Sticks World Top 10 Travel Destination’s for 2022
Let’s face it 2020 and 2021 have been the years from hell. The COVID pandemic has affected every single one of us in some way. It shut down world tourism and as a result has affected billions of people all over the world. The good news is travel is starting to slowly re-open again which means we can start to explore this incredible planet once more. Many countries all over the world are starting to reopen their boarders and allow tourism back. So below I have constructed my top 10 travel destination’s for 2022.
Some of these destinations I have had the pleasure to visit and enjoyed every second of my trip. Many of them I have yet to explore but remain on my own bucket list. They are in NO particular order so No.1 isn’t the best place and No.10 isn’t the least favourite. They are just a collection of destinations that I think you need to get to in 2022.
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1. JAPAN
The first country on my top 10 travel destination’s for 2022 list is Japan. Known as the “land of the rising sun”. Japan is a fascinating country deep in history and culture and known for its amazing food. It also gave the world Sushi. Japan has everything that you would want on a holiday. The capital city Tokyo is one of the most modern in the world. In Tokyo anything is possible even a robot as your check-in clerk at your hotel.
Japan’s beaches, cities, history and culture are all locked on the island and every inch just waiting to be explored. It’s most famous landmark Mt. Fuji is an extinct volcano and not too far from Tokyo. There are the cities of Osaka, Sapporo, Kyoto and Yokohama among many others. All of which with their own temples, museums and national parks to check out. Travelling around Japan couldn’t be easier as it has one of the best public transport networks in the world. The famous Bullet Train is one example of this which can get you to all the major cities in record times.
What to expect?
Food in Japan is like no other country in the world. Japan has world class cuisine across the country and hosts many festivals throughout the year bringing in even more tourists and celebrating its rich history. It is famous for the cherry blossoms in the spring, Sapporo Snow Festival in February where locals try and out build each other with the largest ice sculptures. The “Aomori light festival” which attracts millions of tourists each year held annual in August, in 2019 nearly 1 million lanterns were released into the night sky and the scene is of pure beauty.
Maybe a relaxing holiday is more your thing, well Japan can cater for you to. It has hundreds of natural hot springs and spas as it sits on a volcano. Japan has some of the best beaches in Asia for sunbathing and un-winding. If Japan isn’t in your holiday plans for 2022 it should be. I am hoping to be able to visit for the first time soon. I can’t wait to check out some of the temples and shrines, Mt. Fuji and have a ride on the world famous bullet train.
2. CROATIA
They say it’s all in the name and Croatia is known as “the pearl of the Adriatic”. It didn’t get that name by chance. Croatia has some of the most stunning cities and coastlines of anywhere in Europe. One of sad truths is it’s mostly over looked by it’s European counterparts, Italy and Greece as a holiday destination. However things are starting to change for Croatia and it is becoming more popular then ever. 2019 saw a record number of tourists of 1.4 million. I believe more and more people are finding out what a stunning and amazing country Croatia is and marvel at some of the most incredible natural wonders like Krka National Park and the Plitvice Lakes found no-where else in the world.
Croatia is home to some of the most stunning architectural cities in the world, from the capital Zagreb to Riijeka and Split. The port city of Pula in the north of the country for example is home to one of the biggest amphitheatres outside of Rome. Spilt is home to the Diocletian’s Palace (also a filming location for Game of Thrones). Dubrovnik in the south of the country is nicknamed the “jewel” of Croatia with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. The country also has an abundance of islands, all of which are stunning with stunning beaches and views across the Sea. Maybe the most famous is Hvar. There are over 1,000 different islands off the coast of mainland Croatia all waiting to be explored and there are plenty of boat trips and tours from the major cities along the coast if you wanted to check them out.
What to expect?
