Whether planning your first trip or your hundredth, the first question you will ask yourself will always be the same— “Where to next?”
That is the problem with wanderlust. We’re never satisfied with where we have been. We are constantly looking for our next great adventure. But with so many great destinations to choose from, how do we know where to start? That is where this list comes in. So, without further ado, here are 50 of the top travel destinations in the world for you to explore in 2022 and beyond.
Top Travel Destinations in North America
North America is huge and diverse, spanning from deep in the arctic circle down to the Tropic of Cancer. As a result, travellers to the continent will be met with various opportunities. Be it catching waves on the Californian coast, exploring the colonial history of the new world, or snowshoeing through the untapped wildernesses of the Canadian tundra, visitors to North America have an array of world-class destinations to choose from. These are some of the top travel destinations in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
1. Hawaii, USA
It is no surprise to anyone that Hawaii is at the top of the list of the top 50 travel destinations in the world. This Pacific Ocean archipelago is an island paradise with its world-class beaches, aloha spirit, and tropical isolation.
2. Banff/Lake Louise, Alberta
Famous for its idyllic landscape of jagged green forests, blue reflective lake, and towering mountainscape, Banff is a must-visit for nature lovers and hikers. This Canadian National Park is the top travel spot for those visiting the Northernmost country of North America.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
Known for its colourful colonial vibes, its famous music scene, and its world-renowned Mardi-gras festivities, New Orleans has an atmosphere seen nowhere else in the world. So whether you are looking for a party or revisiting the region’s history, New Orleans offers an escape from your typical day-to-day lives.
4. Victoria, British Colombia
British Columbia on its own is one of the top-visited destinations in Canada. With its mountainous landscape and pristine lakes, B.C. is ideal for nature lovers and hikers, but there is also something to be said about the beautiful city of Victoria. With its plethora of beaches, wide array of annual festivals, and world-class food scene, Victoria offers the perfect base for exploring the other regions of British Columbia.
5. Quebec City, Quebec
With over 400 years of history, Quebec City holds its old-time beauty. The old city of Quebec is the only fortified city north of Mexico and offers a view into Canada’s colonial past. Walk the cobblestone roads to the celebrated Château Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace, or even along the old city’s ramparts. Quebec City holds a special place in the hearts of history architecture buffs.
6. Tulum, Mexico
We’ve all seen photos of Tulum’s Caribbean coast at some point, but Tulum is more than just beautiful white sand beaches and pristine turquoise waters. The city was, at one point, a major Mayan port. As such, it features some of the best ruins of the ancient civilization in all of Mexico. Its blend of historical significance and natural beauty makes Tulum one of the top travel destinations in the world.
7. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
This list of the top travel destinations in the world would be amiss without at least one U.S. National Park, and Yellowstone National Park is the crème of the crop. Spanning a distance of 8,983 km2, the park features deep canyons, pristine lakes, rugged mountains, and roaring rivers. It is one of the most beautiful pieces of untouched nature to e found in all of North America.
Top Travel Destinations in the Caribbean
It is hard to think of travel destinations and not have at least a few Caribbean islands come to mind. With world-class beaches, vibrant sea life, rich colonial history, and rugged inland adventures, this idyllic island archipelago offers an experience for everybody.
8. St. Lucia
St. Lucia is a perfect example of everything the Caribbean has to offer. Its coast is lined with beautiful white sand beaches, and its inland is littered with intrepid mountainous forests. So it is no wonder St. Lucia is often considered the top travel destination in the entire Caribbean.
9. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
This small island group in the southern Caribbean offers one of the most romantic experiences in the entire sea. With its pristine beaches, beautiful volcanic landscape, and idyllic sunsets, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are among the top travel destinations for couples.
10. The British Virgin Islands
Another phenomenal island group in the Caribbean is the BVI. With over 60 islands to choose from, the British Virgin Islands offer a seemingly endless supply of diving and sea exploration activities.
11. Dominican Republic
With its beautiful beaches and affordable resorts, the Dominican Republic is one of the best cheap travel destinations available within the Caribbean. As the second-largest island in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic offers the tropical paradise experience without breaking the bank.
