Due to the pent-up demand for all the holidays that had to be postponed due to the pandemic, travel is undeniably back in 2023. What are the top international destinations, though? What are the most popular tourist destinations on earth?
I compile a list of the top travel destinations every year. This year, in recognition of Women’s History Month in March, I consulted top female travel authorities and influencers to learn about their recommendations for the top international destinations to visit in 2023.
Would you prefer to remain nearby? Check back soon as I’ll be writing a story on “The Best Places To Visit In The U.S. In 2023” with suggestions for where to go in America.
The destinations chosen for 2023 this year range from European capitals to exotic beach getaways to eco-friendly rainforest retreats. Compared to previous year’s choices for the world’s top tourism destinations, these choices are better.
But bear in mind: Don’t wait, since demand for travel is on the rise, expenses are rising, and 31% of travellers say they plan to spend more on international travel this year. The time has come to make the vacation of a lifetime on your bucket list.
Top destinations to visit in 2023: Europe
Heidi Mitchell is a regular contributor to the Wall Street Journal and an accomplished travel writer for publications including Travel + Leisure, Town & Country, and the Financial Times’ How To Spend It. Her fields of expertise range from cybersecurity to the psychology of work. Although she was born in New York and will always be a wanderer, she splits her time between Chicago and London.
Why: Due to high demand, United Airlines has reinstated direct flights from JFK to Palma de Mallorca beginning in April for the second consecutive year. Numerous Europeans and Americans have moved to this Balearic island since the pandemic started, but the island actually shines more brightly inland. Newcomers are rediscovering the work of recently acclaimed chefs like Santi Taura, who literally makes every dish (including the ceramics) by hand nightly at his tiny DINS restaurant, the pleasures of strolling the cobblestone streets of Valldemossa in the interior, the expansive winery of José Ferrer in B.”That 13th-century cathedral!,” recalls Mitchell, “and I didn’t think I’d feel comfortable roaming the streets of Palma at night on my alone. But it’s so clean, brilliantly illuminated at night, and teeming with youthful couples strolling hand in hand.”
Even if you’ve been to Mallorca before, you’ll find new energy in the unlit hours. Former executive headhunter Paul Skevington relocated from London to what he calls “the Mecca of European cycling,” an island about the size of Delaware, to launch a high-end bicycle retailer called Parietti.”That 13th-century cathedral!,” recalls Mitchell, “and I didn’t think I’d feel comfortable roaming the streets of Palma at night on my alone. But it’s so clean, brilliantly illuminated at night, and teeming with youthful couples strolling hand in hand.”
Even if you’ve been to Mallorca before, you’ll find new energy in the unlit hours. Former executive headhunter Paul Skevington relocated from London to what he calls “the Mecca of European cycling,” an island about the size of Delaware, to launch a high-end bicycle retailer called Parietti.The new garden rooms, created by the Spanish design company Decagano and Juncosa, pay homage to the glitter of the 1960s jet set and provide breathtaking floor to ceiling views of the UNESCO-protected Tramuntana mountain range. Jord Canto, a native son who runs the restaurant Sa Clastra, is reportedly in line to obtain his own Michelin star.
Ignore whatever what you’ve heard about package tourists swarming these beaches, Mitchell advises. In fact, skip the beaches and bring your trekking boots and explorer’s spirit instead. Nowadays, Mallorca is essentially unexplored territory.
Where to Go: Sicily’s Noto Valley
‘N A Perfect World, a curated intersection of travel, food, fashion, and geopolitics inspired by the global-citizen lifestyle of the millennial, was chosen by Nneya Richards, a speaker and travel blogger. Richards wants to encourage young people, especially those of colour, to travel because she thinks doing so will help us overcome cultural divides and misconceptions.
Why: “There has always been a thing for film and television tourism. There’s no doubt that this summer, The White Lotus fans will fill the Sicilian town of Taormina, which is undoubtedly Italy’s best PR asset, says Nneya Richards.
Fly into Catania and drive south to the Noto Valley, the epicentre of Sicilian baroque architecture, if you’re up for a more thorough tour of the island, complete with stunning architecture and breath-taking baroque grandeur.
According to Richards, the Val di Noto region of Sicily is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. The history of this region, which dates back to Magna Grecia, makes it even more evident that this is where you can witness the actual Kingdom of Sicily.
There is something for the whole family with the Ionian Sea and lovely beach stretches shining during the day and the illuminated grandeur of the renowned Noto Valley towns at night. Fans of chocolate? Go to the Modica town, advises Richards. “Love pottery? Visit a Caltagirone artisanal store. The Noto Valley should not be missed.
Scotland’s Island of Skye is where to go.
Jane Anderson, a London-based travel journalist and magazine editor, made the selection. Currently serving as travel editor for Prima magazine, the fifth best-selling monthly lifestyle publication in the United Kingdom, as well as Companion magazine, a tabloid-style publication for 25hours Hotel guests. She also does freelance work for The Telegraph and iNews’ travel sections.
Why: Because to hometown heroine Flora Macdonald, the Island of Skye gained notoriety as the location where Bonnie Prince Charlie hid out after the Battle of Culloden. (The Skye Boat Song, written by Sir Harold Edwin Boulton in the 1870s and adored by Outlander fans, is also located there.) Skye, which is a part of the Inner Hebrides, has become a getaway from the fast-paced modern world. It was and, ideally, will always be a sanctuary, according to Anderson. It took me until I was in my forties to visit the West Coast of Scotland, where my father vacationed as a young man, and in particular Skye. My father is from Edinburgh, a city I love and know well.
