Eight bucket list vacation destinations to start dreaming about now

Looking ahead to 2022, one thing seems clear: It's the year of the bucket-list vacation. After two years of cancelled plans and major emotional recovery, the world is once again opening up and travel is getting back to normal—which means we are unleashing the most over-the-top travel dreams of the year to inspire you to start planning! 

Whether you're called to the crystal clear waters of Bora Bora or to sip coffee in Colombia, we invite you to plan your 2022 travel with these eight incredibly bucket-list worthy destinations. 

With all of these dream destinations once again open for business, the only question left to ask is where are you headed first?

The Maldives 

A small island nation set in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is comprised of 26 coral atolls. Practically synonymous with the dream honeymoon, it's almost impossible to look anywhere without feeling as though you are in a dream. With countless picturesque beaches, reefs, and luxury resorts to choose from, you'll be spoiled for choice wherever you decide to go. Did we mention that the sunsets are among the best in the world? 

Madagascar 

An enchanted African island nation, Madagascar is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and underrated vacation destinations on the map. With lush tropical rainforests, open savannahs, deserts and everything in between, one visit to Madagascar and your Instagram feed will look like you took a trip around the world! The island is home to some of the most diverse wildlife anywhere, and the luxury lodges are second to none. 

Philippines

The Philippines has something to offer everyone. For some of the best beaches on Earth, head to Cebu or Palawan, but if beaches aren't your thing, get your camera ready for the rice terraces, jungles and vibrant cityscapes you'll encounter at every turn. With unique cuisine and some of the happiest locals anywhere in the world, a trip to the pearl of the orient is one you'll never forget. 

Norway 

If surreal fjords and breathtaking natural scenery don't excite you, the majestic views of the Northern Lights definitely should. From small fishing villages to great European city centres, Norway is a dream vacation destination by anyone's standards. Consider heading off the beaten path to Tromso or Alexund for once-in-a-lifetime views of this stunning wintery wonderland. 

Bora Bora 

One of the last unspoiled paradises on the planet, the tiny island nation of Bora Bora remains barely touched by tourists thanks to its remote location in Polynesia. That said, making the trip will reward you with countless pristine beaches, towering tropical palm trees, some of the clearest water anywhere and unlimited opportunities to connect with exotic wildlife. 

Nepal 

Nepal is a country that offers travellers unsurpassed scenery, rich cultural heritage and arguably the best white water rafting in the world. The petite Asian nation is home to 10 of the world's 14 tallest mountains, including the tallest of them all, its most famous resident—Mount Everest. As such, the hiking trails. basecamp treks and teahouses are sure to provide you with some of the best photos you'll ever take in your life! 

Tanzania 

Tanzania has always been one of the most exotic dream vacation destinations on Earth! Whether you go for the only true safari experience in the world—the Serengeti, to summit the tallest mountain on the African continent—Mt. Kilimanjaro, or just to relax at one of the many gorgeous white sand beaches on the magical island of Zanzibar, Tanzania is the stuff that dreams are made of. 

Colombia 

Perhaps the most underrated county of them all, this South American paradise deserves to be on any traveller's bucket list. From the Caribbean coast to the café zone to the Amazon rainforest, wildlife lovers, coffee drinks, and photographers alike will feel as though they're in heaven. With the largest number of animal species, as well as flora and fauna in the world, Colombia is a nation that has worked very hard to transform itself into a country deserving to be discovered, and it has, without any shadow of a doubt, succeeded. 

All images courtesy of iStock