern twist on Southern cuisine at Husk and Fig , the unbelievably fresh oysters and seafood at 167 Raw and the Ordinary ), history buffs, and architecture nerds. It's probably also one of the most introspective cities in the South, making concerted efforts to confront its painful and complicated past (be sure to check out the South Carolina Historical Society Museum and the Gibbes Museum of Art for important lessons). Right in the heart of the city is the palatial Charleston Place, a Belmond Hotel , a bastion of luxurious Southern hospitality with more than 400 rooms, all outfitted in elegant touches like mahogany beds and marble showers.

READ REVIEWS Charleston Place, a Belmond Hotel

Big Sky, Montana

For a certain subset of the population, the luxury western ranch trip has become a near-obligatory rite of passage in recent years. Montage is just the latest to seize on this opportunity—on December 15, it officially opened the doors to a sprawling new resort in Big Sky, Montana, becoming the first luxury ski hotel to ever be built in this picturesque region. The location is unparalleled. Just 45 minutes north of Yellowstone National Park and surrounded by the Spanish Peaks mountain range. And the list of things to do? Endless: direct access to Big Sky resort's 5,800 acres of ski terrain and to a championship golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf, snowshoeing, horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, the list goes on.

Madrid, Spain

As far as European cities go, it's hard to beat the many charms of Madrid. The Spanish capital has it all: beautiful old world architecture, blue chip museums, amazing food, lovely parks and gardens, great shopping, a wonderful locals' vibe, and royal clout. Just as the iconic Ritz near El Retiro Park was recently converted to a Mandarin Oriental property, so too has Villa Magna, another aging grande dame in need of a refresh, courtesy of Rosewood—in October it officially reopened as the Rosewood Villa Magna . Located in the tony Salamanca neighborhood, the hotel has 154 accommodations, all designed to evoke the feel of a contemporary Spanish villa, and a signature restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Jesús Sánchez.

READ REVIEWS Rosewood Villa Magna

Las Vegas, Nevada

What happens in Vegas? Well, that depends what your interests are. With best in class offerings across the board when it comes to dining, shopping, and accommodations, you have to go out of your way to have a disappointing time in the infamous city. For starters, Adele announced her Vegas residency starting in 2022—all the more reason to plan a trip. And if you really want to lean into the Las Vegas experience, book yourself at the Cosmopolitan , smack dab in the lap of luxury and heart of the strip. The hotel has a wide range of cant-be-beat restaurants to choose from including Momofuku, Scarpetta, and Blue Ribbon, as well as expansive rooms and suites designed with a contemporary infusion so there's a calm refuge from whatever hijinks may unfold.

Another great option? The European-inspired Bellagio Hotel and Casino, which offers fine dining options such as Le Cirque and the Mayfair Supper Club, and of course is situated near some of the best luxury shopping the world has to offer.

READ REVIEWS Bellagio Hotel & Casino

READ REVIEWS The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

There are numerous compelling reasons to visit Ireland, whether you're a history buff, love literature (it is the home of William Butler Yeats, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and Sally Rooney after all), or are simply outdoorsy and a golf fanatic. But regardless of your interests, the island is temperate nearly all of the year—and offers unforgettable experiences from scenic drives up the coast, to picturesque national parks, and even unique opportunities to watch the Winter Solstice. However, one cannot miss trip is Adare Manor, just outside of Limerick.

The Neo-Gothic manor was once home to the Earls of Dunraven, but these days, the historic castle is a 5-star luxury resort, surrounded by charming medieval ruins, winding gardens and woodland paths that you could lose yourself on—in the best way possible. Not only are the guest rooms lavishly decorated and fitted with Georgian-era furnishings, but the resort offers a wide range of activities from falconry and golf to clay shooting and fishing.

READ REVIEWS Adare Manor

For years, travelers have flocked to the tiny island of Bermuda, and it's no wonder why. The pristine beaches are known the world over for their soft pink sand, and what's more, travel to the escape is a breeze—just a 90-minute flight from New York City. And two new hotels on the island offer the height of luxury. First there is the St. Regis Bermuda , which opened its doors to vacationers in summer 2021 and is located on a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can expect a hybrid of avant-garde design with local flare as well as sophisticated touches that are the hallmark of the St. Regis brand. Also on the world class property? A golf-course, a state of the art spa, and a designated children's club for families who visit.

