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An aerial view of Karpathos and the surrounding sea

  • BEST OF THE WORLD

25 breathtaking places and experiences for 2023

Looking for your next adventure? You’ll find it on our annual list of the world’s best destinations for travelers.

Travel inspiration is everywhere you look. The question is where to go next. Here’s our annual list of superlative destinations for the year ahead—places filled with wonder, rewarding to travelers of all ages, and supportive of local communities and ecosystems. Reported by our global editors and framed by five categories ( Community , Nature , Culture , Family , and Adventure ), these 25 destinations for 2023 are under the radar, ahead of the curve, and ready for you to start exploring.

Community: Where conservation benefits everyone

A man visits and leans on the Profitis Ilias chapel overlooking the sea

Discover Karpathos, Greece, a surprising and sublime spot in the Dodecanese Islands , where women-led ventures are leading the charge in sustainable tourism. Spend a long weekend in Milwaukee, Wisconsin , a vibrant Great Lakes city that celebrates its cultural community as much as its breweries. Experience how long-held traditions and contemporary perspectives intersect, with Indigenous tourism outfitters in Alberta, Canada . Board a new high-speed train that makes lesser known regions of Laos accessible to tourists and brings economic opportunities to locals. Head to Ghana to explore Black heritage and hang out with a fashion-forward crowd in the capital, Accra. ( Learn more about how these Best of the World destinations support their communities. )

Nature: Escapes to wild, beautiful places

A zebra herd exits a deep spillway on the Selinda Reserve

Marvel at the biodiversity of Botswana —as well as the programs to rehabilitate endangered species, create wildlife corridors, and develop community-owned tourism projects. Linger in the   Scottish Highlands , where a rewilding movement is aiming to restore the original landscape and native flora and fauna. In Slovenia , a longtime leader in sustainable tourism, set off on new gastrotourism biking routes that visit farms, vineyards, cheesemakers, and other food producers. Big Bend National Park   brings to life the frontier legend of Texas—but the landscape will also surprise you. In the Azores ,   applaud   award-winning sustainability programs that conserve the natural wonders of this volcanic archipelago known for whale watching and thermal springs.   ( Delve into our best destinations for nature lovers. )

Culture: Places where history and heritage rule

Portrait of Dr. Mohamed Abdel Moneim Megahed, Egyptian Archaeologist, inside the tomb of Khoi in Djedkare Cemetery at the Archaeological Area in Saqqara

Visit King Tut’s new home in Egypt at Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum and see Luxor’s Avenue of the Sphinxes. Tap into the creative energy of Asia’s top film festival and sip craft beer in Busan, South Korea , the nation’s second largest city. Make a pilgrimage through history along Italy’s Appian Way , Europe’s ancient “superhighway.” Explore culture and history—with a side of Low Country cuisine—at the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Caroli na . See one of the world’s largest assemblages of stone statues at Longmen Grottoes , a UNESCO World Heritage site in Henan Province, China.   ( Here’s how to visit these Best of the World destinations .)

Family: Inspiring journeys for all ages

A train in Switzerland runs on the track along the coast through the wine country

In Switzerland , ride the rails to quaint Alpine towns for chocolate, hiking, and skiing. Help save the turtles in Trinidad & Tobago , one of the most important leatherback turtle rookeries in the world. In San Francisco, California ,   gather around a campfire with Golden Gate views at Presidio Tunnel Tops and hike the urban Crosstown Trail.   Go birdwatching in the avian paradise that is Colombia , the enchanted land of Disney’s Encanto.   Visit the playing grounds of a storied soccer team in Manchester, England —and be inspired by the city’s art scene as well.   ( Explore more of these family-friendly destinations .)

Adventure: Adrenaline-pumping outdoor excursions  

Aerial view of the Hanan zone (high) and the hurin zone (low) of the Choquequirao arqueological center

Trek to Choquequirao, Peru ,   an isolated Inca site that’s under the radar—but soon to be more accessible. In New Zealand , the country that invented bungee jumping, rekindle your sense of adventure post-pandemic. Get your adrenaline rush in less visited areas of the popular adventure state of Utah . In Austria , hike the cross-country Bergsteigerdörfer network of mountaineering villages to sample local culture. Finally, add Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico , to your itinerary. Its protected waters, supported by National Geographic’s Pristine Seas initiative, hold one of the largest aggregations of sharks and manta rays in the world.   ( Dive deeper into these adventure trips. )

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Best of the world: 35 destinations for 2023 and beyond

Watching the sunrise at Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA

From epic landscapes and cultural reawakenings to conservation initiatives and family favourites, National Geographic Traveller ’s Best of the World list is back with 35 destinations that should be on your radar for 2023. Across five categories — adventure, culture, nature, family and community — our list highlights some of the most exciting and exceptional experiences on the planet, with 25 entries selected by the global editors of National Geographic Traveller  and an additional 10 from the UK edition.

Introducing the categories: 

3. Adventure

4. Community

Skyline of Busan, South Korea at dusk

Skyline of Busan, South Korea at dusk

1. Appian Way, Italy The revival of Europe’s ancient ‘superhighway’ is a pilgrimage route through history

If all roads lead to Rome, this ancient highway built 2,300 years ago was the mother of them all. Stretching for 360 miles from the heart of Italy’s capital to the port of Brindisi on the Adriatic, the Via Appia (nicknamed Regina Viarum — the Queen of Roads) was trod by ordinary citizens, marching soldiers, and glitterati from the Latin poet Horace to the gladiator-tussling Emperor Commodus.

Neglected after Rome’s fall but never forgotten, the road is undergoing a renaissance as the Italian government seeks to retrace, uncover and restore the ancient cobblestones, transforming the Appia into a walkable route for modern travellers. The goal is a pilgrimage through history, with stops at scenic villages and archaeological sites as well as planned overnight accommodation at the end of each day’s journey. 2. Busan, South Korea From craft breweries to Asia’s top film festival, South Korea’s second largest city is fuelling a cultural boom

Cinema is a communal experience in Busan, Korea’s second largest city, which has hosted one of Asia’s most prestigious annual film festivals for nearly three decades. In 2022 the Busan International Film Festival held screenings in 14 neighbourhood venues across this seaport of 3.4 million people.

Before performances, movie lovers can grab a craft beer or coffee — Busan is celebrated for its artisan brewers of both beans and hops — or stroll through Citizens Park, a redeveloped US military base (the city played a strategic role in the Korean War). Opened in 2014, the park is a 133-acre retreat in the middle of downtown, planted with more than one million trees and shrubs, comprising 97 species in all. 

3. Longmen Grottoes, Henan Province, China  VR technology is generating renewed interest in one of the largest collections of stone statues in the world at this UNESCO World Heritage site dating from the 4th century

Can ancient artistry from the Tang Dynasty thrive in the 21st-century metaverse? The Longmen Grottoes in China’s Henan Province offer a clue. More than 100,000 figures devoted to the Buddhist religion, primarily sculpted between the fifth and eighth centuries AD, are tucked inside countless caves within limestone cliffs rising above the Yi River. In 2021 Henan TV showrunners used the UNESCO World Heritage site as a backdrop for their acrobatic dance programme Longmen King Kong (the title refers to a Buddhist champion, not a large gorilla). The show’s whizz-bang special effects combined with the spectacular statues became a countrywide sensation.

But the use of high tech at the grottoes isn’t just for entertainment. Archaeologists are using 3D printing to reconstruct damaged statuary, and scientists are applying digital scanning to create a 3D map of the site.

4. Egypt King Tut’s new home at Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum debuts

The debut of King Tut’s magnificent new home on the 100th anniversary of his discovery — and a string of recent archaeological findings — is reigniting global interest in Egypt. Dramatic and modern, Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)  will be located in Giza at the edge of the Pyramids, “the perfect museum in the perfect setting,” says Fredrik Hiebert, the National Geographic Society’s Archaeologist-in-Residence, who started his career in Egypt and is currently supervising National Geographic ’s virtual, multimedia exhibition Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience.

“It’s like the Egyptians built another pyramid to display all the golden treasures of Tutankhamun, many of which were hidden in the basement of the [old] Cairo Museum,” he says. “It’s going to become a destination museum and will change the way people visit Egypt.”

5. Charleston, South Carolina South Carolina’s largest city addresses a grimmer aspect of its history with the opening of the International African American Museum

A new year shines a light on an old wrong in Charleston. Known for its Low Country cuisine and walkable urbanism, South Carolina’s largest city addresses a grimmer aspect of its history when the International African American Museum opens on 21 January. The building is located on Gadsden’s Wharf and faces Charleston Harbor, where ships brought 100,000 enslaved Africans in chains to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Nine galleries tell harrowing tales of the Middle Passage and the horrors of plantation life. But they also uncover stories of the triumph of the enslaved and their enduring cultural contributions, including a section devoted to the Gullah Geechee people who live along the Atlantic coast from the Carolinas to Florida and continue some of the African traditions of their ancestors.

6. Vilnius, Lithuania Lithuania’s capital marks 700 years

The Lithuanian capital will be 700 years old in 2023 and it’s throwing its own year-long party to celebrate. Public events will draw attention to a variety of arts, educational and green initiatives, including an invitation to both visitors and locals to help plant more than 100,000 trees around the city and create an urban forest in its Ozas Park. At the Lithuanian National Museum, a new interactive pavilion depicts the city as it was 200 years ago. Spoiler alert: it looks familiar in many respects, thanks to the many well-preserved gothic and Renaissance buildings found in Vilnius’s Old Town. This historic neighbourhood, with its cobblestoned streets, outdoor cafes and collection of baroque churches, is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval centres in Eastern Europe.

7. Hauts-de-France, France A culinary focus sees the northernmost French region celebrate its heritage and terroir in 2023

Food, glorious food… and drink, too. Haut-de-France is the European Region of Gastronomy for 2023 (a label awarded by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts & Tourism). After feasting on its fresh seafood, craft beers and Flemish recipes, you’ll be in little doubt as to why.

This is France’s northernmost region, bordering Belgium, and it’s a place where ‘local’ and ‘seasonal’ were a way of life long before they became menu buzzwords. Think of Maroilles cheese, fresh endives, Chantilly cream, or finger-lickingly gorgeous gaufres (thin, honeycombed waffles traditionally sold outside churches), just for starters.

Today, the heritage and terroir of Hauts-de-France has been taken to new levels by dynamic young chefs and restaurateurs, and culture vultures can work up an appetite exploring the galleries and markets of Lille, or touring a stunning, little-known coastline.

A herd of wild African elephants gather in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

A herd of wild African elephants gather in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. 

8. Scottish Highlands A rewilding movement to restore the original landscape of the Highlands aims to replant and restore native species as part of a countrywide sustainability initiative

The windswept Scottish Highlands are celebrated for their austere beauty, but the sheep-scoured landscapes are in fact the result of human interference. In ancient times, Scotland’s glens and hills were covered by the great Caledonian Forest. But centuries of logging and overgrazing devastated the ecosystem. Now a move to return the Highlands to its original woodlands, by reintroducing former flora and fauna in a process called ‘rewilding’, is gathering steam — with major strides to come in 2023.

The non-profit organisation Trees for Life is opening a centre in Dundreggan to educate the public on the concept of rewilding. Above Inverness, the 23,000-acre Alladale Wilderness Reserve has already planted nearly a million trees, and the Affric Highlands project will start restoring 500,000 acres stretching from Loch Ness to the west coast in a 30-year initiative. 9. Slovenia A longtime leader in sustainable tourism, Slovenia is now developing green gastrotourism biking routes visiting farms, vineyards, cheesemakers and other food producers

Widely recognised for being a leader in sustainable tourism, Slovenia has already cooked up a number of eco-friendly tours under its seven-year-old, countrywide Green Scheme. Now it's added a new item to the menu: the Slovenia Green Gourmet Route. This 11-day, 10-destination food trail is intended specifically for bicyclists.

“Bikers can reach a lot of remote [countryside] to discover that each [cow] pasture will produce a unique cheese,” says Jan Klovara, one of the trail’s developers. The route spans the country, from the capital, Ljubljana, through the Soča Valley, with its Alpine views, to the cave-studded Karst Plateau, and along the Drava and Sava Rivers.

Cyclists use the Slovenian train system to go point to point and their own pedal power to navigate bike-safe rural roads, before sitting down to dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant in cities like Maribor, celebrated for its local and Serbian cuisine. 10. Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA The rugged frontier legend of Texas comes to life in a landscape that’s full of surprises

It’s located in the Lone Star State of legend, yet only 400,000 people visited Big Bend National Park pre-pandemic — nearly 10 times fewer visitors than Yellowstone received, reports Robert Draper, a National Geographic contributing writer. This remote and arid part of west Texas nurtures more cactus species than any other national park, as well as birds such as roadrunners and bright yellow Scott’s orioles, and mammals such as javelina. But encounters with wildlife seem different in the desert. “They remind you that life is at the same time precious and where you least expect to find it,” Draper writes. “Above all, life in the Chihuahuan Desert that comprises Big Bend’s 1,252sq mile expanse is stubborn and easily misunderstood but also impossible to forget.” 11. Azores Award-winning sustainability programmes conserve natural wonders of this volcanic archipelago known for whale-watching and thermal springs

A land born of fire but now engulfed in green, the Azores is working to secure its future. This volcanic island chain in the middle of the Atlantic is an autonomous region of Portugal, located about 1,000 miles off its coast.

With four of its nine islands UNESCO biosphere reserves — and recognised by the World Wildlife Fund as an oasis for 28 whale and dolphin species — the Azores take sustainable tourism seriously. It became the world’s first archipelago to be certified by EarthCheck, an Australia-based international advisory board and green tourism leader that conferred the award in 2019. The Portuguese territory is now focusing on conservation and biodiversity protection, air and water quality, and preservation of Indigenous heritage.

12. Botswana A locally led movement is restoring endangered species, creating wildlife corridors, and developing community-owned tourism projects

The southern African country of Botswana continues to confront a series of threats to its expansive, wildlife-rich national parks and game reserves, ranging from poaching to overtourism. But new anti-poaching efforts, voluntourism and community-based outreach are helping alleviate some of the pressure.

In the Tuli Block, a wilderness on Botswana’s eastern border that holds leopards, brown and spotted hyenas and a large elephant population, rangers are installing advanced technology in the 270sq mile Central Tuli Game Reserve. A Dutch organisation called Smart Parks developed low-power sensors that transmit radio data back to a central station, alerting rangers to poachers and their vehicles or even tracking the movements of animals themselves.

Botswana is also responding to a new generation of visitors. “Since Covid our millennial travellers have become more interested in meaningful human connection,” says National Geographic explorer Koketso ‘Koki’ Mookodi. “Expect to see more craft-based tours and village homestays being planned.”

13. Guyana A new route from British Airways shines a light on one of South America’s smaller nations

Thick Rainforests, sprawling savannahs, magical mountain ranges and epic rivers — Guyana may be one of South America’s smaller nations, but it packs a big punch for nature-lovers, and from March 2023, will be connected by British Airways flights from London Gatwick (via St Lucia).

Go to get truly off-grid. Similar in size to the UK, Guyana is home to fewer than a million people, and river, off-road or air transport are often the only routes into the heart of it all. Natural highlights range from jaguars stalking dense forests to giant anteaters on the savannahs, harpy eagles in the skies and wow-moments like Kaieteur Falls, one of the world’s highest single drop waterfalls (and twice as high as Victoria Falls). The number of eco-tourism experiences and community-run lodges is growing, too. 14. Tanzania Citizen science is playing a part in Tanzania’s new conservation drive

The evolution of sustainable travel is underway in Tanzania. No longer content with staying at environmentally friendly lodges or visiting local community groups, a new generation of travellers is getting hands on with conservation and following scientists into the field thanks to the advent of citizen science travel. 

At the forefront of the trend is Asilia Africa with its pioneering Usangu Expedition Camp, which opened in June 2022 and is set in the lush wetlands of Ruaha National Park. Patrolling the park in safari vehicles powered by molasses, guests play an active role in protecting wildlife by assisting field researchers, planting camera traps and building the park’s photo library of lions, leopards and rare African wild dogs. The citizen science approach has proved so successful that Asilia will replicate the experience at its sister camp, set to open in June 2023, in Nyerere National Park.

Hiking outside Queenstown, New Zealand

Hiking outside Queenstown, New Zealand.

15. New Zealand The country that invented bungee jumping rekindles adventure excitement post-pandemic

The country that brought you bungee jumping is bouncing back from the pandemic. On New Zealand’s South Island, a re-energised Queenstown is again welcoming adventure travellers from all over the world. They come to this lakeside town of some 15,000 for skiing, as well as year-round hiking in the deservedly named Remarkables range. But bicycles should be generating the most excitement. By 2025, the Queenstown Trails Trust aims to complete a network of recreational and commuting bike lanes and paths that will link up workplaces, schools and other urban spaces. The network’s shining star: an 80.7-mile biking route called the Queenstown Trail, one of New Zealand’s Great Rides. Starting on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, the ride pedals east from Queenstown to Gibbston.

16. Choquequirao, Peru An adventurous trek to the remote sister site of Machu Picchu is becoming more accessible

One of the most remote Inca sites in the Peruvian Andes, the ruins of Choquequirao are reserved for the hardy few who put in the effort to reach it. Those who make the trek to the sprawling complex can do so only on foot, zigzagging up and down steep paths for 18 miles to reach its 10,000-foot elevation, suspended between the high Andes and the jungles below.

But change is coming to rock the ‘cradle of gold’, the meaning of Choquequirao in the Quechua language. New infrastructure plans are expected to boost visits to Machu Picchu’s sister city.

Pre-pandemic, Machu Picchu had more than 1.5 million visitors annually, according to Peruvian tourism officials. Choquequirao counted fewer than 9,500. To increase accessibility, the Peruvian government has committed to spending $260 million (£231.12 million) to build a cable car spanning three miles between the town of Kiuñalla and the archaeological site.

17. Utah, USA This popular adventure state is boosting its lesser-trafficked areas to combat overtourism

With five national parks and eight national monuments, Utah is an adventurer’s ultimate playground. But outdoor lovers tend to visit only a small and iconic group of destinations, such as Zion National Park. Now the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation has created an innovative grant programme to help fund new outdoor recreation projects throughout the state, including the Zion National Park Forever Project.

In Zion, known for its dramatic narrow canyons and towering sandstone cliffs, work began in 2022 on a new visitors centre on the park’s east side. The hope: to draw some of Zion’s annual five million visitors away from the crowded main south entrance and popular trails like Angels Landing. In addition to the sustainable visitors centre, plans include 30-plus miles of new mountain biking trails and 40 miles of hiking trails outside the east entrance.

18. Austrian Alps The cross-country Bergsteigerdörfer network of 36 mountaineering villages focuses on local life and culture.

To save a mountain range, it sometimes takes a village. Since 2008 an association of high-altitude hamlets located in Central Europe’s Eastern Alps have banded together to promote their small communities to the world’s adventure travellers interested in mountain hiking, biking and climbing, as well as winter sports like cross-country skiing and ice climbing.

