Virtuoso premiers its top 10 destinations for 2022 and Tassie has taken a top spot
Virtuoso, the luxury global network of agencies, has announced its top ten global destinations for 2022 which aims to welcome “the joyful renaissance of epic journeys.”
The list goes far and wide, covering the trails of Tasmania all the way to the sights of Colombian mountains. The only problem about the list is not having enough time and money to explore all the destinations.
Check out of Virtuoso’s top picks below:
Secret Slovenia
The first spot on the map is the soaring alpine playground of Slovenia.
Beautiful sea-side villages and day-hikes alongside Triglav National Park make Slovenia an incredible area to explore nature, but it’s the wine regions that make this destination so incredible.
“Knock on tasting-room doors to meet vintners face-to-face – it’s like hopping a time machine to explore Tuscany before the rest of the world was in on the secret,” the article’s author, Jen Rose Smith wrote.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s rich array of coffee plantations, riding trails, and astonishing biodiversity secure the countries spot on Virtuoso’s list.
Rose Smith plans out holiday goers exploration of nature by suggesting: “after waking to a dawn bird chorus in Arenal Volcano National Park, visitors might then make the drive around Lake Arenal and to the south, for instance, to hike upward into the Monteverde cloud forest, then head to the coast to settle in for a sunset or two on a Guanacaste surf beach.”
Tasmanian Trails
Even a spot of Australia manages to make the list, with the mountain-bike trails at St Helens and the Bay of Fires cementing Tasmania’s status as an up-and-coming adventure hub.
Virtuoso travel advisor and lifelong resident Robyn Sinfield said, “Tasmania is blessed by nature. We have sea cliffs, rugged coastline, and stunning beaches.”
Take in the broad wealth of wildlife that Tassie has to offer as visitors can track the world’s tiniest “fairy” penguins from a lookout on Bruny Island Neck, while hikers watch for elusive Tasmanian devils in Cradle Mountain’s wilderness.
Colombian Cool
Colombia is a whole lot more than coffee and well, that other thing it’s known for, as it’s natural beauty and vibrant culture cement it’s spot on this list.
“From the mountains to the sea, Colombia is just breathtaking,” said travel advisor Misty Jones, naming Bogotá’s street art, desert off-roading, and coffee country as her favourite experiences.
Saudi Arabia
While some may think of desert for days when they think of Saudi Arabia, but those swaybacked dunes silhouette modernist sculptures, jewel-toned reefs, and an archaeological treasure chest.
“Because the area is only now opening up for the world to see, the sites are virtually untouched,” says advisor Jay Johnson of the Nabatean ruins surrounding cultural hub Al ’Ula.
The region is quite new for tourists, especially considering the political climate of the region. Outside major cities, most Saudi women wear veils though foreigners aren’t expected to, except at religious sites.
Summer in the Dolomites
The winter wonderland of Italy blooms into an alpine dreamscape during the warmer months.
Get your hiking gear for the alpine escapes teeter on passes with operatic views.
Local cuisine that is a beautiful mix of Italian and German heritage, that will keep even the hungriest hiker full all day.
The Islands of Haida Gwaii
Check out the archipelago of 150 rocky islands off the northern Pacific coast of Canada.
The islands are a rich mix of biodiversity and a human landscape. Totem poles flank village sites and the shoreline and Marc Telio, president of Virtuoso on-site tour connection Entrée Canada & Alaska, said “the draw is a stunning blend of the land and sharing of culture with the Haida people in their traditional territory.”
Hop on a Caribbean yacht
With an island for every mood, a Caribbean yacht tour takes travellers to regions where undeveloped archipelagos still dot the map.
There are places off the coast of Panama where nature thrives and you can meet Indigenous Guna people on islands with just enough space for a thatched hut and a cool breeze.
Or, travellers can take themselves from the shores of Saint-Martin to Anguilla, where highball hedonism prevails.
Gorilla trek in Rwanda
Last but not least on the list is an area where you can find endangered mountain gorillas in a rain forest at the edge of the Congo Basin, a gorilla trek in Rwanda.
Five rain-forest summits mark the spot at Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park where visitors come face to face with the gorillas and then venture over to volcanoes.
Featured image: Yacht sailing through the Caribbean (iStock/cdwheatley)
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
archipelago Arenal Volcano National Park Bay of Fires bike trails Bogotá Bruny Island Neck canada caribbean colombia Costa Rica Dolomites Entrée Canada & Alaska Haida Gwaii italy Jay Johnson Jen Rose Smith Marc Telio Misty Jones panama Robyn Sinfield saudi arabia slovenia St Helens tasmania top ten global destinations for 2022 Totem poles Triglav National Park virtuoso Volcanoes National ParkLatest News
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.
Celebrity Ascent makes its European debut
Choosing to cruise this northern summer? Celebrity Ascent promises to raise the bar.
NCL opens sales for Norwegian Sun’s APAC debut, announces 14 new voyages
It was to be 13 new voyages we heard, but given the numbers unlucky nature, an extra had to be thought up.
Inside Travel Group appoints Tom Welland Global Trade Marketing Manager
Heidi's Tom Welland heads to Inside Travel Group as its new Global Trade Marketing Manager.
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The Government taking a break from some of its pointier issues with some work in our incredible industry!
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
If only we had a company like Boeing to blame our mistakes on. Any takers? Get in touch!
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
The iconic Singapore Airlines' A380-800 is in a class of its own - business class that is.
South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen
Bringing two of the world's most distinctive accents closer together, for good or for bad is yet to be determined.
My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse
Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse? ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]