Also new to the island is the luxury boutique hotel the Loren at Pink Beach, which is located on Tucker's Point. With just 45 rooms complete with panoramic views and a Sisley Spa, it's the perfect beachside hideaway when you want to really disappear into the sun and sand.

READ REVIEWS St. Regis Bermuda

READ REVIEWS Loren at Pink Beach

Geneva, Switzerland

On the western edge of Switzerland, surrounded by the Alps, is the serene cobblestone city of Geneva, whose views on Mont Blanc alone are worthy of a visit. While the cosmopolitan area is both home to the European headquarters of the United Nations and the Red Cross, the international financial hub makes for a great slow-paced getaway, or dare we say it, a fantastic breather while on a business trip.

First on your list should you visit is the Oetker Collection's latest jewel, the Woodward . Originally built in 1901, the property has been reimagined by Pierre Yves Rochon and boasts two restaurants, the Michelin-starred L'Atelier Robuchon and Le Jardin, a spa appointed by Guerlain, and breathtaking views. There's a reason why they're calling it the lakeside home of haute living.

Palm Beach, Florida

One could argue that Palm Beach is to Eastern Florida, as Cannes is the Riviera. It's been the vacation home and haunt of Swans—with a capital S— for the better part of a hundred years. And with the recent infusion of New York hotspots such as Le Bilboquet and La Goulue i n the last few years, it almost feels as though NYC has been transported to the sandy palm beaches.

Known for it's low-key ambiance and relaxed luxury, The Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is the perfect place to hit pause. Not only is the property a hop, skip, and a jump from the go-to performing arts venues, but the neighboring area is replete with fantastic shopping and dining should you need a pause from the hotel's five-star spa and seven-acre private beach. It's the kind of place that once you visit, you can't help but make a plan to dash back for more.

READ REVIEWS Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

Nambiti, South Africa

While travel to Southern Africa is currently off limits due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a safari in South Africa remains bucket list worthy—just don't book the trip without double-checking travel advisories.

What's worth the wait? The Homestead— the Nambiti Game Reserve's soon-to-be opened luxury safari in one of the most widely biodiverse regions in all of Africa. The Homestead's bespoke safari experiences are also created to hold conservation and sustainability at the highest importance, as made evident by the twelve suite "super luxury" eco lodge accommodations which are entirely solar-powered. Menus are designed by world-renowned chefs, and the food is made with local ingredients—all with the hope of both a positive impact on the planet and those who visit.

Lake Como, Italy

It should come as no surprise that year after year, the gliteratti heads out to the glamorous region in Northern Italy (which also recently made appearances in The Morning Show, Succession, and House of Gucci ). Between exploring the remnants of medieval villages, the opulent villas, and of course, the gorgeous lake, it's no wonder that the locale never goes out of style.

Summer is when the region really shines, and 2022 is the perfect opportunity to make an occasion of it at Villa Passalacqua . Originally built in the 18th century by Count Andrea Lucini Passalacqua (both Napoleon Bonaparte and Winston Churchill were known to visit), the stately mansion is the sister property to Grand Hotel Tremezzo , and offers only the best of luxury. Think: 24 suites designed by Paolo, Antonella, and Valentina De Santis, but with a preservation of the original structure in mind. Villa Passalacqua also offers swimming in the lake, an open-air gym in the olive grove, vintage boat trips from a private dock, farm to fork dining and gorgeous manicured gardens.

The Catskills

No, this isn't Dirty Dancing but the Borscht Belt has experienced a serious travel boom in the last two years. From new hotels and inns, to a bountiful supply of AirBnbs, the mountainous region in Southeastern New York is once again an it-destination for the Tri-State area during the summer, for leaf peeping in the fall, and even in the cold months.

Whether you're taking a quick spin around Kaaterskill Falls, heading into Hudson for some antiquing and a bite at Lil' Debs Oasis or just simply taking in everything the region has to offer with a scenic drive, you'll find your days are packed with a wide variety of fun offerings. Fan favorite stays include the Eastwind Hotel and of course Scribner's Catskill Lodge , but if you're looking to lean into the region's retro resort roots, check out Calicoon Hills .

READ REVIEWS Scribner's Catskill Lodge

READ REVIEWS Eastwind Hotel & Bar

READ REVIEWS Calicoon Hills

Leena Kim is an editor at Town & Country , where she covers travel, jewelry, education, weddings, and culture.

As the deputy digital lifestyle director at Town & Country, Roxanne Adamiyatt covers fashion, beauty, wellness, design and travel. 