Called the Bergsteigerdörfer, or the ‘Mountaineering Villages’, the network is concentrated primarily in Austria’s western states, including Tyrol and Carinthia, with additional member towns in Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Slovenia. The Bergsteigerdörfer works to protect villages’ culture and traditions while preserving mountain landscapes from overdevelopment. Rejecting large-scale tourist projects like sprawling ski lodges and peak-scaling cable cars, the Bergsteigerdörfer villages, now numbering 36, put greater emphasis on green or sustainable mountain tourism.

19. Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico The ‘Galápagos of Mexico’ protects one of the largest aggregations of sharks and oceanic mantas in the world

Some 300 miles off the southern tip of Baja California Peninsula lies a national park steeped in superlatives. Revillagigedo National Park, a 57,000-square-mile Mexican marine reserve, is North America’s largest fully protected underwater park. It offers sanctuary to the continent’s greatest concentration of tropical marine megafauna, from hammerhead sharks to humpback whales, earning it the nickname ‘the Galápagos of Mexico’. And the waters surrounding its four main islands are fast becoming a mecca for scuba divers.

“The park is one of the few places, if not the only place on the planet, that you can have intimate interaction with giant oceanic mantas,” says marine biologist and underwater filmmaker Erick Higuera. He says the mantas, which can weigh up to 3,600 pounds and attain a wing span of 27ft, seem to like the feel of the divers’ oxygen bubbles on their bellies. The bottlenose dolphins that inhabit the park’s waters also show curiosity toward humans and will often swim up to and investigate divers.

20. Sierra Sur, Oaxaca, Mexico Oaxaca’s epic trail gains in popularity for visitors seeking Indigenous connections

Oaxaca is celebrated for its folk art and vibrant cuisine, but there’s more to be sampled in this subtropical Mexican state than black pottery and moles. Travellers searching for meaningful and respectful cultural exchanges with members of the 16 recognised Indigenous peoples are lacing up their hiking boots to venture into the agrarian heart of the Oaxacan interior on foot.

Growing in popularity is the Copalita Trail, a five-day adventure walk from the state’s southern Sierra Madres to its Pacific coast, stopping to camp, swim, and break bread in Zapotec villages. Because the trail is remote, with few intersecting roads, there is no opportunity to leave it and must be done with a guide. The journey begins in Oaxaca City where a bus brings hikers deep into the mountains. Over the next four days, hikers descend from the slopes past thick pine forests, down through coffee and bamboo plantations and into jungles, before floating down the Copalita River to arrive on the golden sand beaches near Huatulco.

21. Bhutan The reopened Trans-Bhutan Trail traverses 250 miles across the Himalayan kingdom

After using the pandemic downturn to reflect and rebuild, Bhutan officially reopened its borders in September 2022. As a mountainous country vulnerable to climate change, Bhutan is famously committed to sustainable, ‘low volume’ tourism that benefits the local community. The increased Sustainable Development Fee of US$200 (£180) per person, per night will be put to good use funding healthcare and education for Bhutan’s citizens, planting trees, and preserving the country’s cultural heritage.

Enticing pilgrims to the Himalayan kingdom is the 250-mile Trans-Bhutan Trail, which has reopened for the first time in 60 years, allowing hikers and bikers to traverse the length of the country. The track connects previously remote communities, spreading the economic benefits of tourism while sharing entirely new insights into Bhutanese life.

Kayakers explore Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes, Greece

Kayakers explore Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes, Greece

22. Dodecanese Islands, Greece This Greek archipelago balances growing popularity with sustaining its ancient traditions

Off the Turkish coast, the Greek islands of the Dodecanese cast an alluring spell stemming from their rocky beauty and feisty history. A cast of conquerors — Romans, Ottomans and Italians — left their fingerprints on everything from the architecture to the food, but today’s invaders come not for fortune, but for selfies, at such better-known Dodecanese islands as Leros, Patmos or Kos.

But now less trafficked parts of the archipelago like Karpathos, located halfway between Crete and Rhodes, must balance between the economic need for tourism and the environmental stresses caused by it. In this arid, hilly land of milk and honey, many families keep bees and make their own butter and cheese. Karpathos’s lonely white churches, timeworn towns and ancient traditions may draw adventurous visitors fleeing the more crowded Cycladic islands of Mykonos and Santorini, but the island’s water scarcity and lack of recycling capacity pose challenges.

23. Milwaukee, Wisconsin A smaller, less expensive Great Lakes city you shouldn’t miss

Wisconsin’s biggest and liveliest city combines a blue-collar, back-thumping energy with a close-knit creative community that’s turning heads beyond the Great Lakes. (Having a winning NBA team, the Bucks, doesn’t hurt either.)

Like the 450 motorcycles displayed inside its Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee is revving its engines in 2023. Riverside promenades are being built along its three waterways (the Milwaukee, Kinnickinnic and Menomonee Rivers), and the buzzy Deer District rises from a former field of vacant lots, with hotels, concert venues and the Bucks arena. Meanwhile traditional neighbourhoods are getting fresh development projects, such as the planned arts and cultural centre in Bronzeville focused on African American art.

24. Alberta, Canada In the Canadian Rockies, Indigenous voices connect travellers to undiscovered histories

Alberta is celebrated for its natural wonders like the Athabasca Glacier and Banff National Park, both high in the Rocky Mountains; its wide-open prairie vistas; and the glass-and-steel modernity of cities like Calgary and Edmonton. But there are different perspectives to consider in this Canadian province, part of a rethinking about how Indigenous stories are told across all of North America.

“[Travellers] who seek us out want to reconnect and refocus,” says Brenda Holder, a Cree/Iroquois guide who leads visitors on walks and workshops in the woods near Sundre, Alberta, to examine the medicinal plants her people rely upon.

Alberta’s Aboriginal sites offer touchstones into the province’s pre-European past. Visitors to Elk Island National Park, located just east of Edmonton, encounter cultural history dating back 8,000 years through guided hikes, hands-on interpretive programmes featuring prehistoric stone tools, and Cree crafting workshops.

25. Laos A new high-speed train is making more of Laos accessible

The Covid pandemic closed the borders of many tourism-dependent countries including Laos. But the Southeast Asian country known for its emerald-green vistas of the Upper Mekong got a boost in domestic travel with the December 2021 inauguration of a Chinese-financed and -constructed bullet train christened the Lane Xang, Laos’ ancient name meaning Kingdom of a Million Elephants. Originating in Kunming, China, the train’s 260-mile route within Laos starts at the border town of Boten and barrels through 75 tunnels and across 167 bridges, before terminating in the capital Vientiane.

The train’s promise: expanding tourism among the Lao themselves, who can now easily explore their country’s multifaceted heritage, including the old imperial capital, Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

26. Ghana The hottest destination for Black heritage travellers in West Africa is also a vibrant creative hub

With Covid restrictions relaxed, many travellers are once again taking up an invitation that Ghanaian president Nana Akufo-Addo had extended pre-pandemic to people with African heritage: to return to this West African country, explore their African roots and connect with its citizens. The journeys, popularised by celebrity travellers such as Danny Glover and Chance the Rapper, were often emotional ones as visitors confronted the physical remnants of the slave trade along Ghana’s coast.

“More than a return, it’s a remembering,” says National Geographic photo editor Melissa Bunni Elian, who journeyed to Ghana last spring. Elian notes that Ghana has a “strong pan-African spirit. You’ll hear afrobeats everywhere, from the taxis to the grocery store, but also reggae, Haitian zouk, American hip-hop.”

27. Nova Scotia, Canada Canada puts a spotlight on its unique Acadian culture

The parishes of southern Louisiana have long been associated with the Acadians, France’s settlers in the New World. But the first Acadia lay further north, centred in Canada’s Atlantic Maritime provinces like Nova Scotia. French immigrants first arrived in the 1630s, only to be routed 120 years later by Britain during the French and Indian Wars (1754-1763). Beginning in 1755, ‘le Grand Dérangement’ (The Great Expulsion) saw Acadians forcibly resettled in British colonies or repatriated to France, and then to Louisiana. Allowed to return to Nova Scotia in 1764, the Acadians have defended and retained their unique culture and French language into this century. The twice-a-decade World Congress of Acadians takes place in 2024 here in the rural municipalities of Clare and Argyle.

28. Aboriginal Australia Greater Aboriginal rights go hand-in-hand with a new wave of Indigenous experiences

This year Australians will cast their vote on whether to enshrine an Aboriginal voice in the country’s constitution. The historic referendum takes place against a backdrop of greater recognition of Aboriginal rights, with vast swathes of land handed back to Traditional Owners, and the country’s first truth-telling commission underway in Victoria.

As the cogs of government churn, a new wave of experiences owned and led by Aboriginal Australians are helping travellers delve deeper into history, culture and cuisine. Found at the end of the Great Ocean Road is Budj Bim Cultural Landscape —newly inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2019 and the first in Australia to be listed for its Aboriginal cultural value — where visitors can explore the world’s oldest eel farms with Gunditjmara guides.

Wax palms in Colombia’s  Cocora Valley

Wax palms in Colombia’s  Cocora Valley.

29. San Francisco An urban trail and a new recreation area with stunning Golden Gate views get top marks from families

In San Francisco, city kids can learn that becoming a trail hiker doesn’t necessarily mean a trip into the wild. The recently completed Crosstown Trail meanders across the city diagonally, from its southeastern corner at Candlestick Point to its northwestern tip at Lands End, winding through gardens, up hills and across urban streets for nearly 17 miles.

Along the way, the trail skirts the Presidio. This 1,491-acre military post turned popular national park offers stunning Golden Gate Bridge views and in July celebrated the opening of the 14-acre Presidio Tunnel Tops. Designed by one of the same firms behind Manhattan’s High Line, the new site is set on top of concrete freeway tunnels and buzzes with a plastic-free nature play space, food trucks and campfire talks.

30. Trinidad and Tobago One of the most important leatherback turtle nesting sites in the world emphasizes the importance of sea turtle conservation programs

Consider that sea turtles survived the dinosaurs, but might not survive this century. Kids eager to help save the turtles — and encounter hundreds of them as well — can head to Trinidad and Tobago. With loggerheads, greens, leatherbacks, hawksbills and olive ridleys (five of the seven species of sea turtles) swimming off its shores, this Caribbean nation is a mecca for turtle tourism.

Nesting sites are found on both islands, with leatherbacks the most numerous — during the nesting season between March to August, an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 turtles mass on the nation’s shores. Trinidad’s Grande Riviere beach, on the island’s north coast, is the densest leatherback nesting ground in the world.

Turtle-watching programmes led by approved guides generate revenue to help save these creatures, which are under assault from climate change, habitat loss and plastic pollution.

31. Colombia The enchanted land of Encanto has birding, Indigenous cultures and alluring coasts and mountains

Colombia’s boisterous birdlife is as colourful and tuneful as Encanto, the hit Disney animated film set in this biodiverse South American country. More than 1,900 different birds (almost 20% of the world's avian species) live here, in places like the Perijá Mountains, making Colombia the richest roost for birdlife on the planet.

Where can families flock with them? The Northern Colombia Birding Trail, for birders both extreme and more casual, explores the country’s range of habitats. Tours with the National Audubon Society use 4X4 vehicles to visit the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the planet’s highest coastal mountain range, as well as beach-blessed Tayrona National Park on the Caribbean coast. Visitors can spot species including the crested quetzal, Santa Marta parakeet, and the sickle-winged guan. Colombians and Wayuu Indigenous peoples work along the route as bird guides.

32. Manchester, UK This mecca for football fans is growing as an arts and culture hub

In 2023 Manchester launches a number of attractions to encourage its post-pandemic revival. The year’s centrepiece is the spring opening of the Factory International, a new £186 million downtown cultural space designed by Rem Koolhaas’s architectural firm. Named after the local record label that made hometown bands Joy Division and New Order globally famous, the Factory will become the permanent home of the Manchester International Festival. The city’s biannual, cutting-edge arts jam showcases the best in theatre, opera and music for all ages.

The year also marks the reopening of the reimagined Manchester Museum, which features new galleries focused on Chinese, South Asian and British Asian culture and a specially designed inclusive, family-focused Belonging Gallery that showcases how humans, plants and animals thrive together. Also coming into its own is the National Trust’s new ‘sky park’ on the Castlefield Viaduct, a walkable Victorian-era railroad bridge.

33. Switzerland A precision rail network leads to quaint Alpine towns for chocolate, hiking and skiing

On any given day, Switzerland’s transit network carries 6.6 million riders in a country of only 8.7 million people, tempting families on holiday with some unique trips on its famously punctual trains featuring spectacular mountains, classic cookies and even a Wonka-esque chocolate tour.

The Gotthard Panorama Express begins on a Lucerne steamboat crossing the city’s famous lake before boarding a train in Flüelen for a trip to Switzerland’s Italian-influenced south. A cookie train from Berne to Lucerne stops for a nibble at the Kambly bakery where kids can bake their own cookies and design a biscuit tin to take home. A chocolate train departing from Montreux starts with chocolate croissants and hot chocolate served onboard, stops in Gruyères to explore its medieval old town and world-famous cheese, and winds up in Broc for a tour of the Maison Cailler chocolate factory.

Making it all sweeter is the Swiss Family Card, a rail pass that allows anyone under the age of 16 to ride either free or at a 50% discount.

34. Bath The only double-listed World Heritage Site in the UK is developing new attractions

Bath may be one of the UK’s most visited cities, but it hasn’t been resting on its laurels in recent years. After a £5.5m renovation of its Roman baths in 2011, and becoming a double-inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021 — one of 11 European spa towns — the Bath World Heritage Centre opened in May 2022, featuring interactive exhibits and displays about Bath’s history, Georgian architecture and unique geology.

But the city founded as Aquae Sulis by the Romans is not just about its ancient past. In September, Cleveland Pools, Britain’s oldest lido, reopened after decades of neglect. Situated by the River Avon, the Grade II*-listed outdoor swimming pool dating back to 1815 was restored after an 18-year campaign to restore it.

And the £20 million Bath Abbey Footprint project, which saw a complete restoration of the medieval abbey church, has neared completion with its new Discovery Centre.

35. Wicklow, Ireland A multi-million pound treetop walk is just part of the Irish garden county’s new appeal

Wicklow is Ireland’s ‘garden county’ — similar in size to England’s Cotswolds and crammed with mountain trails for hikers and bikers, stately Palladian mansions, wild waterfalls and an underrated coast. As of this year, it’s also home to Ireland’s tallest slide and an exhilarating new walkway that gently ramps up to immerse visitors in the tree canopy itself.

Beyond the Trees Avondale is a revamped experience at Avondale Forest Park. The fully accessible canopy walk opens up birds’ eye views of an estate with over 100 tree species, while the swirling, 12-storey slide is the centrepiece of a wooden structure shaped like a giant pint of Guinness (the whoops you hear spraying about inside are from adults and kids alike).

Published in the December 2022 issue of   National Geographic Traveller (UK)  

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These are the places you should visit in 2023, according to Time magazine

The venerable news magazine just dropped its annual World’s Greatest Places list

Grace Beard

Big news for travellers: iconic news magazine Time  has today released its annual World’s Greatest Places list for 2023. To create the 50-strong list, the magazine asked its global network of correspondents and contributors to nominate the destinations that they think need to be on travellers’ radars over the next 12 months. ( Check out last year’s World’s Greatest Places list here. )

The list was curated with an eye toward places offering new and exciting experiences   –  and we have to admit, we’re pretty inspired by what they’ve put together. From the long-awaited opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Egypt to an up-and-coming foodie hotspot in  France , there’s a whole lot of travel inspo here.

So, ready to find out where to go in 2023 according to Time ? Here’s the magazine’s full list of the world’s greatest places. And don’t skip our own tips on the best things to do around the world in 2023 .

Time magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2023

  • Tampa , Florida
  • Willamette Valley , Oregon
  • Río Grande , Puerto Rico
  • Tucson ,   Arizona
  • Yosemite National Park , California
  • Bozeman , Montana
  • Washington, DC
  • Vancouver , Canada
  • Churchill , Canada
  • Dijon , France
  • Pantelleria , Italy
  • Naples ,   Italy
  • Aarhus , Denmark
  • St Moritz ,  Switzerland

Switzerland

  • Timisoara , Romania
  • Sylt , Germany
  • Berat , Albania
  • Budapest , Hungary
  • Vienna , Austria
  • Barcelona , Spain
  • Brisbane , Australia
  • Kangaroo Island ,   Australia

Dominica

  • Mexico City , Mexico
  • Guadalajara , Mexico
  • Torres del Paine National Park , Chile
  • Pantanal , Brazil
  • Medellín , Colombia
  • Ollantaytambo , Peru
  • Roatán , Honduras

Honduras

  • Kyoto,  Japan
  • Nagoya,  Japan
  • Isan , Thailand
  • Phuket ,  Thailand
  • Jeju Island , South Korea
  • Luang Prabang , Laos
  • Ladakh ,   India
  • Mayurbhanj ,  India

Mayurbhanj. India

  • Giza and Saqqara , Egypt
  • Chyulu Hills , Kenya
  • Ruhengeri , Rwanda
  • Rabat , Morocco
  • Dakar , Senegal
  • Loango National Park , Gabon
  • Freetown Peninsula , Sierra Leone
  • The Red Sea , Saudi Arabia
  • Aqaba , Jordan
  • Sharjah , United Arab Emirates
  • Tuamotu Archipelago , French Polynesia

Pretty inspiring, right? Now check out our own round-up of the world’s most underrated travel destinations , and get planning.

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The Rough Guide to the best travel destinations in 2023

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

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written by Joanne Owen

updated 19.12.2022

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Our recent 2023 travel survey asked you to share where you'd most love to visit in 2023. As well as quizzing you, our readers, we also picked the brains of Rough Guides’ editors and our local travel experts around the world, asking “Where’s best to visit in 2023?” Now all the results are in, we’re excited to bring you our definitive list (drumroll, please): The A-Z of the 23 best travel destinations for 2023.

1. Antarctica

2. berlin, germany — one the best travel destinations in 2023, 3. bohol island, the philippines, 4. cordoba, argentina, 5. dominica, nature island of the caribbean, 6. fes, morocco, 7. kanazawa, japan, 8. korčula, croatia, 9. leeds, yorkshire, 10. ljubljana, slovenia.

  • 11. Mekong Delta, Vietnam

12. Naples, Italy

13. northern cape, south africa.

  • 14. Oaxaca, Mexico

15. Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

16. pembrokeshire, wales, 17. pensacola, florida, 18. scottish highlands, scotland, 19. sydney, australia.

  • 20. Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

21. Toulouse, France

22. wellington, new zealand.

  • 23. Zagori, Greece

Best for bucket list chasers and wildlife-watchers

Kicking off in especially aspirational style, we were struck by the prominence of Antarctica as one of your dream destinations for 2023. As a result, we had to include it in our run-down of the best places to visit in 2023.

It goes without saying that you can’t just rock up to Antarctica. So, we recommend taking a look at our tailor-made trip that combines southern Argentina with a four-night cruise to Antarctica . 

This awe-inspiring experience begins in Buenos Aires . After enjoying a few nights in El Calafate and Ushuaia , you'll set sail for four nights in the Antarctic.

Expert guides aboard your boat will give exhilarating talks on landscape and wildlife. Expect to see migrating whales, penguins, and seals as you visit Cape Horn, and cruise the Drake Passage to King George Island.

