National Geographic reveals its list of the best destinations of 2022, which includes two Latin American destinations

(CNN) – Although the pandemic is far from over, many of us are hopeful that 2022 will be the year we can finally expand our travel horizons again.

And now – in an event that is as much of a New Year’s Eve tradition as Thanksgiving turkey or tree assembling – travel publishers are publishing their annual recommendations on where to travel in the coming year.

Days ago, Lonely Planet recommended Slovenia, Oman and Mauritius, and now it’s the turn of National Geographic, which has been educating us about our planet since 1888.

For its 2022 list, National Geographic editorial teams from around the world have selected 25 “must-see” destinations. These are broken down into five categories – nature, adventure, culture, sustainability, and family – with a focus on national parks and wildlife, outdoor activities and experiences, eco-travel, and multi-generational travel.

Reflect and regroup

“In many ways, the pandemic was a time for travelers and communities around the world to reflect and regroup on how we explore the world,” said George Stone, executive editor of National Geographic Travel.

“With this year’s list, Nat Geo takes a look at what is different, new and inspiring, from the new Seine River bike trail in France to Chimanimani National Park, a new national park in Mozambique that shows commitment environment of the country “.

In the culture category, Procida, a small island off the coast of Naples, is the Italian Capital of Culture for 2022, while London’s legendary Tin Pan Alley music center has seen a recent revival, with the opening of three new music venues.

Hokkaido, the northernmost island in Japan, is famous for its natural beauty, breathtaking waterfalls, and rich fauna and flora, but also for the unique heritage of its indigenous Ainu people.

In terms of sustainability, National Geographic chooses Ecuador’s Yasuní National Park, a biosphere reserve in the Amazon that is currently under threat (just last week, parts of the jungle were cut down to build an oil highway and pipelines).

In Poland, the post-socialist industrial city of Łódź has become a thriving center for alternative culture, business and finance. The cotton mills that dot its urban landscape have been converted into galleries, museums, convention halls and community centers, while the city center is adorned with striking murals.

In terms of nature, the Caprivi Strip in Namibia is a very promising safari destination. It was once banned by the long border war that ravaged this region, but now camps and safari lodges are re-emerging there. Visitors can enjoy several large national parks, many waterways, and an impressively high ratio of wildlife to human residents.

Sun and adventure

The age-old waters of Lake Baikal, known as Russia’s “Sacred Sea,” are larger than all the Great Lakes of North America combined, and make up about a quarter of our planet’s freshwater reserves.

Tourism here is not without controversy: it is currently the scene of a fierce battle between the state, a local population dependent on income from tourism, and environmentalists concerned about massive development that damages its delicate ecosystem.

Those looking for adventure are recommended to try the new 420-kilometer La Seine à Vélo cycle route, which runs from Paris to the Normandy Sea. Or, if hiking is your thing, there’s the 147-kilometer Sentier Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail in New Brunswick, Canada. Follow the Nepisiguit River from Daly Point Nature Reserve to Mount Carleton Provincial Park.

Skiers and snowboarders should head to Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin, a high-altitude resort with slopes for experts and beginners.

For family trips with loved ones, National Geographic’s selection includes Turkey’s sprawling southwest coast, a not-so-well-known Mediterranean delicacy that was called Lycia in ancient times. Sailing is the perfect way to explore its secluded bays and coves.

Another option for looking for the sun is Bonaire – known, along with Aruba and Curaçao, as one of the ABC islands – which is close to South America and a little outside of what is considered the hurricane belt. Snorkeling and diving are especially good in its pristine waters, where underwater visibility can exceed 100 feet, allowing for wonderful views of coral reefs and forgotten shipwrecks.

To see more of National Geographic’s list of the best in the world, visit NatGeo.com/BestoftheWorld.

National Geographic’s “Best of World 2022” list:

CULTURE

Jingmai Mountain, Yunnan, China
Tin Pan Alley, London
Hokkaido, Japan
Procida, Italy
Atlanta Georgia

SUSTAINABILITY

Ruhr Valley, Germany
Yasuni National Park, Ecuador
Łódź, Poland
Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon / Washington
Chimanimani National Park, Mozambique

NATURE

Caprivi Strip, Namibia
Northern Minnesota
Lake Baikal, Russia
Belize Maya Jungle Reserve
Victoria, Australia

ADVENTURE

Seine bike route, France
Costa Rica
Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail, New Brunswick, Canada
Palau
Arapahoe Basin, Colorado

FAMILY

Danube cruise
Lycia, Turkey
Granada, Spain
Bonaire
East Coast, Maryland