Planning is part of the fun of taking a trip, and it turns out that more people are actually planning to travel for 2022 than they are actually traveling in 2019.
But the number of Covid-19 cases, safety protocols, quarantine restrictions and hygiene are all key factors in making a travel decision in 2022, according to a survey by TripAdvisor and Ipsos Mori in January. In the survey, 71% of Americans said they were most likely to travel for leisure in 2022.
But these days, travel may be for those with the most patience and determination. The Associated Press reported that in early April, more than 3,500 US flights were canceled and thousands more delayed over the weekend, thanks to storms in Florida and other issues, affecting at least 37,000 passengers. These types of obstacles are more common as major airlines grapple with increased demand and staff shortages, according to a report by travel magazine Afar. To further complicate your plans, US passport renewals can take up to 11 weeks.
But the always-optimistic travel industry is still ahead, looking for new marketing opportunities in what a Tripadvisor survey found to increase travelers’ appetites for seeing new places, getting authentic local experiences, and learning about history and culture.
So whether you’re planning a real trip, or still toying with the idea, here are Tripadvisor’s top global destinations, with something for everyone – beaches, local history, culture and even two places you won’t need a passport.
1. Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
This Mediterranean island off the southeast coast of Spain has beaches, mountains, fishing villages, and of course delicious food.
Mallorca Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral with additional work by architect Antonio Gaudi in the early 20th century, was built over the ancient city walls of Palma de Mallorca.
2. Cairo
Old Cairo is bustling with life and rich in history and culture.
Cairo is your starting point to the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, which is at least 4,500 years old.
Other attractions in Cairo include the Egyptian Museum and Khan El Khalili, a popular bazaar in the city center.
3. Rhodes, Greece
With everything from beach resorts to ancient ruins, Rhodes is one of the most popular destinations in Greece. It is the largest of the 12 Dodecanese Islands and is close to Turkey. Rhodes Town is a well-preserved medieval city.
Don’t miss a visit to the Acropolis of Lindos in Rhodes, pictured here.
4. Tulum, Mexico
The formerly walled city of Tulum on the Yucatan Peninsula was one of the last cities built by the Mayans, and its archaeological sites are well preserved, with the ancient fortress built on a cliff looming above the city. There are beaches and a nature reserve too.
The reefs off the coast of Tulum are the second largest reef system in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Pictured is the gateway to the Ahau Tulum Hotel.
4. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Located in southern Croatia on the turquoise Adriatic Sea, the historic old pedestrianized town is surrounded by a 16th-century wall.
You can also learn about Dubrovnik as one of the filming locations for the fictional city of Kings Landing in “Game of Thrones”.
6. Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain
Ibiza has over 100 miles of coastline and about 50 beaches to choose from. The old town is a UNESCO Heritage Site. Ibiza is famous for its nightlife.
7. Natal, Brazil
Natal is located on the coast of Brazil and is famous for its coastal sand dunes and the 16th century Portuguese fortress at the mouth of the Potenje River.
The 30-foot-high sand dunes near Natal are vast and constantly changing and visitors can sand board, ride a buggy or ride a camel. Don’t miss the star-shaped castle, built in 1598, pictured here.
8. Arusha, Tanzania
Located in the Great Rift Valley, Arusha is a good starting point for taking a safari or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
From Arusha, you can book a tour to Serengeti National Park and Tarangire National Park, watching the migration of megafauna and other unusual wildlife.
9. Goreme, Turkey
Goreme is the gateway to Goreme National Park and Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay in a cave hotel, eat in a cave restaurant, and see cave churches dating back to the 10th-11th centuries.
You can even take a hot air balloon ride over the Cappadocian Valley.
10. Santorini, Greece
The pictures say it all – Santorini is a beautiful Greek island with whitewashed buildings and blue domes to match the blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Much of its landscape is made up of a volcanic eruption about 3,600 years ago. Water flowed in from the Aegean Sea, filling the void and forming what is now the 7.5-mile long lake.
11. Paraty, Brazil
Paraty is another coastal city in Brazil, this city is located 125 miles south of Rio de Janeiro. According to TripAdvisor, the small colonial town center is a National Historic Monument with well-preserved buildings and pedestrian-only cobbled streets with the occasional monkey roaming.
12- Aruba
The Caribbean island has perfect weather, beautiful beaches and is a popular vacation destination with many resorts, restaurants, and activities to suit anyone, whether it’s hiking, water sports, or just relaxing with a beer on the beach. Check out pristine Eagle Beach, Aruba’s widest beach, where sea turtles nest.
13. Split, Croatia
Split is located on the Adriatic coast of Croatia in the Dalmatia region. Its history is a tapestry of Roman, Venetian, Austrian, French, Italian and Yugoslavian control. Check out Klis Fortress, a centuries-old castle with epic views. Some scenes from “Game of Thrones” were also filmed here, so if you’re a fan, look no further.
14. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
In the Mexican state of Quintana Roo on the Caribbean Sea, Playa del Carmen beachfront features white sand, swimming, and water sports, with plenty of tourist facilities and resorts. There are underwater caves and abundant marine life, making it a top destination for divers. It’s also a good starting point for visiting the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza.
15. The Big Island of Hawaii
Hawaii’s largest island is home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can sometimes see lava flowing from the edge of a cliff into the sea. There is a rainy side and a dry side to the island, and beaches and resorts are plentiful.
16. Luxor, Egypt
One of the oldest cities in the world, Luxor, in the famous Valley of the Kings, lies on the Nile at the site of ancient Thebes, the capital of the pharaohs at the height of their power during the sixteenth and eleventh centuries BC. Several ancient ruins can be seen here, including the Karnak Temple, the tomb of Queen Nefertari, and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut.
17. Dominican Republic
The diverse Caribbean island is two hours from Miami and less than four hours from New York. It’s a lush tropical island paradise with nearly 1,000 miles of coastline, extensive beaches, nightlife, resorts, dining, recreation, and ecotourism opportunities.
18. Charleston, South Carolina
There’s a good reason Charleston makes all of our Best Cities lists. The historic southern city features friendly locals, beautiful architecture, and great shopping and dining.
19. St. Martin / St. Martin
The Dutch side of the Caribbean island is called Sint Maarten and the French side is called Saint Martin. The binational island offers a multicultural experience and much more than beautiful beaches.
20. North Male Atoll
This chain of about 50 palm-shaded islands in the Maldives is far enough away to give you the “Robinson Crusoe” experience, according to TripAdvisor, but there are increasingly upscale, elegant accommodations here.
21. Zanzibar Island, Tanzania
There is evidence that trade with Zanzibar dates back more than 4,000 years, and people have likely lived here 20,000 years ago. Traders from the Arabian Peninsula came to Zanzibar as early as the first century AD. Today, many visit the island for its five-star resorts. Stone Town is the historic capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there are many other historical sites to visit.
22. Fortune San Carlos, Costa Rica
This small town in Costa Rica is the gateway to the Arenal Volcano National Park where there are two volcanoes, one of which, Arenal, is still very active. Natural hot springs fed the spas of La Fortuna, and for the more adventurous, there are opportunities for hiking, waterfall surfing, and whitewater rafting.
Read more about these travel destinations on Tripadvisor.
