best travel destinations 2021

52 Places to Love in 2021

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We asked readers to tell us about the spots that have delighted, inspired and comforted them in a dark year. Here, 52 of the more than 2,000 suggestions we received, to remind us that the world still awaits.

South wales, wales.

Over the last 20 years I’ve traveled to South Wales about seven or eight times with my wife, and later our children, to visit family in a town near Swansea called Mumbles. (The name is a corruption of the French word for “breasts.”) It sits at the edge of the Gower Peninsula — a beautiful wild place that offers expansive beaches, medieval castles, hilltop trails, horses that graze near Stone Age ruins and picture-book villages with friendly pubs serving Sunday roasts and local ales in dark-wood booths.

Punctuated by weddings, births, graduations, anniversaries and deaths, our trips represented different stages in our lives. But each trip also seemed less like a visit to relatives in the old country than an escape to a secret, beautiful place that only we knew.

About the author

Owen Martikan is a lawyer who lives in San Anselmo, Calif., with his wife, Catherine, and their two teenage children.

Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands

Saipan is only five miles wide and 12 miles long, but runners showed me parts of the island I never would have found myself. We saw a beautiful B-29 engine from a plane crash in the mountains. Also a staircase cut into a cliff, from the last Japanese command post .

Runners took me boating, diving, hiking, camping, spelunking and golfing. Swimming in a lagoon that dropped toward the Mariana Trench, we marked how far we’d swum with the top halves of three submerged Sherman tanks — a door open, guns sticking out. I was never the hare, but I’m coming back to set a trail.

Meghan West of Denver, a geophysicist working with the Army Corps of Engineers, traveled to Saipan looking for unexploded ordnance from World War II.

Kaliya Dhrow, India

I pinned it down to several villages. Riding along a dirt road, we passed a hill split by nature. On both sides you have water, craggy peaks. This one huge mountain has six peaks, which I named Mahabharata, after the ancient poem in which five brothers share one wife. It was around noon, the sun was beating down and we had been riding for two hours when the road ended. We parked our bikes.

From the rim of a crater, I looked inside this marvelous, endless landscape of red: streaks of crimson, saffron — orange, also. I started climbing down, through the different shades of the setting sun, and I came to a waterfall with fish flying upstream.

Varun Suchday, of Bhuj, India, rode a motorcycle to tour the remote landscape near the village of Bhadli with his father and uncles in 2020.

Photo credits

Two bottom photographs taken by Kaushik Gor.

Isfahan, Iran

There’s a difference between the people and the government. I wish Americans could see the vibrant curiosity of the people who live here. I used to visit Isfahan every year. I spent long mornings lifting weights in the women-only gyms, and afternoons with my grandfather, watching him lovingly watering the plants in his garden and shooing away stray cats. But divisive politics, and now Covid-19, have made it harder. My grandfather died two years ago. I wasn’t there. I feel my Farsi growing rusty on my tongue.

Neeknaz Abari was raised in Washington, D.C., and works at a consulting firm in Dallas.

The Llanos, Colombia

Tropical rhythms are replaced by the twangy harp of joropo, and the smell of the sea gives way to that of tallgrass, cattle and smoky barbecue.

As Colombia has attracted more international visitors in recent years, the Llanos have remained relatively untraversed. The Llanos host an alluring combination of pristine biodiversity and traditional ranching culture seemingly lost in time. Anacondas, howler monkeys, capybaras and crocodiles live alongside ranchers, farmers and thousands of cattle. The grasslands once featured some of the wildest battles of the Independence era , and have witnessed the 20th-century horrors of guerrilla violence and drug trafficking. Today, though, like the rest of Colombia, the Llanos are emerging, if unsteadily, as a place of tranquillity.

Samuel Dulik, a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, is a management consultant in Bogotá.

Siwa Oasis, Egypt

Inhabited since Paleolithic times, Siwa is where the past, present and future seem to exist at once. There you’ll find a mountain filled with Ptolemaic tombs and the Temple of the Oracle , both thousands of years old.

When I say it haunts my dreams, I mean it. I frequently find myself in my dreams walking through date orchards at night past the lakes, into the desert, nearly feeling the cool sand in my tired feet as I wonder at the stars. I always awake with a sense of calm and clarity.

Catherine Litten of Hyattsville, Md., works as a director of scholarships for an education nonprofit.

• Montana’s ‘Golden Triangle’

The plowed land closest to our farm held an old buffalo wallow, and there used to be tepee rings in the front pasture. This part of Montana, Lewis and Clark country, is flat and implacable with swells, coulees and hills. Ancient volcanic ranges — the Bears Paw Mountains, the Highwoods, the Little Rockies — sprawl in the middle of enormous wheat fields and acres of rangeland. Every morning when I was a kid, I saw the land first and the world second. It’s astonishingly severe and beautiful.

Light lasts a very long time there, in the summer evenings. There is sort of a constant background of big winds. And so we had a shelter belt, which was rows of trees that are around one corner of the main farm stand. And I would go down there as a kid and make my little world out of the clods of earth that were, and are, part of my soul.

You’re small in that part of the country.

Doreen Stevens is retired from nonprofit work and lives with her husband in Arlington, Mass.

The Camino de Santiago, Spain

Our first walk was in 2007 after two of his brothers died. I was not expecting to enjoy it; the idea was that we were offering up our sufferings for our ancestors. Instead, I found myself appreciating both the forced meditation and the fellow travelers we met on the way. We’ve gone back multiple times and brought different members of our family with us. I’ve rethought jobs, relationships and life direction over hundreds of kilometers. When you walk into a town, you really smell, hear and see the gradual changes from rural to urban and back again. My father died recently. My grandfather and I are hoping to go back to the Camino next year, and walk the last 100 kilometers on the French route on his behalf. For my grandfather, completing the Camino would release my father’s soul from purgatory. For me, it would be a chance to reflect, in gratitude, with and for the family I have left.

Sam Michaux is from Minnesota and moved to Los Angeles to write novels.

Malpaís, Costa Rica

It was so beautiful. At night, everything closed, and it was really dark. I remember being on the beach, looking up, and really seeing the stars. I saw a satellite for the first time. I felt small and big at the same time, like I was connected to everything. When you travel, you’re able to become a different version of yourself. In Malpaís, we slept on hammocks on the beach for a dollar. I felt so free. I’m from New Jersey, where there were always lights and people around. This time in Costa Rica felt like an introduction to me stepping into myself and finding my independence.

Kara Hoholik is the chief executive of Social for Good Co., a content marketing agency. She lives on a farm in Western Michigan.

Dakar, Senegal

I landed in Dakar to the bluest sky I’ve seen, hundreds of sprawling baobab trees, sandy dust and angelic light.

Dakar is a city whose stability has centered me during my shakiest times. It is a place where tradition runs through every corner: the Wolof language, the sharing of meals — especially thieboudienne, or red rice with fish.

I turned 25 in Dakar, a city with such a clear sense of self, ideals and history, a city that refuses to be like anywhere else, a city that taught me the importance of being my own person, a city that made me question what I want to bring to the world, and what I stand for. I felt empowered by Dakar. It stood up for me. I’ve never felt unsafe there — and, as a Black woman anywhere, that’s an amazing thing.

Faridah Folawiyo is an art historian and independent curator from Lagos, Nigeria. She spent two months in Dakar for an artist residency in 2018.

London’s St. James the Less Church, England

It’s been so important to find those things that feel warm and cozy; to have a place to go in our minds that’s inviting, even if our reality is not. St. James the Less is in that space in my mind, along with endless cups of tea, candles and good books.

Sarah Best is a small-business owner and a poet. She lives in Madison, Wis., with her husband.

Photograph of the church taken by Rii Schroer/eyevine/Redux.

The Marrakesh Medina, Morocco

Inside the medina, there’s always this background noise — drumming and dancing and the sound of thousands of people passing through. There were, I think, seven mosques within sight of my terrace, and five times a day the call to prayer would start from each of them a few seconds apart, like a battle of the voices. I learned about the cold of the desert — my house was open, so when it would go down to 40 degrees, I’d basically be camping in my bedroom with sleeping bags. I have a ticket to Morocco in February — I’m not sure I’ll be able to use it yet, but I’m holding onto that ticket with all of my heart.

Jennifer Borch lives in Jericho, Vt., where she is the education program coordinator at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants.

Nanda Devi Mountain, India

In front of us is a wide panorama of 23,000-foot peaks, with Nanda Devi dominating the landscape. It was a doomed romance. A few months after we were married, Shoma was diagnosed with cancer. We’d have three years together. I had this fear after my wife passed away: Will I remember Shoma going forward? How she spoke, how she felt, what she said, how she looked? The next time I saw the mountain, I was alone. The first memory that came to my head was of that earlier evening: a golden glow on her face. She looked at peace.

Prayash Giria and his wife, Shoma, visited Nanda Devi, India’s second-tallest mountain, in 2016. Mr. Giria, of New Delhi, returned in 2019.

Laugavegur Trail, Iceland

We climbed a glacier using crampons, spikes attached to shoes for traction, and hiked through six miles of volcanic ash. On the last day, we climbed over this bridge by a huge waterfall. The mountains were covered in moss and there was a perfect, bluebird sky. I felt privileged that I got to see something so special and beautiful. I’m a plus-sized Chinese woman, and I’ve been told I can’t do things like this. But guess what: I did it, and I did it really well! I’ve climbed an ice wall. I’ve done double-digit river crossings with my pack over my head. This trail taught me how strong and powerful I can be.

Stacey Mei Yan Fong is a part-time baker in Brooklyn.

Photographs by Meredith Passaro, a friend of the contributor.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

It’s a place untouched for centuries. Your schedule is dictated by sunset and sunrise. In the vastness, you feel close to the center of the universe.

I came back to Wadi Rum as an adult after many hiking trips there as a schoolchild. I had been living in New York and had grown used to so much noise. I realized I had been to these sands so many times before, but had never appreciated their majesty. It needs to be the right moment — both in the sunset, and in your life. But if you arrive on time, Wadi Rum will change you forever.

Hashem Sabbagh, a lawyer turned filmmaker, was born and raised in Amman, Jordan.

My mom is from Aruba, and two of my aunts are still there. One aunt bought my grandparents’ house, so we drink wine on the same back porch where I used to play.

I did 23andMe, the DNA test, and my roots run really deep there. My great-grandmother is descended from the Arawak tribe. Now, so much of the island is built for tourists, but there’s even more to explore on the other side.

Elise Thompson is a marketing manager who has lived in New York City for 16 years.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

My boyfriend came to Taiwan with me, and we weren’t really sure how to navigate queerness in Asia. My only frame of reference was mainland China, which is not exactly welcoming. This was before gay marriage was legalized in Taiwan — but I think that, generally, Taiwanese culture is super accommodating and welcoming. Now, we’ll come across something, usually food, that makes us miss Kaohsiung almost daily.

Andrew Liu was born in China and raised in the Hudson Valley. He works in immigration law and is currently based in Berlin.

The Scottish Highlands, Scotland

During that trip, we were driving on the NC500 and came upon this vista of snow-capped mountains perfectly reflected in the loch. There are those moments when you’re traveling — I call them 100-percent moments — and this was one of them. As soon as we’re able to safely travel again, the Highlands will be one of the first places I’ll go. I’ll catch the Caledonian Sleeper to Inverness, visit Cairngorms National Park and stay at The Fife Arms . I’ll go to the Isle of Jura ’s whisky distilleries, and go on long, blustery walks in the rain. This has been a distressing time, but I hope that we can all learn to really love and appreciate where we’re from.

Morgan Charles lives in Somerset, England, and works in the corporate security department of United Airlines.

• Lake Michigan

During my first fall break, my husband and I drove out to see it. The wild dunes, roaring waves and endless horizon stunned me. The next summer, I swam lap after lap in it. Visits to Lake Michigan have gradually taken on increasing seasonal regularity: marveling at ice waves in winter, enjoying April wildflowers, swimming late into autumn. We spent the summer quarantining with family in the Poconos in Pennsylvania so we could have help caring for our son, Jem. Our first week back, I took him up to the lake. He was around three months old at the time. I walked down to the water with him in my arms. I wanted him to experience this thing that has been so profound in my own life.

Jillian Snyder is a humanities and English lecturer in Valparaiso, Ind.

Niansogoni, Burkina Faso

I had heard rumors of an abandoned cliff village, like Mesa Verde in the United States, not far from my host community. When a friend came to visit, we set off on a three-day bike tour to visit and view the Niansogoni Cliffs and the Sindou Peaks. While Niansogoni was only around 20 miles away, the road was rough, and, in the middle of the hot season, we arrived dusty and dehydrated. After a change of clothes and a surprisingly cold Brakina beer, our guide led us on a hike up the cliffs. We viewed this abandoned troglodyte village of the Wara people, who in the 14th century fled into the hills to escape the neighboring Senufo tribes. Up top, in the quiet among the baobab trees, at the ends of the earth.

Teresa Gotlin-Sheehan is a high school social studies teacher in Denver. She joined the Peace Corps and lived in Burkina Faso from 2012 to 2014.

Asunción, Paraguay

Stepping off the plane in Asunción, the Paraguayan capital, is like opening an oven: The heat fogs up your glasses and the air smells of diesel smoke and grilled meats.

The colorful buses racing through the city, where I lived for two years, inevitably have to slow down for the mango and lapacho trees in the roads — the custom is to pave around them, rather than cut them down.

Paraguay is sometimes seen as a transitional place between the rain forests of Brazil and the Bolivian salt flats. Backpackers tend to skip it for its flashier neighbors. But for me, travel is not about taking pictures of famous things: It’s about the people. And Paraguay is the sort of place where multiple people will offer — if not beg — to drop you off or pick you up from the airport. That embrace can be felt even among visitors.

Abigail Williamson is an English language teacher on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts.

South London Parks, England

Early on in the first lockdown, my boyfriend and I went to Battersea Park , which is also where we went on one of our first dates (and where we had one of our first fights). The sun was shining, the flowers were blooming and it almost felt like it was going to be OK. When restrictions started easing, the first thing we did was call some friends and meet in Myatt’s Field Park . We sat six feet apart, and it felt momentous.

Sage Erskine has lived in London for five years and is originally from Maine. She is a project manager at a creative agency.

Beirut, Lebanon

When I was six months old, my father, who was born in the village of Sahel Alma, took me to his homeland to be baptized. A generation later, I returned with my own six-month-old daughter in my arms. In the same little church in the coastal town of Jounieh , she received the same sacrament; I wrote her name in the same baptismal book. In the Lebanon I know, my aunts prepare mezze plates that stretch the length of the dining room table while we snack on green almonds. The air is scented with orange blossoms and gardenias from my Teta’s garden. The sun dips into the Mediterranean, and I am offered the ultimate luxury: the embrace of family.

Carolinne Griffin, a writer and editor, lives in Vermont with her husband, two children and dogs.

Photographs by Dylan Griffin, the contributor's husband.

Siberia, Russia

Our trip unfolded in spontaneous vignettes: A group of off-duty soldiers beckoned us into their compartment, sharing horseradish-infused vodka and communicating via mime and Google Translate. Assigned to the bunk next to me for an overnight leg, a chattering 6-year-old excitedly taught me the Russian words for colors. On the banks of the Kama River , we stumbled upon an outdoor disco party, and at a synagogue in Novosibirsk , a rabbi shared a conversation in bits of broken Hebrew. Siberia is not cold and barren. I found warmth, shared meals and endless points of connection.

Betsy Feuerstein, a lawyer in Washington, D.C., has lived on four continents.

Andros, Greece

I went back in 1996, and Yanni had cancer. And while I remember 1992 like it was yesterday — what I wore, where we went — I can’t really remember that second trip. Yanni was in and out of the hospital, getting chemo. He died a year later.

In 2017, I went back with my children and was relieved to see it mostly unchanged, though there were things I hadn’t noticed before, like a modern art museum and a cinema showing vintage films. It’s this warm, welcoming place, and the air smells like flowers. Now, my kids can’t wait to go back.

Maria Dal Pan is a writer and a founder of Erwin Park Communications. She lives in Montclair, N.J.

Growing up in a Bessarabian Jewish family, I had heard of the Old Country. What we discussed was never anything good. I never heard one thing about the sheer magnificence of the landscape or the bounties it serves up.

