Finding a travel destination may be the hardest step when planning a vacation. Whether it’s a solo trip, a friends’ trip, or a family trip, discover the top destinations for your ideal vacation experience.
This comprehensive list of travel destinations will cover various destinations based on how you want your vacation to look and what kind of traveler you are. Also, discover the must-see tourist destinations in each location.
What to Consider Before Deciding on a Vacation Destination
You should consider several important factors before deciding on your travel destination. Use these questions to help in your decision-making process:
- How Much Time Do You Have? Are you able to travel for a week? A few days? A month? Make sure you figure out your timeline. This can help you decide how far you can travel and how many destinations you can visit.
- What Are Your Hobbies or Interests? Consider what you love to do on a vacation. Are you more of an adventure seeker or do you just want to relax by the beach? Do you like to surf, ski, or hike? Use these answers to help you narrow down what you want out of your vacation and what you will enjoy doing.
- What Season Is It? Certain activities may only be available during certain times of the year. Factor in the season and weather of the destinations you want to visit. You might also opt for a warm weather destination if you’re in the depths of a bitter winter at home.
- What’s Your Budget? Some destinations are more expensive to travel to than others. Estimate cost of meals and accommodations in your desired location. More popular tourist spots like Western European countries may stretch your budget if you’re don’t want to spend too much.
- Who’s Going with You? Are you doing a solo trip or traveling with friends, family, or a partner? Take input from your fellow travelers before settling on a location.
What Kind of Traveler Are You?
Jump ahead to see destinations based on your desired vacation experience.
- Best Beach Travel Destinations
- Best Adventure Travel Destinations
- Where to Go for a Relaxing Holiday
- Best Warm Travel Destinations for a Winter Vacation
- Best Inexpensive Travel Destinations
- Best Family Travel Destinations
- Best Spring Break Travel Destinations
- Most Underrated Travel Destinations
- Best Solo Travel Destinations
- Top LGBTQ+ Friendly Destinations
- Best Honeymoon Travel Destinations
- Top Caribbean Travel Destinations
Traveling internationally for the first time? Read this 11-step guide to planning for international travel.
Best Beach Travel Destinations
Providenciales
Beachgoers will love an island visit to Providenciales (referred to locally as Provo), an island in the Turks and Caicos.
What to Do
- Grace Bay Beach is a popular beach near many of the island’s resorts, but Sapodilla Bay can be a quieter spot if you want to dig your toes in the sand and relax.
- Take the Chalk Sound Drive for a scenic view that features water on both sides.
- Stop by Turtle Cove for a day of shopping and eating at local Provo stores and restaurants.
Where to Stay: The Sands at Grace Bay
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is an island in Indonesia known for its volcanic mountains, beaches, and coral reefs.
What to Do
- Explore the island’s luxury suburb of Seminyak for shopping and public beaches.
- Venture to Mount Batur, an active volcano popular for climbing.
- The Uluwatu Temple is another popular tourist spot. This ancient Hindu temple allows visitors a walk through history while showcasing stunning ocean views.
- Don’t forget to visit Sanur while you are there. It is a small coastal town with an impressively long stretch of beaches.
Where to Stay: Nadini Jungle Resort and Spa
Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
This beach island in southern Florida is a popular international destination known for its Art Deco architecture.
What to Do
- Visit South Beach for a beach day in the sun.
- Venture to Ocean Drive for the famous nightlife housed in many of the town’s Art Deco buildings.
- Take a walk along Lincoln Road for shopping and dining.
- Even venture out to South Point Park Pier for seafront outdoor recreation with walking trails, a kids’ playground and splash park, and fishing off the pier.
Where to Stay: The Villa Casa Casuarina at the Former Versace Mansion
Best Adventure Travel Destinations
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
This group of 21 volcanic islands in Ecuador is known worldwide for its unique wildlife.
What to Do
- Explore Northern Seymour Island, known for its bird and iguana wildlife.
- Walk through the Charles Darwin Research Station to see a sizable collection of Galapagos flora.
