Over the past two years, the logistics of traveling have been challenging, even for the most seasoned travelers, which has led to a rise in group touring.
On a guided tour with us, we’re able to take care of all the details for you and are with you every step of the way. From the big things like choosing first-class hotels and carefully designed tour routes, to smaller details like organizing COVID testing where required and ensuring we have a plan in place for every possible scenario. When you travel with us, you can trust that you’ll be taken care of so you can truly enjoy your travel experience.
So, where are the best places to travel in 2022? We put together a list of the top travel trends and insights to help you choose where to go.
United States of America
The biggest trend we’re seeing in travel is the shift to tourists staying closer to home and exploring their own backyard. Luckily, America is vast and diverse offering something for every type of traveler. From the beaches of Hawaii to the Alaskan wilderness and the quaint towns of New England to the countless National Parks scattered throughout the country.
Destination Highlight: National Parks
There are a number of National Parks in the United States but if you want to get in as many as you can in one trip, you’ll want to head to the Southwest where you can experience multiple parks. If you head north, you’ll find Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park which turns 150 years old in 2022!
Ireland
Historic towns, rolling hills, dramatic coastlines, and endless charm is what you’ll find on a trip through the Emerald Isle. You feel the Celtic spirit as soon as you arrive in Ireland and everywhere you look is like a picture-perfect postcard. You can visit memorable historical sites and castles, as well as enjoy the music-filled pubs and Irish eateries. But what we hear most from travelers returning from Ireland is how friendly the people are so be sure to strike up a conversation with a local if you have the chance.
Destination Highlight: Cliffs of Moher
No journey through Ireland is complete without a visit to the Moher Cliffs. Stretching along the western coast of Ireland, often referred to as the Wild Atlantic Way, are the impressive Cliffs of Moher rising 700 feet into the air. The highest point is at O’Brien’s Tower where most visitors start their hike along the edge. On a clear day, you can spot the Aran Islands, famous for their distinctive knitted jumpers. But don’t worry, you can buy an authentic Aran sweater on the mainland if you can’t make it out to the islands.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is one of the Arabian Peninsula’s most fast-rising tourist destinations. You can experience glitzy beach resorts, huge shopping malls, and seven-star hotels one day and enjoy camel rides through the desert and traditional Bedouin feasts the next. From the stunning island capital of Abu Dhabi to opulent Dubai to the sand dunes of the Arabian desert, you need to experience this destination for yourself.
Destination Highlight: Dubai
A trip to Dubai is on everyone’s bucket list. A land of superlatives, this newly emerged city has a claim to be taller, bigger, and even more luxurious than anywhere else. It’s home to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building; the Dubai Mall, the world’s biggest shopping mall; the Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest performing fountain, and the list goes on.
Costa Rica
Many people are choosing to stay closer to home when they travel and Costa Rica is a great option. After a fairly quick flight from the U.S., you arrive in a wonderful tropical paradise. From rich green jungles, to powerful waterfalls, to pristine beaches, Costa Rica’s landscape is very diverse and simply beautiful.
Destination Highlight: Cloud Forest
Costa Rica’s highlands are dotted with cloud forests, which are areas of rich greenery that are very humid and moist due to consistent cloud coverage making it ideal for exploring biodiversity. One of the best, and most famous cloud forests in Costa Rica is the Monteverde Rainforest. There are so many activities to do here, like hiking, zip-lining, and walking long suspension bridges with amazing views of the rainforest.
Spain
Europe is a popular destination for tourists from all over the globe, and there’s no doubt why. The region is filled with fascinating history, rich culture, stunning landscapes and architecture, friendly locals, and delicious food. Spain exemplifies all of this and more, from mesmerizing museums in Madrid and flamenco in Seville to amazing architecture in Barcelona.