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As a new year begins, we're excited to shine a light on our Best in Travel 2022 list.

The top 10 cities, countries and regions around the world were carefully selected by our editors to inspire a new year of travel.

Now we're unveiling a whole new series of stories, video interviews, and tips for turning our Best in Travel list into your travel reality, whether that happens in 2022 or further down the line.

These destinations span the globe and allow you, the traveler, to immerse yourself in local culture.

Our how-to guides will show you how to make the most of your trip with tips on how you can have a positive impact on your destination.

Find out how you can sustainably trek to Everest Base Camp, enjoy a stargazer's guide to Chile's Atacama desert, and follow an insider's guide to Nigeria's city that never sleeps: Lagos.

As the pandemic continues to impact an ever-shifting patchwork of places around the world, we're working hard to balance travel and safety, and a sense of caution alongside our sense of wanderlust.

As such, our 2022 list is as much a bucket list for the future as it is a to-visit list for right now.

See the full list here.

These Are Going to Be the Most Popular Travel Destinations in 2024

A lready thinking about where you want to travel in 2024 ? If you’re hoping to hit the hottest travel destinations of the year, Expedia Group is here to help. The one-stop travel site—alongside Hotels.com and VRBO—just released Unpack '24 , a travel trends analysis for the coming year. In addition to detailing the projected top 10 most popular international destinations of 2024, the site also revealed 10 “dupes” for travelers looking to perhaps spend a bit less, as well as those hoping to be surrounded by fewer fellow tourists. Additionally, they revealed 10 affordable cities where the world’s biggest musical acts are set to perform, as well as where to travel if you live a sober lifestyle.

“At Expedia Group, we have extensive first-party travel data that we use to enhance and curate experiences for our travelers across Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo,” Jon Gieselman, president of Expedia Brands, says in the report. “These insights shape our travel forecasts, revealed in Unpack '24, enabling our travelers to be the first to discover and book the most desired trips before they become well-beaten paths.”

Ready to ignite your travel bug? Ahead, discover the most popular travel destinations of 2024.

The Top 10 Travel Destinations of 2024

Expedia Group predicts that travelers are most likely to jet set to destinations popularized in fan-favorite TV shows and movies. According to the report, “More than half of travelers say they’ve researched or booked a trip to a destination after seeing it on a TV show or in a movie. In fact, travelers say TV shows influence their travel decisions more than Instagram, TikTok, and podcasts.” With that in mind, they reveal that the top 10 travel destinations of 2024 are as follows:

• Thailand - Featured in White Lotus , Season 3—which has sadly been pushed to premiere in 2025
• Romania - Featured in Wednesday , Season 2—which has not yet set a release date
• Malta - As seen in Gladiator 2 , which is set to premiere on November 22, 2024
• Paris - As seen in Emily in Paris
• Scottish Highlands - Featured in Outlander
• London, Bath, and Windsor, U.K. - As seen in Bridgerton and The Crown
• South Korea - Featured in Squid Game —the Season 2 release date has yet to be announced
• Florida Keys - As seen in the series Bad Monkey
• Australia - Featured in Baz Luhrmann’s Faraway Downs series, as well as the film Furiosa , which is set to premiere on May 24, 2024
• Greece - as seen in the films Argylle (set to release in 2024) and My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3

The Top 10 Travel Destination Dupes

Dupes have long been lauded in the beauty and fashion categories, and now the concept is making its way to travel. “1 in 3 of those polled say they’ve booked a dupe,” the report reveals. “But what do these less obvious alternatives offer besides potential savings? They’re often less crowded, tend to be a little unexpected, and can be every bit as delightful as the tried-and-true destinations.”

Intrigued by the idea of booking a stellar vacation for a fraction of the price? Check out Expedia Group’s Top 10 Travel Destination Dupes, below, which are listed as the original destination of inspiration and the dupe that mirrors it.

• Seoul —> Taipei
• Bangkok —> Pattaya
• Santorini —> Paros
• Saint Martin —> Curaçao
• Sydney —> Perth
• London —> Liverpool
• Lisbon —> Palermo
• Geneva —> Québec City
• Zermatt —> Sapporo
• Nashville —> Memphis

The Top 10 Tour-Inspired Travel Destinations

Music lovers, this one’s for you! As you well know, traveling to see your favorite artists live is expensive, to say the least. With this in mind, Expedia set out to find the most affordable destinations where the world’s most famous pop and rock stars are set to take the stage in 2024.

