Island Hoppers (2024)

17/02/2022

With turquoise blue waters and powder-soft sand, Egypt's Red Sea coastal resort town of Hurghada should be on your radar if you have been there and done that in Hawaii and the Caribbean. A renowned beach escape for Europeans, Americans have yet to discover this stunning town with some of the clearest snorkeling sites on earth.

In fact, Hurghada's Careless Reef is one of the top attractions here, with divers highlighting its "amazing" views, fish and colors.

17/02/2022

Hong Kong's amazing skyline has starred in many Hollywood films and is a truly thrilling site. As han000ka of Mexico City put it: "I never thought watching some ultra modern set of buildings could be considered an attraction but after being there, for me [it] is simply a must go."

Besides its impressive skyline, you'll find historical Chinese architecture in Ngong Ping village and enjoy serenity at the Buddhist Chi Lin Nunnery. Of course, shopping and Chinese food are also highlights of Tripadvisor's No. 22 city in the world.

17/02/2022

When many travelers think of Israel, they picture its historic capital of Jerusalem. But for cosmopolitan charm, the Mediterranean-facing city of Tel Aviv is the place to go. Tripadvisor calls Tel Aviv a "youthful and modern metropolis" and highlights the city’s thriving arts community, beaches, clubs and bars. While you can certainly find history in Israel’s second-largest city (visit Jaffa, the oldest part of the metropolis), Tel Aviv is indeed thoroughly modern.

The city’s top sights can be found in the neighborhood of Neve Tzedek, where a maze of winding streets house the city's hottest theaters and museums. Tripadvisor user JorgeJar of the United Kingdom called it “a little gem at the heart of Tel Aviv.”

17/02/2022

Florence offers plenty of world-famous attractions, including the Duomo, Piazzale Michelangelo and Piazza della Signoria. Plus, it's a haven for art lovers thanks to art-focused museums like the Galleria dell'Accademia and the Uffizi Gallery. After appreciating this historic Italian city's Renaissance architecture and art, sample some of the region's delectable Tuscan food and wine at Florence's quaint cafes, gelato shops and ristorantes. Then, cross the Ponte Vecchio to get to the acclaimed Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens, where you'll find fountains, meticulously landscaped green spaces and panoramic views.

17/02/2022

Dotted with luxurious boutique hotels, this Caribbean destination is tailor-made for lovebirds and adrenaline junkies. Those in search of relaxation will find it on the island's unspoiled shorelines (specifically Reduit Beach and Anse Chastanet). Meanwhile, adventure seekers can test their limits climbing the Pitons or zip lining through the Chassin region's rainforest. The dry season, December to April, is the most popular (and expensive) time to visit, but budget-conscious travelers can find superb weather and cheaper room rates if they arrive in May or June.

17/02/2022

The globe's largest coral reef system – and one of the original Seven Natural Wonders of the World – touts incredible scenery. At Australia's Great Barrier Reef, you'll find more than 600 islands and 1,500-plus species of fish. Though plenty of diving and snorkeling spots can be found along Queensland's coast, to escape the crowds, visit the Whitsunday Islands. Also save time for viewing the reef from above during a flightseeing excursion.

16/02/2022

Colloquially known as The Olympic City, USA, Colorado Springs is on the well-trod map during Olympic years, when The Olympic and Paralympic Training Center and Museum operate in full force, but there’s more to this city than first meets the eye. In particular, Colorado Springs has seen several new and revamped attractions in recent years, from the Great Wolf Lodge with its indoor waterpark to the newly reopened Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Plus, thanks to Garden of the Gods and other parks, you’ll find plenty of outdoor adventure options like rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking, without the crowds and expense of nearby Denver. Then again, you’re close enough to pop up to Denver for a day to visit, too.

16/02/2022

San Luis Obispo often gets overlooked as a blip on the map somewhere between LA and San Francisco, but this charming central coast destination deserves recognition of its own accord. Because San Luis Obispo is a laid back small town with tons of outdoor activities, it has recently become a more popular destination for people looking for covid-friendly trips. This quaint California college town is trendy and inviting and the surrounding hills contain beautiful landscapes, secluded beaches, great hikes, and some fantastic wineries.

16/02/2022

Preserved Victorian buildings, a robust maritime culture, and a 430-acre military base-turned-state park make picturesque Port Townsend worth a double-take. Once poised to be the “New York of the West,” this small port town fought through many economic downturns and continues to pull in visitors searching for a unique Pacific Northwest getaway. A wealth of exciting festivals (including a Steampunk Fest and annual Wooden Boat Festival), eclectic shops, delicious dining options, and friendly locals cement Port Townsend as a worthy destination for savvy travelers in 2022.