Driving just outside the city of Piatra Neamt , a wrought-iron fence with a Magen David (Star of David) caught my eye. I jammed on the brakes. We walked uphill to a cemetery — no sign. The caretaker, 80 if he was a day, showed us around. Maybe 10, 15 people in town are still Jewish. It was heartwarming to see someone caring for the place. I knew I was going to ask my wife to marry me. Driving from Bukovina — known for its beech trees and painted monasteries — to Maramures, we followed a zigzag mountain path: a place of transition. We reached a lookout. I said, “This is the place.”

Ivan Stoler lives in New York with his wife and works at a manufacturing company. (His family is from Moldova, which once belonged to Greater Romania.)

East Haddam, Conn.

I never liked being from a small town. Even when I was a kid, I wanted to get away as quickly as I could. As soon as I got a driver’s license, I was zooming to other places.

Although I’ve known East Haddam all my life, I finally fell in love with it last summer, when I visited with my boyfriend. We jumped into the waterfall at Devil’s Hopyard State Park ; I found myself marveling at the quaint farm stands and picturesque New England churches. It may be small, but it’s home.

Caley Millen-Pigliucci is a graduate student in journalism in New York.

Yarra Ranges National Park, Australia

There are few places that I love as deeply as the Yarra Ranges, particularly the old-growth mountain ash. It’s popular in the summer, but it comes into its own in the winter, when it’s covered in snow.

The first time I went, I couldn’t believe a place like this existed so close to where I live. I’ve gone back almost every winter since.

Eden Alley-Porter is a mariner, archaeologist and adventurer who lives in Melbourne.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

But it was during my two long hikes the next day that I fell in love. The afternoon sun warm, the air clean. I heard only my feet walking through sand, along with an occasional bird, horsefly, or scurrying chipmunk. This year has been wildly lonely and isolating. But at the canyon’s base , the path aggressively inclines, and I stopped. My brain got quiet. For the first time in months, my thoughts weren’t racing. Hiking, I realized, turned forced isolation into chosen solitude. Bryce is the perfect place to be with yourself.

Nora Lewis, an assistant public defender, left Miami where she was quarantined alone for a trip through Utah.

Huanchaco, Peru

Huanchaco was a place that was never on the map for me as I made my way traveling down South America.

I decided to stay for two weeks, three weeks, then that became four months.

As you walk down the main road, you have miles of beach on one side and a small, yet still bustling town on the other. You always hear people: vendors selling jewelry, or people selling different types of food. There’s a meaty, smoky smell in the air. I still smell the picarones (fried doughnuts) and papas rellenas (fried stuffed potatoes). And every single day has an amazing sunset.

Locals and tourists alike have a look at the waves to decide if a sunset surf is in the cards. (It’s good surf every day.) They believe Huanchaco was where surfing was born.

They have these reed canoes they use for fishing called “caballitos de totora.” It’s a symbol of Huanchaco. They say it was the original surfboard.

Will Lopez Flores is an educational-technology professional and photographer in San Francisco.

Jimmy’s Beach, New South Wales, Australia

There is a section of Jimmy’s Beach north of Barnes Rocks where the bay loops gently around to a point where the river and sand flow into Port Stephens.

This is my favorite place for walking my dog: We stop to examine the sea grass and shells (some like long fingernails), while a flock of small terns delight me with their fluttering nose-dives into the water. When I started visiting, submerged trees, now gone, stuck up from the sand — a strange sculpture forest that grew from the evolving landscape of the beach. I also found middens , the piles of shells from ancient Aboriginal feasts. This summer, walking with Diesel, I saw a dingo trotting behind us. With a frisson of anxiety, we hastened our pace until he padded into the bush, and we plunged into the icy water.

Suzie Shaw is a retired high school teacher in Sydney, Australia, where she spent a pandemic lockdown last year.

The University of Cambridge, England

It was very grand and Gothic, but beyond that, I was struck by the sheer, ritualized extravagance that goes into the substance of life in Cambridge; we had formals every Friday with a three-course dinner and wine pairings, and wine tastings tucked behind massive clocks reminiscent of “The Invention of Hugo Cabret .” I was also lucky to find a community of close friends from around the world. Both made my year at the university’s Trinity College feel like an almost surreal, pristine experience. I’ve found that during times of stress or grief, Cambridge will come to mind as a kind of counterpoint. I feel transported back to that safe, cocooned existence. I have a profound sense of gratitude for my year there; what a privileged time to have had.

Peggy Xu is from Johns Creek, Ga., and is studying law.

Lahore, Pakistan

Pakistan has a bad reputation, and is often overlooked by travelers who come to South Asia. But Lahoris are some of the kindest, most hospitable people. They love to take care of you and feed you. Lahore’s hot summers can feel oppressive, but in winter, in the cool dusk, lights twinkle in the fog. Androon Lahore , the city’s historic core, is studded with monuments from the Mughal era. I love to watch the Punjab locals feasting on terraces of restaurants overlooking the grand Badshahi Mosque — they are just regular people living their regular lives, and they are so alive in the present, while always connected to their past.

Haneen Iqbal is a 29-year-old freelance writer in Toronto, Canada.

Svalbard, Norway

The Arctic Circle is a world above our world: wrinkles of rock and ice, rare wildlife and vast white swaths stretching out forever into an ice-dotted sea.

When I went to Svalbard , I felt as if I’d been told an intimate secret by the Earth in a language that only I and the others on the ship could understand: hearing the loud crack of a glacier calving, ice dust flying, ice chunks splashing into the ocean, ripples getting larger and larger, turning into waves breaking along the shores of the fjord. When we were there, it became a part of us and we became a part of it. And as it shrinks , that part of me also shrinks.

Krysten Koehn, an art teacher who lives in Hamburg, Germany, spent an artist residency in Svalbard in 2014.

Alberta, Canada

When we first landed in the city of Calgary as a family of six, we weren’t used to the cold, dry climate. Growing up in Iraq, I had only seen snow on TV. But after moving to Canada, I learned what it looked and felt like; I watched the landscape change with the seasons. I could hardly believe that these beautiful mountains and lakes existed in my backyard. I didn’t have any formal schooling back home, but my parents always instilled in me and my siblings the value of education. Alberta is where I earned my bachelor’s degree, which ultimately allowed me to pursue a master’s degree. Alberta is where I learned how hard my parents worked to provide for us, and where I learned how free I could be as a woman.

Marokh Yousifshahi is a policy analyst in Calgary, Canada.

Santa Rosa, Calif.

One of my favorite places in Santa Rosa is Trione-Annadel State Park , which , along with other parts of the region, has suffered from wildfires in the last couple of years. People in this agricultural community see the seasons of destruction and renewal up close. They see how the fires hurt the economy and the land. I think of myself as a resilient person; I’ve gone through failures, traumas and upheaval. And I think that’s the ethos for Santa Rosa, too: resilience.

Ria D’Aversa lives in Santa Rosa, Calif., and is the co-founder of a small natural wine company.

Artwork is the pulse of Haiti: Caribbean Craft ’s extraordinary papier-mâché, Pascale Théard ’s beaded veve work, the beat of RAM’ s Haitian drums, the adored songs of BélO , the PAPJAZZ festival every January. I go to Hôtel Montana Haiti from time to time for a drink at the end of the day. It has a beautiful sprawling terrace that overlooks Port-au-Prince . There’s something about the view: the palm trees as the light goes down, the airport’s small landing strip, and, behind that, the mountains.

The mountains are Haiti for me. When the sun starts to set, a slight breeze picks up and the leaves of the palm trees blow, and I just exhale. Everything goes quiet there. I close my eyes — a moment to be grateful: I’m here.

Nadia Todres, a New York photographer, runs Center for the Arts, a nonprofit organization in Port-au-Prince that brings art and education to adolescent girls.

Ladakh, India

There’s intimacy at the top of the world. That at-homeness is peculiar for a nonbinary American to feel, but something about me is recognizable to people here. Once, we sat on the cold floor in a shaft of sunlight inside the Mangyu temple complex and felt the continuity of practice held every day for 1,000 years.

Ladakh is my understanding of what heaven would be — grounded in this earth. Every year, I visit Tso Moriri Lake , climbing to 15,000 feet in the dark morning to watch the sunrise. I hear army trucks beginning to move and old prayer flags flapping.

Before Ladakh, I thought being a traveler meant going to new places every year. This region has taught me what can deepen and mature when you return and return, and let a place remake you.

Jody Greene is a Zen Buddhist and literature professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Hokkaido, Japan

Japan is awash with these geothermal bath houses that many people use in their daily routine. They act as part bath and part social club, where the elderly crowds gather to gossip about local life. Our wooden guesthouse was built into a rocky outcrop, underneath a looming volcano in Hokkaido ’s Daisetsuzan National Park. The lodge was cozy: a warm wooden smell, handmade carvings, rugs everywhere, low tables, skiing paraphernalia, books and handmade furniture. In Japan you go in completely naked . (Brits feel horrendously awkward at the thought.) We weren’t ready to get naked in front of each other’s wives — here it’s mixed-sex — we messaged the group to warn of our onsen visit. I will forever think of sliding into the bubbling hot water with cold cans of Sapporo beer, engulfed in steam.

Michael Sheridan, an engineering consultant from London, traveled with university friends to Hokkaido in October 2019.

The Hudson River’s Tappan Zee, New York

As a kid, the bridge over the Hudson River was always a point of travel. It is a connection point in New York. On a Sunday night in September, I found myself sitting at Pierson Park in Tarrytown, watching the sunset over the Tappan Zee. I thought, “This is a nice moment in time when I get to be here and be peaceful and not worry about what’s next.” I was able to look at things with a new adult eye. The bridge, now called the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, is brand-new. It’s not the same bridge that was crumbling and falling over from when I was growing up.

I was preparing to move to California after finishing Zoom graduate school, and I became overwhelmed with a feeling that no matter where my life takes me, this three-mile river crossing will always bear a sense of home.

Alexis Sabol, a nurse, was born and raised in White Plains, N.Y.

• Northern Arkansas

The Buffalo River is less than two hours from Bentonville, and I can’t believe I didn’t know about it until recently. I’m sad that I missed out on the opportunity to share it with my father, who died two years ago. He loved the outdoors, and I feel like I’m in the right place — and at the right time — when I’m there. It’s a place that has allowed me to strengthen my connection to him.

Shaye Anderson is the director of content strategy at a creative agency. She lives in Bentonville, Ark.

Tagaytay, Philippines

We started in the morning, taking a bamboo boat across a tumultuous lake. Our guide, who lived on the island, was hiking in flip-flops. When we reached the top, I felt like I was on Mars — there was this beautiful red rock, and, suddenly, a crater with a lake in it. You could smell the sulfur. I remember feeling so thankful. Taal erupted in January 2020. My memories of this place are peaceful and full of color. Afterward, everything was covered in gray ash, including my family’s home. I want people to know what it looks like underneath the ash. Someday, I’d love to do that hike again.

Selena Ponio is a legal analyst who lives in New York City.

Milford Sound, New Zealand

One afternoon, I boarded a 12-seater plane and sailed over three snow-capped mountain ranges. When our group descended toward the tiny airport, we couldn’t see the landing strip — all we saw was the water. As we cruised around the fjord on the boat, the crew lined up a rack of water glasses and drove under an enormous waterfall. The glasses filled; the water tasted cold and refreshing. Milford Sound is so far from civilization — from cities, from the built environment — that nothing about it is polluted. It was so soothing to be on the water and watch the world go by.

Laura Lynn Walsh is a retired teacher who lives in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Top photograph by Kathryn Eidson, the contributor's sister.

Córdoba, Spain

I was born in Córdoba but was eating hummus in Jerusalem, another city where Jews, Muslims and Christians are bound together, when I finally understood its uniqueness. Tasting a chickpea purée, I recognized the techniques of salmorejo, the garlicky Cordoban purée of tomato and bread.

Travelers to Spain often forget to pause here. Tourists go to Barcelona, or Seville to see flamenco. People don’t know the history of Córdoba. For me, the city is a dream come true.

Fernando Moreno Reyes is a marketing manager who lives in Madrid.

Photographs by Irene Sanchez, a friend of the contributor.

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Traversing the tundra, you feel like you’re going to fall into quicksand. And the palette of the landscape in summer — all blues and greens mixed with wildflowers — is also blinding, because it’s the same colors that you see everywhere. Each summer around the solstice , when there is 24 hours of daylight, my family spends time in Anaktuvuk Pass , the Native Alaskan village located entirely in the park. We look forward to the slow pace of life. My son will play with the kids there. It’s really important for me that my son understands what it means to grow up in an Indigenous culture. I want him to understand this place where we are just visitors.

Bree Kessler is a public-space researcher, designer and activist who lives in Alaska with her husband, a law enforcement park ranger, and 4-year-old son.

Con Dao, Vietnam

My father never went back to Vietnam. He died in 2006, and now, when I travel there, I bring his journalist card with me to return his spirit, in some way. Having a refugee background means I have an urgent need to love this place because Dad could not.

I spent three days on Con Dao. I visited a cemetery, where relatives of people who died or suffered in the prison can bring offerings. There’s a marine conservatory, where baby turtles are being raised. On the last day, I was on the beach. As I swam out in the warm, turquoise water, I burst into tears. It’s important that we have these places where we can remember the people we’ve lost. Someday, I’d like to take my children there so they can learn more about their grandfather.

Thang Dac Luong is a lawyer and a writer in Sydney.

• Northern Kyrgyzstan

Within a few hours in the mountains, the weather turned bad and it started sleeting. I’m 48 years old, and it was the first time in my life I’d seen something like snow. We would drive three, four hours and not come across another person. We spent four nights in a yurt camp, and the hospitality was mind-boggling. And this was just the northern part of the country! I’d like to go back to explore the rest of it, hopefully soon.

Yogesh Mokashi is the founder of The Egg Factory, a chain of restaurants in Bangalore, India.

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

It was a whirlwind: a 14-hour layover in Paris, three days in Cape Town . We did not have a chance to plan anything, and everything we did was right at the moment, adding to the adventure. We took the last cable car to the top of Table Mountain at sunset — the whole mountain glowing with soft light. White Arum lilies were everywhere. It felt like the perfect way to introduce ourselves to South Africa . Enveloped in clouds, we could see just a hint of the city, its lights twinkling in the distance. I love the mountain for how it made me feel: the rush of emotion, the gratitude to share that experience with my siblings. A picture of them looking over the horizon brings me back to how much joy I felt.

Daniela Radpay, a high school Spanish teacher and university lecturer from Austin, Texas, traveled to Cape Town with two of her siblings.

Turku, Finland

Nature is so accessible here; there are these tall trees everywhere. It seems like the earth and the sky can almost touch. The river is really my thing. When I’m biking, I’ll go out of my way to ride on the river path. I moved back to Turku this August to be with my now-husband. We haven’t really been going out into the city because of the pandemic, and I almost feel like I’m not really back because I haven’t seen the river yet.

Avanti Chajed is from Illinois and lives in Turku. She is a doctoral student doing work on immigrant family experiences.

The Rawah Wilderness, Colorado

We marveled together along the creek bed and absorbed the lushness of early summer. And it was all hidden, off the main trail. If we hadn’t stopped, we wouldn’t have noticed it. Unfortunately, the largest forest fire in Colorado’s recorded history, Cameron Peak Fire , which was finally contained in early December, has consumed the Rawah Wilderness . Downed trees from beetle kill fueled the fire, and the smoke clouds exist as harbingers for the West’s desolate future.

The area is still closed and no one’s been up there besides the forest service. But I think we’ll be able to return. The Rawah Wilderness captures the fragility of nature. It’s taught me to say goodbye to the Colorado of my childhood and prepare for an uncertain future.

Michala Whitmore, an amateur historian living in Boulder, Colo., loves to hike.

The Methow Valley, Washington

I closed on my home a few months later, thinking I was a trailblazer with a remote job who was leaving the city behind. That was September 2019. Now I’ve come to know the Methow Valley in all four seasons, and she’s become my refuge in the pandemic. Others have followed, and now this secret spot is something of a Zoom Town. But there is space for all of us: It’s conducive to social distancing here.

The Valley is three towns woven together: Mazama, Winthrop and Twisp, where I head in summer to buy 25 pounds of Roma tomatoes and Dapple Dandy pluots. In fall I hike to the Goat Peak lookout and admire the golden larches.

Methow Valley is small — it’s not like Sun Valley or Park City. But I know it intimately now, and the rhythm of her landscape is a salve. It’s a precious place.

