2022 is officially here! 2020 and 2021 have been a little crazy and we all know 2022 started off a bit rough as well!  The travel industry has taken some pretty major hits but is slowly coming back! Many places have put in great safety and health guidelines to ensure guest safety as best they can as well as flexible cancellation and modification policies.

The beginning of the year is an awesome time to plan a vacation because it really can help you set the pace for the rest of the year. Planning a major trip can take a lot of time (or none at all when using a travel agent 😉) so  I always start to plan as early as possible. Plus, I like to plan my own vacations early in the year because it gives me something to look forward to. As I work each day, I feel like I am working for and toward something special, which always seems to drive my workforce as well!

 I’ve rounded up my Top Places to visit in 2022 to help you get a jump start on thinking or planning your vacation for this year!

1. Walt Disney World

Now more than ever is the time to visit Walt Disney World! There have been so many new and exciting changes coming to all the parks! Epcot is undergoing a major overhaul and new rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be opening this year!. Toy Story Land will be opening Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Hollywood Studios this year and Rise of the Resistance is still as popular as ever! Disney is currently celebrating their 50th-anniversary celebration. This 18-month celebration started in October 2021 and celebrates 50 years of magic. Disney Genie + Services also launched, giving guests more of an interactive way to be in the parks and to maximize their vacation. There really is something for everyone when visiting Walt Disney World. Whether it’s a family vacation, adult-only trip, or a quick getaway, Walt Disney World has it all and makes it a great destination to visit in 2022. Check out this blog post to learn all about Disney’s 50th-anniversary celebration if you’re planning to viait this year!

2. Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando is your one-stop for all things Harry Potter. It is also one of my favorite places to visit in Orlando! Visit Diagon Alley at Universal Studios or Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure, and be fully immersed into a totally different world. With their park-to-park tickets, you can travel between the parks via Hogwarts Express and visit 2 great theme parks in one day. Universal Orlando is known for some great attractions including Rip Ride Rockit, The Hulk, The Revenge of the Mummy, and classic favorites like E.T. These 2 theme parks sit next to Universal’s Volcano Bay: The only water park with an “active” volcano and water rides that can be utilized with a Tapu Tapu wait system allowing you to enjoy your day without having to wait in line. Universal Resorts are close to the parks and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort rounds out the newest list of Universal parks to have opened, making visiting on a budget an easy way to enjoy Universal Orlando. Universal is currently building Jurassic World VelociCoaster and you’ll be able to ride it this summer! This high-speed rollercoaster will be at Islands of Adventure and looks to be amazing!! Not only can you ride this new attraction, but Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is still a fan favorite (and my all-time favorite theme park ride!)

Check out this blog post to see purchase your Marvelous Guide to Universal Orlando as well as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter guide! (PS you may just see a friendly face on the author page! 😉)

3. All-Inclusive Resorts: Featuring Sandals & Beaches Resorts

Looking for 5 Star service? Look no further. Sandals Resorts has everything you need to really experience everything you need for a luxury all-inclusive vacation for adults only. Visit gorgeous beaches in Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua, the Bahamas, Grenada, and Barbados. All-inclusive service includes gourmet dining, bars serving premium liquor and wine, land and water sports, golfing, and PADI-certified scuba diving at most resorts. If you’re looking for a destination wedding or honeymoon, Sandals is the leader in Caribbean destinations, and I definitely see why! If an all-inclusive vacation is on your list along with top-notch service, this is the resort for you!

If you’re looking for a lower-priced option, there are TONS of all-inclusive properties that can fit all types of budgets. Two of my favorite islands that feature other all-inclusive resorts include St Maarten and St. Lucia! Looking to plan a trip to St. Maarten? Check out this blog post here!

4. All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico (Hello Palace & Le Blanc Resorts!) offer affordable luxury for their guests. Some all-inclusive resorts are adult-only, making them a great place to spend time relaxing and enjoying one another. Most all-inclusive resorts include meals, drinks, airport transfers, entertainment, and activities. Some all-inclusive resorts will include spa treatments, excursions, and activities.

Some of my favorite resorts in Cancun and Cabo are the Palace and Le Blanc all-inclusive resorts. Did you know when you book your reservation through our travel agency, you will receive a poolside cabana for one day of your stay? This is just another great perk when booking with our agency! Stay 4 nights at any of these resorts and you will also receive complimentary round trip airport transportation and covid testings.

The best thing about all-inclusive resorts in Mexico is that there is really something for everyone, no matter what you are looking for!

5. National Parks 

Dan and I started a new goal to try and visit one new park a year. In 2020, we visited the Grand Canyon and in 2021 we visited Zion (MY FAVORITE) and Bryce National Canyon. We are working on our plans for 2022 but know we plan to visit a few this year! The United States has 63 national parks, all operated by the National Park Service. Head out west and easily social distance by visiting one of the national parks! The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion National Park are just some of the popular parks and are worth a visit. There is so much to see and do, and it can all be done safely out west!

Visit my Grand Canyon travel guide here!

Visit my Bryce Canyon National Park travel guide here!

6. Cruises

It has been a very tough time for the cruise industry battling all of the safety protocols and guidelines that they have to follow. I have had many clients sail to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Alaska since cruising has returned and they have all had great reviews based on the cruise line and how they have been operating. Each cruise line is following very specific and safe protocols in order to sail. I sailed with Disney Cruise lines in August and it was one of the best cruises I have been on! Most cruise lines are sailing at lower capacity, so there are fewer guests on board. It may not be a vacation for everyone right now, but pricing is great and availability is limited, so if you’re considering it, you may want to start planning sooner than later. A lot of cruise lines have great cancellation and modification protocols in place as well to allow you the flexibility you need for your trip.

Read about my experience with Disney Cruise Lines returning to sail here!

What is on your travel list for 2022? There are so many destinations and your opportunities are endless! Travel more, and worry less. This can still be the year for you! I’d love to help you plan your next vacation!

Love and Travel Dust,

Molly