21 Best Places To Visit In The World This Year

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Every year I spend more time than I will admit to contemplating where in the world to visit next. Of course, the list never ends. It grows as I discover more and more cities, regions or countries that must go on my travel bucket list. In fact, I recently added almost a dozen new countries from a collaboration post with travel bloggers who recommended their favorite countries to visit this year. But if I’m going down, I’m taking everybody with me. So I teamed up with even more incredible bloggers who suggested their best places to visit in the world this year. Are you ready to see what they came up with?

As always please check current travel restrictions. Not only to any country you want to visit, but including restrictions from your own country. Please only travel when safe to do so and respect all international travel guidelines and recommendations.

Naxos, Greece

Recommended By Sara from Sara Far Away

If you’re looking for the perfect island getaway in the Mediterranean, look no further. Naxos, the biggest island of the Cyclades is one of Greece’s hidden gems. Often overlooked due to its famous neighbors, Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros, Naxos has managed to keep its authentic Greek charm.

Naxos is not only the biggest but also the greenest island of the Cyclades. And these landscapes are one of the best reasons for choosing Naxos as your Greek island destination. Picture clear turquoise waters, almost empty beaches, rugged mountains, and green hills dotted with typical Greek villages.

Naxos was the first Greek island I ever visited, and it exceeded all my “Mamma Mia”-inspired expectations by far. The best thing to do in Naxos is just go where your feet (or car) take you. There’s so much to see on the island, gorgeous photo stops, cute villages to wander through and beaches to discover. I recommend renting a car for your entire stay and venture along the coast and into the backcountry.

Naxos Town is a picture-perfect Greek town: white houses, narrow cobblestone lanes, and traditional Greek tavernas. For the best local food, head to Τo Kati Allo. The family-run restaurant serves traditional Greek specialties like Moussaka and Souvlaki. My favorite: crispy feta in filo pastry with honey and sesame.

We stayed in a little Airbnb in Agios Prokopios, around 3 km from Naxos Town and 30 meters from the best beach on the island. This really completed our perfect island getaway. Starting each day with a swim in the clear, turquoise sea and some sweet Greek yogurt by the beach, before heading out for another day of island exploring.

San Gimignano, Italy

Recommended By McKenna from One More Step Travels

Sitting on a hill in the gorgeous Tuscany countryside is a small town, often overlooked by visitors to Italy. San Gimignano (sounds like San Jim-mean-yawn-oh). This charming town transports visitors to medieval times, with its cobbled streets, stone wall surroundings, and large well in the middle of the town square. San Gimignano reached its cultural peak in the middle ages and has been beautifully preserved. Towers and buildings have now been transformed into elegant shops and homes.

In addition to stunning architecture, visitors will find San Gimignano is also home to award winning gelato. Found at Gelateria Dondoli, made by the only master gelato maker in Italy—Sergio Dondoli. Try the saffron gelato, a popular flavor in this region that is utterly unique. Enjoy your gelato in the town square where even the street performers are classy. Instead of drums or a guitar they play music with wine glasses while wearing a dress shirt and pants!

For the rest of your visit to San Gimignano, enjoy walking around the town. Visit local shops that sell saffron, lavender, ceramics, trinkets, and other local treasures. Looking for a bit to eat in addition to gelato? Stop by the nearby restaurant, Palagetto, which serves wine, cheeses, and pasta in an elegant setting overlooking Tuscany. Your day in San Gimignano is destined to be a delight which is why it’s one of my best places to visit in the world this year! For more things to do in Italy, check out this guide to Italian cities, including Florence, Rome, and Cinque Terre.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Recommended By Katie from The Travel Strategy

Scotland is a beautiful country, with stunning landscapes and friendly people. Edinburgh’s distinct architecture, history dating back thousands of years, and activities are why you should go. That’s why I recommend it again and again as one of the best places to visit in the world.

With the main attractions relatively close to each other, you’ll easily see a lot of what Edinburgh has to offer. Spend time along The Royal Mile, the main old town road from Edinburgh Castle all the way down to Holyrood Palace. Start at the top exploring Edinburgh Castle, one of the better-known castles in the country. Take a break between activities at The Royal Mile Tavern with its enjoyable atmosphere, tasty food and friendly staff. 