Through their research, in which they analyzed the average daily rates of tour locations, they found the top 10 most affordable cities (less than $150/night on average) where travelers can witness the likes of Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Coldplay, Metallica, Madonna, and more. They are as follows:

• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - $91
• Edmonton, Canada - $108
• Mexico City, Mexico - $119
• Warsaw, Poland - $119
• Birmingham, U.K. - $127
• Houston, Texas - $130
• Antwerp, Belgium - $140
• Tokyo, Japan - $147
• Perth, Australia - $148
• Detroit, Michigan - $149

For more research-backed travel trends, be sure to check out Expedia’s full Unpack ‘24 Trend Report .

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12 Once-in-a-lifetime Trips to Book for 2022

The inspiration you need to start planning an epic return to international travel.

Looking ahead to 2022, one thing seems clear: It is the year of the bucket-list vacation. After a year and a half of canceled plans, topped with a hefty dose of emotional recovery , we are unleashing our wildest, most over-the-top travel dreams on the year 2022.

Even in the throes of a pandemic, the hospitality industry never stopped creating, and as a result, there is so much opportunity to see something new in your dream destination. Whether you're called to the crystal clear waters lining Sardinia or the revelatory Kyoto culinary scene , we invite you to plan your 2022 travel with these 12 bucket-list trips.

Napa Valley, California

Napa is simultaneously a once-in-a-lifetime trip and a destination you'll want to return to every year. After struggling through the pandemic and a heartbreaking string of wildfires, Napa has rebuilt — and its resilience is on full display at the hotels, restaurants, and wineries in the area. Start your over-the-top Napa vacation at Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection in Calistoga, California. Calistoga is known for an eclectic mix of off-the-beaten-path wineries and Michelin-starred restaurants. Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection just went through an elaborate renovation , and the dog-friendly property now has new multi-room suites; a brand-new restaurant, Picobar, from its impressive culinary team; and a stunning, reimagined pool area. On your 2022 trip to Calistoga, you'll also find the highly anticipated Four Seasons Napa Valley — the brand's first foray in Northern California wine country — where you can un(wine)d and dine in the lap of luxury.

Paterson, South Africa

For a South African safari unlike any other, stray from the classic Kruger National Park trip to instead seek out a private game reserve, which makes the wildlife experience more intimate and deeply impactful. Shamwari Private Game Reserve , in Paterson, South Africa, offers two daily game drives, bringing guests in search of the Big Five (black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, and Cape buffalo). These animals are actually native to the land Shamwari Private Game Reserve sits on. As a casualty of colonization, the animals left the area, but were ethically reintroduced when the private reserve was established in 1990. Shamwari Private Game Reserve is home to eight luxury lodges — and only the guests of each lodge are allowed to safari here. The newest lodge, Sindile, is five-star glamping at its finest — the rooms offer plunge pools and views of the plains where you can see giraffes grazing from your sprawling balcony.

Loire Valley, France

An hour-long train ride whisks you out of Paris to the northern edge of Pays de la Loire, where you'll find a château that was once under the ownership of an actual baron and baroness. Hotel Château du Grand Lucé opened to the public in 2019, but the property dates back to 1760 and is littered with statues given to the estate of Louis XV. Nothing says bucket list quite like staying in an actual French château that formerly housed royalty. While the Loire Valley is known for its wineries, this trip is all about the château life, biking through and picnicking in the flower-filled Jardin Exotique , and exploring the ever-quaint surrounding town of Grand Lucé.

Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica

While others may be tempted by beachside resorts in Costa Rica, avoid the crowded tourist hot spots and escape to Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica. With more than 150 acres of pristine natural landscape, you'll have plenty to explore, including a coffee farm, remote tribal village, and lush rainforest. Hacienda AltaGracia , a new resort from the Auberge Resorts Collection, is your gateway to paradise and opens late 2021. Take it all in the caballista way, riding on horseback and enjoying your desayuno by the river each morning. Feeling even more adventurous? Leave the grounds altogether and hop onto one of the resort's ultralight flights to get a birds-eye view of all the rainforested area has to offer.

Sardinia, Italy

Perhaps the most coveted beach destination in Italy (and certainly the most star-studded), Sardinia is home to mesmerizing white sand beaches with glistening turquoise waters and an abundance of luxury resorts perfect for a triumphant return to travel. Baglioni Resort Sardinia just opened in June 2021 and is set on a beautiful marine reserve, while Hotel Pitrizza offers next-level villas that ensure serenity and privacy. Finally, make sure to look into Hotel Cala di Volpe for a classic luxury see-and-be-seen experience on Costa Smeralda — the property is newly renovated and home to chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa's renowned restaurant, Matsuhisa .

