Where to Travel in 2022
Looking for the best spots to travel to in 2022? With the New Year right around the corner, it’s time to start looking towards dreamy destinations and making travel plans for 2022. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed with where to start with your planning, look no further. This article will cover five drool-worthy travel destinations that you simply do not want to miss out on in the new year. From adventurous, to tropical paradise, to unique locations, we will ensure all your travel itches are scratched.
Kauai, Hawaii
Why we recommend it:
Kauai is an adventure trip and a gorgeous beach vacation all in one! Touted as the most scenic and beautiful of the Hawaiian islands, there is no shortage of stunning trails, views, beaches and waterfalls. It is also a more laid back island with less of the hustle and bustle than the islands with big cities. So whether you need a relaxing getaway, or you are craving some serious exploration, Kauai will meet your needs.
Where to hike:
Shipwreck Beach- A short .5 mile hike along the coastline rated as easy with no elevation gain.
Kukui Trail- A 5 mile, popular trail rated as hard with expansive views and 2,100 feet of elevation gain.
Waimea Canyon- Up for a challenge? This 13 mile long trail contains 3,800 feet of elevation gain and is often done as a backpacking trail. You can expect gorgeous canyon and river views as a reward.
Iliau Nature Loop Trail- This easy, flat loop features gorgeous wildflowers and is ideal for all ability levels.
Waipo’o Falls via Pu’u Hinahina and Canyon Trail- This 3 mile out and back trail features a waterfall and is considered moderate.
Must-Do Activities:
- Taking a sight-seeing plane over the Nepali Coast and the Waimea Canyon! This once-in-a-lifetime experience will “wow” you with the sites from the skies.
- What would a trip to Hawaii be without a Luau? For the ultimate experience, check out the Luau Kalamaku.
- Looking to do even more exploring? Take a trip to Kokee State Park for a variety of trails.
- See the sites of Kauai from a zipline! There are many different zipline tours you can do, such as Koloa, Poipu, or Kauai Backcountry Adventures.
- Explore Kauai by ATV! ATV tours are one of the most fun ways to site-see areas that aren’t as easy to access by means of backcountry roads.
- Enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian beaches by kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, paddleboarding or even taking a whale watching tour!
When To Go:
We recommend visiting between April and September for warm temperatures and less precipitation.
Jackson, Wyoming
Why we recommend it:
The wild, wild west meets quaint mountain town. The town of Jackson contains so much history, a plethora of amazing restaurants, and has no shortage of mountain activities. Just 30 minutes from the Jackson Hole Ski Resort and an hour from Grand Teton National Park, there is endless beauty and adventure to enjoy. Jackson Hole is touted as having some of the steepest, best skiing slopes in the country, and the Grand Tetons are some of the most recognizably unique peaks you will ever lay eyes on. While Wyoming may not sound like the most exciting state to visit, you don’t want to miss out on one of the most visited western towns in the country!
Where to hike:
Cascade Canyon Trail- A 9 mile hike that showcases some of the best views Grand Teton National Park has to offer. To access the trail you will need to cross Jenny Lake by ferry or hike around which will add several miles to your journey. The trail gains 1,100 feet total and is rated as moderate.
Hidden Falls Trail- A moderately rated 5 mile loop within Grand Teton National Park that circles Jenny Lake and features a waterfall.
Leigh Lake Trail- A 7 mile out and back trail that is rated as easy due to the lack of elevation gain. The trail is great for all levels and features a stunning mountain back-drop lake.
Taggart Lake Loop- A 4 mile easy loop within beautiful lake views and opportunities to see wildlife! Great for anyone looking for a quick, easy hike with big payoff in views.
Delta Lake- A 13 mile difficult hike that goes from Taggart Lake to Delta Lake. You will gain over 2,700 feet in elevation so prepare for a challenge! But the water color and mountain views of the Tetons once you reach the destination are well worth it.
Must-Do Activities:
- Spend a day shopping and walking around the town of Jackson. There are no shortage of cute shops, delicious restaurants, and fun spots to grab a cocktail. Make a pitstop in the iconic, Historical Landmark, Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.
- Take the gondola at Jackson Hole for site-seeing or hit the slopes if you’re up for the challenge! Prepare for some steep runs.
- Spend a few days in Grand Teton National Park hiking and exploring. Other than the hikes listed above, you will also want to stop at Schwabacher’s Landing, Colter Bay and Mormon Row.
- Visiting in the winter? Take a dog sledding excursion, go for a snowmobiling tour, or go for a sleigh ride as unique modes of transportation to explore the area!
