We don’t blame you for looking at us like crazy people, but we’ve got some seriously high hopes for 2022. Once travel becomes even safer and easy again, you’ll want to be loaded with an arsenal of things to do, so that’s why we’ve searched high and low for some of the most incredible experiences happening in 2022. From world-class sports events to once-in-a-lifetime trips, it’s time to tick off the list.
Be part of history at the Rugby World Cup Sevens
If you can’t wait until next December for your Dubai Rugby Sevens fill, we’ve got something better for you in the form of the Rugby World Cup Sevens. Held in Africa for the first time, the top 24 men’s and 16 women’s teams will butt heads at the 55,000-capacity Cape Town Stadium in Green Point, with the New Zealand men’s team back to defend their crown. Make a holiday of it and take a trip to Stellenbosch before you fly home to enjoy some of that legendary South African hospitality.
Sep 9-11, 2022. Cape Town, rwcsevens.com.
Become a culture vulture at The Burrell Collection
Dubbed Scotland’s most significant cultural event for 2022, The Burrell Collection is reopening its doors for the first time since 2016 following a major £68.25 million upgrade. Home to a collection assembled by the late Glaswegian shipping magnate Sir William Burrell, highlights include Chinese pottery and porcelain produced over 5,000 years, a trove of medieval art, paintings by artists including Manet, Cézanne and Degas, and a rarely exhibited Wagner Garden carpet – one of the three oldest surviving Persian garden carpets in the world. Mindblowing.
Opening Mar 2022. Glasgow, burrellcollection.com.
Channel your inner David Attenborough in Botswana
Story-telling travel is set to be huge next year, as travellers crave deeper and more captivating experiences. Enter Arcadia Expeditions which, among other bucket list trips, has introduced its Okavango Through the Lens 13-day expedition led by legendary master filmmaker and wildlife photographer Greg Nelson. Immersing clients in the astonishing biosphere of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, you’ll even learn to make your own photo book or film of your experiences during your time, so the memories will stay with you long after you return home.
From May 9-21 2022. Botswana, Africa, arcadiaexpeditions.com.
Dance your socks off at Rio de Janeiro Carnival
Following its first cancellation in a century over pandemic concerns this year, Rio de Janeiro’s annual Carnival is back for 2022 (touch wood) and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever. One of those events you just need to tick off the list, expect everything from rehearsals, balls, parades and raucous street parties as the carnival spirit happily takes over. Just be sure to book your hotel, as they fill up quickly.
Feb 25-Mar 5, 2022, Rio de Janeiro, riocarnival.org.
Dive with whale sharks in the Galapagos
Combining a number of once-in-a-lifetime experiences together, the lovely chaps at Dive Worldwide have added a trio of new trips to their repertoire for 2022, but our favourite has to be the Galapagos Whale Shark Expedition. This week-long cruise is led by a marine biologist who has spent time working with the Galapagos Whale Shark Project, and includes up to a whopping 19 dives, meaning you’ll be able to get more up close and personal with this incredible species than ever before.
Departs Sep 26. Galapagos, diveworldwide.com.
Embrace anime at Ghibli Park
One for fans of anime to get excited about, the Japanese animation film studio, Studio Ghibli, is opening its first ever theme park on the former site of the 2005 World Expo, about an hour by train from central Nagoya, in late 2022. Divided into five areas themed around some of Academy Award-winner Hayao Miyazaki’s most popular flicks, Ghibli Park will also house shops, exhibition facilities, and dining based around the 2001 film Spirited Away.
Opening date TBC. Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park, Japan, ghiblicollection.com.
Feel nostalgic at My Fair Lady
My Fair Lady is returning to London’s West End for the first time in 21 years next year and unless you want to wait another 21 years, you won’t want to miss it. The musical adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s hit play Pygmalion, US super director Bartlett Sher’s hit show snagged several major awards when it debuted at New York’s Lincoln Center back in 2018, so you know you’re in for a treat. We’re waiting with bated breath on the cast announcement.
May 7-Aug 27. London Coliseum, Covent Garden.