Rose Thompson, 32, lives in Mazama, Wash., with her partner and two dogs.

I was only a few years old in 1965 when my father’s partners at his Brooklyn gas station decided to sell. His next job would change my life.

I took my first around-the-world flight alone at 18. All of a sudden this new world just opened up to me. Am I inquisitive by nature or by temperament? Or was it the traveling that really completed that mix? Where everyone else is sitting in a plane, watching a movie, I’m at my window, looking at geologic glacial features that are just so unbelievably beautiful to me. I remember flying over the States and it was just a beautiful day. There was a light layer of snow over a lot of the country as I flew. And I just remember looking down at these open spaces, in these little towns, just thinking to myself about how we’re such little ants on this planet. There are many times when I have even spoken to the person sitting in back of me, saying, “Oh, look at that!”

Carrie Dovzak is a retired geologist living in Berkeley, Calif. She dreams of traveling post-Covid.

• South Wales
• Kaliya Dhrow
• The Camino de Santiago
• London’s St. James the Less Church
• The Marrakesh Medina
• Nanda Devi Mountain
• Laugavegur Trail
• The Scottish Highlands
• South London Parks
• East Haddam
• Yarra Ranges National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Jimmy’s Beach
• The University of Cambridge
• The Hudson River’s Tappan Zee
• Milford Sound
• Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
• Table Mountain, Cape Town
• The Rawah Wilderness
• The Methow Valley

Open Up Your World

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

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

The Alaska Highway:  On an epic road trip, a family plots a course from Alaska to the Lower 48, passing through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery .

Minorca:  Spend 36 hours on this slow-paced Spanish island , which offers a quieter and wilder retreat than its more touristy neighbors.

Japan:  A new high-speed train stop unlocks Kaga, a destination for hot springs, nourishing food and traditional crafts , as an easy-to-reach getaway from Tokyo.

London:  The Victoria and Albert Museum is a treasure trove of art and design. Here’s one besotted visitor’s plan for taking it all in .

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The 20 Best Places to Travel in 2021

Here's where we're headed—in the United States and abroad—once travel gets the green light.

So what does 2021 hold? Hope. Rather than qualifying the following destinations as must-sees-now, we’ve put together a list of destinations we hope to visit—or revisit—this coming year, or maybe the next, as we reemerge from our chrysalis, soon ready to fly. You’ll notice that much of our list is based in the United States, given that much of air travel will be determined by each country’s individual rules and reopenings. After landing on our top places to visit domestically, we turn our attention abroad. From our research, bucket lists, and ears to the ground, the following destinations are poised to rise from the ashes from the dumpster fire that has been this year. From classic spots worth a pair of fresh eyes to countries championing social and environmental justice, here’s our list of where we hope to go in 2021—and where we hope you’ll plan to visit too.

1. Staying Home

We know, it’s a bit of a buzzkill to start a dream-stoking list with a plea to stay home, but hear us out: We’re desperate to travel as much as you are, and with the end of the pandemic within reach, we have to hunker down only for a few more months (okay, maybe around six or seven) and do our part so that we keep our high-risk neighbors, our friends and families, and ourselves safe. In the meantime, there are gift cards to buy to help buoy our favorite restaurants through prolonged closures and hotel bonds to purchase to ensure that our favorite getaways will be ready to welcome us once global travel clicks back on. Order a crate of wine from your favorite vineyard (see Napa, below) and relax; we’re almost there.

Domestic Destinations

We’ve split our list into domestic and international destinations, because realistically, we’ll be mostly relegated to stateside destinations—at least for the first half of the year. but once we get the go-ahead for international travel (and we begin to revenge-travel to make up for last year’s dry spell), it’s still worth keeping these destinations high on your to-go roster., 2. utah's rocky mountains.

Don’t give up on your ski season aspirations just yet. You may have to forfeit the traditional après-ski scene, but it’s still worth hitting the mountain for some socially distant downhill-ing. Salt Lake City’s newly renovated international airport is the gateway to no less than 11 resorts, and driving is always an option as well, making these slopes the most viable pick in America for both easy access and a breadth of alpine experiences. Powder Mountain and Park City Mountain each claim to be the biggest ski resort in the country, so wide open spaces won’t be an issue should you want to slalom mask-free. If you have your quarantining bubble in tow, try smaller Snowbasin , where six luxury day lodges can be reserved for full-service gourmet dining and drinking; it’s as though you’re the only ones on the mountain. Utah’s superior snowfall means that you’re likely to sneak in some serious powder through all of April at places like Alta if you’re hesitant to venture out now.

3. Napa & Sonoma, California

The constant presence of COVID in the news cycle partially blotted out the coverage of Northern California’s devastating wildfires earlier this year—a disaster that claimed the livelihoods of tons of individuals, especially in Napa and Sonoma where raging flames engulfed entire townships, institutional inns and restaurants, and prize-winning vineyards. It’ll take a significant amount of time to rebuild, but the new Four Seasons Napa Valley —wine country’s first resort on a working winery, set to open in 2021—is a harbinger of the good things to come as the area reestablishes itself as the country’s preeminent wine region.

4. The Great Lakes

Wide expanses of nothingness were the most ordered item on the travel menu last summer, filling the empty canyons and mountains of the American West with hordes of tourists from both coasts. They didn’t get the memo, however, that the Great Lakes offer serious amounts of solitude too. The boundary waters separating Canada and the United States promise vistas that rival the rocky outcrops of New England and the long strands of uninterrupted sand in California. Two national parks—Voyageurs in Minnesota and Isle Royale in Michigan—both feel like final frontiers, where campers can pitch their backcountry tents in the hushed acreages of pine and roving moose. For something more decidedly upmarket, try Wisconsin, where Wild Rice Retreat will open as a dedicated center for arts and wellness in March near the town of Bayfield, the gateway to the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. Go full five-star further south in Kohler, a town pulled straight off the pages of a Bavarian fairy tale; the lavish American Club comes complete with the region’s most swanked-out spa (think: Kohler, the luxury bath amenities manufacturer) and four tricked-out cabins.

5. New Mexico

When COVID came crashing down, Marcia Gordon, cofounder of African safari planner Extraordinary Journeys , moved back to her native Santa Fe and spun her business toward her home state, selling safari-style tours there instead. Turns out, New Mexico's untamed expanses can be as captivating to the snap of the camera as the Serengeti. Beyond the herds of wild bison, the Land of Enchantment is also an important center for Indigenous life that long predates western settlement. Protected under a UNESCO mandate, many pueblo dwellings offer compelling insight into Mesoamerican traditions and design, much of which is still thriving today. Use Auberge Resorts Collection’s new Bishop’s Lodge , just outside Santa Fe, as your base to explore the vibrant City Different aboriginal art scene and beyond.

6. Miami, Florida

Florida’s soaring real estate prices are a testament to the fact that the state has seen an astonishing influx of newly minted citizens since the start of COVID—most from New York, escaping their cramped conditions to stay at home with plenty of private, sun-filled outdoor space instead. And perhaps most of them are here to stay, especially in Miami, which has shed its Golden Girls reputation for a more youthful, switched-on vibe as the new hotbed of the country’s arts scene and the crucible of Latin cultures. Weekenders needn’t look further than the Four Seasons Surfside , which has, in only three years, established itself as one of the best properties in the portfolio, rivaling its sister resorts in Italy and Asia. Like New York, Miami has a hotel for any and every traveler, and hot spots like Faena , The Miami Beach Edition , 1 Hotel South Beach , and the newly launched Life House Hotels ’ four (yes, four) boutique properties in the city stand out.

7. New York

Eagle eyes may notice that New York was one of our picks for 2020 as well; the City That Never Sleeps deserves another plug. More than half of the city’s restaurants could be gone forever by the time indoor dining resumes in earnest, and there are still several months to go before the lights of Broadway will flicker back on, but—if anything—New Yorkers are incredibly resilient, and we have no doubt that Gotham’s lively pulse will course down its concrete arteries again, ASAP. Several new hotels are primed to host the expected onslaught of weekenders once everything resumes. First, there’s Six Senses , trying its hand at its first North American property with an ambitious tower of suites and a rambling spa overlooking the High Line. And then there’s Aman , trying out not only its first urban property in America but offering its first portfolio of private residences when it swings open the doors to a freshly renovated Crown Building in Midtown. Also worth a mention is Life House’s new property in Bushwick , which will better diversify North Brooklyn’s boutique hotel offerings beyond Williamsburg.

Follow the almost-complete Empire State Trail out of the city; the 750-mile route—America’s longest state trail—will wind its way all the way up to the Canadian border, passing some of the best overnight options when you need a break from the Big Smoke, like Kenoza Hall in Sullivan County, Hasbrouck House in Stone Ridge, and the hotly anticipated Aurum , set to up the Catskills’ wellness quotient in late 2021 with dedicated Roman-themed baths and 36 luxurious rooms.

8. Denver, Colorado

According to Evolve Vacation Rental , Denver has seen a 200 percent increase in booking queries—more than any other American city—for the coming year versus 2020, perhaps due to the destination’s inextricable link with its surrounding nature as travelers tempt their toes back into the urban environment after a year of quiet. Plus, Colorado’s capital is doubling down on its green initiatives, with ambitious plans to cloak rooftops and parking lots in “urban gardens,” to add 125 miles of bike lanes by 2023, and to have the city running on completely renewable electricity by the end of the decade. A spate of new hotels is slated to open in 2021, including Vib , Catbird , Rossonian , and The Rally . The aforementioned high-design yet quaint boutique behemoth Life House opened its doors in the Lower Highlands in late October, and at the end of the year, the city will swing the doors of the Denver Art Museum back open after an ambitious $150 million renovation.

9. … And the Road Trips You Missed Last Summer

Travel pundits were quick to anoint 2020 the Year of the Road Trip—a lemons-to-lemonade pivot that gave us some semblance of control over our coveted vacations. But the expected shift back to travel normalcy by late 2021 shouldn’t relegate overland drives to last year; there are plenty of American destinations still worth stringing together, especially the country’s smaller cities that missed out on tourism traffic as everyone headed out into the wilderness.

Try Indy to Cincy: Check out Indianapolis’s new Bottleworks District, a redeveloped section of downtown streets and warehouses that were once a part of the city’s Coca-Cola factory. Then, head through Louisville and Lexington to explore Kentucky’s thriving equestrian culture, not to mention the best bourbon distilleries in the world. Finally, hit up Cincinnati, where a new West End soccer stadium will continue to reinvigorate the downtown and the adjacent Over-the-Rhine neighborhood—so painfully cool it gives the best corners of Brooklyn runs for their money.

Or, go from Nashville to Asheville: Stop along the way in the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood , or Chattanooga, where Life House is completing the transformation of an old train terminal into a posh hotel. You’ve likely noticed our affinity for the newly minted hotel group, but that’s simply because it has managed to turn a bleak year in hospitality into a new model that reinvigorates small neighborhoods with high-design renovations of landmark homes, offering the well-heeled a place to rest their heads without the bustle and constant contact of a large, five-star resort. Black Tomato suggests packaging the entire endeavor with a stay at Blackberry Farm or Blackberry Mountain , and an exclusive gallery tour and music experience in the ’Noog.

International Destinations

The big question on everyone’s mind is: when can we travel abroad again and, once we do, how will trips change in the latter part of 2021 surely everyone will be keen to make up for lost time, and crowds will no doubt swell—our one wish, if we’ve learned anything from this year, is that there’s something special about enjoying a place slowly. our international picks for 2021 are a mix of oldies but goodies, classic bucket list adventures, and the perfect destinations for exactly that: a more mindful approach to travel, during which visitors can deeply engage rather than simply be a tourist for a handful of days., 10. the maritime provinces, canada.

Though New Zealand made headlines at it impressively repelled the threat of COVID, our northern neighbors were quietly combating the virus’s onslaught with similar success, especially in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, where Newfoundland, also an island, was able to easily shutter itself away from the world.

Often overlooked for farther lands, the Maritimes offers travelers much of what they’d expect to find along the fjords of Norway or pastures of Ireland, but much closer to home and for a fraction of the price. Halifax, Nova Scotia’s capital, is getting its first luxury property in 2021; the Muir hotel will help lend the city’s new Queen’s Marque district its upmarket flair. Connect the dots with Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, the region’s first high-end stay where you can watch icebergs float down from Greenland in the early summer and whales puff through the lonely harbors.

Perhaps the best part of the region is its unflagging dedication to all things small-batch, which helps ensure that even when the tourism machine roars back on, visitors will still have the opportunity to indulge in the area’s finest attractions without the threat of crowds.

11. The Caribbean

To say it’s been a lousy few years for the Caribbean would be an understatement. The wind up to the region’s high seasons has been plagued with, well, plague—first Zika and now COVID, not to mention the surge in hurricanes that has devastated several of the islands over the last few years. St. Barts will complete its post-storm transformation in the summer when Le Guanahani , the island’s largest hotel, reopens as a Rosewood property. In the meantime, Turks and Caicos has emerged during the pandemic as a legitimate contender for the vacationing elite, with some of the best, socially distant villas in the area, and a dreamy renovation of Amanyara ’s legendary resort pavilions. Its biggest drawcard? The island chain is only a single, easy flight from the continental U.S., while St. Barts and other perennial faves, like Anguilla, are two—albeit made easier by the efficiency and convenience of shuttle airline Tradewind .

St. Lucia , also a direct flight from the States, deserves an honorable mention for its diligence in controlling COVID. The island is almost fully dependent on tourism and has struck a commendable balance between allowing travelers in while nullifying spread of the virus. Opt for a stay at Sugar Beach , the island's true hotel gem. Or lay your head at Jade Mountain , most famous for being the destination of many a celebrity honeymoon and designed with distance and airy spaces in mind—all of the modernist suites have a wall open to nature allowing island breezes to flow directly in.

For travelers needing to push an immediate eject button, there’s the island of Mustique in the Grenadines, which, since the start of the pandemic, has been relatively COVID-free. After a pre-departure swab and a test upon arrival, it’ll be as though you’ve leapt far into the future, where house parties are the norm. Bed down at The Cotton House , the island’s only hotel, set among the dozens of privately owned villas.

12. Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Free of the predictability of Tulum and the overcrowded beaches of Cancun, the long strand of quiet sand and seaside villages that stretches north of Puerto Vallarta has a more grounded relationship with its environment and ancestry, rising up organically over time and embracing a genuine, laid-back feel. Both the hippie surf town of Sayulita and the village of Mexcaltitan have been designated and preserved as Pueblos Magicos by the government, enshrining their cultural significance. And as the region grows its international attention, so, too, have the world’s luxury hotel brands responded in kind, with the newly opened One&Only Mandarina joining the likes of the Four Seasons , St. Regis , Conrad , and W hotels—Ritz-Carlton plans to open one of its acclaimed Reserve properties here in 2022 as well.

13. Costa Rica

Long the tourism pioneer in Central America, Costa Rica has firmly established itself as one of the world’s great eco-tourism hubs. It’s now leveraging its trailblazing attitude to be the first in the region to welcome tourists back with an open-door entry policy bolstered by a proficient network of hospitals on the ground. Pura Vida stalwarts Cayuga Collection and Nayara have been leading the charge, featuring their get-away-from-it-all properties, like Kura Boutique Hotel ’s jungle villas and Nayara Tented Camp, each adorned with a private plunge pool. Cielo Lodge , opening in January, and Hacienda AltaGracia in the Auberge Resorts Collection round out the long-stay circuit. If you’re after more of a beach getaway with a little something extra, the opening of the Four Seasons Residences Prieta Bay at Four Seasons Papagayo ushered in resort vibes—with private, luxury rental-style bookings—to a destination more known for jungle adventure and glamping; we’re eager for the new Six Senses Papagayo to swing open its doors next year, adding another layer of luxury to the area.

This year felt like it was sponsored by Barilla and Ragu as we holed up in our homes and quickly wearied of baking bread. It’s made us miss Italy even more than usual, especially toward the start of the pandemic when it became the epicenter of Europe’s spread. In 2021, we’re eager to employ a bit of 2020’s distancing credo and spread ourselves out across the boot-shaped country, rather than clustering in its usual touristy haunts. Luxury travel planner Jack Ezon of Embark Beyond is already booking clients into the brand-new Castello di Reschio , which will redefine Umbria, and Casa di Langa , a new farm-to-table resort in truffle-filled Piemonte; and in Sicily, stay tuned for the opening of the Four Seasons Taormina at San Domenico Palace and the new Rocco Forte Hotel, Villa Igiea .