Hiking up to Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano, is well worth it as well. Plan about two hours of your day to do it. From the top, you can see all of Edinburgh. People jokingly suggest it might have once been the site of Camelot, the castle from The Adventures of King Arthur. A potential reason for the name Arthur’s Seat. In truth, it was originally called ‘Ard-na-Said’, meaning ‘height of arrows’ in Gaelic. This is believed to have been lost in translation, changing over they years to the name we have today.

One of the best decisions you can make is planning a trip to Edinburgh! You’ll fall in love with the city and want to experience what Scotland has to offer!

I highly suggest staying at Kick Ass Greyfriars hostel in the city center. The location is convenient, the hostel is clean, and most importantly, it’s great for budget travelers.

Oaxaca, Mexico

Recommended By Shelley from Travel Mexico Solo

Oaxaca City is one of the most unique cities in Mexico. Oaxaca state, located in southeastern Mexico, is one of the foodie capitals of the country. It also has thousands-year-old ruins and UNESCO World Heritage Sites and colorful festivals. Oaxaca City, the state’s capital and cultural hub, stands in a class by itself with a mix of old-meets-new-world traditions.

Visit the surrounding pueblos (small towns), just outside the city, to see artisans making traditional textiles and pottery. Back in Centro Historico (downtown), you’ll enter a world of fine dining with award-winning Mexican chefs putting new spins on classic Oaxacan cuisine. 

When you’re ready to venture out into nature, head to Hierve el Agua. This group of natural mineral pools and a calcified “waterfall,” is one of the most popular things to see in Oaxaca.

Also check out El Arbol del Tule (The Tree of Tule), with the biggest trunk diameter of any tree on Earth, at 46-feet/14m. For scale, it takes about 25-30 people with clasped hands to wrap all the way around it.

Oaxaca City also has some of the best Aztec, Zapotec and Mixtec ruins in all of Mexico. Head to Monte Alban, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Mitla, one of Mexico’s 120 pueblos magicos (magic towns) to explore these archeological sites.

Those lucky enough to visit in July or November can attend the city’s two biggest festivals — the Guelaguetza and Day of the Dead. The Guelaguetza, the largest folk festival in the Americas, is Oaxaca’s most colorful celebration. Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, takeing place November 1-2, is a time to remember and celebrate departed loved ones. Many have heard about it through the movie, Coco.

The Sacred Valley, Peru

Recommended By Toni from Flashpack Journal

The Sacred Valley in Peru is one of the most magical places I have been to. For many people visiting Peru in the past, the Sacred Valley has merely been the gateway to Machu Picchu. But this magical land between the old Inca capital of Cuzco and the world-famous Inca citadel has its own appeal.

Surrounded by the Andean mountain range and known for a network of ancient Inca trails winding through valleys and mountains, this stunning region offers some of the best hiking, trekking and climbing in South America. Crystal clear lagoons, snow-capped peaks and lush valleys covered in flowers next to majestic Inca ruins will make you want to stay forever. Besides the many outdoor activities on offer for adventure junkies and nature lovers, this deeply energetic place is nowadays also a mecca for spiritual seekers and everyone looking for some wellness and relaxation only surrounded by peace and quiet.

The Sacred Valley’s two main hubs of Ollantaytambo and Urubamba offer a wide range of accommodation options for every budget. My favorite is the quirky and history-laden El Albergue. Situated right inside Ollantaytambo’s train station, it’s home to an organic farm and Café Mayu, the town’s best coffee shop. From here you can start exploring the region and its many attractions such as the Incan ruins and colorful markets of Pisac and Chinchero, the Maras salt flats and stunning archaeological terraces of Moray.

You’ll be mesmerized by the Sacred Valley’s beauty, character and most importantly by its peoples’ friendliness!

Penang, Malaysia

Recommended By Jackie and Justin from Life Of Doing

Penang, Malaysia is one of the underrated places in Asia and one of the best places in the world to visit this year. Located in the northwest part of Malaysia, Penang is an island known for some of the best street food, iconic street art and murals, and beautiful landscapes from the mountains. 

George Town, a historic area and UNESCO World Heritage site, is an ideal place to start your Penang itinerary. Wear your walking shoes and search for street art and wired street art. Interact with the artwork, such as riding a bicycle or hanging from the swing set with the boy and girl. 