- You won’t want to miss Black Turtle Cove, an unspoiled area with extremely rare wildlife.
- Have you ever seen a red-colored beach before? Rabida Island boasts beautiful red beaches unlike anywhere else.
Make sure you purchase travel medical insurance before leaving the country, especially if your primary health insurance doesn’t cover you abroad.
Where to Stay: Galapagos Morning Glory
The Australian Outback
Most of Australia’s population resides in its coast, but the Australian Outback can be an exciting visit for curious adventurists. The Outback is the vast and remote interior of Australia with few settlements and a largely intact natural environment.
What to Do
- Kakadu National Park features rock art created over 20,000 years ago by the world’s oldest living creatures.
- Trek through the Flinders Ranges, a unique mountain range with a dramatic and beautiful landscape.
- See more of Australia’s unique landscape at Wilpena Pound, a large, bowl-shaped mountain formation above the surrounding planes. (Take a scenic overhead flight from Wilpena resort located inside the Pound!)
Where to Stay: Bullo River Station
California, U.S.
California is a Western U.S. state with terrain featuring cliff-lined beaches, redwood forests, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the Mojave Desert.
What to Do
- Visit the Redwood National Park, home to the tallest trees in the world.
- Venture through Yosemite National Park, famous for its giant sequoia trees and tunnel view. The vista of Bridalviel Fall is another breathtaking feature of this park, as well as the cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome.
- Encounter 500 lava caves in California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park.
- Outside of these magnificent parks, discover the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes – the highest beach dunes in Western U.S.
- You might even consider taking the 17 Mile Drive, a scenic road offering a picturesque view of California that runs through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove.
Where to Stay: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Where to Go for a Relaxing Holiday
Napa Valley, California, U.S.
Napa Valley is the place to be in California for a peaceful and relaxing holiday.
What to Do
- Take the Napa Valley Wine Train for a traveling restaurant experience in a vintage locomotive.
- You can also opt for a Napa Valley Bike tour or a balloon ride for a scenic view of the wine country.
- Make time to visit Castello di Amorosa, a winery housed in a 13th century inspired castle.
Where to Stay: Rancho Caymus Inn
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Netherlands is a go-to destination for a relaxing holiday. Amsterdam, its capital, is known for its elaborate canal system and unique, narrow houses sitting along its canals.
What to Do
- Take a boat ride through the intricate canal system for an up-close view of the entire city.
- Bike ride (the most popular way to travel in Amsterdam) through the Jordaan area for local eateries and galleries.
- Keukenhof Park features Holland’s famous tulips for a stunning photo background or just beautiful scenery for a walk.
- In the evening, you won’t want to miss an orchestral performance at the world-famous Royal Concertgebouw. Make sure to get your tickets early!
Where to Stay: Ambassad Hotel
Maldives
The Maldives is a small island nation in south Asia with over 1,000 islands. Each resort in the nation typically has its own island for an isolated and peaceful getaway.
What to Do
- Take a ride on a Dhoni (a traditional Maldivian form of transportation).
- Eat lunch at a table in the shallow water, a popular feature in the Maldives.
- The white beaches and striking blue water are a perfect place to relax in the sun or go for a swim.
- Truly relax on your vacation with a soothing spa treatment at any of the many resorts located in the Maldives.
Where to Stay: Olhuveli Beach and Spa
Best Warm Travel Destinations for a Winter Vacation
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo is a resort city in Mexico known for its water-based activities and nightlife, as well as its warm weather all year long.
What to Do
- Explore the barren desert vistas and beaches along the Sea of Cortex.
- Venture into La Pamallia, a bustling street on the north side of town with shops and restaurants.
- See the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, a famous arch-shaped rock formation just off the coast.
- Enjoy the warm weather at many of the beaches along Cabo’s coast, where you can snorkel, whale watch, or relax on the sand.
Where to Stay: Cabo Villas Beach Resort and Spa
Canary Islands
This Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwest Africa is known for its black and white sand beaches and active volcano, Mt. Teide.