15. Saudi Arabia

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia is ready to turn his kingdom into a go-to destination for luxury travelers, touting world-class hotels and a slew of archaeological wonders as oil becomes obsolete. And while this next-gen leap comes with a more modern and globalized point of view, the Middle Eastern nation has only begun to scratch the surface when it comes to its greatly lagging gender, sex, religious, and racial equality. The release of tourist visas (instead of pilgrim visas) was hotly anticipated before COVID, however, the extended pause on travel has allowed the country to further refine its offerings, like AlULA, its most significant archaeological treasure, which is poised to become the next Petra. Acclaimed hotel group Aman is launching its sister brand Janu —a more affordable, wellness-focused concept—with four international properties, one of which will be next to the coveted ruins. Book a guided tour with Wild Frontiers for a balanced perspective on this rapidly evolving destination, which includes stops in the ultra-modern cities of Riyadh and Jeddah—both come complete with the same high-end touchstones found in Doha or Dubai.

16. Tanzania

As premier safari operator Singita makes a concerted effort to strip away the trappings of colonial Britain embedded in its decor, so, too, is there an industry-wide attempt to break some of the vestigial bonds that have long kept the area’s wealth in specific hands. Teresa Sullivan of Mango Safaris cites Nomad Tanzania ’s microloans project—which enables guides to purchase their own vehicles outright—as one of the most commendable steps in this direction. Nnko & Smith , a partnership between American safari operator Deeper Africa and a local Tanzanian guiding team, is also setting a new standard of putting tourism dollars directly in the hands of Africans; its first project is a brand-new route up to the top of Kilimanjaro that steers hikers clear of the usual crowds. Sullivan also notes that according to insider intel, only a few mobile camps will be set up in the Serengeti National Park during birthing season of the wildebeest migration. Act fast though: There’s still time to book one of the few remaining beds and be virtually alone as the hordes of animals drop their young.

17. Bangkok, Thailand

Like Italy is to Europe, so, too, is there something wonderfully classic about Thailand’s hospitality—the perfect introduction to exploring Asia that has long captivated our imagination. The kingdom has announced visas and exemptions available to U.S. travelers for long-term stays of up to 90 days, and when its borders reopen, we’re heading straight to Bangkok, where the Capella Bangkok and the Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya are anchoring a new riverside district. After eating our way through the city’s signature street food, we’ll hit up the newest picks on Michelin’s 2021 dining list , which showcases Bangkok’s cosmopolitan scene.

18. Explore Southeast Asia

Beyond Thailand, the rest of Southeast Asia has also done incredibly well (relative to our corner of the world) in reducing the devastating spread of the coronavirus, even returning to semblances of normalcy while borders have been closed. Smiling Albino , known in the region for beating untrodden trails through some of the most compelling yet overlooked destinations in the region, has refreshed its itineraries in Vietnam, where Zannier Hotels has just opened its newest property, Bai San Ho , on the beaches of Phu Yen Province.

Meanwhile, in Malaysia, InsideAsia Tours has developed several itineraries that explore the peninsular provinces (think: where the characters of Crazy Rich Asians and the chic men and women who inspired them go on holiday), as well as far-flung Borneo, where the mystical tribes of Sarawak meet the orangutan-filled primordial jungles of Sabah. The recent opening of One&Only Desaru Coast is the first of three new luxury stays that are set to elevate the county's five-star offerings: The Park Hyatt and Conrad —both in capital city Kuala Lumpur—will debut in 2021.

19. Australia

As the call of Black Lives Matter resonated throughout the world, the movement saw significant groundswell in Australia, as Aboriginal communities campaigned to reestablish their rightful claim to the island continent. In the last few years, tenets of Indigenous life have begun to emerge in mainstream conversations—restaurants are using local ingredients, or “bush tucker,” to enhance their recipes; the contemporary art scene has readily embraced the output from Aboriginal artists; and even the travel industry has become a funnel, delivering funds to communities in need through cultural exchange. The four-day Wukalina Walk is a thoroughly upmarket trek along Tasmania’s lichen-red Bay of Fires, where guests can gain invaluable insight into local lore and traditions. Up in Queensland, Intrepid Travel offers a multiday tour of the hallowed Daintree tropical forest, where guests can take an Aboriginal painting class and listen to ancient creation myths. And in Western Australia, enjoy a day out in Francois Peron National Park—where the red sands of Uluru meet the turquoise sea—with Wula Gura Nyinda Eco Cultural Adventures .

20. Scotland

We have the U.K. on the brain—especially after bingeing Bridgerton and The Crown —and Scotland is the perfect way to triangulate old-world glamor with countryside estates and otherworldly landscapes. Take the Royal Scotsman , Belmond’s first luxury train route set to return to service through remote lochs and fjords, or check in to the Cameron House on Loch Lomond, which will reopen in April after a sensitive restoration. Edinburgh’s East End gets a boost with the unveiling of the new St James Quarter, as Red Carnation opens its first Scottish property, 100 Princes Street , across town. Direct flights reboot in the spring, when flyers will be reminded that a flight from the American Northeast is the same length as a cross-country haul.

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Capri in 3 Days

Prepare for travel's comeback: The 12 hottest destinations of 2021

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

It's hard to believe that, this time last year, we were putting the finishing touches on our list of the 20 hottest travel destinations of 2020 .

Everything then seemed so auspicious: A whole new decade was right around the corner. Airlines were expanding their route networks and making it easier than ever to reach far-flung destinations. Hotel brands were dropping their flags in new corners of the globe. Major events promised to bring together millions of people.

Of course, you all know what happened next .

Less than three months after our guide went live, countries closed their doors and travelers were forced to put their plans on hold. The entire world seemed to suddenly stall and turn inward. And the crystal ball isn't much clearer now than it was when the World Health Organization first declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a pandemic in March.

We were never fortunetellers, but it's become more difficult than ever to predict exactly what the future of travel will hold. But we do know travel will make its comeback, and the time ahead is starting to look brighter. So, we've focused on the most exciting, promising and practical destinations for American travelers in 2021 as part of Hotels & Destinations Week at the 2020 TPG Awards .

Now, we're looking not only at landmark moments, game-changing hotel openings and new routes, but also destinations where airlines are doubling down. We considered ease of accessibility and access to outdoor spaces with few crowds.

Related: How airline route maps may continue to change in 2021 and beyond

Above all, we had to be optimistic.

Many of us might not travel until the second half of 2021, and even a readily-available vaccine won't mean an immediate return to normalcy. But that doesn't mean we can't dream and plan now. When and where we travel will continue to be a very personal, complex decision, but these 12 destinations are helping to bring travel back into view for many of us here at TPG.

Whether you're hoping to have at least one big international getaway next year or are more than content with rediscovering your home state, we hope these destinations reignite your wanderlust as we look ahead.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Washington, D.C.

All eyes will be on the nation's capital this year.

For one, it will welcome a spate of new points hotel openings such as the Kimpton Banneker Hotel in Dupont Circle (spring 2021) and, from Choice, the Cambria Hotel Washington, D.C. Capitol Riverfront.

Luxury and boutique brands have also announced exciting developments, such as The Dupont Circle, which emerged from top-to-toe renovations in mid-October and the six townhouses at the Rosewood Washington, D.C., which opened late last month. There's even the Hotel Zena, a Viceroy Hotels & Resorts property that opened in October and was designed to celebrate both the accomplishments of and empowerment of women.

But perhaps the biggest draw won't be what's new in Washington, D.C. , but what's old.

Visitors can celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Smithsonian with the reopening of its original site, the Arts and Industries Building (plus the opening of the Hall of American Culture at the National Museum of American History and the reimagined America by Air exhibition at the National Air and Space Museum).

Or, explore the just-renovated Martin Luther King Jr. Public Library for the 125th anniversary of the D.C. Public Library system. The Kennedy Center, which will turn 50 next year, is expected to host free daily concerts at its iconic performance space.

And the good news is you don't need to fly to Washington, D.C. to experience these historic moments or spend the night at a new or refreshed hotel. Amtrak, which is celebrating its 50th birthday next year, makes it easy to visit the capital by train — and you may even be able to travel on the new Acela high-speed trains , which will hit the rails next year between Boston and Washington, D.C.

But, if you do fly, you can take advantage of the long-delayed Silver line extension to Dulles International Airport (IAD), which had tentatively been expected to open in early 2021 but may face further delays amid the pandemic.

TPG tip: Plan your trip around cherry blossom season, usually between mid-March and mid-April. It's one of the most incredible times of year to visit the capital when it's filled with delicate pink blooms. You can check out Bloom Watch for planning guidance .

Related: Planning the perfect trip to Washington, D.C.

The Riviera Maya, Mexico

Despite a decline in airlift all over the world, Cancun — the gateway to the upscale Riviera Maya resort region on Mexico's Caribbean Coast — has been a rare bright spot for airline service. Recent additions include three new nonstop flights with American Airlines from Columbus (CMH), Indianapolis (IND) and St. Louis (STL) as well as new Southwest service from Phoenix (PHX) that will begin this spring.

And travelers are definitely taking advantage. In late September, CheapCaribbean said Mexico accounted for 70% of all bookings — up 20% from before the pandemic.

You can stay at the Hilton Cancun, an all-inclusive Resort that opens midyear, or head south to the Riviera Maya. In January, the Banyan Tree Mayakoba, a mainstay in the area, will debut new pool villas and a beach club. And, by next winter, the St. Regis Riviera Maya is expected to open its doors in the lush resort area.

TPG tip: Be prepared for crowds at Cancun International (CUN) airport, so consider a VIP service that gets you through customs and immigration faster. You'll be able to skip the long lines and have a safer, more relaxing welcome. Also, keep an eye on Mexico's COVID-19 monitoring map, which indicates what's open and closed across the country.

Related: 7 resorts in Mexico's Riviera Maya that are perfect for families — and you can book with points

This was already shaping up to be a big year for New York , which has a dizzying number of high-profile hotel openings both in the city and in the surrounding Hudson Valley, Catskills and as far north as the Finger Lakes and Adirondacks .

Outdoor enthusiasts can hike sections of the 750-mile Empire State Trail, which will be the longest, multi-use state trail in the country when it's completed this month, and then retire to a room at the Hotel Canandaigua (a Tapestry Collection by Hilton property expected to open in the Finger Lakes in June) or the Chatwal Lodge, a luxury escape opening in the Catskills this spring. Also coming to the Catskills is a new 36-room wellness resort from Foster Supply Hospitality, and the Eldred Preserve, which will open in the spring with a boutique hotel, restaurant, lounge, a 75-acre private lake and more.

Related: This new hotel is worth a trip to the Catskills just for the tub

Of course, if you're a New Yorker in need of a staycation, you don't even need to leave the Big Apple. You can book a stay at the Six Senses when it opens its first-ever North American property and urban hotel in Chelsea's twisted XI skyscraper. Or head uptown to the Aman New York, which is shaping up on Fifth Avenue and 57th Street. With views of Central Park and working fireplaces in every guest room and suite, it might be hard to leave.

TPG tip: Looking for an extended stay? Consider booking an entire home. Evolve Vacation Rental , a hospitality brand managing 14,000 properties, found the Catskills region of New York to be one of the top 10 fastest-growing markets in the country for new vacation rental listings. Just be sure to pay for your stay with a credit card that earns bonus points on travel, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Related: A love letter to New York City

Florida may not be the first destination that comes to mind for all travelers right now, but we think 2021 will be a big year for the sides of Florida you didn't even know existed .

There are exciting hotel openings across the state. And, with miles of beautiful beaches , incredible state parks and nature reserves like the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island , there are an abundance of activities perfect for social distancing.

Miramar Beach — between Rosemary Beach and Santa Rosa Island along the Panhandle's famous 30A — welcomes Hotel Effie at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort on Feb. 1. Cool features include an upscale spa, four dining venues designed by James Beard Award-winning chef Hugh Acheson and a rooftop pool, the only one on the Emerald Coast.

There's a lot going on elsewhere along the Gulf Coast, too.

Tampa welcomes two new properties to its Water Street neighborhood: the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street (Category 6) and the Tampa Marriott Water Street (Category 5). And, a dual-brand Aloft/Element complex opens in midtown in January. Head a bit further south and you'll find the recently opened 243-room Luminary Hotel and Co., part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, on Fort Myers' waterfront.

On the East Coast, a new Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel (Category 6, Marriott Bonvoy) opens in April, or you can head to Miami Beach to experience the $30 million refurb of the W South Beach (Category 8, Marriott Bonvoy). There's also the just-opened Palm Beach outpost of the lauded White Elephant brand.

TPG tip: If Disney World is in your future travel plans , 2021 is set to be a banner year. Not only is it the park's 50th anniversary, which will be marked by the opening of multiple new attractions, but The Reserve tower at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin is also on track to open in 2021. It's a Category 6 hotel in Marriott's Bonvoy program, so it's a great way to use points to stay right on Disney property.

Related: Florida's top 10 vacation regions for different types of travelers

At least the early part of Alaska's 2021 cruise season could be in jeopardy due to ongoing restrictions on cruising , which may spell bad news for cruise fans. But, if you're looking to do a land trip to the Last Frontier, it could make 2021 an incredible time to schedule a visit.

Nearly 60% of visitors to Alaska in any given year typically come by cruise ship. So, if cruising is on hold for all or part of the summer season, you could find it uncrowded in a way it rarely has been in the 61 years since it became a state.

Related: Alaska tourist businesses devastated in 2020 as cruise ships stay away

A few small cruise lines, such as the U.K.-based Cunard Line , already have canceled all 2021 sailings to Alaska. And one of the biggest Alaska cruise operators, Princess Cruises, has cut back its planned Alaska deployment.

Princess last month canceled all 2021 Alaska sailings on the 2,670-passenger Sapphire Princess — one of seven ships it originally had scheduled to sail in the state next year. The line also has pulled the 2,000-passenger Sun Princess from Alaska for 2021 as part of a coronavirus-related downsizing.

Consider touring the Alaskan wilderness by rail with a ride on the Denali Star, which carries travelers from Anchorage through Denali National Park. Or head straight to one of the state's national parks, which are some of the most-remote and least-visited in the country. You can also get in your turns at Alyeska, the state's only true ski resort, which has 1,600 skiable acres and will open a new Nordic spa this spring.

TPG tip: Alaska Airlines will officially become a member of Oneworld on March 31, 2021, so Alaska flyers will enjoy a subset of their traditional perks when flying on one of the other 13 member airlines . You could also use the companion fare certificate on the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card to minimize your out-of-pocket cost traveling to the state.

Related: How to earn miles with the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program

Last year, Tokyo landed on our list primarily because of the Summer Olympics, which triggered a flurry of hotel openings from nearly every major brand, a temporary terminal at Narita International (NRT) and a deluge of first- and business-class award space. Japan is said to have spent $12.6 billion preparing for the event.

But with the Olympics postponed by a year for the first time in history, many dreams of a trip to Japan were dashed.

And though Japan's borders remain firmly closed to most tourists, there's a lot of chatter about a strategic reopening as early as this spring, as the nation prepares to welcome travelers back in time for the rescheduled Summer Olympics , which are set to start on July 23.

With so many incredible new places to stay around the country — The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko , a new Tokyo Edition property, the Kimpton Shinjuku , the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, W Osaka City and Roku Kyoto, LXR Resorts & Resorts (the first property for Hilton's luxury collection in the Asia Pacific region and also the brand's first foray into Kyoto) — travelers will be spoiled for choice, even when venturing beyond Tokyo to explore the nation's world-class ski resorts, ancient temples, meticulous gardens and hot springs.

And though people may not be booking flights to Japan just yet, we know they're dreaming about it: Data from ExpertFlyer (which is owned by TPG's parent company, Red Ventures) has shown a surge in award searches for Tokyo, which is now the most-searched destination (up from No. 3 this time last year). Japan is also one of the top 10 destinations Virtuoso travelers are anticipating most in 2021, according to its interactive social site, Wanderlist.

TPG tip: Take one of Japan's famous high-speed trains from Tokyo to visit the incredible Mount Fuji. It's less than two hours each way and the scenic ride alone is worth a day trip. Instead of buying individual tickets during your trip to Japan, save yourself time and money and purchase the Japan Rail Pass ahead of your trip.