Eating Penang street food is a must-do. You’ll notice the dishes are a blend of Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, and Malaysian flavors. Head to food centers (food stalls) and try dishes such as char kway teow (stir-fried noodles), nasi lemak (rice with meat, egg, peanuts, fried fish) and beef rendang. A popular spot for breakfast is Toh Soon Cafe and try the decadent buttered toast with egg.  

If you love nature, head to Penang National Park or Penang Botanic Garden. For incredible views of the city, either hike or take the cable car to the top of Penang Hill. 

I recommend staying at a guesthouse around George Town, or along Gurney Drive which has more luxurious hotel options.

Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

Recommended By Ellis from Backpack Adventures

Kazakhstan is famous for its vast steppes, but don’t be fooled by thinking that this makes Kazakhstan boring. In fact, Kazakhstan holds many surprises and has lots of hidden gems such as the Charyn Canyon. Few people know about it, but it is often compared to the Grand Canyon because of its natural beauty. 

The Charyn Canyon lies in the southwestern corner of Kazakhstan, close to the border with China and Kyrgyzstan. One of the most popular day trips from the nearby city of Almaty, it’s a 3 hour journey to get there. Driving through the vast grasslands with the Tien shan mountains visible in the distance, nothing can prepare you for the beauty of the Charyn Canyon. 

The Charyn Canyon remains out of sight for a long time. Even at the entrance to the national park there is nothing to see until you reach the end of the road and the spectacular canyon opens up in front of you. Here you can start an easy 2 kilometer hike through the valley of castles. Once you are in the canyon with its curious red rock formations you are in a completely different world from the steppes above you.

The hike through the valley of castles will eventually lead you to the Charyn river. It is hard to believe that this river, over years of erosion, is responsible for what you see. Although Kazakhstan is still an off the beaten path destination, Charyn canyon is becoming increasingly popular among tourists. That is why it is better to visit this place sooner rather than later and one of the best places to visit in the world this year.  

Kumarakom, Kerala, India

Recommended By Charu from Travel With CG

Located on the backwaters of Kerala in Southern India, Kumarakom is a destination full of beautiful canals and soothing sights. If you are looking for a holiday where you can relax amidst lush greenery, chirping birds, and everything serene that nature has to offer; then think no further before adding Kerala to your 2021 bucket list. It is surely one of the best places to visit in the world this year.

Coming from Jaipur, a rather popular city in India, I was surprised during my visit to Kumarakom earlier this year. For a small village surrounded by waterways, I was amazed to discover how much there actually is to do in Kumarakom. For instance canoe rides and cruises, lakeside strolls, ayurvedic spas, pristine beaches, and more. There really is something for everyone here.

My personal favourite thing about this part of Kerala is the beautiful houseboats that are unique to the region. Depending on the duration of the visit, one can easily hire a houseboat for a few hours or night(s). Equipped with both basic and luxury amenities, there is a varied range of options that are fit for sailing through these quaint backwaters. 

For a more memorable tip, visitors can spend a few nights in the luxury resorts that call Kumarakom home. Marketed as an all-inclusive property that cares largely about the environment and sustainability, I truly loved staying at Kumarakom Lake Resort myself. Other than the beautiful villas, multiple restaurants and infinity pools, the hotel even has their own houseboats. If possible, I would definitely recommend splitting your nights and indulging in both the experiences!

Sighisoara, Romania

By Cris from LooknWalk

The last inhabited medieval citadel in Europe, Sighisoara is a gem to discover in the fascinating Romanian region of Transylvania. The land of vampires, fairytales, and untamed nature won’t disappoint, no matter what type of traveler you are.

Couples will love to discover romantic places for equally charming shots; while those traveling solo will certainly love to explore at their own pace. And meet fellow travelers in cafes or at various landmarks dotting the citadel. Active travelers will rejoice in the many hiking routes available within a short distance.

The citadel is only a small part of Sighisoara but it is the main reason why visitors make their way here. The most well-known landmark in the citadel is the Clock Tower. Climbing up to the balcony – from where you get a gorgeous view of the citadel – you are visiting a history museum. In the area, there’s the house where Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Tepes) was born, now a restaurant.

