Before the COVID-19 outbreak, Gen Z and millennials were known as the wanderlust generations with their unbridled passion for travel. The pandemic may have put our adventures on hold, but it certainly didn’t bring them to an end. As travel restrictions ease around the world, my family and friends have been planning our 2022 trips with cautious optimism and we’re finally contemplating going on a much-awaited vacation.

This is the year to make up for the holidays we couldn’t enjoy over the last two years. But our passion for travel goes beyond our abiding love of the far flung, as tourism greatly helps local communities. It also nourishes a deeper understanding of cultures and helps build self-confidence.

Among my favourite locations for travelling in 2022 is Sicily, Italy. Its picture-perfect mountain towns, lavish cities, pristine beaches and cultural expanses mean that it has allure like no other region. Next up are Corsica and Sardinia—these two Mediterranean islands are a stone’s throw from each other, and are the perfect summer destinations, particularly if you’re planning on travelling in July.

France’s Corsica is known as the island of beauty with plenty to explore and revel in. Costa Smeralda on the Italian Sardinia is a stunning location but slightly busy in July. Here’s my tip: head to La Maddalena Archipelago, situated in the north-east of Sardinia, which is a protected island with the best beaches, turquoise seas and sandy bays.

Although not as popular as the neighbouring Nice, Cannes, or Monaco, small towns and areas like Eze, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Le Trayas, Boulouris and Agay on the Côte d’Azur are a true reflection of French charm. The beaches there are much more pleasant, cleaner and less crowded than the ones elsewhere.

If you’re looking to travel to the African continent, then Marrakesh in Morocco needs to be your first stop. The city has become increasingly popular as a tourist destination, especially for travellers who appreciate architectural and artistic gems. It also offers a cultural confluence of Africa and Europe, as you’ll find influences of both continents on its food, music and buildings.

Last but not the last, Tokyo in Japan is my dream destination and one that many of my fellow Gen Zers would love to discover. It seamlessly marries technological advancements with cultural traditions and would offer a well-rounded experience.

No matter what your destination of choice is, make sure to follow regulations and take safety measures. And don’t forget to fill your travel totes and luggage with the season’s finest outfits and accessories, so you can make memories in style.

Happy travels, Gen Zers!