Destination Highlight: The Alhambra
Located in Granada, this massive architectural complex dates back to the 9th century and is an absolute must for anyone visiting Spain. The impressive landmark is the greatest example of Islamic architecture. You’ll find many buildings with intricately decorated rooms, serene courtyards, stunning gardens, and more. The sheer size of the fortress along with the sweeping views from its hill-top location are constantly leaving visitors in awe.
Peru
Peru has become a popular destination spot for obvious reasons (looking at you Machu Picchu). But this fascinating country also offers coastal cities, enchanting lakes, colossal canyons, top-notch hotels, and world-renowned gastronomy. If you’re looking to explore South America, Peru is a great place to start.
Destination Highlight: Machu Picchu
Of course, no trip to Peru is complete without visiting Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel perched high in the Andes. This architectural marvel is both a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s something you have to see for yourself to truly appreciate the massive agricultural terraces, intricate stone constructions, and epic hilltop views.
Egypt
Egypt is the site of one of the oldest civilizations in the world leaving behind ancient temples, tombs, and pyramids to explore. But that’s not all Egypt has to offer, you can also sail the iconic Nile River, dine on traditional Egyptian food, set out on a desert adventure, shop in bustling bazaars, and more. A trip to Egypt should be on everyone’s travel list.
Destination Highlight: Grand Egypt Museum
We bet you thought we were going to say the Pyramids! While you should definitely visit the famous Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza, 2022 brings the long-awaited opening of the Grand Egypt Museum. When it finally opens in November 2022, it will be the biggest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. Costing $1 billion, this megastructure won’t be far off the size of the Louvre in Paris. The museum’s rotating display will comprise 50,000 artifacts, but most importantly, this will be the first time that all 5,000 pieces of King Tutankhamun’s funerary treasure will be displayed in the same place.
Iceland
Iceland is often referred to as “The Land of Fire and Ice” and for good reason. Made up of mostly volcanic and glacial terrains, you’ll sometimes feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet. You’ll experience a vibrant capital as well as charming towns, enjoy pristine nature, clean air and water, and some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever eat. Plus, there are endless outdoor activities to take part in.
Destination Highlight: Northern Lights
While Iceland is full of incredible natural experiences from hot springs and geysers to waterfalls and basalt columns, the true gem is the opportunity to spot the Northern Lights. This spectacular display occurs high above the surface of the earth where the atmosphere has become extremely thin. The activity you see is created by electrically charged particles that make the thin air shine, not unlike a fluorescent light. If you’re lucky, you’ll get the chance to see this eye-catching natural phenomenon on your visit.
Ecuador
Despite being one of the smaller countries in South America, Ecuador is incredibly diverse and has plenty to offer travelers. Straddling the equator, its varied landscape encompasses the Amazon jungle, Andean highlands, and the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands. And capital city Quito is known for its largely intact Spanish colonial center.
Destination Highlight: Galapagos Islands
If you’re a fan of wildlife and the outdoors, you have to experience the incomparable Galapagos Islands. Visiting this spectacular archipelago is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You’ll see landscapes unlike anything you’ve seen before and come face-to-face with all sorts of animals like sea lions, iguanas, blue-footed boobies (adorable birds with, you guessed it, blue feet), and the amazing giant tortoise. The Galapagos is also famously the location that Charles Darwin visited in the 19th century, which inspired his evolution theory.
Thailand
Also known as the land of smiles, Thailand is a place that never disappoints. The country has emerged as one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world because of its tranquil beaches, exotic cuisine, magnificent temples and scenery, colorful history, and cultural and archaeological sites.
Destination Highlight: Wat Pho
There is no country like Thailand when it comes to admiring one of its biggest draws: temples. Being a Buddhist country, temples play a key role in the life of Thai people. Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of the largest temples in Bangkok. The giant reclining Buddha is a 151-foot-long and 50-foot-tall statue covered in gold leaf. While the entire statue is stunning, it’s the feet of the Buddha that attract the most attention. Inlaid with mother of pearl and inscribed with auspicious symbols, the feet also display a chakra (energy point) right in the center.