The Bracken Hide Hotel, a unique pod hotel and Nordic sauna retreat with a wild swimming pond on the outskirts of the tiny capital, Portree, opens this year. Its luxurious cabins reflect Skye’s untamed scenery with views of the Cuillin Highlands or the Isle of Raasay, blending rustic appeal with a dash of glitz. A restaurant, whisky bar, and screening room are all part of The Hub.
Go to Kinloch Lodge if you desire something much more traditional. Visitors can pick up these techniques from Mitchell Partridge, the hotel’s ghillie, or go on a wildlife hunt with Stewart Dawber of Skye High Wildlife to see deer, otters, and Golden Eagles.
The whisky tasting Anderson and manager Dan had in the old tavern where the Macdonald clan contemplated taking part in the battle of Culloden was a highlight of their time at Kinloch, according to Anderson. You must begin with the two nearby distilleries: Talisker, founded in 1830, and Torabhaig, a relative newcomer, set to release its first single malt in 2021. Torabhaig distillery tour, whisky tasting, and picnic lunch are all included in Kinloch Lodge’s new package for the water of life, which is available to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Excise Act, also known as Year Zero for whisky.
Don’t forget to eat at Edinbane Lodge, which was a run-down hunting lodge until chef-patron Calum Montgomery, who was born and raised on Skye, took over with his family five years ago. It also offers four guestrooms to crash in after you’ve gorged on hand-dived Isle of Rona scallops with smoked seaweed butter and other delicacies. In March, it won the title of Restaurant of the Year at the Scottish Excellence Awards.
Location: Nice, France
Selected By: Laurie Woolever is a writer and editor who co-wrote Bourdain: The Ultimate Oral Biography with Anthony Bourdain and co-authored Global Travel: An Irreverent Guide.
Why: According to Laurie Woolever, “Nice is at the forefront of a new era. A new city-wide tram system offers eco-friendly transit across the city. Several streets are now only open to pedestrians.
Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel’s debut in a beautifully restored 19th-century building overlooking the sparkling Promenade des Anglais is a historic occasion for Nice and the triumphant return of one of the most illustrious hotels on the Côte d’Azur. With a lavish spa and distinctive experiences like “In the Footsteps of Coco Chanel,” which includes a visit of Château de Crémat (the wine estate that served as the inspiration for Chanel’s renowned interlocking-C emblem), the Belle Époque-era hotel combines old-world grandeur with modern amenities.
Nice also has a tonne of intriguing food news. “For dining, I love The rooftop restaurant and bar at Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel for its sophisticated food and great city views,” says Woolever. “Rouge, a natural wine bar with Mediterranean sharing plates developed by a protégé of Yves Camdeborde of Le Comptoir in Paris.”
The 80th running of the Monaco Grand Prix and the 76th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival are noteworthy events for 2023 as well. Good makes a fantastic base for both.
Interlaken, Switzerland is the place to go.
Why: Interlaken, Switzerland has earned the title of “Adventure Capital of the World” and has developed into an extraordinary year-round outdoor activity hub, hosting everything from paragliding, bungee jumping, and mountain climbing to hiking and biking.
As Susan Portnoy says, “I want to see a region in detail, and the more I travel, the more I want to relish a spot rather than approaching my trips like a tasting menu and visiting many destinations.” Interlaken meets all of my criteria. Many activities, like as hiking at Grindelwald or kayaking on Lake Thun, were either in town or less than an hour away by car or train in the Bernese Highlands, where the natural beauty of the terrain is a winner.
Switzerland is recognised for its sustainability efforts, which is important when considering responsible travel. “I adore the train system there. Train travel is easy and convenient, and the passenger cars get extra points for always being nearly spotless, according to Portnoy. “You must have a Swiss Travel Pass. With just one QR code, I was able to board the bus, obtain deals on tours, and gain access to more than 500 institutions.
Interlaken has more spine-tingling alternatives in addition to hiking, bicycling, skiing, and swimming. The Canyon Swing, according to Portnoy, was the most strange for him. Simply put, I walked off a mountain and fell 300 feet at 120 mph while wearing a harness. I started swinging back and forth in a slot canyon right before I could have maybe hit the boulders in the river below.
Portnoy suggests going to the Funky Chocolate Factory (“to learn about the history of chocolate in Switzerland and create your own book-sized chocolate bars”), The Carlton-Europe Vintage Hotel (“it opened in 1898 and has wonderful vignettes filled with antiques from its past”), the Harderbahn funicular (“a must-stop for stunning views”), and Ristorante Sapori e Pizzeria (“with towering ceilings, arches, and a gorgeous painted ceiling, it has an elegant atmosphere”
Where to Go: Spain’s Formentera
Jane Anderson, a London-based travel journalist and magazine editor, made the selection. Currently serving as travel editor for Prima magazine, the fifth best-selling monthly lifestyle publication in the United Kingdom, as well as Companion magazine, a tabloid-style publication for 25hours Hotel guests. She also does freelance work for The Telegraph and iNews’ travel sections. She is also a co-author of the recently released Bradt Guides book Slow Travel Family Breaks: Ideal Escapes in Britain’s Unique Places.
