Here is our list of best of the best destinations for 2021:
Santorini
Satorini, one of the Islands on the Greeks Islands has become the darling of tourists from around the world. The beautiful beaches and stately whitewashed homes make Satorini a destination of choice for 2021.
Santorini is made up of two inhabited islands and several islets. Most visitors spend their time on Thira, the largest island, which is home to Santorini’s major towns, including Fira and Oia. The sleepy Thirassia makes for a relaxing daytrip too. The calmer islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni are worth exploring.
The colourful beaches at Santorini are worth exploring. Soaking your feet in the black and red sands will make for a memorable visit. Next, you may indulge in the archaeological delights of the well preserved Ancient Akrotiri or hike to Ancient Thera to see the ruins of three empires, including the Roman empire. After that, catch a breathtaking view of the caldera, a brilliant turquoise pool of water that serves as the nucleus for the varied isles of this archipelago. You sure do need more than a day to explore and soak in what Satorini has to offer. A week holiday will be ideal to enjoy all that the Island can offer.
Glacier National Park
Located on the border of Canada and the United States, Glacier National Park is
named for the remnants of glaciers from the ice age. It is often called the “Crown of the Continent” because it sits at the headwaters of the streams that flow into the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and Hudson Bay.
The Glacier National Park has become the favourite destination for hikers, the park features a variety of trails for all skill levels, ranging from the easy Trail of the Cedars to the challenging Grinnell Glacier. It boasts more than 700 lakes, many waterfalls and two mountain ranges. All of them are spread across more than 1 million acres that shelter an array of wildlife.
In addition, the park is rich in history. The Going-to-the-Sun Road – a scenic, 52-mile drive through the park – is a National Historic Landmark and a phenomenon that offers spectacular views, as well as access to popular hiking trails. Also, many of the park’s lodges, chalets and hotels were constructed by the Great Northern Railway in the early 20th century and are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Maui
Maui is not nearly as large as the Big Island, nor is it as small as Lanai, as bustling as Oahu or as quiet as Kauai. For many Hawaii vacationers, Maui is just right – offering a taste of just about everything the Aloha State has to offer, from impressive wildlife to intriguing history and culture. While on a visit here, you can shimmy alongside professional hula dancers, golf along coastal fairways, snorkel alongside five different types of sea turtles or simply lounge along some of Hawaii’s most notable beaches.
One of the archipelago’s most popular tourism spots, Maui can be found sandwiched between the Big Island and the much tinier Molokai (which you can explore by signing up for one of the best Maui tours). Maui is divided into five distinct regions: Many travelers base themselves along the coasts of South Maui (home to the famous Wailea Beach) or West Maui, where the sands of Kaanapali Beach and the music from the Old Lahaina Luau are located. But the rest of the island should not be missed. Travel along the Road to Hana to experience East Maui’s scenic coastline, explore Haleakala – the world’s largest dormant volcano – in the Upcountry and discover the former tribal battlegrounds of Central Maui’s Iao Valley State Park. And for a bird’s-eye view of it all, reserve a spot on one of Maui’s best helicopter tours.
Tokyo
“Animated” is perhaps the best word to describe Tokyo. Crazy about its anime, Japan’s mega city is constantly buzzing with movement – feet clacking down sidewalks, cars zooming along streets, subway trains humming below ground, ships cruising in and out. And yet bright lights and loud signs beg you to pause, to break your motion for just one second to pray (oops, we mean pay) at the altar of consumerism. This is a city that feeds on motion and progress.
But when you want to stop in Tokyo, the city will certainly make it worth your while. The tech-savvy locals may whizz past the monuments and urban parks daily (except during the cherry blossom season when everyone floods the green space), but, we assure you, the museums and historical sites are world-class. Here, there are photos to be taken, sushi to be eaten and a lot of shopping to be done. So what are you waiting for? You better get a move on.
Rome
Rome, the city of seven hills, enjoyed a mythic beginning. Romulus and Remus – twin brothers who were nursed by a she-wolf and fathered by a war god – reportedly founded the Eternal City. And although historians are a little skeptical about this epic entry into the world, most travelers are absolutely certain that there is something magical about Rome. Whether it’s the mystery of nearby Vatican City or the ghosts of the Colosseum, an afternoon caffè on Piazza Navona or a piled-high plate of pasta at a trattoria, Roma is sure to enchant.
