22 destinations for 2022

“The ultimate caravanserai destination, much of what makes Morocco incredible comes from its cultural and geographical connection to so many different regions: the Middle East to North Africa; North Africa to Europe; North to South Africa. Just eight nautical miles from Europe, Morocco is pure exoticism: travellers can lose themselves in endless smells and colours. The city of Marrakech bustles with high-intensity harmonious chaos one moment – but walk through a door and you’ll be in a serene courtyard. It’s little wonder that so many artists, designers and musicians, from Yves Saint Laurent to Edith Wharton, travelled here in search of inspiration.” Serge Dive, founder of Beyond Luxury Media, a platform that serves the high-end experiential travel industry

British Airways flies direct to Morocco 

“The capital of Sweden is one of Europe’s most effortlessly beautiful, charming and romantic cities. This small, low-rise, open-minded, open-air city surrounded by water will be a magnet for post-pandemic travellers who are looking to return to urban destinations, but may not yet want to city-break in the bigger capitals.

“The city’s proximity to the glorious Stockholm Archipelago is an opportunity to mix urban and nature. Stockholm is the gateway to Swedish Lapland, where adventure awaits. From forest-bathing in the never-setting summer sun to hunting down the Northern Lights in winter, it’s a place where nature – combined with amazing attractions such as Icehotel, Treehotel and Arctic Bath – will heal ‘wanderlost’ souls.” Uwern Jong, editor-in-chief of OutThere magazine, the world's leading travel journal for gay men and the LGBTQIA community

British Airways flies direct to Sweden 

“There are 800 miles of Pacific and Caribbean shoreline in Costa Rica, providing endless beaches. But it’s the country’s deep biodiversity and commitment to nature (more than a quarter is protected parks) that attract travellers who come to explore the rainforests, volcanoes and mountains. Some of the world’s best sustainable lodges are here, and these support and involve local people. Pacuare Lodge – possibly the only hotel where you raft in and raft out – has indigenous cookery courses and a jaguar research programme.

“Not one to rest on its laurels, Costa Rica has a new initiative aimed at creating the safest environments for female and solo travellers. And, it’s the first country in the region to unveil a nationwide electric-car charging network. Maybe an eco-road trip could be on the cards?” Kerry Smith, consultant content director, British Airways’ High Life

British Airways flies direct to Costa Rica 

“Lake Atitlán lies in the southwestern highlands of Guatemala. Formed by a collapsed volcano and surrounded by three remaining volcanoes, it’s one of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. Guatemala itself has a rich past and a story to tell: it’s a melting-pot of culture and history, there is a true mix of heritages, an abundance of tantalising local foods, and a country full of vibrant colour — all of which can be discovered from Lake Atitlán. Find adventure in the form of hiking and water sports; the lake is the perfect base to explore the surrounding villages and discover the eclectic mix of Mayan and Spanish influences. As travel shifts towards immersive experiences, there’s no better place to pause and delve into such a fascinating history and pristine nature. You’ll never want to leave.” Amar Latif, TV presenter and founder of Traveleyes, the world’s first commercial tour operator for people who are blind or partially sighted

British Airways flies to South America 

“Europe is my focus – and, in particular, spectacular new cultural openings. The latest addition to Rotterdam’s stunning skyline is the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. Looking like a spaceship, it houses not aliens but art – the first art storage facility in the world that offers access to a museum’s complete collection. In Rome, the Mausoleum of Augustus is a massive representation of the human ego. The largest circular tomb in the world was closed to the public for 14 years until 2021 and slid into dereliction. It has now been expertly restored to take its place among the monuments from the past that breathe life into the Italian capital. And I have Oslo pencilled in for 11 June 2022 – for the opening of the Nordic region’s largest art museum. ‘Art, architecture and design all under one roof’ is the promise of the National Museum of Norway, with a spectacular harbourside site in Oslo. Munch’s celebrated painting of a tortured soul is the leading exhibit here.” Simon Calder, travel journalist, broadcaster and travel correspondent for The Independent