12. Aruba
Like the rest of these Caribbean destinations, Aruba offers pristine, luxurious holidays to its tropical shores. However, Aruba is also one of the few Caribbean islands outside of the region’s hurricane belt. This results in the island experiencing a desert-like climate and is an ideal destination for island lovers all year round.
13. Jamaica
Jamaica offers one of the most diverse experiences for travellers to the Caribbean waters. From enjoying its tropical weather and white sand beaches to exploring its rich history, culture, and adventurous inland, there is a reason why Jamaica is one of the top travel destinations for couples.
14. Turks and Caicos
With over 40 islands to choose from, the Turks and Caicos offer an experience perfect for any traveller. But, if the region’s culture and inland adventures aren’t your things, then perhaps the vibrant sea life surrounding the archipelago is. With a myriad of snorkelling and scuba opportunities, the Turks and Caicos are among the top travel destinations for sea lovers.
Top Travel Destinations in Europe
Europe is oozing in beauty and history. It is the emphatic subject of the ever-stirring Eurotrip we have all daydreamed about. But of course, no Europtrip is complete without a visit to these top travel destinations in Europe:
15. Paris, France
There is a reason why Paris was the top travel destination in 2020 based on the volume of tourists. It is an idyllic romantic holiday. The city of love holds a wide array of cultural and historical importance, making it one of the top travel destinations for couples and solo travellers alike.
16. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Discovering Amsterdam’s red-light district is a hallmark of a gap year Eurotrip. However, the capital of the Netherlands has a whole lot more to offer, and its international food scene features dishes from Indonesia, West Africa, and the Caribbean. Of course, Amsterdam is also one of the most vibrant cities in nightlife, making it one of the top travel destinations for singles.
17. Rome, Italy
As one of the most important cities throughout human history, Rome is perhaps considered the destination everybody must visit in their lifetimes. From the ruins of the Coliseum to the still-standing Trevi Fountain, everybody is familiar with Roman landmarks, and the city requires no justification for why you should visit.
18. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is the capital city of Spain’s autonomous region of Catalonia. It features a diverse culture, cuisine, and architecture that separates it from other cities in Spain and even the greater Europe. Nevertheless, while Barcelona is a spectacular destination for exploring history and the arts, it also maintains its Meditterean appeal with idyllic coasts for beach holidays.
19. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a world-famous destination amongst history and architecture lovers as a UNESCO world heritage site. Known as “the city of a thousand spires,” Prague features influences from the Baroque, Gothic, and Art Nouveau styles. The result is a beautiful cityscape reaching outward from the historical capital of Bohemia.
20. Naxos, Greece
Greece has approximately 227 spectacular islands, each with its own appeal for international tourists. Nevertheless, the idyllic island of Naxos makes the list of top 50 travel destinations in the world as it offers the perfect blend of everything that makes a Greek vacation great. With beautiful white-sand beaches lining the coastline within the crystal clear waters of the Aegean and the small Greek townships and historical sites scattering the island inland, Naxos is the fantasized Greek island destination.
21. Monte Carlo, Monaco
For many, Monte Carlo is a dream destination. Located near the French Riviera, Monte Carlo is a destination aimed towards the rich and famous. As such, it is a destination of luxury. Visitors to the city can look forward to luxury casino experiences, touring exotic sports cars, and ogling awe-inspiring landscapes in the second smallest country in the world.
Top Travel Destinations in South America
With the Amazon rainforest covering approximately 40% of its total landmass, South America is often considered the final place on Earth where true exploration is possible. South America is a continent of adventure with rugged inland mountains and cascading waterfalls. But of course, civilization is aplenty in this southern destination, with Latin American culture riddled throughout this exotic continent. Look no further than these beautiful South American Destinations for a perfect blend of natural beauty and Latin culture.
22. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is. Destination of adventure. From hiking the rugged inland to partaking in the city’s vibrant nightlife and festival scene, there is always something to do in this gateway to the New World. So tour up to Christ the Redeemer and head on over to the nearby hang glider experience and soar out of over Rio’s picturesque landscape. But of course, Rio is also a city of coastline and offers several opportunities for holidaymakers to soak up the sun on their beach vacations.
23. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tango, known for its romantic and vibrant style, embodies the character of the city in which the dance finds its origins. Referred to as the “Paris of the South,” Buenos Aires is a vibrant city of exotic architectures, world-class cuisine, and friendly-diverse cultures. Be it sampling the local foods or taking in a local football match and proceeding celebrations, Buenos Aires is one of the top travel destinations in the world.
24. Patagonia, Argentina
Patagonia is a postcard-ready destination. With a myriad of natural wonders, including coastal fjords and slowly icebergs, this corner of Argentina is a landscape photographer’s dream. Visitors to Patagonia can expect to connect with our primordial ancestors with awe-inspiring views, exotic wildlife, and luminescent night skies.
25. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is different than all of the other cities on this list of the top 50 travel destinations in the world in the fact that it is the only city that is entirely ancient ruins. Nevertheless, this mountaintop capital of the ancient Incans should be a bucket-list destination with breathtaking landscape views and mysterious historical culture that is guaranteed to impress all travellers.
26. Bogota, Colombia
Columbia has become an increasingly popular tourist destination over the past decade, and the capital city of Bogota is one of Latin America’s most cultural experiences. With warm year-round weather, tropical landscapes and forests, and an active social scene, Bogota is a spectacular location for exploring the wonders of Latin America.
27. Iguazu Falls, Brazil and Argentina
Bordering between Argentina and Brazil are the radiant Iguazu Falls, a spectacular destination that should be near the top of everybody’s bucket list. With over 275 individual cascades, Iguazu Falls are the most powerful waterfalls in the world. With boat tours and boardwalks galore, visitors to the region are provided with easy access to explore these remarkable land features and the surrounding wildlife.
28. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
At this point, most people are well-versed in the wonders that are the Galapagos Islands. Untouched by men until a Dominican friar visited the islands in 1535, the wildlife residents of the Galapagos never had the chance to develop a fear of human influence. Here tourists to this Ecuadorian island chain can interact with the diverse exotic fauna that can only be found within this hidden corner of the world.
Top Travel Destinations in Africa
Often depicted with seas of bison migrating across the Serengeti, Africa is the land of wildlife and safaris. But it is also so much more than that. With diverse climates, landscapes, and climates, Africa boasts many unique opportunities that appeal to a diverse audience. These are only some of the best travel destinations to explore on the mysterious continent of Africa.
29. Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls are the highest most expansive falling water formation in the world. In fact, the falls bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe are twice the height of Niagara Falls, and it is a sight to see. The thundering roar as the falls plummet to the river below can be heard for miles upon your approach to this UNESCO world heritage site. Along with the ceaseless roar, the mist that the falls omit has awarded this natural wonder the local nickname of “the smoke that thunders.”
30. Cape Town, South Africa
According to an article published by Travel + Leisure in 2018, Cape Town has been voted one of the 15 top travel destinations in the world, and it is easy to understand why. The city and surrounding regions boast heaps of natural beauty, capped off with the iconic Table Mountain. As one of the seven wonders of the natural world, Table Mountain gets its name from the flat plateau at the mountain’s peak that seemingly holds lowing hanging clouds gently in the sky.
31. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Tanzania’s eastern islands are picturesque tropical beach destinations of the Indian Ocean. But, beyond powdery white sand beaches, soft lapping turquoise waters, and breezy shade of the swaying palm trees, the archipelago’s main city of Zanzibar also features some rather spectacular historical and cultural landmarks. Inhabited for over 20,000 years and serving as a central trading hub of the ancient world, Zanzibar is a boiling pot of ancient cultures and religions. Additionally, with a suggested daily budget of only CAD 59/day, Zanzibar is one of the best cheap travel destinations for those on a budget.
32. Cairo, Egypt
From the earliest years of civilization, Egypt was the dominant superpower, a position it held for 3100 years. From the Great Pyramids to the Valley of Kings, Egpyt is a quintessential bucket-list destination for history buffs and anthropology enthusiasts. And, of course, no Egyptian itinerary would be complete without a trip to the capital city of Cairo. As the largest metropolis in the Arab world, Cairo is a commune of culture, with Islam at its focal point.
33. Serengeti National Park
Spanning 30,000 square kilometres, the Serengeti is a seemingly endless ocean of flowing grass plans, pockets of lush woodlands, and fleets of African wildlife migrating from delta to delta. It is the embodiment of the pastoral dream. A favourite amongst safarists and conservationists, the Serengeti National Park is one of the best family travel destinations to share with your loved ones.
