As we anticipate a pent-up return to travel, and reconnecting with loved ones, the way in which we return to travel will be more meaningful and our love for exploring this beautiful world will be amplified. For many of us, a short vacation trip squeezed into a busy work schedule or planning a long weekend escape is a thing of the past. Perhaps, you may have retired from full-time work or discovered by way of COVID quarantine that you can work remotely from anywhere in the world and take your job wherever you go. Still others are resisting the return to office after becoming accustomed to working at home.
If you’re someone whose life has become more flexible for any reason, you’re probably thinking about places you’ve wanted to visit now more than ever but may have postponed due to lack of time or travel restrictions. Don’t worry. We have researched with great care in selecting the best destinations for an extended trip in 2022 with the assistance of Insight Vacations, the global leader in premium guided journeys.
From sampling sea-to-table cuisine by the Croatian seaside to a royal adventure at the remarkable 800-year-old Ashford Castle, we are all eager to reignite our passion for travel when the timing is right.
You will find a wonderful diversity of once-in-a-lifetime experiences to help you make travel decisions and fuel your travel inspiration. From taking part in life-changing Make Travel Matter Experiences, enjoying Farm-to-Table dining with locals and discovering lesser-known places, we can’t wait to explore and discover the world as it opens back up.
When the timing is ideal and when we will all truly begin to travel again, we can certainly dream and plan ahead for the latter half of 2021 or perhaps looking into 2022 as the brand offers a Peace of Mind Promise, a No Risk Deposit, which means you can make your deposit and qualify for a 30-day refund guarantee, and a Flexibility Promise, to change your mind and plans should you need to. Also, with the introduction of a Well-being Director who will be available throughout the journey and will dedicate their attention to the latest hygiene and physical distancing protocols, plus staying up-to-date the latest regulations from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), World Health Organization (WHO) and local government authorities. These are the perfect additions to slowly ease back into travel and continue to make lasting travel memories.
Take a look below and prepare to be inspired with the best destinations for an extended trip in 2022.
01. IRELAND
Showcasing the very best sights and scenery of Ireland including the Wild Atlantic Way and a night at the magnificently restored Ashford Castle
- Trip: Irish Elegance
- When to Go: October
- Why Go: To discover the magic of the Ashford Castle and Estate by Red Carnation Hotels. Ashford Castle is Ireland’s first Forbes Five Star Hotel and the former home of the Guinness family, offering exceptional luxury in County Mayo, Ireland.
- Insight Experience: Tour Trinity College with a university insider, before marvelling at the ancient Book of Kells, created by monks and dating from A.D. 800.
02. CROATIA
Discover the pristine landscapes, idyllic islands and sun-dappled seas of Croatia, where fortified towns of cobblestone and terracotta echo a time when Venice ruled the waves.
- Trip: Country Roads of Croatia
- When to Go: November
- Why Go: Croatia during November is an ideal time to go with lesser crowds and warm, pleasant temperatures. The country offers a laid-back lifestyle for you to enjoy at your leisure and mouth-watering cuisine, especially for seafood lovers.
- Insight Experience: Meet a local oyster farmer and learn about the cultivation of oysters, before enjoying a delicious Sea-to-Table tasting of fresh shellfish and local wine.
03. SPAIN
Relax and discover the best of southern Spain. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Seville, experience culinary delights such as a tapas tour and sherry tasting and explore diverse scenery at the Doñana National Park
- Trip: Country Roads of Andalucía
- When to Go: July
- Why Go: After a year of lockdown, we all need some passion in our lives. You can enjoy a Make Travel Matter Experience with Insight Vacations at the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a critical flamenco school in Seville. The foundation aims to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco and is a beneficiary of several The TreadRight Foundation scholarships that were offered to deserving students at the school. The visit begins with a flamenco dance class before guests take front-seats for a passionate performance of flamenco.
- Insight Experience: Discover the world’s finest collection of Spanish paintings as you experience the Prado Museum with an art historian, full of valuable knowledge and expertise.
04. ITALY
Explore the wonders of Italy, as you enter the Vatican Museum in VIP style, visit the fishing villages of the famous Cinque Terre and join an expert vintner for a tasting of Puglia’s most celebrated blends. From picture-perfect Capri to romantic Sicily, discover the very best of Italy.
- Trip: Grand Italy & Sicily
- When to Go: August
- Why Go: Italy in August is perfect for the beach lovers and for those who thrive in the sunshine and warmth. August is the main month Italians have vacation time and many locals leave to explore other countries, making for reduced traffic. Don’t miss the charms of Cinque Terre and visit the quaint fishermen villages, with colourful homes hanging from the cliffside coastal town.
