• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Albom Adventures

Albom Adventures

Capturing the essence of travel through photography

  • New Zealand
    • Auckland
    • North Island Travel
    • South Island Travel
    • New Zealand Life
  • All Travel
    • Oceania
      • Australia
      • Pacific Islands
    • Americas
      • Central America and Caribbean
      • North America
      • South America
    • Europe
      • Eastern Europe
      • Northern Europe
      • Southern Europe
      • Western Europe
    • Asia and Africa
      • Asia (China and South East Asia)
      • Middle East
      • Africa
    • Worldwide
    • Travel Planning and Tips
    • Travel Anecdotes
  • Cruising
    • Cruising Tips and Cruise Ships
    • Cruise Ports
  • About
    • Media – Work With Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy for Albom Adventures
    • Contact Albom Adventures

Inspiring travel through photography

Home » Travel Planning and Tips » Be Inspired: 18 Next Travel Destination Ideas

Be Inspired: 18 Next Travel Destination Ideas

Last Updated: May 1, 2023 // by Rhonda Albom // 16 Comments
Mirador Tres Cruces on our South America itinerary
The view from the Three Crosses can be enjoyed from the road.
Octagonal belltower at Novodevichy Convent in Moscow
Spire at night over State Theatre of Melbourne in Australia

What is your next travel destination? When we are home, that is probably the number one thing we are asked. There is a basic process we go through to choose our next travel destination, which we outline below, along with highlights of 18 of our favourite cities or road trips. Prepare to be inspired.

Often, it is the city that picks us (family, friends, key events). However, even when a portion of our travel is determined by the universe, we usually tack on an additional adventure on either end. It’s a big world, and, so far, we have explored portions of 65 countries and countless cities. Yet, there is still so much more to see.

The questions we ask before we choose our next travel destination

  • Are there any family events around the world that we want to attend?
  • When can we travel? Are there events at home that we can’t miss?
  • If we have to clear with an employer, when can we go?
  • Which hemisphere will match the season I prefer?
  • Are there any major holidays that will affect my travel plans, either that I want to attend, or avoid?
  • Who am I travelling with, and where do they want to go?
  • What is my budget?
  • Do I want to travel on my own, go on a tour, or get a guide? (See our travel resources page for the list of the companies we use.)
  • What are the travel restrictions for my next travel destination choice (visa or immunization requirements)?
  • Or, do I simply want to stay home and enjoy a staycation?

Visas and entry

Entry requirements vary by both your nationality and destination. If you hold a passport from either Japan or Singapore, you can access most countries without a visa. Check the full Henley Passport Index to see how your country’s passport ranks.

If you want to know if you need a visa for your next destination, you will need to check with your state department.

Trending on Albom Adventures

General advantages of each season

Summer

  • Northern Hemisphere: Jun-Aug
    Southern Hemisphere: Dec-Feb
  • Hot temperatures with extreme heat in some areas.
  • Longer days
  • Often peak season crowds.
  • Requires booking ahead.

Autumn

  • Northern Hemisphere: Sep-Nov
    Southern Hemisphere: Mar-May
  • Temperatures cooling.
  • Generally, my favourite time to travel.
  • Often Swing season.
  • Less planning is required.

Winter

  • Northern Hemisphere: Dec-Feb
    Southern Hemisphere: Jun-Aug
  • Chilly, often cold temperatures.
  • Shorter days
  • Often less crowded (Unless a ski destination)
  • Requires less planning

Spring

  • Northern Hemisphere: Mar-May
    Southern Hemisphere: Sep-Nov
  • Temperatures warming.
  • Often more rain.
  • New growth can trigger allergies.
  • Often swing season.
  • Less planning is required.

Be inspired: Will one of our favourites be your next travel destination?

To date, we have visited 65 countries and countless cities. We love going off of the beaten path and discovering something new. Natural beauty, cultural experiences, and the ability to interact are our calling cards. It was difficult to pick favourites, but we did our best. See if we can inspire you to choose your next travel destination.

South America

Lively, colourful, friendly, and fun, I loved our time in South America and can't wait to go back. Here are just a few of our favourite cities.

Buenos Aires TG5 1050126

Buenos Aires, Argentina

A city so full of life and love, it drew us in instantly. Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan capital, filled with a mix of tradition and modern lifestyle. From holidays to everyday life, there a tango beat to this city.

Paraty Brazil 280100

Paraty, Brazil

Brazilians know this tropical paradise lined with vibrantly painted boats and traditional colonial homes. I am not sure how they kept it a secret from the rest of us for so long. This beach paradise town overlooks Ilha Grande Bay.

Montevideo Uruguay PC240134

Montevideo, Uruguay

Uruguay is too often overlooked when visitors plan their South American adventure, yet this coastal country is well worth a visit. Generally safe, it's more liberal than some of its neighbours. We visited three cities, all which should have earned a spot on this list. Montevideo, the capital city, has a European flair, while Punte del Este is a beach resort city, and Colonia del Sacramento is a historic delight.