Another must-see place is the Scholar’s Stairs (Scara Acoperita), leading to the school and church, both located on the hill. It’s a covered stairway which makes sure anyone – especially students – can go to school during the harsh winter days, protected from the elements. Church Hill is astonishing and the view from here towards the city is splendid. Nearby, the old Saxon Cemetery gives a glimpse into the history of the citadel’s inhabitants.

Just 2.5 hours by car from Sibiu, Sighisoara is an easy day trip. Alternatively you may want to stay a night or two. Consequently, there are plenty of charming places to stay overnight located within the citadel. Burg Hostel Sighisoara is one of them. The onsite restaurant serves local and international fare.

Gran Canaria, Spain

By Maria from A World of Destinations

The island Gran Canaria is part of the Spanish archipelago the Canary Islands located near the African coast in the Atlantic Ocean. Gran Canaria is known for having warm temperatures all year around. Some people even refer to the island as miniature continent because of its diverse landscapes. Gran Canaria is home to wild coasts in the north, impressive mountain ranges in the center and Caribbean-like beaches in the south. All of which makes it one of the best places to visit in the world.

When visiting the island, make sure to go off the beaten path and explore the hidden gems of Gran Canaria. One of the most impressive places on the island are certainly the sand dunes of Maspalomas which make you feel as if you were in a desert. While visiting Maspalomas pay a visit to Tipsy Hammock bar where they serve the best cocktails of the island.

Gran Canaria’s capital Las Palmas is a great place for shopping, nightlife and sunbathing on Las Canteras, Europe’s most beautiful city beach. Head to Mr. Kale for a delicious and healthy meal or check out the rooftop bar at Design Plus Bex Hotel for a beautiful view over the city.

Those who prefer spending time in nature will love to hike one of the numerous mountains near Tejeda or to visit the remote beach Playa Guigui. You can find amazing restaurants all over the island. But for authentic local cuisine with affordable prices I recommend visiting less touristy places such as Puerto de las Nieves or Agüimes for example.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

By Anjali from Travel Melodies

Situated in central Croatia between the mountain ranges of Mala Kapela and Licka Plješivica, Plitvice Lakes National Park tops the list as one of the most beautiful and best places to visit in the world. What makes Plitvice Lakes special? Certainly the sight of 16 crystal-clear lakes in a terraced fashion connected by about 90 beautiful waterfalls is something that words and your imagination can not capture. Pure wilderness!

You just can’t get enough of the glassy lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, inviting wooden walkways, and too-good-to-be-true-beauty all around. Do I need to say more? The network of 16 lakes forms two clusters: Upper Lakes (12) and Lower Lakes (4).

There are eight different self-guided trails (called programs) inside the park that range from 4 km to 18 km. Programs A, B, and C start at entrance 1 while programs E, F, and H (running the opposite direction) start at entrance 2. In addition Program K takes you through the entire park.
It’s fun walking the wooden walkways over the glassy streams with tiny fishes swimming and gawking at the natural beauty all around. Kids love boating on Kozjak Lake. However, no matter how alluring the sparkling blue waters of lakes might be, swimming is not allowed at Plitvice Lakes.

Once you finish exploring the park, make sure to spend some time at the beautiful lookout points over Plitvice Lakes. More so, if you seek Instagram-worthy pictures. They are near the entrance 1 shuttle stop.

We strongly recommend staying in or near Plitvice Lakes for an unmatched experience. We stayed at B&B Lady of the Lake and loved it to the core. Up27 Suites Plitvice is another beautiful accommodation near Plitvice. And Bistro Vila Velebita is one of the best places to eat around Plitvice Lakes. 

Nambi Naukluft National Park, Namibia

By Jyoti from Story At Every Corner

Namib Naukluft National Park on the western side of Namibia is one of the best places to visit in the world this year. This incredible national park has the world’s oldest and tallest dunes. Their red and orange colored dunes look amazing any time but absolutely spectacular at sunrise and sunset. A hike up on these magnificent dunes should be on everyone’s travel wishlist. Plan to spent 4 days to visit Namib Naukluft National park, this includes the day long drive to and from Windhoek. 

In order to climb the dunes for sunrise and sunset, you’ll need to live within the national park. There are two options within the national park – camping and Susses Dune lodge. Camping is inexpensive but the lodge is quite pricy.

