"Go big or stay home" is the theme for planning vacations in 2022. A recent Expedia survey on travel trends found that “65% of respondents are planning to ‘go big’ on their next trip,” naming the desire for exciting and extravagant trips “the biggest travel trend” of 2022. It’s clear that travelers are ready to shake off the limitations of the pandemic to embark on the trip of a lifetime. 

The poll of 12,000 travelers across 12 countries, also found that U.S. travelers who yearn to ‘go big’ are seeking out exhilaration (41%), and the feeling that they have made the most out of their trip (40%). The survey also found that travelers were very willing to drop big bucks on future travels. 

**Keep in mind that vacations – extravagant adventures in particular – are an investment. Check out how an Allianz Travel Insurance plan can help you protect expenses paid toward your trip, as well as your belongings and health, in the event of covered emergencies and delays.

Here are some of the most epic destinations of 2022, travel expenses that are worth the splurge, and how to plan for your dream trip.

Making plans is a huge part of the fun.

And since this is the trip of a lifetime, why not approach planning a little differently than impulsively opening a ton of tabs online or scouring for deals? Instead, try to think more creatively – that's where journaling can help. The act of writing can help you visualize the sort of experience you’d like to have and from there, you can start brainstorming the destinations most likely to give you the best vacation glow. (Or you can totally skip this advice if you’ve had your heart forever set on a certain amazing place.)

The blog “101 Ways to Save the Planet” has five fun journal prompts to get you started. Write about what you want to fill your senses the first day of your trip. Do you want to hear cicadas on a warm evening, or the morning traffic of a booming metropolis? Do you want to smell the salt of the ocean, or an espresso from a nearby café? Ask yourself how you would like to end the first day of your vacation – what are you doing and who are you with?  

The biggest vacation of your life so far is worth the extra thought. 

Where to go?

For Americans, domestic travel remains most popular this year. The Expedia poll shows that 59 percent of American vacationers are planning domestic trips, but a significant portion, 37%, are planning both domestic and international trips. Some of the most popular U.S. destinations include Orlando, New York City and Maui, Hawaii. If you’d like to take your adventure further, some of the most sought-after international destinations include the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, Rome and Bali. So, we’ve decided to highlight places to stay and how to splurge in these hot spots.

If you’re planning on going to Orlando, chances are you’re headed to Walt Disney World Resort, which captures imaginations as “The most magical place on earth.” Make your trip especially enchanting by booking one of the incredible suites, cabins or bungalows at the resort. The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has some of the most opulent rooms on the property. If you want the best of the best, book the resort’s Grand Suite. The Victorian inspired quarters offer a sizeable jacuzzi spa, marble shower, two bedrooms and oversized living room windows overlooking the Magic Kingdom. If you want to be pampered after a long day of riding ever ride possible, unwind at Mandara spa, a full-service, Balinese-themed luxury spa, located in Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel.

Bali is rightfully known as one of the world’s most beautiful and luxurious tropical paradises. And if you want to tick thrilling adventures off of your travel to-do list, Bali is great for that too. Go whitewater rafting on the Ayung River, where you can course by on rapids that pass stunning waterfalls and beautiful rice terraces. Canyon tubing is another water activity that is great for the whole family. You’ll cruise through verdant forests on class II rapids. Trek on the surface of the active volcano Ganung Batur, and feel tremors under your feet.

New York City is all about going big, and that includes the nightlife. The Marquee nightclub, located on Tenth Avenue in Manhattan, is known for its extensive bottle service, lounge feel and talented DJs. Be sure to purchase a ticket ahead of time for smooth entry. While you’re in Manhattan, visit the 10,000 square foot Nebula. Now the largest nightclub in the city, Nebula made its debut in April 2022, making it a relatively new way to celebrate the end of the pandemic.

When in Rome, enjoy some of the world’s best boutique and haute couture shopping. Imagine strolling through the city, espresso in hand, looking through shop windows to spy your next purchase at top luxury boutiques: Giorgio Armani, Miu Miu and Dolce & Gabbana, Tiffany & Co., or Jimmy Choo, to name a few. That’s the appeal Via dei Condotti, a walkable thoroughfare lined with prestigious fashion houses. You’ll be drawn in by glitzy displays by Prada and Dior. The mesmerizing digital staircase at Louis Vuitton is a photo subject worthy of your Instagram. The crown jewel of Via dei Condotti is Palazzo Fendi; a five-story complex that is part boutique and part art gallery, that features sketches and photographs from creative director Karl Lagerfeld, and artwork from around the globe.

Playa del Carmen, is one of the most popular destinations on the Yucatán Peninsula Ranked #2 Best Place to Travel in Mexico by the U.S. News & World Report, and #4 for Best Beaches in Mexico, the coastal town is of course known for its turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Playa del Carmen also offers some of the most luxurious hotels on the peninsula, including the nearby Hotel Escensia, the former estate of an Italian Duchess. The modern and upscale resort has a private and exclusive feel, mostly due the fact that its 29 rooms are spread over 50 acres of its lush and tropical grounds. Some of the rooms even feature private plunge pools. The luxurious spa, pools with ocean views, beach access, and upscale restaurants are available to all guests. 

Allianz Travel Insurance can help make your get-away stress free.  Download the Allyz App for iPhone and Android, which allows you to quickly access 24-hour assistance, file and follow up on a claim, and view real-time information such as flight delays, and locations of nearby medical facilities.

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