10 Destinations Viator Travelers Are Dreaming About

Island lovers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs alike flock to San Juan’s tropical rain forests, turquoise waters, and 16th-century Spanish colonial historic district—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Puerto Rican capital’s proximity to El Yunque National Forest makes it easy to escape into the lush wilderness, hiking to waterfalls or soaring through the air on a zipline. Or start dreaming about Laguna Grande, where you can marvel at the natural phenomenon of millions of bioluminescent microorganisms glowing in the water after dark.

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Bursting with color, culture, and variety, the Yucatan Peninsula and Riviera Maya bring together the best that Mexico has to offer: welcoming waters and white-sand beaches, colonial towns, jungle-shrouded cenotes, and ancient archaeological sites. It’s no wonder this hotspot is high on the dreamer’s list. The Maya ruins of Tulum are well worth a visit, as are Coba and Ek Balak. The beach is never far away, and on the coral reefs around Cozumel and Isla Contoy, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities abound.

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Anyone can see why the Pacific archipelago of Hawaii is a favorite pick for the quarantined traveler: cobalt waters, powder-white beaches, volcanic peaks, a plethora of indigenous wildlife, and rich traditional culture. Hawaii’s vibe is casual and laid-back, and surprisingly great for exploring during quarantine. After all, life here is mostly lived outside—chowing down on traditional island food at a luau, surfing or bodyboarding the waves, snorkeling or diving the coral reefs, or hiking over ancient lava flows—and each main island offers both expected and unique experiences.

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One of Spain’s most cosmopolitan cities, Barcelona attracts travelers with its whimsical architecture, Mediterranean beaches, and round-the-clock dining and drinking scene. Follow former resident Antoni Gaudí’s artistic genius around the city, from Parc Güell to Casa Battló to his crown jewel: the still-unfinished Sagrada Familia. These aren’t quarantine dreams, these are fantastical realities. But the real draw for the dreamer is Barcelona’s food. La Boqueria Market is a world-class market showcasing all of Spain’s bounties, with nearby neighborhood bars and restaurants of neighborhoods such as the Gothic Quarter and Gràcia. We’re hungry just thinking about it.

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Perched on Jamaica’s northeast coast on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, Montego Bay is a magnet for travelers seeking rest and relaxation from their quarantine monotony. Downtown ‘Mo’Bay,’ filled with jerk joints, souvenir shops, and British colonial architecture is a sight to behold for any traveler. But, the white sand beaches and turquoise waters are the main draws, offering boundless opportunities for snorkeling, parasailing, and cruising on a catamaran.

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Founded in 1533 as a center of the Spanish empire, Cartagena developed into a sea of colors and a UNESCO World Heritage site within the colonial walled city. Nearby La Popa hill offers views of the old city, the harbor, and the 17th-century Santa Cruz monastery. For those who want to escape, a short boat tour brings travelers to Barú and Playa Blanca, where the white beaches and crystalline water are pure Caribbean paradise. A little further and travelers reach the Rosario Islands, a national park featuring one of the most important coral reefs in the country. To the northwest of Cartagena, the renowned El Totumo mud volcano allows locals and travelers to enjoy therapeutic massages and the natural healing properties of mud baths.

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Buenos Aires blends distinctly European heritage and fiery Latin charm with cosmopolitan class. As the country’s political and cultural heart, Buenos Aires offers an introduction to Argentina’s many delights—this is the place to sample yerba mate tea at a local cafe, learn to tango, tuck into juicy asado (barbecued steak), and party until dawn. To the north of the city’s heart, the chic Palermo zone holds leisurely lunches and the opportunity to stroll through Bosques de Palermo, while nearby Recoleta is a popular stop on walking tours for those who wish to leave flowers at the grave of Eva Perón. Along the coast, the modern skyscrapers of Puerto Madero mark the city’s financial center, but for a ground-level look at the city, bike tours run through the adjacent ecological park.

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Located off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is a multicultural island in the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar was occupied by different rulers over the years, with Indian and Arab influences making their way into the east African culture. This makes for a wholly unique culinary experience. Look no further than the crowded stalls and narrow passes of Dranjani Market. From early morning until late at night locals and visitors alike wander between merchants selling tree-ripened fruits, freshly caught fish, savory stews and spicy local delights. The city’s Stone Town is a UNESCO heritage site, and is a must-see for visitors. It’s the oldest part of the city and has Persian, Indian, and European architectural influences throughout its cobblestone streets. Navigate the maze of narrow alleys that connect major city streets to the rest of this lively destination on foot, or aboard motorcycles if you’re brave.

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Brazil’s largest city was high on the emerging cities list, with travelers curious about this urban gem in the southeastern part of the country. Affectionately nicknamed ‘Sampa’ by locals, Sao Paulo is home to a staggering amount of museums and theaters, making it one of the most culturally expressive in South America. Culinary roots run deep in Sampa, whose population consists largely of Portuguese, Italian, and Japanese descendants, and the neighborhood markets boast a wide array of tasty bites and local produce. Sun and relaxation must be on the mind too, and luckily, Sao Paulo is located just a short trip from nearby beaches in Santos. All in a day’s travel.

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An ancient land of towering pyramids and endless stretches of desert, Egypt is often referred to as the cradle of civilization. On the lush banks of the Nile River, papyrus reeds sway alongside pharaonic temples, and sandblasted tombs reside beneath the mysterious gaze of the Sphinx. With so much to see, a popular way to explore the Gift of the Nile is by cruise ship, with options ranging from week-long luxury jaunts to shorter, budget-friendly trips. Make Cairo your base, exploring the enormous Egyptian Museum and doing some shopping in the vast Khan el Khalili Bazaar. From the city, you can take day trips to many of the essential sites, including the ancient capital of Memphis—home to Egypt’s oldest pyramid. Following a healthy dose of history, head to the Red Sea coast to relax on the golden sands of Hurghada and experience the country’s best scuba diving in Marsa Alam, where unspoiled coral reefs teem with marine life.

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