What to Do
- Take an exciting cable car ride up Mount Teide.
- Explore Timanfaya National Park, which features unique volcanic landscape with geysers and local eateries.
- Spend the day at Siam Park, a Thai-themed adventure water park.
- Enjoy the sun at Playa del Inglés, a lively beach with resorts and shopping.
Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Abama
Key West, Florida, U.S.
Key West is an island city off the coast of Florida known for its coral reefs. It is also a popular cruise ship stop.
What to Do
- Walk along Mallory Square, which features bustling shops and beautiful sunsets over the water.
- Truman Little White House is also worth the stop. This house was the “winter White House” for U.S. President Harry Truman in the neighborhood of Old Town.
- And of course, don’t forget about the stunning Florida beaches for some time in the sun, including Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, and Rest Beach.
Where to Stay: Kimpton Lighthouse Hotel
Best Inexpensive Travel Destinations
Guatemala
Guatemala is a country in Central America that is home to volcanoes, rainforests, and ancient Mayan sites.
What to Do
- Explore the ancient Mayan city of Tikal featuring impressive pyramids.
- Venture into the Natural Monument Semuc Champey, a beautiful remote setting with stunning swimming holes.
- The towering volcano of Pacaya peaks at 2,552 meters (about 8,373 feet) and features many popular hiking trails for the adventurist.
- Guatemala’s Plaza de la Constitución is a notable town square in Guatemala City dating back to 1776.
- Don’t forget to visit the Mercado Central before you leave. It is a popular market with food, crafts, and other shopping.
Where to Stay: Hotel Casa Santo Domingo
Download The Ultimate Guide to Budget Travel to help you plan your vacation.
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
New Orleans is a city in Louisiana nicknamed the “Big Easy.” It’s known for its vibrant music scene, unique cuisine that merges French, African, and American cultures, and round-the-clock nightlife.
What to Do
- Jackson Square is a historic park in the French Quarter where you can find artists, musicians, and various street performers.
- Stop by Frenchmen Street in the 7th Ward too. It is home to some of the city’s most popular live music venues as well as restaurants, bars, coffee shops, record and book shops, and other local businesses.
- Bourbon Street is another must-see location for adults visiting the city. It is a historic street in the heart of the French Quarter, famous for its many bars and strip clubs.
Where to Stay: Place d’Armes Hotel
St. Augustine, Florida, U.S.
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the continental U.S. (founded in 1565). The city is home to many family-friendly activities as well as plenty beaches.
What to Do
- Visit the Pirate and Treasure Museum to learn about the history of pirates and the colonial history in America.
- The city features 42 miles of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean for a much-needed beach day.
- Wander through the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park in St. Augustine. The park includes a working archeological dig site where you can learn about the city’s history or feed the many peacocks that roam the park.
Where to Stay: The Conch House Marina
Best Family Travel Destinations
Vietnam
This country in Southeast Asia is home to varying landscapes and cultures. Its food is loved around the world too.
What to Do
- Kids will love to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam. This large maze of war-time tunnels and historic relics makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
- Cát Bá Island is the largest island in the southeastern edge of Lan Ha Bay in Northern Vietnam. This tourist hot spot offers beautiful beaches for a family vacation.
- Do your shopping at Ben Thanh Market, a popular market welcoming over 10,000 visitors per day with nearly 1,500 booths and more than 6,000 small businesses.
Where to Stay: Cat Ba Sandy Beach Resort
Ireland
Ireland is an island country that is part of Great Britain. It is known for its Irish hospitality and unique, rugged landscape.
What to Do
- The Cliffs of Moher are a popular tourist destination featuring breathtaking views and historic nearby villages.
- See more of Ireland’s beauty at Killarney National Park. It was the first national park in Ireland with forested mountains, valleys, lakes, and many recreational activities.
- You can’t visit Ireland without seeing one of its famous castles. Blarney Castle and Gardens is a medieval castle and mansion that dates back to 1446.
Where to Stay: Inch House
Orlando, Florida, U.S.
