Let’s be honest; these past two years have been rough. People have had to put holiday plans on hold or cancel them altogether. Yet, we’ve all been itching to get out into the world and see its beauty with our own eyes instead of staring into screens, wiping tears away. So, in the hopes that 2022 will be a better year for travel, I’ve put together the ultimate bucket list of travel destinations for 2022. 

This list won’t focus on the crowded tourist hotspots but instead on the less-travelled roads and the ever-quaint surrounding towns. Stunning scenery, peaceful family locations, and unique culinary tastes are priorities for this wishlist after some research.

Japan: High-End Japanese Dining and Island Hopping

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in new culture and cuisine and see some fantastic sites, then there is no better place than Japan. While the mainland is gorgeous and a must-see, we recommend you explore the island paradises of the Okinawa prefecture. The Okinawa prefecture offers over 150 pristine tropical islands with a vibrant culture and out-of-this-world cuisine. The islands are also one of the many world heritage sites noted for unique culture, cuisine, and development. 

Okinawa Island in Japan for Bucket List travel

Things to do

  • Naha and Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa island should be your home base on the trip and where you will likely spend most of your time. The islands’ capital Naha is an iconic Asian city destination where tourism is on the rise but still new enough and not overbearing. The prominent place to see and experience is the Churaumi Aquarium with its beautiful marine reserve. 

  • Culinary Excellence 

If you’re a food lover, you can travel along the Islands Soba Road. The route includes ancient restaurants and the brand new restaurant Okinawa Soba Eibun, hosted by an impressive culinary team that prepares traditional Japanese dishes.

Sights to see

  • Jaw-dropping islands

With a short boat ride, you can travel to any of the islands, such as Iriomote, where all you adventure seekers may explore all the rainforested areas. For a beach day, travel to the laidback island of Ishigaki with its ocean-view suites and pristine natural landscape. In addition, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sefa Utaki offers beautiful walking tours. 

A trip to the Okinawan islands means a trip unlike any other. Therefore, it should be on everyone’s bucket list travel destination with no limit to what you can see and experience.

Sonoma Valley: National parks and Magnificent Landscapes

Are you looking for beautiful walking tours through sacred valleys? How about white sand beaches while listening to waves crashing? Or why not spend some time dining in world-class wine farms trying out the local offerings? Well, Sonoma Valley located in California is a place where you can experience all of that and so much more. 

Located in Northern California wine country, Sonoma Valley is a short 90-minute trip from San Francisco. It’s paradise on earth, filled with luxurious wine farms and ideally close to the Pacific. Here you can cover all of your holiday bases at once. 

Outdoor dining in Sonoma Valley as part of bucket list travel ideas

Sights to see

For your accommodation, I found Sonoma Valley Escapes. This family-friendly holiday rental agency offers luxurious homes and quaint cottages to rent. The magnificent Sedona landscape surrounds each residence and is ideally situated for you to take advantage of the numerous national parks, world-class culinary industry and unbeatable scenic vistas. However, make sure to double-check property dates as these places fill up quickly. 

Things to do

  • Walking Tour and Wine Tasting

Take part in the Sonoma walking tour at the newly opened trail house, where you explore the downtown area, try some local wines, and visit boutique stores. 

  • Hot Springs

Take a short trip to Sonoma’s northern region and visit Boyes Hot Springs. These exceptional hot springs baths will relax both your body and mind. Located at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, you’ll be surrounded by tranquillity and peace as the luxury hotel scene continues to serve top-notch spa treatments and cocktails. 

Shamwari Private Game Reserve: Ultimate Safari Experience

When people think of a South African Safari, they generally think of the Kruger National Park. While the Kruger is breathtaking, it’s not our top pick for a Safari. Instead, we recommend the Shamwari Private Game Reserve. If nature, luxury, and natural beauty are your thing, this is the private reserve for you and your family.  

The reserve is located in Paterson, South Africa, and is home to eight luxury lodges run by local families. At the reserve, you will be treated to a wildly luxurious take on safari sightseeing. The reserve is open only to guests and staff, which means you receive a personal and catered experience. 

Zebra's on a dirt road in South Africa as part of your bucket list travel.

Sights to see

  • Sindile Lodge

The Sindile Lodge offers a brand new luxury experience as it’s surrounded by a pristine natural landscape. The rooms offer plunge pools for their guests where you can gaze upon open plains, watching elephants and giraffes graze. Nothing beats Shamwari Private Game Reserve for classic luxury and an authentic outdoor experience. We recommend you go between September and November during their time of spring as you’ll experience new green shoots of grass, plus the baby animals are in season!

Things to do

In addition, the lodge offers its guests two game drives a day with professional trackers and game rangers who will take you to see the magnificence of the big five. Make sure you add Shamwari Private Game Reserve to your bucket list travel options for a luxurious and magical safari.

  • Big-Five Game Drives
Lion sitting down in Safari

European Wonder: Sardinia Italy 

No bucket list would be complete without a trip to Italy. With natural beauty, jagged mountain peaks, ancient history, and superfluous beach villas, Italy truly has it all. Italy is undoubtedly a tourist hotspot, but why not try out some of its local gems? 

Sardinia is a large Mediterranean island located off the shore of Rome. Sardinia as a bucket list travel destination promises pristine white beaches and historical, ancient and medieval towns like no other. My brother has been and tells me wonderful things!

Overview of Sardinia coastline as part of bucket list travel

Sights to see

  • Luxury Hotel Scene 

Porto Cervo is the best of Sardinia’s luxury resorts, frequently visited by the uber-wealthy with their new yachts and opulent glamour. No worries, you don’t have to be one of the wealthiest people to visit, but it’s well worth the trip. Visiting this ever-quaint surrounding town is magnificent for people watchers. Make sure to try out the luxury resort’s perfect selection of local cuisine.

Things to do

  • Private Islands and Beaches

The Porto Cervo resort will take you to small private islands and secluded beaches dotted around the area. If you’re looking for a fun day in the sun but also value some privacy, this is a top pick.

National Park and World Heritage Sites

Travel to Sardinia’s south coast to Molentargius Pond National Park for some breathtaking sites of the islands’ magnificent pink flamingos. The pond is considered the most critical site in the Mediterranean basin. Indeed a sight you don’t want to miss out on!

Small resort complex on the coast of Sardinia

Hacienda Alta Gracia, Costa Rica

How about a trip to Central America? This land of wonder and culture is perfect for the adventurous or honeymooners. Hacienda Alta Gracia is the newest resort in Auberge Resorts Collection. The park has over 150 miles of natural beauty and plenty to explore. 

Costa Rica jungle as an idea for bucket list travel

Sights to see

No expense was spared as the latest establishment in the Auberge resorts collection. The resort offers stunning mountain and jungle vistas from any of its new multi-room suites. In addition, you can enjoy the spectacular views of all the rainforested areas from the comfort of your bedroom window. 

Things to do 

Enjoy a ride on horseback and a delicious breakfast along the river. Then, if you feel more adventurous, grab one of the resort’s ultralight flights for an amazing bird’s-eye view through the rainforest and wildlife. The resort opened in summer 2021 and is the first to be a frequent tourist destination in this region.

Toucan on a branch

Bags Packed – Bucket List Travel in 2022

Any great bucket list holiday should include these fantastic places. From natural wonders to cultural beauty, these holiday destinations have it all. No bucket list travel would be complete without at least one of these destinations. So what are you waiting for? Start ticking these places off!

Don’t forget to check out our other recommendations on this blog!

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