Why: “In my 20s and 30s, Ibiza’s renowned White Isle was the epicentre of partying in the Balearics. And while I still enjoy dancing, I yearn for Formentera, the smaller sister island, because of its more laid-back atmosphere. Our Green Isle has mostly been kept beneath the radar since the 1970s, when hippies and creatives first discovered it.
Formentera, which has resisted calls to construct an airport, is only reachable from Ibiza by swift ferry or, if you’re lucky, private yacht, though be aware that yachts cannot anchor due to the region’s tight regulations safeguarding the seagrass. The priceless seagrass gives the surrounding seas an exquisite turquoise tint that rivals any stranded island in the Indian Ocean in vibrancy.
Because to a prohibition on plastic bags, Anderson notes, “all hotels are required to have a circularity strategy that addresses issues like water use and clean energy.” In order to prevent traffic and pollution and to maintain the harmony between locals’ daily lives and tourism during the peak season, there are vehicle restrictions. A Sustainable Tourism Tax is another option. To take the initial steps towards UNESCO certification as a Starlight Tourism Attraction, Formentera signed the Declaration in Defense of the Night Sky and Right to Starlight this year.
Formentera’s 32 “Rutas Verdes” or “Green Roads” that circle the island are among its top draws. When you slow down, their distance of more than 100 km makes them appear to be a much greater landmass. All are bike-friendly, with bird viewing and photo opportunities around every corner as you pass lighthouses, beaches, and powerful defence towers by the coast or swing inland past dry-stone walls close to salt flats, windmills, vineyards, and historic archaeological sites. Anderson suggests taking an e-bike trip with Formentera Ebikes Tours, which is handled by a local named Bartolo Torres who will supply you with aniseed-soaked figs from his family’s farm to keep you going.
Anderson continues, “My best advice is to travel during the shoulder seasons of May/June and September/October when it’s quieter, less expensive, and a little cooler—the ideal climate for walking and cycling—and stay at Hotel Casbah, a gorgeous rural boutique hotel with local baskets in the room for you to use while you’re there.
“In the Pilar de la Mola hippie market, you may find one-of-a-kind souvenirs like costumes created from ancient linen, lace tablecloths and old towels by Coser I Cantar, or jewellery designed in the style of seagrass by Enric Majoral. If you’re interested in the solar system, have a look at the upcoming dates for the Formentera Astronomica stargazing event.
Where to Go: Greece’s Paros
Chosen By: This column’s author and travel specialist Laura Begley Bloom.
Why: Santorini and Mykonos often garner the majority of media attention when it comes to Greek islands. Yet Paros is quickly emerging as the preferred location for true insiders in the Cyclades. Without the crowds and the exorbitant rates, you’ll still enjoy the classic whitewashed villages, gorgeous white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear Aegean seas.
The harbour city of Parikia (sometimes spelt Paroikia) is where most visitors first arrive because of its winding alleyways. The jet set, meanwhile, prefers to stay in the quaint village of Naoussa in the island’s north. Don’t miss the renowned Yemeni, which has tables that flow out onto the winding cobblestone streets at night. In the meantime, busy outdoor dining establishments like Tsachpinis Ouzeri Ton Naftikon change the yacht-filled bay.
Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort, is a new addition to the hotel industry in Naoussa. It is located outside of the city. This opulent retreat offers a private beach club and 40 suites with clean interior designs. Parlio, a 33-suite retreat distinguished by timelessly simple design and surrounded by pastoral vistas, is another alluring Paros destination.
Want to take a piece of Paros with you when you go home? Visit Anthologist, which has jewel-box boutiques in both Cosme and Parlio. Anthologist creator Andria Mitsakos sources its limited-edition merchandise and artisanal goods to capture the true spirit of the Greek islands.
Best locations to visit in 2023: Asia and Europe
Travel Destination: Istanbul, Turkey
Anya von Bremzen, a three-time James Beard Award-winning novelist and a regular contributor to AFAR magazine, made the selection. Anya is the author of Mastering the Art of Soviet Cooking, a memoir, and six highly regarded cookbooks. In June 2023, her latest book, National Dish, will be released. She owns an apartment in Istanbul and divides her time between there and New York.”One is Galataport, a mixed-use development with a beautiful waterfront promenade, acres of retail, a futuristic subterranean cruise port, and hotspots for dining like the seafood-focused Sait, fashionable fusiony Roka, and the Populist bar, which offers up local craft beers and has amazing views. Additionally, the soon-to-be-opened Istanbul Modern Museum by Renzo Piano and the Peninsula Istanbul, which debuted last month spanning many historic structures and offers spectacular rooms with views of the Bosporus, are both here.
The Ciragan Palace Kempinski, which includes a 19th-century Ottoman palace on its grounds, is Istanbul’s opulentest hotel. According to von Bremzen, “it is a local institution and an icon, and by summer it will showcase a super-opulent refurbishment of its guest rooms and public spaces oversaw by designer du jour, Serdar Gulgun.”
Von Bremzen recommends the two-Michelin rated Turk, the brand-new Avlu restaurant at the remodelled Four Seasons Sultanahmet, and classics like Mikla for exhilarating modern takes on Turkish food. Bremzen adds, “I also like the city’s talented female chefs, like Burcak Kazdal, who creates incredible locavore cuisine at her charming Apartiman.