Make the most of your time in Antarctica

  • Bring lots of layers and decent gloves for your cruise. Having your own binoculars is also recommended.
  • From Ushuaia, book a guided trip to walk the thrilling Tierra del Fuego nature trails to the Emerald Lagoon.
  • If you plan to spend longer in the region, read up on Ushuaia , and the best travel experiences in Argentina .
  • Explore our Antarctica itinerary and talk to a local expert to make it 100% yours.
  • Where to stay

You’ll stay aboard a boat during your cruise (obvs), so here are some places to stay in Ushuaia before and after your trip. Being the world’s most southerly city, it's known as the End of the World.

  • Best for rustic charm: Cabañas Bosque Del Faldeo . This lovely lodge with a garden is close to lots of sights.
  • Best for groups and families: Casa Magallanes . Three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a city-view patio.
  • Best for couples: Hotel Canal Beagle . Modern, stylish, with a pool and wellness spa.

Discover more places to stay in Ushuaia .

Emperor Penguin, Snow Hill, Antarctica © vladsilver/Shutterstock

Antarctica — one of the best travel destinations in 2023, and one of your 2023 dream destinations © Shutterstock

Best for culture, clubbing and arty city breaks

There are plenty of reasons you voted cosmopolitan, dynamic Berlin one of the coolest cities in the world . It boasts crazy nightlight, incredible museums, and a cutting-edge art scene unlike anywhere else on earth.

Talking of edgy art, the world-renowned European Month of Photography celebrates its tenth anniversary in Berlin in March 2023 — all the more reason to visit if you're into art and culture.

At once gritty and glamorous, we're big fans of Berlin's Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain area, not least for its cafés, bars, markets and independent clothes shops.

Make the most of your time in Berlin

  • Into urban culture? Take a tour of Berlin's street art .
  • Read up on the best things to do in Berlin , and discover fab things you can do in Berlin for free .
  • Get yourself a Mini Rough Guide to Berlin .
  • Like to dig deeper into the places you visit? Check out this in-depth tour of Berlin and Potsdam . Or how about a culture-focused Capitals of Europe trip that covers Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and more?

Where to stay in Berlin

  • Best for cool couples: Eastern & Western Comfort Hotelboat . Cosy cabin rooms moored on the River Spree.
  • Best for budget travellers: Die Fabrik baxpax Hotel . Cool, comfy, and near East Side Gallery and Görlitzer Park.
  • Best for 5-star luxury: Hotel Adlon . This Brandenburg Gate legend has a double Michelin-star restaurant.

Browse more places to stay in Berlin .

Museum Island in Berlin © canadastock/Shutterstock

Into art and culture? Berlin is one of the best travel destinations for 2023 © canadastock/Shutterstock

Best for adventure, wildlife and out-of-this-world beaches

Part of the Visayas — the central island group of the Philippines — beautiful Bohol is known for its paradisiacal beaches and lush forests.

As such, it's a fabulous destination for travellers who want to spice up a blissful beach break with wildlife-watching and adventure activities. Bohol and its 75 islets sure pack a lot into its splendid landmass.

Located in the centre of the island, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Chocolate Hills are a must-see. Here, over 1,000 near-identical, symmetrical mounds represent one of the Philippines’ most iconic sights. They're also a dream to hike.

Into animals? Head to the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary to see the world’s smallest primates in a swathe of protected forest. Meanwhile, the marine life around Panglao Island presents dazzling snorkelling and diving experiences.

Make the most of your time on Bohol Island.

  • Board a traditional Banca boat to enjoy a turtle and dolphin-watching trip around Balicasag and Virgin Island.
  • Cruise the Loboc River to watch wildlife, see villages and enjoy a gourmet local lunch.
  • Read up on the best things to do on Bohol Island , and read The Rough Guide to the Philippines .
  • Visit Bohol as part of an immersive trip to the Visayas .
  • Want to travel better? Discover the best eco-friendly resorts in the Philippines .

Where to stay on Bohol Island

  • Best for budget travellers: Adriana's Place . Glorious grounds, great food; dorms and bungalows available.
  • Best for honeymooners: Epic Suites by Bohol Social Club . Stunningly-sited, with sea views and private pools.
  • Best for home comforts: Villa 301 B&B . Cosy, quaint and quiet, with top home-cooked breakfasts.

Browse more places to stay on Bohol Island in the Philippines .

tarsier-bohol-philippines-shutterstock_1225391344

Bohol Island is a wonder for wildlife-watchers © Shutterstock

Best for arty culture, gaucho culture and German culture...

With a dynamic vibe coming courtesy of its student population, Cordoba — Argentina's second city — is emerging from the shadow of  Buenos Aires .

Undeniably vibrant, it's an old-meets-new kinda place. Its well-preserved microcentro is packed with colonial-era churches, monasteries, and municipal buildings, with the Centro Cultural Córdoba adding modern architectural flair.

Beyond its capital, the region of Cordoba is ripe for world-class horse-riding adventures. For example, you can experience gaucho culture at the Anglo-Argentine-owned  Estancia Los Potreros ranch.

For something entirely different — and unexpected — head to kitsch Villa General Belgrano. With streets lined by Alpine-style buildings, and the aroma of sausages, sauerkraut and strudel wafting from restaurants, you'll be forgiven for thinking you haven't been transported to Munich.

And the reason? Villa General Belgrano was founded in the 1940s by survivors of the Graf Spree, a Nazi battleship that sank off the coast of Argentina in World War Two.

Make the most of your time in Cordoba

  • Head to the hills for a horseback riding trip with an authentic Argentinian asado barbecue.
  • Discover why Cordoba is Argentina's most underrated region .
  • Arm yourself with the picture-packed Insight Guide Argentina .
  • For country-wide inspiration, browse our Argentina itineraries .

Where to stay in Cordoba

  • Best for couples: Caseros 248 Hotel . Modern, spacious and close to attractions.
  • Best for families: AT Suites . Self-catering apartments, with an on-site pool.
  • Best for four-star comfort: Amérian Cordoba Park Hotel . Slick service and good food in downtown Cordoba.

Find more places to stay in Argentina's Cordoba .

catedral-y-cabildo-de-cordoba-argentina-shutterstock_109253744

Cordoba, Argentina © Shutterstock

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Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Best for adventure, exhilaration and soulful inspiration

Whether you reach dramatic Dominica by air or sea, it's clear why the region's indigenous Kalinago named the island  Wai'tukubuli  — tall is her body. The majestic peaks of Dominica's volcanic, forested mountains are, quite simply, awe-inspiring. 

It's also clear why Dominica is known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean, and deeply rewarding for lovers of outdoor adventures, not least if you're a diver, or opt to walk the  Waitukubuli Trail . Split into 14 segments, the Caribbean's first long-distance walking network showcases Dominica's heritage, culture, and wild beauty in one fell swoop. The island's beaches aren't half bad, either.

To experience stacks of spectacular nature in one place, head to the heights of Laudat — Dominica's highest village. Here you can soak up the misty splendour of  Freshwater Lake  and Boeri Lake , and join the trail-head for Dominica's legendary  Boiling Lake hike — you'll need a guide for this. And all these soul-stirrers sit within the UNESCO designated Morne Trois Pitons National Park. 

Alongside being an exceptional destination for nature and adventure lovers, Dominica is also a place to gain a deeper understanding of Caribbean history and culture. For example, the  Kalinago Barana Autê  shares the history and contemporary culture of the island’s indigenous Kalinago community.

And in good news for merry-makers, 2023 will see Mas Dominik — Dominica’s carnival — back to its exuberant full-scale incarnation for the first time since the pandemic. It run from 14th January, with six weeks of "Mas an Lawi" (Mas in the street) events culminating on 22nd February.

Make the most of your time in Dominica

  • Be exhilarated by Dominica's natural beauty on a Secret Waterfall Canyoning Experience .
  • Dominica is the only place in the world where sperm whales are resident year-round, so go whale-watching .
  • Head to Sunset Bay Club to enjoy lobster of a lifetime. This beach-front restaurant is also a small resort.
  • Be inspired by tales of nurture from the Nature Island .
  • Discover why Dominica breaks the Caribbean mould .

Where to stay in Dominica

  • Best for beachfront bliss: Picard Beach Cottages . Cute, well-equipped cabins with on-site whale-watching.
  • Best for chic sustainability: Sea Cliff Eco Cottages . Welcoming, stylish, and close to vibrant Calibishie.
  • Best for back-to-nature luxury: Jungle Bay . Gorgeous grounds and breath-taking views over the south coast.

Discover more places to stay in Dominica .

Stairway Pathway on the island of Dominica on Boiling Lake Hike, Dominica © Shutterstock

Stairway to hiking heaven — Dominica's Boiling Lake hike © Shutterstock

Best for foodies and culture vultures

The most complete medieval city of the Arab world, Fes ' old town feels magically suspended between the Middle Ages and the modern world.

With some 9000 alleys buzzing with living history and traders, it's a place to lose — and find — yourself in.

The oldest part of the city, walled Fes El-Bali, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its mosques, medersas and fondouks, plus a mile-long labyrinth of souks, there are enough sights here to warrant several days exploration.

Fes is also a feast for the senses. Head to Souk el Attarine to savour the aroma of spices, herbs, and incense, and buy traditional Moroccan crafts. Given that some traders are set up in beautiful old mansions, you'll most likely find yourself exploring a regal riad while shopping.

If that wasn't enough, Fes is also the culinary capital of Morocco. A place to feast on some of the country's best eating and drinking experiences.

While wandering Fes El-Bali, try street-stall snacks like bisara soup, or jben, an acidic white goat’s cheese. Fes is also the home of pastilla — a succulent pigeon or chicken pie dusted with sugar and cinnamon.

Make the most of your time in Fes 

  • Feast on Fes' food and culture on a cookery class experience .
  • Uncover the imperial cities of Morocco — including Fes — on an immersive trip.
  • Read up on the best markets in Morocco .
  • Plan a bigger trip with The Rough Guide to Morocco .

Where to stay in Fes

  • Best for special occasions: Riad Authentic Palace & Spa . Five-star splendour and service in the old town.
  • Best for foodies: Riad Tahyra . A boutique beauty where chefs often invite guests into the kitchen.
  • Best for families: Riad Laayoun . Relaxed, rather reasonable and very friendly.

Find more places to stay in Fes Morocco.

fes-tanneries-morocco-shutterstock_91441772

Fes, Morocco — a feast for the senses © Shutterstock

Best for magical gardens, galleries and unique history

With a long, rich history, Kanazawa's exquisitely preserved historic districts exude stepped-back-in-time magic.

The dazzling jewel in the city's crown is Kenrokuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan . Designed to enchant in every season — snow-shrouded boughs in winter, cherry blossom in spring, blazing leaves in autumn — it's been stunning visitors for over two centuries.

If you’re interested in learning about Kanazawa’s samurai history, explore Nagamachi District on foot. Located just beyond Kanazawa Castle, here you can visit the restored residence of one of Kanazawa’s most influential samurais, Nomura Denbei Nobusada, 

History buffs will also want to head to Higashi Chaya District, where old geisha houses sit centre stage.

But Kanazawa isn't only about the past. Affectionately known as “Little Kyoto”, the city also boasts modern buzz. For example, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art showcases a programme of exciting exhibitions.

Meanwhile, foodies will be in seventh heaven in Omicho Market — expect some of the freshest, finest fish and seafood in the region.

Make the most of your time in Kanazawa

  • Get to know Kanazawa through the eyes of a learned local resident.
  • Love your grub? Take a personalised food-themed walking tour with a local guide.
  • Read up on the rise of Japan's Little Kyoto and The Rough Guide to Japan .
  • Into food and culture? Take an extended culinary tour of Japan that takes in Kanazawa.

Where to stay in Kanazawa

  • Best for 5-star finery: Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku . Elegant tea lounges, a hot spring bath, castle views.
  • Best for indie travellers: B&B Mikawa Kanazawa Fish Harbour . This tiny trad-style house offers free bikes.
  • Best for couples: Zaimoku-an . Villa-style living and space in a top location.

Explore more places to stay in Kanazawa Japan .

kanazawa+shutterstock_1188877546

Kenrokuen Garden. Kanazawa, Japan © Shutterstock

Best for wine, food, and fabulous family-friendly beaches

With a magnificent Old Town, safe and scenic out-of-town-beaches, and excellent, unstuffy restaurants, the laid-back Croatian island of Korčula  sure ticks lots of boxes.

As a result of this diversity, and an upturn in multi-generational holidays, Korčula earned a place in our best travel destinations in 2023. In short, if you're in the market for a sun-soaked break that'll keep everyone happy, Korčula has your name on it, your kids' names on it, and your granny's name on it.

The soft sand bays and quiet coves on the island's southern coast are the perfect place for little ones to learn to swim. And, given the calmness of the Adriatic around these parts, Korčula is also the ideal place for first-time sailors to take the plunge.

Into nature? Korčula is one of the greenest Adriatic islands, with an abundance of Aleppo pines, olive groves, and rolling vineyards. The latter of which are responsible for another reason to visit Korčula — world-class wine, especially dry whites like Pošip.

Make the most of your time on Korčula

  • Little ones will adore viewing marine-life from a semi-submersible boat .
  • Love the water and want to see more than one island? Consider booking a Croatian sailing trip , and arm yourself with our practical guide to island-hopping in Croatia .
  • Read up on the top Croatian islands for getaways (psst — it includes the idyllic islet of Proizd, reached by water taxi from Vela Luka on Korčula).
  • Keen to know more about Croatia? The full Rough Guide to Croatia has you covered, plus there's a Mini Rough Guide for shorter breaks.

Where to stay in Korčula

  • Best for couples: Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel . This quay-front gem oozes Old Town charm.
  • Best for families: Villa Stone House Poplat . Boasts a pool, private beach and variously-sized villas.
  • Best for budget travellers: Dragan's Den Hostel . Friendly, with dorms and private rooms.

Find more places to stay on Korčula Croatia .

Korcula, old medieval town in Dalmatia region, Croatia © Shutterstock

Korcula's medieval Old Town, Croatia © Shutterstock

Best for gourmands, gallery-lovers and theatre fans

When it came to the UK, including Leeds in our best travel destinations to visit in 2023 was a no-brainer. Firstly, Leeds is the UK City of Culture in 2023 . Secondly, Yorkshire was one of your top UK regions for 2023 staycations.

Leeds is home to  Opera North (the only nationally recognised UK opera company outside London), Leeds Grand Theatre and  Northern Ballet – lovers of live performance are spoiled for choice.

Then there's the magnificent City Varieties Music Hall , which holds a Guinness World Record as the nation’s longest-running music hall. And, being the nation’s last gas-lit cinema, we can't not mention the  Hyde Park Picture House .

Meanwhile, Leeds Art Gallery presents a diverse collection of work to suit all tastes, from Francis Bacon paintings, to Grayson Perry sculptures and Damian Hirst installations.

If all that art and culture leaves you feeling hungry, fear not — Leeds isn't known as the "Foodie Capital of the North" for nothing. Kirkgate Market — well worth visiting for a wander in its own right — now boasts a refurbished food hall that'll have you struggling to pick your lunch.

Come May, Leeds plays host to the UK's first independent food festival, Leeds Indie Food . Expect a celebration of fresh fare from local growers and creators, plus global innovators drawn to the city's embracing of culinary culture.

Make the most of your time in Leeds

  • Book a local food tour  to experience why Leeds is the foodie capital of the north .
  • Travelling with kids or a group? Take a self-guided treasure hunt tour of Leeds.
  • Into the unusual? Enjoy an urban axe-throwing experience .
  • Read up on where to find culture around every corner of Leeds , and find out how to love Leeds for longer

Where to stay in Leeds

  • Best for 5-star treats: Dakota Leeds . Stylish rooms, plus an on-site bar and great grill restaurant.
  • Best for indie couples: The Chambers . Boutique apartments in a well restored turn-of-the-century residence.
  • Best for romantic escapes: Hinsley Hall . 1.5 miles from the centre, this listed building has acres of grounds.

Check out more places to stay in Leeds .

Leeds City Kirkgate Market © Prawrawee Lim/Shutterstock

As 2023 UK City of Culture, Leeds had to be one of our best travel destinations in 2023 © Prawrawee Lim/Shutterstock

Best for enchanting scenery and sustainable travel

Green and clean, Slovenian capital Ljubljana — a place you voted one of the most beautiful countries in the world — has an abundance of scenic charm. Caressing the Ljubljanica river and overlooked by a castle, cities don’t come much more picturesque. 

What’s more, Ljubljana has the EU’s biggest pedestrianised area, plenty of parks to stroll in, and is a beautiful base from which to visit a host of Slovenian attractions. 

Under an hour from the capital,  Lake Bled  is a must-visit. A fairy tale island juts from its expanse of clear water, with a cliff-top castle and mountain backdrop adding to the magic. It's also at the forefront of sustainable travel practices — arguably Europe's greenest destination .

Postojna Caves in  southwest Slovenia is another unmissable day-trip. On arrival, you’ll take a train into a sublime subterranean world, with a show-stopping, cathedral-like chamber at journey's end.

More rocky wonders await at sixteenth-century Predjama Castle. Built into elevated cave entrance in the heart of an unforgettable karst landscape, it defies the imagination, and everything you assumed about engineering. 

Meanwhile, beyond its awe-inspiring interior, Slovenia’s coastline is every bit as beautiful, and diverse with it . From picturesque Piran, to the spa town of Portorož, expect atmospheric Old Towns with Venetian flair, flavour and “I can't wait to come back” allure.

Make the most of your time in Ljubljana

  • Book a day trip to Lake Bled, Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle .
  • Interested in nature and the environment? Find out why there’s a buzz about Slovenia’s bee tourism . 
  • To experience Slovenia in all its majesty, book a customisable treasures of Slovenia trip .  
  • Read our beginners guide to Ljubljana and The Rough Guide to Slovenia . 
  • Looking to take an early break in 2023? Find out what to expect from exploring Slovenia in spring .

Where to stay in Ljubljana

  • Best for old time charm: Grand Hotel Union Eurostars . Art Nouveau style in the heart of the city.
  • Best for families: Boutique Hotel Asteria . Homely vibes, with triple and quad rooms available.
  • Best for budget travellers: Boutique Hostel Angel . Quiet and cosy, with personal sleeping capsules.

Look at more places to stay in Ljubljana Slovenia .

Lake Bled, Slovenia © Alberto Loyo/Shutterstock

Lake Bled, Slovenia — a clean, green dream of a destination © Alberto Loyo/Shutterstock

11. Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Best for tropical lushness and cultural immersion.

Emerald paddy fields. Floating markets dappling lush canals. Expansive green horizons speckled with coconut trees. Cone-hatted farmers working the land. The Mekong Delta presents some of Vietnam’s most iconic images, and saw you vote it one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam .

A highlight here is visiting the floating markets and fruit orchards around Can Tho. There’s no better way to soak up the region’s culture while also marvelling at its maze of waterways and mangrove forests. 

Taking a ferry to An Binh Island is another unforgettable experience. With a landscape that represents the delta in miniature, it has its own floating market. And, with many families offer rewarding homestays, it's a wonderful place to try some of the best Vietnamese food — eating it, and cooking it.

You’ll also want to visit the Khmer pagodas around Tra Vinh. Here over 100 Buddhist temples serve not only as places of worship, but as a testament to the artistry and extraordinary craftsmanship of the Khmer people.