Croatia is really easy to get to with direct flights from all major UK airports. The climate is the same as Italy and Greece meaning from Spring until Autumn it’s pretty hot and sunny. Another thing about Croatia is it’s not as expensive as Italy or Greece meaning your money goes further. Croatia is part of the EU but they have kept their own currency the Kuna meaning the pound goes further. Food is something that you just need to witness for yourself, Croatia cater for everyone but it has it’s own tradional dishes like Slavonia (like Chorizo or spicy sausage) and also loads of sea food. This is why Croatia is one of my top 10 travel destination’s for 2022.
I can confirm I am travelling to Croatia in 2022 because of the above. I have never been to Croatia and I am looking forward to finding out what this country has to offer. Be sure to check out my Croatian Blog post coming in 2022.
3. COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is situated in Central America and is the most stable, safest country in the region compared to it’s neighbours. A recent study by Happy Planet reported that Costa Rica is the most satisfying place to live in the world (England came 34th). Costa Rica also boasts the highest biodiversity in the world with over a quarter of the country protected for nature. The country also became carbon neutral in 2021. Costa Rica sits between two oceans the Caribbean and Pacific and is home to the endangered Jaguar (not to be mistaken for the car).
What to expect?
Many tourists visit the Pacific coast side of the country after flying into the capital San Jose. The country isn’t very big and you can drive from one side to the other in a few hours. From the airport it takes about 1hr 30mins to drive to the popular town of Jaco. The city lies on the Pacific Coast where surfing, paddle boarding and wake boarding are part of daily life. As I mentioned before more then a quarter of the country is covered by protected forests meaning spotting wildlife is a must, there are Hummingbirds, Sloths and if your lucky enough there are Jaguars to be found. The country has lush rainforests to explore with tree top bridges and zip wires for that adrenaline rush.
The food in Costa Rica is a mix between Mexican and Puerto Rican. Rice and Black Beans are a staple of most meals with fruit and veg in abundance. It’s a warm tropical country and doesn’t have the seasons like we do in the UK. Instead Costa Rica has just 2 seasons the dry and wet. In the wet season it rains almost everyday but even in the dry season it can rain from time to time and that is why the rainforests are so lush with greenery.
The national language is Spanish and the local currency is “Colon”. Another great thing about Costa Rica, UK citizens do not require any visas for entering the country. As long as it’s less then 90 days and you are not working or earning any money. For those reasons mentioned above and for so many more Costa Rica is one of my top 10 travel destination’s for 2022 and I hope at some point next year I can make it to this amazing country.
4. THAILAND
If there is only one place to visit on my top 10 travel destination’s for 2022 then it should be Thailand. I fell in love with this country when we visited in early 2020 and it remains a place I long to go back to.
Thailand is a country that again offers so much for so many. From its busy cities with amazing food and culture to it’s stunning coastlines with beaches. Thailand has that laid back to life approach which is why I love this country. Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and Thailand is the most visited country on earth for tourists. in 2019 more people visited Thailand then any other country in the world.
What to expect?
It’s climate is ideal, it’s the same as Costa Rica. It’s warm all year around and certain times of the year if rains a lot. What’s great is in January and February when the UK is in the depth of winter, Thailand is hot and provides a great getaway for some winter sun. During these month’s the average temperature is 34C most days. The country has an array of activates to do and things to see from Royal Palaces, temples and shrines to coral reefs and tropical forests it really is a destination worth checking out in 2022.
Thailand is also famous for it’s food and for me, it didn’t disappoint here either. The food I had on this trip was some of the best food I have ever eaten. It was all from the street as the country is famous for street food. The street food in Thailand really is restaurant quality and in most cases, better then restaurants. Coming from the UK, the pound goes a lot further and you can actually do a lot. The transfer rate is really good and the country is fairly cheap as a result.
Basically I am telling you, YOU must check out Thailand in 2022. I had the best time in Thailand and can’t wait to check it out again. Here is the link to my Thailand Blog so you can get a much more in depth look into this incredible country.
5. SOUTH AFRCIA
So for many people an African Safari is high on the bucket list. Many people dream of being able to travel to Africa and witness nature at it’s very best. Africa itself has hundreds of parks and game reserves from Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia all offering incredible safari options. For me, as I have been there a few times now it’s South Africa that I urge people to visit.
