Insider Travel picks the must-visit destinations of 2022

IF MONEY was no object, many of us would simply spin the globe atlas, and where our finger randomly lands is where we would likely be going to next. However, few can afford to do that. But that doesn’t mean you can’t dream of an amazing place to visit this year. Here to guide you, the Insider Travel team have picked the must-visit destinations for 2022.

From the luxurious south of France to the African beauty of Lake Malawi, there’s a travel destination to appeal to everyone

Iceland

A beautiful place that is perfect for solo travellers or people who prioritise safety over everything else is Iceland.

It has consistently been number one on the list of the safest countries to visit, and let’s be honest, safety is usually a top priority for travellers, especially female solo travellers.

Iceland used to be under the radar but has become increasingly popular among people who want to explore stunning landscapes, an eco-friendly destination and unusual activities.

Some of the main tourist attractions include the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, one of the most famous black beaches in the world.

For skincare lovers, the Blue Lagoon is a luxurious experience with hot springs said to be good for both your health and skin.

Another popular tourist attraction in Iceland is the northern lights (aurora borealis) – a natural light display that is predominantly seen in high-latitude regions like Iceland.

The spectacular natural light show is best seen at times of increased solar activity, which is from late August to mid-april.

The capital city, Reykjavik, offers a variety of luxury and budget hotels, perfect for any budget.

Hotel Borg, in the centre of the city, costs around R4 263 a night, while budget-friendly guest houses and apartments in the capital city start at around R1 300 a night.

Iceland is a beautiful small country, and travellers will be tempted to try to see everything during their trip, but it is unrealistic to aim to fully experience everything the country has to offer unless you are spending months there.

– Nosipho Nyide The Côte d’azur, France

The climate in the south of France is the warmest in the country, with average summer temperatures reaching above 30ºc. So if you’re looking to escape the chill in the autumn and winter months in exchange for balmy beaches and glamorous parties balanced with countryside views and an abundance of opportunities to immerse yourself in a new culture, this is the destination for your next holiday.

Antibes, Cannes, and St Tropez are sailing hubs for the world’s superyacht owners and their guests. The parties are legendary but the guest lists are super exclusive. Nevertheless, the Mediterranean lifestyle is scorching in every way. With a bikini, some SPF 50 and a cocktail in hand, you really can’t go wrong.

As for where to stay, it’s best to hop around from the seaside to the vineyard regions to experience the best of both worlds. The French villas are extraordinarily beautiful with some even boasting views of the iconic lavender fields of Provence that bloom in June. If you want to experience this and take a few snaps for Instagram, make sure you go during the right season. In winter the snow can fall, the lush green vines start to look a little bare and the rolling hills are browning, so the scenery can disappoint tourists who haven’t planned accordingly. –

Sacha van Niekerk The KZN South Coast

If you’re a camper, caravanner and water sport enthusiast, then camping under the stars at The Pont Holiday and Water Sport Resort in Port Edward, set on the edge of the Umtamvuna River, is something to consider doing this year. It’s relatively inexpensive and more importantly, local.

A quick two-hour drive out of Durban, this beautiful natural location offers campers time out to relax, unwind and spend special time with friends and family. Pets can tag along too.

The property has many amenities, including a pool, an on-site restaurant, jet skiing, boating and canoeing in the Umtamvuna River, a playground for the kids. It’s also close to many other attractions, such as beaches, Wild Waves Water Park, the unusual Red Desert, biking trails and river rafting and tubing.

The overall camp sites and ablutions are always neat and clean, and if you get tired of sleeping on the grass, you could book out one of their mountain, pool or landmark view rooms.

The one thing to be careful about at this resort is your camp neighbour not following the rules of the site.

Although it doesn’t happen often, there is a chance that rowdy neighbours can interfere with your peace and tranquillity. If this happens, report them to security. – Alyssia Birjalal Lake Malawi, Malawi

The first time I came across Lake Malawi was in the John van de Ruit book series, Spud. One of the characters was from Malawi and his father had a holiday home on the banks of the majestic lake.

The characters all rolled their eyes, irritated whenever he spoke about how it was the most magnificent view he had ever seen. He is even mocked about it. That is until he gets his father to fly all of them to their home and they are rendered silent when they see he was right– Lake Malawi indeed is a marvel.

It is said that when the missionary and explorer Dr David Livingstone saw Lake Malawi for the first time, he christened it the “Lake of Stars”. Lake Malawi is a vast body of crystal clear freshwater that is great for water sport enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy snorkelling and kayaking.

The Rift Valley lake forms Malawi’s eastern border with Mozambique and Tanzania and is home to the world’s greatest number of lake-dwelling fish species. It is Africa's third-largest lake and the eighth largest in the world, stretching 580km by 75km. It is also rather deep, and home to otters.

The freshwater lake with its sandy beaches and deserted islands is the mainstay of the country’s economy and tourist industry. The best time to visit is between May and October as it gets warmer, going from moderate to hot by November. The lake is perfect for beach holidays, offering calm, clear and warm waters in a tranquil setting flanked by mountains and a rural setting. –