If you’re not too particular about the early or late access you can stay at one of the many ultra-luxurious resorts in Namib Naukluft area. One of the benefits of staying outside the national park is that you’ll be able to take the sunrise hot air balloon ride. 

In addition to the dunes, the Namib desert is home to large population of wildlife such as oryx, wildebeest, antelope, zebra, ostrich, fox and many more. 

If you have time Namibia can be divided five distinct geographical regions, each with its own unique characteristics. You can add other regions if you have time. 

Singapore

By Matilda from The Travel Sisters

Singapore is one of the best places to visit in the world this year for many reasons. Not only is Singapore one of the safest cities in the world, it also offers warm weather year round, an excellent public transportation system and many unique tourist attractions.

Don’t miss the large Gardens by the Bay, comprised of beautiful outdoor and indoor gardens. The highlight is the futuristic Supertree Grove, which is made up of tall tree-shaped vertical gardens that are lit up in the evening. After that, another great Singapore activity is to walk along the waterfront promenade while enjoying amazing views of the skyline and famous landmarks such as the Helix Bridge and the Merlion statue.

Other must see attractions in Singapore include Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum and the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Singapore has many diverse and interesting neighborhoods such as Little India, Kampong Glam and Chinatown. Make sure to eat at one of the many hawker centres for cheap and tasty food.

I recommend staying at one of Singapore’s hotels with rooftop pools, such as the Marina Bay Sands hotel, which is famous for having the largest rooftop infinity pool in the world. Only hotel guests can swim in its iconic pool, but anyone can enjoy similar views from its bars, restaurants or the observation deck.

Inle Lake, Myanmar

By Ophelie from Limitless Secrets

Inle Lake is one of the most surprising places to visit during a trip to Myanmar! This lake and its area have been recognized not only as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, but also as an ASEAN Heritage Site, a National Wildlife Sanctuary and a National Wetland Sanctuary!

Inle Lake is amazing from sunrise to sunset. At sunrise you can meet the talented one leg rowing fishermen performing on their boats. And at sunset you can admire the sun setting over the lake while the sky takes the most amazing colors. Inle Lake is also very interesting for all the floating villages, the stunning temples and the flora and fauna.

The best thing to do in Inle Lake is a boat tour. You can take a half-day tour, or a full day tour, and you will enjoy all the gems that this place has to offer! It usually starts with the one leg rowing fishermen and then you will go to some floating villages, see a floating garden and more. The village of In Dein shouldn’t be missed either. It features a unique site with more than 1000 stupas dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. It’s extraordinary!

Villa Inle Boutique Resort is a great place to stay in Inle Lake. This eco-friendly resort offers fantastic wooden villas with a direct view on the Lake. If you are looking for a good place to eat you can try Sin Yaw in Nyaungshwe. Their cuisine is delicious, and the staff is very kind.

Queenstown, New Zealand

By Holly from Globeblogging

There’s something to appeal to every kind of traveler in New Zealand’s South Island city of Queenstown. One of the worlds most popular ski destinations in winter and best places to visit in the world, Queenstown is the adventure capital of the South Island and features the worlds first commercial bungy jump over the Kawarau River.

Queenstown is built on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, so much of the city offers epic views of the lake. For lovers of scenic drives the trip around the lake out to Glenorchy is not to be missed. Photographers will delight in the scenes of the snow capped Remarkables reflecting on the surface of the pristine lake.

History lovers can take a short trip out to Arrowtown, a quaint old gold-mining town, and for the movie lovers Queenstown is the location for numerous Hollywood blockbusters. Most famously, there are plenty of Lord of the Rings locations in and around Queenstown. They’re not too hard to find, or you can join a tour for the inside scoop. In addition, you can even pan for gold in Arrowtown at the location where Arwen washes the Ringwraiths away!

There are a few Airbnb gems offering views over the lake that are worth looking at as alternatives to the big hotels. Fergburger needs to be tried at least once, commonly rated as amongst the best burgers in the worlds. Expect some queues though! For live music every night of the week head down to the lakes edge for a delicious meal and maybe a roaring fire at Pub on Wharf.