Related: 11 of the most scenic train rides on Earth

Colorado ski country

Despite real pandemic-related challenges, it's been a good year for Colorado . The state has seen an influx of new flights , new hotels and a renewed appreciation for the Centennial State, which offers everything from national parks to scenic road trips and world-class skiing.

Two Colorado ski towns emerged on a recent Airbnb trend report (Breckenridge and Steamboat Springs), highlighting just how interested travelers are in getting outside and experiencing the region's iconic Rocky Mountains and legendary slopes. And while no one knows exactly how this winter will unfold, ski resorts are already up and running with new procedures designed to keep skiers safe and socially distanced.

There's also a notable number of all-new airline routes serving both Steamboat Springs (HDN) and Montrose (MTJ), the gateway to Telluride . Southwest is flying to the seasonal mountain destination for the first time with new service to Montrose (MTJ) and Steamboat Springs (HDN) this winter. JetBlue Airways is adding Montrose and expanding in Steamboat, and American Airlines is boosting service to a number of ski towns by resuming all its pre-pandemic flights to Aspen (ASE), Montrose, Steamboat and Vail (EGE) by December, according to Cirium schedules. It will also offer new seasonal flights between Charlotte (CLT) and Montrose.

But if you want to take in the beauty of Colorful Colorado from ground-level, you may be the most interested in taking the glass-domed Rocky Mountaineer train on a new route from Denver to Moab beginning August 2021. The route, aptly named Rockies to the Red Rocks, will take two days, with the overnight occurring at a hotel in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

TPG tip: This season, many major ski resorts are requiring reservations in order to manage daily traffic at each property. Many of the major ski passes are already off-sale for this winter season, but you can still get lift tickets directly from the individual mountains for many dates. Just be sure and plan ahead for this ski season as day-of availability is far from guaranteed.

Related: The best times to visit Colorado

Bermuda has long been a favorite among East Coast travelers, thanks to its proximity. But the attractive, albeit expensive island, is about to get much more appealing to travelers who deal in points and miles.

Come spring, a St. Regis and a Tapestry Collection by Hilton property, the Bermudiana Beach Resort, will welcome their first guests, making it possible to book a luxury Bermuda trip using your Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy points.

But perhaps the biggest news is the new terminal at L.F. Wade International (BDA), which will replace the current, aging facility. Upon arrival, travelers will be immediately reset to island time, thanks to the on-site nature trail, putting green and outdoor terraces. Sometimes, unforeseen events can completely derail your travel plans — a lesson we were all reminded of this year. But the terminal's new location (further inland at a higher elevation) promises to make the airport more resistant to hurricanes.

TPG tip: Working from a hotel or resort for an extended stay (usually a week or more) may be one of the biggest travel trends to emerge this year — and Bermuda has made it incredibly easy to book an extended stay on the island . Since August, Bermuda has been offering year-long residency certificates for "digital nomads" as well as students seeking to either work or study remotely, in addition to extending its tourist visa terms from 90 to 180 days.

Related: Dreaming of a sandy beach? A country-by-country guide to Caribbean reopenings

The United Kingdom

Talk of a travel corridor linking New York City and London and more flexible entry policies have made it possible to imagine casual hops across the pond in 2021, which might explain why it's also on one of the top 10 destinations Virtuoso travelers are anticipating most in 2021, according to the Wanderlist site.

Upon arrival, check out The Londoner (which, when it opens in April, will be hailed as the first super-boutique hotel) or the forthcoming Nomad London, which is expected to debut in February.

But travelers should venture beyond the Great Smoke and discover the wide-open spaces of the entire island nation. Hyatt's collection of Small Luxury Hotels of the World has a good presence around the country — including The Nare Hotel in idyllic Cornwall, where the water is the turquoise blue color you'd expect to find in parts of the Mediterranean.

Alternatively, head about 100 miles west of Heathrow to the small city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The classic destination, famed for its Roman baths and stunning scenery, also welcomed a new Marriott property earlier this year. In August, the Abbey Bath Hotel joined the Marriott Tribute Portfolio , blending the old Bath charm with some modern touches. As a Category 4 property, you can expect to use between 20,000 and 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

If you want to make a full trip out of it, don't skip out on heading from England to the other three nations of the U.K. — Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. And, if you're looking for an entirely authentic experience, considering saving your points and staying in one of the country's famed bed and breakfasts instead. Nothing beats cozying up next to a fireplace in a British pub with a pint of beer and a Sunday roast.

TPG tip: Getting to the U.K. has seen great improvements in recent years as well. Both of the country's biggest airlines, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, introduced new and improved business-class products in 2019. Consider flying in Virgin's new Upper Class Suite or BA's Club Suite on your next trip to London or Manchester — and watch for Amex's second international Centurion Lounge at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in 2021. Just be prepared to drive on the left side of the road.

Belize hasn't been known for its branded resorts, but a few major openings are putting Belize on the map for hotel loyalists.

Marriott's Alaia Belize, an Autograph Collection property, is slated to welcome its first guests next spring and will mark Marriott's first foray into the Central American nation. The eco-friendly resort in Ambergris Caye will feature a glass-bottomed infinity pool suspended five stories over the ground. There's also the forthcoming Four Seasons Caye Chapel, on the first Four Seasons private island in the Americas.

Belize may be especially promising for travelers with a stash of United MileagePlus miles , since United Airlines will add new nonstop flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Denver (DEN) and Belize City (BZE) this winter.

For travelers who really want a secluded getaway, Belize also offers many private islands available for rental including Cayo Espanto, Little Harvest Caye and Kanu Private Island. Talk about social distancing.

TPG tip: When Belize's international airport (BZE) reopened to travelers in October, the tourism board created a " Tourism Gold Standard " recognition program for hotels to give travelers additional peace of mind. Be prepared to show a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure , download the Ministry of Health's contact tracing app and wear masks in all public places — including beaches.

Palm Springs, California

While we are entering 2021 with heightened restrictions in California , that just may increase demand from travelers dreaming of a getaway to the Golden State later in the year.

And warm, sunny Palm Springs (PSP) is perhaps the hottest airport on the aviation route map , with a number of new airlines adding both new flights and new routes. With the additions, Palm Springs will barely be down over winter 2019 to 2020 flight levels for the 2020 to 2021 season. American Airlines, Allegiant and Southwest have all launched new domestic flights.

With more options than ever for getting to this California resort town, travelers can more quickly and easily experience the desert destination's famed arts and culture scene. Check out Desert X, an outdoor art exhibition that returns to the desert on Feb. 6 and stretches until April 11; the Palm Springs Surf Club (with everything from a wave pool and cabana to a surf shop) when it opens in July; and the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, a new museum celebrating the history and culture of the Cahuilla Indians opening next year.

The much-awaited Andaz Palm Springs may not welcome guests this year, but there are plenty of other new and refreshed places to stay . Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs just opened this winter, marking the brand's debut on the West Coast. The intimate 29-room Casa Cody is reopening following a property-wide renovation, and at the new 40-key Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Oasis (opening January 2021) guests can soak in the geothermal mineral pools while watching the sun set over the San Jacinto Mountains.

TPG tip: Palm Springs is the undisputed capital of mid-century modern design and architecture. Take a drive around town to see some spectacular examples. You can get a map from the Palm Springs Visitors Center, which is itself a masterpiece of modernism.

Related: 6 California trips for every type of traveler

Western National Parks

It's impossible to talk about the future of travel without underscoring the importance of our country's national parks , which have offered a much-needed respite and opportunity to venture into the great outdoors during these incredibly difficult times. Multiple national parks out west, such as Yellowstone and Grand Tetons , saw record numbers of visitors this fall. We see no reason this trend won't continue in 2021.

In Utah, a new Under Canvas is expected to open at Lake Powell-Grand Staircase in April 2021, and there's a renewed push for a sixth new national park, Escalante Canyons National Park, to round out the so-called Mighty Five.

But whether the area receives another officially designated national park or not, there's no denying the allure of its existing parklands including Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and others.

Related: Guide to Yellowstone National Park

Out in Wyoming, 2021 will bring us the first hotel located on the town square in Jackson Hole. When it opens, the new Cloudveil (a Marriott Autograph Collection property) will be located just a few miles from Grand Teton National Park and roughly an hour from Yellowstone.

We fully expect the new year to continue to bring new flights and lodging opportunities in and around these western marquee outdoor destinations that allow for social distancing while exploring.

Related: Guide to Glacier National Park

TPG tip: Don't forget to get an annual national park pass if you plan to visit more than one park. The $80 pass pays for itself after just a few trips (Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, for example, are just a few minutes from each other and both have $35 entry fees). Plus, you get to skip the line at many busy entrances.

Additional reporting by Nick Ellis, Nick Ewen, Clint Henderson, Summer Hull, Emily McNutt, Ben Mutzabaugh, Andrea Rotondo, Gene Sloan.

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• BEST OF THE WORLD

Destinations on the rise for 2021

25 amazing places to inspire future journeys and remind us why we love to travel.

A diver explores the coral reefs around Lord Howe Island. The volcanic isle, located in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand, has more than 60 dive sites, including Ball’s Pyramid—the world’s tallest sea stack.

The world is full of wonders—even if they’re hard to reach. While the pandemic has brought our journeys to a standstill, it has not quieted our curiosity. Ahead of a new year—with the promise of a return to travel—we are eager to share these 25 timely tales of timeless places that will define our future itineraries.

Reported by the global editors of National Geographic Travel and framed by five categories (Adventure, Culture and History, Nature, Family, Sustainability), these superlative destinations speak of resilient communities, innovative conservation efforts, and thrilling opportunities for future explorations.

The joy of travel comes from the unexpected. Now is the time to dream of your next journey and lay the foundation for your next trip. We hope our list of the new year’s most important places will inspire you. We look forward to seeing you out in the world soon!

In 1912, an eruption of the volcano Novarupta formed the caldera and crater lake at the summit of Mount Katmai, in Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve.

Katmai National Park, Alaska

In the shadow of the volcano.

There are no roads into Katmai. Most of the nearly 5 million acres of this combined national park and preserve are designated wilderness where no hunting is allowed. The only way in is by boat or float plane.

For many travelers to the park—limited in number even before the pandemic— Katmai is where to visit a 1.2-mile-long fishing hole that serves the largest concentration of brown bears in the world. Thanks to the Bear Cam and Fat Bear Week it has become famous.

For archaeologists such as Laura Stelson, who explored here in the footsteps of a 1910s expedition sponsored by the National Geographic Society, the park is a site to study 9,000 years of human history. The longstanding Indigenous communities that lived in the area were displaced and re-established after the massive 1912 eruption of the Novarupta, the largest volcanic paroxysm of the 20th century. Stelson hopes one day to find the right technology to scan what lies beneath the pumice and other rock that covers this otherworldly landscape about 290 miles southwest of Anchorage .

( Related: Find six otherworldly destinations on our planet . )

“Katmai is a very unique place with all these different types of landscapes presented in one single park,” says Stelson. “You have coastal beaches. You have tundra. You have spruce forest, mountains, volcanoes, and you have this weird desert. So there’s just a lot of environmental diversity and diversity of experiences.”

Wildlife lovers can swim alongside Dominica’s resident sperm whales, but only with an accredited tour operator that follows strict animal-welfare protocols.

Caribbean adventure tourism helps fuel this island’s climate resiliency

The weathered mountains running down the spine of Dominica formed a natural shield, largely protecting the eastern Caribbean island, called Waitukubuli (“tall is her body”) by the Indigenous Kalinago, from colonial intrusions and overdevelopment. Left alone to thrive were leafy rainforest and a thrill-seeker’s dream collection of natural marvels: nine active volcanoes, 365 rivers, towering waterfalls, black sand beaches, and blistering-hot geothermal features like Boiling Lake, a flooded fumarole with water temperatures nearing 200°F (93.3°C).

What Dominica’s formidable volcanic terrain couldn’t block is global climate change, which is worsening the effects of hurricanes. Warmer ocean temperatures supercharged Hurricane Maria , whose direct hit on the island in September 2017 caused catastrophic landslides and critically damaged nearly every man-made structure.

( Related: Discover more big-time adventures on the island where nature rules. )

Post hurricane, nature rebounded, residents rebuilt, and the government resolved to make Dominica the world’s first climate-resilient nation. It requires not only hurricane-proof buildings but also a diverse economy , including a tourism sector that attracts more high-end spenders and an agricultural system that grows a variety of fruits and vegetables eaten locally. Adventure tourism plays a huge role in the climate resiliency push by creating jobs and an economic incentive to restore and protect Dominica’s greatest natural resource—its wild side.

Ready to book your trip? Snorkel Dominica’s crystal-clear waters with Nat Geo Expeditions.

Perito Moreno glacier, located in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park, is one of the only glaciers in the world that is growing instead of shrinking. It forms part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field—the Earth’s third-largest reserve of freshwater.

Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

Where to hike a kingdom of ice.

Along the turquoise shores of Lake Argentino, the town of El Calafate gets its name from the thorny plant whose berries infuse cocktails and regional beers. However, its proximity to Los Glaciares National Park has placed the town on the tourist map as the gateway to the kingdom of ice in southern Argentine Patagonia .

There, near the border with Chile , the 1,722-square-mile park encompasses subantarctic forests that preserve habitats for species such as the guemal, puma, rhea, condor, guanaco, and the calafate plant. But the park’s main draws are the nearly 300 glaciers that cover almost half of the park surface. The most popular and accessible, three-mile-wide Perito Moreno glacier, stands almost 200 feet above the surface of Lake Argentino. Huge masses of ice spectacularly calve from its face with thunderous roars. It’s possible to hike with crampons on the glacier to find swaths of electric-blue color among waterfalls, crevices, ice caves, underground rivers, and extravagant ice formations.

( Related: Saddle up for stellar views and gaucho culture in Patagonia .)

This frozen desert is part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the third largest expanse of continental ice in the world, after Antarctica and Greenland . After exploring the frigid ends of the Earth, visitors return to a boat waiting on the lake to celebrate their adventures with a shot of whiskey and chips of ice. —Erick Pinedo, Nat Geo Traveler Latin America

Surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus mountain range, Svaneti is home to some of the most isolated villages in Georgia. Many of the watchtowers pictured above were built during the Middle Ages to protect against marauding armies.

Svaneti Region, Georgia

A remote land of warm welcomes.

Located in the shadows of 15,000-foot peaks, the Svaneti region in northwest Georgia ’s Caucasus mountains may seem forbiddingly inaccessible. The rugged landscape bristles with medieval stone towers that doubled as dwellings and defense posts. These fortresses attest to a time when Svan families fought fiercely to hold possession of their lands in small villages and lofty settlements such as Ushguli. Protected as the Upper Svaneti World Heritage site , Ushguli is one of Europe’s highest inhabited communities, at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level.

Due to its remoteness, Svan culture evolved over the centuries in isolation from the rest of Georgian lands, developing a unique oral-only language and traditions such as ritual beard cutting and blood feuds. Once infamous for lawlessness, the region is recognized today for its welcoming spirit. “Georgia is famous for its hospitality, but Svaneti is Georgian hospitality times 10. Parties, toasts, and alcohol are the order of the day,” says Michał Głombiowski, a travel writer and photographer from Poland who frequently visits Georgia.

( Related: This mega-trail offers hikers nearly a thousand miles of forest and mountains .)

While still far off any beaten path, Svaneti now is accessible to intrepid adventurers via the Upper Svaneti section of the Transcauca sian Trail , an ambitious long-distance trail network project ultimately aiming to connect Georgia, Armenia , and Azerbaijan . Trekkers with enough lung capacity to tackle a four-day, high-altitude hike from Mestia, the regional capital, to Ushguli are treated to cool vistas of serrated peaks by day and warm receptions in Svan guesthouses at night. —Martyna Szczepanik, Nat Geo Traveler Poland

A crowd mills around the “Black Wall Street Mural” in Tulsa’s Greenwood District, soon after its unveiling in June 2018. Racial violence devastated this once thriving Black-owned business district, but a cultural and economic revival is underway.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

A hub for discussions on race in the u.s..

Greenwood Rising , the name of Tulsa’s new “Black Wall Street” history center, aptly describes the groundswell of support for sustainable socioeconomic transformation in the Oklahoma city’s Historic Greenwood District—site of one of the worst incidents of racial violence in the United States’ history.

