Where the editors are booking in Europe for 2022
We asked the editors of Condé Nast Traveller to name the first trip they’ll be booking for 2022. Here are all the European destinations they can’t wait to get back to. For more inspiration, see our official list of the 10 best places to visit in Europe.
Getty ImagesRome, Italy
Steve King, editor-at-large
‘Rome. There seems to be more going on there at the moment than at any time since Augustus ushered in the Pax Romana and went on a public-works binge.’
Getty ImagesThe Isle of Arran, Scotland
Louisa Parker Bowles, global director of operations
‘Dougarie Estate on the Isle of Arran on the west coast of Scotland is one of my favourite places in the world. Last year in August we had glorious sunshine, seals lolling on the rocks, dolphins swimming beside the boat and delicious sunset dinners of freshly-caught lobster and chips at The Boathouse. Heaven.’
Getty ImagesSicily, Italy
Sarah James, acting hotels editor
‘I’ve been desperate to go to Sicily for a few years now, but 2020 and 2021 threw my plans out of whack. In 2022, I’m determined to spend a week or two exploring the island – discovering Western Sicily’s lesser-known towns, hopping between the best beaches in Sicily, taking a road trip around the prettiest places to visit in Sicily, and maybe even nipping over to some of the tiny islands off the coast (I’ve got my eye on the Aeolian Islands for an off-grid escape). I’ll be staying at Relais Chiaramonte, a smart but affordable hotel with outstanding countryside views.’
Getty ImagesCroatia
Abigail Malbon, acting audience growth manager
‘At this time of year I find it hard to think about anything other than sunshine, so I'm already planning a trip full of sunshine for late spring. I'm one of the few people I know to have never visited Croatia, but it's somewhere I dream about every time I see another friend upload a shot to Instagram. I'm happiest at sea, so a sailing trip in the Adriatic is right up my street; ideally a small, intimate tour with few people but plenty of stops at Croatia's stunning islands to wander the cobbled streets and visit local restaurants. G Adventures has plenty of tours on offer, or more adventurous types can plan a trip with a local guide when they arrive.’
Getty ImagesPuglia, Italy
Olivia Morelli, social media editor
‘In June, I’ll be disappearing to Italy’s rustic heel for two weeks of sun, swimming and seafood. I first visited Puglia in 2019 and fell in love with the rugged region, with its acres of olive groves, ancient trulli and white cliffs crumbling into gently lapping crystal-clear waters. I’m excited to discover more of the small, community-driven towns and villages with their generations-old family-run trattorias and weekly farmers markets, plus I’ve heard rumours of empty, white-sand coves hidden behind dense thickets and green marshlands.’
Sara SilmAquitaine, France
Karin Mueller, senior picture editor
‘I'm looking forward to a week away with my family in early April. We will stay at La Grange Aux Tourterelles, a gorgeous converted barn in the grounds of the stunning Chateau Montfort in rural France. We'll be exploring the beautiful local sites and medieval villages – all very rustic, authentic and unspoilt. Sounds like a dream to me. There is still a lot of snow on the mountains in April, so we are planning on some guided snow-shoeing as well as heading into the Pays Basque for a very special seasonal lunch. Evenings will be spent cooking and cosying up in front of the wood fire. I truly cannot wait.’
Getty ImagesZakynthos, Greece
Charlotte Davey, fashion features editor
‘I'm dreaming of escaping to a Greek island this year for some unadulterated, screen-free R&R. Particularly this gorgeous Kapari Bay bolthole on the island of Zakynthos.’
Sim Canetty ClarkeBraemar, Scotland
Sophie Knight, visuals editor
‘Over Easter, I’ll be heading to Braemar in Scotland –a once sleepy village that’s now attracting city folk drawn in by the opening of The Fife Arms. It’s an art-filled hotel with grand furnishings and the newly opened Berties Whiskey Bar. From here we’ll walk along the river Dee and climb the snow-capped monroes.’
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Getty ImagesIceland
Lily Bonesso, acting video producer
‘This year I'm excited to discover Iceland's otherworldly landscape, baths and maybe, if we're lucky, see the northern lights.’
Getty ImagesCorfu, Greece
Cordelia Aspinall, digital assistant
‘Since watching The Durrells I have always wanted to go to the Greek Island of Corfu. From the beautiful landscape of olive groves set against the blue waters of the Ionian Sea, to the fresh ingredients whizzed up into traditional Greek dishes full of punchy flavours, I can’t wait to finally get there this summer and lap up the island’s culture. I’m dreaming of the stunning beaches and pretty perfect weather – and of course ending each day watching the sunset while sipping on ouzo in a rustic wine bar in the Old Town.’
Getty ImagesMorocco
Cassie Doney, senior copywriter
‘Every year I take myself on a solo trip, travelling from city to city on late-night trains and finding a new spot to get lost in every few days. The last few years put that on hold, but that's just given me more time to plan my next itinerary and restrictions permitting, I've decided that 2022 is going to be the year I make it to Morocco. I'll wake up in the shadow of the Atlas Mountains, trek into the high dunes of the Sahara, and of course pay a visit to the bright souks and wander the streets of maze-like Marrakech. After two years of grey drizzle, the saturated palette of this incredible country will be a welcome sight.’