34. Republic of Seychelles
About 1,100 km Northeast of Madagascar and within the confines of the Indian Ocean lies the small Republic of the Seychelles Archipelago. As the world’s oldest islands, the Seychelles are famous for their soft, powdery white sand beaches and smooth to the touch coastal rocks. And, with over 100 islands littering this Indian Ocean Archipelago, each with beautiful tropical beaches as lovely as the next, visitors to the Seychelles can find their own small corner of paradise to live out their castaway dreams.
35. Okavango Delta, Botswana
Spanning 15,000 square kilometres, the Okavango Delta is an oasis of flora and fauna as one of the seven natural wonders of Africa. This UNESCO world heritage site owes its lush vegetation and exotic wildlife to the Okavango rivers that flow from the Angolan Highlands before dispersing into the Kalahari desert. These beautifully diverse wetlands are home to some of the Earth’s most endangered wildlife species, making it one of the top travel destinations in the world for Safarists and wildlife enthusiasts.
Top Travel Destinations in Asia
With its exotic cultures, Eastern Asia has excited the imagination of our ancestors for centuries. Now, in the age of transportation and communication, we finally have the technologies to explore these distant lands. And boy, are they diverse. With so many cultures to explore, it is difficult to say which are the most captivating. Nonetheless, these destinations in Asia are some of the most welcoming to tourists and offer easy access to understand the inner workings of the community’s culture and history.
36. Bali, Indonesia
Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago with over 17 thousand exotic island destinations. And, of these spectacular cultural and tropical travel spots, the small southern island of Bali is by far the most famous. Known as “the island of a thousand temples,” Bali features a rich Hindu culture scene with beautiful white sand coastlines and adventurous volcanic islands. Furthermore, Bali is one of the world’s cheapest travel destinations while at the same time offering a plethora of 5-star tropical resorts. The result; is a diverse travel experience for vacationers of any budget and interest.
37. Singapore, Singapore
While the region of Singapore is riddled with historical significance, the actual draw to the country (as many discovered thanks to the 2013 novel Crazy Rich Asians and the movie that shortly followed in 2018) is the luxury this wealthy country offers. With the second-largest GDP in the world, Singapore is famous for its glamorous shopping scene, nightlife, and 5-star resorts. And it has become one of the top travel destinations for couples to pamper themselves on their honeymoons or singles looking for an active party scene.
38. Phuket, Thailand
With the beautiful white sand beaches of the Andaman Sea, Thailand’s largest island is also it’s most enticing. However, beyond the tropical paradise vacation spots, Phuket also features some exciting landmarks for those looking for a cultural experience on their vacation. With 28 vibrant temples littering the island (including the 45 metres high Buddha Statue), tourists would be remiss not to explore the religious influences present on the island. And again, with the low cost of travelling in Thailand, Phuket is one of the top travel destinations for tourists on a budget.
39. Kyoto, Japan
Pagoda-style shrines, traditional temples, iconic geishas, exotic shops, restaurants, and festivals; these are the fantasized cultural and historic visages that travellers to Japan dream of. Offering all this and more, Kyoto is the heart of Japan’s cultural experience. With over 1,600 temples, traditional Kyoto cuisine, and the exotic geisha culture still intact, travellers to Kyoto will get lost in the history of japan.
40. Rajasthan, India
Away from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai and Delhi is the cultural enigma of Rajasthan. Translating to “the land of the kings,” Rajasthan hosts some of the finest Indian cultural arts and folklore in the entire country. When visiting, it is a must to take in a traditional puppet show and festival, taste the fine spices of the Indian cuisine, and explore the wildlife of the surrounding deserts.
41. The Maldives
With over 200 inhabited islands (many of which are entirely owned by 5-star resorts), the Maldives is a tropical luxury destination. With beautiful white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant sea life, the Maldives have become popular amongst beach lovers and snorkelers alike. Along with beautiful sunsets across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has become one of the top travel destinations for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
42. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur is a city of wealth. It features endless commercial shopping centres, beautiful modern architecture, and a wide variety of entertainment facilities. Nevertheless, the charm of Kuala Lumpur is that it features these modern luxuries while maintaining its Malaysian cultural identity. With unique festivals, food, and wildlife to explore, Kuala Lumpur is a family-friendly destination and one of the top solo travel destinations for ex-pats and digital nomads.
43. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
It is impossible to feature luxury travel destinations on this list of the top 50 travel destinations in the world without mentioning the crème de la crème; Dubai. The most popular United Emirate amongst international tourists, Dubai features world-class shopping, the tallest and most impressive architectural designs, and many glamorous activities for tourists to enjoy. All in all, Dubai is the top travel destination in the world for luxury travellers.
Top Travel Destinations in Oceania
Australia is consistently voted as one of the top travel destinations in the world; however, there are plenty of other beautiful vacation spots located in the South-Eastern quadrant of our globe. These are the top travel destinations located in continental Australia and Polynesia.
44. Tahiti
Everyone dreams of going to Tahiti, so it only makes sense for it to appear on this list of the top 50 travel destinations in the world. But, what exactly makes this paradise of the Pacific so great? Well, beyond simply some of the lovely white sand beaches in the world, Tahiti also boasts a myriad of tranquil, gently cascading waterfalls, vibrant sea life unique to the Pacific, endless natural lagoons, and of course, a big wave surf scene. Not to mention the island offers the opportunity for visitors to tour the famous Tahitian black pearl farms.
45. Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand is a country of adrenaline, delicious cuisine, and awe-inspiring landscapes. And of course, when adventuring the northern island, the best place to stay is in the country’s largest city, Auckland. While still boasting the breathtaking scenery the country is known for, Auckland is also a boiling pot of local culture and foods. It hosts some of the country’s top hotels and fine dining experiences, making it one of the top travel destinations in the world for exploring Oceania.
46. Sydney, Australia
Located on the golden coast, Sydney is one of the top travel destinations in the world. Sydney is a must-visit when travelling to Australia, famous for its world-class food scene, architecturally supreme opera house, and famous beaches. And of course, it also acts as an excellent gateway to the other aspects of Australia, including the great barrier reef and other surrounding attractions.
47. Bora Bora
Bora Bora is the ultimate unspoiled paradise of French Polynesia. With annual incoming tourism equal to a week in Hawaii, visitors to Bora Bora feel as if they have the entire awe-inspiring island all to themselves. And, of course, the island is host to some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. All in all, Bora Bora is a dream vacation where travellers trade the turmoils of their mundane lives for palm-shaded beach chairs along the turquoise waters of the Pacific.
48. Tasmania, Australia
With a buzzing art scene, exquisite cuisine, and an abundance of wildlife, Australia’s smallest state has become one of its most popular destinations in recent years. Along with breathtaking views, the island is home to the fabled Tasmanian Devil. Several sanctuaries around the state allow guests to get up close and personal with this world-famous marsupial in its only natural habitat, Tasmania.
49. Fiji
With over 300 islands, this Polynesian archipelago is famous amongst tourists for its exotic and diverse cultural scene and island paradise setting in the Pacific Ocean. Along with the island’s natural beauty, visitors to the isle lose themselves in various cultural festivals, exotic cuisines, and world-class surf scene.
50. Cook Islands
Like Fiji, the Cook Islands are an independent archipelago nation belonging to the Polynesian island chain. However, this group of 15 islands boasts a unique cultural scene worthy of exploration in its own right. Along with 15 diverse islands, the surrounding waters are some of the clearest in the world and offer some of the most vibrant and exotic sea life in the entire Pacific Ocean.
Bonus
While we have featured the top 7 destinations on each continent of our planet, we are missing one crucial destination. To round out our list to 50 of the top travel destinations in the world, here is a final bonus destination on the last continent we have yet to touch on:
51. Antarctica
Travellers don’t immediately think of Antarctica as their next great adventure destination. Perhaps it’s the cold or the barren nothingness covering the Antarctic landscape. People don’t typically want to vacation here. But, as one of the most remote places on our planet, Antarctica is also one of the best travel destinations in the world for adventure seekers. So, leave that tank top at home and pack plenty of layers; Antarctica is the great frontier for only the most intrepid travellers.