16/02/2022

Knoxville, a Tennessee city often overlooked by visitors, delivers – especially in these times when outdoor travel is trending. Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness is a 1000 acre wilderness area with miles of trails and multiple parks. Surprisingly, the area is only minutes from the heart of the city. Knoxville makes a great weekend trip from Nashville, or a place to visit in its own right in 2022.

16/02/2022

A quiet sandbar on the tip of the Yucatan peninsula, Isla Holbox is the place to go for swimming with whale sharks, kayaking through a bioluminescent bay, and living life car-free — only golf carts and bicycles ply on the unpaved dirt roads. As the sargassum problem along the Riviera Maya continues to rise, many beachgoers have turned to Holbox’s pristine – and mostly seaweed-free – beaches. The rapid pace of development in Holbox is admittedly a bit concerning (Margaritaville recently opened a location). But the local community of Holboxeños seems genuinely committed to ensuring Isla Holbox doesn’t go the way of Tulum, 2021’s poster child for over-tourism.

16/02/2022

Thailand’s largest island is an international magnet for beach lovers and serious divers, who enthusiastically submerge themselves in the Andaman Sea. Blue lagoons and salmon sunsets make for a dream-like atmosphere, and indeed, a vacation here can feel a bit surreal. Watersports are the most popular activities, though once you’ve had enough sun there’s still plenty to explore at the island’s aquariums, gardens, and Buddhist temples.
Plan your trip to Phuket

15/02/2022

Despite its location just a few minutes from Chichen Itza, and its previous feature on our 2019 list of emerging destinations, Valladolid continues to remain a relatively obscure travel destination (especially compared to nearby hot spots like Tulum and Playa del Carmen). That’s poised to change in a few years, when Mexico’s Mayan Train project will quickly whisk visitors from Cancun to this “pueblo magico” located deep in the Yucatan jungle. Visitors will find a magical town filled with colorful walls, friendly locals, unique restaurants, and some of the most incredible cenotes and Mayan ruins Mexico has to offer. Beat the crowds by adding Valladolid to your list of places to travel next year.

15/02/2022

Basque Country, Spain’s stunning northern coastal region that shares a section of border with France, is one of the country’s most overlooked areas. Avoid the droves of tourists flocking to Barcelona and Madrid and instead opt for a visit to this autonomous region for a more authentic experience. Here, you’ll find breathtaking coast, rich culture, historic beach towns, and delicious pintxos (Basque’s Country’s version of tapas).

15/02/2022

Located along the Danube River at the foothills of the Little Carpathian mountains, Bratislava is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, lush vineyards, and very serious cafe scene. More off-the-beaten-trail than its western European counterparts, here you’ll find colorful castles, an immaculate old town, and a nightlife scene that competes with the best of them. Plus, this small city has a ton of outdoor activities and patios, making social distancing easy.

15/02/2022

With the city’s many hotels and attractions still fairly empty, and with the dollar at an all-time high against the peso, there’s never been a better time for Americans to travel to Buenos Aires. Take in a tango show in Puerto Madero, test your senses at Teatro Ciego (the “blind theatre” where plays are performed in total darkness), or stroll the streets of the Recoleta barrio, admiring some of the most fantastic architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. Whatever you do on your visit, traveling to Buenos Aires in 2022 will offer you an opportunity to experience the city (and Argentina) in a way you might never get to again – and to be a positive part of a tourism recovery story for a place that needs it.

15/02/2022

Sometimes referred to as The Secret Coast because of its relatively low number of visitors, the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s over 60 miles of coastline is filled with many uncrowded white sandy beaches. Just an hour’s drive from New Orleans, the Mississippi Gulf Coast will have you enjoying classic beach vibes with a distinctly cajun flair. For added culture, plan your visit to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in February – you’ll get to experience King Cake (a pastry-esque sweet cake) and local Mardi Gras parades.

15/02/2022

A unique juxtaposition of energies, Asheville, North Carolina gracefully blends being both an artsy hub and an outdoor-lovers oasis, with craft beer and lush mountains at nearly every turn. In fact, last year USA Today listed Asheville as one of the top 10 beer cities in the country, thanks to the more than 35 breweries in town and 60 in the surrounding area. Foodies also rave about the casual Southern cuisine as well as the high-end culinary offerings. You can visit Asheville for a weekend or a week and never run out of things to do, making it a fantastic choice for where to travel in 2022.

