1. Florida’s Walt Disney World

Disney’s 50th-anniversary celebrations will begin on October 1, 2021, and will extend for 18 months, giving you plenty of opportunity to join in. Although specific activities have yet to be revealed, expect fantastic performances, specifically themed souvenirs and delicacies, and new park decor.

Waiting until 2022 for the crowds to thin out may be advantageous, especially since several popular events like fireworks and parades are already on hold. Waiting for lesser crowds on new rides like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT may help shorten your wait time.

2. New Zealand’s Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is close enough to Auckland to be visited in a day, but wise travellers will plan ahead. This island has about two dozen vineyards, all of which are worth seeing. Due to the hot summers, olives are also produced here, and olive oil tasting is an unexpected addition to your New Zealand trip.

New Zealand's Waiheke IslandWaiheke Island is also a great place to go biking or bushwalking when you need a break from your gastronomic adventures. You can also take a complete break by visiting one of the island’s beaches. White sand and swimmable waters are often found along the island’s north coast.

3. Alaska’s Valdez

Valdez is a fantastic microcosm of everything Alaska has to offer, including glaciers, fjord tours, salmon and halibut fishing, sea kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It’s a photographer’s dream as well. The vista along the Richardson Highway will leave you speechless.

Alaska's ValdezBecause this small city isn’t on most first-time visitors’ radar, it’s not overly crowded even during peak season, but services are limited, and hotel and tour reservations must be made in advance. Allow for extra wiggle room in case of inclement weather. Valdez receives a lot of rain (and snow), thus the waterfalls are beautiful all year.

4. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is one of the easiest -stans for independent tourism for travellers interested in Central Asia. Tashkent’s metro system is both practical and attractive, and high-speed rail connects the city to other must-see attractions such as Samarkand and Bukhara.

UzbekistanMosques and mausoleums shine with exquisite embellishments, attracting visitors as much as the Silk Road’s history and culture. The Western Tien Shan mountains, which are slightly off the beaten path, are ideal for trekking, mountain biking, and skiing. The nearly-dry Aral Sea on the other side of the country is home to a befuddling graveyard of old cargo ships.

5. Uruguay

Uruguay is a year-round destination with more variation than you could reasonably pack into a week, thanks to its warm temperature. The coast attracts the greatest attention, and with Punta del Este’s fabulous beaches and exciting nightlife, it’s no surprise that many visitors begin their journey there.

6. Uganda

Uganda is a safari destination in East Africa, yet Uganda defies the trend. Sure, you can see amazing wildlife (and you should), but it also provides a more well-rounded vacation experience. The Rwenzori Mountains provide spectacular crater lakes, wild whitewater rafting, and multi-day treks.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to tree-climbing lions, and Murchison Falls National Park, one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls, are two destinations you shouldn’t miss on your first visit.

7. Papua New Guinea’s Tufi

Anyone who travels all the way to Papua New Guinea is likely to see several places, but Tufi should be one of them. The lovely village is nestled alongside a fjord (here, fjords are referred to as rias and were formed by ancient volcanic eruptions).

The scenery is just the start. With world-class sites and incredible visibility, diving alone could easily occupy an entire trip. There are also rare white hammerhead sharks, wrecks, and schooling barracuda, in addition to macro diving.

8.Colorado’s Telluride

Telluride is now more accessible than ever thanks to new routes and increasing frequency at Montrose Airport. This small town in western Colorado features beautiful mountain scenery and a diverse range of recreational hobbies, yet it has a unique flavour compared to resort cities like Vail or Aspen.

Colorado's TellurideTelluride’s biggest feature is that it is beautiful in both winter and summer. Telluride Ski Resort offers shorter lift lines and a diverse terrain. Favorite summer activities include hiking and off-roading. Plus, you’ll discover fantastic food and cocktail options in both locations to finish out your experience.

9. Taiwan, Taipei

Taipei is a gourmet’s paradise. Michelin-starred restaurants, hole-in-the-wall cafes, and street food are all open 24 hours a day, serving delectable dishes. Begin with pineapple pastries and oolong tea, then go to beef noodle soup and black pepper buns. Alternatively, go to one of the shrimping bars on Zhshàn Road and catch your own supper.

Taiwan, TaipeiOf course, there’s more to life than eating, and Taipei excels at that as well. Visit the city’s museums and temples, go shopping, or take a day trip to Beitou for trekking and hot springs.

10. Australia, Sydney

Australia did an excellent job of maintaining normalcy, so you can bet there will be lots to do when they reopen their borders to international visitors. While there are several must-see landmarks for first-time visitors, Sydney’s major draw is its events and festivals. Something to do is always available.

Australia, SydneyVivid Sydney is one of the city’s best annual events, with outdoor light displays and projections all across the city for an immersive experience. Music and other performances inspire you to go beyond Sydney’s main attractions and discover a new neighbourhood to visit again.