Must-See Destinations and Cities to Explore in 2022

Awesome Antarctica

There are some places in this world that just have to be seen to be believed – the White Continent is one of them. This island of ice – roughly the size of the US and Mexico combined – was the last region on Earth to be discovered until Russian explorers spotted one of its ice shelves in the early 19th century. Reaching Antarctica in the 21st century can still feel like an out-of-this-world adventure. But it’s getting easier, and certainly more comfortable.

Surrounded by the Southern Ocean, luxury expedition ships are a tried and true way of reaching this distant landmass. PONANT recently launched a hybrid-electric polar-exploration ship that combines sustainable small-ship travel with refined dining and lush accommodations. 

It carries 200 passengers toward an island that’s 98% covered in ice: glaciers for days, blue crevasses hundreds of feet deep, icebergs along the coast that drop car-sized chunks into the seas, not to mention the "diamond dust" that sparkles in the air around you. It’s a glorious sight to see and we haven’t even talked about the 20-million adorable penguins that call this place home.

But if you haven’t got the time (or the stomach) to cross the Drake Passage by ship, why not fly in? White Desert is a top luxury offering that brings its guests in from Cape Town on a private jet. If you’re already in Cape Town, you could, in fact, touch down and check Antarctica off your list in just 24 hours. But if you’re coming this far, take a few days at one of White Desert’s cozy carbon-neutral camps to revel in this rare wilderness experience.

Why it’s Time to Consider Colombia

When you want an exotic holiday but don’t feel like traveling too far to get it – one of South America’s most fascinating countries can scratch that itch. Direct flights to Colombia’s capital city are plentiful, and depending on your location, some are even less than four hours long.

Bogota’s street-art scene is legendary, mainly because it’s legal to create works of art on buildings big and small. In the lively, historic neighborhood of La Candelaria, property owners even commission pieces. Take a tour to make sure you see the best works of graffiti art. Then dip into the famous culinary scene: dine at the well-established Criterión, Harry Sasson and Andrés Carne de Res, or head to Bogota’s clandestine supper club scene to discover local gastronomy via pop up restaurant.

Cartagena is when you want a little beach time. The colonial architecture in town is certainly worth exploring and recognized by UNESCO as an area of "outstanding universal value". But with the Rosario Island archipelago about an hour off the Caribbean coast of the city, pack an overnight bag for some unforgettable beach days, kayak tours, and fantastic sunsets. The seafood served on these islands couldn’t be any fresher; order it in beachside bistros where you can wiggle your toes in the white sand.

Medellin – known as the city of eternal spring – has weather that many deem perfect: average year-round temperatures of 72 F and daily highs over 86 F. Naturally, gardens and parks bloom and flourish gloriously year-round. And while many remember Pablo Escobar as Medellin’s infamous son, the city is also the native home to renowned artist Fernando Botero, whose sculptures are found all over Plaza Botero in the Old Town. Discover the local coffee culture by heading over to the Poblado neighborhood – not just the popular tinto (tiny cups of instant espresso) but rich, hand-crafted coffee, creatively prepared and served with comfy couches to do your people watching from.

Those Wild Montana Skies

Can’t wait to see what’s coming next on Yellowstone and can’t get enough of Dutton family drama? Does the TV series’ heart-stopping scenery make you want to bust out your cowboy boots? Well, be sure to pack your ski boots too, because this season, Montana’s Big Sky Resort opens its first five-star hotel. Montage Big Sky welcomes guests as of December 15.

A recent base lodge reno has brought elevated dining and a craft cocktail scene to the resort and will help get your apres started in style. Dozens of direct flights into Bozeman International Airport mean you could be skiing on the day you arrive. 

Want to mix up that ski holiday? A couple of lodges in Montana are starting to offer skijoring. Popular in Norway (the name means 'ski driving'), this sport sees a skier pulled behind a horse or even a dog team.

Another fun way to submerge yourself in nature is to soak in Yellowstone's Boiling River. It's the only spot where visitors are allowed to 'take the waters.' Boiling River blends the icy water from the Gardiner River with nearby boiling hot springs to create a relaxing warm-water soak. Bring a towel, and watch for elk as you take the short half-mile hike to this unforgettable winter activity.

How to Beat that Post-Holiday Booking Rush

The desserts have been eaten, the plates are cleared, and the post-dinner conversation moves toward ideas for their next gathering. Families who’ve just spent hours chatting about where they’d like to gather for the next family vacation – Los Cabos? The Caribbean? Tuscany? – will finally start reaching out to us to get their plans in motion.

The number of messages we receive on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 is astounding. So why wait? Start those important "where are we going" conversations now. Beat the post-holiday booking rush. The best way to keep your trip top of mind is to reach out now, let us know where you want to be and when to make sure you can lock down the right dates at the best locations.

Preferred Partners Offers

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