Start planning your holidays for 2022! From Paris to New York City to London, make this your travel bucket list.
Travel is back on the agenda! After almost two years, we now have the possibility to make holiday plans to far-flung destinations. Though it comes with the hassle of careful planning and Covid tests, it’s the new norm that we all should be used to by now. Here’s our bucket list of destinations for 2022!
Best travel destinations for 2022
1. Rome, Italy
The capital of Italy overflows with history, world-famous attractions and amazing food like pasta, gelato and pizzas. So it’s totally understandable to feel overwhelmed when you’re planning an itinerary. But a holiday here is oh so worth it, if you ask us.
If you’re pressed for time, the top three sites to visit are the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. It’s believed that when you throw a coin into said fountain, you’ll return to Rome one day. Oh, and there’s the largest farmer’s market in the city: Mercato di Campagna Amica. Shop for bread, fruits, olives and lunch meats like salami and prosciutto, and you’re all set for a picnic at one of the lush parks in the city such as Villa Borghese.
2. Seoul, Korea
It’s been full-on K-fever ever since Squid Game came into our lives. But let’s be honest: we were already riding the Hallyu wave, from top-notch Korean restos to spectacular K-beauty products to catchy K-pop tunes. So it’s about time we travel in 2022 to the place where it all started — The Land of the Morning Calm.
It goes without saying that Seoul is a mecca for storied palaces, amazing street food and lush nature spots that boast breathtaking views. You should also make a pit stop at Jeju Island. Dubbed as the Hawaii of Korea, this serene island will melt your worries away and help you unwind. Think magical waterfalls, azure blue waters and beautiful mountains.
3. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich parallels Singapore on many fronts. There’s a reason why the Lion City is often referred to as the Switzerland of Asia. Both cities are financial hubs and they’re known for their clean streets and efficiency. But of course, the magical lakefront city in Europe is more than just that.
The undulating landscape of jagged mountain peaks and rolling hills offers spectacular views of the city. Our top pick would be Uetliberg, ‘cos you can easily get to the top of the mountain via train. But if you’re looking to break a sweat, you can also trek your way up. Other highlights include Lake Zurich, Bahnhofstrasse (think of it as the equivalent of Orchard Road) and Old Town, which gives a glimpse of the city’s medieval times.
4. Paris, France
If you love croissants, wine and chic fashion, the Parisian life is for you. Start your tour at the iconic Eiffel Tower, followed by other renowned attractions like the Palace of Versailles, Champs-Élysées and the Louvre Museum.
The city is dotted with cafes, but Les Deux Magots has to be the crème de la crème. Grab a hot chocolate and watch the world go by. Here’s a fun fact: it was once a hotspot for literary writers like Ernest Hemingway! Even to this day, you can see writers and editors coming together to do their thing at the cafe. Oh, don’t forget to catch the most famous cabaret in the world at Moulin Rouge.
5. Germany
One of the first countries that made it on our VTL, Germany is more than just beer and sausages. Each city stands on its own merits, offering something new and different from the other.
Berlin ranks high on our list of must-visit cities in Germany. The charming city brims with WWII history and street art. Go on a walking tour and you’ll find a little piece of history on every street corner. Then there’s Munich, the birthplace of Oktoberfest. Hit up the many beer halls for a true Bavarian drinking experience. And go on a two-hour drive to bask in the sight of the magical Neuschwanstein Castle that looks right out of a Disney movie.
6. The Netherlands
Holland is known for its vibrant tulip fields, rich canal networks and old fashioned windmills. The charming city of Amsterdam is sprinkled with excellent museums like Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House. After getting your dose of art and culture, go on a canal boat tour around the capital against the backdrop of 300-year-old canal houses. But the architecture in Amsterdam is just the tip of the iceberg. Visit cities like Utrecht, Leiden and Haarlem where you can marvel at traditional canal houses built during the Dutch Golden Age.
Rotterdam is another landmark city that boasts architectural marvels. Take the popular Cube Houses, for example. Built by Dutch architect Piet Blom, they sit atop a hexagonal pylon and tilt slightly over 45 degrees. Believe it or not, the geometrical wonder was actually inspired by nature – each house represents a tree and, as a whole, a forest.
7. Perth, Australia
Perth is a sleepy town, and we mean it in a good way. It has all the trimmings of a great city but without the hustle and bustle. Immerse yourself in a blend of arts and culture, restaurants and cafes, and parks and beaches. Trust us: the natural landscapes are on a whole other level. Oh, and don’t miss out on the Crawley Edge Boatshed aka the Blue Boat House, which has taken Instagram by storm.
Love wine tastings? Rent a car and head to Margaret River. The region is sprinkled with world-class wineries, as well as craft breweries, amazing farm-to-table establishments and stellar coffee joints. After all that refuelling, we say burn off the calories by exploring forested areas or coastlines to be one with Mother Nature.
8. New York City, USA
Alexa, play “Empire State of Mind” by Alicia Keys. Where do we even begin? New York City takes on a different atmosphere as the season changes and it truly comes alive during fall and winter. So dust off your peacoat and explore the iconic city that forms the backdrop to popular movies and shows. (If Gossip Girl just came to mind, you’re not alone.)
For those who want to be in the thick of things, swing by Times Square. Think bright lights, larger than life digital billboards and Broadway shows! Other must-dos include heading to the top of the Empire State Building, strolling through Central Park, cycling along Brooklyn Bridge and getting inspired at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Food-wise, you’ll be spoilt with choices that just might rival Singapore’s.
9. London, England
Oh, great London! Despite its gloomy weather, we’ll always have a soft spot for this cosmo city. If you’re looking for a dose of culture, the museums are calling out for you. The National Gallery, located in Trafalgar Square, houses over 2,300 paintings from the 13th to the early 20th centuries. For life-sized (moving) dinosaurs and fossils, you’ve got the National History Museum. And the Victoria and Albert Museum is where you can find over two million objects ranging from textiles and books to fashion and photography.
Fans of Netflix’s The Crown, it goes without saying that you should drop by Buckingham Palace. And if you’re there during summer, it’s open to the public! After exploring the royal grounds, an afternoon tea session is in order. We’d recommend Laduere Covent Garden where you can nibble on tasty macarons at the balcony terrace.
10. Los Angeles, USA
The land of Hollywood, here we come! After visiting the Hollywood sign and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, stop by Santa Monica Pier for stunning waterfront views or enjoy a romantic sunset ride on the ferris wheel.
Another iconic spot? Griffith Observatory, where you can get up close and personal with the cosmos through the lens of the Zeiss Telescope. Oh, and check out Rodeo Drive for shopping, Sunset Boulevard for nightlife, and downtown Santa Monica for upscale restaurants. And yes, we’re only scratching the surface!
So, which city are you planning to travel to in 2022?
