Top Travel Destinations for 2022 (and why it's a great year to go there!)

What a year it’s been...again! Travel resumed, locally at first, then gradually spread across borders and oceans. But it hasn’t been completely smooth sailing; many of the first intrepid folks who ventured out learned that international trips aren’t as frictionless as they once were. Still, we’re glad many of you were able to travel safely and enjoyably in 2021.

As we turn our attention towards 2022, we see a far greater number of people not only considering international travel, but booked and ready to go. Curious where they’re going? We were! So we did two things: first, we crunched the numbers to come up with the top ten destinations people are booking for next year. Then, we reached out to the local guides in each of the top ten destinations to ask them: “Why should people come to your city (again, or for the first time) in 2022?” Here are the answers.

Top 10 Destinations for 2022

Rome

Local guide Fabio tells us: “As has happened for most cities, Roma has also been badly hit by the pandemic, yet its atmosphere has somehow changed for the best, since the local government has allowed cafes, restaurants and bars to use outdoor space more than ever before, giving owners the possibility to increase the number of tables outside for gathering. This creates less space for cars parked everywhere and a nicer atmosphere in the city center.”

Several buildings and museums are being restored and made accessible again thanks to the wider support of the government. This means there are more sites to visit in places like the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. “The Mausoleum of the Emperor Augustus has been reopened after 15 years, at the House of Nero, people can now visit part of the House and see the archeological work in progress for the rest of the monument; and at the Vatican they have just finished restoring Raphael's room to celebrate the 500 anniversary of his death,” local guide Ennio says.

Amsterdam

During the quiet of the past couple years, the city of Amsterdam has re-thought its approach to tourism, and is committed to preserving and promoting its longstanding culture over the flashier tourist draws. Local guide Louis writes: “For me, it is like this very old city has renewed itself again like it always has and probably always will. Amsterdam itself will be more inviting to quality tourists and is promoting the cultural and historical side of the city even more than before. The aim is to make the 400 museums and the high number of galleries and quality restaurants the focus of the traveller experience.”

“If the numbers of visitors stay low, people are now able to get tickets for the Anne Frank house, which can be very difficult to visit normally, due to its popularity” says Dutch guide Stefka.

Another benefit to quiet streets? Romance. "I believe Amsterdam is an undiscovered ‘City for Lovers’” says guide Rocco. “With 165 canals, many green trees, beautiful flowers, iconic wooden bridges with thousands of lights in the evening and historical houses, the true magic and romance is felt in Amsterdam, especially now”.

And of course the major event visitors to the Netherlands for 2022 is the once-in-a-decade, show-stopper of a horticultural event: the Floriade.

Athens

The first thing that comes to mind when we think of Athens is antiquity, but local guide Panos shares that the city’s modern art scene is flourishing: “In the past couple of years the city has been embellished with the new Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation and the new National Museum of Contemporary Art, while at the same time the National Gallery was refurbished and expanded. Here, one can view masterpieces from Greek and international painters, like El Greco and Picasso. Lovers of modern art can also visit the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Center in the southern suburbs of Athens: this is a new National Digital Library and the new Opera House of the city, designed by the water by the famous architect Renzo Piano.”

Another great reason to visit Athens and Greece early on in 2022? This is a fantastic winter destination! “Athens is one of the best places one can visit in Europe during winter time, as we have very mild winters here” says Athens guide Katerina. “It is a city that never sleeps, and those who return tend to fall in love with not only the antiquity, but its lively and multinational atmosphere.”

And finally, for those of us who still feel safer in outdoor spaces, guide Christina explains “In Greece everything takes place outdoors, most of the sites are in the open air and the museums are never very crowded. All the cafes and restaurants are outdoors as well.”

Paris

Do we ever really need to be convinced to go to Paris? Maybe not, but the guides there have done a fabulous job of explaining why 2022 will be a wonderful time to visit.

Guide Catherine shares her experience of fewer crowds: “The legendary crowds and queues have vanished. Versailles is a delight. I conducted a visit of the King’s private apartments there this morning and there was NO ONE! A real VIP experience. Normally it is very hard, even impossible to get a free time slot for this exclusive venue. There really is a small and exceptional window of opportunity to visit our beautiful city and sensational museums before the return of mass tourism.”

Pamela, a guide in Paris since 2010, explains how the city has reduced its sometimes chaotic traffic: “The city's administration decided to use the lockdown time to transform Paris, and took a more green approach: many new bike lanes have been created while access to cars have been reduced; many parking places were transformed into terraces for the thousands of the characteristic Parisian cafés. From 2022 onwards, the noisy motorcycles will have to pay for parking, so many will no longer be around, only quiet electric ones will have preference. So, if you return in 2022 you will discover an always greener Paris! Enjoy the breeze by the Seine river, a café sitting at a charming table by a pedestrian street, and enjoy the same amazing monuments and highlights in a more calm and greener environment.”

After months of watching Netflix from home, we agree that it’s time to hop on a plane and follow in the footsteps of “Lupin” and “Emily in Paris.”

London

“The real standout event that's going to bring London to life next year is a series of celebrations and events to mark the Platinum Jubilee of the Queen,” local guide Paul (and every other guide in (London!) tells us. The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II will mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952, and the UK has planned a remarkable series of events to celebrate this milestone - everything from parades to pageants to a massive rock concert at Buckingham Palace in June.

This presents a fabulous chance to immerse yourself on a tour of all things royal, like this one by guide Vivien: “I am creating an exclusive Platinum Jubilee Royal London Day Tour for my ToursByLocals travellers, focusing on Royalty through the ages in London. A day dedicated to all things regal with lots of locations, facts, history (the interesting bits)....crowns, gowns, coronations and corgis.”

