Nothing says summer like hanging out at a beach. Whether you prefer to lie down and enjoy the sun, or play volleyball in the sand, summer on beaches has a totally different vibe! Tripadvisor, the largest travel website, ranked the top beaches of 2022 based on the reviews and ratings left on their website from travelers between January 1st and December 31st, 2021! Read on to find out, which sandy shore is calling your name this year!

Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos

Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos secured the top spot in the 2022 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards for Beaches. The picture-perfect beach boasts of soft golden sand and water so clear you can see the fishes swim by! The beach is also part of a national park, with certain areas accessible to the public! If you want to have a long and comfortable stay, the beach boasts many luxurious resorts.

Varadero Beach, Cuba

The silver medal in 2022 was awarded to Varadero Beach in Cuba. It’s also known as ‘Blue Beach’ because of its clear, calm waters. The entry to the waters is also quite shallow, allowing the beachgoers to wade in without any fear. The beach gets approximately one million foreign tourists every year, and is perfect for all kinds of travelers — families or solo tourists!

Turquoise Bay, Exmouth, Australia

The third spot on the list goes to a beach from the Land Down Under. Turquoise Bay, located near the town of Exmouth in Australia, boasts water the color of turquoise (hence the name). The perfect place to spend a day snorkeling, swimming, or just lounging by the seaside, reading! The beach is located inside the Cape Range National Park and has dedicated areas for tourists to swim in.

Helsinki, Finland is a city that has changed quite a bit over the past decade. It used to be a city that many believed lacked emotion. The harbor was more functional than fabulous, and the food scene was decent but uninspiring. Now, the city has practically done a full 360 and is more alive and exciting than ever. With numerous dinner options, appealing architecture, and a vast range of things to do, the city is one that should be explored properly.

When to Visit and Where to Stay in Helsinki

There are long winters in Helsinki that typically last from November to March. This often means that the sun sets mid-afternoon and the temperatures hover around freezing. However, the city still has a cozy charm during these months. The summer, from May to September, features up to 19 hours of daylight and much more pleasant temperatures. Here’s where you can stay:

Klaus K This hotel was once an art building, and it has a long roof terrace that is perfect for a nightcap. The hotel’s design pays respect to the Kalevala, which is Finland’s national poem. It features murals of fair maidens that have fiery hair.

Hotel Kämp This is often argued to be one of Finland’s best five-star hotels. It’s known to be a hotel for royalty and rockstars. It’s also known for the accommodation that is provided – afternoon tea.

What to See in Helsinki

Of course, when you visit Helsinki, you’re going to want to have a plan for what to see. Here are some options:

Helsinki Cathedral

This is only one of the many photographic churches in Helsinki. It’s a Lutheran cathedral that looks like it’s fit for St. Petersburg as it features onion domes and neoclassical columns.

Design Museum Here visitors will find exhibits that have the likes of the video game Angry Birds, the cell phone boom from the 2000s, Bubble Chairs, and more from the designer and architect Alvar Aalto.