Fancy a trek through a remote hilltop village in Southeast Asia? Diving with whale sharks in the Middle East? Check and check.
From the fjords of Norway to the surf beaches of Uruguay, the world is our oyster once again. Well, almost – as always, Check these top 10 destinations to visit in 2022.
Thailand
Thailand is a Southeast Asian country. It’s known for tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins and ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha. In Bangkok, the capital, an ultramodern cityscape rises next to quiet canalside communities and the iconic temples of Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew). Nearby beach resorts include bustling Pattaya and fashionable Hua Hin.
One of the most diverse destinations, Thailand has high mountains in the north and world-class beaches in the south. Trek through the mist-covered forests of the ancient trade route from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son, or the waterfalls and caves of Chaeson National Park. Chiang Rai is home to remote hill tribe villages and the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Ready for sun and sea? Krabi’s Railay Beach with its white-sand coast backed by green foliage awaits and the best part is that it’s accessible only through boat. Similarly, Freedom Beach, with its clear waters and lush jungles, can be reached by boat from Phuket.
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Cook Islands
The Cook Islands is a nation in the South Pacific, with political links to New Zealand. Its 15 islands are scattered over a vast area. The largest island, Rarotonga, is home to rugged mountains and Avarua, the national capital. To the north, Aitutaki Island has a vast lagoon encircled by coral reefs and small, sandy islets. The country is renowned for its many snorkeling and scuba-diving sites.
Speaking of remote island paradises, visitors to the Cook Islands can choose from 15 different islands. The waters in the lagoon of One Foot Island, or Tapuaetai, as it’s known in Maori language, is full of diverse, colorful marine life. There’s only one cabin available for rent so most people come for a day to snorkel. Another snorkel spot is Aroa Beach, where the waters teem with butterfly fish, moray eels and sea breams. For swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, check out Ootu Beach.
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Norway
Norway is a Scandinavian country encompassing mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. Oslo, the capital, is a city of green spaces and museums. Preserved 9th-century Viking ships are displayed at Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum. Bergen, with colorful wooden houses, is the starting point for cruises to the dramatic Sognefjord. Norway is also known for fishing, hiking and skiing, notably at Lillehammer’s Olympic resort.
Synonymous with majestic fjords and elusive arctic foxes, Norway conjures in the minds of many a wintry fairytale land. Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock is one of Norway’s most iconic hikes but just as atmospheric is Romsdalseggen ridge with its views of swooping valleys and sky-high peaks. For a cycling challenge, take on the Atlantic Road and cut through glaciers, frozen seas and icy peaks. Head north to Lyngenfjord to hike under the midnight sun during summer and the Northern Lights in winter. Fly across the sea to the Svalbard archipelago, home to more polar bears than human inhabitants. And also arctic foxes, musk ox, reindeers and whales, all of which can be seen on an arctic safari.
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Slovenia
Slovenia, a country in Central Europe, is known for its mountains, ski resorts and lakes. On Lake Bled, a glacial lake fed by hot springs, the town of Bled contains a church-topped islet and a cliffside medieval castle. In Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, baroque facades mix with the 20th-century architecture of native Jože Plečnik, whose iconic Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) spans the tightly curving Ljubljanica River.
The compact country ticks all the boxes: nature, architecture and gastronomy. In the summer, swim in lakes Bled and Bohinj, and come winter, snowshoe across the Pokljuka Plateau in the Julian Alps. Closer to Ljubljana is the Ljubljana Marshes, where it’s possible to kayak from the marshes to the city center. The capital is also home to interesting Socialist-era buildings and an 11th-century hilltop castle. Sample typical Slovenian dishes at Ljubljana Central Market, and for a more traditional setting, go north-east to Prekmurje to have Prekmurska gibanica or layered caked stuffed with cheese, walnuts and apples. Then head south-west to the Karst Region for the finest Slovenian wine.
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Egypt
Egypt, a country linking northeast Africa with the Middle East, dates to the time of the pharaohs. Millennia-old monuments sit along the fertile Nile River Valley, including Giza’s colossal Pyramids and Great Sphinx as well as Luxor’s hieroglyph-lined Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings tombs. The capital, Cairo, is home to Ottoman landmarks like Muhammad Ali Mosque and the Egyptian Museum, a trove of antiquities.
The land of sphinxes and pharaohs is experiencing a tourism revival, and while a cruise down the Nile and a wander about the Pyramids of Giza never gets old, Egypt will have a new addition – the Grand Egyptian Museum. Opening soon in Giza, the museum is slated to be the biggest archeological complex in the world and will house 100,000 artifacts. This includes treasures from King Tut’s tomb, such as ornaments, necklaces and the iconic golden funeral mask. The 3,200-year-old statue of Ramesses II will also be transferred to the museum.
