The lists are out, check out the top spots!
There are so many incredible places to visit around the globe, from the wilds of Alaska to the pristine beaches of The Bahamas to the Colosseum in Rome. So how do you pick just one place?
Each year, a few destinations rise to the top of the travel wish list, whether for new attractions, natural beauty, a growing food scene, or consistent travel fun! The publication Lonely Planet unveiled their go-to list and many of the top spots are places you can see by sea, so consider these for your next trip:
It’s not hard to see why Norway claimed second place on the list of countries to visit. It’s home to the most incredible coastlines in Scandinavia!
With 66 scenic miles of Njordfjord coastline, there are waterfalls, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains to gaze at. You can also get around by dogsled to take in the natural wonder. There’s a ton of cultural charm in Norse cities too, like Bergen, where colorful Scandinavian homes line the waterfront and there’s a bustling fish market where you can dive into the local cuisine.
The gorgeous water of the Caribbean and lush jungles of Central America? You better Belize it. This Caribbean gem is another top country to visit in 2022. It boasts the second largest barrier reef in the world with turtles, whale sharks, and hundreds of types of tropical fish for snorkelers to see.
On land, you can visit ancient Mayan pyramids that tower above the surrounding trees and villages. You may even spot jaguars, tapirs, and howler monkeys in Belize’s jungles, or the multicolored beak of their national bird the keel-billed toucan.
There’s a separate list for the best cities to check out and Auckland won the top spot! Located between two harbors, water is a major attraction and the nearby beaches call to surfers from all over the world. From the city center, you can hop on a ferry and explore surrounding islands, like the lava rocks and caves on Rangitoto Island.
There are plenty of vantage points in town, like Mt. Saint John and the famous Sky Tower. And after sightseeing, why not “wine down” with New Zealand’s excellent local sauvignon blancs or pinot noirs?
There are plenty of reasons this nearby island is a top five region to visit. To start, it’s a U.S. territory, so no passport needed for Americans to visit!
It’s also the only place in the U.S. where you can experience a tropical rainforest. El Yunque, near the capital San Juan, has hiking trails to natural pools, tropical animals, and the legendary La Coca Falls.
In the old part of San Juan, you can stare out at the Caribbean from sentry lookouts on 16th-century Spanish forts, and sample the savory traditional dish Mofongo.
The attractions of Dublin aren’t new, but that’s what makes the place so special in the modern world. Medieval castles dot the capital city, and cathedrals like St. Patrick’s are living history. And don’t forget about the Guinness Brewery, another important historical landmark!
Dublin is a top city to visit in 2022 because it’s perfect for strolling cobblestone streets and indulging in rich Irish food (be sure to sample Irish cheddar when you’re there). With more than 1,000 pubs in Dublin, you’ll never be far from a hearty Irish stew, lamb shank, or a pint.
Just 25 miles from the coast, the beautiful city of Merida makes a perfect home base for exploring the Yucatan Peninsula. In town, you can walk through wide plazas and narrow streets lined with pastel painted colonial-era homes. Head to any town square on Sunday to experience live music and traditional dancing, as well pop-up markets packed with local food, like fried tortillas topped with shredded turkey or spiced pork.
Plus, within easy reach are some of Mexico’s most renowned cenotes—freshwater sinkholes and caves, where you can swim and snorkel in the crystal clear water.