Traveling is now more difficult than it has been in a long time. Borders reopen hesitantly before slamming shut again. A once-simple visa on arrival has been supplanted by mountains of paperwork. Despite all the darkness that has characterized the pandemic, there are still rays of light. The most important lesson for travelers to remember in 2022 is that traveling the world is a privilege, not a right. Mindfulness and respect for the Earth are part of the journey in this year's crop of dream locations to visit, which range from national parks to lonely islands to lesser-visited spots. Here are some places to visit this year if you're looking forward to exploring a new vacation spot.
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA - The twin-Island is not only blessed with miles and miles of pure white and pink sands (Antigua is known for having a beach for every day of the year), but it also has the Caribbean's longest-running Sunday celebration, held at rebuilt military lookout Shirley Heights. A number of effective green initiatives have helped Antigua and Barbuda garner acclaim for its sustainability efforts in recent years. This location will provide a different tourist perspective than the norms that are viewed every year.
CHILE - Chile is a world leader in ecotourism and an outdoor adventurer's dream, with a long, thin strip between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains. The Atacama Desert is a must-see in northern Chile. Otherworldly scenery, rock formations, and bizarre, brilliant sunsets may all be found in Valle de la Luna. Chaxa Lagoon is home to a flock of vibrant pink flamingos. Los Flamencos National Reserve include both of them. If you're looking for something even more outrageous, look no further. Then continue south to the Patagonian wilds. One of Chile's crown jewels is Torres del Paine National Park. It is well-known for its glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife.
DISKO BAY GREENLAND - Disko Bay, on Greenland's western coast, is defined by whales, massive icebergs, a fast-moving glacier, and a slew of dog sleds. Ilulissat, with its colorful homes, is an excellent base for exploration, not least because it is close to the Ilulissat Icefjord. The Sermeq Kujalleq glacier produces the massive icebergs that occupy Ilulissat Icefjord; local boat cruises offered in Disko Bay allow visitors to marvel at the frozen vistas and reflect why this region is frequently referred to as climate change's "Ground Zero."
LAHTI, FINLAND - Finland is consistently voted as the happiest country in the world, and there's plenty to be happy about in the lovely lakeside city of Lahti. This resort, located 100 kilometers northeast of Helsinki, is lush in every way. Beautiful forests, parks, and reserves abound in Finland's eighth-largest city, with fantastic hiking paths and viewpoint sites.
OLLANTAYTAMBO, PERU - A visit to one of the world's most popular tourist destinations should be about much more than the place. That's where Ollantaytambo enters the picture.This well-preserved village in Peru's Sacred Valley, on the way to Machu Picchu, has its own remarkable Inca ruins and was recently awarded one of the UNWTO's "Best Tourism Villages."