Today's in-the-know travelers are more aware than ever of all the world has to offer. There are infinite ways to explore the planet and countless possibilities to experience new people and unique places once considered too remote, too expensive, or too exotic.
Explore our expertly curated selection of some of the world's best destinations before you decide where to go next.
Sure, your friends and fellow travelers may have their own ideas about where to go next, but our travel advisors have actually "been there, done that" and can offer insight, ideas, and inspiration on the top travel adventures - connections you can't get elsewhere and recommendations that go beyond the articles and ads, so you can see the world from the inside this year.
Tokyo, Japan
Japan's capital is the perfect mix of technology and tradition, pulsing with energy and history and culture around every corner. Whether you want to explore ancient temples and gardens, shop for cutting-edge fashion and state-of-the-art gadgets, or simply wander the locals' favorite food finds and lively festivals, this larger-than-life city truly has it all. And as they begin to prepare for the 2020 Olympics, there’s already an energy in Tokyo that will make your Japanese adventure undeniably unforgettable.
The Kaminarimon, the gate of Sensoji Temple in Tokyo.
Northwest Passage
More of a journey than a destination, the time is now to experience navigating the intrepid sea passage that cuts through the remote Arctic regions of North America. This legendary route from the Atlantic to the Pacific cuts through the icy Canadian Arctic, past colorful Inuit villages, and gets you up-close-and-personal with some of the world's most incredible wildlife in their natural habitat. Experience the raw, daunting beauty of the Northwest Passage on an epic expedition in the wake of the world's greatest explorers.
Discover this renowned waterway on a true Arctic expedition.
Insider Tip: Explore the magnificent Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and trace history as you sail the route of famous expeditions vessels of the past like Gjoa Haven.
Dalmation Coast, Croatia
Called the "Jewel of the Adriatic," you've probably heard the buzz about Croatia, but it's time you experience what the fuss is all about. Discover the Dalmatian Coast and its more than 1,200 islands, where majestic mountains meet a crystalline sea and archaeological treasures abound - from UNESCO sites in Sibenik and Trogir, to the Venetian flair of Vis and Hvar and the ancient city of Dubrovnik, the tranquil gem that's home to the charming, pedestrian-only Old Town as seen on Game of Thrones.
Ancient city walls still protect Old Town in Dubrovnik as they have for centuries.
Valletta, Malta
An elegant city, Valletta is Malta's small but stylish capital, built by the Knights of St. John that still retains its 16th-century elegance. Intimate and idyllic, it's packed full of architectural wonders, incredible culture, and awesome UNESCO sites which is why it's often described it as "one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world." Surrounded by turquoise waters, Malta has all the charm of nearby Sicily with far fewer tourists and has a unique vibe that’s Mediterranean with a North African twist.
The historic walled city of Valletta, Malta dates back to 1565.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss a chance to ride the Valletta ferry over to the lovely Three Cities–the quaint seaside towns of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea–for authentic and intriguing insight into Malta and its maritime history.
Reykjavík, Iceland
Iceland has been atop the "world's best" lists for several years, but the time is now to journey to the land of fire and ice. Explore Reykjavík’s extraordinary landscape by day and its legendary nightlife, or jammith as the locals say, by night.
Iceland is a great place to experience the Northern Lights.
A spectacular collage of lava fields, craters, waterfalls, and imposing mountain ranges makes Iceland a rugged paradise and Reykjavík itself is a 21st century European city - and the northernmost capital in the world - with fine restaurants, cozy cafes, and intriguing museums and galleries.
Grenadines (Caribbean)
A "hidden" island chain in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, uncluttered by tourists and far away from the standard cruise ship routes lies the Grenadines, with its white sand beaches, deserted coves, sky-blue water, and barely a soul around. Discover the idyllic islands in this 32-island chain that's home to St. Vincent and Grenada, and dozens of lesser-known and little-explored gems of this eastern Caribbean paradise.
Sun, sand, and sea await in the unspoiled islands of the Grenadines.
Boasting "the most untouched beaches in the Caribbean," this extraordinarily underdeveloped and exotic country offers more than just impeccable diving, sailing and sandy white shores - there are volcanoes to climb, refreshing waterfalls to explore and great hiking throughout.
Insider Tip: If you're looking for island souvenirs, handmade crafts, fresh produce, local rum, or incredible smelling island-sourced spices like nutmeg and vanilla, there's no better place than the famous Market Square located in the heart of the island of Grenada.
Antarctica
The closest thing on Earth to another planet, it's time to awaken your soul to the wonder of Antarctica, a place untouched by humanity and unmatched in adventure. Revel in the beauty and overwhelming power of nature. Admire the staggering abundance of wildlife. Meet the personal challenge of reaching the last great wilderness frontier. Explore giant prisms of ice riding an ink-blue sea. Nothing prepares you for the intimate animal encounters, the dramatic scenery, the majestic towering icebergs and the surreal stillness of the white continent.
Explore Antarctica - the land at the end of the world.
Rhine River, Europe
“Old Father Rhine” is one of Europe’s most spellbinding and best-loved rivers - and a leisurely river cruise through this rich landscape of beauty and culture is the perfect way to experience it all for families, couples, and first-time cruisers alike.
The Rhine River's lovely shoreline is populated with dozens of iconic castles.
Explore the hillside castles, lush vineyards, storybook villages, turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, charming windmills, bustling markets, medieval towns and spectacular scenery along this remarkable and historic river as you explore the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland in style.
Insider Tip: Viking’s ‘Rhine Getaway’ has been voted the "World's #1 River Cruise" and is considered the #1 itinerary for first time river cruisers.
St. Petersburg, Russia
The capital of the Russian Empire for over 200 years, “The Venice of the North” remains a dazzling destination. A Russian city with a European flair and an artistic, architectural and intellectual epicenter, a glorious revolution of the senses awaits you in St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg is called Russia's "Window on the West".
From the grand palaces of the Tsars and iconic multi-colored marble cathedrals to trip to Catherine’s Palace in the countryside or the world-class Hermitage Museum offering some of the most profound works of art ever revealed to the global traveler, St. Petersburg remains one of the world's most beautiful metropolises.
Patagonia, South America
The dramatic beauty of coastal South America and the rugged Patagonia region comes from its diversity, as mountains dotted with waterfalls and fields awash in flowers and grazing cattle give way to icy peaks and massive glaciers. There's no safer and more spectacular way to take it all in than with a luxury cruise around the southern tip of South America.
Patagonia is one of the wildest and most wondrous regions on the planet.
Experience a bit of rugged Patagonia with a drive into the Andes Mountains through a stunning valley to the Rio Simpson National Reserve and the town of Coyhaique. Or visit the magnificent private Aikén del Sur Park with its many waterfalls, wetlands, forests and mosses. Enjoy stunning views over the Strait of Magellan to fabled Tierra del Fuego. Discover the Bavarian ambiance of the Lake District as you visit the edge of the Patagonian wilderness, seeing pristine wood forests, vast lakes, snow-capped peaks and spectacular vistas.
Whether you're looking to be immersed in history, crave heart-stopping adventure, want the perfect beach getaway, or desire destinations off the beaten path, this is the year to see the world as an insider!
The world is filled with so many wonderful places to visit, but hopefully this list of our most highly recommended destinations will help you discover something new the next time you travel.
For a complete list of the best places to go or to begin planning and saving on your vacation, connect with a CruiseInsider expert by calling 1 (877) 734-6858.
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