Orlando is a city located in central Florida. It is one of the most visited cities in the world for its world-famous theme parks.
What to Do
- Visit Walt Disney World Resort during your trip to Orlando. It covers nearly 25,000 acres and features four theme parks, two water parks, 27 themed resort hotels, several golf courses, a camping resort, and other entertainment venues.
- Universal Studios is another world-famous park in Orlando. It includes theme parks, hotels, entertainment complexes, rides, shows, events, restaurants, and shopping.
- Kids fascinated by marine life will love SeaWorld Parks and Resorts. It is an entertainment complex and marine zoological park hosting three different parks (SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica) and several hotels. It is the 10th most visited amusement park in the U.S!
Where to Stay: Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Best Spring Break Travel Destinations
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
Fort Lauderdale is the must-visit beach destination for spring breakers. It’s well known for its beaches and boating canals and is a perfect destination for a break from the cold weather.
What to Do
- Spend a day shopping on the East Las Olas Boulevard, a popular shopping district with boutiques and cafes.
- Las Olas Beach is also a great beach hangout spot with many bars and restaurants.
- Families can visit the Museum of Discovery and Science, which features science exhibits for all ages.
Where to Stay: Fortuna Hotel
Cancún, Mexico
Cancún is a Mexican resort town known for beaches, reef snorkeling, and nightclubs. It’s the perfect destination for spring break.
What to Do
- The Cancún Underwater Museum is a unique underwater sculpture museum for the adventurist at heart.
- You can also visit Zcaret Park, a privately owned theme park and nature park that is a self-described ecotourism development.
- Spend sun-filled days at Playa Norte, a popular beach in Cancún known for its clear blue water.
Where to Stay: Krystal Cancún
San José, Costa Rica
San José is the urban capital city in Costa Rica that sits in one of the most diverse provinces in the country.
What to Do
- Learn about Costa Rican culture and history at the National Museum of Costa Rica.
- Hike along the Arenal Volcano, an active volcano with hot springs.
- You can’t miss La Sabana Metropolitan Park. This park covers 0.28 square miles of land and features green space, the Costa Rican Art Museum, and the national stadium (as well as several sports fields, running and skating tracks, a gymnasium, and a shooting range).
Where to Stay: Gran Hotel Costa Rica
Most Underrated Travel Destinations
Taiwan
This island country sits in the western Pacific Ocean about 100 miles off the coast of China. Its parks boast beautiful mountains and beaches.
What to Do
- Taroko National Park is the national park to visit. Explore Taroko Gorge, a beautiful shrine, and much more.
- See Chinese art and artifacts at the National Palace Museum in Taiwan.
- Visit National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a famous memorial park with ponds and pristine gardens that show off Taiwan’s beauty.
- Taiwan’s capital city, Taipei, features one of the tallest buildings in the world, the Taipei 101. This building offers an observation deck for panoramic views of the city.
Where to Stay: Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel
Georgia
Not to be confused with the state in the U.S. of the same name, this country sits at the intersection of Europe and Asia. The country has a unique and old cultural heritage and is famous for its hospitality and local cuisines.
What to Do
- Explore the ancient cave monastery site of Vardzia in southern Georgia. It was excavated from the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain dating back to the 1180s.
- Check out the Bridge of Peace, a modern pedestrian bridge illuminated with lights. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the capital city of Tbilisi.
- The beautiful Batumi Botanical Garden is another must-see attraction. It is a 108-hectare (about 267 acres) area of land north of Batumi.
PRO TIP! When traveling to a destination where you don’t know the language, make sure you memorize at least a few basic phrases to help you get around. Also, research tips for traveling to a country without knowing the language.
Where to Stay: Crown Plaza Borjomi
Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.
Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico and has a modern downtown that contrasts with Old Town Albuquerque.
What to Do
- Stop by the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, operated by the Indian Pueblos of New Mexico. The center is dedicated to preservation of the Pueblo Indian culture and history and features authentic history and artifacts of traditional Pueblo cultures, as well as their contemporary art.