One of the reasons I say this is because South Africa has so much more to offer then just the African Safari. I was able to cross off 2 items on my bucket list when visiting this country. South Africa sits at the very bottom of the African continent and is surrounded by two oceans, the Indian and Atlantic. This means the seas around the country are some of the most densely populated in the world. From fish to predators, which means you can get other incredible experiences as well as a Safari.
What to expect?
The last time I was in South Africa was a while ago now, it was back in 2017. The country is stunning, the landscapes, coastlines, the bays and beaches all are beautiful. South Africa also has one of the best cities I have ever been to in Cape Town. It’s vibrant, it’s colourful, it’s warm (most of the year) and it’s surrounded by beaches. It’s also surrounded by Game Reserves and it’s here that you can get that ultimate African safari ticked off that bucket list. South Africa actually has one of the most popular Safari parks in the world in Kruger National Park. The park lies to the east of the country just outside Johannesburg. I will say that the smaller game reserves around the country are just as good but more importantly perhaps cheaper. I have seen all the “big five” now from visiting them.
Cape Town however offers much more, with Robben Island, Table Mountain and the worlds capital for Great White Shark diving. You can really start to see why South Africa becomes a top choice. Its climate is similar to the UK but in reverse, so our summer is their winter. Although it’s a 12 hour flight from London which you can now fly direct, they are only 2 hours ahead (in winter) in time so NO jet lag an added bonus for sure.
Every time I visit South Africa I never want to leave. To see for yourself, check out my trip to Kruger National Park. I completed a 4 night Safari which was amazing. You can also click here for my 10 night stay in Cape Town.
6. ICELAND
The land of “fire and Ice” as it’s known. Iceland really has everything to ensure your holiday is something like nothing else. It has the most beautiful landscapes, incredible volcanoes and natural wonders by the bucket load. This means Iceland is certainly a place to check out in 2022 and why it’s on my top 10 travel destination’s for 2022.
Reykjavik is the capital city and the most populated city in the country. Reykjavik is home to 36% of the population and is one of the safest, greenest and and cleanest cities in the world. It is also the worlds most northerly capital city sitting just outside the Arctic Circle. Being so far north means as a traveller we can see the best at different times of the year. In the summer you can visit to see the “midnight sun” as the sun never sets from June to August. In January/February the sun never rises but you can witness one of the worlds most amazing light shows, the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights as it’s most commonly known.
What to expect?
Iceland sees more tourists in September/October then other months of the year. The days are shorter and people come to see the amazing light show. But that is not all Iceland has to offer, the country is highly volcanic and has many natural wonders including the waterfalls, Geysers, Glaciers, Hot Springs and much more to keep everyone happy.
It goes without saying, because Iceland is so far north it’s cold. It’s cold any time of the year, the average temperature in July is 14C. In January 3C with temperatures staying on or just below freezing so will need to wrap up. This is what makes Iceland so magical and beautiful. Another thing to bare in mind is Iceland isn’t cheap at all. As nothing can grow naturally in Iceland they have to import most food therefore food and drink is expensive anywhere in the country but it is without a doubt worth it even if just for a week.
There is no question for me that Iceland is certainly a place I loved checking out in late 2021. The best time to travel is September/October. I visited at the end of October and you can see my full in-depth blog review now.
7. PERU
Peru lies in South America and is bordered by Columbia, Brazil, Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia. Compared to its boarder countries Peru is one of the safest and most stable to visit as a tourist. Peru is the 3rd largest country in South America and direct flights are now possible from London to it’s capital city Lima. Its main language is Spanish and it’s currency is Peruvian Nuevo Sol or Sol as most people call it.
What to expect?
So why should you be looking at taking a trip to Peru in 2022? It has over 2,000km of coastline hugging the pacific ocean great for a beach holiday. It is home to 1 of the 8th wonders of the world. The world UNESCO site “Machu Picchu” which saw an estimated 1.9 million tourists in 2019 but maybe something you didn’t know, Peru is covered by 74% of the Amazon Rainforest meaning you can visit one of the most important habitats on earth.