Get an adrenaline rush at Malyasia’s Genting SkyWorlds
Teeming with thematic attractions and thrilling world-class rides, Genting SkyWorlds theme park is finally opening its doors this month following various forced closures throughout the year. Boasting nine movie adventure-inspired ‘worlds’ including Ice Age – The Coolest Adventure and Robots Rivet Town, she’s even home to the world’s first dual-powered coaster bike ride, Full Throttle Racing, that takes you from zero to 60 on speedy straights and challenging chicanes.
Opening date TBC. Genting Highlands, Malaysia, gentingskyworlds.com.
Get your jam on at the Bob Marley One Love Experience
You may have sung along in your living room to Bob Marley’s One Love, but have you ever seen, smelt and felt it? Well 2022 is your chance as an immersive exhibition dedicated to the Jamaican jammer is kicking off its world tour at London’s Saatchi gallery, where it will stay for ten weeks before embarking on a world tour. Expect a whole lot of unseen photography, memorabilia and a giant art installation, as well as a look at the legendary performer’s lifestyle, influences and passions.
From Feb 1, Saatchi Gallery, London, ticketmaster.co.uk.
Have an other-wordly time at Burning Man
Burning Man is a completely different festival experience to anything else. Firstly, it doesn’t call itself a festival. Instead, this annual gathering held in the middle of the Nevada desert includes everything from wild costumes and art installations to musical performances and lots of partying. No money changes hands either, with ‘burners’ expected to bring all of their supplies other than coffee and ice. The 2022 theme is Waking Dreams, which ‘celebrates the dreamers who channel this potent energy in eye-opening, often surrealistic, sometimes life-changing ways.’
Aug 29-Sep 5. Black Rock City, Nevada, burningman.org.
Have your movie star moment at LA’s Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Originally set to open in 2017, it’s been a long time coming for the $482 million Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which finally opened its doors at the end of last year in Los Angeles’ Wilshire Boulevard. A must for movie buffs, this is full to the brim with iconic treasures including Dorothy Gale’s red pumps and the only surviving full-size shark model cast from the original mould used on Jaws, plus two cinemas and a room for sci-fi fans. Oh, and you can pay extra to hold a real-life Oscar.
Now open. Los Angeles, academymuseum.org/en.
Indulge in some culture at World Design Capital Valencia
Not that you needed another excuse to visit Spain’s Valencia – its stunning Calatrava masterpiece amid traditional European streetscapes is reason enough – but the Mediterranean city will become the world’s eighth World Design Capital in 2022, with a can’t-miss program of festivals, forums and projects including an imagining of the city in 2050 by five important emerging design teams. Be sure to sample some exquisite Spanish tapas while you’re in town. Because why on earth wouldn’t you?
Start date TBC. Valencia, wdcvalencia2022.com.
Jam out at an underwater music festival in Florida
This sounds like it’s out of this world: a music festival that promotes ocean conservation, Lower Keys Underwater Music festival is right on our radar. Held at the Looe Key Reef Dive Center, part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, divers and snorkellers can enjoy six hours of ocean-inspired bangers through speakers hung beneath boats while the marine life dance around. Expect Jimmy Buffett’s Fins, Pirates of the Caribbean theme tune and The Beatles’ Octopus’s Garden.
Dates TBA, Looe Key Reef Dive Center, Florida.
Join Guy Fawkes at London’s Virtual Reality Gunpowder Plot experience
Forget fireworks and massive bonfires – the coolest way to commemorate the failure of Guy Fawkes back on 5 November 1605 is set to open in London next year, and not only will you step back in time and attempt to win the trust of the plotters, you’ll get to join them on their mission to blow up parliament (virtually, obviously). Making use of hi-tech headsets, the 90-minute show uses actors, special effects and VR to recreate the scene, which is held at Tower Vaults next to the Tower of London.
From May 6. London, gunpowderimmersive.com.