Make the most of your time in the Mekong Delta

  • Discover how to go beyond the tourist trail in Vietnam , and read up on the mighty Mekong River .
  • Interested in a bigger trip around the region? Read the Rough Guides to Vietnam and Cambodia .
  • To take the hassle out of planning, explore our fully-customisable, tailor-made trips to Vietnam .

Where to stay in the Mekong Delta

  • Best for nature-lovers: Mekong Lodge Resort . Peaceful, pretty riverfront bungalows surrounded by gardens.
  • Best for foodie couples: Phuong Thao Homestay . Close to the An Binh ferry, with a pool and cooking classes.
  • Best for families: Mai Binh Phuong Bungalow . Near Long Beach, this has an outdoor pool, garden and terrace.

Read up on more places to stay in Vietnam's Mekong Delta .

Mekong Delta in Vietnam © Shutterstock

Mekong Delta, Vietnam © Shutterstock

Best for cracking culture, heady heritage, island excursions, and perfect pizza

Like its Mount Vesuvius backdrop, Naples is firecracker of a destination. From the depths of its subterranean caves, to its erotic ancient art, the city smoulders with ravishing, rough-round-the-edges appeal.

Visible from just about everywhere in the Bay of Naples, visiting Mount Vesuvius is one of the very best things to do in the region. It's dominated the lives of residents since AD 79, when it first erupted and buried the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. You'll want to visit both of these unique ancient heritage sites during your trip.

On the subject of ancient attractions, Naples' National Archaeological Museum has an exceptional collection of mosaics and classical sculptures. That said, its main allures are in the Gabinetto Segretto (Secret Room), which displays paintings and sculptures from the brothels, baths and bars of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

What's more, with the Amalfi Coast on its doorstop, and glamorous islands easily accessed from its bay, Naples makes a great base for beach-lovers.

For example, just over an hour by train from Naples, the cliff-top coastal town of Sorrento is a maze of medieval alleys and piazzas, with plenty of stunning sea-front restaurants to dine in. Sorrento also happens to be one of the most beautiful places in Italy .

Meanwhile, back in town, Naples lays claim to being the birthplace of pizza. 

Make the most of your time in Naples

  • Visit the ruins of Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius on a full-day tour .
  • Go underground to explore the history of Naples on a unique subterranean tour .
  • Discover unusual things to do in Naples , and read up on the best pizza joints in Naples .
  • Get yourself a guidebook to Naples and the Amalfi Coast .

Where to stay in Naples

  • Best for splashing out in style: Grand Hotel Parker's . Live la dolce vita at this luxurious bay-view establishment.
  • Best for couples: Spanish Palace Rooms . A beautiful B&B in an 18th-century building.
  • Best for families: Case Così Apartments . Modern, well-equipped apartments and suites.

Discover more places to stay in Naples Italy .

naples-old-town-shutterstock_409503061

Old Town, Naples © Shutterstock

Best for off-the-beaten-track adventures and wildlife

The biggest and most dispersed of South Africa’s provinces, the Northern Cape is also one of its least visited regions — good news for those of you who like to go your own way.

Boasting a landscape of dramatic red dunes, South Africa’s longest river, and desert miracles in the form of Namaqualand’s flower carpets, it’s a place to marvel at nature.

Talking of which, landscapes don’t get much more marvellous than Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. Tucked in a loop of the Orange River, it’s the world’s only arid biodiversity hotspot, and home to almost 5000 plant species.

Famed for its endemic halfmensboom (“half-man”) tree, the park is also known for klipspringer antelopes, leopards and wild cats.

Nature-lovers will also want to experience the mighty Aukoerebis waterfalls — South Africa’s largest — in the Augrabies Falls National Park. It plummets sixty metres to create the creating the earth-shattering noise that gives them their name — Aukoerebis means "the place of great noise" in the Khoisan language.

Make the most of your time in the Northern Cape

  • Need more convincing? Discover why you should choose the Northern Cape for your South African holiday .
  • Read up on how to experience the Northern Cape off the beaten track .
  • Into animals? Get The Rough Guide to the Game Parks of South Africa .
  • For more inspiration, take a look at our suggested South Africa itineraries .

Where to stay in the Northern Cape

  • Best for couples: Boutique Guesthouse Hanover . A welcoming, comfortable stop-off.
  • Best for food and wine: Bezalel Wine & Brandy Estate . Friendly hosts, superb surroundings, and top tastings.
  • Best for safari stop-offs: Kalahari Lion's Rest . Ideal if you're visiting Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Find more places to stay in South Africa's Northern Cape .

Namaqualand, South Africa © Marie-Anne AbersonM/Shutterstock

Namaqualand, South Africa © Marie-Anne AbersonM/Shutterstock

14. Oaxaca, Mexico

Best for mixing mountains, culture and blissful beach-life.

Exhilarating fiestas. A cosmopolitan capital. Indigenous villages. Forested hillsides, and Pacific beaches that range from peaceful backwaters to established resorts. There’s no question that the state of Oaxaca is one of the most enticing destinations in Mexico .

Oaxaca city is the region’s prime destination, attracting visitors from Mexico City to its markets, craft stalls, magnificent Baroque architecture, and gallery-rich walkways. 

Nearby, the Zapotec and Mixtec sites at Monte Albán, Yagul and Mitla might be less known than their counterparts in central and eastern Mexico, but they’re every bit as impressive. What’s more, fewer crowds make for a more rewarding experience. 

Meanwhile, down on the coast,  Puerto Escondido attracts surfers, with lesser-visited beaches around Puerto Ángel boasting something of an alternative vibe.

Make the most of your time in Oaxaca

  • Into food? Take a traditional Oaxacan cooking class with a market visit.
  • Want to learn about the region's ancient history? Take a trip to Monte Alban to discover Zapotec culture.
  • Our Amazing Mexico trip includes an immersive few days in Oaxaca, along with Mexico City and Mayan gems.
  • Want to mix Mexico City, Teotihuacan, Oaxaca City and the Yucatan? See our Explore Central Mexico itinerary.
  • Discover more cool places to visit in Mexico , and get yourself a Rough Guide to Mexico .

Where to stay in Oaxaca

  • Best for couples: Casa Joseph Zicatela . An adults-only 5-star steps from Zicatela Beach.
  • Best for outdoor activities: Cabañas Rancho Viejo . Free bikes, mountain views and top hiking.
  • Best for beachfront bliss: Un Sueño Cabañas del Pacífico . Cute cabanas on a stunning beach.

Discover more places to stay in Oaxaca Mexico .

Church of Santo Domingo de Guzman in Oaxaca, Mexico © Shutterstock

Church of Santo Domingo de Guzman in Oaxaca, Mexico © Shutterstock

Best for wildlife, nature, sustainable travel and a 2023 solar eclipse

Home to pristine rainforests, majestic volcanoes, tangled mangroves, and stunning beaches lapped by both the Pacific and Caribbean Oceans, exuberant Costa Rica exudes life at every turn.

One of the world’s most biodiverse countries, this Central American stunner has been blazing the trail for responsible travel for decades. Alongside its exceptional eco lodges and community-minded tourism projects, the country exudes its  pura vida  (“pure living”) ethos from every town, village, cloud forest and jungle.

One the best places to experience Costa Rica’s natural and wildlife wonders is on the Osa Peninsula in the southern province of Puntarenas. Here the  Parque Nacional Corcovado is one of Costa Rica’s best walking destinations, and among its most biodiverse regions. 

Also one of the most beautiful national parks in Costa Rica , the Corcovado reserve is home to many of the world's most endangered and spectacular mammals, including tapirs and jaguars. 

If you need another reason to visit this year, it's worth knowing that on 14th October 2023, you'll be able to see an annular solar eclipse in Costa Rica. This is when the moon covers the sun's centre, leaving a “ring of fire” (annulus) around the moon.

Awesome wildlife and landscapes aside, this stellar event secured Costa Rica's spot as one of the best travel destinations in 2023.

Make the most of your time in the Osa Peninsula

  • Explore the jungles of the Tamandua nature reserve on a half-day trip with a guide.
  • Book a Costa Rica eco-adventure tour that kicks off in the Osa Peninsula, or explore the wild south . 
  • Discover more of the best places to visit in Costa Rica , and read up on the best hikes in Costa Rica .
  • Read The Rough Guide to Costs Rica for in-depth detail on the whole country.

Where to stay in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica

  • Best for mountain magic: Santa Juana Lodge . Stunningly sited, with a bounty of birds, waterfalls and walks.
  • Best for eco beach-life: La Leona Eco Lodge . Cute candle lit beach cabins near Corcovado National Park.
  • Best for indie nature-lovers: Tico Tico Villas . Adults only, and near Manuel Antonio National Park.

Discover more places to stay in Costa Rica's Puntarenas province .

A spider monkey climbs high trees of the rainforest in the Corcovado © Kit Korzun/Shutterstock

The Osa Peninsula's Corcovado National Park is a must-visit for wildlife-lovers © Shutterstock

Best for beautiful beaches, epic coastal walks, family fun and responsible travel

Nestled in  Wales’ most south-westerly corner, and surrounded by the mighty Atlantic on three sides, Pembrokeshire is a jaw-droppingly scenic, family-friendly destination. A place where natural beauty, ancient history, elite outdoor adventures, and fun family attractions await. 

The county’s beaches are breath-taking, with Caribbean-esque Barafundle Bay often cited as being among the world’s best.  

Then there’s the internationally renowned Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the bird-rich islands of Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm, and exhilarating kayaking, hiking and coasteering trips. Fun fact: Pembrokeshire is the birthplace of coasteering.

The county is also the perfect place to travel more responsibly. In fact, Wales as a whole has long been leading the way when it comes to responsible travel. This beautiful, welcoming land offers lots of practical ways to travel better , for every type of traveller .

Make the most of your time in Pembrokeshire

  • Read up on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path , and get the Pocket Rough Guide to Pembrokeshire .
  • Want to travel better? Discover eco-friendly holidays to enjoy in Wales , and download the FREE Rough Guide to Responsible Wales .
  • Travelling further afield? Find out about  places in Wales you’re probably never heard of , and get The Rough Guide to Wales .

Where to stay in Pembrokeshire

  • Best for foodies: The Grove . An 18th-century country house surrounded by meadows.
  • Best for majestic views: Roch Castle . A 12th-century stunner on a rocky outcrop overlooking St Brides Bay.
  • Best for families: Timber Hill Self Catering Cedar Lodges . Spacious, scenic and close to beaches.

Discover more places to stay in Pembrokeshire Wales .

Tenby Harbour, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales © Billy Stock/Shutterstock

Tenby Harbour, Pembrokeshire, Wales © Billy Stock/Shutterstock

Best for laidback vacations and family fun in the sun

From Miami and Orlando, to Key West and the Everglades, Florida's allure can't be denied. But, given that so many of you expressed a strong desire to escape to pastures new in 2023 , we wanted to highlight an alternate area of the Sunshine State. Namely, Pensacola.

With a growing reputation as a place that'll keep the whole family happy, it's a top destination if you want to chill out on miles of white sand beaches, try your hand at water-sports, or get your culture on in the city.

Protecting 5,842 acres of land and 18,953 acres of water, the Gulf Islands National Seashore of Pensacola  presents countless ways to find serene solitude. Or, if you're in the mood for action, the same area is ripe for snorkelling, kayaking, hiking, biking and boating.

In town, Palafox Street is packed with places to eat, shop and be entertained. Don't miss the Saturday market for fresh bread, local cheese and sweet treats, along with handmade crafts and art.

When you're done, head to historic Fort Pickens. From downtown Pensacola, the journey will take you past spectacular beaches you'll vow to return to.

In good news for those planning to visit next year, a fabulously quirky boutique hotel is set to open in 2023. Located in a restored historic Baptist church, Lily Hall Hotel will feature Pensacola's first speakeasy. With only fifteen rooms, and a whole lot of buzz around it, you'll want to contact them early to secure yours.

Make the most of your time in Pensacola

  • Take to the waters off Pensacola Beach to see dolphins on a guided cruise .
  • Uncover eccentric Florida in our run down of ways to weird out in the Sunshine State .
  • Want full detail on the Sunshine State? Dive into The Rough Guide to Florida .
  • Travelling with kids? Find out how to have family fun in Florida .

Where to stay in Pensacola

  • Best for families: Quality Inn & Suites Pensacola Bayview . Close to Escambia Bay, with an on-site pool.
  • Best for seeing the region: Best Western Plus Blue Angel Inn . Friendly service, close to downtown.
  • Best for couples: Pensacola Victorian Bed & Breakfast . Big beds and top breakfasts in a beautiful building.

Find more places to stay in Pensacola Florida .

Pensacola Beach, Florida © AdobeStock

Pensacola Beach, Florida © AdobeStock

Best for freedom, fresh air and recharging

A landscape of lochs, rivers, mountains and glens, the Scottish Highlands is one of the places you most want to visit in 2023. You also voted this region one of the most beautiful places in Scotland — high praise, indeed.

The ideal destination if you’re looking to recharge, the Highlands also satisfy cravings for fresh air and glorious walks. And Inverness , the region’s only major city, is a great springboard for your exploration of more remote areas.

South of the city, the area around the dramatic  Cairngorm mountains  offer fabulous opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities in stunning scenery. You won’t want to miss legend-steeped  Loch Ness , the largest of the string of lochs which make up the  Great Glen .

Cutting across the Highlands from Inverness, the Glen's ancient geological fault line leads to Fort William , a town that's stunningly sited beneath Scotland’s highest peak — Ben Nevis.

Other highlights include the West Highland Railway, which runs from  Glasgow to Mallaig via Fort William. You can also use this scenic railway route to reach  Loch Lomond , where more mysterious landscapes await.

Make the most of your time in the Scottish Highlands

  • Want to walk on the wild side? The Rough Guide to the North Coast 500 is packed with rewarding routes.
  • Gawp at our gallery of the  most beautiful places in Scotland , and read up on the  best things to do in Scotland .
  • Take a trip focused on Scotland's Highlands .
  • Be inspired by  The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places in Scotland , and read  The Rough Guide to Scottish Highlands and Islands .

Where to stay in the Scottish Highlands

  • Best for fairy tale family breaks: The Little Houses . Picture-book-perfect cabins near Fort William.
  • Best for star-gazers: Aurora Rural Retreats . Epic mountain views, clear skies and cosy comfort in Glendale.
  • Best for couples: SeaBeds . Luxury lakeview lodges with hot tubs.

Browse more places to stay in the Scottish Highlands .

The Kylesku Bridge spanning Loch a' Chà irn Bhà in in the Scottish Highlands and a landmark on the North Coast 500 @ Helen Hotson/Shutterstock

The Kylesku Bridge in the Scottish Highlands is a landmark of the North Coast 500 © Helen Hotson/Shutterstock

Best for city slickers, beach bums and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

With its sparkling harbour, amazing beaches, fab food scene, and outstanding national parks on the doorstep (almost), Sydney packs punch as a destination with something for everyone. You also voted it one of the most beautiful cities in the world .

If you’re thinking of stopping off in Sydney as part of a longer trip around Australia , be sure to allow at least five days here.

For example, you’ll most likely feel hard done by if you don’t visit at least one of Sydney’s eastern-suburb beaches. We recommend strolling the coastal path that stretches from Bondi to Coogee.

If you’re into nature and wildlife, top national parks are within an hour of the city, including Ku-ring-gai Chase and Royal.

Meanwhile the magnificent, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains present opportunities for isolated bushwalking. You'll feel a million miles away from Sydney's glitzy commercial centre and gritty suburbs.

Follow the beautiful game? You have an extra reason to visit Sydney in 2023. From 20th July to 20th August, New Zealand and Australia will co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup , with Sydney set to stage the final on 20th August 2023.

Make the most of your time in Sydney

  • See the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains on a full-day tour to Featherdale Wildlife Park.
  • Love wine? Head north toward the luscious lands of the Hunter Valley for a wine-tasting tour .
  • Want to save some dollars? Discover fab free things to do in Sydney .
  • Planning a bigger trip? Read The Rough Guide to Australia , and our tips for backpacking Australia .

Where to stay in Sydney

  • Best for an iconic experience: View Sydney . Stylish rooms overlooking Sydney Harbour. Nuff said.
  • Best for families: Coogee Sands Hotel & Apartments . Right by Coogee Beach, in easy reach of the city.
  • Best for budget travellers: Sydney Harbour YHA . Modern and friendly with Harbour views from the terrace.

See more places to stay in Sydney Australia , and read our guide to accommodation in Sydney .

Aerial view of Sydney Opera @ Shutterstock

Sydney at dusk © Shutterstock

20. Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

Best for bucket list hikes and otherworldly landscapes.

Silver glaciers, blue icebergs, and sculpted mountains that’ll take your breath away (really).  Torres del Paine National Park in Chile’s Patagonia region is a bona fide paradise for hikers who want to unleash their inner explorer.  

Given that Chile only fully opened to visitors post-pandemic in September 2022, 2023 is the perfect time to support tourism in the country, while also fulfilling big bucket list dreams. 

The park’s soaring centrepiece is the twin-peaked Cerro Monte Almirante Nieto, framed to the north by the elegant Torres del Paine (“Paine Towers”). To the west, the Cuernos del Paine (“Paine Horns”) spike the sky. 

Collectively forming the Paine Massif, the best views are found from the south bank of Lago Nordenskjöld. The lake’s weird milky-turquoise waters act as an uncanny mirror. 

To the west, llama-like guanacos roam on plains beneath the mountains. If you’re lucky, you might see an elusive, rare huermúl deer. Get really lucky, and you could glimpse a puma. 

Since you’ve made the effort to come all this way, you’ll want to hop over the border to explore  Argentina’s most amazing national park –  Parque Nacional Los Glaciares .

Make the most of your time in Torres del Paine

  • To focus on more important things (like getting into explorer mode), book a customisable, tailor-made trip from Santiago to Torres del Paine .
  • Prefer to book things yourself? Check out guided hiking tours of the national park .
  • Read up on Patagonia's legendary Ruta 40 , and be mesmerised by pictures of Patagonia .
  • Get yourself The Rough Guide to Chile and Easter Island , and arm yourself with Insight Guide Argentina .

Where to stay in Torres del Paine

  • Best for exploring in style: Río Serrano Hotel . Amazing views over the Massif, plus a pool and spa.
  • Best for couples: Hotel Lago Grey . A cosy, welcoming base with stunning vistas.
  • Best for regional road-trips: Hotel Estancia El Ovejero Patagónico . Well-located for Argentina crossings.

Browse more places to stay in Chile's Torres del Paine region .

House on the island in the national park Torres del Paine, lake Pehoe, Patagonia, Chile © Shutterstock

Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile © Shutterstock

Best for French flamboyance, foodies and the 2023 Rugby World Cup

Chances are, if you’ve already visited France , you’ll be hankering to return at some point. But before you book a trip to delve deeper into Paris , see more of Provence , or soak up sun on the Côte d'Azur, consider adding Toulouse to your 2023 travel destination wish-list. 

And the reasons? Though officially outside the administrative  région , Toulouse is the cultural capital of medieval and modern Languedoc. Known as the Pink City due to the blushing hue of its historic buildings, it’s a vibrant urban hub with a Vieux Quartier (Old Quarter) you might just fall in love with.