The Amazon is one of the most important places on earth. By visiting Peru you are helping to project this important habitat by helping the local people looking after it. Now I know what your thinking? I thought The Amazon was in Brazil. The Amazon Rainforest covers many countries and Peru is safer for tourists then Brazil. You can also take a cruise down the Amazon River and spot wildlife and ancient creatures. It’s high on my bucket list that’s for sure
The food in Peru is influenced by Spain so it show cases many Spanish dishes and Spain is the No.1 tourist destination for British people so the food shouldn’t put you off. This doesn’t mean that Peru doesn’t have it’s own dishes to show off, it has many. Geviche is a tradional seafood dish and many dishes in Peru contain potatoes, corn and beans. Peru also offers its own beers and alcoholic drinks like Pisco Sour and Brahma (local beer).
You can clearly see that Peru has everything to have an incredible holiday. Which is why it has made my top 10 travel destination’s for 2022. With a chance to do something amazing and it’s a shame that most people only visit to see Machu Picchu because Peru has so much more to offer.
8. UNITED KINGDOM
This may surprise you the UK is on my top 10 travel destination’s for 2022 but hear me out. The United Kingdom is the united nations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Island. Each of them has something to offer to tourists. The UK already sees approx. 37 million tourists a year with many coming to see our capital city, London. London is certainly up there in the top 3 most visited cities in the world and it’s so easy to see why. You can check out my 3 day London Itinerary right now. It has an array of shops, top class restaurants, things to do, history and culture. From Buckingham Palace to the London Dudgeons there is something for everyone in London. However, don’t rule out the rest of the UK.
The United Kingdom has some of the most beautiful coastlines and beaches in Europe. From Sandbanks to the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. There are hundreds of national parks to enjoy like Snowdonia (check out my Wales, Snowdonia Blog) or the Lake District. Maybe a trip to the UNESCO world heritage site Stonehenge is something you and the family can enjoy. There are castles and lighthouses, museums and loads more all over the UK.
What to expect?
Scotland has some of the most scenic views in Europe. Places like Glencoe and the Isle of Skye. Edinburgh is a beautiful city in Scotland and well worth a visit (check out my blog post). The United Kingdom is drenched in history and culture from world famous kings and queens to knights and generals. Northern Island has some amazing food and music on offer. Galway is a hugely popular town in Northern Island famous for it’s tradional folk music.
The United Kingdom is seasonal, meaning it has 4 seasons (Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring). This is also good for holidays if you wanted a nice warm holiday the summer time is the best time to visit. If wanted cold and snow then winter is the time to go. Maybe enjoy some skiing in the Scottish highlands is something to consider. Autumn is a popular time as the colour of the trees turn into reds, browns and yellows.
As far as food, there is choice for everything. The UK caters for just about any food taste from anywhere in the world. It’s never normally to far away but for some tradional dishes nothing really beats fish and chips at the seaside. Or try bangers and mash with gravy, if visiting Scotland then I recommend trying the local Haggis and in Northern Island it’s a good old fashion Irish Stew with dumplings of course.
I highly recommend if you are looking for a great holiday in 2022 look no further than the United Kingdom. Find out for yourself why 37 million people did the same in 2019.
9. CANADA
The great northern wilderness. Canada has something special in every corner of the vast, huge country. Canada has so many reasons why you should be planning a visit in 2022 and the first one is the cities. There are loads of amazing metropolitan cities in Canada like Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. They are some of the most popular but there are many more like it’s capital Ottawa, Quebec and Calgary waiting to be uncovered.
Canada is home to some of the most stunning wild places on earth like the Rocky Mountains National Park and of course one of the most famous waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls. With these great outdoor spaces come the most amazing outdoor adventures. White water rafting, snowboarding in the Rockies, hiking, climbing and abseiling. When you talk about nature I must mention Canada is also home to some amazing wildlife, like Grizzly Bears, Beavers, Otters, Bald Eagle, Bison, Wolfs and even Polar Bears and that is just land animals. You can also get tours to see the Humpback Whales and Killer Whales. The list of wildlife is endless and I urge you to visit and see these amazing animals up close.