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is emerging as an iconic Asian city destination, and one of the most necessary stops on a trip to Japan. Their luxury hotel scene continues to surge, as does the city's culinary prowess, as more and more visitors realize how simple it is to tack a trip to Kyoto onto their Tokyo itinerary. To bring your trip to true bucket-list levels, the new FUFU Kyoto offers a wildly luxurious take on the classic Japanese ryokan . FUFU is home to exceptional hot springs baths ( onsen ) and, in true Kyoto fashion, a restaurant that sources local ingredients and prepares traditional Japanese dishes with contemporary flair. Continue your exploration of Kyoto by diving into Kaiseki (high-end Japanese dining) culture at restaurants like Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama .

Taghazout Bay, Morocco

Exploring Morocco on a multi-stop trip — visiting Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, and more colorful, souk-filled destinations — is an aspiration for plenty of global travelers. But travelers shouldn't miss south Morocco, where, 200 miles south of Marrakech near Agadir, you'll find Taghazout Bay, a fishing village turned luxury enclave right on the Moroccan coast. For the new hot spot to book, Fairmont Taghazout Bay just opened in July 2021 with a number of superfluous beach villas and ocean-facing suites. At the new hotel, you'll experience an exemplary display of Middle Eastern and African hospitality, beautifully landscaped pools and grounds, and an exquisite stretch of the north African Atlantic coast.

Turks and Caicos

For those whose travel aspirations involve white-sand beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, Turks and Caicos is the pinnacle of Caribbean dream destinations. From the idyllic shores of Grace Bay to the private islands, like Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos offers some of the most lavish experiences in the Caribbean Sea. One of the must-book trips of 2022 will undoubtedly be The Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos — the hotel just debuted in June 2021 with ocean view suites, Club Level perks, two pools, and a spa, among other island offerings.

Sedona, Arizona

Immerse yourself in the healing culture of Sedona in 2022 and let the serenity of undiscovered hiking trails and the natural beauty of the red rocks feed your soul. At Enchantment Resort , the newly opened Trail House connects you with guides who will curate the exact outdoor experience you need — whether that's learning to mountain bike in order to conquer your fear of heights, or take a guided hike through the legendary Sedona energy vortexes. And for a brand-new luxury experience that honors the magnificent Sedona landscape, look into Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel , opening in Dec. 2021, where each free-standing atrium suite offers panoramic views of the red rocks and a private rooftop with a fire pit.

The Maldives is certainly a bucket-list escape, and a perfect early 2022 trip when you want out of the East Coast cold. Maldivian vacation culture revolves around the one island, one hotel concept — and is there anything more luxurious than feeling like you're on your own private island? For your holiday in the sun, venture to the new Patina Maldives , by Capella Hotel, Group known for their luxury properties in Asia. Designed by Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, the 90-villa resort is spread between multiple private islands with a chic beach club and numerous fine dining options — all a 45-minute boat ride from the main airport.

London, United Kingdom

Londontown is officially open — that means the pubs are in full swing, the museums are back with new exhibits, and the sought-after restaurant reservations are once again nearly impossible to book. If you're looking for an upscale return to London, Biltmore Mayfair, LXR Hotels & Resorts , is new on the Mayfair luxury hotel scene. They reopened after a complete overhaul just before the pandemic, and now boast over-the-top suites perfect for your once-in-a-lifetime return to travel. Your time here will consist of walks around the charming neighborhood — Mayfair is widely known as the Beverly Hills of London — and sumptuous high tea at the hotel. Looking for more phenomenal U.K. culture? Take in a broadway show — "Hamilton" runs in London until Feb. 2022 — or travel to London in July for Wimbledon.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

The Jackson Hole vibe isn't just see and be seen — it's ski and be skiin'. The luxury lifestyle in Jackson Hole keeps getting better, and this coming winter, it has all the makings of a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. First, fly to Jackson Hole with newly launched seasonal flights from Aero , one of the newer semi-private jet companies offering travelers an opportunity to get in on that seemingly unattainable PJ life. Then, treat yourself to the pinnacle of American luxury skiing: a weekend at Amangani , where the snowcapped Wyoming scenery of Glacier National Park meets the idyllic infinity pool that fuels your Instagram dreams.