Toulouse is also the capital of European aerospace industry. It lays claim to being one of France's top culinary cities — think hearty cassoulet, duck confit, and (of course) saucisse de Toulouse . It's also the capital of wine in South-West France .

If that wasn’t eclectic enough, Toulouse is one of the host cities for the 2023 Rugby World Cup , which kicks off on 8th September.

Make the most of your time in Toulouse

  • Learn about the city's history and cultural hotspots on a guided walking tour .
  • Head out of town for a tasting tour of a 16th-century vinery, Domaine de Baronarques.
  • Discover more places to visit in the Languedoc region .
  • Read The Rough Guide to  Languedoc and Roussillon , and get yourself a French phrasebook .
  • Browse our customisable France itineraries .

Where to stay in Toulouse

  • Best for 5-star style: La Cour des Consuls Hotel and Spa . Ultra-elegant, with a wonderful restaurant.
  • Best for couples. Hôtel de Brienne . A cosy, canal-side gem.
  • Best for groups: Haut Lofts . Spacious, stylish central apartments.

Street view in Toulouse, France © AdobeStock

Pretty and pink — Toulouse, France © AdobeStock

Discover more places to stay in Toulouse .

Best for culture, cuisine and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Given that you ranked New Zealand as your number one dream destination in our recent reader travel survey, we had to include it in our best travel destinations in 2023.

After much debate, we went for Wellington , partly because it's another host city for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which runs across New Zealand and Australia from 20th July to 20th August.

While it’s true to say that if you’re heading to New Zealand, you won’t want to spend all your time in a city, Wellington warrants a sizeable chunk of your time. Given that it’s the main departure point for the South Island, consider planning a trip that takes in Wellington’s sights before heading off. 

New Zealand’s second most populous city, Wellington sits top of the tree when it comes to café culture, nightlife and the arts, not least during the summer when a stack of fringe festivals erupt. 

Boasting more places to eat and drink per capita than New York City, Wellington is New Zealand’s culinary capital, with a cracking craft beer scene and renowned regional wine.

Courtesy of its surrounding wooded Town Belt, Wellington also boasts excellent, easily accessible walking.

Meanwhile, Mount Victoria Lookout is one of Wellington’s best viewpoints, offering sweeping views of the city, waterfront, docks, and beyond to the Hutt Valley.

Make the most of your time in Wellington

  • Sample Wellington's fabulous food scene on a city tasting tour .
  • Discover New Zealand’s native wildlife at Zealandia Ecosanctuary .
  • Want to explore New Zealand more widely? Take inspiration from the Insight Guide.
  • Given the epic nature of the country, you might want to consider taking a tailor-made trip. Our customisable North to South self-drive trip includes a few days in Wellington.
  • For more rewarding road experiences, read up on some of New Zealand's best routes .

Where to stay in Wellington

  • Best for families: Terrace Villas Apartments . Home comforts in 100-year-old historic villas.
  • Best for couples: Bolton Hotel. An elegant boutique 5-star.
  • Best for budget travellers: Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers . Affordable dorms and rooms in a former fancy hotel.

Find more places to stay in Wellington New Zealand .

Wellington, New Zealand © Tom Zahnas/Shutterstock

Wellington, New Zealand © Tom Zahnas/Shutterstock

23. Zagori, Greece

Best for epic hikes and laidback village life.

Fallen for Greece after visiting its glorious islands ? Can’t get enough of fresh and zesty Greek food ? Fancy doing something different in 2023? You might want to look into visiting Zagori for a 2023 trip that delivers big on traditional Greek culture and cuisine. This wildly beautiful region of Greece's central mainland is also big when it comes to magnificent natural sights and hikes.

Sparsely populated, Zagori is characterised by thick forest, with rugged mountains wrinkled by foaming rivers. All this is best explored by hiking several paths that connect its traditional villages. 

The pinnacle of these hikes is to the UNESCO-protected Víkos Gorge — the second deepest Gorge in the world, no less (only the Grand Canyon is deeper). 

Steep in sections, the undulating trail takes you through a lush wilderness of untouched forest as dolomite and limestone cliffs tower overhead.

Happily for fans of Greek food, the region's impossibly pretty villages aren't short of family-run restaurants serving hearty seasonal dishes. All the better if you've worked up an appetite during an awe-inspiring hike.

Make the most of your time in Zagori

  • Venture to Vikos Gorge on full-day guided hike .
  • Immerse yourself in nature and food on a guided hike through the Valia Calda forest plus picnic.
  • Read our tips for travelling in Greece .
  • Get in-depth, insider info from The Rough Guide to Greece .
  • For more inspiration, view our customisable Greece trip itineraries .

Where to stay in Zagori

  • Best for traditional charm: Orestis House . Lovely stone buildings and great food.
  • Best for rustic luxury: Aristi Mountain Resort . A boutique spa hotel with lofty views.
  • Best for families: Ameliko Zagori . Pretty, friendly and near the gorge.

Discover more places to stay in Zagori Greece .

Aerial view of Vikos Gorge, a gorge in the Pindus Mountains of northern Greece, lying on the southern slopes of Mount Tymfi, one of the deepest gorges in the world. Zagori region, Greece © Shutterstock

Aerial view of Vikos Gorge © Shutterstock

If reading the Rough Guide to the best travel destinations in 2023 has left you ready to book your trip, you might want to browse our guidebook shop to arm yourself with more info before you go.

Alternatively, explore our customisable tailor-made trips . Whether you're looking for one of the world's best adventure holidays , or somewhere to take your kids , the suggested itineraries will surely stoke your wanderlust.

We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Header image: Bohol island tarsier © Shutterstock

Joanne Owen

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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The World's Best Awards 2023

The year's top islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more — as voted by the readers of Travel + Leisure.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

  • Resorts + Safari Lodges

Transportation

  • Islands + National Parks
  • Spas + Vacation Rentals

Tour Operators

  • FAQ + Methodology

Few travelers are as insightful or engaged as the readers of Travel + Leisure , which is why our annual World’s Best Awards are considered the travel industry’s most trusted rankings. Each year, you share your opinions on a broad range of experiences based on recent trips you’ve taken. For 2023, we have a whopping 122 lists of reader favorites, including two brand-new categories: trains and luxury villa rental companies.

For this 28th edition of the awards, hundreds of thousands of votes were cast in an extensive survey that was open Oct. 24, 2022, through Feb. 27, 2023 via a secure website that was maintained and monitored by our research partner, Proof Insights. Respondents had the option to rate airlines, airports, car-rental companies, cities, cruise ships, destination spas, hotels, hotel brands, islands, luxury villa rental companies, safari outfitters, tour operators, trains, and U.S. national parks based on a number of characteristics for which they could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

After the survey closed, T+L and Proof Insights screened the responses to identify fraudulent votes, which were eliminated from the final tallies. You can read more about how voting works below in the survey methodology.

Cheers to you — and to this year’s winners!

Resorts + Safari Lodges

Islands + national parks, spas + vacation rentals, faq + methodology.

clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

The top travel destinations for 2023, according to experts

Italy will be hot again next year, along with a re-opened asia, sunny beaches and the mountain west.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

At the beginning of 2022, the outlook for travel felt uncertain. A new coronavirus variant had tripped up society again, and it was still a roll of the dice to plan a vacation — let alone take one. But once the omicron wave waned, travel roared back with a vengeance: Testing requirements fell, borders opened and it seemed as if every other person you knew went to Europe.

As we begin 2023, all signs show the collective appetite for travel remains huge, despite inflation and recession concerns. Industry experts are forecasting certain 2022 trends will carry over in the new year, such as people taking longer trips, going on more of them and spending more to take them.

Julia Carter, founder of Craft Travel , says her typical client would usually book one big trip a year. Now, two or even three are the norm, with one person already locked in for four major trips: Morocco, Switzerland, Botswana and a tiger safari in India. For Brittany Campbell, owner of Bucket List Holidays , most clients are booking trips for at least 10 days, and some as long as 32.

Our 10 best City Guides, according to readers

A notable change in the new year is a willingness to book long in advance again, even as far out as 2024 for clients of Susan Blume at Personal Escape Travel . That may be because more people are interested in taking bucket-list trips, which require more planning. Or it could be because many people couldn’t get what they wanted in 2022 thanks to high demand for travel, says Liz Einbinder, spokesperson for the biking and hiking tour company Backroads .

So where are people going in 2023? We asked dozens of travel advisers, tour operators and booking platforms to find out. Some of our findings won’t surprise you — “Europe is still very hot,” says Alisa Cohen, founder of Luxe Traveler Club — while other breakout destinations might. Zambia, anyone?

The absolute, undisputed most popular destination for 2023 is Italy. And if you thought everyone went in 2022, buckle up.

Fulvio De Bonis, president and co-founder of Imago Artis Travel , says they’re bracing for “way more” business in 2023.

De Bonis puts Italy travel trends into three categories: people, nature and sports. Travelers want to meet interesting locals, such as chefs or fishermen. They want to see beautiful places by going foraging in the mountains near Lake Como, for example, or hitting the beach. And they want to have exciting sports experiences , maybe by catching a soccer game or touring a team’s training facilities.

Shayna Mizrahi, founder and CEO of Vive Voyage , says her clients are also highly interested in connecting with Italian culture through cooking classes, boat excursions and artisan workshops.

For private tour operator Access Italy , the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, Tuscany, Puglia and Sicily are clients’ most requested destinations. These classics are also the most popular for Imago Artis, but De Bonis notes that travelers want off-the-beaten-path experiences within these well-known places. They don’t just want to see Tuscany’s highlights; “there is a world outside of Florence,” De Bonis says, and travelers want to explore it.

Other European destinations trailing behind Italy next year (but still in hot pursuit) are Greece, Portugal and the United Kingdom.

Our best Italy travel advice:

  • Everything to know about traveling to Italy
  • 7 Italy vacations that check every travel style
  • A local’s guide to Rome

As the last region in the world to reopen during the pandemic, East Asia is expected to have a banner year for tourism, with Japan poised to be the fan favorite.

Although people want to go to the “Golden Triangle” — Tokyo , Kyoto, Osaka — Mike Salvadore, a travel agent with Travel Leaders, recommends adding a stop to see Japan beyond its best-known cities, such as mountainous Sapporo in the north or beachy Okinawa in the south.

If you’d like to go during cherry blossom season, you may be out of luck. Jeff Krevitt, vice president of marketing for the Americas for Inside Travel Group, which owns InsideJapan Tours , notes that this will be the first spring since 2019 that the country will be open to international travelers, so big crowds can be expected.

For a cheaper alternative with more availability, Rani Cheema, chief executive and travel curator at Cheema’s Travel , recommends traveling to South Korea to see the flowering cherry blossoms this spring instead.

Our best Japan travel advice:

  • We visited Studio Ghibli’s long-awaited theme park. It’s a sensory delight.
  • Everything you need to know about traveling to Japan
  • Staying in a historical Japanese temple is an extraordinary experience. Here’s how to do it .

Southeast Asia

Behind Japan, Southeast Asia is also high on travelers’ wish lists, with Thailand, Bali and Vietnam at the top.

The travel subscription service VIP Traveler has seen a 200 percent increase in interest in Bali, perhaps following Indonesia’s newly launched digital-nomad visa .

It could also be that Bali appeals to the growing number of travelers interested in trips focused on wellness. Salvadore says most of his clients want to go to Ubud, Bali’s lush jungle town near the center of the island. But some have been open to suggestions to try the lesser-visited eastern coast or northwestern Bali, “which is a little bit more secluded but also really beautiful,” Salvadore said.

Our best Asia travel advice:

  • Asia is slowly reopening to travelers. Here’s where you can go.
  • Traveling to a newly reopened Asia allowed me to be myself again
  • Marijuana is now legal in Thailand. What does that mean for tourists?

The Caribbean

A perennial sunshine-filled favorite that tends to be easy for Americans to reach, the Caribbean will remain sought-after in 2023.

“A lot of people will go to the typical places like the Dominican Republic or Jamaica or the Bahamas,” Salvadore said, but eastern Caribbean countries are some of his favorites, such as Barbados, Saint Lucia, Anguilla, Antigua and Grenada.

Our best Caribbean travel advice:

  • 6 Caribbean vacations that check every travel style
  • Caribbean trips are expensive, so I went to the Caribbean of Maryland
  • In Grenada, a.k.a. the Spice Isle, a foodie paradise blossoms

Jonathan Alder, owner of the luxury travel company Jonathan’s Travels , has booked more Egypt trips for clients in the past two years than he has over the entire decade, and requests are picking up speed in 2023. “We’ve had one after another after another after another,” he said.

Some of the renewed interest may be attributed to the anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, says Jasmine Padda, Egypt destination expert for Kensington Tours . She also pointed to the increase in major cruise lines adding sailings in the region.

Carolyn Addison, head of product for the luxury travel company Black Tomato , credits Egypt’s trending status to people who want to check classic trips off their bucket lists.

“We have lots of people who are like: ‘I’ve always wanted to see the pyramids. I’ve always wanted to cruise the Nile,’” she said.

The American West

Jen Moyse, VP of product for the travel app TripIt , says that although international travel is having a moment, Americans will continue to return to iconic cities at home that are still rebounding from the pandemic.

Of the Top 5 most booked domestic destinations on the travel booking platform Hopper , four are out west: Las Vegas, Denver, Los Angeles and Phoenix.

For Skyscanner bookings, Las Vegas and Los Angeles took the top spots for most booked flights in the new year, with San Francisco, Honolulu and Denver also making the Top 10.

The vacation rental platform Vrbo says demand for homes in western U.S. destinations is on the rise, as customers look for trips in the great outdoors.

Our best travel advice on the American West:

  • How to do Montana like a local, beyond Glacier and Yellowstone
  • A hater’s guide to Las Vegas
  • UNESCO at 50: 24 World Heritage sites to see across America

Mexico has been breaking tourism records throughout the pandemic and will return as a powerhouse destination in 2023. Its most popular and easy-to-get-to beach destinations are major contributors to that success.

“People are welcoming that beach vacation,” Cohen said. “They want to go to Mexico and just relax.”

Cancún, on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, is the most booked international destination next year for Hopper, Skyscanner and the airfare search engine Skiplagged . However, demand for cultural capitals will also continue to rise.

Oaxaca is the second-most popular destination for the travel company Modern Adventure, and Mexico City ranks high as well.

Our best Mexico travel advice:

  • 6 Mexico vacations that check every travel style
  • Where to drink natural wine in the heart of Mexico
  • A local’s guide to Mexico City

Another carry-over from 2022, Costa Rica is attracting travelers — including families, honeymooners and retirees — with its abundance of affordable flights, outdoor adventures, wildlife and coastline.

For customers of travel planning company Zicasso , the most sought-after places to visit are Arenal, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Tortuguero and the Osa Peninsula, which lines up with our expert recommendations .

The most booked 2023 itinerary for Road Scholar, a group tour company for senior travelers, is a Costa Rica vacation that hits many of those places, as well as Punta Leona, on the central Pacific coast, and Sarapiqui, a renowned birdwatching region in Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands.

The Galápagos Islands

Another dream trip becoming a reality for travelers in 2023 is the Galápagos Islands. The biggest seller for Astonishing Travel owner Heidi Bocianowski, the Pacific Ocean archipelago appeals to people who want to see something new every day, including black lava rock, red sand and rare wildlife.

Brian Tan of Zicasso says customers are keen on combining a trip to the Galápagos with other South American highlights.

That may be Patagonia, which has been “by far one of the most popular destinations” for Craft Travel founder Carter. It helps that travelers can once again cross between Chile and Argentina by road. Carter has been planning combination trips for clients to Torres del Paine National Park on the Chilean side, with the charming villages of El Calafate and El Chaltén on the Argentinean side.

7 travel mistakes to avoid in 2023

African safaris

Keeping with the once-in-a-lifetime theme, Brian Pentek, owner of LuxeLife Travel , says “Africa is huge” for his clients.

Most are going in multigenerational groups who use the trip as graduation presents or family reunions. They may be going to Cape Town, South Africa, as well as Botswana (for game reserves) or Rwanda for gorilla trekking.

In addition to safaris, Salvadore incorporates ways for his clients in Africa to experience local culture, check out the food and drink scenes, and enjoy bush camping instead of staying in luxury lodges. In 2023, he’s sending travelers to Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia, a country listed as one of the top up-and-coming travel spots in a summary compiled by Scott Dunn luxury travel planners.

The most booked destinations for Niarra Travel also include South Africa, Victoria Falls (which sits on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe) and Kenya, while trips to the Serengeti in Tanzania dominate reservations for Deeper Africa . One of the company’s owners, Karen Zulauf, said she has noticed upcoming travelers are more interested in adding active excursions, such as “walking safaris, mountain biking, horseback riding, you name it.”

For those who have already done a traditional safari vacation, Carter recommends Namibia, a country seeing a resurgence in interest, where travelers can go on self-driving road trips (vs. ones with a guide) between eco-lodges or take small planes to some of the world’s most remote places, such as the Skeleton Coast and Hoanib Valley.

Gorillas are Rwanda’s main attraction. Dian Fossey would hate that.

Even before the North African country drew international attention in the World Cup, Morocco was emerging as a major travel hot spot. It’s the most booked country for Intrepid Travel , and “we expect Morocco to continue to be incredibly popular in 2023, given the increase in flights into the destination and the ability to get out and have great experiences in one-week, 10-day or two-week itineraries,” said the company’s CEO, James Thornton.

That’s also true for Modern Adventure. Liz Boudreau, vice president of experiences for the company, says it has had a 53 percent increase in bookings compared with 2022.

If you’re worried about your travel budget, consider visiting as a work exchange volunteer, like Washington Post reporter Andrea Sachs tried in Fez.

Small cruises

Cruises are making a strong comeback, even for travelers who might not consider themselves cruise people. But instead of taking megaships, they’re looking for smaller options operating expedition trips (think Antarctica and Alaska) or luxury voyages, mainly river cruising in Europe and Egypt.

For destinations with the highest interest, such as Portugal, Emma Cakmak, owner of the cruise-focused company A Passport to Travel , is warning clients that May through September is practically sold out across all the top cruise lines, although there’s some availability in low-end stateroom categories.

If you’re striking out, keep shopping around. As they notice demand climb, some cruise lines seem to be “bringing on significant capacity as they move into” 2023, said Priceline CEO Brett Keller.

Our best cruise advice:

  • One side effect of cruise covid rules: Norovirus has plummeted
  • CDC stops reporting coronavirus cases on cruise ships
  • Virgin Voyages gets its sea legs

An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified Susan Blume as Stephanie Blume. The error was updated.

More travel news

How we travel now: More people are taking booze-free trips — and airlines and hotels are taking note. Some couples are ditching the traditional honeymoon for a “buddymoon” with their pals. Interested? Here are the best tools for making a group trip work.

Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

world's best tourist destinations 2023

23 of the best places to travel to around the world in 2023

  • Most countries have opened their borders after pandemic closures.
  • See the world again in 2023 with big events, hotel openings, and new air routes planned.
  • No matter your budget and travel style, here's where to go around the world in 2023.

