A whole host of the best holiday destinations have opened up to travellers who are ready to start exploring again. Here are some of our top recommendations for late 2022.

Australia

Australia’s rigid pandemic border policies led some to wonder if international travelers would still want to visit, but it appears they do! Just four weeks after the country opened to vaccinated visitors, international flight bookings reached over half of pre-pandemic levels. 

A great spot to start in Australia is in the country’s capital city of Sydney. Sydney frequently ranks in the top ten most livable cities in the world, and is a cosmopolitan hub of activity that boasts gorgeous beaches, fantastic weather and some of the best restaurants on earth.

From Bondi Beach to the Royal Botanic Gardens, there’s so much to see and do in Australia’s most-visited city.

Brazil

Any time of year is a great time to visit Brazil, but as the biggest nation in South America (and the fifth-largest country in the world!), narrowing down the best things to see is no simple task. 

Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo are probably the first names to come to mind. Rio features lush green mountains, vibrant nightlife and golden sand beaches. Other famous attractions include the Cristo Redentor, a grand statue of Jesus Christ, Sugar Loaf Mountain, a top summit in Brazil and the world-famous Copacabana Beach. 

Sao Paulo offers a lively atmosphere and a diverse cultural background that you can explore in the city’s numerous museums.

Caribbean 

The Caribbean is one of those places that should be on everyone’s bucket list. The blue seas, the white sand beaches and year-round sun make other destinations, well, pale in comparison. 

Aruba is the island of choice for The Luxury Wanderer, and if you like scenic beaches, watersports, sumptuous food and fun outdoor adventures (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) then this is the place for you! 

Since Aruba is outside the hurricane belt, you can plan your visit any time of the year with the confidence that the weather will not interfere with your fun. 

Denmark

Though tiny in size, Denmark is big on culture, cooking and coastline. Attractions such as Tivoli, the Little Mermaid, and Legoland have fascinated visitors for years. Today, Danish design, architecture, and the New Nordic Cuisine put Denmark on the world map.

Copenhagen would be our recommendation, as it’s filled with some of the happiest people in the world (a claim backed by actual science). It’s also home to attractions like the Tivoli Gardens, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, and Studio, one of the smallest Michelin-restaurants in Denmark.

Greece

Greece is the birthplace of democracy and the cradle of Western civilization. With its mix of awe-inspiring beauty and history, Greece regularly tops lists of the best destinations in the world to visit.

Home to some of the world’s most important historical sites, along with some 6,000 islands(!), Greece is known for its natural beauty and fascinating culture. Because Greece is so vast, it can be quite difficult to nail down exactly where to visit, especially when it comes to determining the best Greek islands to visit. Whatever you’re after, you can’t go wrong with visits to the iconic islands of Santorini, Crete, and Skiathos.

Maldives

The Maldives are the epitome of island paradise and the dream destination of pretty much everyone you ask. These pristine, beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean are a haven of natural beauty and one of those places that actually lives up to the hype. 

The Maldives is a collection of more than a thousand islands in the Indian Ocean, and is known for its clear emerald waters, beautiful beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, and luxurious overwater bungalows. Visitors can snorkel, scuba dive, swim, and savor some truly unforgettable sunsets. 

Each resort tends to be located on a separate island, but liveaboards offer an interesting alternative and the chance to see even more of the Maldives.

Portugal

Portugal is a remarkably diverse destination that features more than 800 kilometers of enticing Atlantic Ocean coastline, dramatic northern mountain ranges, stone-built villages, enchanting towns, and cosmopolitan cities. 

Lisbon, the capital city, enjoys a stunning location near the mouth of the River Tagus. While Lisbon may be the capital of Portugal, Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto, is definitely not second best!

These two coastal cities have tons in common—both are filled with hills (but still super-walkable), wonderful views, fantastic restaurants, and attractive architecture. Just three hours away by car, you don’t have to go far to see, taste, and experience the best that Portugal has to offer.

Singapore

As TLW guest writer Taryn Hardes noted “Singapore feels notably futuristic in many ways—the architecture, the mix of urgency (businesspeople in suits) and relaxed (people of all ages and lifestyles sitting for a meal at the same hawker stall)”.

The concrete jungles that once dominated Singapore’s skyline are slowly giving way to green skyscrapers, as Singapore looks to achieve its “City in a Garden” dream. Head out of town a little and you’ll find plenty of walking trails, treetop jungle bridges, wildlife galore and the city’s green jewel, the Unesco World Heritage–listed Singapore Botanic Gardens. 

Thanks to one of the world’s most efficient and widespread public transport systems, travel through the city is remarkably quick, leaving lots of time to explore the city’s many interesting sights. 

South Africa

The ideal destination for any adventurous traveler, South Africa has so many amazing experiences to offer, from off-roading on a safari to diving with great white sharks, it’s hard to name another holiday destination that offers as much variety.

South Africa is so large and diverse that its regions often have different optimal travel seasons. Keep in mind that in the Southern Hemisphere, September marks the beginning of spring, not fall. Also remember that September is the middle of South Africa’s dry season, when safari guides can readily predict where the wildlife will go. Late 2022 is the perfect time to plan a visit to many African destinations (especially safari hotspots).

Spain

In Spain you’ll find the magnificent Sierra Nevada range, arid deserts and beautiful beaches.

Start your journey in Barcelona, home to markets, monasteries and tapas galore! Be sure to invest in a personal tour guide-it’s well worth the price. 

Barcelona has such a fun, youthful vibe. It’s located on the coast of the Balearic Sea and features an abundance of beautiful beaches, palm trees, new-concept restaurants and shopping.

Switzerland

Home to a very diverse range of different landscapes and climates, Switzerland is renowned around the world for its beautiful mountain scenery and the 4,478m high Matterhorn. 

The most populous area is the Swiss Plateau and it is here that you can find rolling hills, open pastures and sprawling forests. No matter where you go in Switzerland, you’ll have a view of something spectacular: a snow-capped mountain, an icy-blue Alpine lake, a bucolic meadow, a storybook castle. 

While it’s certainly a draw, there’s more to Switzerland than outdoor adventure. Art aficionados can spend hours perusing countless galleries, while foodies can feast on incredibly fresh local cuisine. 

Explore the different Swiss cities with Switzerland’s stellar public transportation system, an efficient and inexpensive way to travel.