Beginning on May 31, 1921, white terrorists destroyed the prosperous district in an 18-hour assault, murdering some 300 Black residents and erasing nearly 35 blocks of Black-owned homes and businesses. To commemorate the 100th anniversary—and tell the story of the once vibrant community—the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission is building Greenwood Rising (expected to open in fall 2021) and is hosting speakers, concerts, and other special events throughout the year.

( Related: Remembering “Red Summer,” when white mobs massacred Blacks from Tulsa to D.C. )

The history center is designed to be a catalyst for revitalizing Greenwood and for confronting and ending systemic racism across the U.S., says Phil Armstrong, project director of the Centennial Commission.

“There’s a real sense in Tulsa and throughout the country that we are much better than this,” Armstrong says. “Greenwood Rising will be a launching pad for continuing the discussion of racial trauma and reconciliation, and the entire historic district will be a place where people can come to learn, acknowledge implicit bias, and personally commit to enacting real change within their own spheres of influence.”

The only Native American site designated both a UNESCO World Heritage site and U.S. National Historic Landmark, Taos Pueblo is one of the country’s oldest continuously inhabited communities.

Pueblo Nations, New Mexico

Surfacing native american voices in the american southwest.

In New Mexico, monuments to oppressors of Native Americans—such as Spanish conquistador Don Diego de Vargas—are toppling, as some activists call to honor Po’pay, organizer of the 1680 Pueblo Revolt . The uprising ousted the Spanish from Pueblo Indian homelands. Although Spain regained control in 1692, the revolt is credited with ensuring the long-term survival of Pueblo culture.

A statue of Po’pay represents New Mexico in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. At home, Po’pay’s enduring legacy is evident in the state’s 19 Pueblos, including Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each Pueblo is a sovereign nation and living community with distinct traditions. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) in Albuquerque is the starting point for exploring the Pueblos—online via a Virtual Culture Guide and in-person when it’s safe to resume group tours and celebrations.

Michael Lucero, IPCC’s guest experience manager and member of San Felipe Pueblo, calls the center’s resources the “lens” through which visitors can better appreciate the richness of Pueblo life. “When you step foot on a Pueblo, you’ll start connecting the dots,” Lucero says. “This is where we feel safe and connect with the Earth.”

( Want more stories from New Mexico? Visit our travel guide. )

In Guam, a local Chamoru dance group performs a blessing at the U.S. Naval Cemetery, in April 2017.

Revisiting Magellan’s legacy in the Pacific

The 500th anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the globe isn’t exactly a cause for celebration on Guam , a U.S. territory and largest of the Mariana Islands. During a three-day stopover in March 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan killed Indigenous Chamoru people and erroneously labeled the Marianas Islas de los Ladrones (Islands of Thieves).

A Spanish naval vessel will stop in Guam in March 2021, as part of a commemorative voyage retracing the world-circling route launched by Magellan in 1519 and completed by Spanish navigator Juan Sebastián Elcano in 1522. For the Chamoru today, the arrival of the anniversary expedition is an opportunity to tell their story, one whose chapters include the Magellan encounter, Guam’s colonial history, and the realities of living at what’s dubbed the U.S. military’s “tip of the spear” in the Pacific.

( Related: Guam’s ecological fate is in the hands of the U.S. military .)

Guam’s complex story is reflected in the Chamoru language, which features Spanish, English, and Japanese words. Young Chamorus are increasingly learning to embrace their culture, says Chamoru author and activist Michael Bevacqua .

“Chamoru is an Indigenous memory,” adds Bevacqua, who teaches free language lessons and encourages fellow Chamorus to voice their choice for the future of their island’s political status—whether statehood or independence. “To me, being able to speak Chamoru and pass it on is at the core of our culture and the identity of our people.”

Donggung Palace overlooks the serene waters of Wolji Pond in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea.

Gyeongju, Republic of Korea

This ancient korean kingdom still glitters.

Named Korea ’s Culture City of East Asia 2021, Gyeongju is more commonly known by its nickname: “the museum without walls.” The city, located at the southeast corner of the Korean peninsula, is home to an astonishing abundance of archaeological sites, thanks to a nearly thousand-year reign as capital of the ancient Korean kingdom of Silla (57 B.C. to A.D. 935).

Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Gyeongju Historic Areas are a captivating collection of Buddhist art from this golden age. Among the treasures: temple and palace ruins, stone pagodas, rock carvings, a superb eighth-century statue of Buddha, and about 150 Silla nobility burial mounds, some up to 75 feet high.

( Related: How did South Korea prevent a COVID-19 disaster? )

Gold, silver, and gilt-bronze crowns, jewelry, and other glittering artifacts excavated from the tombs are displayed in the Gyeongju National Museum’ s “Silla the Kingdom of Gold” exhibit. Virtually tour the exhibition hall for an inside look at the lavish lifestyles of Silla royalty. —Bo-yeon Lim, Nat Geo Traveler Korea

The elegant Plaza Nueva (or Plaza de España) is a central gathering point in the Basque capital of Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country, Spain

Jazz and legends in a basque cultural capital.

In the interior of Spain ’s tradition-rich Basque Country, one city claims the cultural crown. Vitoria, also known by its Basque name of Gasteiz, was historically a commercial and cultural crossroads due to its prime position on the shortest route connecting the medieval kingdom of Castile with northern Europe.

Now, Vitorians continue the tradition of welcoming outside influences by hosting emerging and legendary jazz artists—such as trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, whose Vitoria Suite album pays tribute to the city—during the international Vitoria-Gasteiz Jazz Festival held each July. A bronze statue honoring Marsalis stands in the gardens of La Florida Park, Vitoria’s green lung and part of a ring of parks giving Vitorians more square feet of green space per inhabitant than any other Spanish city. Urban nature conservation efforts coupled with a commitment to sustainable transport—a large part of the population travels by bicycle or tram—earned Vitoria-Gasteiz the title of European Green Capital in 2012.

( Related: This is how the Basques became an autonomous community within Spain .)

Planet-protecting Vitorians are equally passionate about preserving tradition, particularly in the historic quarter. The Gothic majesty of the Cathedral of Santa María tops a hill overlooking the centuries-old district. On streets that bear the names of medieval artisans’ guilds, locals throng bars and restaurants, sampling the habit-forming Basque version of tapas, known as pintxo . A plaza at the southern end of the old town is the site every August of an unusual celebration that honors the patron of the city—and the plaza’s namesake— la Virgen Blanca (the White Madonna). During the festival, a crowd gathers here to watch an effigy of a Basque villager, known as Celedón, whiz down a zip wire with his open umbrella to kick off the party. On reaching a balcony, Celedón magically “becomes” a real person who then encourages the crowd to enjoy the revels. —Sergi Ramis, Viajes National Geographic (Spain)

The picturesque countryside of Tonglu has inspired Chinese artists and writers for centuries, including the famed painter Huang Gongwang.

Tonglu, China

A chinese landscape made famous in paintings lands its first art fest.

Completed in 1350, “ Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains ” is a touchstone of traditional Chinese shanshui , or landscape painting—a flowing visual journey along the Fuchun River and mountains that, when fully unrolled, extends more than 22 feet long.

Painter Huang Gongwang, one of the Four Masters of the Yuan dynasty, lived in seclusion alongside the Fuchun River, in Tonglu, for three years before completing this handscroll masterpiece. Ever since, tranquil Tonglu—tucked in the mountains of eastern Zhejiang Province, 168 miles southwest of Shanghai —has been a source of inspiration for generations of Chinese artists and writers.

In 2021 Tonglu is once again in the art spotlight. The first Tonglu Art Triennale, originally scheduled for autumn 2020 but postponed due to the pandemic to spring 2021, will display modern art installations in fields and along the river—and, the hope is, boost rural tourism. Festival curator and director Fram Kitagawa, founder of Japan’s Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, says the very word “Tonglu” embodies the spirit of the event.

He explains, “At this season, the fog on the Fuchun River and the clouds in the mountains are intertwined with each other, which is very similar to the Chinese landscape painting I knew when I was young.” —Yi Lu, Nat Geo Traveler China

A female moose wades across a lake in Isle Royale National Park, Michigan.

Isle Royale, Michigan

Wolves and moose roam this lesser known u.s. national park.

Nature runs wild on Michigan ’s untamed Isle Royale, a best-kept secret of a national park in the northwestern corner of Lake Superior. The 45-mile-long wilderness island is only 18 miles from the shores of northeastern Minnesota , yet frequent fog banks, fierce storms, and choppy waters can make it seem edge-of-nowhere remote.

Along with causing numerous shipwrecks in the late 1800s to early 1900s, the hazardous waters surrounding Isle Royale shaped the island’s unique ecosystem. The park has only 18 mammal species (compared to more than 40 on the mainland), many of them descendants of the hardy animals who were able to swim here in summer or cross the frozen lake in winter.

( Related: See why Isle Royale National Park is a camper’s paradise .)

Since 1958, scientists have been observing Isle Royale’s most famous residents, wolves and moose, in the world’s longest predator-prey study. When only a single wolf pair remained in 2018 , a multiyear relocation plan began to restore the population, helping keep moose numbers in check and boosting the resiliency of the entire ecosystem.

Moose sightings are frequent, as are haunting loon calls. Less seen or heard are humans. The isolation and solitude mainly beckon seasoned backpackers, kayakers, and canoeists who arrive equipped to navigate Isle Royale’s roadless backcountry and inland lake paddling route, Chain of Lakes.

Brazil’s Cerrado, South America’s largest savanna, is a haven for the seven-banded armadillo and hundreds of other species.

Cerrado, Brazil

This brazilian wilderness may be the closest thing we have to a ‘jurassic park’.

Environmental victories in the Brazilian Amazon don’t always turn out to be a good thing for its lesser known biome neighbor, the Cerrado. South America ’s largest savanna, the Cerrado covers nearly a quarter of Brazil’s land surface and is extraordinarily biodiverse. But it is increasingly vulnerable to deforestation due to soybean farming and cattle ranching driven from the Amazon . More than 40,000 square miles have been destroyed in the past decade alone.

The Brazilian Campaign for the Defense of the Cerrado (“No savanna, no water, no life”) is sounding the alarm about the pressing need to save this endangered wonderland. Several of South America’s major rivers—including São Francisco, Paraná-Paraguay, and Tocantins-Araguaia—begin here, and 5 percent of the planet’s plants and animals are found here.

( Related: Brazil’s wildfires may destroy the world’s largest tropical wetland .)

The Cerrado’s dizzying variety of life includes more than 10,000 species of plants (nearly half of which exist nowhere else) and Jurassic Park –size creatures: boarlike tapirs that can top 650 pounds; rare giant armadillos weighing up to 110 pounds; and giant anteaters, threatened with extinction in Brazil, that can weigh more than a hundred pounds. Equally outsized is a giant palm tree called buriti , nesting site for some of the 850-plus bird species and a main food source for many other wild things that call the Cerrado home.

Mount Lidgbird rises over the lagoon at Lord Howe Island, Australia. Only 400 visitors are allowed at any one time to experience the natural wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Lord Howe Island, Australia

A ‘last paradise’ in the tasman sea.

Being off the path to anywhere helped Lord Howe, a tiny island in the Tasman Sea, stay human-free until the 18th century. Today, only 400 visitors (slightly more than the permanent population) are permitted at any one time, helping protect one of Earth’s most isolated ecosystems in what locals rightfully call “the last paradise.”

While less than seven miles long and just over a mile at its widest, Lord Howe is the largest in an eponymous World Heritage -listed chain of islands, remnants of an underwater volcano that erupted millions of years ago. Surrounding the island is Lord Howe Island Marine Park , home to the southernmost coral reefs on the planet, more than 500 fish species, and a who’s who of protected and threatened marine species, including the whale shark, great white shark, and hawksbill turtle.

( Related: Explore the southernmost coral reef in the world .)

The island’s Protecting Paradise Program takes a holistic approach to biosecurity, enlisting the help of community volunteers and technology to remove destructive invasive species ( most recently rodents ) and protect endemic ones like the critically endangered Lord Howe Island Phasmid, or “walking sausage,” a big-as-your-hand stick insect thought to be extinct until 2001.

The aurora borealis swirls over Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories.

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Northern lights shine here 240 nights a year.

The story of Yellowknife , capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, reads like an adventure novel. Sitting at the edge of the Arctic , on the banks of the Great Slave Lake, and surrounded by wild taiga, the city of 20,000 came into being when gold was discovered in the area in the 1930s.

Gold mining was the main industry in Yellowknife for decades, and when the last of the local gold mines was closed in 2004, the city was already busy mining diamonds: In 1991, geologists found one of the richest diamond deposits on Earth here.

The Dene people have stewarded and traveled this land for thousands of years. Today, in the face of global challenges like COVID-19, climate change, and environmental degradation, the Dene find freedom in the land, says Catherine Lafferty, a Yellowknives Dene Nation author whose latest book, Land-Water-Sky/Ndè-Tı-Yat’a , is the first penned under her Dene name, Katłıà.

( Related: These tips will give you the best shot at experiencing the northern lights. )

“Going out on the land is one way to find peace and solace, to reconnect and to heal,” says Lafferty, who was raised in Yellowknife and writes about Indigenous injustices in northern Canada . “The land helps us to remember what is important. It is there that we can find happiness in the simplicities of nature’s gifts.”

Future visitors to Yellowknife can experience some of these gifts during nights lit by the aurora borealis shimmering over the boreal forests and countless small lakes outside the city. —Ondřej Formanek, Nat Geo Traveler Czechia

Totem poles in Vancouver’s Stanley Park are rich with meaning for several First Nations peoples from British Columbia’s west coast. Each carving refers to a real or mythical event.

Indigenous British Columbia, Canada

Where nature and first nations connect.

Canada’s westernmost province, British Columbia , is home to more than 200 distinct Nations . Amid the global reckoning on race, learning about Indigenous B.C. as a family is a springboard for talking with kids about timely issues such as cultural appropriation and racial stereotypes.

With an Indigenous history that spans some 10,000 years, the province is a perfect place to embark on authentic Indigenous travel experiences hosted by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Vancouver and Vancouver Island are among the most convenient places for families to learn about Indigenous culture. The island alone has more than 45 Nations and the city offers some kid-friendly urban options, such as Talaysay Tours’ “Talking Trees” walk in Stanley Park.

( Related: How First Nations-led protests in Canada sparked a conservation movement .)

On the 90-minute forest ramble, Squamish and Shíshálh cultural ambassadors share knowledge passed down through the generations to help visitors understand how First Nations people across southern British Columbia use the land for food, medicine, and technology.

“We do not see ourselves as separate from the land,” says Candace Campo, co-owner of Talaysay Tours and a member of the Shíshálh Nation. She explains that in the Shíshálh language, they have a saying: “ Nuchutmulh , [which] means ‘we are one’ and connected to all living things.”

Ready to plan your trip? Spend four days exploring the rich wildlife and culture of Haida Gwaii with Nat Geo Expeditions.

The Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Florida’s Cape Canaveral, includes Saturn, Juno, and Mercury-Redstone rockets.

Space Coast, Florida

A launchpad for wonders both in the sky and in waters below.

With all systems go for U.S. astronauts to rocket into orbit via NASA’s new Commercial Crew program, Florida ’s Atlantic shoreline east of Orlando is again at the center of space exploration. The 72-mile stretch, known as the Space Coast, includes launch facilities at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center .

At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (open with COVID-19 restrictions), families can watch scheduled blast-offs of SpaceX and Boeing spacecrafts and walk among gigantic rockets towering over a hundred feet high. A different sort of giant, the lumbering West Indian manatee, plies the waters of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge , surrounding the space center.

Tour company Florida Adventurer leads kayaking trips in the 140,000-acre refuge. By day, kayakers are treated to glimpses of manatees and dolphins. At night (June to September or later), the refuge’s Indian River Lagoon hosts an otherworldly underwater show, called bioluminescence, courtesy of billions of light-producing plankton.

( Related: Learn more about Florida’s Space Coast and its wildlife haven . )

“On bioluminescence tours, kids see light zigzagging in every direction under the water,” says Florida Adventurer owner Josh Myers. “During the day, a manatee could pop up next to their kayak and squirt water at them. Those moments are life-changing for kids, inspiring them to learn more about what lives in the water.” —Ivan Vasin, Nat Geo Traveler Russia

When completed in 2021, the England Coast Path will link existing stretches, like the South West Coast Path (Cornwall’s Atlantic coast, pictured here), with newly minted paths to create a 2,800-mile coastal trail.