- Also see Albuquerque Biological Park, an environmental museum featuring four separate facilities: Albuquerque Aquarium, Albuquerque BioPark, Botanic Garden, and Rio Grande Zoo.
- Make sure you take the Sandia Peak Tramway, an aerial tramway, across the Sandia Mountains. It is the longest aerial tram in the Americas.
Where to Stay: Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn
Best Solo Travel Destinations
Sedona, Arizona, U.S.
Sedona is a desert town in Arizona near Flagstaff. It’s surrounded by iconic red-rock, steep canyons, and pine forests and is known for its vibrant art community.
What to Do
- Explore Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, an Arizona landmark featuring artisan shops and galleries, for some take-home treasures.
- See a breathtaking panoramic view of Sedona and the landscapes from Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout.
- Hike through Arizona’s unique landscape of red rock formations in the Sedona / Red Rock Country. You can’t visit Arizona without getting a picture of its beautiful red rock formations.
Where to Stay: Sun Cliff Sedona
New Zealand
New Zealand is the place to be for an adventure-seeking solo traveler. It is the island country off the coast of Australia and is comprised of two main islands and a number of smaller islands.
What to Do
- Explore Zealandia, a protected natural area in Wellington, home to many rare native birds, plants, and trees of New Zealand.
- Tongariro National Park is the oldest national park in New Zealand, and it features an active volcano and various religious sites. The park is also home to the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, widely considered one of the best one-day hikes in the world.
- Ski enthusiasts can visit Whakapapa, a ski resort in Mount Ruapehu in Manawatu-Wanganui.
Where to Stay: Chateau Tongariro Hotel
Chile
Chile is a long, narrow country lining South America’s western edge. It features over 6,000 km (about 3,728 miles) of Pacific Ocean coastline as well as the Andes and Chilean Coast Range mountains.
What to Do
- Visit Magdalena Island, a small island in the Strait of Magellan known for its penguin population.
- See some incredible Petrohué Waterfalls in Pérex Rosales National Park. The falls are supported by basaltic lava stemming from the Osorno Volcano.
- Ahu Tongariki is the site of famous stone statues (moais) and beautiful sunrise views. Visitors on the summer solstice can view all of the moai directly facing the sunset.
Where to Stay: Casa Bueras Boutique – Hotel en Lastarria
Top LGBTQ+ Friendly Destinations
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark and sits on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager. Denmark was the first nation in the world to recognize registered same-sex partners in 1989.
What to Do
- The Little Mermaid is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks. This bronze statue is displayed on a rock by the waterside at the Langelinie and has been a major tourist attraction since it was unveiled in 1913.
- Trivoli Gardens is another must-see destination in Copenhagen. This 19th century amusement park is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world.
- Finish the night off with drinks at Centralhjørnet, Europe’s first openly gay bar – which is over 100 years old!
Where to Stay: Hotel D’Angleterre
Toronto, Canada
Toronto is a major Canadian city along Lake Ontario’s northwest shore and is home to the world-famous free-standing CN Tower stretching far above its metropolitan skyscrapers.
Canada is regarded as one of the most progressive nations in the Americas for the gay community and hosts a large annual Pride event.
What to Do
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is a public aquarium located in downtown Toronto. This tourist destination houses many marine species as well as classes and events.
- Check out the Toronto Islands while you’re there, too. This chain of 15 small islands south of the mainland offers beaches and other recreational activities.
- You can also spend the day shopping at the CF Toronto Eaton Center, a long-standing multilevel shopping mall.
Where to Stay: InterContinental Toronto Yorkville
Palm Springs, California, U.S.
Palm Springs is a southern California city known for its hot springs and luxury hotels, golf courses, and spas. Its warm weather most of the year also drives up its tourism.
What to Do
- Take a ride in the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a scenic canyon ride on rotating tram cars.
- Adventurists can climb Mount San Jacinto for spectacular views.
- Nothing beats a cruise down South Palm Canyon Drive for a classic Palm Springs feel. Also, stop for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants on this street.
