You might think that putting together a list of possible vacation destinations for 2022 might seem a little on the odd side. Then again, we’re about three-fourths of the way into 2021, and as screwy as last year was, this year has certainly become one for the ages as well.

One of the many things that started coming back in vogue was traveling. Considering how much time we spent at home over the last sixteen to eighteen months, going anywhere sounds pretty amazing. But as the world continues to grapple with all manner of issues, travel has started to get a little on the uncertain side. This, of course, has made booking any plans this year harder, if not wholeheartedly impractical.

As with most things in life, when you really want something, you’ve got to wait a little longer. And so it goes with traveling the world. Now, unless you make a habit of looking at maps all the time, you may have forgotten just how big this world of ours really is. In case you missed it, there’ve been some really, really rich folk making their way to outer space. When you look out the windows in the footage, you get a feel for just how massive Earth really is.

Why’s this of note? With so many places you can to which you can travel, how in the world do you narrow down the choices? If there weren’t enough things to make travel planning kinda tedious, now you’ve got to make sure you don’t pick a bum destination. It’s a lot of pressure, but don’t worry. With the right mindset & a few guidelines in place, you’ll find the right place for you & your family.

Need a little help with some possible destinations? Consider the following:

Beyond the girls going wild, you may not have realized that ‘the beach’ as it’s known locally has been the playground for families of the Rio Grande Valley & south Texas for decades. In other words, it’s a family-friendly place.

As one of the biggest states in the U.S., you’ll find a lot of different environments, populations, and cultures with which to interact. It’s also one of the best drivable places on the planet.

If you love landscapes & awe-inspiring scenic wonder, Arizona is your place. Even if the only place you go is the Grand Canyon, you’ll have seen one of the greatest natural wonders known to mankind.

Our neighbors to the north have one of the most amazing histories of any place in the western world. You can find everything from chic & elegant urban environments to untouched swaths of nature. And if you travel during the winter, bundle up.

Seen as the ultimate place to travel to for art, history, and unparalleled interactions of people from all walks of life, Europe is the place everyone says they want to travel to before they die for a reason — it’s amazing. Every country offers something a little (or a lot) different, which is pretty amazing.

Few places on Earth rival the exquisite cacophony of culture, language, and history that is Africa. If you really want to get a feel for what the world is & become entrenched in a place completely different than yours, Africa is the place to be.

We’ve heard all the songs about them. They’ve been featured in movies & TV. You’ve likely been in or near them when you’ve traveled west at some point. But if you’re into resort mountain towns in the Rockies without all the tourist noise, Red River is perfect.

Often lost in the mix of mountain destinations is the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern part of the U.S.. Full of history, culture, wonder, and oddly enough, it’s been one of the hottest places to visit in recent years.

It’s not to take anything away from each of these individual states. Mentioning them in the same breath has more to do with noting the remoteness that each embodies. It’s all about pure wilderness.

Then again, a good, old-fashioned road-trip might be the best way to see everything you want without having to commit to one place in particular. Time to break out the station wagon!

The hope is that in 2022, picking vacation destinations won’t need special clearance or a call ahead regarding travel restrictions. When (not if) that day comes, at least you’ve got a few places to choose from, or at least start.

Tuscany is a region bursting with places to visit, all of which are possible on a day trip from Florence. From Pisa to Siena and San Gimignano to Montalcino, the heart of Italy is blessed with so many wonderful architectural, historical and cultural attractions. Even beyond the famous towns, cities and villages, more off the beaten path beauty spots are just waiting to be discovered.

Pistoia is one such example and, located between Florence and Lucca, it is often overlooked in favour of its more glamorous neighbours. For those who do take the time to include it on a day trip from Florence, this unexpected hidden gem is one that won’t disappoint.

Interesting Fact: The main starting point for the Camino di Santiago is in the main square of Pistoia!

Exploring Pistoia Despite being very easy to explore without a set itinerary, this place has some definitive must-sees.

