2022 was the primary yr since 2019 the place issues lastly began to really feel “regular” once more. After years of journey taking the backburner because of the Covid-19 pandemic, with a number of nations lifting restrictions in 2022, globetrotters have been lastly capable of scratch the itch once more of getting on the market and seeing the world.
Journey was so well-liked in 2022 that flights saw a 43% increase in price, and the prediction of “revenge travel” got here to fruition. Some locations, nonetheless, have been simply seemingly extra well-liked than others. Because the yr closes out, this is a glance again on the prime 10 spots that attracted guests in 2022.
10/10 Antigua, Guatemala
The colourful, colonial streets of Antigua, Guatemala appeared on Instagram feeds this yr by journey influencers, journey bloggers, and even family and friends who have been in search of a fast getaway from the USA.
Guatemala is a small nation in Central America, usually given a poor fame as a result of excessive crime charges and a generalization of being “unsafe.” In 2022, the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT), claimed Antigua, which can easily be visited in just a weekend, was the most well-liked vacation spot in Guatemala, seeing over 500,000 guests.
Not solely is Antigua an attractive vacation spot, however it’s an awesome start line to see different components of the nation, resembling Lake Atitlan, Volcano Acetenango, and extra.
9/10 Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Some locations merely made up for the tourism misplaced in the previous pandemic-pillared years, and others managed to discover a method to break their very own tourism information. Insert Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Dominican Republic is essentially the most visited island in the Caribbean, which ought to come as no shock to those that have been right here; from their pristine seashores to their relaxed resort vibes to scrumptious dishes resembling mofongo and sancocho.
Punta Cana would not even require having anybody to go together with, and an all-inclusive resort can be perfect for a solo getaway. This tiny Caribbean nation which neighbors Haiti noticed a 5% improve in tourism in the yr 2022, and in April, DR broke records of seeing extra tourism than they’d ever seen in its historical past.
A lot of that is, after all, because of their lax Covid-19 restrictions, being one of many few nations that required no testing or vaccine necessities earlier this yr.
8/10 Tanzania
One other nation whose lax perspective towards Covid-19 restrictions paid off in the identify of tourism is the japanese African nation of Tanzania. From making an attempt to sight the Big 5 on the Serengeti, to climbing to the roof of Africa with Mount Kilimanjaro, to the pristine waters of Zanzibar, it is secure to say Tanzania has a bit of one thing for each sort of traveler. No marvel it was so well-liked this yr.
Individuals have been hungry to journey, and even hungrier for an journey, and Tanzania actually offers one.
The tourism board even added Wi-Fi to Mount Kilimanjaro in 2022 to make sure vacationers who dared to climb this beast of a mountain are capable of keep linked with family and friends, to reassure them they’re secure, and possibly throw in some bragging rights that they are climbing one of many world’s tallest mountains.
7/10 La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Staying on theme with locations that had a extra relaxed strategy to Covid-19 restrictions, Costa Rica, which is already probably the most well-liked locations in the Americas, continued to climb in the yr 2022.
Most notably, in January, when the world was involved over the ultra-contagious Omicron variant, Costa Rica didn’t require any testing necessities upon arrival, and although the nation was permitting unvaccinated vacationers into the nation, eating places, cafés, bars, and different public Costa Rican institutions required a vaccine to enter.
It is secure to say there is a sample right here, and that the nations that really thrived in 2022 tourism did not implement too many Covid-19 restrictions, giving hungry vacationers a spot they may go to with out the necessity to bounce by means of further loopholes.
And what higher place to social distance than in the jungle oasis that’s La Fortuna? With so many reasons to visit La Fortuna, from waterfalls to wildlife to the city’s many sizzling springs, it is no marvel this place turned much more well-liked than earlier than.
6/10 Istanbul, Turkey
If it appeared like everybody and their sisters, moms, uncles, and third cousins have been in Turkey this yr, it is as a result of they have been.
Turkey shouldn’t be solely an enormous nation providing way more than Istanbul, essentially the most visited metropolis of the nation, however it has loads of connecting flights by way of Turkish Airways, making Istanbul, Turkey a great destination if even only for a day thanks to a long layover.