What to expect?
Another great fact about Canada is it’s cheaper then America. Your Pound will go a little further in Canadian Dollars then it will in US Dollars which is always great news. It means you can see more and do more and what can be better then that? There are direct flights from many UK airports not just London meaning Canada is more accessible then people think. A UK citizen does not need a VISA for short holidays. However like the US visitors will need to complete an ESTA before entering the country which can easily be done online.
Food and drink shouldn’t be a problem in Canada. Canada has an array of choices like any other vast country. You will be able to find any dish that suits your mood for that day. Canada is most famous for it’s maple syrup, Pancakes and Poutine (cheese, chips and gravy). England, France and Scotland have roots in the food in Canada so there isn’t any nasty surprises. When choosing what to eat in the millions of eating places across this huge land. Canada has 4 seasons with each of them offering different activities and adventures like in winter snowboarding and looking out for Polar Bears.
A popular way to travel around Canada is by train. There are many holidays and tours taking people from one side of the country to the other via train. This will allow you to soak up the magic that this country has to offer. Stopping along the way at all the highlights and where Canada is concerned that are just to many to choose from. Now you see why Canada should be your choice for 2022? And why Canada makes my top 10 travel destination’s for 2022.
10. ARUBA
The best kept secret of the Caribbean is the island of Aruba. A place I had to add to my top 10 travel destination’s for 2022.
Aruba is one of the most southernly Caribbean islands. Situated just 18 miles of the coast of Venezuela. Due to it’s location and being so far south it is one of the islands that enjoys 365 days of sunshine. With an average yearly temperature of 31C, November is the wettest month of the year which sees an average 3inches of rain!! So the weather alone makes this little island a great place to have a holiday any time of the year.
Another great fact about Aruba is it has a population of only 116,000. Meaning the entire population of this country is no more then Exeter in Devon in the UK. Great for a little privacy and not having loads of people around. However Aruba isn’t boring, far from. Like many Caribbean islands the people of Aruba know how to party. They put on some of the most vibrant, loud and exciting carnivals of all the Caribbean. Meaning if you like to party Aruba is certainly a place for you
What to expect?
Aruba has many cities for tourists to check out and rest up. It’s capital city Oranjestad is a metropolitan city like any other complete with hotels, restaurants, beaches, art galleries and museums. The cities are great as no building looks the same. Santa Cruz and Noord are also some of the biggest cities on the island each with their own hotels and restaurants.
Of course visiting a Caribbean island isn’t without some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Eagle beach is the most famous beach on the island which has also been voted one of the best in the world 8 times in the past 10 years. Eagle beach stretches for 11km and connects with Palm Beach on the western edge of the island just outside the capital. You can do all the normal beach activities along this coast, jet ski, paddle board, surf, snorkel at the reefs and even take a day trip out to scuba dive in a ship wreck.
Cuisine in Aruba is much like other Caribbean islands. So you get the Caribbean feel as far as the food is concerned. Aruba is known for it’s fish and seafood dishes with red snapper and grouper being favourites. “Keshi Yena” is a traditional meal for islanders which is a ball of cheese stuffed with chicken. “Pan Bollo” which is Aruba’s version of bread pudding. Another favourite dish to look out for is “Pastechi” which is a Gouda cheese filled pastry which is normally served for breakfast. You can’t go wrong with the food in Aruba.
In fact, you can’t go wrong with visiting Aruba at all. It certainly is the best kept secret in the Caribbean. The best thing of all, its cheaper to visit then the hot spots like Cuba, Jamaica and The Bahama’s. You have got to make sure Aruba is on your destination list for 2022, it’s certainly on mine. There you have it, my top 10 travel destination’s for 2022 that you should be making plans for in 2022.
Until next time….