Most Exciting Travel Destinations For 2022

Once again Egypt is making a comeback and topping the list of popular travel destinations! Egypt is often considered an exotic "out of this world" destination for westerners, rich with history, it really is a dream destination, for a great value! Home to the only one remaining original seven wonders of the world - the Pyramid of Giza, as well as the Great Pyramids, Valley of the Kings, Luxor, and the one third of the worlds antiquities - Egypt is a history lovers paradise!! And with the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum, which will house many incredible exhibits - including one that will showcase every artifact found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun - opening in 2021, its no wonder Egypt is topping this list again!  

For decades Mexico has been a top destination for those seeking sun, beach and relaxation. However it has so much more to offer. Many of the cities and towns located inland are finally getting the credit they deserve. Mérida, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City, Oaxaca City, just to name a few. Indulge in delicious Mexican cuisine - I mean can anyone get tired of eating traditional Mexican food everyday, espeically the delicious street tacos? Learn about the rich culture and history, or appreciate the stunning architecture!! These cities are also a great place to spend Día de los Muertos, to take part in this beautiful celebration! If you are looking to take part in some tequila or mezcal tasting, Mexico is the place to do it! Mexico is also home to some beautiful nature and wildlife areas, that are well worth visiting, from the jungles and cenotes, to mountains, volcanos, and deserts! There is no shortage of hiking and exploring to be done! The country is also home to one of the most spectacular sights, when millions of monarch butterflies migrate to the mountain forests, now a UNESCO world heritage site! There is so much more to Mexico than the beach, it is well worth exploring!

Accessible only by boat or float plane, Katmai is a wildlife lovers paradise! This national park and wildlife preserve is home to the largest concentration of brown bears (over 2000) in the world. There is no hunting aloud in the park - so all the bears are protected. Visit the world renowned Brooks Falls, where you can watch the bears fishing for as much salmon as they want to eat! Or visit Hallo Bay, where you can watch the bears on the coastal shore, digging up clams, eating sedges, or even witness some fascinating mating behaviors! If you are a bear lover, Katmai is a must on your bucket list! Getting to view these magnificent animals in close the close proximity that Katmai offers is a once in a lifetime experience!

Japan was quickly becoming a top tourism destination, and with the decision for the 2020 Olympics to be held there - its popularity has only increased. When most people think of Japan they think of bustling cities full of the latest technology, beautiful temples, tranquil Zen gardens, and delicious food - all of which Japan has to offer, however this incredible country has so much more to it! Japan is full of some stunning natural areas - making it a nature lovers dream! From rugged mountains like Mount Fuji, to bamboo forests, beautiful coastlines with white sand beaches, and countless amazing waterfalls! Japan is also home to 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and many cultural and natural heritage sites. Japan has so much to offer as a tourism destination, and is also a very safe country, with easy and accessible transportation, and is well known for its very friendly people! It's time to add Japan to your list!

Vietnam has been high on the tourism radar for quite awhile, but it doesn't look like that will be changing anytime soon. Home to some of the most stunning landscapes, incredible food, beautiful historic architecture and fascinating history, all for very reasonable prices, its no wonder Vietnam keeps topping the travel destination list. Vietnam is full of breathtaking natural vistas, like the UNESCO world heritage site Halong Bay - home to 1600 islands, the Mekong Delta, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the beautiful white sand beaches, the Mui Ne sand dunes, and some of the giant caves scattered across the country - big enough to hold jungles and lakes, including the worlds largest cave - the Son Doong Cave. There is no shortage of natural areas to explore in Vietnam. The city of Hoi An is another top tourism destination in the country, the city which is a UNESCO world heritage city, is often referred to as the "Venice of Vietnam", it is full of rich history from its days as a port town, beautiful picturesque architecture, and delicious local dishes, its a highlight to any Vietnam trip. 