Turkey was yet one more nation that had relaxed entry protocols, particularly in the course of the earlier months this yr. This gave them the one-up over different nations’ that required testing, vaccination, and/or quarantine.
Restrictions apart, Turkey is an attractive vacation spot with a lot to supply, and Istanbul is without doubt one of the most vibrant cities there.
5/10 Tulum, Mexico
Comply with Your Dream Signal in Tulum, Mexico. PHOTO: Kaitlyn Rosati
Mexico is already well-liked amongst US-based vacationers because of geographical location alone, however nowhere in Mexico has fairly seen the tourism increase like Tulum. Tulum is situated in Quintana Roo on the Yucatán Peninsula, the identical state that hosts well-liked vacationer spots Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Although these two seaside locations have been in the highlight for years, Tulum has not too long ago given them a run for his or her cash as the most well-liked spot in this Mexican state.
This comes as no shock; there are many Instagrammable spots in Tulum, it is carefully located to the world marvel of Chichen Itza, it is on the seaside, it is near a global airport (Cancun), and with the inflow of vegan eateries, juice bars, spicy mezcal margaritas being served proper on the seaside, and art installations, Tulum almost screams for vacationers to come back to go to.
Tulum may not be essentially the most genuine slice of Mexico, however for a spot distant that feels a bit of like residence, it’d simply be the spot for an epic journey.
4/10 SUMMIT One Vanderbilt In New York, New York
The one precise landmark that makes this listing versus a vacation spot is one which went tremendous viral on Instagram in 2022. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt opened in early 2022 and has made fairly an influence since. It is a vacationer attraction atop Midtown Manhattan’s tallest skyscraper, open day-after-day from 9 am till midnight, with the final entry being at 10:30 PM.
So, why did it go so viral? This new spot is made totally of glass, offering the final word panoramic views of the wonder that’s New York Metropolis.
Let any worry of heights take the backseat whereas wandering by means of this exhibit, crammed with artwork installations and aesthetically pleasing metallic balls so as to add to Instagram pictures.
3/10 Puglia, Italy
Italy is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer locations in the world, for good motive. There’s one thing magically romantic about this boot-shaped nation.
Whereas cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice will perpetually be at the top of most Italian bucket lists, this yr, the southern area of Puglia noticed extra site visitors than they’ve seen since pre-Covid days.
Puglia is lengthy overdue to changing into a well-liked vacationer vacation spot in Italy. It is already a standard spot for native Italians to go on vacation, and worldwide guests have lastly caught onto an understanding of why. The very best airport to fly into is Bari Worldwide Airport, and as soon as there, it is preferrred to hire a automotive to drive round. Discover the coastal cliffside city of Polignano a Mare, stroll by means of the trulli of Alberobello, or discover the historic ruins of Lecce.
Irrespective of the place vacationers select to go, Puglia is certain to go away them shocked, uncovering a complete different facet of Italy.
2/10 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
In early 2022, TripAdvisor released its predictions for the best destinations of 2022. The highest of that listing? Dubai, United Arab Emirates. TripAdvisor should know what’s up, as a result of Dubai welcomed over 8 million tourists in only the first seven months of the year.
This could come as no shock. Dubai is basically a artifical metropolis in the Center East, giving vacationers that adrenaline-rush in being in an space that has been thought of geographically unfavorable in Western media, however doing so in a means that does not utterly tradition shock the soul.
Dubai is a luxurious city with fast desert escapes to go sandboarding, camel-riding, and even glamping. With Emirates Airways, it is simple to plan a visit to Dubai.
1/10 El Salvador
Whereas saying El Salvador went “viral” is likely to be a small stretch, El Salvador did lastly get some recognition as a vacationer vacation spot for 2022, because of the revamping of its tourism board. Backpedaling to Covid-19 discuss, El Salvador was actually the first nation to lift ALL restrictions, which actually helped entice guests.
El Salvador would not cease there with regards to trendsetting, as they’re additionally the primary nation to announce Bitcoin is formally a authorized type of tender. This Central American nation is likely to be small in measurement, however it’s grand in actions, pleasant of us, and delightful lush landscapes.
It is worth visiting just for its volcanoes alone, although there are many different causes to go right here. Do not let the damaging naysayers say in any other case.
