3 cool European trips to take in 2022 from Charlotte travel companies
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Sign me up for this Miata driving tour of Italy. Photo courtesy Blue Strada Tours
Soon enough this bleak winter will be over, and it’ll be time for spring and summer travel.
The big picture: Travel made a comeback in 2021 as COVID-19 vaccines became more available. Now experts are expecting 2022 to be an even bigger year for travel, both domestic and international.
Now’s the time to plan the “epic” trip you’ve been waiting for, a recent report from Amadeus suggests.
- Experiences like a Tanzanian safari, Jordan’s Petra and Machu Pichu in Peru are all in high demand with internet searches up by over 20%.
My thought bubble: I don’t know about you, but I’m already day-dreaming about my next trip so I brainstormed some ideas where you can see the world and support local at the same time.
Related Axios guide: Charlotteans are traveling again. What to know before you go
(1) Zoom through Tuscany in a Miata
What to expect: This nine-day road trip covers countless backroads of the Tuscany and Umbria regions of Italy.
- Along the way, guests can stop into the beautiful towns of Siena, San Gimignano, Orvieto and more.
- Plus: A night stay in “Miataland,” an Italian-style villa that boosts a big collection of Miatas.
Cost: All-inclusive tours start at $4,750/person.
When: There are five tours currently scheduled for 2022.
- May 21-29 — sold out
- June 4-12
- June 18-26
- September 3-11 — sold out
- October 1-9
Contact: Blue Strada Tours at [email protected] or 704-292-8801.
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(2) Eat your way through Croatia
What to expect: These week-long tours show off the best of Croatian cuisine. Chef and Charlotte resident Richard Gruica partners with other chefs for these foodie-centric luxury trips.
Cost: Tours start at $3,795-$4,949 per person.
When: There are three tours currently scheduled for 2022.
- July 3-10
- September 3-10
- October 30-November 6
Contact: Captivating Croatia at [email protected] or 704-421-6155.
Go deeper: Read this Charlotte magazine feature on the Croatian tour, including going truffle hunting with dogs and wine tastings galore.
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(3) Explore the Alps
What to expect: Get off the beaten path with this 11-day trip through northern Italy — from the Alps to picturesque lakes to romantic cities like Verona.
- A small group of 6-12 people will visit Lake Garda, Dolomites (Italian Alps), Verona, Montagnana, Valpolicella, Venice, Murano and Burano.
Cost: Tours start at $7,140 per person.
When: This trip runs from September 9-19, but Nada’s Italy offers other tours in France, Spain and Italy running the rest of the year.
Contact: Nada’s Italy at 877-959-8365.
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Plus: What’s on my 2022 travel list?
I spent one glorious month in Colombia in 2021 — my first international trip since the pandemic. But it seems whenever I get back from a trip, my travel bucket list just gets longer not shorter. Here’s where I’d like to go in 2022. (Email me your tips at [email protected]!)
- Guatemala. I’ve crossed off Peru, Ecuador, Panama and Colombia in Latin America. Now I want to improve my Spanish with an immersion program in Guatemala.
- Mexico. 35 countries visited, and I still haven’t made it to Mexico. This is the year for a Mexico City trip.
- Spain. There’s a lot more of Spain I want to explore, specifically the northern part of the country in and around San Sebastián. Bring on the pintxos.
- Malta. The world’s 10th smallest country has plenty to see. It’s location just south of Sicily makes it a good side trip from Spain (or any southern European country).
Related Axios guide: Airfare in Charlotte is going up. Here’s how to save money