There, on one of the prettiest sections of beach in the region, “I’ve fallen for a new hotel named Kaya Palazzo Le Chic,” claims von Bremzen. The restaurant on its private pier is excellent, and the massages at the spa are fantastic.
Added justification to visit Istanbul in 2023? Istanbul has never been more accessible, claims von Bremzen. Turkish Airlines, the elegant, award-winning national airline, just added Newark, Dallas, and Seattle-Tacoma to its list of U.S. vacation destinations.Hot tip: The airline is now offering the new Istanbul Stopover Program, which includes two complimentary nights at a four-star hotel for passengers travelling in economy class and three complimentary nights at a five-star hotel for passengers travelling in business class, for passengers with extended transfer times in its Istanbul hub. And the airline’s corporate club in Istanbul serves some of the city’s best Turkish cuisine, adds von Bremzen.
Asia is the best region to visit in 2023.
Destination: Japan
Alyssa Ramos, founder of My Life’s a Movie and a solo female travel blogger, content creator, businesswoman, and social media influencer, was the one who recommended these places. Ramos travels extensively and aims to highlight uncommon destinations through her distinctive photography and frank, thorough travel advice. “Dreams Don’t Work Until You Do,” is her catchphrase.
Why: According to Alyssa Ramos, “With travel almost entirely back to normal, it opens up a whole new competitor list for top locations to go in 2023.” Top of the list is Japan, where I am right now. The wonderful nation has finally reopened its gates after nearly three years of closure, and it is even greater than before.
The Japan National Tourist Organization reports that tourism has increased significantly since the nation’s reopening in October. Ramos is enthusiastic about places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Okinawa. “Despite news of tourists flocking here, or of it being congested, I’m now finding it pretty spaced out and as usual, organized—even during the first Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Festival Season since pre-pandemic,” he adds.
Aman Residences, Tokyo, the company’s first residence-only development, the debut of Aman’s sister wellness-focused brand at Janu Tokyo, and the opening of Japan’s first Bulgari hotel are just a few of the major 2023 developments in Tokyo. Another significant opening is the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, which will be the biggest hotel and entertainment complex in Japan when it is completed by Tokyu Corporation. Two new hotels will be located there: the opulent Bellustar Tokyo (a Pan Pacific Hotel), which will be on the 39th to 47th stories, and the trendy Hotel Groove Shinjuku, which will be on the 18th to 38th floors.
Tokyo has a lot going on when it comes to entertainment, including the soon-to-open Animate Ikebukuro (the largest anime store in the world), teamLab’s brand-new immersive Turandot production, a new Japanese Cultural and Innovation Center next to Haneda International Airport, and Sunshine 60 Observatory in Ikebukuro (which is reopening as an indoor park). Want to explore Tokyo more? To organise a self-guided city tour by rail, go to Ramos’s instructions.
There is a tonne of news regarding the hospitality sector in Kyoto, including the opening of the Ace Hotel, Marufukuro (placed in the former Nintendo headquarters), and the Park Hyatt Kyoto (located close to Kodai-ji Temple).
The Okinawa Islands are another one of Ramos’ favourite locations. That was comparable to French Polynesia, but far less expensive, she explains. The brand-new Hoshinoya Okinawa, an island resort on the beach near the Yomitan coastal hamlet, is one option for lodging. In addition, Ramos suggests visiting the Zamami Islands for their stunning beaches.
Destination: Sri Lanka
Juliana Broste, a travel host and filmmaker who has won 12 Heartland Emmy Awards, was chosen because she promotes adventures and enjoyable activities all around the world. Visit travelingjules.com or follow @TravelingJules on Instagram to join in the fun.
Why? According to Juliana Broste, “Sri Lanka has had a difficult period. “Visitors will find Sri Lanka to be an amazing, reasonably priced destination worth the long journey, even with inflation. You can circle the island to see why it will keep you guessing—from the bustle of Colombo, the nation’s capital, to the breathtaking beaches, rice fields, waterfalls, plains, and mountains.”
Have your camera at the ready because there is a lot to view in a relatively short amount of time. According to Broste, who travelled to Sri Lanka on a photo tour, “seeing the wildlife there is truly remarkable.” You can go on a safari to an elephant sanctuary, witness whales in the Indian Ocean, and observe animals in a mangrove, including birds, lizards, jellyfish, and monkeys. Broste has a goal to see leopards in Yala National Park the following time.
The historic cities of Anuradhapura and Kandy are only two of the fascinating cultural attractions in Sri Lanka. When visiting religious sites, make sure to pack an all-white attire that covers your shoulders and legs, advises Broste. “Watching men and women in traditional garb narrate stories through dance is a highlight of attending a traditional Kandyan dance performance.”
Ceylon tea, a well-known Sri Lankan product, is made in the mild temperature getaway of Nuwara Eliya, also referred to as “Little England,” which is hidden away in the hill region. When visiting a tea mill and plantation, make sure to stop in for a cup of tea, advises Broste. “Winding roads reveal rows and rows of tea bushes on the mountainside.” On your excursion, eating a king coconut along the side of the road is “equally as delightful.”
A bird’s eye perspective of Colombo can be had by climbing to the top of the glistening pink Lotus Tower. It’s slightly taller than the Eiffel Tower and represents the city, according to Broste. “The ancient city of Sigiriya, also known as Lion’s Rock, with the ruins of an old stronghold perched atop a magnificent rock outcrop, is another well-known viewpoint worth the climb. It’s incredible to consider how a whole civilisation once thrived here.
