I searched the internet and, based on national magazines like Forbes, CN Traveler, hotel openings, and new flight routes, here are my top 6 destinations. These destinations are geographically diverse, and there's a point of interest for every traveler. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to scratch these vacation spots off your bucket list and enjoy the best adventures that they have to offer and get away from your regular routine.
Amangiri/Lake Powell, Utah
Best Time to Visit - late spring and late fall
Things to do – A visit to A Lone Rock public beach for a quick dip in the clear warm waters, enjoy a horse ride to the top of the mountain, and watch the sunset in Utah. The pentacle activity is a visit to Lake Powell and explores the red rock walls of Slot and Antelope Canyon. Don't forget to gaze at the spire-shaped formations of Bryce Canyon National Park.
Cape Town, South Africa
Best Time to Visit – March to May and from September to November
Things to do – You must walk the 130m Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway and enjoy how it twists through the tops of the trees. Take the ferry out to Robben Island to tour the prison where Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Enjoy a truly memorable and authentic experience with the locals and their community. The pentacle activity would be a trip to the most epic spot – the Cape Point Peninsula.
Porto/Douro Valley, Portugal
Best time to visit – May to September
Things to do – Experience one of Europe's wildest and mountainous wine regions. Visit the winery and vineyards of Sandeman's Quinta, drive on the N222, between Peso da Régua and Pinhão because it was voted the best road to drive in the world. A short 1-2 hour boat tour along the Douro River along with a wine tasting, Côa Museum, can be proven to be a memorable experience. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998.
Tokyo, Japan
Best Time To Visit - March to May and late autumn September to November
Things To Do - From ancient temples like the Kanda Shrine to pray for wealth and success in business and The Yasukuni Shrine in Kudanshita to modern pop-culture and electronic like Robot Restaurant in Kabukicho.You have to ride one of the best and world's busiest station, as certified by Guinness World Records subway systems anywhere. See a unique Buddhist wood-burning ritual in one of Tokyo's prominent temples like the Fukagawa Fudo Temple. Explore the biggest fish market in the world The Tsukiji Market (築地市場, Tsukiji shijō), plus the 2020 Summer Olympic will be held in Tokyo - July 24 - August 9, 2020!
Here's a bonus for foodies that is a don't miss because Tokyo is home to more Michelin stars than Paris. The city has over 100,000 restaurants. You can sample tempura, teppanyaki, yakitori, ramen, kaiseki, and shabu.
Melbourne Australia
Best Time To Visit - March and May and September and November.
Things to Do - Known for the arts from graffiti artists to Blender Studies and like The State Library of Victoria, a visit to the Wander Queen Victoria Market is a must for your itinerary. Still, the café culture is the city's soul. Then polish the evening off with Melbourne's nightlife and pair this vacation with a beautiful experience at the Peninsula Hot Springs.
Here's a bonus for the theater lovers Melbourne has over 76,000 live performances a year versus New York City's 36,000. That's a lot of music.
Punta Cana
Best Time to Visit - March to May
Things to Do - This vacation is all about a visit to one of the most luxurious and tranquil all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic, the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana. Providing a range of amenities, Punta Blanca Golf Club, a beautiful beach, immaculate grounds, and gorgeous private gardens with incredibly lush flowers. You can't visit Punta Cana without exploring the island so venture out to a replica Italian-style village high above the Chavon River valley, natural swimming hole The Hoyo Azul Lagoon, also known as the "Blue Hole," located at the foot of a cliff, and amazing underwater adventure to Seaquarium Punta Cana.