10 Of The Best Travel Destinations For Your 2021 Bucket List
If you have the urge to travel in 2021, you’re probably already thinking about the best travel destinations to add to your 2021 bucket list! With so many amazing places to choose from, and so many unknowns, it’s hard to narrow down where exactly you’ll want to go next year. To help you choose, here is a list of the best travel destinations to try as soon as you can get on a plane.
1. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges, Belgium is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and is reminiscent of Venice, Italy due to its many bridges and canals. This travel destination is famous for the beautiful lace that is made there, as well as for crafting delicious local beer with its namesake. Although Bruges is a beautiful place to wander around in its own right (while you munch on chocolate and show off your new lace) there are also 50 castles around Bruges that you can visit!
2. Split, Croatia
This gorgeous seaside escape is the second largest city in Croatia and has been nicknamed the “Mediterranean Flower.” With a host of Roman architecture including two original Egyptian sphinx monuments, there is plenty of culture to soak up as you walk in the sun- under palm trees, and over marble walkways. Whether you prefer the buzz of the city or the calming shores of the Adriatic Sea, Split, Croatia is absolutely one of the best travel destinations for all types of travelers.
3. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, Thailand is one of the best travel destinations due to its breathtaking mountain landscapes and many historic temples. Whether you hope to take a Thai cooking class, take a stroll through one of the famous nighttime markets, indulge in a Thai massage, or take in the grandeur of a waterfall, Chiang Mai is for you. Did I mention that there is an Elephant Nature Park nearby where you can spend some time with these incredible animals?
4. Stockholm, Sweden
The capital city of Stockholm, Sweden is a clean, beautiful, and progressive place to eat cardamom rolls while you walk through the beautiful Old Town on cobblestone streets. There is an abundance of museums to take in, and plenty of parks to enjoy if that’s more your thing. This exciting Scandinavian city also has a vibrant nightlife; enjoy a concert, a club, or hangout on a hilltop overlooking the Baltic Sea that flows through Stockholm’s fourteen islands. Stockholm is by far one of the best travel destinations for a refreshing and calm city holiday.
5. Sochi, Russia
Sochi is the summer capital of Russia located on the coast of the Black Sea. You might think of Russia as freezing cold, but the temperate climate in Sochi offers a comfortable place to travel all year long. In the summertime, you can enjoy one of the many beach resorts, or take a trip in the winter for the ski vacation of a lifetime. At any point during the year, you’re sure to be captivated by the breathtaking mountain views. Russia is known for it’s incredible natural landscapes, so make sure to take a trip to Lake Ritsa- a turquoise lake nestled in the valley of lush green mountains.
6. Madrid, Spain
There are many reasons why Madrid is one of the best travel destinations. The richness of the culture is evident from the lively nightlife to the incredible tapas, but Madrid is actually one of the more affordable European cities to visit, if you don’t choose to stay in luxury hotels that is. Madrid is said to be a walkable destination, so you’ll be able to take in the vibe of the city while flitting between museums, restaurants, and shops with a calamari sandwich in hand. Make sure to check out Kilometer Zero while you’re there, where all of the roads in Spain converge!
7. Montezuma, Costa Rica
The lush rainforest and jungle landscapes of Costa Rica are home to a diverse collection of plant and animal species. Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity, for its beaches, as well as for its fresh tropical fruits. From monkeys to sea turtles to birds, you’ll find that Montezuma is the archetype of an island paradise where you can enjoy the wildlife of this ecologically preserved country on a budget! You’ll have to take a bus trip to this increasingly popular ecotourism destination, but the remote aspect of Montezuma is part of the charm.
8. Zion National Park
Located in southwestern Utah, Zion National Park is one of the best travel destinations for nature lovers and mountain climbers. If you aren’t the outdoorsy type, you can still enjoy the grand Navajo sandstone cliffs and the contrast of their deep red color against the sky. Hiking, walking, and horseback riding are popular ways to enjoy the scenic canyon landscape. Make a whole trip out of it by visiting Las Vegas and the nearby Grand Canyon as well!
9. Lucerne, Switzerland
Lucerne, Switzerland is another of the best travel destinations for crisp mountain air and incredible landscapes. Whether you want to take in the views from your infinity pool at Villa Honegg, or wander around the adorable Old Town with its painted buildings and cobblestone streets, Lucerne is sure to please your inner traveler’s heart. Some sites to see while you’re there include the lion monument, the glacier gardens, and chapel bridge- a beautiful old truss bridge that will reward you with gorgeous views from the water. Another popular activity is exploring Lake Lucerne by boat!
10. Nouméa, New Caledonia
Located in the South Pacific, New Caledonia is a French territory that blends all the food, fashion and culture of France with the blue lagoons and island paradise vibes of the South Pacific, as well as the proud Melanesian heritage of the region. From sailing, to snorkeling, to kayaking through this oceanic paradise, you’re sure to see a wide variety of marine life in the coral reefs of New Caledonia. There is even a sunken shipwreck to explore! Noumea itself is full of wine cellars, delicatessens, and produce markets to sample, which stock both locally made and imported treats. Although this could easily be an expensive vacation, it’s easier to plan a trip to Noumea on a budget than other New Caledonian destinations.
We’re dying to know which of these 10 best travel destinations you’re adding to your bucket list. Let us know where you’re going in 2021 below!
Feature Image Source: via Unsplash @tonyphamvn, https://unsplash.com/photos/K9mAE35X_2o
Photos: http://katiesbliss.com/2017/12/travel-guide-bruges-belgium-december-itinerary.html, https://www.wanderlustchloe.com/split-croatia-things-to-do/, https://jyoshankar.com/2017/08/thailand-day-elephants/, https://www.thealohababe.com/copenhagen-stockholm-travel-diary/, via Instagram @evgenia_mergeneva, @cranberrytantrums, @beautifulnik, @artofdestinations, @angelaliggs, @jen_miras
