These are the 35 most extraordinary places in the world to visit in 2022

The travel publication National Geographic has unveiled its 'The Best of the World List 2022'

Snow Mountain
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Finding new places to explore in the world is one of our favorite things, especially now that many of us can travel again after a long halt to international movement due to the pandemic (Omicron, please be nice...). 

From TikTok to Instagram, the internet is full of inspiration when it comes to making a bucket list on where to visit next, from the best countries for solo travel to alternative city breaks. However, nothing is quite like National Geographic Traveller's annual list of the 35 must-see destinations for the next year.

Every year, 'The Best of the World List’ provides the ultimate guide on the best places and communities to visit on your next travel adventure and this year, it's even more special as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, with 14 World Heritage-designated sites featured on the list. 

Hot balloons

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The list is divided into five categories: Culture, Sustainability, Nature, Adventure and Family. This makes it easier for aspiring globe-trotters to explore the suggested destinations depending on what they value the most when traveling. Plus, there's plenty to choose from with each category including seven entries. 

“Whether it’s closer to home, exploring the UK and Europe, or focusing on journeys further afield to destinations that highlight sustainable, environmental and community initiatives, this year’s list gives us an opportunity to celebrate the world as we begin to emerge from the pandemic," says Pat Riddell, editor of National Geographic Traveller UK. "Travel might be slow and cautious to begin with, and while there’s undoubtedly pent-up demand it’s also a chance to consider how and why we travel. These 35 destinations are a good starting place to plan your trips for 2022 and beyond.”

See the full 'Best of the World List’ below, and start planning your next trip. We've already begun! 

The Best of the World List 2022

Giza Egypt Pyramids in Sunset Scene, Wonders of the World.

The Giza Pyramids in Greater Cairo, Egypt: one of the top destinations for culture in 2022

(Image credit: Getty Images)

CULTURE

Jingmai Mountain, Yunnan, China

Tin Pan Alley, London, England 

Hokkaido, Japan 

Procida, Italy 

Atlanta, Georgia, US 

Oslo, Norway

Rome, Italy

Cairo, Egypt

Cars driving on Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia - aerial view

The Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia: one of the top destinations for nature

(Image credit: Getty Images)

SUSTAINABILITY

Ruhr Valley, Germany 

Parque Nacional Yasuni, Ecuador 

Łódź, Poland 

National Columbia Gorge Scenic Area, Oregon/Washington, US 

Chimanimani National Park, Mozambique

Adelaide, Australia 

Grenoble, France 

 

NATURE

Caprivi Strip, Namibia 

Northern Minnesota, United States 

Lake Baikal, Russia 

Belize Maya Forest Reserve 

Victoria, Australia

Kent, England

Volcan Arenal dominates the landscape during sunset, as seen from the Monteverde area, Costa Rica.

The Monteverde area in Costa Rica, one of the top destinations for adventure

(Image credit: Getty Images)

ADVENTURE

Seine River Bike Trail, Franc

Costa Rica

Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail, New Brunswick, Canada

Palau

Arapahoe Basin, Colorado, US

Taghazout, Morocco 

Chankillo, Peru 

 

FAMILY

Danube River Cruise

Lycia, Turkey

Granada, Spain

Bonaire

Eastern Shore, Maryland, US

Nottinghamshire, England

Hadrian’s Wall, UK

Sagal Mohammed

Sagal is a journalist, specialising in lifestyle, pop culture, fashion and beauty.  She has written for a number of publications including Vogue, Glamour, Stylist, Evening Standard, Bustle, You Magazine, Dazed and Wonderland to name a few.