Tokyo, Japan

By Sydney from A World In Reach

With incredible culture, fascinating museums, and some of the best food in the entire world, the megalopolis of Tokyo, Japan is one of the best places t visit in the world this year. One of the best cities in the world, Tokyo can be enjoyed by both seasoned explorers and new travelers.

A HUGE city, there are so many things to do in Tokyo to keep you busy, whether you’re visiting for a couple of days or a couple of weeks. Tokyo is known for being a hybrid of modern and traditional Japanese culture. The Edo-Tokyo Museum offers more about Tokyo’s history, and visiting one of the city’s many shrines and temples let’s you experience traditional Japanese culture. Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Jingu Shrine are two of the most popular.

After experiencing a bit of the old, head for the futuristic teamLab Borderless, an immersive digital art museum blending artwork with real life. Tokyo is known for delicious food, and you can’t go wrong with pretty much any restaurant in town. In the mood for ramen? Visit Tokyo Ramen Street, a line of ramen shops in the depths of Tokyo Station. Make sure to try the tsukemen from Rokurinsha!

Hotels in Tokyo (and elsewhere in Japan) can be pricey for small rooms. If you’re traveling alone or with one other person (and don’t just want a hostel bed), then a business hotel is the way to go. Rooms at business hotels are pretty small, but there’s plenty of space for one person. You’ll get your own bathroom and they’re super affordable. For a unique (and extremely Japanese) experience, stay at one of the city’s capsule hotels, where you’ll stay in your own personal pod.

Salento, Colombia

By Jackie from Bon Voyage Jackie

Located in Colombia’s Zona Cafeteria, coffee-growing region, Salento is an amazingly beautiful destination for outdoor adventure seekers. A 9-10 hour bus ride from either Bogota or Medellin, it’s the perfect stop in between the two cities for a couple days.

Salento is home to the Valle de Cocora and its famous wax palm forest. The 5 hour valley trek, one of the town’s main draws, cannot be missed. Most people suggested hiking the counter clockwise route with the steep mountain section going uphill instead of down. This makes it easier on your knees, and puts the amazing wax palms view at the end of the hike. The perfect reward for all your hard work!

Grab a packed lunch for the hike at Brunch de Salento, or one of the other cafes in town! They offer a great deal with yummy sandwiches, fruit, granola, and peanut butter brownie.

Salento is located in the coffee producing region of Colombia. Tour a coffee farm (fincas) and learn how coffee is cultivated and produced. Your tour ends with delicious coffee tasting. Visiting a local coffee farm is an excellent way of supporting local businesses and the coffee makes great gifts for people back home.

While in Salento give Tejo a try, a game of skill and explosives! Throw metal disks (tejos) at the target, a circle of little gunpowder filled triangles. The player whose Tejo is closest to the center of the ring gets a point. Los Amigos, the Tejo court near the center of town, costs $2000 pesos/round.

Viajero Hostel, conveniently located near the town center, offers both shared dorms and private rooms. The mountain views from the garden are amazing!

Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

By Victoria from Guide Your Travel

Gili Trawangan is part of the Gili Islands, located between the Indonesian islands Bali and Lombok. The Gilis used to be a secret tip for anyone wanting to escape the busy streets of Bali and experience island life like it was 30 years ago. Gili Trawangan has long since transformed into a backpacker favorite with vivid nightlife and a great selection of hotels. There is no motorized traffic on these islands and the main way of getting around is by bike or horse cart.

Gili Trawangan is home to some of the best beaches around and is known for its unique underwater life. You can swim with green sea turtles right from the beach here without having to worry about booking an expensive tour. Simply rent some snorkeling equipment and keep an eye out for turtles grazing in the shallow waters close to the shore. Click here to find out more about where to swim with turtles on Gili Trawangan.

After a long day of snorkeling and swimming, you should head to Gili Trawangan’s famous night market that is set up every evening close to the harbor. Enjoy delicious BBQ food for affordable prices. Afterwards, you absolutely have to check out Sama-Sama reggae bar, one of the islands most popular spots for live music. Gili Trawangan is truly a little paradise that should be on your bucket list of best places to visit in the world this year.

Funchal, Madeira (Portugal)

By Lauriane & Alexis from Always Ready to Check-in

Funchal is the capital city of Madeira, a small Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean. And probably one of the lesser known capitals among the cities in this post of best places to visit in the world!

