Your Annual Travel Calendar Report: The Best Destination for Each Month of 2022

I think we’ve all been feeling a little travel-starved in the last few years and the “you-know-what” has taken over our lives and forced us to stay home with our bucket lists on the backburner. So fasten your seatbelts, 2022 is going to be a year of travel unlike any other. Whether you’re simply trying to find an inspiring holiday that suits your booked vacation time from work or you’re planning to globetrott all year long, this calendar is sure to have you dropping everything to call up the travel agent. 

In January, fly to Bahia, Brazil

We figure, if you’re anything like us, you’re about ready to blow this popsicle stand and escape the dreadful UK winters. Sure, we may not be inundated with heaps of snow around the clock, but at the very least it’s cold, it’s damp, and sometimes pretty frosty. You deserve a sun holiday this January, and that’s why the first place you travel to this new year is Bahia, Brazil. You can spend your time beach hopping and soaking in all that hot South American sun, marching the colorful streets of Salvador, hiking tropical forests, or whale watching in a national park. This isn’t your mother’s average beach vacation, so come prepared for a little relaxation and a lot of adventure.  

In February, fly to the Maldives

February is the month of L. O. V. E. Whether you’re celebrating with a significant other, a gal pal, or flying solo (because you deserve it) consider toasting Valentine’s Day in style at a romantic international destination. The Maldives is not a Honeymoon staple for nothing. If you’re ready to splurge on one ultra-impressive stay in an overwater bungalow, you’ll be sure to create memories you can reminisce about for years. Breakfasts in bed, infinity-edge plunge pools, and an isolated tropical paradise? That sounds like the romantic holiday of our dreams. 

In March, fly to Borneo, Malaysia 

Now that we have eased into our year of travel, it’s time to spice things up with somewhere a little more exotic. This jungle-covered island, the third-largest in the world, has rich local culture, some pretty spectacular wildlife (not the least of which are orangutans and giant crocs and rare pygmy elephants), and some delicious street food. You’ll probably want to book an extra day or two off work for this one because there are new hikes to be conquered, river cruises to be taken and reefs to snorkel at every turn. Oh,! And don’t forget to take a walk along the famous Borneo rainforest canopy walkway and snap a jealousy-inducing photo while you’re at it. 

In April, fly to the Swiss Mountains

Now that the snow has officially left, you might be wondering why you’d start chasing it down again across the globe, but hear us out. April is the perfect time to make a quick journey to the Swiss mountains. With moderate temperatures back home, you won’t find your system has such a hard time adjusting back into a snowy climate AND you’ll have your Easter Holiday to work with, making it an easy trip to extend. Of course, while you’re here you’ll want to take a ski lesson or two, but the trip is worth it for the views and spa-chalets alone. It’s also sure to be a crowd-pleaser amongst the youngsters in your family so this might be the trip where you invite everyone to come along. If you want more ideas on how to spend your Easter Holiday, check out our article here. 

In May, fly to Botswana

If you’ve been daydreaming about going on an African Safari but aren’t sure if you can handle the sweltering heat, then a trip to Botswana this May might just be the perfect trip for you. You’ll beat the peak-tourist season crowds while still reaping the benefits of traveling during the dry season and even better, you can expect temperatures right around 25 degrees which are about as mild as you can hope for. Botswana is a great choice because you can choose between land and river safaris (have you ever seen crocs and hippos up close?), or do both for the ultimate animal viewing experience. 

In June, fly to Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is a fantasy dreamland and there’s are plenty of good reasons that June falls in the middle of their tourist high season. That said, did you know that this bucket-list destination gets extra magical with wildflower fields in full bloom at this time of year? In a town that is already straight-out-of-a-fairytale, this extra dusting of beauty will only enhance your itinerary and make for some unbelievable vacation photos. Imagine your days filled with frolicking through meadows, visiting the “fairy chimneys, taking a hot air balloon ride at sunset, and sleeping in a bohemian cave hotel. 

In July, fly to Sardinia

July is the ideal time to explore yet another of the Mediterranean’s lesser-traveled islands. With stunning cliffside beaches, historic villages full of outdoor cafes, sailing charters, and easy hikes around the peninsula, Sardinia really is the quintessential summer vacation spot. Picnics dips in the oceans and lazy afternoons are the name of the game around here. If you want to avoid the hustle-and-bustle during this high tourist-traffic month, be sure to choose a quiet boutique hotel over a larger resort.  

In August, fly to Oregon, USA

Why not end the summer with a big splashy trip to America. For those laid-back travelers who are tired of the heat, Oregon is a great choice. You’ll love the eclectic, hippy vibes of Portland, the rugged coastline, and the lush forests in between. Oregon is certainly recognized for its laid-back approach to outdoor adventure, but it’s also the perfect place to rent a car and go on a road trip, perusing small towns and their plethora of vintage shops (a PNW staple). Be sure to pack a flannel and a beanie and you will fit right in. 

In September, fly to Istanbul

Istanbul is a fabulous European city that is sure to thrill any avid traveler. And why is September the right time to add it to your travel bucket list? Istanbul is completely transformed during a contemporary art fair with locally-produced installations, sculpture, and mixed-media artwork everywhere you turn. If you have the time, take the train to Istanbul instead of flying in one direction or another. While the rail travel will take you a solid four days, we can assure you it will not disappoint. 

In October, fly to the Japanese Alps

Believe it or not, the Japanese Alps are considered to be one of the most incredible places to view the changing colors of Autumn, with sunset-toned mountainsides and a moderate climate. Tourists generally flock to japan’s major cities but trust us that the Japanese Alps are equally, if not more, impressive. You can expect to go on unforgettable hikes, learn about the local culture, find hidden gem restaurants in local villages, and warm up in natural hot springs. You’ll love it so much you may even consider returning next winter to try your hand at skiing down these stunning peaks. 

In November, fly to Oman

By the time November approaches, you might start to feel like you’ve been pretty much everywhere. But not to worry, this is no “been there, seen that” destination. You’ll find many of the beaches are rather empty, meaning you’ll be able to enjoy some true peace and quiet. That said, you’ll also be able to enjoy rich cultural traditions and diverse landscapes where mountains and deserts meet the ocean. Especially as the temperature here in the Uk starts to plummet, a visit to Oman’s coast is the underrated sun holiday you need. 

In December, fly to St. Petersburg, Russia

Those who celebrate Christmas find December to be the most magical time of the year. If you’re not traveling home to stay with family (or you’re interested in a little pre-holiday rendezvous), consider traveling to a destination that will keep you in the spirit of the season. Europe’s big cities and little towns are full of Christmas joy from the bottom to the brim with twinkling lights, extensive gift markets, massive evergreen trees, magical outdoor skating rinks, hot baked goods, and Christmas ballet performances. While any European destination could fulfill this role, we think St. Petersburg takes the cake. The tale of The Nutcracker is a Christmas classic, so why not see it live at the most famous ballet in the world? In fact, the Mariinsky Theatre is where it all began back in 1882. To this day, visiting the Russian Ballet for this performance is a Christmas tradition for many- and a treat for travelers during the holiday season.