British Airways flies direct to Rotterdam, Oslo and Rome 

“Yes, really! Like so many previously mass-market destinations, Lanzarote is rethinking its approach to tourism. After all, success now is not measured by the numbers of visitors, but by ‘high-value’ tourists – a term that refers not to dollars or euros, but to those who forge strong bonds with the destination. Lanzarote used the Covid closure to start repositioning: more than 120 local businesses united to change direction towards becoming a destination defined by culture, wellbeing and heritage.” Rajan Datar, broadcaster, journalist and host of the BBC’s The Travel Show

British Airways flies direct to Lanzarote 

“On the southernmost mountain range at the tip of Baja California Sur, when the sun sets through cactus fields and over the ocean, the Sierra de la Laguna turns purple. These are the most beautiful mountains to climb, hike and camp in all of Mexico. There are tours from authentic rancheros and the landscape changes from cactus fields to pine forest, and from desert to lakes in a matter of miles, sometimes minutes. It’s all a couple of hours’ drive from the laid-back surf towns of Todos Santos and El Pescadero.” Ben Pundole, founder of AHotelLife.com

British Airways flies direct to Mexico City 

“It’s rare for me to visit another city and feel that it could be home, but Vancouver falls into that category. Often named as one of the world’s best cities for quality of life – it’s simultaneously energising while enjoying a slower pace of life compared to other big cities.

“It’s clean, green and cosmopolitan, embodying what every great world city should aspire to be: a place where people find themselves, not lose themselves. It convinces its inhabitants to live in harmony with nature and calls them to the outdoors. And from Vancouver you can experience the most magical scenery, from giant mountains to rainforests sparkling with seasonal colours. You can see bears. And witness the majestic presence of whales. All quite simply epic.” Serge Dive, founder of Beyond Luxury Media, a platform that serves the high-end experiential travel industry

British Airways flies direct to Vancouver 

“Malta isn’t usually the first place mentioned when people talk about the Med, but recognition grew this year when it made the green list while others didn’t. And, despite the pandemic, it’s flourishing, with stunning design hotels. Hot on the heels of Valletta’s reign as European Capital of Culture, the capital abounds with unique cultural experiences, and there are five Michelin-starred restaurants with more on the cusp of opening.

“Exploring Valletta is like walking through a historic film set, where old and new fuse to exciting effect. Neighbouring Gozo is a step back in time and the waters around Comino challenge the Maldives for clarity and colour. Layer on top of this a passion for human rights. Malta has been the top European country in the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association Rainbow Index for six years and will host Europride in 2023. With travellers seeking destinations that are stewards of positive humanity, Malta is the place to be.” Uwern Jong, editor-in-chief of OutThere magazine, the world's leading travel journal for gay men and the LGBTQIA community

British Airways flies direct to Malta 

“Crete is already ‘almost normal’ as international travellers arrive in search of that idyllic European vacation they’ve been yearning for. The largest of Greece’s 227 islands is a vivid mosaic of contrasts: from lofty mountains and pink-sand beaches, to hip nightlife and traditional kafeneions (coffeehouses) via buzzing harbours and ancient ruins. Over the last year, there have been some great hotel openings: Domes of Elounda has added luxury residences and suites. While Numo, set on one of the longest beaches on Crete, is putting the lively town of Ierapetra on the map. On the island’s south coast, it’s great for diving, gorge hiking, and visiting tiny Chrysi island, whose glowing sands are composed of thousands of shells.” Claire Bentley, managing director of British Airways Holidays

British Airways flies direct to Chania and Heraklion 

“Lush and abundant, Vietnam’s ‘rice bowl’ is so much more than that. Forget the crowded, silly boat tours, get a bike and cycle through its coconut, banana and dragon fruit groves. Tiny pathsrun behind houses, many of which are lovingly tiled in pastel colours. It’s a lazy ride – a few miles per day – with many small ferry crossings where your path suddenly ends in the water, long stops in hammock cafés to rest, chats with the schoolkids who take a lot of pleasure in overtaking you on their scooters, sleeping in waterside B&Bs, and again the next day, until you, along with the many arms of the Mekong, reach the sea.” Carol Sachs, travel photographer

BA flies to Ho Chi Minh City via Doha with oneworld alliance partners. ba.com