In general, the guides in London are displaying the “keep calm and carry on” mantra that Britain is famous for. The pandemic may have slowed life down in the city for a while, but British institutions used the time to make improvements to venues visitors will notice when they return.

Local guide Rachel even has a rhyme for you:

“Come to London to see the sites, to take in the arts and the festive lights. The people will greet you, the food will delight, and shows in the west end came back with a fight! With royal parks for an afternoon stroll, we have palaces and Royal rigmarole. With Frozen on at the famous Drury Lane, we are feeling like Christmas is coming again. As a guide and a Londoner I can’t wish for more than seeing you happily land on our shore!”

Naples and Amalfi Coast

The jaw-dropping Amalfi Coast will always be a magnet for tourists, so the best time to visit is before it gets busy again! While people will return here in 2022, the numbers will still be nowhere near what they were in 2019, so now is the time to take advantage of a beautiful, quieter coast and the many nearby attractions.

Of course one of the area’s biggest draws isn’t actually along the coast, but in the shadow of Mt Vesuvius: the ruins of Pompeii. Local guide Carlo shares that “thanks to the quiet brought about by the pandemic, the archeologists at Pompeii managed to work all day long because the sights were closed to the public, so we ended up having now more houses restored completely and new things were found....Now tourists who visit can see newly uncovered areas of Pompei. This may interest even people that have already been there in the past.”

And if you’re willing to take a short boat ride across the deep blue Bay of Naples, you’ll find the tiny island of Procida. Sandwiched between the much splashier Ischia and Capri, Procida is about to have its moment in the spotlight, as the 2022 European Capital of Culture.

Lisbon

Tourism in Lisbon was booming in 2019, and showing no signs of slowing. Portugal - with its pleasant climate, dramatic coastline, depth of history and rich cultural heritage - is a deliciously appealing destination. 2022 will be the year to visit. Numbers will be rebounding, but not back to 2019 levels, and this gorgeous place is only going to get busier. As guide Carla explains: “Once the world goes back to completely safe travel, the boom will be there. A small country like ours shows some limitations to accommodate mass tourism. So, before everything starts up, it is best to be amongst the first to encounter Europe’s western-most corner.”

The Portuguese crown jewels and other royal treasures will be displayed for the first time to the public at the brand new “Royal Treasury Museum” in the west wing of the Ajuda Palace, says local guide Andreia, who has designed a tour that takes people here.

Another great reason to visit Lisbon and Portugal? As guide Susana points out, it’s the most vaccinated country in the world! Over 80% of all citizens have been immunized, helping to keep Lisbon as a safe place to visit.

We think guide Ines sums it up perfectly: “Life is short and Lisbon is amazing. Great weather, great food, such welcoming people, vibrant cultural life, great cityscape, amazing nature around it...what else do we need in life? Enjoy now, because now is the moment!”

Barcelona

With a sustained boom in visitors in recent years, over-tourism in Barcelona had become a serious problem for the city prior to 2020. Many locals had fled the centre, and it was at risk of becoming more of a tourist attraction than a living, breathing city. The pandemic has pushed a “reset” button here, and created a more balanced place for both locals and visitors alike.

As guide Laura explains, “Barcelona is still the vibrant, exciting, awesome, charming, walkable city that it used to be. Only now there’s more local atmosphere, and it’s less crowded with visitors! The monuments all have a limited amount of people accepted at one time. Enough to fit everybody that wants to go, but also enough to be quieter and more comfortable than ever.”

Gaudi’s incomparable Sagrada Familia is about to have a brand new tower. Work is almost completed on the Virgin Mary tower, the tallest tower built to date on the cathedral, local guide Tate tells us. It will be topped by a stunning 12 point star and unveiled at the end of 2021.

And guide Marga makes a great point: “The guides and everybody in the tourism business have used this quiet time to increase their skills and they now have their batteries reloaded to welcome the travellers again with lots of energy and good vibes.”

Venice

Venice’s allure is legendary, but in recent years crowds came close to destroying the soul of this romantic and eternally beautiful city. When you return, consider the advice of local guide Alice: “I think that it is very important to underline the importance of sustainable tourism here; visitors should come to see the real spirit of the city, away from big cruise ship crowds, and they should learn how local artisan products are made: the history behind masks and the carnival, the masters making Murano glass, and our local food traditions.”

The city has just turned 1600 years old and will continue to celebrate this special birthday into 2022, with festivities and an exhibition at the famous Doge’s Palace.

Guide Riccardo shares that “2022 will represent an incredible chance for art lovers due to the Art Venice Biennale, the most important contemporary art exhibition in the world that starts in April 2022 and will last until November. The atmosphere and vibes will be vibrant and incredibly stimulating! Definitely a great chance to witness something incredible here in 2022.”

Santorini

Like these other popular destinations, Santorini was feeling the crush of tourism prior to Covid. But now Greek guide Tate says: “I think 2022 will be a great year for Santorini. Hopefully open to all, yet more quiet than the years before Covid. Probably there will be a limit on the number of cruise ships arriving every day.”

In addition to having more elbow room to soak in the island’s whitewashed towns and magnificent vistas, “some new findings from the prehistoric town of Akrotiri will be exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Fira.” Akrotiri, a town blanketed in volcanic ash several centuries ago, is often described as the “Greek Pompeii” and is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Come and discover the recently uncovered bronze age treasures, and soak in this island’s legendary views of blue sky and even bluer sea in 2022. The local guides are waiting to share it with you.