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Where Americans Are Traveling in 2024: By the Numbers

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Americans are traveling abroad in droves.

The number of U.S. citizens flying to international destinations reached nearly 6.5 million passengers in March, according to the International Trade Administration. That’s the highest March total in over five years and shows that the post-pandemic “revenge travel” trend is the new normal.

It wasn’t just March, which usually sees a spike in international departures for spring break. In every month of 2024 so far, more Americans left the country than last year and 2019. These trends point to a blockbuster summer for overseas travel.

Nearly half of Americans (45%) plan to travel by air and/or stay in a hotel this summer and expect to spend $3,594 on average, on these expenses, according to a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, conducted online by The Harris Poll and commissioned by NerdWallet.

That's despite rising travel prices that have caused some hesitancy among would-be travelers. About 22% of those choosing not to travel this summer cite inflation making travel too expensive as a reason for staying home, according to the poll.

So where are traveling Americans going? And what does it mean for those looking to avoid crowds of tourists and higher travel prices?

New travel patterns

Nearly every region in the world saw an increase in U.S. visitors in March 2024 compared with March 2023, according to International Trade Administration data. Only the Middle East saw a decline of 9%. Yet not every region saw the same year-over-year bump. U.S. visitors to Asia saw a 33% jump, while Oceania and Central America each saw a 30% increase.

Comparing 2024 with 2023 only tells part of the story, however. The new patterns really emerge when comparing international travel trends to 2019. For example, Central America received 50% more U.S. visitors in March 2024 compared with March 2019. Nearly 1.5 million Americans visited Mexico, up 39% compared with before the pandemic. That’s almost as many visitors as the entire continent of Europe, which has seen a more modest 10% increase since 2019.

Only Canada and Oceania saw fewer visitors in March 2024 than in 2019, suggesting that interest in these locations has not rebounded. Indeed, the trends indicate a kind of tourism inertia from COVID-19 pandemic-era lockdowns: Those destinations that were more open to U.S. visitors during the pandemic, such as Mexico, have remained popular, while those that were closed, such as Australia, have fallen off travelers’ radars.

Price pressures

How these trends play out throughout the rest of the year will depend on a host of factors. Yet, none will likely prove more important than affordability. After months of steadiness, the cost of travel, including airfare, hotels and rental cars, has begun to sneak up again.

About 45% of U.S. travelers say cost is their main consideration when planning their summer vacation, according to a survey of 2,000 Americans by the travel booking platform Skyscanner.

That’s likely to weigh further on U.S. travelers’ appetite for visiting expensive destinations such as Europe, while encouraging travel to budget-friendly countries. It could also depress overall international travel as well, yet so far, Americans seem to be traveling more.

For those looking to avoid crowds while maintaining a budget, Skyscanner travel trends expert Laura Lindsay offered a recommendation many of us might need help finding on a map.

“Albania has been on the radar of travelers looking for something different,” Lindsay said. "Most people have yet to discover it, but flights and tourism infrastructure are in place, and there are fewer crowds in comparison to trending European destinations like Italy, Greece, or Portugal.”

On the flip side, American travelers looking to avoid crowds of compatriots would do well to avoid Japan, which has seen a staggering 50% increase in U.S. tourists between March 2019 and 2024.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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U.s. news best vacations: scenic landscapes, national parks top rankings.

Sought-after vacation spots include natural wonders, beautiful beaches and iconic cities.

U.S. News Reveals 2022-23 Best Vacations

Getty Images

Ready to travel? Consult the U.S. News Best Vacations rankings to find the right destination for your next getaway.

When it comes to a vacation, the choice of where to go and what to see is a personal one. Some travelers prefer getting lost in the museums, culture and food scenes of renowned cities while others enjoy lying on the beach with a good book in one hand and a drink in the other. Families may want to pack up the kids and head for an outdoor adventure at one of America's sprawling national parks while couples or solo travelers might be interested in a relaxing small town getaway. If you're thinking it's time to plan a vacation and you're not quite sure where to travel, the U.S. News Best Vacations rankings are here to help guide you to your ideal getaway.

In this year's rankings, which use a methodology that incorporates both traveler sentiment and editors' scores across numerous categories, it's clear: People value destinations with beautiful scenery and ample outdoor activities.

