Chasing: 2022
As we enter October, the finality of 2021 is raining down on me. Holiday shopping, winter vacations, family visits - it’s all looming ahead while my mind is still lost somewhere in the Summer.
To cure my Q4-scaries, I’ve decided to look ahead to 2022 and start mapping out (no pun intended) my travel plans for the new year. In a world post-COVID, travel is still strange and rules and regulations are changing almost weekly it seems. Hopefully this inspires you all to make some optimistic travel plans of your own and to get out and see the world once again (just with a mask and vaccination card handy now).
So without further ado, below is a list of my Top 5 Destinations that I plan to visit in 2022.
If you have any recommendations on things to do or places to see in any of these locations, I’d love to hear it - feel free to leave a comment below!
Guadalajara
Photo by Roman Lopez on Unsplash
As someone with a deep appreciation for both architecture and tequila, Guadalajara is a no-brainer. Mexico’s second largest city boasts an array of art museums, stunning churches and cathedrals (such as the Catedral de Guadalajara photographed above), and is the home of modern-day Mariachi.
For tequila fans, like myself, the city also offers “Tequila Trains” (no, really) leaving from Guadalajara and delivering you to the distilleries of big name tequila brands such as Jose Cuervo or Herradura. Most distilleries offer tours of their establishments and agave fields where you might be able to spot some jimadores
Bonus: Puerto Vallarta is only an hour flight from Guadalajara, so I will definitely be adding on some beach time to the vacation.
Coachella Valley
Photo by Andrew Ruiz on Unsplash
Yes, it’s basic. Yes, it’s over-crowded and over-done. Yes, it’s filled with ridiculous “influencers”. And yes, I will be attending Coachella 2022.
As a whole, Palm Springs is one of my favorite destinations in the world. It has an incredible queer community and mid-century modern is my all time favorite architecture aesthetic. I could drive around the city for hours just being enamored with the sites. Plus, as someone who lives at sea level with zero terrain variability, I’m always left in awe by those mountains.
However, in the years that I’ve been traveling to Palm Springs, I’ve given very little attention to it’s equally as beautiful sister-cities such as Palm Desert, Cathedral City, La Quinta and Indio. Therefore, I’m going to try to branch out on this year’s trip so I can expand my dessert horizons.
While the lineup is still yet to be announced, I’m hoping for a safe and fun weekend filled with incredible artists.
New York City
This is by no means a unique or groundbreaking choice. So hear me out.
I lived in New York for many years, and after moving to Miami I was still able to travel to the city almost every-other month for work. However, since COVID-19 seized the world, I have not been able to visit New York at all. All travel for work stopped, and it hasn’t felt right to visit on a personal trip yet up to this point. So much of what I love about New York is being out and lost among the crowds of people…and I personally have not been ready to do that since the pandemic.
What I do know, is that the city is resilient and I look forward to seeing the resurgence in arts that will be born out of this new era in New York. So here’s to hoping that 2022 will bring me more ease and readiness to visit again. Until then, I’ll always <3 NY.
Greek Isles
Photo by Yong Eui Choi on Unsplash
One could spend a lifetime of summers exploring all of Greece’s islands and probably still not see them all.
For 2022, I’ve got three islands bookmarked that I’ve never traveled to so I’m very eager and excited!
First up is Zakynthos. Part of the Ionian Islands, Zakynthos is probably most well-known for it’s Paralia Navagio or also known as “Shipwreck Beach”. Another key sight, is the Blue Caves which you will undoubtedly see on my Instagram as it’s an incredibly picturesque setting.
After Zakynthos, I’ll take a visit over to the Aegean Sea to see the islands of Kythnos & Milos. The Cycladic architecture and relaxed villages always have a way of rejuvenating my spirit. The beaches don’t hurt either - and trust me, there are more than I can probably name in a day. But beaches aside, both of these islands offer a lot to do. Milos is home to an Ancient Greek theater, and catacombs to boot. While Kythnos offers incredible hiking trails and distinct villages such as Hora and Dryopida.
And it would be a visit to the Greek Islands without taking in a sunset or two.
Kansas City
Photo by Daniel Thomas on Unsplash
As someone who spent their adolesence an hour outside of Kansas City, I can tell you that it actually has a nice culture. A good art scene, great Alternative music, delicious BBQ, and home to some incredible drag queens. I’ve recommended KC to a lot of friends and colleagues over the years, and not one of them was disappointed.
Since I left for college, however, Kansas City has only acted as a passage for me to visit my family. I’ve rarely spent any time there, outside of the airport, in the last 15 years. Therefore, I’m making a concerted effort to visit and experience a 2022 Kansas City next year.
Highlights for me would include a visit to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, a drag show at Hamburger Mary’s or Missie B’s (Let’s be honest, I’m doing both), an outrageous meal at Jack Stack Barbecue, and a concert at the Uptown Theater.