San Pedro de Atacama PB230050 2

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Chile’s Atacama desert is best known as being the driest non-polar desert in the world. It is this atmosphere in the high elevation that creates endless unique landscapes and salt flats. Interestingly, San Pedro de Atacama, the main town, is a lush desert oasis.

North America

From Canada to Panama, the North American countries that we have explored are each quite unique.

Skagway Featured Image IMG 5150 116365

Skagway, Alaska

Alaska is one of those amazing places that makes it nearly impossible to pick a favourite city. For me, a summertime destination, we started in Anchorage, travelling first inland to Denali and then south on a cruise ship. Skagway, a former gold rush town, was one of my favourite stops.

lee robinson MzCeUhY3Xy0 unsplash

Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is one of those cities where I instantly felt at home. It is friendly, livable, clean, and walkable. While the city is cosmopolitan, there is an abundance of nearby outdoor activities and natural beauty.

Oregon coast road trip P5190063

Oregon Coast, USA

We love road trips as they allow us to enjoy getting off of the beaten path as we travel between destinations. The Oregon coast, continuing down to San Francisco, California, is spectacular, offering dramatic clifftop scenery, blowholes, wildlife, redwood trees, and much more. It's an ever-changing masterpiece of nature.

Australasia 

Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands

Auckland from North Head

Auckland, New Zealand

What can I say about my adopted city? I live here by choice and have for over 16 years. Unending beauty, Auckland is a city filled with an eclectic mix of nature and culture. There are seemingly endless things to do in Auckland, and even after all these years of exploration, we are finding new options.

wai o tapu P7280027 2

Rotorua, New Zealand

A geothermal wonderland near the centre of the North Island, Rotorua is a must-see unique destination in New Zealand. It's filled with natural wonders, extreme-adventure opportunities, healing spas, and cultural learning opportunities.

PA240281 3

Great Ocean Road, Australia

I couldn't include our Oregon road trip above and not Australia's Great Ocean Road. We started from Melbourne (my favourite Australian city), but the drive officially runs from Torquay to Allansford along the southern coast of Australia in the state of Victoria. Be warned, much of the drive is inland through temperate rainforest, but it is here that we spotted Koala and other wildlife.

Rarotonga Cook Islands 8270014

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Rarotonga is a tropical paradise and one of the most popular Pacific Island retreats for New Zealanders. The Cook Islands are only a few hours away by flight, use New Zealand currency, and offer white sandy beaches and crystal clear water.

Asia

Grand Palace Bangkok Thailand PA260065

Bangkok, Thailand

A recent addition to our list, I never expected to fall in love with Bangkok, but I did. It is a colourful city filled with golden temples, elaborate architecture, and tempting aromas. The hottest city in the world may also be the most fascinating.

Taj Mahal image by Rudy taj mahal 1 2

Agra, India

This one is still on our bucket list, but we can feel the allure of the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Built as a tomb, the history is as fascinating as the structure is magnificent.

Africa

Fes Morocco 94430 2

Fes, Morocco

A labyrinth of narrow streets, many leading nowhere, means getting lost in the Fes medina is almost a must-do for visitors. And don't worry, there are plenty of people who will take a small tip to get you back to where you want to go. Fes is Morocco's second-largest city, a former capital, and a mix of the old world and the modern Fes outside of the medina gates.

IMG 1560 103584 2

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Instantly, we understood why Chefchaouen is called the blue city. It's a small, walled city, perfect for walking, camera in hand. This is a city with an interesting history.

Essaouira Morocco 98316 2

Essaouira, Morocco

A wind surfer's paradise, Essaouira is a beach town along the west coast of Morocco. Laid-back, it's a fun town filled with a mix of traditional values and familiar activities. Camels on the beach, intense sunsets, and an old-world medina, this is the city in which our girls learned to surf.

Europe

La Coruna IMG 2224 70866 2

La Coruña, Spain

Located in the northwest corner of Spain, La Coruña is a liveable beach city filled with an interesting history and beautiful beaches. We stayed in this often off the tourist track city on a home exchange and discovered a delightful place.

Lourdes IMG 3590 77046

Lourdes, France

Lourdes is a city of multiple documented miracles. It is well-known for having healing waters and pilgrims flock here daily. For tourists, it is a beautiful and fascinating village in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains.

Things to know about your next travel destination before you go

  • Emergency number
  • Official language
  • Currency
  • Credit cards accepted
  • ATM machine availability
  • Electricity and connectors used
  • Telephone country code
  • Water: Is tap water safe to drink?

Albom Adventures has travel guides for many countries. Use the search box in the upper corner to find the country you are considering. They include the information above, as well as the best time to visit, key holidays, visas and entry requirements, safety, and more.

Travel safety tips

We practice common sense around safety issues when we travel. If we wouldn’t do it at home, it isn’t suddenly safe to do it overseas. And for us, living in one of the safest countries in the world, we often need to take more precautions when we travel.

Too often we see travellers being careless, and then not happy with the result. We have written these safety guidelines for travelling in South America that included both our general guidelines, as well as some specific to various regions.