When you think of an African safari, you think of wide open plains and a plethora of exotic animals roaming around. This is exactly what a Kenyan safari has to offer! Home to countless game parks and reserves, including the famous Masai Mara National Park, a visit to Kenya ensures you will get that dream safari experience. Kenya becomes increasingly popular between the months of July and October, when the famous Great Wildebeest Migration is taking place. While you have to be quite lucky to get the Nat Geo type views of the Migration, like the famous river crossings, you are still guaranteed to be amazed by the sight of millions or wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrating in search of greener pasture's. While the Migration is amazing, a visit to any of Kenya's national parks or game reserves during any time of year will provide a wonderful Safari experience! In addition to safaris, the capital city of Nairobi has so much to offer to, from culture, shopping, and dining, to more wildlife encounters at the Sheldrick Wildlife trust and famous Giraffe Manor and Giraffe centre! There's a good reason Kenya is a top destination in Africa!

Great weather, beautiful beaches, incredible cities and luxurious hotels - its no wonder that UAE has been named the top travel destination in the world! Winning multiple travel related awards, and topping the lists for hospitality, entertainment and business categories! Visit Dubai's Burj Khalifa the worlds tallest building and observation deck with stunning views of Dubai. Abu Dabis Sheikh Zayed Mosque where lavish gold, stunning glass work and mosaic tiles are combined to blend modern and ancient styles in this stunning mosque. While in Abu Dabi - the Louvre Abu Dabi is a must see - one of the most spectacular museums in the UAE. When you've gotten your fill of the cities - visit the desert where you can sandboard, do camel treks, or ride dune buggies. Hike some incredible locations, including the Hajar Mountains, Jebel Jais, Jebel Hafeet. Or visit the beach - from city beaches with highrise skylines as a background, to coastal beaches - theres no shortage of beaches in the UAE - both wild and luxurious! There is no shortage of things to do and see in The United Arab Emeriates. 

Costa Rica remains a constant on the top travel destination lists year after year because it is a country with so much to offer, from jungles, to beaches, to vibrant cities. It is also a world leader in conservation and sustainability, running on 99.5% clean and renewable energy, and plans to be one of the first countries to achieve complete decarbonization by 2050! Making it a dream destination for eco-friendly travelers! In one single trip you can explore the incredible cloud forests, home to over 100 species of mammal, 161 species of reptiles and amphibians, and over 400 species of birds. Trekking through the cloud forests can provide you with the opportunity to spot capuchins, kinkajous, toucans, coatis, sloths, porcupines, vipers, frogs, spiders, and countless vibrantly coloured hummingbirds. You can visit any of the beautiful national parks, one of the many volcanos, including the most popular - the Arenal Volcano or head to the beach for some relaxation and surfing! For those looking for adventure you can zip line over the rainforest, ride ATVs, go horseback riding, river tubing or rafting, and so much more! Costa Rica is definitely a must visit!

More and more people are traveling to experience different cultures, incredible cuisine, and diverse scenery - so it's no wonder that Morocco is quickly growing in Popularity!  Marrakesh, Fez, Rabat, and many other cities are all filled with amazing architecture, stunning mosques, ancient palaces, and vibrant souks - a traditional marketplace, filled with amazing colours, spices, cloths, and many unique souvenirs! The scenery in Morocco ranges from the amazing Sahara Desert, where you can ride camels, horses, or ATVs on the vast dunes, or spend the night under the stars, to the amazing Atlas Mountains, where you can hike, mountain bike or view wildlife, to the beautiful coastline beaches along both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. This culturally diverse country is known for its delicious and flavorful cuisine - thanks to the abundance of spices - so you definitely won't go hungry!! If you haven't considered a trip to Morocco I highly recommend adding it to your list!

Another leader in sustainable tourism, Slovenia was recently named the world's most sustainable country! Mountains, caves, lakes, castles - are some of the breathtaking scenery Slovenia has to offer! Its also a hotspot for foodie travelers, recently voted the European Region of Gastronomy for 2021! There is no shortage of unique and delicious restaurants to satisfy those taste buds! Its a fantastic place to enjoy some hiking, with trails suitable for all levels, and once the snow hits, its a perfect place for skiing! Exploring the many caves is a very popular pastime in the country - the country is home to thousands of hidden caves, 22 of which are open to tourists! For history lovers there is no shortage of places to visit and things to learn, visit medieval castles to learn about the kingdoms and empires of the past, learn about the WWII history of the area, and visit one of the many museums. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Slovenia!

