White sand warms the soles of your feet, while an icy watermelon daiquiri cools you down. Waves crash on the shore with a loud boom. The noise snaps you back to reality.

You’re at the local shops and the cashier asks if you want your watermelon in a separate bag. I want it in a cocktail, you think to yourself.

That’s when you know you’re ready for a holiday.

While certain parts of the world are safer to visit than others, according to RAA Travel consultants, there are six countries that most travellers are adding to their wish list for 2022 and beyond.

1. New Zealand

Stepping off a plane and onto New Zealand soil feels like you’re walking into a scene straight out of a movie.

With two islands, 14 national parks and dozens of picturesque cities, there are countless reasons for dreamy travellers to choose this Aussie neighbour for their post-pandemic journey.

Explore golden coastlines fringed with native pohutukawa trees, follow walking trails to waterfalls hidden in beech forests, or cycle through rolling vineyards. This island paradise is like one, huge outdoor adventure park open to the public.

Walking and hiking trails dot the country for travellers who want to sightsee on foot, which is the best way to breathe in this stunning part of the world.

Choose a short walk or a multi-day trek to discover attractions such as South Island’s Fiordland or the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park.

Whether you’re a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous Lord of the Rings novels or not, a visit to New Zealand isn’t complete without a trip to the town of Matamata – home of Hobbiton.

Book a tour of the movie set – it’s bucket list-worthy, even if you don’t know anything about Gandalf the Grey.

2. Italy

l’italia è bellissima. Google Translate tells us this means ‘Italy is beautiful’, and we couldn’t agree more.

The boot-shaped country is a foot ahead of the rest. From food and fashion to art and architecture, Italy is what dreams are made of.

Now, let’s skip straight to the highlight: Italian cuisine.

From Milan to Rome and down to Palermo, life revolves around mealtimes. So, where are the best places to pamper your palate? The northern Italian town of Bologna is famously known for its meat dishes and for its stuffed pastas, or more specifically, tortellini.

Pick up a menu from almost any eatery in the area and you’ll find tortellini en brodo, which are tiny parcels of meat-filled pasta served in a golden capon broth. Add a bit of grated parmigiano reggiano cheese and buon appetito.

Now it’s time to walk off those carbs.

Avoiding crowds is something seasoned travellers aimed to do long before COVID-19, but there are some popular tourist spots you can’t ignore.

Tick off St Mark’s Square in Venice, the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City and sunburnt villages that rise from the sea along the Cinque Terre.

3. Spain

As the fourth largest country in Europe, attracting about 58 million tourists every year, Spain doesn’t stop.

While bigger cities like Barcelona and Madrid are always bustling, there’s a sleepy side to Spain which makes visitors fall in love with its laid-back culture.

You could say Spaniards take their naps seriously. Every day, from 1pm to 5pm, it’s not unusual to find most local offices, government institutions and shops closed for lunch and a siesta.

While it’s unlikely you’d want to spend your long-awaited holiday asleep in a hotel room, there’s still the chance to enjoy a bit of rest and relaxation.

All aboard. That’s your call to jump on deck and enjoy a cruise down the Douro River, which meanders through central Spain and northern Portugal.

Soon, you’ll find yourself in Salamanca – one of Spain’s many UNESCO World Heritage-listed cities. Many Spaniards consider the city their nation’s most beautiful.

Founded by the Romans, who erected the 389-yard-long bridge, Salamanca is mostly built from local sandstone that emanates a gorgeous rose-coloured glow in the sunlight.

This is the place to soak in architecture and history. Established in 1218, Salamanca University is the oldest in Spain. In fact, the Spanish Inquisition’s records are kept here, and the immaculately preserved lecture halls give the impression Spaniards are serious about study.

Worked up an appetite learning about Spain’s darker history? End the day on a lighter note with sangria, churros and a traditional flamenco show.

4. Japan

Where in the world can you find dancing robots, dragons and ninjas in the same place? The Robot Restaurant in Tokyo, that’s where. It’s quirky experiences and destinations like this that make Japan a memorable place to holiday.

From hedgehog cafés to owl eateries, if you can pet it, you can almost guarantee you’ll find it in a café dotted around one of Japan’s major cities.

If you’re game, make your way to Harajuku where you’ll find Japan’s first snake café at the Tokyo Snake Center.

Eat, drink and… pet a snake. While the reptiles generally stay safely inside their glasshouses, customers can pay extra and take the snakes out of the cases to hold them. The experience will give you as many goosebumps as witnessing nature take over the country during cherry blossom season.

Tokyo’s Shinjuku Gyeon National Garden in March is considered one of the best places to view these pretty pink flowers.

For a bird’s eye view of the city, the world’s tallest tower, Tokyo Skytree, is breathtaking. If you’re on a budget or keen to skip the entry fee, a better option might be the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Located near Shinjuku train station, the second-tallest building in the city, has observatories in its north and south towers on the 45th floor. On a clear day, you can see Mt Fuji looming over the city, and best of all, it’s free to enter.

5. Fiji

Escaping to a tropical island may have crossed your mind once or twice over the past couple of years. Dreams can come true, and Fiji is the place to make it happen.

Fijians may be the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. And it’s no wonder. They’re surrounded by swaying palms, clear water, coral reefs, and shady coconut trees.

Away from snorkelling and kayaking, Fiji attracts travellers to the water for other reasons, including the therapeutic natural spas scattered throughout the island.

Located on the main island of Viti Levu, between Lautoka and N+adi, Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the traditional Fijian way of life.

If you’re having trouble finding it, the unmistakable smell of sulphur, which is said to have therapeutic and anti-ageing properties, will lead you straight to the pools.

Managed by a local village, a small fee will give you a guided tour of the site before you take a dip in the warm mud.

Just be careful as hot spring temperatures vary from lukewarm to hot (up to 60 degrees celsius). But if we come out looking younger and less like pigs stuck in mud, we can handle a little heat.

6. USA

There may be 50 states in the United States, but with the sun-kissed city of Miami being the warmest location in the entire country in winter, it’s no wonder many travellers flock to Florida.

While we admit South Australia’s beaches are hard to top, Miami’s are almost as iconic. The coastal metropolis’ most renowned beach is South Beach, a popular hangout which transforms into a party at night.

Stroll the main strip, Ocean Drive, before dining at one of the many celebrity chef-owned eateries, then hit up the beach bars for a cocktail or two.

If partying with the crowds isn’t your style, take to the water instead. Conveniently, Miami’s the home port to many cruise liners that set sail to the Caribbean – from one slice of paradise to another.

We’re optimistic that sunnier days are on the horizon this year.