The Top 15 Places To Travel in 2022
After two challenging years for travel with the Covid-19 Pandemic, I believe a majority of the world is ready to move forward and open its doors to tourists. Here are my picks for the top places to visit in 2022.
Petra (Jordan)
As the star attraction of Jordan, Petra is a magical site to behold in person. It was famously used in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The buildings were craved out of rock making them even more fascinating. Take a horse or camel ride through the canyon leading up to the Treasury and don't miss the candlelight night show.
2. Santorini (Greece)
Very few places on this earth can match the picturesque beauty of Santorini. The island of Santorini is one of the best known jewels of Greece along with neighboring island Mykonos. Enjoy the Red and Black Sand Beaches, Sunsets in Oia, or just take in the views from your cliffside hotel. In Santorini, there is no right or wrong way to enjoy your visit here.
3. Cairo (Egypt)
Cairo is the best place to start your trip to Egypt as it is located on the Nile River and close the famous Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx. Don't forget to take in some of the highlights of the city though such as the many historical mosques, Egyptian Museum, and the shopping bazaar of Khan el-Khalili.
4. Tokyo (Japan)
To the outsider, Tokyo can at first be overwhelming given its size and large population. However, do not let that scare you. Tokyo is one of the friendliest cities in the world and just so unique to anywhere else you've probably ever visited. I am a big Lost in Translation fan so I couldn't help but visit some of the filming locations in the city, most notably the Shibuya Crossing (pictured above) and the New York Bar at the Park Hyatt Tokyo. Other notable stops in the city should include a trip to the top of Tokyo Tower, a walkthrough Shinjuku for its colorful signage and liveliness, and Sensō-ji, which is the oldest temple in the city of Tokyo. Also, as an insider tip, try a Mos Burger. It is the best burger I have ever had in my life.
5. Krabi (Thailand)
There are many places to see in Thailand, but Krabi is one of my personal favorites. It the gateway to some of the most beautiful beaches such a Railay Beach and a short boat ride to the Phi Phi Islands which is the spot of the famous and just utterly perfect Maya Bay. The movie The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed on the island and Maya Bay was used for the famous beach scenes.
6. Siem Reap (Cambodia)
Siem Reap is the tourist heart of Cambodia. The town is meant for tourist as it is located next to some of the most ancient temples in Cambodia, most famously are Angkor Wat (pictured above) and Ta Prohm.
7. Agra (India)
Agra is a city in India where the iconic landmark, the Taj Mahal, is located. This monument dedicated to love is made out of white marble and is one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen on this Earth. Most tourists to Agra come for the day by train from New Delhi, but there are other nearby sites to see such as Fatehpur Sikri and the Agra Fort.
8. Samarkand (Uzbekistan)
Samarkand was once located on the famous Silk Road trading route. As such, Samarkand became an important city along this route and some of the most unique mosques in the world are located in the city. No stop would be complete without a visit to the Registan, a picturesque plaza with several historical buildings with their beautiful designs and teal roofs.
9. Istanbul (Turkey)
Istanbul is known as the gateway between two continents. The city is huge and lies between Europe on one side of the Bosphorus River and Asia located on the other. Highlights of any visit to Istanbul should include Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, a cruise on the Bosphorus, and the Basilica Cistern.
10. Reykjavik (Iceland)
The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, is an excellent starting point for any visit to Iceland. It is located a short drive from the airport as well as a starting point for the Golden Circle Route and near the famous and worthwhile Blue Lagoon. Iceland is so unique that I would compare it to being on another planet with its incredible landscape.
11. Porto (Portugal)
Although Lisbon is also an incredible city that should be on your itinerary, Porto is my personal favorite. The city is located on the Duoro River and is located across from Vila Nova de Gaia, famous for its many Port Wineries. The city also has a famous sandwich that you should try known as the Francesinha.
12. Marrakesh (Morocco)
Marrakesh is the heart of Morocco. Most tourists will fly into this city before exploring more of what the country has to offer. I recommend a walkthrough the famous medina and a visit to some of the famous and beautiful mosques such as Koutoubia.
13. Lauterbrunnen (Switzerland)
Another beautiful destination that should be on any bucket list is a trip to Lauterbrunnen in. Located in a valley in Switzerland, Lauterbrunnen is a great place to stay a few nights and enjoy the Alps with its large waterfall visible from the town as well as the starting point for your trip to the Jungfrau Mountain. Known as the Top of Europe, the Jungfrau is accesible by a cog wheel train that is an incredible site to behold once you reach the top.
14. Cinque Terre (Italy)
Italy has so many beautiful places to see, but my personal favorite are the five villages in the La Spezia Region, known as Cinque Terre. This is where pesto was invented and the sea and cliffs along with the colorful historic buildings make this a place you almost never want to leave. You can walk from one village to the next or you can take the train or by boat. There is no wrong way, but if you are physically able to do so, I highly recommend walking from one village to the next. You will not be disappointed.
15. Cusco (Peru)
Cusco is the closest city to the famous Incan Ruins of Machu Picchu. The city itself is lovely and historic and worth a few days to enjoy. I recommend trying some local cuisine here and there is some exotic ones as well if that's your thing. Yes, Llama and Guinea Pig are on the menu. After your meal, don't forget to just do some people watching and relax in the Plaza de Armas.
Now you are ready to experience the best places to go in 2022. I wish you a wonderful journey. Please don't hesitate to share with me your thoughts about your overall travel experience. I look forward to reading your comments!