If you've been putting international travel off, the new year is a great time to get back out into the world.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Many of the the last countries to open their borders amid the pandemic such as Japan , Thailand , and Bhutan , have done so at last, meaning travelers can put those passports to good use all around the world.

And booking data shows travelers are doing just that; travel insurance marketplace Squaremouth reported that nearly 90 percent of insured travel was for international destinations , marking the first time since COVID-19 that international travel matched pre-pandemic levels, per its data. Though, there's plenty to see at home in the US , too.

As more travelers take vacations, ongoing trends of wellness-focused travel  and extended-stay travel as a function of continuing remote work are expected to continue to drive those booking decisions.

As a travel writer, I stay on top of industry trends and newsworthy events happening at destinations all over the world. And as a frequent traveler — with a particular affinity for stamping up my passport — I have my own personal favorite locations and dream destinations that make compelling reasons to board planes in the coming year. 

In 2023 we'll see a slate of big cultural happenings and events, from the new International African American Museum that will open domestically to the expected arrival of the Grand Egyptian Museum right next to the pyramids.

With these references as inspiration, I put together recommendations for the best places to travel to around the world in 2023, no matter your style or budget.

Bhutan has reopened to tourists, now with renovations made to one of the greatest walks in the world.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

High in the Himalayas, Bhutan reopened its border after a pandemic closure in early 2020.

Along with that, the 250-mile historic Trans-Bhutan Trail reopened for the first time in 60 years after years of extensive restoration. Spanning from Haa in the west of Bhutan to Trashigang in the east, the trail dates back to the 16th century , and was once the only way to travel across Bhutan.

It's a bucket list dream of mine to get a chance to traverse this path, recognized by many travel outlets such as Lonely Planet as one of the world's greatest walks in the world. It passes through stunning landscapes, 21 temples, 12 mountain passes, five suspension bridges, ancient fortresses, monasteries, and more than 400 historic sites .

In 2023, Western Australia will be the site of a spectacular celestial event.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

On April 20, 2023, a total solar eclipse will be visible just off Western Australia's coast in Exmouth.

This special lunar event — when the moon obscures the face of the sun — usually happens out at sea , so spring will bring a rare opportunity to see this natural phenomenon by land.

The World Heritage-listed Ningaloo region is the most accessible land-based place on earth to view the spectacle. Plus, this lunar event will coincide with the start of whale shark season , and it's long been a dream of mine to swim with these gorgeous creatures.

Cayman Islands will become the only Caribbean destination served by nonstop flights from the West Coast.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Although the Caribbean isn't too far from the US West Coast geographically, I find it so daunting to plan trips there for my family from our home in Los Angeles, California.

That's because there have been a lack of direct flights to the region, which means a long and potentially arduous trip.

But that's now changed with the arrival of nonstop service on Cayman Airways from LAX to Owen Roberts International Airport in Grand Cayman.

It will be the Caribbean islands' only direct flight to service Los Angeles travelers and I think introductory fares are quite well priced, starting from $399 .

Home to the famous Seven Mile Beach , the Cayman Islands are on my list to visit in 2023. 

Several over-the-top, ultra-luxury resorts will open in Dubai.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

I haven't been to Dubai yet, but as a fan of luxury hotels I am eager to join its robust traveler ranks.

Dubai is hardly under the radar. In fact, in 2022 it was the most-viewed destination on TikTok, with 82 billion views, according to the TikTok Travel Index 2022 . 

In 2023, I think it will only earn more interest as Emirates invests more than $2 billion to enhance its air service there, including revamping aircrafts, serving new menus, and more.

Additionally, the ultra-luxury resort Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is planned to open in 2023, and comes from the same brand behind the world-famous sailboat-inspired Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. The new hotel will take inspiration from a futuristic superyacht, according to its developer .

The five-star luxury hotel brand One&Only will also open a new property in Dubai with One Za'abeel that will have the world's longest cantilever building, a panoramic sky concourse that connects two towers floating 100 meters above the ground, as well as celebrity-chef restaurants, a statement swimming pool, and retail and entertainment, according to its website .

The new year will also bring the full opening of Atlantis, The Royal , a 43-story luxury resort spread across six towers with 17 on-site restaurants curated by celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs including three-Michelin-starred Björn Frantzén , and more than 90 swimming pools, including one on the 22nd floor with views of the Palm crescent. 

For an indulgent escape, Loire Valley, France, beckons with five-star chateaux.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

One of my best friends now lives in France, and this is going to be a good year to plan a visit to see them, and the country.

That's because the new year marks the 600th anniversary of the birth of Louis XI , and many of the historic landmark chateaux across this UNESCO World Heritage Site region will commemorate with special exhibitions and activities. 

I particularly want to visit this area to check out recent hotel openings that include Château Louise de La Vallière , a new five-star Relais & Chateaux collection hotel nestled in a forest in the Loire Valley region, only a few minutes from Tours and Amboise.

Additionally, Fleur de Loire in the town of Blois, has five-star hotel and dining helmed by two-Michelin-starred Chef Christophe Hay. It's on my travel bucket list for its forthcoming expansion with spacious, contemporary rooms.

Japan is finally open after two years of pandemic closure.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

After two years of border closure amid the pandemic, Japan reopened to travelers in late 2022.

Visitors will find an array of properties that opened while borders were closed, which have yet to be discovered by US travelers, including beachfront HOSHINOYA Okinawa , the traditional ryokan hot spring resorts KAI Yufuin and KAI Beppu designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, and family-friendly resort  RISONARE Osaka .

One that has yet to open but is expected to be Japan's largest hotel and entertainment complex, is the massive Tokyo Kabukicho Tower . It will have a cinema, two luxury hotels, a concert venue, an entertainment food hall, and more when it opens in 2023.

For foodies, Ace Hotel Kyoto will bring a Noma residency from March to May. Noma is a restaurant that has been named the best in the world by a panel of critics.

Las Vegas is one of my favorite cities in the world, and big events will take place here in 2023.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

One of my absolute favorite cities in the world for its round-the-clock energy, great pools, and readily available craps and roulette, Las Vegas always dazzles me with a new schedule of spectacles every year. 

In November 2023, Sin City will go over the top when the Las Vegas Strip will transform into a racetrack as Formula 1 returns to the city for the first time in nearly 40 years. Race cars will drive along Las Vegas Boulevard as part of the race, and some of Sin City's most iconic landmarks — such as the Bellagio fountains — will become seating and viewpoints for guests to watch it all happen.

Travel to Bali, Indonesia, for a wellness-focused vacation.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

I love Bali for its natural beauty, spiritual atmosphere, vegetarian-friendly food, and impeccable hospitality at some of the most incredible hotels I've ever seen.

In 2023, Bali will continue to be a go-to destination for wellness seekers, especially when it welcomes travelers from around the world in the spring for the Bali Spirit Festival , a four-day celebration of yoga, music, and dance.

While there, I suggest a visit to the island's cultural landmarks like Pura Gegar, one of the island's Hindu temples, or the Pasifika Museum , known for its extensive collection of art and cultural artifacts.

Travelers can book their own private villa at one of Bali's newest resorts, Marriott Vacation Club Bali Nusa Dua Terrace , which will soon open with apartment-style lodgings that I think are harder to come by in the area, and great for larger families and groups.

Mérida, Mexico, will soon have new green spaces and flight service.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

I was charmed by Mérida in Mexico during a brief visit as part of a Yucatan Peninsula road trip, and am definitely due to go back to explore it further.

In 2023, I think it will be easier to travel to the area with a new daily flight to Mérida from Mexico City via Viva Aerobus . Once there, visit  La Plancha , a centrally-located park that will become a recreational space for Merida residents and visitors, that will work to purify Mérida's air while providing a pleasant green space, alongside the city's many other parks .

Just 15 minutes from Merida, the 18th-century Hacienda Xcanatun by Angsana is my choice of where to stay, which has 36 new suites, a poolside snack bar, and an Olympic-length swimming pool. And in 2023, the hotel will open a fully-equipped fitness center and spa, too. 

I think the small Caribbean island of Canouan is under the radar — but not for long.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Even though I'm a career travel writer with a particular interest in luxurious, tropical destinations, I had never even heard of Canouan before this past summer.

Now that I've been, it's hard to imagine it will stay a secret much longer.

This small island is located within the Caribbean nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and it seems to me that it's somehow still off most US travelers' radar, but with major international brands' new presence , that may soon change.

For instance, on the island of just five square miles , there is now a luxury Mandarin Oriental resort , which recently took over the former Pink Sands Club, in addition to the exclusive, members-only Soho House , which opened a location on this remote island just over a year ago. I visited Soho House and loved it for an upscale getaway including a date night at the on-site restaurant with flavorful dishes and a breezy, beachy atmosphere.

Plan a visit to Istanbul in 2023 when Turkey celebrates a major milestone.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

I love Istanbul, Turkey. I'm a fan of the heavily-spiced vegetarian food, and as a shopper, I've spent hours browsing the markets and shops.

Turkey saw record tourism in 2022 , and 2023 is gearing up to be even bigger as the country will celebrate its 100th anniversary of becoming a republic .

Istanbul is also the only city to span two continents , and the monthlong Istanbul Tulip Festival will take place in April across parks, events, and exhibitions. Just in time for the country's centennial, Istanbul's Maiden Tower — once a watchtower on a tiny Bosphorous island on the Asian side — is undergoing renovation and conversion as a museum with a 2023 opening. 

Thailand is finally reopen, with a schedule of cool festivals coming up in 2023.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

With all COVID-19 border restrictions lifted in Thailand as of October 2022, the country is on my shortlist for a visit this coming year.

And the relaxed travel rules aren't the only reason I want to visit. 

Coming to Thailand for the first time in 2023 is America's hip-hop music festival, Rolling Loud , which will be held at the Legend Siam Amusement Park in Pattaya in April. At the same time is Songkranm , the festival of water that symbolizes the cleansing of spirit and body.

I'm also continually impressed by the number of luxury hotels in Bangkok, and Rosewood Bangkok recently reopened in the prime business and retail district of Ploenchit, which I think is an ideal destination for shoppers and foodies .

Digital nomads looking to make a move in 2023 should consider Portugal.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

We loved our family tour of Portugal four years ago when we made our home base at the residential-like Martinhal luxury apartments in Lisbon, which I'd recommend to any families, groups, or individuals on a long-term stay. We also took side trips to magical, castle-filled places like Sintra , and I'd love to go back.

Recently, Portugal announced requirements for its highly anticipated "digital-nomad visa," which allows remote workers who make four times the national minimum wage (approximately $800 per month ) to live and work in the country. I think that makes the beautiful European nation an ideal destination for working remotely.

Go for an extended visit in 2023 and stay where I did, or look into  Rentyl Resorts , which offers the long-term comfort of a vacation home, such as kitchens and dining areas, with the services and amenities of a resort, like housekeeping service.

New trains and cable cars in Switzerland will bring incredible, must-see views.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Several events are scheduled to take place in Switzerland in 2023 that I think make it worth a visit.

For example, the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing is due to be completed in early 2023, and I would love to experience the cable car crossing for the incredible views from 4,000 meters of altitude . The new Matterhorn Glacier Ride II will form the last section of the crossing, connecting Zermatt and the Italian resort of Cervinia, and will operate year-round — not just in the ski resorts' popular snow seasons.

Also just opened is the GoldenPass Express , the realization of a 150-year-old idea to link Lake Geneva and the lakes of Thun and Brienz. It marks the first nonstop train route between Interlaken and Montreux. In the most elevated seating class, travelers sit in rotating seats for 360-degree views.

It's now also easier to get there. As part of Delta's recent expansion of service to European destinations, the airline will reinstate its service to Geneva , Switzerland. Previously paused in 1993, the new service will start in April 2023. 

"White Lotus" fans should go to Sicily to check into the real hotel where the TV show filmed.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

HBO's "White Lotus" filmed its first season at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea when the resort was closed due to COVID-19. I was obsessed with the show, and had so much fun comparing the on-screen scenery with my real-life experience of the resort when I visited during a subsequent stay.

Next, I want to check into the White Lotus from the second season in Sicily, Italy.

Filming for the latest installment of the show shut down San Domenico Palace in Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel , and now Hotels.com reports that searches for the resort increased over 300 percent even before the season approached the dramatic finale that had my friends and I totally rapt.

I hope to check into this Four Seasons in 2023 to listen to piano music, dip into the infinity pool, and take way too many meals solely at the hotel restaurant.

I also think the hotel is well positioned to explore the area's culinary experiences and vineyards such as Gambino Winery and Cantine Florio , plus a spot of shopping in Noto, of course.

Glasgow, Scotland, will host a major cycling event in 2023.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

I'm not a cycler, but since I love a great international spectacle, I'd consider a trip to Glasgow in Scotland in 2023 for the UCI Cycling World Championships , which will take place in the city.

It's the first event of its kind , where the world's greatest riders will come together to compete, with five venues in the city staging eight of the 13 world championship events.

Glasgow will also have several major hotel, restaurant, and museum openings in the coming year. I'm particularly excited about the boutique hotel and cocktail bar, House of Gods Glasgow ; Virgin Hotel Glasgow , which I think will be an ideal base for exploring the city; and Gotham Hotel , a luxury hotel planned for Blythswood Square that will have historic features of Glasgow's Georgian architecture intact.

Egypt's new, long-delayed museum is scheduled to open at long last.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

After much anticipation and years of delay , the Grand Egyptian Museum , located on the Giza Plateau next to the Great Pyramids of Egypt is at last expected to open in 2023.

Seeing the pyramids and learning about their history in this museum is a longtime dream and travel bucket list item of mine. With an estimated 100,000 artifacts and jaw-dropping spectacles such as the 83-ton, 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses II , the museum alone is worthy of a trip across the globe, in my opinion.

The US dollar will go far in Croatia, and a new bridge eases travel.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

My family's last major trip before COVID-19 was an unforgettable road trip around Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast where we enjoyed boat charters, beach clubs, and endless ice cream.

It was an absolute dream that I can't recommend enough, especially now that the country is adopting the euro in January . And with the currency now at parity with the US dollar , that means Americans' money will go far when visiting. 

Additionally, the new Pelješac Bridge connects the region of Southern Dalmatia with the rest of the country's mainland, cutting travel time down significantly along the Adriatic coastline. When we visited, we rented a car and enjoyed how much we could see of the Dalmatian Coast in short bursts from our home base of Dubrovnik, but we encountered tons of traffic, and I imagine the route is much easier with this new addition.

The bridge will also give easier access to Dubrovnik, ancient port city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its crystal blue waters and stunning coastline. 

In AlUla, ancient human history meets luxurious modern hospitality.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

The desert area of AlUla is nestled in the unexplored northwestern deserts of Saudi Arabia, and its intrigue beckons me. Here, 200,000 years of human history meet modern arts and culture , exploration, adventure , and luxury hotels. 

The latter excites me, in particular. The new year brings luxury hotel openings from global brands, including Banyan Tree AlUla , which will be a luxury tented resort set against rock formations in the art-filled region of Ashar Valley for a vibe that blends the natural landscape with elevated service and amenities.

When you visit, check out heritage sites including Hegra, the sister city to Petra, Jordan, which is known for tombs and temples carved into sandstone cliffs .

And festival season takes place from December through March, with experiences focused on art, culture, wellness. A-list performances will take place at Maraya Concert Hall , which is the world's largest mirrored building that I think seems to blends into the desert sand.

One of my favorite destinations in the South, Charleston, South Carolina, will introduce a highly-anticipated new museum.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

One of my favorite places in the US is Charleston, South Carolina, and the city will introduce new hotels, restaurants, and cultural destinations in 2023.

Most notably, the International African American Museum is scheduled for a January opening on Charleston's Gadsden's Wharf, with exhibits honoring the stories of the African American journey. It will explore culture and knowledge kept and adapted by Africans in the Americas, as well as their achievements throughout the state and country.

During your visit, I suggest a stay at the historic district's The Charleston Place hotel, which is revealing a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2023, and will also have complimentary guest shuttles to and from the new museum. 

The Phoenix and Scottsdale area is getting the Super Bowl, along with many other events and openings.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

While my home city of Los Angeles had the Super Bowl this year, next year's big game will head to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona in February.

But I'd say that's far from the only reason to visit Phoenix. Beyond the game, the Greater Phoenix area is also hosting the MLB Cactus League Spring Training , as well as the Waste Management Phoenix Open , the best-attended golf tournament in the world with more than 700,000 fans in attendance.

Adding to the region's world-class hotel and resorts, Moxy Phoenix Downtown will open in the spring, and The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie will open in the fall on 20 acres with a view of Camelback Mountain and a 400-foot swimming pool.

I think Paris is a good value for Americans right now.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

If you ask me, Paris is always a good idea, especially now that the euro is at parity with the US dollar . At the time of my last visit, it was closer to 1.4 dollars to a euro, and that made my travel budget feel quite tight.

But that's not the only reason I suggest a visit soon. In 2023, Paris will allow visitors the chance to stay at hotels such as The Hôtel de la Marine on Place de la Concorde, which opened to the public for the first time since The Revolution. It also served as the headquarters of France's navy ministry for over 200 years, and now its stately reception rooms and restaurant take over fully restored spaces.

Paris visitors may also view the recently-opened private art collection at the Bourse de Commerce , which houses contemporary works from the collection of the French billionaire François Pinault.

As an added reason to visit, French Bee now flies a cheap $217 nonstop route from Miami to Paris , according to the airline's site.

San Francisco just got its own equivalent of NYC's High Line.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

I lived in San Francisco with friends around the Y2K era and always look for any reason to return.

In 2023 though, the city will mark a few milestones and celebrations that will be especially good reasons to plan a visit.

Key city landmarks will celebrate anniversaries, including the San Francisco Opera at 100 years, and the Ferry Building , which will mark 125 years. Visitors can also expect special programming and events throughout the year, such as the opera's grand finale concert and centennial anniversary dinner .

Elsewhere in the city, Presidio Tunnel Tops recently opened, comprising 14 acres of new national parkland . Designed by the same firm behind NYC's High Line , I think it's an ideal spot to take in views of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Additionally, the newly opened Line Hotel San Francisco is an outpost of one of my favorite cool hotel brands and comes with a landscaped rooftop solarium that I think is worth a look.

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world's best tourist destinations 2023

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The 18 best places to travel in 2023

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For many people, this year marked the first time since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic that travel was back within reach. It was a year defined by joyous reunions — reconnecting with friends and family in person, rediscovering favorite destinations and taking stock of this new, changed world.

It was also a year of novel travel challenges . As demand soared, so, too, did prices. We returned to the roads and skies to find a travel industry that could barely keep up with our ravenous appetite to explore the globe.

But somehow, our love of travel has endured, our wanderlust is just as insatiable as ever and destinations around the world are beckoning us to visit.

That's why we're thrilled to share the destinations on our list of the best places to go in 2023. And this year, we've not only tapped our editorial team to contribute their tips and insights but also our extraordinary network of writers from around the world.

Reaching your travel goals has never been easier when you download the free TPG App !

As always, we looked at exciting new hotel openings and boundary-pushing flights, plus the places that embody the travel trends and philosophies we see taking shape in 2023 and beyond: The destinations prioritizing sustainability, focusing on Indigenous and community-based tourism and encouraging travelers to venture beyond the obvious gateway or itinerary.

