People around the world have been wondering where to travel now? With the end of the year fast approaching, it’s safe to say we’re already daydreaming about the best places to visit.
As frustrating as the travel industry is right now, one positive has been the increased flexibility cruises, hotels, and airlines have granted customers.
Here are our top recommended places to visit with bucket-list worthy destinations to inspire your deepest sense of wanderlust! Be sure to check current travel restrictions and guidelines before you go.
Best Places To Visit
1. St. Lucia
Best known for the striking views of the island’s two large volcanoes, St. Lucia is a Caribbean island that has a bit of everything. Take your pick from epic hiking and snorkeling adventures to something a little more relaxing like beaching and chocolate tours. This lovely little island is a fantastic destination for nature lovers and is often a stop on Caribbean cruises.
2. Aruba
For those seeking a no-stress beach vacation, look to Aruba. The island’s soft white sand beaches are set against clear turquoise waters and are considered some of the best in the Caribbean. When the sun sets, indulge in the vibrant nightlife and gourmet eateries.
3. Barbados
Barbados is a budget-friendly island that boasts beaches ideal for sunbathers. Other top attractions include the unique Harrison’s Cave formation and stunning 17th-century colonial architecture. The main island’s capital of Bridgetown is a cruise-ship port home to glittering Carlisle Bay and Brown Beach.
4. Jamaica
Jamaica is an escape to a slow pace of life where you can disconnect and recharge while exploring reef-lined beaches, lush rainforests, and the rolling hills of Blue Mountain Peak. This popular Caribbean island is best for spicy food, all-inclusive resorts, and short trips from the United States.
5. Turks and Caicos
For luxury resorts and high-end shopping, we recommend Turks and Caicos. This laid-back Caribbean archipelago is comprised of 40 little islands dotted in the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Major highlights include Grace Bay Beach, impressive scuba-diving sites, and quiet, pristine beaches free of crowds.
6. U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands offer Americans a carefree tropical destination while enjoying the comforts of home. Made up of four larger islands and a smattering of smaller isles, look to St.Thomas for shopping and nightlife, St. John for hiking and nature, and St. Croix for quiet and history. A visit to the Virgin Islands National Park is also a must.
7. Belize
Belize is a beautiful jungle-filled nation in Central America who’s entire eastern shore meets the Caribbean Sea. Besides tropical beachscapes and luxury resorts, travelers can marvel at ancient Mayan ruins and experience a vibrant and diverse culture. Belize is an exciting destination for all budgets and styles of travel.
8. Montenegro
Off the beaten path from Europe’s most popular destinations, the charm of Montenegro‘s quaint coastal villages is catching notice. Positioned across the Adriatic Sea from Italy, visitors are quick to fall in love with the fresh local seafood, medieval landmarks, and glacial lakes. The Bay of Kotor, Durmitor National Park, and lush mountain peaks are all must-see attractions.
9. Croatia
A neighbor to Montenegro, Croatia attracts more visitors each and every year with its enticing scenic coastline and charming seaside villages. Comprised of over a thousand islands, picturesque landscapes, and several UNESCO Sites, there’s a lot to love about Croatia. People come for the natural beauty but stay for the excellent cuisine and wine.
10. Maldives
The Maldives is a tropical paradise in Asia renowned for its stunning sugar-sand beaches, crystal clear coastlines, and incredible all-inclusive, high-end resorts. Sleeping in the islands’ famous overwater bungalows that float above turquoise waters is a must. The Maldives is a top choice from our list of recommended places to visit in 2021.
11. Sedona, Arizona
Noted for its dynamic art scene and comfortable desert climate, Sedona is a beloved Arizona city about two hours north of Phoenix. Enjoy the finer things in life with the city’s fabulous shopping, art galleries, and luxury spas and resorts. All around Sedona are the mesmerizing sights of the Tonto National Forest, epic red-rock buttes, and steep canyon walls for those who appreciate the great outdoors.
12. Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Lake Tahoe is a premier U.S. travel destination that attracts millions of visitors annually. This large freshwater lake up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains straddles the state lines between California and Nevada. It boasts incredible vistas, miles of lovely hiking trails, and fantastic skiing opportunities. You’ll also find high-end shopping, gourmet cuisine, and a vibrant night-life.
13. U.S. National Parks
2021 is the year to explore America, and there’s no better place to start than the nation’s national parks. Consistently ranked in America’s top travel destinations, the unforgettable sights of Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park are hard to beat. We recommend finding a cozy cabin rental with luxury amenities – think hot tub, panoramic views, a cozy terrace – and prepare for relaxation in nature.
14. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe proudly dons the nickname “The City Different” and will make you feel like you’re strolling the streets of an entirely different time and country. The downtown district has been designated as a historic area and is filled with pueblo-style architecture along twisting streets. New Mexico’s capital is carefully tucked into the Sangre de Cristo foothills offering a city escape immersed in nature.
15. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is a small New England city perched on Maine’s largest island of Mount Desert in Frenchman Bay. Scenery chasers and foodies flock to this part of the state to see the luxury yachts and lobster boats, beautiful Porcupine Islands of the Atlantic, and the impressive mountains and cliffs of Acadia National Park. Boutique hotels and charming B&Bs are the best way to experience the charm of Bar Harbor.
16. Seward, Alaska
Nestled between the ocean and towering mountains, Seward’s striking landscape was carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago. Enjoy once in a lifetime experiences such as walking on glaciers, observing breaching whales, and cruising through Kenai Fjords National Park. The historic town overlooking Resurrection Bay offers its own set of incredible things to do. It’s no secret why Seward one of the best places to visit in 2021.
17. Hawaii’s Big Island
Often overshadowed by the romance of Maui or family-friendly beaches of Oahu, Hawaii’s Big Island is an underrated destination that boasts so much more than just the state’s namesake. Visitors can enjoy fewer crowds and a variety of landscapes on this geographically unique locale. We recommend renting a car to marvel at the epic volcanoes, colorful sand beaches, lush waterfalls, ocean cliffs, and snow-capped mountains.
18. New Orleans, Louisiana
The Big Easy may be rambunctious, but there’s much more to this Louisiana city than Mardi Gras and a 24/7 nightlife. Gracefully poised on the Mississippi River, New Orleans is a melting pot of American, African, and French cultures. Unique cuisine, Creole-style architecture, and colorful street murals are what make this city so special.
19. Napa Valley, California
Just over an hour from San Francisco, the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley spread far and wide. Take your pick from hundreds of well-established wineries and recharge in the tranquility of the California countryside. Napa is also home to notable gourmet eateries and sparkling wine, the best of which can be found in Oxbow Public Market and the small town of Yountville.
20. St. Augustine, Florida
Settled by Spanish explorers in the 1500s, St. Augustine is America’s oldest city steeped in European influence today. Its location on the northeast coast of Florida means the area boasts sandy Atlantic beaches, ocean cruises, and fresh fare from the sea. St. Augustine is the place to indulge in a bit of luxury while immersed in the old-world charm of Spanish colonial architecture.
Here are some ways to enjoy the rest of summer.
