10 Emerging Destinations for 2021-2022: Where Zicasso Travelers Want to Go

South Africa is a diverse collection of dramatic landscapes and captivating wilderness, outdoor adventures, and rich local culture. When you think you have seen it all, the country surprises you with an experience that feels brand new, authentic, and exclusive. South Africa travel specialist Rachel says, “The main draw to South Africa is its wild and untouched safari destinations; [it’s] one of the remaining places on earth where one can see these iconic species in their natural habitat, thriving in vast open spaces.”

A safari can be lush and exclusive with private dining, limited numbers of guests, and the expansive plains offering views of the infamous Big Five. “Travel to South Africa is getting easier and easier. There are many direct flights from the US and Europe, making for a stress-free travel experience for all ages,” says Rachel.

Status: As of January 27, 2021 - open to American travelers

Sample Itinerary: Spectacular Southern Africa Family Safari: South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana

Explore more of Southern Africa with this multi-country itinerary that explores safari and city alike.

Learn more: South Africa Safaris

Egypt is home to pharaohs and massive tombs, vast desert dunes, and the Nile River’s lush banks. It quickly envelops you with wonder as you witness the blend of ancient ruins, preserved medieval lanes, and rich modern life. “Egypt is one of the very few countries that got least impacted by the pandemic, according to official numbers, and the overall number of infected people is way lower than lots of other countries," says Mahmoud, an Egypt travel expert.

A recent choice for many last-minute trips, Egypt possesses a majestic ambiance with fascinating traditions connected to millennia of captivating history that makes you wonder about what the conserved walls may have seen through the ages. According to Mahmoud, people remain passionate about visiting Egypt. “[It] has always been a dream for history lovers and lots of people want to see the Great Pyramids, temples, tombs, and the rest of Egypt's beauty.”

Status: As of January 27, 2021 - open to American travelers

Sample Itinerary:  Excellence of Egypt Highlights Tour

Created for 2021, this sample itinerary brings the best of ancient days and modern luxury. Customize this trip to exactly what you have always dreamed of.

Learn more: Egypt Tours

The Galapagos Islands are the embodiment of untouched wilderness, where the lack of a human footprint has allowed nature to take its impressive, innate course. “The Galapagos has always been an enticing destination to reconnect with mother nature, and there is no better time to explore than now,” says Paul, a Galapagos travel expert. The islands are a place of profound rawness influenced by crystal-clear waters, beaches paved with volcanic rock, and glimpses of blue-footed boobies and penguins, sea lions and giant tortoises.

The archipelago is an isolated yet accessible destination that has reached near mythological proportions, where nature gleefully dominates the panorama. “The remote location of the Galapagos Archipelago lends itself well to travelers looking for a safe Covid-free destination...making it a top choice for travelers looking to get away soon,” Paul says.

Status: As of January 27, 2021 - open to American travelers

Sample Itinerary: If a trip to the Galapagos is on your wish list, now is the time. With advantageous rates and opportunities, use this sample itinerary to inspire and connect with a travel specialist to learn more.

14 Day Galapagos Adventure

See more: Galapagos Islands Vacations & Tours

Croatia is a place where dreams of Mediterranean life come to life, where sapphire waters and ancient walled cities, Roman palaces and delicate wines speak to the abundance of natural and cultural splendor. “Croatia offers more than 1,200 islands and coastal towns with many beautiful beaches which are not overcrowded,” says Andrea, a Croatia travel specialist. “Also, for travelers who want to keep social distance and increase privacy, a yacht charter is a fantastic idea for the summer of 2021.”

Croatia is a perfect place to sail the seas with over 2,200 miles of coastline between the mainland and the islands to discover the diverse beauty steeped in luxury and open space. “Croatia experienced an increase in sailing trips last summer because people were able to travel around the country and see many new towns and islands,” Andrea continues. Whether you like to travel by land or by sea, Croatia offers options for every travel style.

Status: As of January 27, 2021 - closed to American travelers

Sample Itinerary:  Adriatic Adventure: Two Weeks of Croatia's Highlights

This best-of itinerary allows for a complete tour, but modify the plans for your preferred length of trip and travel preferences.

Learn more: Croatia Vacations | 2021 Yacht Charters

Japan is the inspiring point at which the past and the future meet. “Travelers can experience a wide range of sights in ultramodern Tokyo and ancient Kyoto,” says Jeff, a Japan travel specialist. Tradition revolves around charismatic flavors, a connection to preserved heritage, and an awareness of the power of the five senses. “The food is a huge draw as you can have street food for lunch at the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market and then dinner in one of Tokyo’s many Michelin starred restaurants,” he continues.

Visiting Japan is an embrace of nature’s beauty and the elegance of simple details that offer an enthralling connection to customs, people, and culture. “The Japanese people are very friendly and will go out of their way to help lost travelers. Personally, I love Kyoto and visiting temples that were established a thousand years ago,” Jeff says.

Status: As of January 27, 2021 - closed to American travelers

Sample Itinerary: Japan Journey of Your Dreams: City, Countryside, and Culture Tour

Designed for 2021, this sample itinerary explores the highlights. Easily customizable with your travel specialist, find inspiration for your own journey.

See more: Japan Tours | Japan Travel Guide

France is a timeless symbol of culture, refinement, and beauty. From Paris to Provence, Cannes to Normandy, the country is fantastic for all types of travelers, including families with teens, small children, or traveling with multiple generations. “Travelers are still being propelled by a sense of carpe diem or in modern parlance FOMO," says Stephen, a France travel specialist.