Situated in the main square, and dating back to the tenth century, this cathedral exudes an elegant presence. As with many cathedrals of its age it has been reconstructed in parts, so what you see today is not all original. The cathedral honours the influential bishop known as San Zeno, and displays his statue on its roof alongside that of the city’s patron, San Jacopo. The relic of San Jacopo is now held in the Cappella del Crocifisso, which you will find on the right wall of the building.

A beautiful religious complex, this is one of the most appealing buildings in the town. The facade resembles that of the Duomo in Florence with its striped polychrome marble design. The arch of the main doorway houses a sculpture of the last supper, while inside there is a myriad of religious artefacts, including a polyptych by Taddeo Gaddi.

Anyone interested in visiting a museum on their day trip from Florence to Pistoia should make their way to this one. Famous for housing a huge number of relics and artifacts taken from the influential buildings around the town, the museum is a haven for culture buffs. The Reliquary of St. Zeno, the Cross of St. Atto and the monument of Cardinal Niccolo Forteguerri are a few among many others.

The Piazza del Duomo is encircled by many buildings of historic interest, including the Palazzo Commune, which dates back to the thirteenth century. You may or may not realise that the palace was actually never finished, a fact that often goes unnoticed thanks to the striking stone work and ornate arches, as well as the prominent Medici coat of arms. Inside, the rooms are decorated to replicate what they would have looked like originally and many walls are adorned with beautiful artwork. The small but interesting municipal museum can also be found inside and is definitely worth a look.

While this may not be the first attraction on the list when you visit the town, if you have young children with you it might be one worth considering. It is home to more than 700 species of animals and is an excellent example of a modern zoo.

Hopefully this introduction to an often overlooked town has given you a little insight into what this place has to offer on a day trip from Florence. Book with a local tour operator and they will be able to lead you to these attractions and many more.

Food is an integral part of everything that is Italian. It’s little wonder that the concept of Italian food has spread so widely across the globe as it is fresh, flavoursome, simple and focuses largely on seasonal and local ingredients. You really can’t go wrong and many of us are indeed creating our own Italian dishes on a regular basis at home. Cooking classes in Italy have also become a very popular option for visitors holidaying in the country, as people want to perfect their skills and learn from the experts.

There are many options for cookery classes in Italy, but if you choose one in Tuscany that includes a visit to Florence’s Mercato Centrale, you’re in for a special treat. A walk around this hub of local activity is an experience in itself and here’s why…

It is widely recognised that the markets of Italy are among the most vibrant in the world. It really is hard not to become captivated by the smells, sights and sounds that batter you from every angle as you enter. Gesticulating locals banter with each other as ingredients fly off the shelves into the baskets of everyone shopping here.

Although you can get a really good feel for this place when travelling solo, coming with a guide on one of the cookery tours offers you a whole different perspective. Your guide will offer you a wonderful insight into the buying and cooking culture of the locals and you will clearly witness how this is ingrained in all aspects of Florentine life.

The market itself is divided into two parts, and the bit we are interested in is indoors. Filled with produce from all over Tuscany, you can easily spend a couple of hours taking it all in. It is the perfect place in which to shop for ingredients for all the creations you are going to make on your course.

The market dates back to 1870 and is a dominant feature of Florence. The wrought iron and glass ceiling is very distinctive, as are the loggias and arches. Architecturally typical of its time, inside the space is huge and the shops are organised along four sides of the square.

After a minor decline in popularity that occurred simultaneously with the increase in supermarkets, the market was given a facelift and the owners who took over in 2014 set up an artisan take away food section on the top floor. This drew people back and the market thrived once more.

Definitely a highlight of any of the cookery classes in Italy’s Tuscan capital, a trip to this market is always an experience. The energy, the vibe and the general ambience is so reflective of Italian culture and, with so many opportunities to sample, you really could make a day of it here. No doubt, though, your tour guide will be rounding you up and getting you all aboard your coach destined for the Tuscan farmhouse where you can use everything you have bought to create the most delicious Italian feast! There are some very good specialist companies offering cooking classes in Italy, but if you’re thinking of visiting the Florentine market and want to make the most of your experience by including it in a local cookery tour, get in touch with a local tour operator. You can then let the experts sort the logistics for you, leaving you to look forward to your trip.