- Did you know that Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park actually share a border? If you’re up for a drive, take a day or two to see the sites in America’s first national park, Yellowstone.
- Take a horseback riding tour in the Bridger-Teton National Forest to truly experience the wild west!
When To Go:
There are benefits in visiting during most seasons. If you’re predominantly a hiker, we recommend visiting from June-September. For more wildlife viewing, we recommend visiting between October and early December. If you are visiting to hit the slopes, you will want to visit between December and April.
Olympic Peninsula, Washington
Why we recommend it:
The landscape in the Olympic Peninsula is truly unmatched. Located at the top of Washington state, almost to Canada, this area contains miles of rugged coastline along the Pacific, mystical forest land and mountain views. It really has it all. Whatever type of recreation you enjoy, can be found at the Olympic Peninsula.
Where to hike:
Pyramid Mountain Trail- A 6.5 mile out and back trail located within Olympic National Park rated as hard due to a gain of 2,500 feet elevation. Considered very steep and only for advanced hikers. This hike features very rewarding lake views from overtop that make the ascent well worth it.
Lovers Lane Trail- A 6 mile moderate trail with little elevation gain that features waterfalls. Located within Olympic National Park, prepare to feel like you are in a mystical forest with beauty at every turn!
Kloshe Nanitch Trail- A 6 mile moderate out and back trail that features stunning views of Lake Crescent, Mount Olympus, and Sol Duc River Valley within Olympic National Park. The trail gains 2,400 feet of elevation, so some may consider the trail more difficult than moderate!
Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge- A 3.5 mile popular trail within Olympic National Park that is rated as easy. The trail is stroller and wheelchair friendly and has gorgeous ridge views with very little elevation gain (800 feet).
PJ Lake Trail- A moderate, 1.5 mile trail located within Olympic National Park. It features a lake and waterfalls. Though it is short, it is quite steep!
Must-Do Activities:
- Rent paddle boards or kayaks from the Lake Crescent Lodge. The water color of the lake is absolutely breathtaking!
- Take a trip to the famous Hoh Rainforest for the day to explore and hike around.
- Head to Murdock Beach to walk along the coastline and look for fossils! This has become the most famous beach on the Olympic Peninsula because of its nickname, “fossil beach”.
- Spend a whole day doing a “waterfall tour”. The Pacific Northwest is especially known for its abundance of waterfalls built into the mossy, lush landscape.
- Take a bike ride along the Olympic Discovery Trail. This 135 mile trail spans between Port Angeles and La Push along the Pacific Coast.
When To Go:
Due to the cooler, damp climate, it is highly recommended to visit the Olympic Peninsula during summer months. Roads and trails are more likely to be open, and the National Forest/National Park can be more fully enjoyed.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Why we recommend it:
Located on the east coast, Cape Cod is world renowned for its beaches. Then factor in the lighthouses, incredibly fresh seafood, swimming holes, and quaint port towns, it’s really a no-brainer. You can also plan to explore other islands of New England by way of ferry! Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Block Island are just a quick boat ride away.
Where to hike:
Morris Island Loop Trail- An easy, 1.5 mile loop trail along the coast located within Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. This leisurely path is great for all ability levels.
Little Cliff Pond Trail- 1.5 mile east loop located within Nickerson State Park that features lake views and forest.
Nauset Beach to Pochet Island- An easy 6 mile loop located on the Cape Cod National Seashore. Enjoy bird watching and never ending ocean views!
Must-Do Activities:
- Take a drive and plenty of stops along the 40 mile stretch of the Cape Cod National Shoreline.
- Take a ferry to Nantucket for the day! Nantucket is a 15 mile long island that is best toured by bike. Previously the whaling capital of the world, it’s recommended to check out the Nantucket Whaling Museum.
- Visit the historic Provincetown. This is where the pilgrims first landed when they came on the Mayflower and is currently known for its lively art and music scene.
- Take a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard! This one island contains 6 different towns with different sites and characteristics.
- Enjoy whale watching! Cape Cod is known for its marine life. Be sure to take a boat to sight some whales while in the area! Whales and seals can be spotted at the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary.
- Big fan of lighthouses? Spend a day taking a lighthouse tour of the area. There are 18 total historical lighthouses at Cape Cod, including the most popular ones: Chatham Light, Nauset Light, Race Point Light, Highland Light, and Nobska Light.
When To Go:
Cape Cod is considered to be the most beautiful during the months of May and June, because the whole area blooms with brilliantly colored roses and hydrangeas. The summer months are generally more pleasant to visit during due to temperatures ranging between 60 degrees and 80 degrees.