Top 16 Destinations That Will Captivate Travelers in 2022

Many visitors to Scotland are often left in awe, marveling at the landscape's beauty, likening it to a living painting. The capital, Edinburgh, is an alluring mix of medieval Old Town and a 19th-century New Town. The city is also renowned for its modern culinary scene.

In addition to its city charm, Scotland offers vast highlands to explore, from the Oban region to the Orkney Islands. Visitors can enjoy famous whisky distilleries, rich history, and pristine beaches with soft, white sand.

At the turn of the 21st century, critics around the world predicted that Portugal, particularly its capital Lisbon, would emerge as a new global hub for architectural art.

For a while, artistic and architectural developments stalled due to the country's economic crisis. However, recently, a unique museum dedicated to art, architecture, and technology was opened along the Tagus River in Lisbon, drawing visitors since its inauguration last October.

Not just Lisbon, Portugal continues to attract travelers from around the globe with its serene natural beauty. The Azores Islands are becoming a European version of Iceland, offering a stunning blend of lush forests and expansive ocean views.

Located in southern Chile, Patagonia is a hidden paradise that many people don't know about. A direct flight from Santiago to Puerto Natales followed by a 4-hour bus ride will take you to the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia.

Once you arrive, you will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery: forests, bays, caves, glaciers, and hot springs. The landscape is so stunning that it feels like standing in the middle of heaven. With global temperatures rising, this area is experiencing the warmest period ever, allowing tourists to camp, swim, and enjoy peaceful activities like fishing.

Experiencing life in the serene countryside, combined with fresh, cool air, offers a more enriching experience than traveling to bustling cities like Stockholm, Oslo, and Helsinki. Direct flights across the Atlantic and year-round accommodations have made it easier for more tourists to visit Finland.

From Gothenburg, travelers can hike 100 miles toward the Norwegian border or cross a narrow bay to reach Sweden. A peaceful night out, surrounded by nature in the Scandinavian countryside, is definitely worth the long journey.

The Croatian coastline is truly captivating with its stunning islands, both large and small, and secluded fishing villages that each hold their own unique charm. A 3-hour ferry ride from Split will take you to Vis, a small island with rolling hills, where you can enjoy an abundance of fresh seafood and tranquil coves far from the crowds.

From Split, you can also take a ferry to Korcula Island, famous for its vast vineyards. Alternatively, stop by Istria for some exquisite local cuisine and a visit to the impressive Roman Amphitheater, built in the 1st century AD. A perfect spot for relaxation, wouldn't you agree?

Thanks to convenient transportation options, traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto has long been easy. However, with the introduction of the new Hokuriku Shinkansen high-speed train, tourists can now visit a third city on this journey—Kanazawa.

The Hokuriku train departs from Tokyo, taking travelers to the charming city of Kanazawa, a UNESCO-designated creative city. Situated by the sea, Kanazawa is renowned for its traditional gardens, geisha culture, and well-preserved Samurai districts. The ancient temples of Kanazawa rival those of the historic city of Kyoto in both beauty and architectural uniqueness.

From Kanazawa, the Thunderbird train continues your journey to Kyoto, a city that Business Insider readers voted as one of the best cities in the world in 2016.

The newly opened airport near Victoria Falls, which can accommodate over 1.5 million tourists annually, is one of the key reasons why you should consider visiting Zimbabwe in 2017. This South African country is working hard to improve infrastructure and attract more visitors. In addition, Zimbabwe is putting significant efforts into preserving its rich biodiversity, especially in Hwange National Park.

While many travelers flock to safari destinations in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, or South Africa, Zimbabwe offers a quieter alternative in the Big Five region. You can join an 8-day wildlife safari organized by Gecko Adventures, covering everything from Victoria Falls to Hwange and even into South Africa's Limpopo Province. This truly is an extraordinary journey through the untamed and majestic wilderness of Southern Africa.

Dubai is divided into several key districts: Burj Dubai, Deira, Karama, Jumeirah, and Satwa. Deira is the financial hub, home to banks and large corporate headquarters. Burj Dubai and Karama are known for wholesale trade, featuring traditional markets. Satwa, located near Jumeirah, is a residential area for the middle class, while Jumeirah itself is a coastal district.

Dubai is divided into several key areas: Burj Dubai, Deira, Karama, Jumeirah, and Satwa. Deira serves as the financial center, housing many banks and corporate offices. Burj Dubai and Karama are known for their wholesale trade and traditional markets. Satwa, adjacent to Jumeirah, is a middle-class residential area, and Jumeirah is the area near the coastline.

No matter what type of traveler you are, Bangkok (also known as the 'Big Mango') has something for everyone. The city boasts impressive Buddhist temples, vibrant retail shops, and narrow, maze-like alleys called 'sois.' In Bangkok, you can enjoy a luxurious spa experience for 3,000 baht, a foot massage for just 300 baht, sample exotic dishes at renowned restaurants, or dive into the bustling street food scene with local favorites. There’s no easily recognizable city center, so first-timers may find it challenging to navigate. It’s recommended to stay near an elevated train station or subway station.

Once you’ve explored the temples and shopping districts, visit the oldest areas of Bangkok to experience the local life. Chinatown is full of vibrant markets and food streets, while Dusit offers tree-lined boulevards and Chinese-Portuguese architecture. Khao San Road may not be a Thai specialty, but its lively atmosphere attracts backpackers. In Bangkok, the motto is to relax and embrace the moment, reflecting the Thai attitudes of ‘mai pen rai’ (let it be) and ‘sanook’ (fun and easygoing). If you do this, you're sure to have memorable experiences in this fascinating city.

With its distinct charm, Havana offers a captivating blend of historic colonial streets and modern structures. As the capital of Cuba, the city features ancient museums, revolutionary landmarks, and vibrant cultural sites that tell the tale of its fascinating history.

The warm-hearted locals of Havana are also known for their hospitality, welcoming visitors with regional delicacies like Paella Habana, Tamales, and Ropa vieja. This blend of history, culture, and delicious food makes Havana a unique destination that continuously draws the attention of travelers from around the world. Cuba's distinctive culture and atmosphere make it an enticing and memorable place to visit.

The Bermuda Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean, are an overseas territory of the UK, situated 1,770 km northeast of Miami, USA. The region's mild, temperate climate and favorable trade winds make Bermuda an ideal destination for sailing adventures.

In June 2017, Bermuda hosted the America's Cup, the largest sailing race in the US. The vibrant atmosphere of the event, combined with the stunning tropical scenery, makes Bermuda a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Athens has remained a captivating destination for travelers over the years. In 2017, the city gained even more attention due to the opening of several modern cultural landmarks: the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center, the National Opera House, and the National Library of Greece.

Visitors can explore these iconic structures, photograph the art displays in the city center, and relax in the city's large parks. The National Museum of Contemporary Art also partially reopened after being closed for over 12 years. In April 2017, Athens co-hosted the contemporary art exhibition with Kassel, Germany—an event that occurs only once every five years. These cultural highlights make Athens a perfect destination to visit right now.