New Zealand's South Island (No. 1 on the World's Best Places to Visit ranking) boasts impressive fjords and glaciers, hiking galore and verdant vineyards, plus adventure excursions like bungee jumping, kayaking and skydiving. Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona (the No. 1 Best Place to Visit in the USA) entices visitors with striking rock formations, challenging trails and thrilling outings like helicopter tours and whitewater rafting trips.

In the Turks and Caicos Islands (the No. 1 Best Place to Visit in the Caribbean), vacationers will find white sand beaches, turquoise water, well-kept golf courses and a variety of boutique hotels and beachfront resorts . Tulum (No. 1 on the Best Places to Visit in Mexico list) also offers beautiful beaches in addition to cerulean blue cenotes for swimming and snorkeling, and Mayan ruins to explore.

Whether you want to explore America's top vacation spots or you're ready to finally take that international trip, consult the U.S. News Best Vacations rankings to find the best destination (or destinations) for you. Read more about the top places to visit below. (Keep in mind, some destinations may require pre-travel testing and/or proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19. Consult the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. State Department for details on travel before booking a trip.)

World's Best Places to Visit

1. South Island, New Zealand 2. Paris 3. Maui, Hawaii 4. Bora Bora, French Polynesia 5. Tahiti, French Polynesia

See full list »

Best Places to Visit in the USA

1. Grand Canyon National Park 2. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho 3. Yosemite National Park, California 4. Maui 5. Glacier National Park, Montana

Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA

1. Bar Harbor, Maine 2. Telluride, Colorado 3. Jackson Hole, Wyoming 4. Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California 5. Sedona, Arizona

Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S.

1. Grand Canyon National Park 2. Glacier National Park 3. Grand Teton National Park 4. Moab, Utah 5. Bar Harbor

Best Places to Visit in Mexico

1. Tulum 2. Playa del Carmen 3. Zihuatanejo 4. Cozumel 5. Ixtapa

Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean

1. Turks & Caicos 2. St. Lucia 3. British Virgin Islands 4. U.S. Virgin Islands 5. St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Best Places to Visit in Canada

1. Banff, Alberta 2. Jasper National Park, Alberta 3. Vancouver, British Columbia 4. Montreal 5. Quebec City

Best Places to Visit in Europe

1. Paris 2. London 3. Rome 4. Florence, Italy 5. Barcelona, Spain

Best Cheap European Vacations

1. Porto, Portugal 2. Prague 3. Valencia, Spain 4. Tallinn, Estonia 5. Zagreb, Croatia

Best Places to Visit in Asia

1. Tokyo 2. Maldives 3. Phuket, Thailand 4. Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal 5. Hong Kong

Best Places to Visit in Africa

1. Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe 2. Tanzania 3. Zanzibar 4. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania 5. Mauritius

Best Places to Visit in Central and South America

1. Argentine Patagonia 2. Machu Picchu, Peru 3. Galápagos Islands 4. Chilean Patagonia 5. Cusco, Peru

Best Places to Visit in Australia & the Pacific

1. South Island, New Zealand 2. Tasmania 3. Tahiti 4. Sydney 5. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Best National Parks in the World

Getty Images | iStockphoto

1. Yosemite National Park 2. Yellowstone National Park 3. Glacier National Park 4. Grand Canyon National Park 5. Banff National Park

Best U.S. National Parks

USA, Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park, Midway Geyser Basin, Grand Prismatic Spring

1. Yosemite National Park 2. Yellowstone National Park 3. Glacier National Park 4. Grand Canyon National Park 5. Zion National Park, Utah

You may also be interested in:

• The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2022
• The World's Best Tourist Attractions
• The Best Tourist Attraction in Every U.S. State
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• The Best Travel Insurance Companies
• The Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies
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Tags: Travel , Vacations , Vacation Ideas , US Vacations , Beach Vacations , National Parks

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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10 Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations for 2024

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We’ve reached that time of year when everyone you know seems to have just returned from an incredible vacation or is currently on one — and is posting up a storm about it on Instagram. With the costs of travel at a record high — the average cost for a summer vacation has now reached $10,000, according to travel insurance marketplace Squaremouth.com — you might be thinking that taking a vacation is simply not in the cards for you.

With the summer travel season approaching, it’s not too late to head out on a memorable trip this year — and if you choose your destination right, you don’t have to spend all your money to go. 

Here are 10 affordable destinations based on insured trip costs, as identified by Squaremouth.

• Average trip cost: $3,344

“With its rich coffee culture and cuisine, vibrant cities, and scenic landscapes, Colombia offers plenty of once-in-a-lifetime experiences at a fraction of the cost,” said Mercedes Zach, travel expert at Asaptickets .

