These bucket list destinations for US travellers in 2022 include places most of us have dearly missed these past couple of years. Now that many have started to reopen and domestic and international travel is back on the menu, it’s time to catch up and book that long overdue dream holiday.

Our list includes some of the top cities to travel to within the US, across the border, and across the globe. For sure, certain measures, vaccine checks, and protocols remain as part of the new normal, but it shouldn’t hinder your plans for that well-deserved holiday to somewhere new. Decide which of these top places you’d like to go next and make it happen!

  • 1

    Las Vegas

    The gambling capital is glitzier than ever

    Las Vegas
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    Las Vegas is a regular on the bucket lists of many a traveller – not just limited to those looking for a date with lady luck. Even so, Vegas remains up high on the list for those who do wish to tick “playing in the gambling capital of the world” off their list, even if it’s only having a go at the slot machines.

    This desert city is home to modern architectural wonders and feats of engineering to admire. Beyond the casino games, must-dos include watching the mesmerising Fountains of Bellagio dance to symphonies as well as shopping and riding the gondola at The Venetian. Some restrictions remain in place but new attractions and restaurants have resumed service. Some of its most iconic spots have even undergone facelifts – you’ll need to see and experience them for yourself. Read more


  • 2

    Orlando

    Revisit the theme park capital of the world

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    Orlando is the fun-filled Floridian city that many, especially families, have been yearning to return to. Now that the city and its long list of theme parks have reopened to fully vaccinated visitors, Orlando once again helps bring back the thrills and cheers to young and old.

    Major icons such as Disney World are debuting their latest attractions in 2022, including the new Star Wars and Guardians of the Galaxy-themed rides. The entire park of EPCOT underwent a facelift during the pandemic, so you can look forward to several upgraded features and a whole new park experience next year. Read more


  • 3

    Miami

    From beaches and partying to major sporting events

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    Miami blends big city convenience with sun, sea, and surf, and it’s back with plenty to offer in 2022. Miami Beach should certainly be on your radar if you’re yearning for a Floridian beach escape. And the city itself is also slated to host several major sporting events throughout the year.

    One to look out for is the Life Time Miami Marathon, which celebrates its 20th anniversary/comeback on February 6th. Another that made headlines was the reveal of the new 2022 Formula One World Championship season, with the Miami Grand Prix due to make its debut in May at Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens. It’ll be the first F1 race in Florida since the United States Grand Prix was held way back in 1959. Read more


  • 4

    New York

    Time to take that long-overdue bite of the Big Apple

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    New York is a metropolis that’s on the bucket list of many due to its rich collection of must-see landmarks. Times Square, for one, remains a major draw with its bright neon lights and hoardings, as well as the multitude of attractions in close reach such as Madame Tussauds, Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium, and Hershey’s Chocolate World. 

    Another to cross off your list for New York is watching a Broadway show in the Theatre District. And you can’t call your visit to New York complete without a few selfies from the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building. Read more


  • 5

    Oahu

    Return to the Hawaiian paradise

    Oahu
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    An Oahu trip provides the ideal cure to your longing for a tropical island getaway, especially after these few years of restrictions. The world-class waves and sandy beaches, combined with the Pacific culture and rugged natural beauty set it apart from anything you’ll find in other states.

    You can look forward to sun-kissed days on the beach with tiki cocktails at hand in Oahu. Basing yourself in Honolulu is a good bet for laidback luxury, but you can consider the island's other lesser-explored areas, such as the North Shore, for a more secluded experience. Read more


  • 6

    Cancun

    Mexico’s beloved holiday spot by the Caribbean Sea

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    Cancun combines both Caribbean vibes and a rich history that dates back to ancient Mayan times. Its gorgeous beaches are indeed its main draw, with the world’s 2nd-largest offshore coral reef right on its doorstep offering fantastic snorkelling and diving.

    Mexico was one of first holiday spots open to US travellers. The local tourism authorities have been offering travel incentives since the pandemic. You should keep your eyes peeled for awesome deals on Cancun accommodation. Furthermore, many US cities have direct flights to Cancun – it’s less than a 2-hour flight from Florida. Read more


  • 7

    Puerto Vallarta

    Picture yourself lying on a sandy cove backed by the Sierra Madre

    Puerto Vallarta
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    Puerto Vallarta is a wonderful tropical escape between the Western Sierra Madre mountains and the Pacific Ocean. You’re treated to the natural beauty of lush forests with hidden waterfalls that meet gorgeous coastal stretches. And yes, the public beaches are all open and with preventive guidelines still in place for the good of all.

    Puerto Vallarta’s allure remains stronger than ever, with great snorkelling and diving around the region’s vibrant coral reefs, or tranquil sailing in the bay through a late afternoon, just in time for a spectacular sunset. Mexican culture is all around, best discovered on a stroll along the Esplanade. Fun shopping and nightlife scenes, as well as culinary adventures, aren’t too far from this iconic boardwalk. Best of all, accommodation options in Puerto Vallarta suit virtually any budget. Read more


  • 8

    London

    Take selfies with world-famous landmarks

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    London has been a dream destination for many, and now it’s slowly re-emerging and opening for travel again. It’s time to visit all those must-see landmarks you haven’t yet seen. London Bridge and Tower Bridge are top spots to tick off your list along the River Thames, while the London Eye and its sightseeing cruise are ready for you to create memories.

    London’s New Year Day Parade is a great British tradition to start the year. If you miss it, February’s Chinese New Year celebrations are no less festive in Chinatown, Trafalgar Square, and across the West End. There’s the Chelsea Flower Show in May, followed by the Trooping of the Colour and the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in June. Ever dreamt of visiting Buckingham Palace? Be there in September for the palace’s summer opening. Read more


  • 9

    Paris

    See the Eiffel Tower at least once in your life

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    Paris is back on the list of big European cities to visit in 2022 for US travellers. It’s time to see – and climb up – the Eiffel Tower or see the treasures inside the Louvre for yourself. You may also want to see the legendary Notre Dame cathedral in its latest condition following the April 2019 fire.

    Besides visits to the grand Parisian landmarks, you can go for leisure time along the Seine, perhaps with a picnic near the Pont des Arts bridge or on the petite Ile de la Cité island. For retail therapy or window shopping with a touch of awe, stroll through the gorgeous, covered passageways of Les Passages Couverts. And if ‘quirky’ and ‘offbeat’ are of interest to you, check out the macabre Paris Catacombs. While some notable attractions (such as the Palace of Versailles) accept CDC vaccination cards from US travellers, obtaining a local health pass is recommended. Read more


  • 10

    Rome

    Visit The Eternal City this lifetime

    Rome
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    Rome is a dream European destination that would grace any bucket list, thanks to its unmatched historic appeal and incredible landmarks. Much of Italy was first hit hard in the early stages of the pandemic, but the city was also among the first to reopen to visitors last year. Entry was largely limited to European travellers and those from the US and Canada.

    There’s no better time to visit Rome than 2022. The Colosseum, the Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain are just a few of the city’s unmissable spots. Italian food and fantastic wine complement your experience in the Eternal City. Besides the grand historical landmarks, another to tick off your bucket list is seeing Rome from the viewpoints of its famous 7 hills – each offering an entirely different view. Read more


Ari Gunadi | Compulsive Traveler