Greece is the perfect destination whether your interested in history, or want to relax on the islands. This beautiful country has year round great weather, and it is often considered one of the safest countries in the world - making it a perfect travel destination for solo travelers, or families! Greece is home to many amazing historical monuments, and UNESCO world heritage sites, even if you aren't a history buff you can't help but be amazed and interested in learning everything you can after visiting sites like Delphi, the Acropolis, or Thessaloniki just to name a few! Greece is also known for its delicious cuisine and wide array of local wines - making it a great destination for foodies! After getting your fill of history...and food, why not visit one of the beautiful islands, like Santorini or Mykonos, where you will find stunning beaches with crystal clear water perfect for soaking up some vitamin D! Or visit one of the many quiet lakes, stunning green valleys or beautiful lush forests! Greece really does have it all!

While Africa has always been dominated by safari related tourism, more and more people are starting to explore the various countries to experience more than wildlife viewing. Ethiopia is quickly gaining popularity in the tourism world! A country full of stunning landscapes, a variety of different cultures and traditions, history, delicious food and coffee, and exuberant festivals, there is no shortage of reasons to visit this beautiful country. For those who appreciate nature, Ethiopia is home to 70% of Africa's mountains, making it perfect for hiking, you can also find lush forests, vast valleys, large lakes, and Blue Nile Falls (which plunges 150ft). While Ethiopia won't provide the typical safari experience, it is home to some unique species of wildlife, such as the Ethiopian wolf, walia ibex, mountain nyala, gelada baboon, and over 850 species of birds! Ethiopia is considered the cradle of humanity, its home to a 3.5 million year old skeleton, the oldest ever found - combine that with the historic churches, mosques, and local cultures - and there is plently to learn about!

Located between Norway and mainland Scotland, this stunning archipelago is home to an incredible cliff lined coast, over 100 islands, and a rich Viking history! With so many islands to explore, the Shetland Islands have a wide variety of landscapes to enjoy, from beautiful beaches, clear blue seas, vast green valleys, and dramatic cliffs, you will never get tired of exploring! Shetland is also perfect for wildlife viewing, and offers some of the best bird watching in the world. Home to the adorable Puffins, as well as many other species of bird, including some rare species, and 21 species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) it is a great place to spend some time in nature watching the wildlife! In addition to the incredible history of the area the Shetland Islands are also home to a wonderful culture, mixed from Scottish and Scandinavian roots, which you can see celebrated in one of the many festivals that takes place. The islands are also home to some great food, mainly mouth watering seafood, including Frankie's Fish and Chips, voted the best in the UK! With so much to see and do, don't miss out on a visit to the Shetland Islands!

The Maldives is not new to the top travel destinations list, and there's a reason for it! The stunning Maldive islands in the Indian Ocean/Arabian Sea area consist of 26 atolls - and are sure to provide you with a dream vacation. Beautiful white sandy beaches, stunning overwater bungalows, culture filled towns, and crystal clear blue waters which are the perfect spot for some world class diving, filled with diverse tropical fish! The Maldives is the perfect location for a romantic honeymoon, or a relaxing tropical vacation for singles, friend groups, and families!

Beaches, rolling hills, glaciers, and snow capped mountains, and diverse wildlife - just a few of the reasons to visit New Zealand! A paradise for any outdoor lover - visiting New Zealand you can spend your days hiking to some of the most incredible sights imaginable, including glaciers, mountain ranges, lush forests, and the beautiful coastline. You can also spent your time sipping some delicious wine while visiting one of the world famous vineyards. New Zealand has made a huge effort to preserve the native culture, with many attractions designed to educate guests, you are bound to learn about and fall in love with the Maori culture! Sky diving, heli-skiing, caving & canyoning, white water rafting and bungee jumping are just a few of the heart pumping activities you can do while visiting New Zealand, making it a hot spot for adrenaline junkies! For all the Lord of the Rings fans, a trip to New Zealand wouldn't be complete without a trip to the famous Hobbiton! This amazing country really does have something for everyone, and is well worth being added to your bucket list!

