Welcome back to the newest installment of 21 Places to Visit Around the World in 2021. If you missed our earlier posts, take a few minutes to catch up on Part One and Part Two, we promise it’s worth it. The last year taught us to appreciate the places that we call home, but with the dawn of a new year, we’re getting antsy – we want to travel! What better way to channel our wanderlust than by planning dream destinations around the world?
Come along for the ride – we hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
Mozambique
Travelers looking for adventure, pristine beaches, delicious food, wild game reserves, and fascinating culture love Mozambique. Often overlooked in favor of Zanzibar or Mauritius, this African nation is a must-visit place for 2021. Scuba and snorkel among dolphins and whale sharks before soaking up the sun along the Indian Ocean coast. If you time your visit correctly, witness the annual humpback whale migration. After working up an appetite, explore the country’s Portuguese roots (Mozambique gained independence in 1975) through its spicy, flavorful cuisine.
Mongolia
Mongolia provides a vast, rugged landscape and offers a privileged glimpse into nomadic cultures. If you’re looking for a truly off the grid travel experience, Mongolia is the country you’ll want to visit in 2021. The land of Genghis Kan overflows with Mother Nature’s magic, and its capital Ulaanbaatar is a brilliant mix of traditional and modern. Explore the Altai Tavn Bogd National Park in western Mongolia, or observe 40,000 white-tailed gazelles in migration across the Dornod Mongolia Steppe grasslands. Round out your visit by seeing the Gobi Desert and Khongor Sand Dunes or the deep blue waters Lake Khövsgöl.
Vietnam
Vietnam is a traveler’s paradise and an ideal place to visit in 2021. A favorite of the late Anthony Bourdain, Vietnam offers Buddhist temples, bustling cities, lush jungle scenery, and some of the best cuisine on the planet. Brimming with culture and history, the Southeast Asian nation is full of surprises. The capital Hanoi is the center of the action, while UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay provides postcard-perfect views, and Hoi An provides a glimpse into the trading heyday of the 15th century. Visit the Cu Chi tunnels outside Ho Chi Minh City, the Hue Monuments, and the My Son Sanctuary for even more history and nuance.
Bhutan
Bhutan is a Buddhist kingdom located on the eastern edge of the Himalayas. Known for its monasteries, fortresses, and dramatic landscapes, Bhutan is also famous for its GNH – Gross National Happiness Index. Isolated from the rest of the world, its ecosystems are practically untouched, and strict visa requirements mean it’s still a place unspoiled by tourists. The Taktsang monastery (pictured) in Paro is perhaps one of the world’s most-photographed. The Trongsa Dzong fortress complex was once home to the Wangchuck dynasty, Bhutan’s royal family. The Palace of Great Happiness in Punakha is one of the country’s most iconic, while hard-to-reach Tang in the Bumthang Valley is full of Bhuddist relics.
Slovenia
Slovenia is an up-and-coming place to visit for 2021 and a favorite among hip travelers. This Central European country offers lush valleys, glacial lakes, folk culture, vineyards, and more. Start by visiting the capital Ljubljana and its charming Old Town, then step into a fairy tale at Bled (pictured) for a dose of natural beauty. The Škocjan Cave are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the thermal waters at Laško will heal any aches and pains. Maribor was named European Capital of Culture in 2021 and is home to some of the world’s oldest vineyards.