Hong Kong is a destination.
Currently travelling around South East Asia and India.
Jayne Trainor is a freelance travel writer and photographer who has worked with publications like Reader’s Digest, Atlas Obscura, and AFAR. She tweets about her travels and advice at @exploringwithindia.
Why: “Asia’s world city is a perfect description of Hong Kong, as is its tagline. Every time I go, I regret not spending more time exploring, but there are so many different foods to try, a developing arts and cultural scene, and more than 200 islands covered in jungle and beaches that you can explore, says India-Jayne Trainor.
There has never been a better time to visit Hong Kong since this year, the city is giving away 500,000 airfares. The previous three years have enabled for the construction of new luxury hotels like The Regent, The Hari, and Fullerton Ocean Park, which are also boosting Hong Kong’s culinary renown to new heights. The region has abolished its remaining Covid limitations.
Local teahouses and street food continue to rule, but restaurants like Jade, Heimat, and Mosu feature flavours from Asia, Europe, and North America. “Mosu is located in the West Kowloon Cultural District, one of my favourite areas in Hong Kong. It is a centre for arts and culture that is constantly expanding, featuring cafes, theatres, performance spaces, and the Hong Kong Palace Museum as well as beautiful views of the city’s skyline, according to Trainor. In Hong Kong, which recently finished Art Basel 2023, art can be found everywhere, from the colourful street paintings in Sheung Wan to the new Tai Kwun towers.
Despite the common misconception that Hong Kong is densely populated with skyscrapers, its hundreds of islands are easily accessible by ferry. Golden beaches and waterfront cafes can be found on Lamma Island and Cheung Chau. Hiking on Sharp Island or across Hong Kong Island to Repulse Bay offers mountain views and enticing beaches for those seeking a little more challenge. Trainor enthuses, “I love that you can go from bustling city to waterfalls and jungle in under an hour.” Despite this, I always return to Hong Kong’s most popular sites, including Happy Valley, Star Ferry, and The Peak. Take the Peak Tram to the top for the best city views before taking the beautiful walk down to Hong Kong Island.
Where to Go: Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur
Alyssa Ramos, founder of My Life’s a Movie and a solo female travel blogger, content creator, businesswoman, and social media influencer, was the one who recommended these places. Ramos travels extensively and aims to highlight uncommon destinations through her distinctive photography and frank, thorough travel advice. “Dreams Don’t Work Until You Do,” is her catchphrase.
Why? Before to the pandemic, Kuala Lumpur was the sixth most visited city in the world. Alyssa Ramos says, “I’ve had several layovers in Kuala Lumpur, and I’ve always appreciated the great airport with the mini-rainforest and waterfall in the middle. But Kuala Lumpur, in particular, is a city in Malaysia that I have been guilty of grossly underrating for a long time.
Kuala Lumpur, according to Ramos, is like a “little Singapore, but at a fraction of the cost, with brand-new luxury high rises rising towards the sky, many with gorgeous rooftop pools and direct views of the Petronas Towers.”
The Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur will open this year and take up the top 17 stories of a 118-floor skyscraper that faces Stadium Merdeka, the UNESCO World Heritage Site where Malaysia declared its independence in 1957.
Ramos adds, “There are also wonderful restaurants with a variety of cuisines from all over the world. Sushi Mew at The Westin KL, Jwala for fiery Northern Indian cuisine (the name of the restaurant mens “flame” in Sanskrit), and the Latin American Mano Restaurant are some of the newest hotspots
Where to Go: Vietnam, Ninh Binh
Brazilian-born, San Francisco-based, chosen Award-winning luxury travel content creator, photographer, businesswoman, and online educator Catarina Mello (@professionaltraveler). Since leaving the office and deciding to pursue a career in travel content creation instead of digital marketing at Google, Catarina has increased her audience to over 800k followers across several platforms.
Why: According to Catarina Mello, Ninh Binh is one of the most underappreciated travel destinations in Asia and is frequently referred to as one of the region’s most breathtaking hidden jewels. It won’t be a secret gem for very long because social media is making it more and more popular. Visit while it still provides a very realistic view of Northern Vietnam.
Fun fact: Ninh Binh was the location for the 2016 film Kong: Skull Island. What Mello like about this region: “Ninh Binh is an authentic and intriguing place known for its gigantic limestone karst mountains, verdant valleys, miles and miles of rice farms, and winding rivers. It is only two hours distant from the busy capital city, Hanoi,” she says. It’s so lovely that you’ll fall in love with it right away.
Visitors spend their days motorcycling through rice fields, climbing limestone mountains for breathtaking vistas, visiting pagodas, and taking a local rowing boat through caves and around the picturesque landscape. “In Ninh Binh, the cliffs rise from valleys with rivers and rice fields; as a result, the province is known as ‘Ha Long Bay on Land,'” explains Mello. It really is magical.
Where can we stay? Tam Coc Garden Resort is situated in a picturesque area, encircled by limestone peaks and verdant rice fields, according to Mello. “The hotel’s gardens are lovely, the pool offers a stunning outlook, and the suites and villas are charming to the core. Not to mention the exceptional service—they can make any arrangement or take care of any request for visitors.
Mountain goat meat is a speciality of Ninh Binh that you shouldn’t miss. The most well-known recipes, according to Mello, are goat soup, grilled goat meat with five different spices, and steaming goat meat with ginger.