England Coast Path, U.K.

An epic walk to remember.

A colossal undertaking reaches fruition in 2021 as the England Coast Path —the world’s longest seafront walking trail, stretching nearly 2,800 miles—is unveiled in its entirety.

How does a small nation successfully vie for this global title? The answer lies in England ’s geography: peer closely at a map of Great Britain and you’ll see the land meets the water in an uneven zigzag of estuaries, inlets, and promontories. That rugged seascape—awash with secretive coves, windswept bluffs, and welcoming port towns—has been intrinsic to shaping the nation’s fortunes and character. And the new England Coast Path aims to bring this prized patrimony to the people and, in so doing, protect the landscape for generations to come.

( Related: Walking in Wales reveals legends and landscapes of imagination . )

While the project was partly inspired by the opening of the 870-mile Wales Coast Path in 2012, England has a long history of coastal hiking. In the 1970s the 630-mile South West Coast Path was established as a National Trail. The England Coast Path absorbs such existing stretches and has created dozens more from scratch for a total of 67 sections. Landowners, residents, and conservationists were consulted to harmoniously enact the landmark ruling of 2009 that legally opened up England’s whole coastline to the public for the first time.

Each segment of shore has a different character. While some stretches offer unspoiled rural scenery, others have been carefully curated. Opened in September 2020, the 40-mile segment dubbed “ Cumbria’s Hidden Coas t ,” winding from Whitehaven to Millom in the country’s northwest, is dotted with art installations and adrenalized activities. Meanwhile, in the southeast, a trail christened “ England’s Creative Coast ” links artworks and plots out a digital geocaching tour across Sussex, Kent, and Essex. —Maria Pieri, Nat Geo Traveller UK

Ready to book your trip? Nat Geo Expeditions has a 16-day cruise around the ancient isles of England, Ireland, and Scotland.

A Hungarian csikós (a traditional horse herdsman) shows off his equestrian skills at Hortobágy National Park.

Hortobágy, Hungary

Cowboys and cranes in europe’s wide-open plains.

The broad spaces of Hortobágy National Park are nature-made for social distancing. Covering nearly 200,000 acres of the Great Hungarian Plain in eastern Hungary, the expansive World Heritage site preserves the largest remaining native grassland in Europe as well as pastoral traditions dating back millennia.

Poor soil for farming helped keep Hortobágy’s mosaic of alkaline marshes, meadows, pastures, and loess-steppe vegetation intact. Free from plowing and significant development, this puszta (barren land) flourished. The resulting rich grassland ecosystem, protected since 1973, provides critical habitat for some 340 bird species, including tens of thousands of winged fall migration travelers, such as gray geese and common cranes, that make the park one of central Europe’s best birding locations.

Hortobágy isn’t strictly for the birds, though. A few hundred shepherds and cowboys, called csikós , still roam the wavy grass, giving families a rare look at centuries-old animal husbandry traditions. Horse-drawn carriage tours pass by herdsmen and their puli dogs, an ancient Hungarian breed with a coat like a mop, and racka sheep, famous for their corkscrew horns. Tours typically feature demonstrations of big-thrill rodeo skills—like galloping while standing on the backs of two horses—by daring csikós dressed in their flowing, blue-and-black traditional folk wear.

( Related: Discover one of Europe’s most underrated wine regions .)

Also home on the Hortobágy range: one of the largest populations of endangered Przewalski’s horses . Some 300 wander the park’s Pentezug Wild Horse Reserve . Although the reserve isn’t open to the public, the add-on safari ride from Hortobágy Wild Animal Park rolls closely past the grazing animals—untamed residents of Hungary’s wild, wild east. —Tamás Vitray, Nat Geo Traveler Hungary

Founded in 1211, Brasov is a gateway city to the wildflower meadows and wooded mountains of rural Transylvania.

Transylvania, Romania

Finding the real in a land famous for fantasy.

One of the side effects of Dracula —the Gothic horror novel by Irish author Bram Stoker—was that it transformed Transylvania, a perfectly real Romanian region, into a mythical realm, a “cursed spot, from this cursed land, where the devil and his children still walk with earthly feet!” as the writer put it.

Since Stoker had never seen the place himself, he craftily compiled information for his 1897 novel from books written by British travel writers. He got some of the details right: the “robber steaks” (grilled beef kebabs called rablóhús ) and national dish mămăligă (a cornmeal porridge); sweet Golden Mediasch wine; descriptions of the folk wear; the roadside crosses; and the culturally complicated mix of Magyars, Saxons, Székelys, and Wallachians.

( Related: Peek inside the fortress known as “Dracula’s Castle.” )

What Stoker missed is what Transylvania should be known for: its pastoral, old-Europe feel. Cosmopolitan Cluj is a base for exploring rural Transylvania’s wildflower meadows, storybook castles, and cobbled-lane villages. For families increasingly tethered to technology, a future farm stay here would be a chance to unplug, to spend time instead traveling by horse-drawn cart, hiking in the wooded Carpathian Mountains, and helping with chores like milking sheep, collecting eggs, and piling haystacks.

Transylvania’s bucolic charms have long captivated the Prince of Wales, whose foundation funds local architectural heritage preservation projects. “It’s the timelessness of it which is so remarkable,” the future king says in the travel documentary Wild Carpathia, “almost out of some of those stories one used to read as a child.” —Catalin Gruia, Nat Geo Traveler Romania

Ready to plan your trip? Nat Geo Expeditions offers a four-day extension to Transylvania on its Lower Danube River cruise.

A group of traditional Aztec dancers perform during Crush Walls 2019, a popular street art festival in Denver, Colorado. Originating in central Mexico, the dance honors ancestors and represents different relationships with the Earth, animals, time, and customs.

Denver, Colorado

A green giant of a city in the american west.

Despite financial challenges related to COVID-19, Denver is powering forward with its goal of achieving 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030. Among the latest forward-thinking initiatives are 125 miles of new bike lanes by 2023 and solar gardens to be “planted” on municipal parking lots, rooftops, and vacant land in 2021.

“Investments in Denver’s clean energy economy will strengthen our community and address multiple concerns including our carbon footprint,” says Grace Rink, executive director of Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency . Along with producing clean energy for public buildings, vehicle charging stations, and nearby low-income neighborhoods, the gardens will grow jobs and a paid training program during construction.

Connecting climate action and sustainability to economic prosperity and social justice has helped Denver earn the coveted LEED for Cities Platinum Certification . To encourage business owners to join the effort by putting eco-friendly solutions to work, Colorado ’s capital offers free, customized sustainability plans through Certifiably Green Denver . Thanks to the program, nearly 2,000 Denver businesses are creating greener, more efficient operations that use less water and energy, and produce less air pollution and waste.

( Related: Discover the best of Denver with top 10 tips .)

“We’re so fortunate to live in this beautiful place,” says Adam Schlegel, co-founder of Chook , a Certifiably Green restaurant that champions sustainable food practices, “and with that fortune comes the responsibility to protect it.”

Divers explore a bounty of amphora from a fifth-century B.C. shipwreck—the first to be open to the public in Greece—in the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades.

Alonissos, Greece

Mediterranean haven for seals—and a deep dive into an ancient shipwreck.

Called “the Parthenon of shipwrecks,” the eerie remains of the ancient Peristera shipwreck recently opened as the first underwater museum in Greece accessible to recreational divers. Located below the surface in the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades , the site is thought to hold cargo from a large Athenian barge that sank in the fifth century B.C. Limiting human activity in the 873-square-mile marine park—established in 1992, primarily to save the endangered Mediterranean monk seal —helped keep archaeological looters at bay, preserving the wreck site and its bounty of intact, two-handled wine jars.

( Related: How Greece is rethinking its once bustling tourism industry .)

To explore the submerged museum in person, you’ll need to be able to dive to depths of 80 feet or more on a guided tour (slated to resume in summer 2021). Or, visit the information center on the small island of Alonissos and embark on a virtual reality tour of the wreck —no swimming required. —Lakshmi Sankaran, Nat Geo Traveller India

Since 2005, the Loango Gorilla Project has been studying a population of critically endangered western lowland gorillas in Loango National Park, Gabon.

More than 11 percent of this African country is national parkland

Elephants and hippos walk undisturbed on the beaches of Gabon —“Africa’s last Eden,” according to National Geographic explorer-in-residence Mike Fay —where more than 11 percent of the country is national parkland encompassing white-sand shorelines and inland forests.

Not all of Gabon’s 13 national parks are readily accessible. But Loango alone offers a variety of landscapes, vegetation, and wildlife, as well as the waterside Loango Lodge . One of this standout park’s highlights is an encounter with critically endangered western lowland gorillas . One group per day of four people maximum is allowed to try and find them, with no guarantee of success. In Pongara, one of five national parks protecting important sea turtle habitat, the beachfront Pongara Lodge offers close-up views of nesting leatherbacks, November to March, and migratory whales and dolphins, June to August.

( Related: Here are 17 unforgettable African safaris .)

Thanks to global investment in the country’s transportation networks, visiting Gabon—where an estimated 80 percent of the landmass is still covered by forest—is expected to become easier in the future. A sustainable development strategy also promises to expand ecotourism responsibly, helping ensure the country’s wildest places stay wild. —Barbera Bosma, Nat Geo Traveler Netherlands

The crystalline waters of New Caledonia harbor more than 9,000 marine species, including stingrays.

New Caledonia

Where marine life frolics in the south pacific.

Humpback whales, green sea turtles, dugongs—all congregate in the welcoming waters of New Caledonia . This French territory comprises a group of islands set like jewels in the southwest Pacific Ocean, some 900 miles off the east coast of Australia.

Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, New Caledonia’s lagoons represent one of the most extensive reef systems in the world, with pristine waters and more than 9,000 marine species. In 2014, the government created the 500,000-square-mile Coral Sea Natural Park , which extends well beyond the UNESCO site. Christophe Chevillon, senior manager at the Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy , says the establishment of the Coral Sea park was “a notable and critical step for the conservation of New Caledonia’s waters as well as the protection of the last virgin coral reefs in the world.”

Now, the territory has taken further steps to ensure the long-term sustainability of its unique marine sanctuary. Fishing, nautical sports, and boats carrying more than 200 passengers are forbidden in large parts of the park, while some areas are banned from any human activity at all, except scientific research. A coral farm will open on Lifou island to restore reefs damaged by tourism in the past.

( Related: Can new science save Australia’s dying coral reef? )

Inland, the government is promoting ecotours and a new law aiming to ban all disposable plastic products by 2022. Tourism is strictly regulated in provincial parks, and the Giant Fern Park —a must-see in the tropical rainforest on the main island—is divided into zones for walking and biking while others are left to nature. —Marie-Amélie Carpio, Nat Geo Traveler France

CopenHill, billed as one of the cleanest waste-to-energy plants in the world, doubles as a year-round ski slope and hiking path in Copenhagen, which is aiming to become the world’s first carbon-neutral capital by 2025.

Copenhagen, Denmark

A cosmopolitan capital creating sustainable solutions that pay off.

The widespread inequalities unmasked by the COVID-19 pandemic have ignited global interest in making cities more resilient, equitable, and healthy. In other words, a city like Copenhagen , on track to become the world’s first carbon-neutral capital by 2025.

“In Copenhagen we insist on green solutions because they pay off,” the city’s Lord Mayor Frank Jensen says in We Have the Power to Move the World , the sustainable transport guidebook for mayors produced by C40 , a network of cities committed to addressing climate change.

“Copenhagen’s green transformation goes hand in hand with job creation, economic growth, and a better quality of life,” he says.

Denmark ’s capital has long targeted sustainability. The city has a very efficient public transportation network, and all its buses are transitioning from diesel-fueled to electric.

CopenHill , a waste-to-energy power plant burning 70 tons of waste per hour, produces clean energy for 60,000 families, while heating 120,000 homes. In 2019, CopenHill opened its outdoor play areas to the public: a rooftop green space, including hiking trails and a year-round ski and snowboard slope, and a stacked-block facade climbing wall.

Planet-friendly urban planning—such as the web of cycling paths that more than 60 percent of residents use to pedal to work and school every day—has resulted in Copenhagen having five times more bicycles than cars. A tour on an electric bike easily takes in the city’s most well-known places, from Nyhavn , a former industrial port now lined with restaurants and bars, to Rundetaarn , a 17th-century astronomical observatory housing exhibitions. It’s no surprise that bike-centric Copenhagen was chosen to host the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in July 2022. —Marco Cattaneo, Nat Geo Traveler Italy

Ready to plan your trip? Nat Geo Expeditions offers a 10-day Scandinavian cruise that departs from Copenhagen.

The vibrant German university town of Freiburg holds a weekly farmers’ market in front of its historic cathedral and implements a number of best practices in sustainable living.

Freiburg, Germany

This german university town is schooling the world on the best green practices.

Germany ’s vibrant university city of Freiburg readily embraces sustainable living. Mainly known as the gateway to the Black Forest, Freiburg is remarkably green, both in appearance and in action. Woodland covers more than 40 percent of the urban area. Renewables, such as solar, biomass, wind, and hydroelectricity, power the city, which converts its trash into biomass energy. Walking, biking, e-buses, and trams are the main modes of transportation, boosting chances Freiburg will meet its goals of cutting CO2 emissions in half or more by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

( Related: In Germany, industrial sites are now artful enclaves .)

Best practices in green infrastructure—including cooperative housing with rooftop solar panels, urban gardens, and incentives for living car-free—were baked into Freiburg’s Vauban district, developed on a reclaimed brownfield site. Recognized as one of the world’s most sustainable city quarters, Vauban was shaped by a citizen-led vision of an ecological, self-organized, and socially just neighborhood. Completed in 2016, Quartier Vauban has grown into Freiburg’s most densely populated district, demonstrating that if cities build sustainably, people will come. —Werner Siefer, Nat Geo Traveler Germany

Related Topics

• SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
• CULTURAL TOURISM
• WILDLIFE WATCHING
• ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION

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What's the best state for you », 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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The World’s Greatest Places of 2021

100 extraordinary destinations to explore

Accra, Ghana

A hub for creativity and culture.

A rare sight at the South Pole

Arouca, Portugal

Bridging the gap.

A cruising renaissance

Perpetual motion

Leaning into literary roots

Action-packed metropolis

Striking a delicate balance

Benguerra Island, Mozambique

Supercharged eco-luxury.

Readying for visitors

Big Sky, Montana

The great wide open.

Bodrum, Turkey

Riviera on the rise.

Cáceres, Spain

A multitude of cultural riches.

New vantages on unique treasures

Cannes, France

Sea and be seen.

Chimanimani National Park, Mozambique

Doubling down on conservation.

Christchurch, New Zealand

Rebuilding from rubble.

Coimbra, Portugal

Fresh claims to fame.

Committed to conservation

Rocky Mountain high

Desaru Coast, Malaysia

A beach escape.

Bringing the world together

A refined reopening

Faroe Islands, Denmark

Worth the journey.

Gold Coast, Australia

Surfers’ playground.

Gothenburg, Sweden

Four centuries and counting.

Design District, London

An affordable artistic incubator.

Luxury on the water

Gyeongju, South Korea

Historic gem.

Renewed life in the Old Quarter

Giving old spaces new purpose

Ho Chi Minh City

Tastes of vietnam.

Hokkaido, Japan

Northern exposure.

Lone Star stunner

Hudson Valley, New York

Brick by brick.

Indianapolis

Bottle service.

Island of Hawaii

Volcanoes and vistas.

Jaipur, India

Astronomical haven.

Jasper, Alberta

Canada’s cabin capital.

José Ignacio, Uruguay

Relaxed getaway.

Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Leave no trace.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

On the wild side.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Artisanal escape.

La Paz, Mexico

Laid-back vibes at the seaside.

Lake Khovsgol, Mongolia

Untold depths.

Lake Kivu, Rwanda

Solar-powered exploration.

Excess and innovation

Lijiang, China

A launch point for adventure.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

A culinary capital.

Loire Valley, France

Chez leonardo.

Los Angeles

Hollywood’s next act.

Safeguarding tradition

An ever changing archipelago

Marrakech, Morocco

A place of beauty.

Expanding on a legacy

Mendoza, Argentina

Serving culinary excellence outdoors.

Napa Valley, California

Restoring wine country.

Negev Desert, Israel

Desert cultivation.

New Orleans

Big easy does it.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia

Active nature.