Save for later

If you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media and save it for later on Pinterest.

Spire at night over State Theatre of Melbourne in Australia, our next travel destination
Octagonal belltower at Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

What will be your next travel destination?

You might also like …

Virgin Australia at Faleolo Airport in Samoa with runway lights in the background

Tips for Packing Light – 10 Essentials for Any Travel

Private Guides Can often find the best food.

7 Types of Tours and Guidelines for Organizing Each of These

The Island Princess cruise ship - tips for cruising

25 Princess Cruise Tips and Tricks You Should Know

Cruising in Iceland is a unique way to travel. Public domain photo by Dieter55

Unique Ways to Travel: If You Haven’t Yet, You Really Should

Disclaimer: We are frequently provided with complimentary entrances, tours, or sample items to aid in the writing of Albom Adventures. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly our own.

304 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Category: Travel Planning and TipsTag: Recent, Travel Tips

About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

728*90

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Clare

    January 21, 2020 at 4:11 am

    We loved Paraty in Brazil and Fez in Morocco too. I’d love to see more of Canada and the Oregon Coast is a really appealing road trip. Some really useful pointers here for planning a travel adventure.

    Reply
  2. Deborah Patterson

    January 20, 2020 at 9:03 pm

    What a great list, and great to get us thinking about good times of year to travel to different locations. I think I’ve found myself in tropical wet seasons more times than I care to remember. Upside, it’s definitely cheaper!

    Reply
  3. Erin Gustafson

    January 18, 2020 at 1:46 am

    OREGON! You know I love this list! Thank goodness we already have plans to hit the Oregon Coast this summer or I’d be feeling all sorts of homesick! And funny – we’re going to Morocco and China this year too. I love the way you break down the benefits of different seasons in different hemispheres – very clever. Some definite inspiration here! Cheers from Copenhagen.

    Reply
  4. California Globetrotter

    January 17, 2020 at 11:34 pm

    Would love to go to all of these destinations, especially to re-visit Buenos Aires again as an adult who would appreciate it!

    Reply
  5. Kelleyn

    January 9, 2020 at 4:01 pm

    Great advice!

    Reply
  6. Sandee

    January 9, 2020 at 5:44 am

    Hubby and I are going to explore America starting this summer. We’re heading to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, into Montana, then the Idaho panhandle into Washington state and head home. A 12 day adventure. Next time we’ll explore someplace new.

    Have a fabulous day and rest of the week, Rhonda. ♥

    Reply
  7. dolphin tours

    January 7, 2020 at 9:24 pm

    Now I know my Next Travel Destination soon,,thanks for the Ideas, The looks definitely splendid.

    Reply
  8. Tomaj

    January 6, 2020 at 3:49 pm

    “small town” of Suzhou? It has a population of 4.3 million. China is like that. But yes, it’s lovely, and one of my favs in China.

    Reply
  9. Heather Raulerson

    January 6, 2020 at 11:58 am

    This is a great post full of information. There were some places I haven’t heard of before and now going to add them to my bucket list. Thanks for sharing them!

    Reply
  10. the Curious Pixie

    January 5, 2020 at 7:24 am

    Some great inspo here. Essaouira is on my hit list this year!

    Reply
  11. Paul Pietrangelo

    January 5, 2020 at 4:02 am

    Be Inspired! Well I’m inspired preparing for my 15 cruise. I know that I’m not as creative as you Rhonda, but for me the Caribbean is as creative for me. Next years cruise I will be going to two know islands I’ve been there, Grenada and St. Vincent. For me, your creativeness will help me go with you and I really enjoy that. Have a fantastic 2020 Rhonda.

    Cruisin Paul

    Reply
  12. Alex J. Cavanaugh

    January 5, 2020 at 3:00 am

    Avoiding major holidays always tops my list. Season is next. (Never go to central Florida during the summer or around Christmas!)

    Reply
  13. Laureen Lund

    January 5, 2020 at 12:48 am

    Lovely post. I clicked around a bit…we have been to all the same places!!!

    Reply
    • Catriona

      January 17, 2020 at 8:21 am

      Great list. I have always wanted to go to Buenos Aires.

      Reply
  14. Hilary

    January 4, 2020 at 10:55 pm

    Hi Rhonda – great ideas here … and yes I’d love to visit … but may be by viewing your blog with its wonderful photos and ideas … you’re an intrepid traveller – but you know the right way to do it … cheers and here’s to more in 2020 – Hilary

    Reply
  15. Ann

    January 4, 2020 at 9:46 pm

    You have given me some great inspiration here, I would really like to visit Marocco!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sidebar

We use …

Booking.com

We are…

Official New Zealand Specialist badge from New Zealand Tourism Board Lonely Planet Community Pathfinders

As an Amazon Associate, Albom Adventures earns from qualifying purchases as well as from other collaborative and affiliate partners.

Copyright © 2023 · Albom Adventures · All Rights Reserved.

Exclusive Member of Mediavine Travel

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT