From clean, green and ancient European gems to a cluster of islands in the Pacific with unique personalities all their own, the world is your oyster. The return to travel marks your chance to prioritize the places you previously put on your “one day” bucket list, never imagining that the world would shut down for two years. If you’re interested in pulling the trigger on any of these adventures, contact Unravel World Travel to transform your travel dreams into reality.
Here are some places to add to your plans for the upcoming year.
The Maldives
If you ever want to feel the exquisite quiet of being totally alone in the world, as if standing at the edge of forever, the islands of the Maldives are the place to unwind in. These more-than-blissful patches of sand across the clear, blue waters of the Indian Ocean, are completely isolated in the best ways: removed from the wearisome routines of everyday life, and unconcerned by the passing of time, the drifting of clouds through the sky, and the ascent of the moon across an inky-black expanse. Travelers will find designer island resorts, exquisite overwater bungalow suites with butlers on call, gourmet food and drink, spa treatments and unbridled luxury. It’s a mix of nature and nurture that results in island holidays at their most fundamental and most irresistible.
Morocco
Places in northern Africa like Morocco have long-filled travelers’ imaginations with visions of vibrant souks and stretches of sun-soaked deserts. While Marrakech is an absolute must for its colour, buzz and history, travelers should take the opportunity to go far flung in this destination. Experience gems like Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains with its cobblestoned old town daubed in a romantic, hazy blue wash, or the port city of Essaouira on the Atlantic coast with its fortified medina (Old Town) scented with the tang of spices. If you’re visiting in the winter months, visit Oukaimeden where you can enjoy uncrowded ski runs in the High Atlas Mountains.
Ireland
Road trips in Europe are the perfect freedom rides, and an European road trip destination requires a mixture of scenery, hospitality and easy access. The Republic of Ireland, anchored by its delightful capital of Dublin “where the girls are so pretty”, is the perfect road trip treat. The greatest distance from east to west is 275 km, or 486 km from north to south. Yet, Ireland provides visitors with a topography of stunningly lush countryside, with new wonders at every corner along its unspoilt coast. Travelers will find a famously welcoming personality with a healthy dose of laughter from the locals, and a ribbon-like network of stunning drives going from impossibly pretty towns to historic sights and incredible outlooks. Whether traversing the 2,500 kilometers of the Wild Atlantic Way past hidden beaches and abundant wildlife, or the Boyne Valley Drive in the eastern part of the country where you can stand in wonder and historical sites older than Stonehenge or the Great Pyramids of Egypt, each day has the potential to reach its full stop in a cozy local pub with a pint in hand and a hearty meal to feast on. And ensure to feast on through an impromptu late-night sing-along to lend your voice to in the many Irish bars and pubs.
Dubai
In Dubai, the fourth most visited city in the world, one will experience life beyond imagination with the world at your feet! It’s a city that has changed beyond recognition over the last decade, and continues to do so. What used to be a small, poor port town whose residents lived in shacks in the sundrenched desert is today one of the leading cities in the world with over 2.5 million residents and growing steadily year-on-year, with new workers representing various industries coming to build this modern monarchy. Luxury travelers can enjoy the most luxurious hotel in the world, the Burj Al Arab, which was inspired by the shape of a sail. Travelers can enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of the city from the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa, which has been the world’s tallest free-standing structure since 2004 after surpassing the height of the CN Tower in Toronto. Dubai offers travelers unbridled shopping experiences, hyper-luxurious hotels, great theme parks, the grandest sea aquarium, and much more, all aimed at exceeding your wildest dreams. After sightseeing, head to the Dubai Marina to unravel on the beach where the water is very warm.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is the kind of destination that has built a solid reputation for never disappointing visitors. Luxury hotels like The Peninsula have you covered for the ultimate luxury vacation, and great shopping awaits you along with a dim sum filled culinary journey. Diverse sights include the busy neon-lit streets of Mong Kok, and the peaceful Tian Tan Big Buddha on the island of Lantau. After the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, Hong Kong residents are determined to gain their people-pleaser mantle and revitalize their vibrant and hard-working community. Experience the local life in a family-owned noodle restaurant, many of which are in possession of Michelin recommendations, or tour the mesmerizing street art of Central with a local guide. Shopping enthusiasts can enjoy neighborhoods such as Kowloon’s Sham Shui Po, with its tofu shops and streets dedicated to all things creative.
Japan
Of all the places that everyone was eagerly awaiting reopening after the pandemic, it seems like Japan was the most awaited destination. The Land of the Rising Sun has long been fuelled by stunning ski fields, exquisite traditions, singular experiences, consistently fabulous food and everything being prompt and efficient. Traveling in Japan is one of life’s true joys. From dashing between cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto via the speedy Shinkansen (bullet train), to discovering quiet repose at ancient temples, witnessing exuberant festivals and celebrations that have been observed in the same way for centuries, the list of allures offered up by Japan is endless. Travelers can also immerse themselves in the widely contrasting natural landscape, from volcanic lunar landscapes to thick green forests to blissful sub-tropical islands. And don’t forget to score a seat at a tiny sushi bar to watch chefs who have trained for decades mastering a single skill! If you haven’t experienced Asia so far, Japan will make you keen to visit the rest of Asia as soon as possible!
New Zealand
Many visitors are surprised when finding out that New Zealand is made up of 31 distinct regions that patchwork together to cover the beauty of the North and South Islands. It’s not that we don’t travel extensively when we visit Aotearoa, a road-trip swag of over 268,000 square kilometers, and many visitors from Australia enjoy having a campervan. The Tongariro National Park in Taupo, with its 3 towering volcanoes, is home to what is considered one of the best one-day treks in the world. Experience a huge choice of adrenaline activities in Queenstown, a city world-renowned for its adventure. Choose from skydiving, canyon swing, bungee jumping, jet boating, or four ski areas in the winter months. After daring to “sign your life away” to one or more of these adventures, indulge yourself with spa treatments, boutique shopping and great food and wine. And don’t leave without engaging with the Maori culture in an authentic way. 31 regions but limitless reasons to visit in the coming year.
The Pacific
When it comes to island paradise, travelers visiting the many islands of the Pacific are seriously spoiled for choice with some of the most breathtaking beaches and water colours. Each of the Pacific’s islands offers up equally sybaritic beach and blue water combinations, as well as compellingly unique cultural experiences that are their own. While Fiji lures travelers back (and back) for decades, the likes of Samoa, the Solomon Islands and the Cook Islands are proving increasingly alluring to travelers. It’s not hard to see why, with each of them offering up equally sybaritic breach and blue water combinations, as well as compellingly unique cultural experiences. From the Fa’a-Samoa – the Samoan Way – which is all about community, to the ancient tribal rituals on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, to the fascinating archaeological monuments of the Solomon Islands. Add island-fresh cuisines and experiences from village visits to hiking to diving, and the warm welcoming locals.
New York City, U.S.A.
The city that never sleeps went to a deep sleep during the darkest days of the pandemic. Since then, New York has not relinquished its position as the world’s original, and best, metropolis yet. The city has sparkled back to life and there is a constant thrum of industry once again. This is evidenced by many new hotels ready to accommodate the many visitors that come to this city. Hotels like the 83-suite Aman New York, and the Nine Orchard in a sympathetically renovated landmark neo-Renaissance bank building in the Lower East Side. Or enjoy a charming French bolthole complete with a classic Parisian brasserie in the Hotel Barriere Fouquet. New York is wide awake and not going to sleep again!
Curacao, Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean
When is the Netherlands not in Europe? When it is Curacao! This beautiful island country in the southern Caribbean Sea is officially a constituent country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands! The contrasts presented by this island paradise of around 155,000 residents is irresistible, with a tropical Caribbean climate playing out against a decidedly European backdrop. The historic waterfront of Handelskade in the capital of Willemstad is lined with a row of rainbow-coloured buildings that look like they have been transported from the edge of a canal in Amsterdam. The soft and white beaches of this island are sandwiched between swaying palm trees and impossibly blue waters. The local cuisine is also a hybrid of location and history, with dishes melding Dutch and Caribbean flavours, ingredients and influences. And don’t leave without trying the blue namesake liquor, which the locals take very seriously with well-crafted examples sipped neat like a good whisky.