Think of this like a talent show but for travel. And instead of Simon Cowell crushing Jedward’s dreams or saddling Louis with the Over 25’s (again), it’s us choosing the best destinations for 2021…

Yep, we went all in with the talent show analogy.

Keep reading for 10 places we think you should chuck on your 2021 bucket list...


* We want you to know that we thoroughly interviewed all of the destinations in this list whilst dressed like Sinitta in this judges houses episode.

Mexico City

Why we like it:
Mexico City is an overstuffed tamale (filled corn husk) of eats, art, and culture.

The Roma neighbourhood (yep, like the film) is the reason Mexico City has made it onto our list this year. It’s got wide tree-lined streets that are dotted with fountains. In the little painted doorways musicians stoop in doorways strumming at guitars and the smell of fresh tacos is always in the air. Pinch yourself, you’re not dreaming.

Don't Miss:
Roma is serious about caffeination. Who isn’t? Borola gets our vote for it’s boho interiors and fresh iced coffee. Next stop is the Mercado Medellín, a rainbow food market with Mexican staples, Colombian snacks, and Cuban ice cream.

Head to Galería OMR for avant-garde art and Mama Rumba salsa bar for dancing and mojitos.

Helsinki

Why we like it:
One of the biggest surprises of 2020 (there have been many) was Helsinki’s glow-up.

Back in 2018 the city dropped some serious cash on their arts and culture scene. It worked. You’ll be strolling round galleries with heart emoji eyes and drooling over the Baltic archipelago views.

Don't Miss:
Amos Rex is an art gallery that looks like an alien portal into the future. Even the name is cool. Their most recent exhibition, Egypt of Glory - The Last Great Dynasties, was the largest collection on Egyptian art outside of Egypt.

It might’ve had a facelift, but Helsinki’s natural bits are still a big reason to visit. Head to the Allas Sea Pool in the evening for a dip in the icy waters or sweat it out in the sauna surrounded by twinkly fairy lights. You win Helsinki. You win.

San Francisco

Why we like it:
San Francisco’s melty Sunny D streets and laid-back vibe have us hungry for more in 2021.

Specifically, we’re adding the Castro neighbourhood to our bucket list. Harvey Milk - California’s first openly gay elected official - has left a lasting legacy here. It was where he waged his campaigns, created safe spaces for the gay community, and oversaw a creative revival.

New neighbourhoods have sprung up with alt-art scenes and authentic eats.

Don't Miss:
First stop is Spike's for eco-friendly coffee and people-watching on the outdoor seats. Try and catch a show at the Castro Theatre if you can. It’s a community hub with obscure movies and special screenings.

Make the most of the weather with a picnic at the palm-fringed Mission Dolores Park then it’s off to Twin Peaks Tavern for cocktails.

Naples

Why we like it:
Naples adopted Diego Maradona and made him their own. The Argentine footballer died in 2020 and we’re celebrating the city that he loved.

The capital of the Campania region sits pretty in Southern Italy… behind a volcano. Which makes sense because Naples is an explosion of crumbly Baroque buildings, old-school aperitivo bars, and sleepy enclaves.

Don't Miss
There are a handful of museums that give you a look back into Naples glory days. Think, the Gatsby of Italy. Villa Pignatelli is maybe the best of the bunch to see all that faded glamour. Afterwards head to the modern boutiques in the Chiaia neighbourhood stopping for a drink and Italo disco at Futuribile.

La Gomera

Why we like it:
Crumbly black volcanic rock, jungley hikes, and hippie outposts… La Gomera is the untamed Canary Island we want to go to in 2021. It’s still got the same postcard-perfect beaches and sunny climate as it’s neighbours BUT none of the cruise-ship crowd. Praise be.

Don't Miss:
San Sebastián is the capital and it looks like someone spilt Skittles everywhere. Houses are painted in pastel tones and the sleepy seafood shacks open when they feel like it. Take the Ruta 18 hike which goes up the highest mountain of the island - Garajonay.

Hydra

Why we like it:
Never met a Greek island we didn’t like. In Hydra everything happens around the horseshoe-shaped port, where fishermen haggle for mooring spots and a line of donkeys stands to attention. There are no vehicles in Hydra (not even bikes) so donkeys wind around the narrow streets and wheeze up the steep steps.

Hydra’s got two faces, and both are beaut. Come in high season and the old men playing backgammon are replaced with millionaires looking for a discreet holiday. It’s made our list this year because there’s nothing to do but swim in the open sea, smash through slabs of feta, and drink ouzo shots on pebbled beaches.

Don't Miss:
You’ll want to sit in one of the squares and snag a morning pastry. Then you could trek across the island for a Robinson Crusoe-style hidden beach… Or just dip in the sea and head to Xeri Elia Douskos for guitar playing and traditional eats. Finish your day with sundown drinks at The Pirate Bar.

Cape Town

Why we like it:
Why wouldn’t we?!

Cape Town’s always been good but recently it’s had a ‘cultural renaissance’ - like the McConaissance when Matthew McConaughey stopped doing rom coms and got serious. There’s an artsy mix of Biennale fairs, artist-run popups, and a newfound respect for local artists.

Don't Miss:
Stop bothering those sharks and get some culture in your eyeballs. The Maitland Institute and the Centre for the Less Good Idea are both great spots for local work and emerging talent.

A gin bar hiding behind a chocolate shop? We’re in. The Gin Bar is snug little spot with a speakeasy feel thanks to the lowkey location.

Tavira

Why we like it:
When you get out of Faro airport? Take a hard east instead of going west. We know, the Irish pubs are calling you but Tavira’s going to make you forget about that warm Guinness.

Massive chain hotels are replaced with sun smashed churches and the buildings are all Renaissance or Baroque leftovers. The cobbled streets lead to manicured gardens… Eleganza dahhhling.

Don't Miss:
For lunch with a view, you can’t do much better than unassuming Noelia e Jeronimo. These guys serve up fishy plates straight from the sea. The best bit? It’s opposite the Cabanas island beach. BUT before you go starfishing on the sugary sand, head to Ilha da Tavira. It’s the real MVP.

Freiburg

Why we like it:
Smash fries and burgers together? You get Germany’s green city - Freiburg. This underrated gem in Germany’s fluffy Black Forest has been doing it’s bit for planet earth. If you’re serious about making your travel more sustainable this year, this could be the trip for you.

Don't Miss:
The back to nature vibes are strong with this one… 40% of Freiburg is covered in a blanket of woodland. The city is powered by renewables like solar, biomass, win, and hydroelectricity. AND the main way to get around is walking, e-busing, and bike. Welcome to the future.

Wander about the streets taking in the sandstone cathedral and old university. Then head to one of the breweries for local German bevs. Finish with a cable car trip up Schauinsland mountain.

Calgary

Why we like it:
So you thought you knew Canada? Calgary's millionaire cowboys and wind-powered trains… Wild grasslands run into rugged prairie plains and the Canadian Rockies loom large in the background. This used to be cattle country but locals have swapped boots for brogues and cows for culture.

Don't Miss:
Explore the outdoor art installations and wander 17th Avenue, then hit the blues bars on Music Mile and hunt for food trucks.

If Canada had a personal brand it’d be maple syrup and ice hockey. The locals may be friendly off the rink but there's a reason they're padded to the max. Head to Scotiabank Saddledome to see the Calgary Flames hit other people (and the puck) with sticks.