10 Incredible Places to Travel to in 2022

1. Procida, Italy

Nestled in the Gulf of Naples, the island of Procida is one of Italy’s true hidden gems, often bypassed in favour of the neighbouring Amalfi Coast. Serving a kaleidoscopic vista of sorbet-hued houses, the postcard-perfect island is about one hour’s ferry ride from the more crowded Capri or Naples. It promises everything you would expect from an Italian seaside sojourn: quiet cove beaches, cosy family-run restaurants, and pretty pastel streets primed for meandering. Procida also took home the title of Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2022, and a €1 million grant from the Italian government to support 44 creative projects involving 240 artists and eight regenerated cultural spaces.

Taking up just five square kilometres, the island is easy to traverse by foot over the course of a day trip, but its true beauty comes to life after the day’s visiting boats have left and the sun begins its glorious descent over water. While the peak summer season attracts the most visitors, the autumn months of September and October are also considered excellent for warm weather without the overwhelming heat and crowds.

3. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Voted by readers as the ‘World’s Best City’ for 2021 in Travel + Leisure’s annual awards — which it also won in 2017 and 2018 — Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende is the kind of city that captures your heart and never lets go. Approximately three hours by car from Mexico City, the charming historic town is brimming with quaint, colonial architecture, vibrant markets and artisans, impressive wine culture, and an exciting gastronomic scene. With art exhibitions and performances dominating the nightlife alongside traditional and fusion restaurants, it’s the perfect retreat for foodies and art lovers alike.

While it makes for a great holiday destination all year round thanks to its steady climate, the weather is ideal in November, offering comfortable temperatures and less rainfall.

5. Chefchaouen, Morocco

Lovingly nicknamed ‘The Blue Pearl’, Chefchaouen — or Chaouen, as the locals call it — in Morocco’s northwest is a sight to behold. Located in the Rif Mountains and awash in a palette of turquoise, teal and cerulean, the architecture of the medina, which is the word for the old part of the town, showcases a blend of Moroccan and Andalusian influence. The ultimate destination for those who revel in simply wandering, its labyrinth of narrow blue streets are lined with boutiques selling artisanal crafts, spices and rugs, with even more to be found in the souk. Try to go during their autumn months, when the crowds have dispersed and the summer’s soaring heat has cooled down.

7. The Maldives

Although it easily ranks amongst the most Instagrammable places in the world, the camera truly does no justice to the unbelievable beauty of the Maldives. Composed of over 1,000 islands in the Indian Ocean, it is an indulgent haven for those seeking true seclusion to recharge and rejuvenate. The key? Choosing the right resort for your needs. With some catering more to couples and honeymooners and others to families and bigger groups, make sure to take the time to investigate — and yes, the all-inclusive package is worth it (trust us, when you never have to pull your card out, that’s when you feel you are truly on vacation). Our recommendation? The luxurious Soneva Jani is ideal for all types of travellers, offering personalised holiday experiences with something for everyone.

9. Kyoto, Japan

Only two-and-a-half hours from Tokyo by train, Kyoto is a must-visit for anybody thinking of going to Japan, and with the country reopening to tourists in stages — first with guided group tours —  it’s an opportune time to start planning for a late 2022 holiday. As the nation's original capital, Kyoto encapsulates the heart of Japanese culture, boasting over 1,000 Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, as well as traditional tea houses and tranquil gardens aplenty.

If you are seeking true cultural immersion, head to the entertainment district of Gion sans itinerary and simply allow yourself to wander along, sighting geisha (or geiko, as they are known in Kyoto) before treating your weary legs to the sanctuary of a historical ochaya (tea house) overlooking the picturesque Shirakawa Canal for a traditionally made matcha and a moment of pure serenity.