- Insight Experience: While in the Vatican City, gain VIP access into the Vatican Museums and admire the famous Bramante Staircase. Witness the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel and view the splendid dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
05. EGYPT
Incredibly, after gazing upon the illustrious pyramids, this trip only gets better. Further up the Nile, your cruise ship is poised to take you to royal tombs and breathtaking temples.
- Trip: Wonders of Egypt
- When to Go: October
- Why Go: Egypt has been making a comeback as a destination prior to 2020 and it is anticipated that this trend will continue once travel fully returns. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza is expected to host its inauguration in June 2021, which has been in the works for 19 years.
- Insight Experience: In Luxor, enjoy listening to stories of village life from local residents, when you visit a family home for a tasting of authentic Egyptian sun bread.
06. ICELAND
Experience a world of natural phenomena; by day marvel at waterfalls, volcanoes and incredible landscapes and by night, seek out the dancing lights that fill cloudless skies.
- Trip: Scenic Iceland & The Northern Lights
- When to Go: December
- Why Go: December is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland and the magic of the holidays, together. Since December is the darkest month of the year in Iceland, you’ll see the vibrant aurora borealis at its best.
- Insight Experience: In Friðheimar, explore a local farm and sample their sweet-tasting, homegrown tomatoes. Meet the family to learn about Icelandic horticulture and growing the tastiest tomatoes, all the while respecting the surrounding nature.
07. FRANCE
A grand adventure lies ahead with famous wines and excellent food, snow-capped mountains, sun-drenched beaches, magnificent châteaux, and learning about Roman remains and fascinating battlefield history.
- Trip: French Heritage
- When to Go: July
- Why Go: On July 14, if the world allows, France celebrates Bastille Day, offering a sight to be remembered. Expect to enjoy plenty of singing and dancing in the streets, drumming performances, concerts, deliciously authentic French dining, Air Force displays in the sky and spectacular fireworks in the evening.
- Insight Experience: In Vers Pont du Gard, join a pétanque player to learn the secrets behind this traditional French discipline. Steady your hand and get ready to test your newfound skills in a game. End with a glass of pastis, a French apéritif.
08. SCOTLAND
From the great capital of Edinburgh to the Orkney Islands and Skye, you’ll travel through 8,000 years of history and become immersed in Scotland’s rich cultural heritage.
- Trip: Country Roads of Scotland
- When to Go: December
- Why Go: The winter months in Scotland are stunning and in particular, the city of Edinburgh. There are plenty of cultural events and shows, Christmas lights, Christmas markets and the Edinburgh Castle covered in snow is impressive. Not to mention, if you stay for New Year’s Eve, typically, the Hogmanay festival will offer you a giant street party, a concert in the gardens, a display of fireworks that leaves everyone in awe and so much more. The festival continues the following day where the brave souls expose themselves in the wildest outfits before swimming in the chilly Firth of Forth.
- Insight Experience: Cruise to the windswept Orkney Islands on a full day guided journey. Come face-to-face with relics spanning human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy. Join a local for a fascinating journey into the history of this remote part of the world.
09. PORTUGAL
Portugal’s great New World discoveries brought the country trade and wealth, and left their mark throughout the Kingdom. Witness this legacy, from the sunny beaches of the Algarve to the vineyards of the Douro Valley.
- Trip: Country Roads of Portugal
- When to Go: October
- Why Go: For wine lovers, the vineyards of the Douro Valley are a dream come true. You can enjoy a delectable Farm-to-Table dinner, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients at Quinta da Roêda, renowned as the “Jewel of the Douro” which is known to house the most sophisticated port wines.
- Insight Experience: Cruise to the windswept Orkney Islands on a full day guided journey. Come face-to-face with relics spanning human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy. Join a local for a fascinating journey into the history of this remote part of the world.
10. GREECE
A sun worshipper’s paradise, you’ve made it to Greece. Delve into the unique history of this ancient country as you make your way around its beautiful islands via land and sea. Capture the beauty of Santorini’s Cycladic houses, the warmth of Mykonos’ locals and the legendary charm of Athens’ ancient relics. Topped off with a selection of scrumptious Greek delicacies along the way, this bright trip is one to be savoured.
- Trip: Greek Island Hopper
- When to Go: September
- Why Go: For a mix of beautiful islands, ancient relics and scrumptious Greek delicacies. Greece in September is ideal with reduced crowing and temperatures suited for those who don’t enjoy higher temperatures.
- Insight Experience: Learn from a local geology expert how the Santorini caldera, one of Earth’s natural wonders, was formed 3,500 years ago.
