2022 is the year travel gets her groove back.
After two years of lockdowns and travel restrictions, the world is opening up.
And the good news?
We can finally get back to our favorite haunts and cross off new ones from our bucket lists.
There’s only one small problem: the choice.
How do you decide where to go first after years of closed borders? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, keep reading.
I’ve compiled a list of the top international getaways. Travel as far away as The Maldives and Egypt or stick to nearby classics like Mexico and Ecuador.
Whatever you’re in the mood for, here are the best summer travel destinations you should book flights to ASAP!
The Best Summer Travel Destinations for 2022
Maldives
If it’s a beach vacation you’re after, it doesn’t get better (or more luxurious) than The Maldives.
In the middle of the Indian Ocean, you’ll find hundreds of atolls with more than 1,000 pristine islands.
But don’t let the remote location fool you.
The Maldives is home to hundreds of picturesque resorts with options for every budget. Unleash your inner baller at the 5-star Kagi Maldives (an adults-only hideaway with a thriving house reef) or stay at one of the more affordable 3-star hotels.
No matter where you end up, you’ll have access to white-sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees that gave the country its nickname “Treasure Island.”
Egypt
What’s one of the hottest international travel destinations in 2022? Egypt.
With many travelers on a mission to get revenge on COVID, bucket list experiences like cruising down the Nile and exploring the tombs of Luxor have moved Egypt to the top of people’s summer plans.
Book your flights to Cairo and set sail on an Egyptian river cruise. You can drift past the iconic pyramids and top at historical attractions like the Valley of Kings and Queens, Nefetari’s tomb, and the Temple of Kom Ombo.
It’s the perfect excuse to live out Agatha Christies’ Death on the Nile (without the drama of a whodunnit murder plot, of course).
Portugal
Home to delicious port wine, delectable pasteis de natas, and jaw-dropping scenery, a summer vacation in Portugal is always a good idea.
Start your journey in one of Europe’s top destinations, Lisbon. As the country’s capital city, there is no shortage of things to see and do. Wander around the Alfama, visit the historic Belém neighborhood, and ride the famous tram 28 from Martim Moniz to Campo Ourique.
If the city’s hustle is not what you’re looking for, ditch the crowds for Comporta, Porto, or Douro Valley. All three are beautiful options that will show you a different side of Portugal.
Greece
Is it even a summer vacation post without a nod to Greece?
A country home to ridiculously good-looking islands, fascinating history, and mouth-watering cuisine, it sees millions of people flocking to its shores from June to August every year.
But where should you base yourself for the ultimate Greek adventure?
Crete.
It’s the largest of Greece’s 227 islands and is known for the white-washed buildings and blue roofs you see all over Instagram.
Spend a week diving into the azure Mediterranean waters, learning about the island’s mythology (which dates back to the 7th millennium B.C.), and soak up everything the birthplace of Zeus has to offer!
And if you do get cabin fever, the other Greek islands are only a short cruise away.
France
First time visiting France this summer?
You should definitely spend a day or two exploring Paris, but don’t trap yourself in the country’s capital.
Head further afield to Burgundy, a region famous for its wine.
Spend part of your vacation exploring the Route des Grands Crus wine route. It runs from Dijon (the region’s capital city) to Santenay and will give you ample opportunity to sample Burgunday’s famous pinot noir, chardonnay, and sauvignon blanc.
Galápagos Islands
Not keen to travel too far from home?
Tick off one of the top travel bucket list destinations with a trip to the Galapagos Islands.
Thanks to a recent presidential decree, the world’s largest marine biosphere reserve extends its borders to include an additional 20,000 square miles.
Cruise along the UNESCO heritage site and spot giant tortoises, sea lions, flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and marine iguanas.
The best way to explore the islands? Join an expedition.
You’ll sail in style with an expert guide who will answer all of your questions about the local flora and fauna. Besides, you also have the option of bringing your own boat to explore the place. In that case, you should double-check that your yacht is in good condition. This is because even minor issues in your boat can cause accidents.
Hence, keep your boat in excellent condition, and before you embark on your journey, you may want to make sure to have some basic tools and equipment, such as Silicon Bronze Bolts, that can assist in the repair of any minor issues.
In short, it’s an eco-enthusiasts dream!
Mexico
Mexico is an all-time favorite summer travel destination with only a short flight from major US cities.
But the Yucatan?
It’s a must-visit.
Start in Merida, the state’s capital, and feast on the city’s incredible food scene.
When you’ve had your fill, move on to the outskirts and explore the ancient Mayan sites, beautiful nature reserves, and spend a night or more at El Cuyo.
It’s a small beach town that draws windsurfers to its pristine coastline. But watersports aren’t the only attraction here.
The town has a growing gastronomy scene, boutique hotels and is only a day trip away from the famous pink waters of Las Coloradas.
United Kingdom
In 2022, Queen Elizabeth celebrates her platinum jubilee.
If you’re a fan of the royal family, that is reason enough to add London to your summer travel plans. Expect more than 16,000 street parties, parades, and other activities to pay homage to the queen’s 70 years of service.
But after all the pomp around Buckingham Palace is over, plan a road trip up o Scotland.
Not only is it home to the queen’s favorite castle, Balmoral Castle, but Edinburgh is the setting for Harry Potter filming locations like Diagon Alley.
What summer travel destinations are you itching to explore? Let me know in the comments below where you’re headed in 2022!