“By traveling to France in 2021, you can do so with a high degree of certainty that your trip will go well. France and its government are known to take serious and responsible positions on issues like health and safety, vaccination and insurance, and that is comforting," says Stephen. A popular global destination for centuries for many reasons, France's historic charms will last for many centuries more.

Status: As of January 27, 2021 - closed to American travelers

Sample Itinerary:  Perfect France Family Vacation with Teens

A fantastic option for multi-generational trips or family vacations, use this itinerary for some ideas, and then customize it for your own travel party.

Learn more: France Tours & Vacations | France Travel Guide

Bring together part scenic island, part charming villages, part cosmopolitan cities and you still cannot capture England’s timeless splendor. “A trip to England brings the perfect combination of history and modern day,” says Marci-Beth, Zicasso’s Marketing Manager. The scenic countryside possesses white cliffs to moody moors, ancient woods to breezy plains while towns and cities retain a sense of their mysterious medieval lanes and bewildering castle fortifications.

Endlessly eccentric and marvelously charismatic, you could find intrigue at Stonehenge, grandeur in the Roman Baths, or wonder at the British Museum, with each new corner bringing to light a new perspective of the country. "With its historical heritage but also contemporary story, you can stay in London, England’s vibrant capital to discover famous monuments like Buckingham Palace or sip a beer at one of the oldest pubs, but you can also immerse yourself in the lush green countryside like the Cotswolds," says Sophie, a travel specialist for England.

Status: As of January 27, 2021 - closed to American travelers

Sample Itinerary: Legendary London and Paris Tour

Located so close together, why not visit two iconic cities on one trip? This sample trip explores both London and Paris, but our travel specialists can also design an in-depth exploration of either.

See more: England Tours & Vacations

Defiant, proud, and seductive describes much more than just the landscape of Argentina. The country feels both empowering and diminishing as you witness the Andes Mountains’ scale, Patagonia’s seclusion, Iguazu Falls’ raw power, and the enticing layers of local wines. “After so many months being shut at home, the world is yearning for the wide-open road and Argentina, as one of the world’s largest countries with one of the least dense populations, is a country of vast open spaces with very few crowds,” says Hugh, an Argentina travel specialist.

You can discover a myriad of experiences that have shaped life and wilderness across Argentina as you spot flamingos or enjoy the passion of fútbol while experiencing incredible hospitality and community. “I believe the government has done a good job of not allowing Covid-19 to get out of hand...and the population has come together as a community impressively well,” Hugh says.

Status: As of January 27, 2021 - closed to American travelers

Sample Itinerary: Crossing the Andes Mountains in Patagonia by Horseback and Trekking

A remarkable destination for an adventurous traveler, this sample itinerary takes you away from the beaten path. Looking for something less active? Our travel specialists can design the perfect trip for you.

See more: Argentina Tours

Art imitates life in Spain, where diverse landscapes inspire exploration from the Pyrenees slopes to the Basque beaches, sunbaked Andalusia to dramatic cliffs of Asturias. It is a country of plazas scented with orange trees and surrealist architecture contrasting medieval cathedrals. There are many reasons why Spain has welcomed more than 80 million tourists a year during the past few years.

Traveling in Spain feels epic because even when simply enjoying the flavors of traditional tapas, the balance of ingredients seems perfect, capturing centuries of culinary evolution in every bite. “Together with the country-wide health and safety actions, and the population’s awareness, the positive news coming from the pharmaceutical companies regarding the Covid vaccine has started drawing attention and excitement among travelers,” says Manlio, a Spain travel specialist.

Status: As of January 27, 2021 - closed to American travelers

Sample Itinerary: Use this collection of destinations to build your own list of must-sees, and work with your travel specialist to create the best itinerary for you.

Highlights of Spain: Catalonia, Basque, Andalusia, Madrid Itinerary

See more: Spain Tours & Vacations | Spain Travel Guide

Turkey inspires with its diversity and is captivating with its history. Monuments act like a parade of conquerors endowing the islands and fantastical landscapes with dazzling architecture from the Aya Sofia to Ephesus’s Library of Celsus, the Topkapi Palace to Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces. “Turkey is a very exotic destination that is readily accessible, and the blend of cultures one sees in Istanbul is almost without compare,” says Marcus, a travel specialist for Turkey.

Outside of Istanbul, especially to the east, you can get a sense of the preserved Turkish traditions dating back centuries, if not millennia, and representing a dizzying array of historic civilizations. “Overall, Turkey is almost without equal in terms of cultural and physical diversity, excellent cuisine and friendly locals,” Marcus says. “I believe this is why Turkey is such a draw to adventurous travelers to travelers interested in history, and to those who simply like to wander.”

Status: As of January 27, 2021 - open to American travelers

Sample Itinerary: Best of Turkey Tour 2020: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Kusadasi & More

With something for every traveler, a trip to Turkey is best customized to your preferences. This sample tour can give great inspiration for your own customized adventure.

See more: Turkey Tours & Vacations

The possibility to travel to new and exciting destinations around the world may be a reality for 2021. With possibility brings the feeling of inspiration and joy, the hope that we can soon connect with different cultures and experience the newness of history or the comforts of modern luxuries in a unique way.

A destination expert is an essential asset to have by your side as you consider your next trip. Your travel specialist will not only tailor any trip to your specific needs and goals but will also provide personal support throughout your travel experience. Find information on other destinations on our Zicasso Travel Blog, and if you are ready to plan, you can submit a Trip Request form or by calling our Traveler Care specialists at 1-888-265-9707.