You can find cheap flights from America to Carteana or Bogota and explore the country, as safety has improved vastly over the last few decades. 

Puerto Rico

• Average trip cost: $3,907

“A tropical Caribbean vacation can be a lot cheaper than you would expect if you aim for less expensive islands such as Puerto Rico,” Zach said. 

You can arrive in Puerto Rico in less than three hours from Miami and enjoy the island’s beautiful scenery. You can visit the capital city of San Juan or check out one of the beach towns like Flamenco Beach.

• Average trip cost: $3,987

Bermuda may be closer than you think. This island in the Atlantic Ocean is ideal for beach lovers and sports enthusiasts. Bermuda is also known for world-class sailing if this is something that you want to try out on your next vacation. 

• Average trip cost: $4,667

“Mexico is also an amazing tropical destination for an affordable vacation with an amazing climate and rich culture,” Zach said. 

Known for gorgeous beach towns and affordable travel options, Americans have relied on Mexico as a budget travel destination for years. 

Are you not sure what to do in Mexico? Here are some suggestions from Zach:

“The first Mexican town that comes to my mind when looking for a budget-friendly beach getaway is the surf town of Puerto Escondido in the state of Oaxaca. It’s famous for its untouched beaches, bohemian vibe and plenty of things to see and do around. Puerto Escondido offers you everything from snorkeling, swimming among the marine life, seeing dolphins in their natural habitat, trying out sport fishing, releasing newborn turtles and taking surf lessons to exploring the nearby beaches, such as Huatulco and the Bay of Carrizalillo.”

Dominican Republic

• Average trip cost: $4,726

The Dominican Republic is known for its beautiful resorts across the island. While this may seem like a more expensive travel option, you can save a bit since the resorts offer plenty of amenities. Staying at a resort is more stress-free and you have access to the beach, pool area, hot tubs, saunas and a gym at no extra cost.

Where should you stay when visiting the Dominican Republic? Here are suggestions from Zach:

“Whether you’re looking for a romantic couple’s trip or just some quality time away with the family, Caribbean resorts such as Iberostar Dominicana in Punta Cana, BlueBay Villas Doradas in Puerto Plata or Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo in Las Terrenas deliver great service, fun sports activities and breathtaking views for as little as $200 per night for two people. “

• Average trip cost: $4,747

The island, known for its sunny climate and luxurious resorts, could be the perfect family getaway if you find a deal for a resort that fits your budget. You could enjoy the lively culture, the natural beauty, and the water sports offered. 

• Average trip cost: $5,121

If you’re looking for a tropical destination, look no further than Aruba, where you can still find affordable options for the family. With some of the best white sand beaches and excellent diving options, this could be a memorable family vacation on a budget. 

• Average trip cost: $5,181

“Vietnam is a diverse country with breathtaking landscapes, amazing food scene and welcoming locals,” Zach said. “Stretching from its border with China in the north to the Gulf of Thailand in the southwest, Vietnam has over 2,000 miles of majestic coastline with magnificent golden beaches, fishing villages, tropical islands, national parks, spectacular inland waterways, majestic mountains, lush rice terraces, 1,000-year-old temples, dynamic cities and historic villages, all worth exploring and falling in love with.”

While the flight could add to your cost, you’ll likely save money on accommodations and food when you land in Vietnam. 

“Budget accommodation ranges from $15 to $50 per night, with meals costing around $2 to $5 per dish at local eateries,” said Christy Woodrow, a travel writer behind the blog Ordinary Traveler . “Transportation within the country is affordable, with domestic flights starting from $30 and local buses and trains being even cheaper.”

The Bahamas

• Average trip cost: $5,325

You won’t have to travel far to get to The Bahamas as you’re not too far from the Florida coast, and you can swim with the pigs in The Exumas before you know it. You can find a budget resort or look up deals on hotels to have an affordable stay.

Philippines

• Average trip cost: $5,330

Traveling in the Philippines is ideal for budget-conscious travelers as you can find cheap accommodations and options once you arrive. 

“You can comfortably manage expenses at $30 to $50 per day, covering accommodation, meals, and transportation,” Woodrow said. “For a more mid-range experience, budget around $70 to $100 per day.”

To maximize your savings, focus on a single region of the Philippines because traveling to multiple islands can be pricey.

Gabrielle Olya contributed to the reporting for this article.

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