5 brand-new attractions open to travel in 2022
Hit the road this year to be among the first travelers to visit these brand-new sites.
Want to be in the know about the top things to do in 2022? Then you’ll want to plan your next trip around these five new attractions open for travel in 2022. From a geothermal lagoon to the world’s largest archaeological museum, hit the road this year to be among the first to visit these brand-new sites.
1. Forest Lagoon in Akureyri, Iceland
Expected opening: Late April 2022
Why you should add it to your 2022 bucket list: Any stress you’ve harbored for the last few years will melt away as soon as you take a dip in the geothermal pools at the Forest Lagoon. It’s basically Mother Nature’s spa, after all. The complex is nestled in the Vaðlaskógur forest and the pools draw their warmth from the nearby Vaðlaheiði mountain range. The main attractions are the two infinity pools overlooking Eyjafjörður fjord, but there’s also a cold tub, sauna, bistro, and two swim-up bars to boot.
The easiest way to visit: Travel in 2022 on our Iceland: The Golden Circle & Ring Road tour. You’ll spend two nights in the Akureyri region, where the Forest Lagoon is located. Penciling in a visit to these thermal pools after a day of sightseeing is the perfect way to spend free time in Iceland. Plus, the hotel we often stay at in the Akureyri region is only a seven-minute taxi ride away from the Forest Lagoon.
2. Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt
Expected opening: November 2022
Why you should add it to your 2022 bucket list: If we had to pick one word to describe this new museum we’d pick, well… grand! It took over a decade to build and it’s set to be the largest archaeological museum in the world. It’ll house a variety of precious ancient Egyptian artifacts. Some of these pieces, like the entirety of the contents of Tutankhamun’s tomb, are being displayed for the first time ever.
Safe to say the Grand Egyptian Museum is one the best places to visit in 2022. Visiting this year also means you’ll be among the first to see these pieces and discover a new side of Egyptian history. Want a fun fact that’ll tide you over until you can see the site in real life? The north and south exterior walls perfectly line up with two of the Pyramids of Giza!
The easiest way to visit: All of our Egypt tours bring you to Giza and will include a guided visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum once it opens! With over 18,000 artifacts on display, you’ll be glad to have your expert Egyptologist by your side. They’ll lead you through the museum and give you the inside scoop on what to see and why.
3. International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina
Expected opening: Late 2022
Why you should add it to your 2022 bucket list: The International African American Museum has been in the works for over 20 years, and its long anticipated opening makes visiting one of the top things to do in 2022 in Charleston. It seeks “to honor the untold stories of the African American journey at one of our country’s most sacred sites.” That site? Gadsden’s Wharf. An estimated 40% of African people forcibly brought to America through the international slave trade set foot on this wharf.
By reclaiming this land, the museum also seeks to reclaim history by using the space to share how African Americans shaped, and continue to influence, the culture in South Carolina and across the U.S. One highlight of the museum will be the Center for Family History, which focuses on furthering research of African American genealogy.
The easiest way to visit: You’ll have free time to visit this museum if your 2022 travel plans include going on our South Carolina & Georgia: Charleston to Savannah tour. Centrally located in downtown Charleston, this museum is easily accessible for travelers exploring the city.
Be sure to stop by the African Ancestors Memorial Garden, which overlooks the bay on the east side of the museum. This public area features an infinity fountain with a pathway symbolizing the journey enslaved Africans had to take to cross from one land to another.
4. Sydney Modern Project in Sydney, Australia
Expected opening: Late 2022
Why you should add it to your 2022 bucket list: The Sydney Modern Project is a new extension of the historic Art Gallery of New South Wales, and seeing it is one of the best things to do in 2022 while visiting Sydney. This addition will be completed in time to celebrate the original gallery’s 150th anniversary. The crown jewel of this sustainably built architectural wonder is the contemporary museum focusing on Aboriginal and Australian artwork. It also features a public art garden, which connects to the existing gallery. To top it off, all of this sits next to the Royal Botanic Garden and overlooks stunning Sydney Harbour.
If you’ve been keeping tabs on the exciting things going on in the world, you’ll know that after a two-year hiatus, Australia is the latest addition to the list of countries open to travelers. There’s no better way to celebrate a trip to the Land Down Under, which is one of the top places to visit in 2022, than by heading to this brand-new art museum.
The easiest way to visit: Each one of our Australia tours includes free time in Sydney so you can explore the city at your leisure. The Sydney Modern Project is only a 15-minute walk from the city center and best of all, it’s free to enter! Spend an afternoon exploring the greenspace and exhibits that highlight unique pieces you aren’t likely to see many other places in the world, like artwork from the indigenous Torres Strait Islanders.
5. National Museum in Oslo, Norway
Expected opening: June 11, 2022
Why you should add it to your 2022 bucket list: Exploring Nordic countries (like Norway!) was one of the biggest travel trends of 2021, and the interest has only grown as we roll into 2022. Lucky for you, Norway’s new National Museum opens just in time for peak summer travel. That’s one of the best times to visit the country according to our Norway Travel Guide.
The National Museum will be the largest art museum in Scandinavia and home to iconic Nordic artwork, like Edvard Munch’s Scream. Another highlight of the museum is the cutting-edge Light Hall. This 25,000-square-foot illuminated space will house an ever-changing array of exhibits, starting with one that spotlights contemporary Norwegian artwork.
The easiest way to visit: Travel in 2022 on our Scandinavia: The Capitals & the Fjords tour. It includes one night in Oslo, and some free time so you can pop into the National Museum. It’s also one of the best Multi-Country Trips to book right now!
Check out what else is trending in travel and join us on tour to experience it all for yourself!
Emily loves the simple travel moments—like watching hours pass by in minutes while sharing a meal and a laugh (or many) with her friends and family. Outside the office, you'll find Emily listening to anything and everything John Mayer, attempting to cook a New York Times recipe, or dreaming up her next trip.