We also saw a proliferation of innovative new ways for travelers to use their points and miles to experience the world, including exciting ultra-long-haul flights where miles will come in handy and hotels in destinations that previously might have been absent from most reward travelers' maps.

As we head into 2023, get excited (we are!) about embarking on unforgettable journeys to new corners of the globe, prepare to take a second look at places you already thought you knew and connect more personally with the people who call them home along the way. We hope this list of places to visit rekindles your passion for travel and look forward to exploring this wonderful, awe-inspiring planet with you. — By Eric Rosen and Melanie Lieberman

Aotearoa-New Zealand: The future of inclusive travel

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Best for sustainability-focused outdoor adventurers and sports enthusiasts.

Laid-back beach towns, award-winning wine, genuine hospitality and outdoor adventure aren't the only reasons why you should put Aotearoa-New Zealand at the top of your 2023 travel list.

Although the country's commitment to sustainability has long, deep roots (more than 33% of its land is protected), New Zealand's tourism industry launched the Tiaki Promise, a sustainability pledge, just prior to the pandemic. The Maori word "Tiaki" means to care for people and places, so the aim of this pledge is to avoid overtourism and encourage visitors to explore lesser-known destinations.

One way to do so is to seek new Maori cultural encounters and experiences, such as a traditional hangi feast in Rotorua, which is prepared in underground pits, after a visit to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Or, take an interpretive storytelling trek up Maunga Hikurangi on the North Island's east coast. If you're there in June or July, you can celebrate the Maori New Year, Matariki, which is based on the lunar calendar and became an official public holiday in 2022.

Next year, New Zealand will also co-host the largest FIFA Women's World Cup ever along with Australia. Matches will be played on both the North and South islands. Along with other large sporting events like the Women's Rugby World Cup, it's a clear example of the nation's efforts to promote diversity and inclusion as international visitors return.

A handful of new hotels have opened recently, too, such as the art-filled Park Hyatt Auckland , the environmentally friendly Hotel Britomart in Auckland's central business district and, on the South Island, The Carlin Hotel in Queenstown, which overlooks the Eyre and Remarkables mountain ranges surrounding Lake Wakatipu.

Getting to the country from the U.S. is even easier now with Air New Zealand's new nonstop flights from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Auckland Airport (AKL) and Qantas' launch of the same route starting in March 2023.

TPG tip: If you're staying in Tamaki Makaurau, the Maori name for Auckland, explore one of the towns or nearby islands in the harbor. The ferry ride to Devonport takes 15 minutes, while Waiheke Island is only 40 minutes away by ferry. The latter has fabulous beaches and wineries to explore using a hop-on, hop-off bus. — By Becky Blaine

Orlando: Easy fun with classic experiences

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Best for roller coaster riders, of course, but also space geeks and culture freaks.

Whether you want to feel like you're in outer space, watch an actual rocket lift off or catch a concert in one of the world's best theaters, Orlando is the destination to visit in Florida — and 2023 is going to be a banner year for the city.

Many travelers come for the world-class theme parks, but Orlando is undergoing a travel renaissance that includes a just-opened terminal at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and 170 miles of railway that will connect the high-speed Brightline train from Orlando to Miami by mid-2023.

But don't hop the train too fast. Book tickets to a concert at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts' Steinmetz Hall, which opened in 2022 and is rated as one of the world's most acoustically perfect spaces. An urban pocket park downtown called Art2 is also elevating this area of Orlando with can't-miss experiences, including performances and food trucks.

Cape Canaveral, an hour east on the coast, is also now home to Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, a 50,000-square-foot, multilevel addition to the Kennedy Space Center that's full of interactive exhibits. And that's to say nothing of the full lineup of planned rocket launches travelers can check out over the course of 2023.

Of course, it's always a good idea to visit the theme parks, especially to catch the final months of Disney World's 50th-anniversary celebration , which includes a reimagining of Epcot with that park's first-ever roller coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind , and the spring 2023 debut of Tron: Lightcycle Run in the Magic Kingdom.

Disney World is also home to the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser , a "Star Wars"-themed journey unlike any other. The immersive, interactive two-night hotel experience (ahem, space mission) opened in early 2022.

Walt Disney World Resort isn't the only theme park behemoth elevating the park experience in 2023. Universal Studios Florida opened the thrilling VelociCoaster ride just last year, and it's keeping the excitement up with an all-new theme park, Epic Universe, already under construction. It will deliver new rides, themed lands, hotels and restaurants.

TPG tip: If you are one of the millions of travelers who rent a car in Orlando each year, there is a new 7-Eleven on the airport property where you can refill your tank at retail prices and make a pit stop to grab snacks for your journey. — B y Summer Hull

Oslo: Europe's coolest art capital

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Best for art and design lovers seeking new city-shaping museums and hotels.

Norway continues to claim the attention of travelers, but in 2023, all eyes are on the capital city, which is finally ready to flaunt its latest investments in the arts and hospitality.

Across from the white, angular slashes of the opera house's Carrara marble ramps and staircases is the curving 13-story tower housing the new Munch Museum, which opened in 2021. Even more imposing is the sprawling new National Museum, now one of Europe's largest art museums, which houses works from Edvard Munch's iconic "The Scream" to masterpieces from European artists like Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet and Henri Matisse.

This fall also saw the debut of Sommerro, an art deco hotel packed with contemporary art collections curated by museum director and art critic Sune Nordgren, along with 1930s works by Norwegian master Per Krohg — including a mosaic feature in the restored public baths, which opened in November. There's more to come from the boutique hotel and cultural center next year, including the addition of Villa Inkognito, an 11-suite retreat in a former 19th-century residence.

You can even bookend your trip to Oslo by venturing farther south to Kristiansand, where Kunstsilo, a modernist Nordic art museum, will debut next year inside an award-winning functionalist silo from the 1930s.

TPG tip: It's never been easier to explore beyond Oslo thanks to a flurry of new flights and cruises. Low-cost carrier Norse Atlantic (which began operating in 2022) continues expanding its reach in the U.S. by offering a number of promising nonstop routes, including one between London's Gatwick Airport (LGW) and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) that's coming next year. Norwegian airline Widerøe is connecting Bergen to four new European cities next summer as well. For those interested in heading north, Norway's oldest cruise company, Hurtigruten, is restarting the Svalbard Express next year, while Viking and Disney have announced new itineraries to the remote Arctic region . — By Melanie Lieberman

Jordan: Connections by air, land and sea

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Best for travelers who want a taste of the ancient world at the heart of the modern Middle East.

Home to some of the world's oldest pieces of history, Jordan is on many travelers' bucket lists, especially now that there are several new additions on the way. In 2023, this Middle Eastern country is channeling its renowned hospitality to welcome travelers via new flights and a host of new hotels and experiences.

In the capital city of Amman, The Ritz-Carlton is the latest luxury hotel to join the gaggle of points-friendly properties near the city's 5th Circle landmark. Lavish white interiors and crystal chandeliers bedazzle the new hotel, which has 194 rooms and 34 suites with floor-to-ceiling views of the capital's sand-hued buildings. Next summer, Radisson will pump up its Middle East portfolio with Radisson Blu Hotel, Amman Galleria Mall. And across the red sand desert, the Crowne Plaza Resort Petra will reopen after a 10-year renovation and expansion.

Northwest of Amman, the former ancient trading town of Al-Salt became Jordan's sixth and latest UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its reputation as "the city of tolerance and urban hospitality." History and design fans can explore touches of European architecture alongside the city's distinct yellow limestone facades. This city is also a new stop on the Jordan Trail's Thru Hike. Launched in 2017, the trail offers the chance to spend 40 days hiking through eight regions that, together, traverse the entire country. Originally connecting 52 villages, it's recently been upped to 75 different communities.

Nearly 75% of Jordan is covered in pomegranate-hued sand, but head south and the watercolor greens and blues of the Red Sea emerge. Here, cruising is making waves in a country renowned for its mystical desert landscapes. Emerald Cruises recently debuted its first oceangoing yacht the Emerald Azzurra, which sails from the famed seaside city of Aqaba to Athens, Greece. Next year, Windstar Cruises is following suit by launching new itineraries from Amman to Athens and Athens to Dubai, with a stop at Aqaba.

TPG tip: Hopping on a flight to Jordan from select North American cities has just gotten easier. United has launched its first-ever direct flight from Washington, D.C.'s Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Amman's Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) , which departs three times per week. Last summer, Royal Jordanian Airlines, a Oneworld member, also launched a new route from Amman to Toronto via Montreal, and it will be increasing frequencies to Chicago, Detroit, Montreal and New York in the spring and summer of 2023. — By Katie Lockhart

American waterways: Rediscovering our backyard

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Best for travelers craving a nostalgic way to see America's small towns.

There's something charming about life along the water — and we're not talking about the swanky condos overlooking Miami Beach or Malibu, California's Billionaires Beach. Think instead of historical small towns like Natchez, Mississippi, and Muskegon, Michigan, as well as industrial cities like Pittsburgh, Milwaukee and Chicago, which have long relied on the nation's waterways.

American lakes and rivers remain key commercial arteries, but the cruise industry has turned them into some of the world's top leisure destinations as well thanks to a slate of new, offbeat itineraries that are only going to draw more passengers in the coming years.

Although Great Lakes and U.S. river cruises have been around for more than a century, 2023 could be one of the best years yet to sail domestically thanks to lines like American Queen Voyages , American Cruise Lines , Ponant , Viking and Pearl Seas Cruises, which are adding more capacity and itineraries along the Mississippi, Ohio, Columbia and Snake rivers; the Great Lakes; and the Chesapeake Bay.

Viking's new expedition arm rolled out its first two ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, which both spent time sailing the Great Lakes in 2022. Next year, travelers can also look forward to two new vessels, American Eagle and American Glory, from American Cruise Lines. The ships will debut along the East Coast and sail exclusively domestic itineraries. Additionally, American Queen Voyages will roll out the longest river voyages to date: 23-day sailings on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers .

If you book a domestic cruise, you'll see unexpected sides to major cities like Cincinnati, where the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center provides a sobering experience, as well as Detroit, which is a staple on many Great Lakes voyages, and New Orleans along the Mississippi. You might also visit towns such as Madison, Indiana, home to stately houses and a historical saddletree museum, that you might not have heard of otherwise. With more itineraries rolling out over time, there will be plenty more destinations to discover along America's waterways.

TPG tip: If you're looking to engage your competitive spirit, book American Queen Voyages' Kentucky Derby Cruise on American Countess. During the sailing on May 3, 2023, the boat will go head-to-head against two other vessels in Louisville, Kentucky's Great Steamboat Race, part of the annual Kentucky Derby Festival. — By Ashley Kosciolek

Los Angeles: In-person events are the hottest ticket in town

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Best for travelers seeking a new side to the City of Angels.

Events for sports enthusiasts and tech acolytes will draw big crowds to Los Angeles next year.

In January, the College Football Playoff National Championship will kick off at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, and the 123rd U.S. Open Championship golf tournament will be held at the Los Angeles Country Club in June. A third major event, the 40th Annual Breeders' Cup horse racing world championship, will gallop out of the gate at Santa Anita Park in November. The venue sits across the street from the still-new Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia.

You'll also want to get your virtual reality headset ready, because E3 is getting back in the game, live and in person this June at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The video game industry's biggest annual event was held virtually in 2021 and canceled outright in 2022.

It will at long last be easier to get around Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) , too. After three years of construction, the Automated People Mover at LAX will finally open, connecting all terminals, the Metro Rail and a new rental car center. This state-of-the-art train will reduce travel time both to and within the airport.

Even frequent visitors will find exciting new places to bed down in LA since eight major hotels opened in 2022, including the Hyatt -branded tommie Hollywood, The Shay in Culver City and the adjoining Hyatt Place and Hyatt House LAX/Century Blvd. Two Marriott hotels — a Moxy and an AC — will debut downtown in the 38-story Fig + Pico tower, which sits across from the convention center and Crypto.com Arena. A few blocks away, a $1 billion, Frank Gehry-designed mixed-use development called The Grand LA opened. Here, you'll find Hilton 's splashy Conrad Los Angeles and four new restaurants from chef José Andres.

Also new downtown is the Sixth Street Viaduct, a 3,500-foot-long bridge with an accompanying 12-acre park with walking and bike trails. Spanning the Los Angeles River, this bridge connects downtown's Arts District with the Mexican food hot spot, Boyle Heights.

TPG tip: The Los Angeles Dodgers are considered the early-odds baseball team to beat in the 2023 World Series, so we recommend keeping an eye out for autumn points deals at downtown LA hotels near Dodger Stadium. — By Melanie Wynne

South Africa: More flights to wildlife sites

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Best for nature lovers dreaming of visiting the Rainbow Nation.

South Africa has a wealth of natural and cultural riches that travelers never tire of exploring, from the Big 5 of safari lore (elephants, lions, leopards, hippos and buffaloes) to the historic steps of Nelson Mandela's "Long Walk to Freedom." One thing the country has been lacking, however, is direct flights to both Cape Town and Johannesburg via multiple U.S. carriers.

In mid-December, Delta will commence a triangle service, flying the Airbus A350 from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Johannesburg's O.R Tambo International Airport (JNB) and then on to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) with a nonstop return from there. And through a special arrangement with the Department of Transportation , United is now offering nonstop flights between Washington, D.C.'s Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This is in addition to its nonstop services from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to both Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).

When they arrive, travelers will find new safari lodges opening next year in some of the best wildlife-viewing destinations. The Tswalu concession in the southern Kalahari Desert is South Africa's largest private reserve — and it's less than two hours away by plane from both Cape Town and Johannesburg. There are few lodges here, though, so the new Loapi Tented Camp opening in 2023 is truly notable. With just six modern, eco-friendly tented micro-camps that are perfect for privacy, it will feel like you have the remote savannah all to yourself as you head out on private ranger-led safari drives to spot African wild dogs and desert black rhinos.

Also set to open in 2023 is The Homestead, a sustainability-focused luxury lodge in the secluded Nambiti Private Game Reserve. Nestled into the mountains of malaria-free KwaZulu-Natal, the lodge is around a three-hour drive from either Johannesburg or Durban. In addition to a dozen sleek safari suites with expansive wilderness views and butler service, expect electric safari vehicles for game drives and innovative energy-saving touches as part of the lodge's larger conservation efforts, such as grass-planted roofs and a solar farm.

TPG tip: Plan a trip around South Africa's epic music festivals, including Johannesburg's Afropunk Festival on Constitution Hill, the seat of the country's lawmakers, in December. In March, the largest music festival in sub-Saharan Africa (the Cape Town International Jazz Festival) takes center stage. And AfrikaBurn, South Africa's answer to Burning Man, sets up on the Eastern Cape in April. — B y Melissa Klurman

Rome: The Eternal City shines anew

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Best for history buffs and hotel enthusiasts itching to discover ancient ruins amidst modern luxury.

In 2023, Rome's full historical heritage will be front and center for visitors to enjoy.

A project to open the Sacred Area of Largo di Torre Argentina (where Julius Caesar was assassinated) via a series of elevated walkways is slated for completion next summer. The archaeological site near the Pantheon was unearthed in the 1920s but has been inaccessible for decades. It joins The Mausoleum of Augustus, which reopened in 2021 following an 8 million euro ($8.2 million) restoration, as one of the ancient sites newly accessible to visitors.

Additionally, the Museo dell'Arte Salvata (the Museum for Rescued Art) opened in 2022. Here, precious antiquities that were returned to Italy after being plundered from archaeological sites and trafficked on the black market to auction houses, private collections and even institutions like New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art are on display. The exhibits will change, but you might see sculptures, ancient coins or even an amphora painted with erotic scenes that dates back to the sixth century B.C.

But there are new, modern developments luring luxury travelers back to Rome, too.

The arrival of international brands like W, Soho House, The Hoxton and Mama Shelter, plus boutique hotels like The First Musica and Umiltà 36 have heralded a contemporary hotel boom. Next year's openings will up the ante even more, with arrivals by Six Senses, Edition, Bulgari and Nobu, as well as a renovation of the 19th-century Palazzo Naiadi, a neoclassical landmark on Piazza Della Repubblica, by Anantara.

Rome will also see increased airlift from the U.S., with three daily seasonal flights (up from two) on Delta from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Rome's Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and a new daily seasonal route from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Fiumicino Airport (FCO) on United , both of which will launch on May 25.

TPG tip: The best way to explore the Eternal City is on two wheels. Just in time for the 2023 season, Scooteroma is revamping its popular Street Art Vespa Tour and debuting a brand-new experience focused on the city's oft-overlooked early 20th-century art and architecture, such as the iconic Vittoriano Emmanuel II National Monument in Piazza Venezia. — By Laura Itzkowitz

Bangkok: Setting the table for an epic comeback

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Best for passionate foodies and arts aficionados.

For the last few years, Bangkok has been quietly setting the stage for a monumental rebound once the travel floodgates reopened and international tourists returned en masse.

On the Chao Phraya riverfront, a luxury hotel revival led by Capella and Four Seasons outposts has been underway since 2020. Both properties house destination restaurants, including soulful Thai at Capella's Phra Nakhon and the swanky Buenos Aires-themed BKK Social Club at the Four Seasons. This summer, Hong Kong's Mott 32, plus five other dining outlets, arrived at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon around the corner. Early next year, Southeast Asia's first Soho House opens in Bangkok with multiple bars and restaurants (plus a 39-foot outdoor pool), and an Aman will follow in the coming years.

Hotels aren't the only places for tourists to experience the energy of Bangkok's evolving culinary scene. Innovators all across the city are transforming it into the world's next great food destination. Just this year, a former monk opened Small Dinner Club, which serves offbeat dishes like dessert tom yum, while mixologists at Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar craft boozy, zero-waste concoctions starring an individual element like coconut or squid.

The 2023 Michelin Bangkok guide features 35 starred restaurants (five more than last year). Additionally, both Samrub Samrub Thai and Raan Jay Fai ranked on the World's 100 Best Restaurants list in 2022. Buzz is gathering around watering holes like No Name Noodle, which opened in 2022 and serves just 35 bowls of Japanese soba per day, and chef Arnaud Dunand Sauthier's just-opened, alpine-inspired restaurant Maison Dunand as well.

Bangkok's art scene is also reawakening. Just before the pandemic, 31-year-old Mook Attakanwong founded ATT 19, an exhibition space in a former Chinese school where works broach once-taboo topics like mental health. At Aurum The River Place, exhibits range from street art to a subway car installation.

Airlines are putting flights to Thailand back on their schedules, too. Air Canada's seasonal route from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Bangkok running through March 24 is the first nonstop from North America in more than a decade. Just don't forget to make those restaurant reservations first.

TPG tip: Spend a few days hiking through tropical, UNESCO-listed Khao Yai National Park and stay in a Bill Bensley-designed heritage train car suite at the brand-new InterContinental Khao Yai Resort , which is located just a 2.5-hour drive away from Bangkok. — By Kathryn Romeyn

Panama: Leading the way with homegrown tourism

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Best for adventure seekers looking to explore an untouched paradise.

Panama might be best known for its famous canal, but in 2023, all that changes for the Central American country, as previously untouched areas become more accessible to travelers. The country is a hotbed of biodiversity and an eclectic blend of cultures unlike any other in the region. Now, it's easier than ever to experience it all.

