Best Places to Runaway to Start Over in 2022

Hawaii has everything you need for the perfect vacation. Of course, it is a surfing paradise with stunning beaches and big, beautiful waves, but if you're not feeling like hanging out on the beach, there are plenty of volcanoes and ancient temples to see. You can go snorkeling with manta rays on the Kona Coast, or take a hike up along one of Maui's most gorgeous trails.

If you want to run away, but not that far away, look no further than the province of Quebec. Not only is this destination still in Canada (with no need to switch over your cell phone or health insurance), it’s also a very affordable place to live. Of the 20 cheapest cities to live in Canada, several of them are in the province of Quebec. Even in the rest of the province, real estate prices are very affordable. Plus: French cuisine!

If you want to go a little further afield than Canada and crave some adventure, New Zealand may be right for you. Not only is it one of the best places to live and work abroad, it’s also often referred to as “the adventure island.” From skydiving and white water rafting to bungee jumping and canyon swinging, there are no shortage of thrills here.

If you consider yourself a bookworm, you should head straight to the west (best) coast. Particularly San Francisco, which was once home to many a famous beat writers of the 1950s. Spend your days reading and writing away in City Lights Books and Vesuvio Cafe. Plus, there’s a bit of a fascination with romance in literature, right? Close to 45 per cent of people in San Francisco, San Mateo and Redwood City are single.

If you’re looking for endless nature and keen to be green, British Columbia may be the spot for you. You’ll definitely have the opportunity to lose yourself in nature: two-thirds of BC’s land base is covered in trees. As for the environmentalist in you: BC is the birthplace of Greenpeace and the David Suzuki Foundation. If you’re looking to escape the city, the Sunshine Coast, Squamish and the Gulf Islands have plenty of natural beauty and chill vibes.

Particularly, head to the Greek island of Antikythera. If the bright blue water and sweeping beaches don’t convince you, this island has less than 100 residents, meaning if you're hoping for some relaxing, isolated quiet time, this is the place to be. Also, did someone say endless Greek food? Where do we sign up?

If getting to eat pasts all day long sounds like a dream, try running away to Italy. From amazing art in Florence, to classic hot spots like the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy has something for every person who is into history, culture and amazing wine. Be sure to hit up lesser-known spots like Isola Bella for gorgeous island sights, or stunning gardens and villas in Ravello.

From vineyards to volcanoes, Chile has something for everyone. If your heart is set on visiting the capital, Santiago, prepare for some of the most beautiful views of nature you've ever seen. The city is located in a stunning valley surrounded by the snow-capped Andes. You can try some empanadas while you go horseback riding, or immerse yourself in history at the museums in Quinta Normal Park.

For the practical human, you should head to one of the best places to live and work. Singapore has a booming economy, plenty of jobs, high wages; in short, plenty of opportunities to make and save money. You also can’t complain about the tropical weather and world-class cuisine. It’s also considered one of the safest cities in the world.

There’s something just so romantic about New York. The way the Big Apple is portrayed in Hollywood movies and TV shows (can you imagine living like the Real Housewives of New York)? suggests every day in that city is basically like being on the set of a real life rom com. Whether you’re on a horse-drawn carriage through Central Park or looking at the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center or heading to a Broadway show. Also, New York has one of the highest rates of singles: 40 per cent.