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Oman
Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman, is a country in Western Asia. It is situated on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, and spans the mouth of the Persian Gulf. Oman shares land borders with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen; while sharing maritime borders with Iran and Pakistan.
Unbeknown to many, this Middle Eastern country is a haven for nature lovers, particularly its northern coast. Nestled in between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, and sealed off from the rest of Oman, Musandam has some of the Sultanate’s most dramatic landscapes, from 2,000m-high fjords to stunning, deep turquoise waters perfect for diving. Go on a cruise of the peninsula to see dolphins, rent a four-wheel drive and explore the jagged cliffs of Khawr Najd, and take a boat out to snorkel or dive with eagle rays and whale sharks on the island of Lima Rock.
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Tanzania
Tanzania is an East African country known for its vast wilderness areas. They include the plains of Serengeti National Park, a safari mecca populated by the “big five” game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino), and Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s highest mountain. Offshore lie the tropical islands of Zanzibar, with Arabic influences, and Mafia, with a marine park home to whale sharks and coral reefs
The vast orange plains and porcelain-white sands of Tanzania beckons. Kick off 2022 with a luxury safari– adventurers are spoiled for choice, as the country is home to many national parks, including Tarangire National Park and Serengeti National Park, where leopards, zebras and lions roam. The beaches are just as varied. The popular Mbezi Beach is the postcard-perfect resort town, whereas the more secluded Paje Beach with its amazingly white sand and light turquoise waters attracts kitesurfers. For a real escapade, sail to Mafia Island Beach to dive with turtles and spot humpback whales.
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Majorca
Mallorca (Majorca) is one of Spain’s Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean. It’s known for beach resorts, sheltered coves, limestone mountains and Roman and Moorish remains. Capital Palma has nightlife, the Moorish Almudaina royal palace and 13th-century Santa María Cathedral. Stone-built villages include Pollença, with its art galleries and music festival, and hillside Fornalutx, surrounded by citrus plantations.
With sundrenched summers and mild winters, this island is good to visit year-round and is a family favorite for its cultural and gastronomic offerings. Surrounded by wetlands and sand dunes, Es Trenc is the ideal beach for utter relaxation. A little more upscale, Alcúdia is a peaceful beach resort with an enchanting old town. Feeling adventurous? Explore the hundreds of years old Drach Caves which boasts one of the largest underground lakes in the world. Come Semana Santa, or the Holy Week, and indulge in panades, or meat pie, sold in bakeries around Majorca.
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Uruguay
Uruguay is a South American country known for its verdant interior and beach-lined coast. The capital, Montevideo, revolves around Plaza Independencia, once home to a Spanish citadel. It leads to Ciudad Vieja (Old City), with art deco buildings, colonial homes and Mercado del Puerto, an old port market with many steakhouses. La Rambla, a waterfront promenade, passes fish stalls, piers and parks.
South America’s smallest country has a thriving arts scene and laid-back beaches to offer. Opened in 1911, the National Museum of Visual Arts in Montevideo exhibits the works of Uruguay’s most famed artists including Pedro Figari’s colorful and dreamy Post-Impressionist paintings. Opening in early 2022, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Atchugarry in the popular seaside town of Punta del Este will be a new addition to the contemporary arts scene. Also look out for street art inspired by sun and sea in Montevideo and Punta del Este. Don’t forget to save a few days for the beach. Surfers should check out Playa del Rivero, and for something truly remote, Cabo Polonio is accessible only via a 7km hike through sand dunes.
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USA
The U.S. is a country of 50 states covering a vast swath of North America, with Alaska in the northwest and Hawaii extending the nation’s presence into the Pacific Ocean. Major Atlantic Coast cities are New York, a global finance and culture center, and capital Washington, DC. Midwestern metropolis Chicago is known for influential architecture and on the west coast, Los Angeles’ Hollywood is famed for filmmaking.
A mammoth country stretching from the Pacific to the Atlantic, the United States has 63 national parks to choose from, all with varying terrains to suit every nature lover’s taste. In commemoration of Yellowstone’s 150th anniversary, the park – the oldest national park in the US – is organizing the Yellowstone 150 Challenge. Participants explore its hot springs and geysers and log 150 miles of walking, jogging or hiking. Washington’s Olympic National Park has one of the country’s most diverse ecosystem that covers temperate rainforests to alpine peaks. And New River George in West Virginia, the country’s newest national park established in 2020, has a 53-mile-long river suitable for kayaking.
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