Funchal is perfect for a long weekend in Europe. You can explore the old center and small streets easily by foot. Don’t forget to visit Funchal’s outdoor market Dos Lavradores filled with all sorts of tropical fruits. To enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the bay, take a cable car ride to the top of the city. Up there, don’t miss the lovely botanic garden, famous for its mosaic garden. In addition, a very cool activity to do is the Toboggan ride on a traditional wicker basket sledge. It is unique, fun and you can slide down to up to 20 mph.

Foodies will love Funchal’s large choice of restaurants. To eat like a local, order a seafood dish with a glass of Madeira wine. Our favorite romantic restaurant is Armazem Do Sal, and we highly recommend staying at the Saccharum Resort & Spa outside of the city. One of the best spots to enjoy incredible sunsets is from your hotel room.

From Funchal you can drive to any part of the island in under 2 hours. If you are a nature lover and/or an adventurous hiker, we highly recommended to stay at least 4 days on the island to get a chance to explore the many stunning mountainous landscapes and breathtaking cliffs. Above all, this destination is great even for tight budgets. Especially if you can travel outside of peak season.

Dénia, Spain

By Chay from On The Goers

Dénia, Spain, is oftentimes overlooked because it is surrounded by far more popular destinations such as Valencia or Alicante. Sadly, tourists usually just stick to those places and fail to give Dénia the attention it deserves. However, if you’re looking to venture off into a more authentic part of Spain, I’d suggest heading to Dénia, one of the best places to visit in the world this year.

This charming coastal city is only an hour’s drive away from the two metropolises and it will surprise you! You will learn to love the Spanish way of life. You’ll be waking up before sunrise for a hike up the Montgó, exploring a cave or a windmill after lunch. More often than not, you will end your day by lounging around the beach with a drink in your hand, watching the sun elegantly disappear into the Mediterranean sea. You’ll find that Dénia is the perfect place to unwind and disconnect from daily stressors and reconnect with nature. 

In my opinion, hitting the Montgó at 6 a.m is one of the best ways to do just that. The hike gives you the opportunity of appreciating nature’s beauty and it also give you plenty of time for introspection. In addition, the top of the mountain offers a breathtaking view of the port of Dénia and its ships sailing off into the distance. And the best part is that the natural park is mostly empty at that time; you’ll probably have the whole place all to yourself!  

Antigua, Guatemala

By Heather from Must Love Beer

Antigua, Guatemala is the perfect landing spot in this beautiful country and one of the best places to visit in the world this year. It’s about an hour outside of Guatemala City and the airport. Antigua is part of the popular surfer trail through Central America therefore the locals expect and love tourists. There are bars, restaurants on every street and massive souvenir shops. If souvenir shops are not of interest, the city boasts a very large market that features fruits and vegetables, prepared foods, and handmade crafts.

A favorite place for me in the city was the chocolate museum, ChocoMuseo. The museum takes you through the process of making chocolate from bean to bar. If you still want to enjoy some of the locally made chocolate, I highly recommend Fernando’s Kaffee. They roast their own beans for their coffee and make their own chocolate for hot chocolates and mochas.

I found an amazing place to stay on my first night at the outskirts of Antigua, about 7 kilometers (4 miles) away. Which was just what I needed after the rocky start to my trip. The Earth Lodge is a working avocado farm that allows guests to work for their stay or pay for one of their more luxurious rooms. I opted to pay for my stay in their tree house which quite literally was a room in a tree. As a result I woke up the next morning to the most amazing view of the valley and three volcanos.

A warning if you decide to book this location, it is just shy of a kilometer hike almost straight up to get to the road into town. An easy enough walk usually but consider your luggage choices if you book here.

Best places to visit in the world in 2021

What a list, am I right?! Even I’m struggling to figure out where I want to go first. There’s something for everyone here whether you like big cities, remote getaways or picturesque landscapes. There’s nothing wrong with the usual vacation destinations, but it’s also nice to consider somewhere new. Overtourism is a problem in some places, and let’s face it, they’re popular for a reason. However by trying somewhere new on your next vacation, getting off the beaten path a bit, you’ll help spread the tourism love. Let me know if you’ve been to any of the places on this list you’d recommend to others.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Of these best places to visit in the world, which one are you booking first?