03/02/2022

What this small French Polynesian island may lack in size it makes up for in sheer tropical beauty. Here, you'll find picturesque beaches, lush jungles and luxurious resorts. The island's dormant volcano, Mount Otemanu, makes for a great photo-op or challenging hike, and the friendly Bora Bora locals can help you catch a glimpse of the island's best sights during an off-road excursion. To relax, head to Matira Beach for crystal-clear water and soft sand. Although a trip to Bora Bora is very expensive, most travelers say it's worth every penny.

03/02/2022

The magnetic City of Light draws visitors from around the globe who come to see iconic attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. But what travelers really fall in love with are the city's quaint cafes, vibrant markets, trendy shopping districts and unmistakable je ne sais quoi charm. Get lost wandering along Paris' cobblestone streets, or grab a croissant and relax on the banks of the Seine for hours. If you're up for a quick daytrip, head about 15 miles southwest of the city center to another must-see attraction: the Palace of Versailles.

03/02/2022

New Zealand's South Island brims with majestic landscapes at every turn, from dramatic mountains to fjords to glaciers. Here, you can admire the mountains of Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from hiking trails or a boat on Milford Sound. At night, journey to the University of Canterbury's Mount John Observatory to gaze at the starry skies. You can also indulge your inner daredevil in Queenstown, explore two of the most accessible glaciers in the world on the island's west coast or sample delicious food and wine in the Marlborough region.

17/01/2022

Art and design stand out at the archipelago’s new hospitality offerings, too. In Mallorca, Can Ferrereta, a boutique hotel housed in a restored 17th-century building, features a Maison Assouline-curated library and works by local and Spanish artists—Joan Miró, Riera i Aragó, Bárbara Vidal—in all its 32 rooms and communal spaces. On relaxed Formentera, the recently opened Casa Pacha has stylish retro interiors by Patricia Galden Studio and statement decorative objects from local artisans. Meanwhile on the hard-partying isle, the Six Senses Ibiza will feature farm-to-table dining, music, art, wellness, and sustainable fashion, as the Balearics’ first BREEAM-certified resort. 2022’s debuts—El Vicenç de la Mar and the Kimpton Hotel Santa Ponsa, both in Mallorca—are bound to have unique draws of their own. —Marianna Cerini

17/01/2022

Fort Edmonton Park, Canada’s largest living history museum, is now home to the Indigenous Peoples Experience, a 30,000-square-foot immersive exhibit exploring First Nations and Métis culture. For a deeper dive into the region’s thriving Métis community, head to cultural interpretation center Métis Crossing, which recently debuted its new wildlife park and will open a 40-room boutique lodge accented with Métis artwork this month. Later this winter, the property will also launch Whispers from the Stars, an evening experience where Métis knowledge holders will tell stories of the constellations.

The annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival in the dark sky preserve of Jasper National Park is also including more Indigenous voices in its programming (think drone light shows narrated by Indigenous leaders). Those planning a stay in Jasper can look forward to the June opening of a new 88-room wilderness-themed hotel from local hospitality and attractions company Pursuit.

17/01/2022

Since the dissolution of Yugoslavia 30 years ago, many of its constituent nations (Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro) have emerged as major tourism hubs. Yet Serbia has taken a backseat—until now. Belgrade has earned a reputation as a culinary destination, and the Michelin Guide will soon bestow stars on the city, celebrating its East-meets-West cuisine which draws liberally from neighboring Greek, Turkish, and Central European influences. Standout restaurants include Langouste, run by chef Guillaume Iskandar, whose work at Paris’s Garance earned the place a Michelin star. And the opulent Salon 1905 (pictured) serves a tasting menu with Serbian wine pairings that proves domestic truffles, cheeses, and charcuterie can hold their own against Europe’s best.

17/01/2022

There’s plenty to do downtown as well. The new Urban Supply mixed-use development will bring century-old warehouses in the Parkside neighborhood back to life with restaurants, bars, shopping, and fitness studios when it’s completed in mid-2022. City Walk BHAM is also in the works, adding markets, green spaces, and food trucks to city blocks beneath Interstate 59/20. The project is set to be complete by summer 2022, when the Magic City will serve as the first American host for The World Games, an 11-day, 34-sport event (including tug of war and wheelchair rugby) expected to draw 500,000 spectators. While downtown has its share of big-box hotels for groups, find a quieter stay at Elyton Hotel in a restored historic building, or the boutique Valley Hotel in Homewood, a mere 10 minutes away. —Kelsey Ogletree

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