Where to Go: India’s Rajasthan
Alyssa Ramos, founder of My Life’s a Movie and a single female travel blogger, content producer, businesswoman, and social media influencer, tries to highlight uncommon destinations through her distinctive photography style and frank, thorough travel advice. “Dreams Don’t Work Until You Do,” is her catchphrase.
Why: According to Alyssa Ramos, she would sum up India in two terms as “beautiful chaos.” “After being closed for years due to the epidemic, I put India back on my travel to-go list this year, and following my recent trip, I was even more impressed than ever.”
Ramos claims that in her experience as a solo female traveller, India has never seemed safer. She particularly enjoys going to the Andaman Islands, which she calls “one of my top secret gem spots,” and Delhi’s Khan Market, where “you can find premium boutiques and a lot of nice restaurants and bars.”
Yet Rajasthan is at the top of Ramos’ India list for 2023. Ramos describes the city as having “great architecture, palaces, a massive fort, loads of market shopping, and, of course, delicious food.” Visit The Tattoo Café & Lounge, the location of the Wind Palace’s most well-known photograph, and say hello to proprietors Juhi and Karan on my behalf. Get a tattoo like I did to support your cafe, or even better, order anything.
The Villa Palladio in Jaipur is the great story in Rajasthan. The creative minds behind the renowned Caffé Palladio and Bar Palladio in the city are behind the vibrant, high-design hotel situated on a charming country estate. Another interesting opening is Johri & Sons, a popular cocktail bar developed in association with the boutique hotel The Johri at Lal Haveli and gin firm Stranger & Sons. The recently constructed 3,765-acre Amagarh Leopard Reserve is located on the outskirts of the city and is home to 16 leopards, 250 bird species, hyenas, foxes, and other animals.
Ramos also adores traditional lodgings like the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur and the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, which was once a summer castle floating in the centre of a lake. She advises guests to book a stay at one of these establishments if they want to experience royal luxury.
Caribbean, Central America, and South America are the best regions to visit in 2023.
Where to Go: Colombia’s Manizales
Peggy Bree, a digital nomad from Toronto, is expanding her custom creative outlet, blank room, and resides in Colombia with her malti-poo, Chilli. See her Instagram for updates on her beliefs, life as a digital nomad, and brand/business.
Why: Cartagena, Bogota, and Medellin have all enjoyed brief periods of notoriety. Manizales, a peaceful hamlet in central Colombia, is currently popular in 2023 due to its hospitable locals, who have earned the title “City of Open Doors.”
According to Peggy Bree, “Manizales is the place to go if you want to venture off the beaten track.” Manizales is “awesome,” if I had to sum it up in one word.
Manizales is situated in the Andes coffee-growing region, surrounded by the enormous volcanoes of Los Nevados National Park. There are cloud forests to discover, hot springs to relax in, and coffee farms to tour. It’s a more distinctive and wild side of Colombia, adds Bree. “There’s more flora than I’ve ever seen, including sizable waterfalls encircled by bamboo,”
Attraversiamo, a bamboo boutique hotel, is the place to stay (see Bree’s film here). According to Bree, Bali served as inspiration, and the scenery in Manizales mirrored that. It’s the ideal location for reading, studying, and keeping a journal.
Destination:
Grenada
‘N A Perfect World, a curated intersection of travel, food, fashion, and geopolitics inspired by the global-citizen lifestyle of the millennial, was chosen by Nneya Richards, a speaker and travel blogger. Richards wants to encourage young people, especially those of colour, to travel because she thinks doing so will help us overcome cultural divides and misconceptions.
Why Grenada is called the Spice Isle of the Caribbean because it has gorgeous waterfalls, world-class beaches, and lots of news for 2023. “Grenadians have managed to keep their lovely green island a secret treasure. But I get it; it’s nirvana,” Nneya Richards says.
Grenada is now more accessible than ever. You may broaden your horizons in the Caribbean now that Jet Blue is providing more direct flights to Grenada, adds Richards.
Six Senses at La Sagesse, the company’s first resort in the Caribbean, is among the new hotels coming this year. The resort, which is committed to sustainability, will offer a choice of indoor and outdoor restaurants and bars that serve seafood caught by area fisherman and fresh foods cultivated nearby. The upcoming Beach House by Silversands Grenada is a small, upscale boutique hotel with one- and two-bedroom villas perched on a cliff or with views of Portici Beach.
Sandals Grenada’s location on the upscale Pink Gin Beach excites Richards as well. “Imagine swimming pools in the sky and living rooms submerged in pools. She lists butler service, private plunge baths, cascading waterfalls, and meandering river pools. Speaking of waterfalls, a walk to one is a must on any visit to the island.
The best chocolate in the world is produced in Grenada. “You can pick the cacao pod from the tree when you visit a chocolate factory in Grenada,” explains Richards. That’s just the beginning of how great you’ll eat in Grenada, I tell visitors.
Where to Go: Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast
Chosen By: This column’s author and travel specialist Laura Begley Bloom.
Why: The top location for eco-tourists seeking a unique journey with minimal environmental effect in 2023? The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.
The combination of wildlife and culture along this less travelled coast is generating a lot of buzz—without the crowds. It’s the ideal location for tourists looking for a unique journey with minimal environmental impact, where eco-lodges, bungalows in the rainforest, and boutique hotels are as common as sloths.
