With international travel slowly emerging from the pandemic and making a comeback, National Geographic has revealed its annual list of the 25 must-see destinations for the next year. Profiling inspiring places, communities and experiences, the list comes at a time when the pandemic has transformed when, where and how we see the world. With the return of travel, National Geographic is rethinking what it means to be a traveler and the impact of those choices.
Framed by five categories—Nature, Adventure, Culture, Sustainability and Family—selections on the 2022 list honor national parks and wildlife, outdoor activities and experience, green travel and destinations going it right, and multigenerational destinations and journeys. From the “next great safari destination” of Caprivi, Namibia, to the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, to the ancient tea mountains and traditions of Yunnan, China, this year’s list is a reminder that there is much out there to inspire us. Moreover, this year’s list celebrates the 50th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, with 10 World Heritage-designated sites featured.
“While the pandemic stalled many of our travel plans for nearly two years, our appetite for new and impactful journeys has only grown. In many ways, the pandemic provided a moment for travelers and communities around the world to reflect and regroup on how we explore the world,” says George Stone, executive editor of National Geographic Traveler. “With this year’s list, Nat Geo takes a look at what’s different, new, and inspiring—from the new Seine River bike trail in France to Chimanimani National Park, a new national park in Mozambique that signals the country’s environmental commitment. We’re excited to share these 25 extraordinary places that will define our upcoming itineraries.”
The 25 destinations within various categories include:
Culture
- Jingmai Mountain, Yunnan, China (nominated by National Geographic Traveler China)
- Tin Pan Alley, London, England
- Hokkaido, Japan
- Procida, Italy
- Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Sustainability
- Ruhr Valley, Germany (nominated by National Geographic Traveler Germany)
- Parque Nacional Yasuni, Ecuador (nominated by National Geographic Traveler Latin America)
- Łódź, Poland (nominated by National Geographic Traveler Poland)
- National Columbia Gorge Scenic Area, Oregon/Washington, United States
- Chimanimani National Park, Mozambique
Nature
- Caprivi Strip, Namibia (nominated by National Geographic Traveler Italy)
- Northern Minnesota, United States
- Lake Baikal, Russia (nominated by National Geographic Traveler Russia)
- Belize Maya Forest Reserve
- Victoria, Australia (nominated by National Geographic Traveller U.K.)
Adventure
- Seine River Bike Trail, France (nominated by National Geographic Traveler France)
- Costa Rica (nominated by National Geographic Traveler Korea)
- Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail, New Brunswick, Canada
- Palau (nominated by National Geographic Traveller India)
- Arapahoe Basin, Colorado, United States
Family
- Danube River Cruise (nominated by National Geographic Traveler Romania)
- Lycia, Turkey (nominated by National Geographic Traveler Turkey)
- Granada, Spain (nominated by Viajes National Geographic)
- Bonaire (nominated by National Geographic Traveler Netherlands)
- Eastern Shore, Maryland, United States
The “Best of the World 2022” list is available online now at www.natgeo.com/bestoftheworld.
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