Italy’s capital city, Rome is also known for a history that dates back to the eras of Octavian, Julius Caesar and Hadrian, among others. Left behind are structures like the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and dozens of churches, among other historic gems. Art enthusiasts will relish the trove of art housed at the Vatican Museums, and foodies will enjoy the splendid Italian fare, not to mention the gelato. And though its momentous past is the focus for many vacationers, Rome is also a fast-paced, modern and relevant city, with gleaming designer storefronts, sleek hotels and cutting-edge restaurants.
Destinations In Africa
Kenya/Tanzania
Image: CNN
Kenya and Tanzania are great places to be on the continent of Africa. Both countries are where you can see the Great Migration, that is the two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle who migrated from the Masa Mara in Kenya to the Serengeti in Tanzania and back again.
Kenya and Tanzania have wide-ranging populations of wildlife in Africa; it’s not uncommon to see 50 elephants in a herd, or to see the Big Five (lion, rhino, cape buffalo, elephant and leopard) while on a game drive. Also, the renowned Mount Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania.
Zambia and Zimbabwe
Zambia and Zimbabwe offer some of the best scenic views of Africa. On ethe nature’s wonders in the two countries is Victoria Falls, the largest waterfalls in the world. Likewise, you can go white water rafting down the Zambezi river, chock-full of crocs and hippos. It’s an astonishing experience to have.
In Zambia, you can experience fantastic walking safaris in wonderful national parks like South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. In the latter, you can do canoeing and fishing in addition to the game drives and walks.
Namibia
In Namibia, you can climb some of the highest sand dunes in the world (or better yet, take a hot air balloon ride over them). The scenery is dramatic and vaults Namibia into the discussion for one of the best places to go in Africa.
In Namibia, may see some game up north in Etosha, but the country is more about the dynamic landscapes, which are breathtaking.
If you can afford the stopover, it’s worth doing a Living Desert Tour, a Ghost Town tour, and an overflight of the Skeleton Coast.
The best time to go to Namibia is all year-round, but remember that since it’s a desert environment, you can get a big shift any day of the year, from very hot to very cold. Pack both warm-weather and cool clothes.
Botswana
This country’s focus is on high-end, low-impact tourism, so the properties are all very luxurious and the crowds you see in East Africa are noticeably absent here. It’s where to go in Africa for up-close wildlife experiences, sans crowds.
Plus, the landscape is simply stunning with the Okavango Delta, so instead of traditional game drives by vehicle, you’ll be able to go out in mokoros (traditional dug-out canoes), which brings you eye-level with the game. Nothing says safari like being five feet away from a bathing elephant.
The game viewing gets progressively better in the winter, from June through September, after the Okavango Delta floodwaters have started to recede. September is considered peak season.
Egypt
Visiting the pyramids and taking a cruise up (yes up) the Nile River is a bucket list adventure for good reason. “Egypt is the cradle of Western civilization. Few experiences can measure up to the massive scale of the pyramids and the sphinx,” says Claudia Worth, Product Manager of Abercrombie &Kent.
Discover the Aswan islands by felucca (traditional sailboat) or privately tour the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to artifacts recovered from Tutankhamun’s tomb.” This part of Northern Africa appeals to history buffs and those interested in a cultural journey.
Egypt is a year-round destination, but the most comfortable temperatures are between October and April.
Morocco
Visit the famous spice markets and entrench yourself in Arab culture. “With a history stretching back nearly 10,000 years, the country’s great cities—Marrakech, Tangier, Fez and Rabat—offer a look into ancient traditions,” says Worth.
Morocco offers so many different kinds of experiences. You can do a camel trek in the Sahara Desert and sleep under the stars, and have tea with nomadic Berbers to learn about their lifestyle. In Marrakech, known as the red city, there’s plenty to grab your attention.
A must-see is the Djemaa el Fna, the largest market in Morocco and the biggest square in Africa. Make sure to have a walk around the square in the evening when musicians, dancers, and storytellers come out.
Wander around the many souks adjacent to Djemaa el Fna, where you can buy everything from spices to teapots.
Morocco is a year-round destination and one of the best places to go in Africa. Marrakesh can be hot in the summer months, however, and the desert gets very cold in January.