The travel destinations of our dreams

Each year, Lonely Planet makes a list of Top Travel Destinations. In 2022, the Cook Islands were on the list. A group of 15 islands in the South Pacific, they are the dream destination of many of the staff at Lonely Planet. The capital of the Islands, Rarotonga, is a gateway to some of the gorgeous destinations on earth.

If you enjoy water activities, this is the place for you with snorkeling, fishing, and diving on offer. In regards to culture, in Te Vara, travellers can learn about the native Maori community. 

Norway is known as one of the happiest countries on the planet. According to CNN, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, say it is due to their love of nature. Princess Mette-Marit said,
"We love being outside in nature. If you're in a Norwegian home on a Sunday and you don't go for a walk in the forest ... that's not good."

So if you want to try some forest bathing yourself, make a visit to Bøkeskogen, which is a beech forest, the farthest north in the world, just two hours from Oslo. Since Norway is such a small country, one can easily enjoy both the city and the forest on the same trip.

Mauritius is in the Indian Ocean around to the east of Madagascar and is a much unappreciated African getaway. In Mauritius, you can find fantastic golf courses, mountain trekking, a variety of watersports, birdwatching, beautiful beaches, and one of the best botanical gardens in the world.

There is also a fascinating old colonial capital to explore, delicious local food, fantastic nightlife, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore.

From Mayan ruins to Caribbean waters, Belize has something for everyone. It is also very accessible for Americans, as it is just a short, direct flight away from many North American cities. 

In addition, Belize has a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which is stunning and a great spot to explore. Another benefit of Belize? Even though the country is located in Central America, the national language is English. 

Not only is Lonely Planet taking notice of Slovenia, but the Michelin Guide is also handing out seven stars to Slovenian restaurants. With so many exciting destinations to explore in Eastern Europe, many often forget about Slovenia. 

However, Slovenia is like a nice combination of a Balkan, Mediterranean, and Apline destination...with a twist. Given the country's small size, one can easily explore the country in no time at all. From the busy capital of Ljubljana to Lake Bled, there is plenty to see and do. 

While Anguilla may not technically be a country but rather a British overseas territory, it still has earned a spot on the list! This gorgeous Caribbean island has been very careful about responsibly reopening for tourists.

It boasts 33 public beaches, warm weather, crystalline seas, beautiful hotels, and fantastic food. For all these reasons combined it is an excellent choice to vacation in 2022. 

From fjords to "the Empty Quarter," Oman has a lot to offer! In Musandam, on the border of the Strait of Hormuz, mountains can be as high as 2,000 metres, making for some impressive scenery.

If the desert is more your thing, check out the "Empty Quater," a section of desert where Oman, Yemen, Saudia Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates meet. It isn't every day you can visit four countries at once!

Even if you aren't interested in climbing Mount Everest, Nepal has plenty to offer. In the remote region of Mustang in Nepal, hikers can discover the high desert and enjoy a homestay with locals. 

Local delicacies such as yak butter and momos can be enjoyed along with the amazing views. 

Malawi is a small country compared to neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and Tanzania. However, the "Warm Heart of Africa" has many unique treasures to share with the world. For example, Lake Malawi, which is the world's largest lake. 

In addition, since it is less well known, visitors don't need to compete with other tourists for space, yet they can still enjoy the typical African wildlife. From elephants to baboons and hippos, there are plenty of safaris on offer for those who wish to see the animals in their native habitat and at a very competitive price. 

It shouldn't be surprising that Egypt is on this list! Egypt is home to one of the seven wonders of the world, the Pyramids of Giza, after all! 

To this day, archaeologists are still discovering new things about these 4,500+ old pyramids every year. For example, the Pyramid of Dozer, which is 207 feet tall and the oldest of all the pyramids in the group, was recently reopened to the public last year.