Is it time yet to start dreaming of possible summer destinations for 2022? We think so!
Most American workers earn paid time off. However, more than half of them usually don’t cash those days in. According to the U.S. Travel Association, over 750 million PTO days were left unused by Americans in 2018. And the 45% of American workers who did use some of their PTO for vacation, only used on average nine days.
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It can be hard to step away from the desk and take a break. Often, if you can pull yourself away from work, you find yourself plugging in the laptop while on vacation and end up working anyways. Unplugging from life, in general, is something everyone should do every once in a while. If you need an anti-tech cleanse or you’re recently retired and have all the time in the world, then you may find these top summer destinations appealing.
Top USA Summer Destinations for 2022
Six USA destinations made the top ten list of HGTV’s Most Searched Summer Destinations for 2020. Starting with the most searched USA summer destination and in order of popularity, these six places in the United States are: Hawaii, Virginia, Maryland, Michigan, California, and Florida.
Hawaii
It’s no surprise that this is America’s number one most searched summer destination. Hawaii is filled with beautiful landscapes, luscious beaches made of white, red, and black sand, striking volcanoes, and some of the most luxurious resorts in the country.
One of the best things about Hawaii is that it’s the perfect summer getaway for nearly anyone. Whether you’re traveling with the family or looking for a romantic adventure with your spouse, Hawaii won’t disappoint.
When looking for fun activities to do, be it biking, hiking, swimming, or sailing, Hawaii is the perfect state. The water activities in Hawaii are to die for, thanks to the numerous coral reefs. If you enjoy watching wildlife, Hawaii has thousands of plants and animals to explore. Before leaving this beautiful destination, learn the Hula dance and get a chance to wear grass skirts and a lei.
Read more:
Some of the Best Snorkeling In Hawaii You Need To Do
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Virginia
Virginia is home to one of America’s most desired vacation destinations, Virginia Beach. Virginia Beach is an excellent summer hotspot if you’re looking for both fun in the sun and a deep dive into history. Virginia Beach is where the Jamestown colonists first landed back in 1607. And if that doesn’t make you want to book a visit, perhaps the 35 miles of beaches will.
If you still have some time left, travel down south and indulge in all the fun things to do in North Carolina. Consider exploring museums and learning as much as you can. And if you enjoy the great outdoors, North Carolina offers plenty of activities. The mountains here are great for biking, hiking, and swimming in waterfalls. The beaches in this state are like in Virginia Beach, as they are perfect for relaxation.
Maryland, Michigan, California, and Florida
The other American summer destinations that made HGTV’s list are worth mentioning too. Ocean City in Maryland, Mackinac Island in Michigan, Catalina Island in California, and Miami in Florida are all must-see summer destinations for 2022. Each offers an endless amount of summer fun and relaxation.
Read more:
What Is The Closest Beach To Philadelphia? 8 Beaches You Can Visit
7 Best Miami Beaches to Visit All Year Round
Top International Summer Destinations for 2022
According to HGTV and European Best Destinations, there are several summer destinations you should consider booking a trip to in 2022. The Bahamas, Bora Bora, Spain, and Croatia top the list. And they are just a few of the places believed to offer some of the best beaches for a summer getaway abroad.
The Bahamas
The sunny archipelago of The Bahamas can deliver the perfect summer vacation for you and your loved ones. However, you should be mindful of hurricane season, which usually runs from June through November. The peak period for tropical cyclones is from the beginning of August to the end of October though, so you're likely to have better luck if you plan a summer stay in June or July.
Besides the many flight routes served by different airlines, American cruise lines also often set sail to The Bahamas. So, for a scenic way to get there, consider researching upcoming cruises leaving out of Texas or Florida.
Read more:
12 Exciting Things to Do In Freeport Bahamas
Bora Bora
If you’ve ever seen those pictures of huts floating over clear blue water (yes, like the one above!), the photos were likely taken in Bora Bora. Anyone who is looking forward to water activities such as scuba diving should definitely think of a vacation in Bora Bora.
Thanks to its preserved coral reef that circles the lagoon, you can experience some of the planet’s most beautiful underwater world in Bora Bora. This heavenly Polynesian island landed the spot of the third most searched for summer destinations for 2021 overall, according to HGTV.
Spain
Spain is home to some of the most incredible beaches in Europe. San Sebastian, Ibiza, Malaga, Menorca Island, and Gran Canaria are just a few of Spain’s finest beach areas. A coastal city like Barcelona is also an amazing place to combine big-city attractions and entertainment with some beach time.
Most say that the best time to visit Spain for a vacation is between April and October. That means it's a perfect country to explore in the summer.
Maldives
If you are looking for a luxury destination full of nature, the Maldives is your destination. Voted a top international destination, the Maldives has a tropical charm that attracts plenty of tourists. Regarding water activities, Maldives has twenty-six corals brimming with marine life to explore. The versatility of activities in the Maldives ranges from relaxing on the beach to swimming with sharks depending on your preference. You can also visit architectural heritages and learn about the Maldivian culture.
Other European Summer Destinations
While you’re in Spain, you may also want to pop over into Portugal to see the picturesque beaches of the Algarve. There are some true natural gems to be found on this stunning wild coast, such as the beach cave of Benagil pictured below.
Other top European countries that are worth adding to your summer destination bucket list are France, Italy, Greece, and Croatia. These Mediterranean countries will all guarantee you a relaxing summer vacation full of sun, sea, and delicious fresh food.
Read more:
Top 7 places to visit in France
12 Must See Cities for First Time in Europe
Holiday in Europe in Style: Tips for Affordable Luxury Holidays in Europe
As you can see, you have more than enough exciting summer destinations to choose from in 2022. Be sure to research each destination before you make your final decision and prepare for the time of your life.
Where will you visit this summer? We'd love to hear where you're headed. Let us know your pick of summer destinations for 2022 in a comment below!