With peak travel season in full effect, the world’s top tourist destinations are packed to the gills, especially after over two years of travel restrictions and pandemic lockdowns. But perhaps you’re looking for a destination that’s a bit more off the beaten path. Maybe you’re still wary of COVID-19 and large crowds. Or maybe you’d just rather enjoy some peace and quiet instead of fighting for space at the Eiffel Tower or Statue of Liberty. In any case, we present the five best vacation destinations for 2022, crowds not included.
- Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Canada’s easternmost province brings a bit of Nordic flare to North America. Here, you can experience pristine fjords, expansive coastlines, abundant national parks, and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s a paradise for birdwatching and whale-watching, and is home to charming cities such as the capital, St. John, which is full of pleasant pubs, unique shops, and laid-back vibes. - Bonaire
Most visitors to the Caribbean come in the winter, making summer the offseason. There’s no reason to wait, though. The jewel that is Bonaire experiences basically the same weather year-round, and the crowds are quite a bit lighter in summer. Regardless of when you visit, Bonaire is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving in the crystal waters, and is wrapped in white sand beaches that beckon to travelers from across the globe. However, summer is tropical storm season in the Caribbean, so be sure you have appropriate insurance coverage for Hurricanes. - Vis Island, Croatia
Formerly a base for the Yugoslavian Army, this island off the Croatian coast was closed off to foreign visitors for almost 40 years. Today, it’s just a quick ferry ride away. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll find resplendent bays where you can swim with dolphins, sumptuous vineyards where you can get a taste of the local flavor, and endless untouched Adriatic beauty - Cumberland Island, Georgia, USA
Though Tybee Island may be Georgia’s tourist hotspot, 100 miles to the south you can find a much different experience. Secluded Cumberland Island is a place where wild stallions run along white sand beaches, Spanish moss adorns peaceful marsh banks, and the island’s lone hotel – The Greyfield Inn – sits upon 200 acres of manicured gardens and woods. It’s Southern charm at it’s best. - Faroe Islands
Home to just 50,000 people, these islands tucked away north of Scotland are the very picture of peace and quiet. The expansive cliffs, verdant mountains, and rugged coastlines will let your mind wander to the time of the Vikings who once roamed these lands. For something that truly seems like a scene out of a fantasy storybook, take a hike to Múlafossur Waterfall near the town of Gasadalur.
Insurance Options for Your Vacation
Things don’t always go the way we expect on a summer vacation. You could become sick or get injured. There could be a natural disaster, civil unrest, or sudden travel restrictions put in place. Because the risk is always present, it’s critical that you have the right insurance coverage to protect yourself.
If you’re traveling outside the USA and primarily want coverage for new, unexpected medical conditions, trip interruption, and other benefits, look into travel medical insurance.
If you have family visiting you in the USA and want to make sure they can be covered for new illnesses and injures that occur after the effective date of the policy, make sure they have visitors insurance.
If your primary concern is trip protection, including coverage for trip cancellation, travel delay, trip interruption, and emergency medical coverage, shop for travel insurance.
The world is full of destinations that are far removed from the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds. All you need to experience them is a sense of adventure, and the right insurance coverage to protect you.