Where to Stay: Staybridge Suites Cathedral City
Best Honeymoon Travel Destinations
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
This French Polynesian island is surrounded by sand-fringe islets and a turquoise lagoon protected by coral reef.
What to Do
- Explore the beautiful water and coral reefs with a scuba dive.
- Take a hike or a Jeep tour through Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu.
- Enjoy a relaxing sunset at Matira Beach, which offers clear, shallow water and nearby shops and restaurants.
- For the true Bora Bora experience, book a room at a luxury resort where some guest bungalows are perched over the water on stilts.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Resort
Maui, Hawaii, U.S.
The island of Maui is a popular honeymoon destination and the second largest Hawaiian island. Its highest peak is the volcano of Haleakala, and the island features 30 miles of beaches for participating in water sports or relaxing.
What to Do
- Hike through Haleakala National Park to see Haleakala Volcano and Pools of Ohe’o.
- Venture out to Molokini, a crescent-shaped islet and a popular site for snorkeling.
- Kanapali Beach is a popular beachfront lined with popular resorts for honeymooners and other visitors.
- Take a scenic drive on Hana Highway to experience the beautiful tropical rainforests on the island.
Where to Stay: Honua Kai Resort & Spa
Paris, France
This French capital is home to many world-famous monuments and is known for its café culture and designer boutiques. It is also the perfect spot for a romantic honeymoon.
What to Do
- The Eiffel Tower is a must-see tourist attraction in the city. Admire its intricate architecture and take in panoramic views of the whole city.
- The Louvre Museum is another world-famous attraction. This large museum is home to none other than the Mona Lisa and many other renowned paintings.
- Couples can also visit Temple de l’Amour, or “Temple of Love,” a famous temple in the Chateau de Versailles.
- A trip to France wouldn’t be complete without some wine tasting. Book a French wine and champagne tasting experience for a relaxing afternoon tasting hand-picked wines.
Where to Stay: Pevillion de la Reine
Top Caribbean Travel Destinations
Puerto Rico
This U.S. territory is a beautiful Caribbean nation worth visiting for its mountains, waterfalls, and El Yungque tropical rainforest.
What to Do
- Explore El Yungue National Forest for the Mount Britton trails and Taíon petroglyphs (prehistoric rock carvings).
- Tour the Castillo de San Cristóbal in Puerto Rico. It is the largest Spanish fort building in the “New World.”
- Visit Casa Blanca for more history exploration. It is a 1520s house originally built for Ponce de León.
- The Calle del Cristo is another tourist attraction to see for a peak into modern Puerto Rican culture. Calle del Cristo is an art district with shopping, galleries, and restaurants.
Where to Stay: CasaBlanca Hotel
Aruba
Aruba is an island and constituent country of The Netherlands in the southern Caribbean Sea. The island is known for its stunning beaches and desert landscape.
What to Do
- Aruba’s Arikok National Park is home to the conchi pool as well as ancient Fontein cave paintings.
- See a more modern look at Aruba’s history by taking a tour of the California Lighthouse. This was named after the S.S. California, a steamship that wrecked nearby before the lighthouse’s construction. Take in panoramic views of the island from the top of the lighthouse.
- Take an underwater dive to see Antilla Shipwreck too. This underwater wreckage with marine life is the largest shipwreck dive in the Caribbean.
Where to Stay: Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are a British territory in the Western Caribbean Sea. Its largest island, Grand Cayman, is known for its beach resorts and various scuba diving and snorkeling sites.
What to Do
- Take an underground cave tour in Cayman Crystal Cave or explore Cayman Turtle Center, a wildlife park in the Cayman Islands.
- Starfish Point is a popular beach known for its starfish. Spend an afternoon relaxing in the sun or taking a swim.
- The shopping hub for the Cayman Islands is Cayman Bay. It’s home to many restaurants and stores for a day of shopping.
Where to Stay: Grand Cayman Marriot Beach Resort
If you need more help planning your trip, see this list of top travel websites to help you prepare. Or check out our list of the best travel destinations for 2022!