The sleepy coastal town of Limon is a haven for vacationers looking for Afro-Caribbean music, diving, and surfing. Cultural lovers will adore it. Instead, for a more immersive experience, visitors can stay with the Bri Bri, the largest indigenous group in Costa Rica, in the Talamanca and learn more about their culture.
Playa Punta Uva, Puerto Viejo, Playa Cahuita, Playa Cocles, and Manzanillo are among must-see beach destinations. The coast is also home to several national parks that demonstrate a dedication to conservation, such as Tortuguero National Park (a green turtle nesting site), Cahuita National Park (home to sloths and monkeys), Gandoca-Manzanillo Natural Wildlife Refuge (which is home to natural mangrove oyster beds), and Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge (the second largest rain forest preserve in the country).
Travelers’ top destinations in 2023: Canada
Where to Go:
Alberta’s Edmonton
Kelsey Marie, a Travel Noire writer and content developer, made the selection.
Why? Edmonton, the largest city in the far north and the capital of Alberta, Canada, is a thriving metropolitan centre in the middle of the wilderness. In the summer, there are 18 hours of daylight, while in the winter, icicle castles can be seen. There is always something fresh to experience in Edmonton’s culinary scene, from the finest prairie food at RGE RD to the hip and inventive Chinese fusion at Fu’s Repair Shop.
“At RGE RD, I enjoyed one of the best dinners ever. This establishment is amazing, from the decor to the plating,” writes Kelsey Marie. “RGE RD’s Road Trip is yet another dish you must try. On this multi-course, blind-tasting excursion, your tastebuds will go on a journey and you won’t know what’s going to happen next.
The artisan beer scene in Edmonton has also been booming. Tourists can explore Happy Beer Street, a new unofficial brewery district that houses seven specialty breweries including The Monolith that specialise in mixed-fermentation beers that need several years to make. With the inauguration of Ale Architect, the eighth brewery, Happy Beer Street will continue to expand.
Amiskwaciy Waskahikan, popularly known as Edmonton, is home to numerous Indigenous people, and the region has a rich and lengthy history. Indigenous experiences can be found throughout the city, including art at Bearclaw Gallery, Whiskeyjack Art House, and the Indigenous Peoples Experience in Fort Edmonton Park. Elk Island National Park is also worth visiting. You may see local wildlife, learn about indigenous culture, and unite with nature on a snowshoeing excursion with Talking Rock Tours, according to Marie.
Victoria, British Columbia, is the place to go.
Corinne Whiting, a journalist living in Seattle, has written for publications such as USA Today 10Best, Seattle Times, Seattle Refined, and others.
Why: According to Corinne Whiting, frequent trips to lovely Victoria turned out to be one of the unanticipated joys of living in the Pacific Northwest. “I adore how convenient this small, accessible city is, and every time I go there, I seem to find new treasures.”
Victoria, with its stunning natural scenery, elevates the term “green” and serves as a global pioneer in environmental projects. Greater Victoria just just attained Biosphere status, which is a significant accomplishment for the location. Visitors to Victoria can observe additional sustainable initiatives in action by staying at a carbon-neutral hotel like the Inn at Laurel Point or Parkside Hotel, eating at Big Wheel Burger, Canada’s first carbon-neutral fast-food restaurant, or taking a tour with an ocean-friendly and carbon-neutral company like Orca Spirit or Eagle Wing Tours to see the famous orcas.
The Fairmont Empress will debut a multi-million dollar renovation to its distinctive Fairmont Gold level (the hotel chain’s upscale lifestyle experience) in June 2023. 22 new guest rooms will be added to the remodelled Fairmont Gold, which also boasts a newly renovated Fairmont Gold Lounge with an extended internal lounge and an outdoor terrace with expansive water views.
Whiting lists First Nations-led tours, kayaking trips, and enchanted bike rides sprinkled with tasty treats and beverages as among Victoria highlights. In addition, she adds, “it doesn’t hurt that Canadians are among the nicest people in the world.”
Travelers’ top destinations in 2023 are in Africa and the Middle East
Destination:
Namibia
Melissa Klurman, a travel expert and contributor to Reader’s Digest, The Points Man, and Travel Awaits, was the one who made the selection.
Why: According to travel writer and African travel expert Melissa Klurman, who has been covering the continent for two decades, “the rolling red sand dunes and remote Skeleton Coast landscapes of Namibia have long been on my Africa bucket list,” this is the year she was finally able to fully immerse herself in the wonders of Namibia, and it was well worth the wait.
What made 2023 the ideal year to travel there? “This is a true game changer for visiting the stunningly gorgeous, and very remote, desert sections of the country,” says Klurman of the safari business Natural Selection, which operates outstanding, eco-friendly resorts like the magnificent Shipwreck Lodge.
An itinerary like this could require 13 days of driving, but Klurman was able to cut that time in half with the assistance of the travel experts at Audley Travel. Klurman claims that he completed the task in half the time while flying.
Oman is where to go
Brazilian-born, San Francisco-based, chosen Award-winning luxury travel content creator, photographer, businesswoman, and online educator Catarina Mello (@professionaltraveler). Since leaving the office and deciding to pursue a career in travel content creation instead of digital marketing at Google, Catarina has increased her audience to over 800k followers across several platforms.