Rwanda is one of my favorite countries I've explored during my travels, so its no surprise that its one of the top travel destinations this year! Even if you've been to Africa before, and gone on safaris, Rwanda offers a completely different experience! Rwanda's main tourism attraction is Volcanoes National Park, where travelers can trek to see mountain gorillas. The park highly controls the amount of people visiting, only giving out a set number of permits per day, making it the perfect post-covid travel destination. In addition to the gorilla trek, Rwanda also offers trekking to see chimpanzees, and has some great parks offering wonderful safaris. The country also offers 8 national museums -including the must see Rwandan Genocide Museum. If you are looking for some relaxation, visit the resort town of Kubavu on Lake Kivu. Rwanda is a beautiful country, with an important history, and is another leader in conservation - it is a must visit destination!

The 118 islands of Tahiti offer pristine clear water, secluded beaches and the perfect place for a relaxing escape. Stay in overwater bungalows, explore the islands on a private catamaran, take in the songs and dances of this vibrant unique culture, scuba dive some of the best diving spots in the world - home to 800 species of fish,  or simply relax and enjoy the beaches and sunsets! Tahiti is perfect for a carefree relaxing getaway, or a stunning destination wedding!

Often refereed to as the hidden gem of the Middle East - Jordan is the perfect destination for those looking for a unique trip to an incredible destination. Most famous for its most popular attraction - Petra - one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. Also known as the Rose City because of the coloring of the stones, this breathtaking historical and archeological site is a UNESCO world heritage site and is described as "one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage". Jordan offers diverse landscapes all over the country, provides wildlife viewing opportunities, amazing stargazing, delicious food, and the capital city of Amman, is famous for its arts and culture scene. You can't take a trip to Jordan without visiting the famous Dead Sea, where due to the high salt levels you will be able to effortlessly float on top of the water. Jordan is a very peaceful country, known for its kind and hospitable locals, and is a very safe country to visit!

Home to the famous Panama Canal, Panama has long been a tourist destination for those wishing to see this architecture wonder. Completed in 1914, the Canal has become the main economic resource of the country, as well as the most popular tourist attraction. However Panama has much more to offer to travelers! Surrounded by both Pacific and Caribbean oceans, there's no shortage of white sand beaches with stunning turquoise waters, perfect for sunbathing, relaxing, snorkeling, kayaking and more! Panama has a rich mix of cultures from all over the world, making up its own unique identity, as a result there is plenty of history and culture to take in and learn about, and a delicious assortment of local dishes and culinary styles! With an average climate of 29 to 32 degrees Celsius, Panama is a perfect year round destination - it was even named the country with the second best climate! Add in the fact that the country is home to 255 species of mammals and 972 species of birds, gorgeous landscapes and environments, it is an eco-tourism hotspot!

When most people think about Brazil, one of the first places that comes to mind is the Amazon Rainforest - however the Pantanal is another phenomenal region for wildlife viewing! The Pantanal is the worlds largest wetland, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, and is also the best place in the world to spot the elusive Jaguar! Since the Jaguars are used to the presence of peaceful fishermen, they are less likely to run when spotted, meaning you have a wonderful opportunity to watch them laze along the river banks! The Pantanal is still far less popular than the Amazon, so there is no need to worry about overcrowding with tourists, you will feel like you have the place to yourself! Tours through the wetlands provide you the opportunity to see the hundreds of species who call this wetland home, including capybaras, caiman, monkeys, macaws, toucans, giant otters, giant anteaters and so much more! This stunning and peaceful landscape is an adventure to get to, but is truly worth a visit if you are a wildlife lover!

South Africa is a perfect destination for those who are new to traveling to Africa! This beautiful country has so much to offer, from vibrant cities, like Cape Town, filled with art, culture, and cuisine, to some of the worlds best vineyards, beautiful coastlines and beaches, where you can even spot penguins, to incredible hiking all throughout the country, and to some of the best safari locations, including the very famous Kruger National Park. South Africa has been one of the most popular countries in Africa for tourists for quite awhile - as a result it is a very easy country to travel around solo if you aren't interested in joining a group. It is very easy to visit multiple locations during one visit - so combining wildlife viewing, with visiting cities to get your fill of culture, and history is very doable! If you've been dreaming of visiting Africa - South Africa is a great place to start!