Marvel at the Avengers Campus at Walt Disney Paris
Hot on the heels of a successful opening at Disney’s Californian outpost, another Avengers Campus is set to open in the French capital in the summer of 2022, immersing guests in incredible attractions, heroic encounters and delicious new restaurants. Expect an extravagant Spider-Man show, a re-imagined Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster with Marvel storyline, Iron Man-themed roller coaster and Pym Test Kitchen restaurant themed to Ant Man – sounds absolutely Marvel-ous (sorry) to us.
Opening summer 2022. Paris, disneylandparis.com.
May the Force be with you on Walt Disney World Resort’s Star Wars: Galactica Starcruiser
Learn how to wield a light saber? Check. Sleep in your very own galactic cabin? Check. Embark on an excursion to the Black Spire Outpost on Batuu? Check. Star Wars fans have plenty to look forward to during a stay aboard the starship Halcyon. Due to debut in March, there’s no denying it’s going to be expensive (starting prices for the all-inclusive, two-night adventure top $4,800 (SAR17,600) for two guests sharing a cabin).
From Mar 1. Florida, disneyworld.co.uk/destinations/star-wars-galactic-starcruiser.
Peruse Norway’s largest collection of art at the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design
Following Oslo’s new 13-storey Munch museum, the art world’s attention will be drawn to the Norwegian capital once more next summer with the opening of the new $723 million National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design on the city’s western waterfront. Built using materials including oak, bronze and marble, the building is a site for sore eyes, but it’s inside where the magic is with more than 5,000 pieces on display, ranging from medieval tapestries to modern design and art.
Opening June 11. Oslo, nasjonalmuseet.no.
Reminisce about an American rap legend at the Tupac Shakur exhibition
If any rapper has enough life stories to warrant their own museum, it’s Tupac Shakur. And that’s exactly what the late star’s estate figured, hence the opening of Tupac Shakur. Wake Me When I’m Free at Canvas Los Angeles opens in January. Described as ‘part art installation, part sensory experience’, there will be previously unseen artefacts from Tupac’s music career on show, exploring the life and legacy of the late rapper. Following its LA showing the exhibition will hit the road, but other locations are yet to be announced.
From Jan 21. Los Angeles, wakemewhenimfree.com.
Set sail on a one-of-a-kind Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line’s most in-demand ship ever, the 3215-passenger Norwegian Prima takes to the seas in 2022. Offering an elevated dining experience on water, guests will be able to fill their boots in the Indulge Food Hall, an open-air marketplace that features 11 mini-restaurants and food trucks. Summer: The Donner Summer Musical takes centre stage as the ship’s Broadway-style headliner, while there’ll also be a three-story transformational theatre-nightclub, real-life gameshows, three-level racetrack and fast freefall drop dry slides.
The Norwegian Prima will sail in Northern Europe from Aug 17-Sep 13. ncl.com/uk/en
Sing along to The Killers in Australia and New Zealand
One of the most legendary rock bands of all time, The Killers, recently announced their Australia and New Zealand 2022 world tour, and it looks set to be a corker. Concerts will be held in Auckland, Christchurch, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney, plus there will also be select exclusive gigs in outdoor vineyards around Australia.
From Nov 21. Various cities, frontiertouring.com.
Step inside Winterfell at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour
Get ready to channel your inner Jon Snow as the Game of Thrones Studio Tour is set to open its doors in Northern Ireland. Located at one of the original filming locations in Linen Mill Studios, Banbridge, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with the Sven Kingdoms by exploring original sets, costumes, props and stepping in Winterfell’s iconic Great Hall, and see Daenerys Targaryen’s imposing Dragonstone throne. Winter is coming.
From Feb 4. Banbridge, Northern Island, gameofthronesstudiotour.com.
Support your team at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
The beautiful game takes over Doha in late 2022, and it’s safe to say that the country is already well and truly prepared. Not only have eight new stadiums, a new airport, new roads and public transport options shot up, they’ve even gone and built an entire new city, Lusail, complete with myriad new hotels including The Fairmont and Raffles. The first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East is sure to give football fans the time of their lives.
From Nov 21-Dec 18. Qatar, fifa.com.