Why: According to Catarina Mello, “If I had to wager on a place exploding in popularity in the coming years, I’d select Oman.” “I’ve visited 57 nations, and it would be an understatement to say that Oman is the most unappreciated nation I’ve ever visited. Oman is stunning on every level. The scenery is breathtaking and incredibly varied, with everything from clean turquoise beaches with amazing underwater life to breathtaking wadis, mountains, and gorges, as well as a brilliant orange desert with enormous sand dunes, among other things.
There are fairytale-like castles, breathtaking mosques, quaint mountain villages, souks, and markets filled with regional treasures. Not to mention the delectable cuisine, warmest and friendliest locals you’ll ever encounter, says Mello.
What’s best? According to Mello, “It’s a very safe, friendly, and compact country, making it easy to see all of its diverse landscapes by car.” It’s the ideal vacation spot for a road trip.
The Daymaniyat Islands just outside of Muscat, Wadi Shab, the Bimmah Sinkhole, the Sultan Qaabos Great Mosque, the Wahiba Sands desert, the Nizwa Fort, and Jabreen Castle are among Mello’s favourite locations in Oman.
Best destinations to visit in 2023: Oceania
Destination:
Tasmania
Chosen by: Chloe Sachdev is a freelance travel and lifestyle writer who currently resides in Sydney’s Bondi Beach after having lived all over the world—from Singapore and London to Hong Kong. Her articles have appeared in print and online editions of magazines like Conde Nast Traveller, Travel + Leisure, The Telegraph, The Times, and others.
Why? According to Chloe Sachdev, Tasmania is untamed and wild, with a panorama of wind-battered mountains that tumble into a frothy blue ocean. It also has a world-renowned food and drink scene that is guided by its provenance.
Omotenashi, located in the centre of Hobart, is a fantastic representation of Tasmania’s culinary culture. With only 12 seats, it is a set-menu experience that mimics the Japanese omakase dining experience while showcasing Tasmania’s best food, according to Sachdev. Institut Polaire, a wine bar and kitchen specialising in Tasmania’s cold climate biodynamic and natural wines with a seasonal culinary menu from neighbourhood growers, fishers, and farmers, is another must-visit.
The Polaire Suite, a modern one-bedroom short-stay apartment at Hobart’s waterfront sector, was just just opened, according to Sachdev.
The recently opened Waubs Harbour Distillery in Bicheno is located on the east coast in an old oyster hatch. According to Sachdev, this distillery makes a distinctive maritime Tasmanian single malt whisky and is the closest to the ocean in the entire globe. “If possible, schedule your trip to coincide with The Great Eastern Wine Week celebration in September, a 10-day food and beverage extravaganza that features the very best of the east coast region.”
Tasmania has long been renowned for its breathtaking beauty, which is best experienced on foot when participating in one of the many multi-day overland treks, including the Wukalina Walk, a four-day/three-night guided trek run by First Nations people. According to Sachdev, there is also Blak-led tours, a tourist enterprise centred on Tasmanian Aboriginal stories through guided tours and story-telling projects throughout Tasmania, if you’re looking for something shorter but still meaningful.
According to the MONA (Museum of Old and Modern Art) in Hobart, Tasmania boasts an exciting artistic environment in addition to its stunning scenery. Although having been open for ten years, it continues to push the envelope, as evidenced by the annual Dark Mofo celebration in June, which features outrageous public art, live music, performances, and midnight fun all across the city of Hobart.
In Tasmania, there is no shortage of places to stay, from shipping containers to opulent lodges and carefully chosen seaside shacks. Kittawa Lodge on King Island, which is located off the northwest coast of Tasmania, is a recent find of mine, according to Sachdev. A stylish boutique resort is located on the outskirts of the forest.Recently, they collaborated with The Tasman Hotel in Hobart to create an itinerary for visitors to experience the city’s cultural highlights before travelling to King Island.
Where to Go:
Australia’s Northern Territory
Jen Rose Smith, a journalist who works as a freelancer for CNN, Virtuoso, and National Geographic, made the selection.
Why: Since February, Australia’s borders have been open to foreign travellers, and tourists have started to return in droves. The Northern Territory is a great place for people searching for an off-the-beaten-path outdoor adventure getaway.
The Northern Territory is a mind-expanding encounter with cultures that date back tens of thousands of years, according to Jen Rose Smith. “Visiting the Northern Territory overturned every image I had about Australia,” she adds.
A brand-new drone and laser light show that will dazzle the desert sky with over 1,000 drones swirling and weaving in a kaleidoscope of colour is scheduled to debut in 2023 and give visitors a fresh perspective on the iconic Uluru.The Anangu Community, who are the traditional proprietors of Uluru, revere the Mala narrative, which is told in the programme Wintjiri Wiru. Every aspect of the landscape is infused with indigenous customs and inventiveness, according to Smith.
Moreover, Light Towers, a brand-new illuminated artwork by famous artist Bruce Munro, will debut at Kings Canyon Resort next to Watarrka National Park.
Finniss River Lodge, Australia’s newest adventure lodge close to Darwin in the Northern Territory, is also new to the area. There are only six suites in the resort, which also provides heli-guides, fishing, air boating, and a restaurant serving meals made with local ingredients.
Whatever I came across made me desire more, claims Smith. “The scenery alternates between red-rock desert and lush, tropical floodplains, where I saw crocodiles, wallabies, and other bird species. Here, you may take your time, pay attention, and experience some genuinely wonderful sites.