New York City

Back in business.

North Goa, India

Dressed up on the coast.

Northland, New Zealand

Legendary experiences.

Nuuk, Greenland

Pioneering capital.

Odense, Denmark

Fairy-tale city.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

An oasis in the wetlands.

The magic continues

Osaka, Japan

Munch to do

The royal treatment

Patagonia National Park, Chile

Sustainable investments.

Philadelphia

Artistic growth.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Idyllic paradise.

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Rising design destination.

Quito, Ecuador

Heritage hub.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Abuzz with openings.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Monument to the southwest.

Santiago de Compostela, Spain

A rare pilgrimage.

São Vicente, Cape Verde

Music in the air.

Sarasota, Florida

The growing gulf coast scene.

Savannah, Georgia

Revitalized riverfronts.

Visions of the future

Siargao, Philippines

Sicily, Italy

History by the seaside.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Wildlife and wonders.

Superlative city-state

Southern Carpathian Mountains, Romania

Returning to nature.

A reinvigorated downtown

Harborside stunners

Culture and quiet

Talkeetna, Alaska

Mountain majesties.

Tallinn, Estonia

Cruising and perusing.

Gearing up for the Games

Tuscany, Italy

Uffizi on tour.

Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia

Salt-flat homestays.

Venice, Italy

Future-proofing an icon.

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Respite and renewal.

Wadi Dana, Jordan

Eyes in the sky.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Reveling in art.

Culture you can bank on

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Copy editors: Helen Eisenbach, Mark Hokoda, Anny Kim, Megan Rutherford, Sarah Rutledge, Jennifer Schiavone 

Designers: Jennifer Panzer and Jennifer Prandato

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Reporter-researchers:   Leslie Dickstein, Mariah Espada, Alejandro de la Garza, Nik Popli, Madeline Roache, and Simmone Shah 

Video editor: Erica Solano

Find the Best Vacation For You

U.S. News has ranked more than 1,100 vacation destinations across the world. Find the best vacation for you.

vacation destination rankings

U.S. News Travel's Best Vacations rankings identify the top destinations by region and vacation type. The categories below make it easy to find the list that suits your needs.

World's Best Places to Visit for 2023-2024

• # 2 Bora Bora
• # 3 Glacier National Park
• Best Places to Visit in the USA for 2023
• # 1 Glacier National Park
• # 3 Grand Canyon National Park
• Best Places to Visit in Europe for 2023-2024
• # 3 Swiss Alps
• Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean for 2023
• # 1 Turks & Caicos
• # 2 St. Lucia
• # 3 British Virgin Islands
• Best Places to Visit in Canada for 2023
• # 2 Jasper National Park
• # 3 Vancouver, Canada
• Best Places to Visit in Mexico for 2023
• # 1 Zihuatanejo
• # 3 Cozumel

Vacations by category

Family vacations.

• Best Family Beach Vacations in the U.S.

• Best Family Vacations in the USA for 2024

• Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean

• Best Family Vacations in Europe

Best Spring Break Destinations for Families

• Best Family Vacations in Canada

Best Summer Family Vacations

Best Winter Family Vacations

Cheap vacations.

Top 19 Cheap Family Vacations

Best Inexpensive Spring Break Destinations

• Best Cheap Vacations in the U.S. for 2023

• Best Cheap Caribbean Vacations

• Best Cheap European Vacations for 2023-2024

Best Cheap Winter Vacations

Best Cheap Summer Vacations

• Best Cheap Vacations in Central and South America

• Best Cheap Mexico Vacations

Beach Vacations

Best beaches in the world for 2024.

• # 2 Turks & Caicos
• # 3 Bahamas

More Beach Vacations

• Best Pacific Islands to Visit
• Best U.S. Beaches for 2024
• Best Beaches in Florida for 2024
• Best California Beaches for 2024
• Best New Jersey Beaches
• Best Cape Cod Beaches
• Best South Carolina Beaches
• Best North Carolina Beaches
• Best Beaches in Texas
• Best Beaches in Maryland
• Best Alabama Beaches
• Best Oregon Beaches
• Best Rhode Island Beaches

Vacations by Season

Best Spring Break Destinations

Best Places to Visit in Spring

Best Summer Vacation Spots in the World for 2024

Best Fall Vacations

Best Places to Visit in Winter

• Best Winter Vacations in Europe

Vacations by Month

Best Places to Visit in January 2024

Best Places to Visit in February 2024

Best Places to Visit in March 2024

Best Places to Visit in April 2024

Best Places to Visit in May 2024

Best Places to Visit in June 2024

Best Places to Visit in July 2024

Best Places to Visit in August 2024

Best Places to Visit in September 2024

Best Places to Visit in October 2024

Best Places to Visit in November 2024

Best Places to Visit in December 2024

Romantic & honeymoon vacations.

• Best Honeymoon Destinations for 2024
• # 1 Bora Bora

More Romantic & Honeymoon Vacations

• Best Romantic Getaways in the U.S. for 2024
• Best Beach Honeymoons
• Best Caribbean Honeymoons
• Best Honeymoons in Europe for 2024
• Best Cheap European Honeymoon Destinations

Best Wine Vacations

• Best Cheap Destination Wedding Locations
• Best Cheap Couples Getaways for 2024
• Best Destination Wedding Spots in the Caribbean
• Best Destination Wedding Spots in Europe
• Best Honeymoon Destinations in the USA

More Vacations

Best National Parks in the World for 2024

Best Weekend Getaways

Best Islands in the World for 2024

Best Christmas Vacations

Best Places to Hike in the USA

Best Ski Vacations in the World

• Best East Coast Vacation Spots

Best Cities in the World to Visit

Vacations by region.

• Best Relaxing Vacation Spots in the USA
• Best Adventure Vacations in the U.S.
• Best Party Cities in the U.S.
• Best Ski Trips in the U.S.
• Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA
• Best Food Cities in the U.S.
• Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA
• Best U.S. National Parks for 2024
• Best Places to Visit in Arizona
• Best Places to Visit in Colorado
• Best Places to Visit in Florida in 2024
• Best Places to Visit in Texas
• Best Weekend Getaways in New England
• Best Places to Visit in California for 2024
• Which Hawaiian Island is the Best to Visit? Our 2024 Ranking
• Best Day Trips from NYC
• Best Places to Visit in New York State in 2024
• Best Places to Visit in Maine
• Best Places to Visit in Michigan
• Best Places to Visit in Oregon
• Best Places to Visit in Virginia
• Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania
• Best Places to Visit in Georgia
• Best Summer Vacations in the USA for 2024
• Best Day Trips from Seattle
• Best Day Trips from San Francisco
• Best Day Trips from Phoenix
• Best Places to Visit in Utah
• Best Places to Visit in Tennessee
• Best Places to Visit in Ohio
• Best Places to Visit in New Mexico
• Best Places to Visit in Maryland
• Best Weekend Getaways in the South
• Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
• Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA
• Best Beaches in Georgia
• Best Delaware Beaches
• Best Beaches in Connecticut
• Best Beaches in Virginia
• Best Beaches in Michigan
• Best Maine Beaches
• Best Places to Visit in New Jersey
• Best Places to Visit in Alaska
• Best U.S. Cities to Visit
• Best Places to Visit in South Carolina
• Best Places to Visit in North Carolina
• Best Beaches in Portugal
• Best Beaches in Croatia
• Best Places to Visit in France
• Best Places to Visit in Spain
• Best Places to Visit in Italy
• Best Beaches in Italy
• Which Greek Island Should You Visit? Our 2024 Top Picks
• Best Beaches in Spain
• Best Beaches in France
• Best Day Trips from London
• Best Day Trips from Florence
• Best Places to Visit in Germany
• Best Places to Visit in Switzerland
• Best Places to Visit in Ireland
• Best Eastern Europe Travel Spots

Caribbean  »

• Best Beaches in Puerto Rico
• Best Beaches in Jamaica
• 8 Best Bahamas Islands, Ranked
• Best Caribbean Beaches for 2024
• Best National Parks in Canada
• Best Mexico Beaches for 2024

Central & South America  »

• Best Places to Visit in Central and South America in 2023
• Best Beaches in Costa Rica

Africa & The Middle East  »

• Best Places to Visit in Africa in 2023

Australia & The Pacific  »

• Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific in 2023
• Best Beaches in Australia
• Best Places to Visit in Asia
• Best Beaches in Thailand
• Best Places to Visit in Japan
• Best Places to Visit in Thailand

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The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Edited by Nina Ruggiero and Scott Bay

1. Abruzzo, Italy

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

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

3. Anguilla

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

4. Antarctica

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

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

6. Barbados

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

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

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

8. Budapest, Hungary

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

9. Burgundy, France

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

10. British Virgin Islands

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

11. Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

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

12. Crete, Greece

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

13. Walt Disney World

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

14. Doha, Qatar

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

15. Edinburgh, Scotland

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

16. Finger Lakes, New York

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

17. Franklin, Tennessee

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

18. Galápagos Islands

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

19. Greater Palm Springs, California

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

20. Greenville, South Carolina

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

21. Ilha Caldeira, Mozambique

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

22. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

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

23. Kafue National Park, Zambia

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

24. Kaunas, Lithuania

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

25. Kyushu, Japan

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

26. Lanai, Hawaii

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

27. Las Vegas, Nevada

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

28. Louisville, Kentucky

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

29. Malaysia

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

30. Maldives

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

31. Newport, Rhode Island

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

32. Nile Cruise, Egypt

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

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

34. Phuket, Thailand

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

35. Pico, Portugal

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

36. Quebec, Canada

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

37. Queensland, Australia

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

38. Santa Ynez Valley, California

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

39. São Paulo, Brazil

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

40. Savannah, Georgia

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

41. Seattle, Washington

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

42. Sedona, Arizona

Makito Umekita/Travel + Leisure

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

43. Singapore

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

44. Southwest Michigan

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

45. St. Moritz, Switzerland

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

46. St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida

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

47. Todos Santos, Mexico

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

48. Udaipur, India

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

49. Wales, United Kingdom

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

50. Yucatán, Mexico

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

51. Bonus: Space

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

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The Best Places to Travel in August

By Caitlin Morton

Is there any month more tailor-made for a vacation than August? The peak of summer is the perfect time to jettison all 9-to-5 obligations and indulge in a trip, whether you’re soaking up the sun on an exclusive Mediterranean island or holing up in a bucolic corner of the Mid-Atlantic. Plus, with the E.U. opening up to U.S. tourists this summer and states lifting COVID restrictions, we’re more excited to book a flight than ever. If you’re hoping to squeeze in a vacation before Labor Day, here are nine of the best places to travel in August.

Madeira, Portugal

This island, 300 miles west of Morocco, is synonymous with winemaking and wine drinking. The Madeira Wine Festival (August 29 through September 12) showcases how the islanders developed the unique oxidation process to create their trademark wine six centuries ago. There are events and celebrations throughout the island, but be sure to visit Cabo Girão, where the microclimate around the cliffs allowed Jesuits to cultivate malvasia grapes and develop the sweet malmsey wine. The vertigo-inducing skywalk here is the highest such installation in Europe, though it’s best to try it before imbibing too much.

The Great Migration is one of the awe-inspiring natural spectacles on the planet, when more than 1.5 million wildebeest sweep through East Africa between July and October every year. In Kenya, the best place to watch the phenomenon is the Masai Mara National Reserve, with ample rivers (that’s where the real action takes place) and cliffs overlooking the savannah.

Set up shop at the 15-suite Angama Mara , which sits close to the Mara River and affords 180-degree views of the surrounding plains. Even if you miss some of the migration action, you'll be able to see elephant, buffalo, and giraffe from your suite, or take a Maasai-led walking safari to see even more wildlife.

Woodstock, Vermont

One of the most beautiful towns in America, Woodstock’s appeal extends far beyond fall foliage and craft beer. The city oozes New England charm in any season, which is clearly evidenced by the lovely and quaint Woodstock Inn & Resort . The 142-room hotel thrives in the summer, when the on-site garden boasts more than 200 varieties of produce that get sent directly to the property’s two restaurants.

And the seasonal delights don’t end there. Just down the road at the Billings Farm & Museum, the 20,000-square-foot Sunflower House will enter its third year in bloom this summer. Thousands of sunflowers (which reach peak bloom in mid-August) will be planted in a maze-like structure, ranging in height from 18 inches to a staggering 14 feet.

Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda is one of Europe’s most glamorous summer getaways, with stunning white sands and yacht-crammed waters off Porto Cervo. Lean into the luxe vibe by booking one of the suites at the Hotel Cala di Volpe , and remember to pack the kind of bikinis that were never designed to actually get wet for its ultra-exclusive beach club. The suites, decked out in whitewashed walls and Sardinian marble floors, are perfect for kicking your feet up between pool visits. At night, book dinner at one of the restaurants on Porto Cervo’s beloved Piazzetta—choose between the classic fish spot, Il Pescatore, or Novikov, an Asian fusion restaurant from owner and Russian restaurateur Arkady.

Madison Flager

Garrick Ramirez

Federica Bocco

CNT Editors

Utah is renowned for its national parks (its state parks are pretty spectacular, too), but there are plenty of reasons to visit this summer outside of the obvious. (Depending on where you are, the temperatures range from 70 to 99 degrees during August.) Get your dose of thrills with an ATV ride around the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, with 2,000 acres of sand that turn pink as the sun begins to set. Or choose from ten zip-lines (one of which reaches a speed of 65 mph) at Deer Creek State Park.

If you prefer to watch the action from the sidelines, watch drivers try to break world records at the Bonneville Salt Flats during Bonneville Speed Week (August 7-13). Whatever type of activity you crave, Utah probably has it somewhere. While you're in the state, you might as well make a point to stay at the sensational Amangiri resort in Canyon Point: The remote location, food, views, and spa treatments are well worth a detour.

Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley is one of the best places to travel in August, corresponding with the region's harvest season (August through October). The crowds tend to be a bit denser during this time, but you can still have a luxurious, intimate vacation—if you know where to look. Start by setting your sights on the Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley, one of the most exciting new hotels of the summer. When it opens, it will be the only Napa property that sits on an active winery. Add to that a dedicated kids club and world-class spa, and you have yourself one stellar stay. 

For a not-so-average tasting experience, book The Legacy Tour onboard the Napa Wine Train. Expect sparkling wine samples, a three-hour tour of the valley, and four-course gourmet meal.

Summer is the season of state fairs, and few states do the tradition justice better than Minnesota. The nation’s second-largest fair (after Texas, of course) was canceled in 2020, but Gov. Tim Walz is hopeful that this year “should be a pretty close to normal event.” And in this case, normal means outdoor beer festivals, classic car shows, Miranda Lambert and Tim McGraw concerts, and 500 food stands serving up all things deep-fried and skewered.

The fair takes place from August 26 to September 6 this year, giving you plenty of August wiggle room to explore nearby Minneapolis (about 15 minutes away from the fairgrounds in Falcon Heights), a city which only gets more interesting the longer you stay there.

North Fork, Long Island

Each summer, the North Fork of Long Island offers a welcome contrast to the hectic Hamptons on the southern spike. Instead of imported city glitz, it’s a countrified hideaway, mostly full of family farms, vineyards, and small towns filled with clapboard homes. While the Hamptons crowds struggle to find a spot on the beach, spend the month of August exploring the quiet charm of this charming area.

Southold’s Custer Observatory Institute hosts stargazing and meteor-spotting parties on Saturday nights, and you can try oyster-shucking at Greenport’s Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market. Most vineyards here boost their visitor offerings in summer, like Bedell Cellars , which has live music in its tap room on Sunday afternoons in August. Take the seven-minute ferry ride from Greenport to Shelter Island for a stay at The Chequit , a 37-room Victorian inn from 1872 that made our Hot List in 2016.

Isla Holbox, Mexico

May through September is whale shark season in the Mexican Caribbean, when the magnificent beasts emerge in the warm waters between Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy every year. August is a particularly great month for whale sightings due to the amount of plankton in the water, which the whales gather to feed on.

This year, head to dreamy Isla Holbox to celebrate Whale Shark Day on August 30—no better time to try your hand at a once-in-a-lifetime whale shark dive. Eco-boutique hotel Las Nubes de Holbox is the only hotel adjacent to the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, and connects its guests to sustainable whale shark tours around the island’s stunning natural landscapes. Afterwards, relax at the Orquídea Spa with a salt bath or facial of organic Mexican products.

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