Launched in August 2022, Panama's community tourism network, SOSTUR, is a digital platform connecting travelers with rural communities and local tourism businesses. Travelers planning a visit for 2023 can select tours across 10 pilot communities in remote corners of the country. Experiences range from agritourism farm visits to sloth watching in the jungle.

Hikers will love exploring the pristine southern coast of Panama's Azuero Peninsula, which is brimming with tropical flora and fauna, natural caves and hidden beaches. Next year, the tour operator Azuero Adventures — based in the rural village of Cambutal — is introducing its Cerro Hoya Mountain Expedition, a six-day adventure that includes a three-day camping tour in Cerro Hoya National Park, home to some of the last areas of primary jungle on the peninsula.

Bookend your trip with a few days in the capital and a stay at the stylish new Hotel La Compañia, part of Hyatt's Unbound Collection. Also in the city's Casco Antiguo colonial district is the new Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, an Accor-affiliated property slated to open before the end of the year. It has a desirable location on the water's edge and unobstructed city skyline and Pacific views.

Since Delta launched three new routes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Orlando International Airport (MCO) and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Panama City's Tocumen International Airport (PTY) late last year, it has gotten that much easier for many flyers to visit Panama.

TPG tip : If you're flying to Panama on Copa Airlines, the nation's flag carrier, consider upgrading to see the new Copa Club lounge in Tocumen International Airport (PTY)'s new Terminal 2. It's a sprawling 21,500-square-foot space with buffet-style dining, leather loungers, a dedicated family entertainment area and a bar. — By Jordi Lippe-McGraw

Bhutan: A legendary trail reopens

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Best for adrenaline junkies craving both nature and culture.

When Bhutan reopened for tourism in September 2022, it also unveiled the highly anticipated Trans-Bhutan Trail, an ancient footpath that stretches for 250 miles across the country. Over the previous two years, the trail was carefully restored by people from around the country, connecting the popular western area with the less-traveled eastern edge of Bhutan.

For decades, hiking has lured mountaineers to Bhutan. The tiny Asian kingdom has exceptional trails, especially through the Himalayas, such as the famous Snowman Trek, a demanding 216-mile hike considered one of the toughest in the world. The newly restored Trans-Bhutan Trail, by contrast, has sections that can be tackled in single or multiple days, so it's more beginner-friendly. Hikers wind through forested mountains, rice paddies and bustling villages with new campsites and homestays along the way. While there are still challenging tracts, the intention is to open parts of the country that are less touristed.

As a commitment to a more sustainable tourism strategy, the country also implemented a new, higher $200 daily tourism fee. The tariff (which replaces a daily $65 fee) funds various economic, social, environmental and cultural developments and is partially intended to limit tourist entries to manageable numbers. It also means travelers no longer need to purchase packaged trips, which allows more flexibility to book preferred hotels and tours.

The country has no shortage of luxury lodges (Aman, Como and Six Senses all have properties here), and more are on the way. Next year, andBeyond will unveil the new Punakha River Lodge on the banks of western Bhutan's Mo Chhu River in a bucolic, rice-growing region. It will have tented suites and two villas designed in a traditional Bhutanese architectural style.

TPG tip: Along with the new daily tourism fee, travelers have to adhere to a number of rules, which include hiring a local guide (in certain areas) and not self-driving. The upside is a guide can unlock the country's history and reveal its storied heritage. The roads are also extremely steep and winding, so having someone navigate them for you is a major plus. When planning your trip, keep in mind that there are no direct flights from the U.S. to Bhutan. Most travelers transit via Bangkok or Delhi, both of which have direct flights with Drukair to Paro International Airport (PBH). —By Mary Holland

Mexico's Pacific Coast: Stylish new destinations emerge

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Best for swimmers, surfers and sybarites who appreciate design-driven beach resorts.

The roughly 1,200-mile stretch of mainland Mexico's Pacific Coast from Nayarit to Oaxaca is famous for the resort destinations of Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco and Zihuatanejo. But swanky new hotels, major infrastructure improvements and breathtaking natural scenery have brought three very different areas along it into focus for 2023: Riviera Nayarit, Costalegre and Riviera Oaxaqueña.

Beginning just north of Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit is undergoing one of Latin America's biggest luxury hotel booms. This 65-mile string of resort communities includes Punta Mita, already home to Four Seasons and St. Regis properties, as well as the surf town of Sayulita and, farther north, the up-and-coming Mandarina and Costa Canuva developments. Recent openings include the Conrad Punta de Mita , Secrets Bahia Mita, One&Only Mandarina and Auberge Resorts' ultra-exclusive Susurros Del Corazón. Rosewood Mandarina and Costa Canuva's Ritz-Carlton Reserve Riviera Nayarit are coming soon, along with the VidantaWorld theme, water and nature park.

The dramatic headlands and secluded beaches of the 60-mile Costalegre, which is 2.5 hours south of Puerto Vallarta, have drawn celebrities to enclaves like Careyes for decades. The region is about to take off with the opening of a new airport in Chalacatepec and continued improvements along the winding coastal artery, Highway 200. The posh Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo opened in November 2022 with 157 open-air rooms and suites, and the famed Las Alamandas boutique resort recently completed a top-to-bottom renovation. There's also the continued expansion of the 36,000-acre Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve, home to a posh 40-room eco-resort with a Byzantine design.

Served by two smaller airports, including the recently expanded Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM), Riviera Oaxaqueña is increasingly appealing to visitors seeking an easygoing, mindful vibe (think: yoga retreats and eco-conscious architecture). Grupo Habita's new Hotel Escondido and Hotel Terrestre offer understated luxury, while Puerto Escondido's adults-only Casona Sforza is an idyllic end-of-the-road beach retreat. And just down the coast, the artsy and diverse villages of Mazunte and Zipolite (with its LGBTQIA-popular, clothing-optional beach ) are blissful beach towns for chilling out.

TPG tip: The anticipated early 2023 completion of the Barranca Larga-Ventanilla Highway, which traverses a 10,000-foot-high mountain pass, will cut the drive time from Puerto Escondido to the historic town of Oaxaca, with its art galleries and renowned restaurants, from seven hours to less than three. — By Andrew Collins

Kenya: Africa's top ecotourism destination

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Best for wild-at-heart travelers seeking adventure and eco-friendly luxury.

Kenya has long been the standard bearer for sustainable tourism in Africa. The emergence of wildlife conservancies in the 1970s not only prevented poaching and illegal trade but also ushered in a new era of community involvement.

In 2023, Kenya's ecotourism movement will forge ahead with bold new initiatives to protect what is arguably the greatest safari destination on Earth. Kenya's emblematic mountain bongo (a critically endangered, notoriously shy type of antelope) will be repatriated to Mount Kenya from a preserve in Florida in a project spearheaded by the Meru Bongo and Rhino Conservation Trust. Sanctuaries within Mount Kenya National Park will also provide refuge to endangered black rhinos and draw on the knowledge and engagement of local Masai communities.

Points travelers will soon have even more reason to add the East African nation to their travel wish list. In 2023, Marriott will debut its first high-end safari lodge on the continent: the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge . Its location, at the heart of Masai Mara National Reserve, will ensure optimal wildlife viewing; the park is home to a staggering inventory of more than 450 animal species, including the Big 5. The lodge will feature 20 classic safari-style tents with canopy beds, stone tile floors and Masai-inspired prints and fabrics. Marriott has committed to hiring 50 individuals from the Masai community, too.

Beyond the Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park is home to an extraordinary density of wildlife thanks in no small part to conservation efforts such as the Amboseli Trust for Elephants. Today, the park is one of the best places on the planet to see long-tusked elephants, as well as giraffes, eland, zebras and wildebeest in large numbers. Debuting in November 2023, Angama Amboseli will comprise 10 luxury tented suites located within Kenya's first community-owned conservancy, the Kimana Sanctuary. All tents will frame views of Mount Kilimanjaro, but the main draw here, no doubt, will be the once-in-a-lifetime elephant encounters.

TPG tip: The Billionaire Resort & Retreat Malindi, an erstwhile A-list hangout that opened to the masses in 2022, offers the ultimate safari and Indian Ocean combination without any grueling border crossings. Located in Malindi (75 miles north of Mombasa, Kenya), the resort's opulent villas and gorgeous infinity pool overlook a private white sand beach you won't want to miss. — By Caroline Lascom

Turks and Caicos: Getting out in the archipelago

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Best for sun seekers and beach lovers.

Beyond the white sands and aquamarine waters you'll find around the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos offers exciting developments, including new hotels and cruise facilities, plus better airports that will make some of its previously remote islands much more accessible. So, it should come as no surprise, then, that Turks and Caicos has seen the fastest-growing travel demand by Americans year over year, according to TripAdvisor's Fall Travel Index .

To help with the influx of inter-island and private flights, the new South Caicos Airport (XSC) on South Caicos Island — the easternmost island in the Caicos group — will complete construction in June 2023. The government will also break ground on a new-and-improved international airport for Providenciales in early 2023, a project expected to cost $300 million.

Visitors will have plenty of new accommodation options, too. Andaz Turks & Caicos Residences at Grace Bay is targeting a spring 2023 opening and will be the first Andaz-branded resort and residential property in the Caribbean. Also coming in 2023, The Shore Club is adding eight six-bedroom pool villas to its iconic Long Bay Beach property. Travelers can also look forward to boutique-style suites and panoramic views of Grace Bay Beach at The Bight Hotel and Providenciales' newest resort and marina, South Bank Turks & Caicos, both of which are in the pipeline.

A recently completed dock extension at the Grand Turk Cruise Center can now accommodate larger cruise ships, so it's bound to be a port of call on more itineraries. Additionally, $1 million in grants has been distributed to water sports operators and beach vendors to accommodate the projected increase in cruisers.

TPG tip: For the first time since the pandemic, a full lineup of events is planned for Turks and Caicos in 2023. This includes the weekly Island Fish Fry at Bight Park and legendary events like the Conch Festival, the Valentine's Day Cup on Middle Caicos, the Caribbean Food and Wine Festival and the largest festival in Turks and Caicos, Maskanoo, a cultural celebration started by enslaved people in the 19th century mocking the wealthy islanders' costume balls. —By Devorah Lev-Tov

Charleston, South Carolina: A new museum casts light on a dark past

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Best for diving deeper into a much-loved city .

Yes, we know. Charleston on a "best of" travel list is a lot like saying "florals for spring" — universally popular but hardly groundbreaking. But in 2023, the International African American Museum will open in Charleston, heralding a new era for cultural tourism in the city. In the works for the past two decades, the museum officially opens its doors on Jan. 21.

The museum will be a powerful lens on the past and is fittingly located at Gadsden's Wharf, where slave ships docked in Charleston Harbor and thousands of enslaved Africans first set foot in North America. The museum is raised off this now-hallowed ground on 18 pillars, each 13 feet high — a monumental structure designed by renowned architect Henry Cobb.

Inside, exhibits explore both the history of enslavement and the stories of African Americans in South Carolina's Lowcountry from the past through the present. There's a genealogical center here as well. Outside, the African Ancestors Memorial Garden includes a reflecting pool facing the harbor and a soundscape that explores the diverse range of African languages.

Beyond the IAAM, Charleston is welcoming new nonstop flights to several cities. Breeze Airlines continues to roll out new flights, including two weekly nonstops each to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and six direct flights per week to Provo Airport (PVU) in Utah, which all commenced in November. Earlier in 2022, Breeze rolled out daily nonstops to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and New York's Westchester County Airport (HPN).

On the hotel front, travelers can stay at the historic Charleston Place hotel, which is under new ownership as part of the Beemok Hospitality Collection and in the midst of a $100 million renovation. Mills House Charleston in the city's French Quarter recently emerged from a complete refurbishment as the city's first Curio Collection by Hilton property. The Loutrel, a new luxury hotel in the heart of Charleston's historic district with a buzzy on-site restaurant, is also worth checking out.

TPG tip: Spoleto Festival USA presents more than 150 performances of opera, dance, theater, classical music and jazz spanning two full weeks from Memorial Day through the beginning of June. It's a fun time to plan a visit, and there are numerous hotel package deals available. — By Melissa Klurman

Ecuador: Coastal towns capture the limelight

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Best for travelers searching for new destinations to unlock with points.

Though Ecuador's capital city, Quito, and remote Galapagos Islands may be the first to come to mind, exciting developments along the country's Pacific Coast are drawing a new wave of adventurers to unexpected corners of the nation.

In March of 2022, Kontiki Expeditions launched expeditions aboard the exclusive M/S Wayra, a nine-stateroom yacht that bears the distinction of being the first "water-based" Small Luxury Hotels of the World member, which partners with World of Hyatt . That means travelers can earn Hyatt points while exploring such seldom-visited ports of call as the surf spot San Mateo and Isla de la Plata, often referred to as an inexpensive alternative to the Galapagos.

Travelers eager to connect with Ecuador's overlooked coast can also take advantage of the country's increased airlift: LATAM resumed its route between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO) in October with daily flights, making it altogether easier for Americans to reach Ecuador. American Airlines has also increased the frequency of its flights between Miami and Guayaquil, the gateway to Ecuador's beachy coastline.

Even Ecuador's most famous destination, the Galapagos, continues to see significant travel industry investments. Earlier this year, Ecuador's president expanded the protected Galapagos Marine Reserve by more than 23,000 square miles. Months later, a former boutique eco-friendly hotel was reborn as Royal Palm Galapagos, a Curio Collection hotel, making it possible for travelers to redeem Hilton Honors points in the Galapagos. Standard award nights start around 80,000 points, putting the islands well within reach for many travelers with points and miles stashes.

Plus, a new Hotel Indigo is now accepting reservations for end-of-year trips to the archipelago, unlocking IHG One Rewards points redemption opportunities there, too.

TPG tip: If an eight-day sailing along the coast isn't enough immersion in the culture and wildlife of Ecuador, remote workers can take advantage of Ecuador's new Nomad Visa, which launched in 2022 and allows foreign workers to live and work in Ecuador for up to 24 months. — By Melanie Lieberman

Disney Wish: The most magical place at sea

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Best for travelers who want the best of Disney while exploring the Caribbean.

Disney Wish first set sail in mid-2022, but 2023 is going to be the best time to sail on the company's first new cruise ship in a decade.

The itineraries and cabin types (ranging from a first-ever funnel suite to the cleverly designed oceanview staterooms with split bathrooms that help a whole family get ready faster by creating two distinct spaces) are now more widely available than in the first few sold-out months, but the new ship smell and sparkle remain.

Of equal importance, the staff has now had the necessary time to hit their stride with service, including on stage with Broadway-caliber reimaginings of "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin," and in the thrilling all-new restaurants with "Frozen"- and Marvel-inspired dinners (be sure and try the sticky date pudding with vanilla ice cream while in the Worlds of Marvel and Anna's Koldtbord with goodies like smoked salmon, sweet shrimp and dill honey mustard while dining in Arendelle).

With its three- and four-night sailings from Florida's Port Canaveral to the Bahamas, most passengers book Disney Wish to experience the ship itself rather than the ports of call. In fact, many guests don't even disembark in Nassau, preferring instead to take a turn on the AquaMouse slide, book a treatment at the Senses Spa or just have fun with the many Disney characters and themed spaces on board. It's a stress-free alternative to the increasing complexity and cost of indulging in a visit to the Disney theme parks.

TPG tip: There's the magic that's easy to spot on Disney Wish, but then there is more waiting to be discovered. For example, if you enjoy whiskey, don't walk past Hook's Barbery without popping in, as the secret space is far more than just a nook for a shave and a haircut. And if you can stay up late, make your way to the Grand Hall at midnight and look up for a fun surprise. — By Summer Hull

Sydney: Global celebrations abound

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Best for travelers eager to say they attended some of the biggest events in 2023.

A fabulous flock of international visitors will descend upon Sydney in February and March to celebrate WorldPride (the first in the Southern Hemisphere) mashed up with the city's Mardi Gras festival. An opening concert headlined by — who else? — the inimitable Kylie Minogue is reason enough to hop on a flight Down Under.

In August, the city's Accor Stadium will host the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup final, bringing to an end a month of soccer (sorry, football ) and Australia's shared hosting of the tournament with New Zealand.

Fortunately, getting there will be easier than ever, as Qantas recently announced it would fly from Sydney Airport (SYD) to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) via Auckland Airport (AKL) in June, cutting travel times for East Coasters and heralding a new age of super-long-haul flights.

Arrivals will have a bounty of new hotels to choose from for their visit, too, including the recently opened Kimpton Margot Sydney and Ace Hotel Sydney, as well as a luxurious new Capella opening by Circular Quay early in the year and the forthcoming W Sydney set to debut in October.

Aside from all the sundry Sydney outdoor activities visitors can continue to enjoy year-round, from beach walks to BridgeClimb Sydney, travelers will also be able to explore the Art Gallery of New South Wales' stunning (and eco-friendly) new Sydney Modern Project, which the museum has billed as "the most significant cultural development in the city since the opening of the Sydney Opera House nearly half a century ago."

Opening in December of 2022 and overlooking the lush Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, the complex will comprise both new and historical buildings, performance spaces, creative studios and terraces and gardens. It was designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning architectural firm SANAA and will house specially commissioned works by both international and Australian artists along with rotating exhibitions … so, you never know what you might see on your next trip to Sydney.

TPG tip: Indigenous tourism experiences are flourishing across Australia, including in Sydney, where travelers can learn about Indigenous Australians' way of life on a walking Dreamtime Southern X tour of The Rocks neighborhood or even book BridgeClimb Sydney's popular Burrawa Indigenous Experience guided tour as you scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge. — By Eric Rosen

Feeling inspired? Our sister site, Elsewhere , can help you plan bespoke itineraries to several of these destinations.

Is your favorite No. 1? Here are the top 10 beaches worldwide, according to Tripadvisor

world's best tourist destinations 2023

A trip to the beach is always a good idea. 

Beaches rank as the top preferred vacation destination among 34% of Americans, according to a 30A Company 2022 survey of 1,040 U.S. adults. Even just the act of planning a vacation can make someone happy. 

You likely understand why if you’ve ever spent time on a beach. The place where the water meets the land is a treat for the senses, from the sound of the water lapping the sand to the crisp scent of the salt in the air. Beaches are some of the most beautiful places.

Relaxing beachside is beneficial for your well-being , too. Saltwater has been found to release negative ions that help people feel calmer, and the meditative sound of waves can offer a sense of grounding. Even if you’re not frolicking in the water, the beach is where people can easily connect with nature, which is healing. 

Luckily, there are beautiful beaches everywhere, from places renowned for postcard-perfect beaches like Turks and Caicos to the rugged cliffside beaches of Italy. Tripadvisor recently released its 2024 Travelers’ Choice Award for Beaches, which analyzed reviews and ratings between Oc. 1, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2023, to come up with the best beaches worldwide.

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“Who doesn't love a beach? It's certainly my happy place – my kids playing in the surf, the sun sinking behind the horizon. And as the breadth and depth of Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Beach lists show, our community is obsessed with them, too,” Sarah Firshein, head of Tripadvisor editorial, told USA TODAY in a statement.

While last year’s best beaches included a wide variety of striking natural landscapes, this year’s awards brought back the picturesque soft sands and crystal-clear waters people imagine when they think of a beach vacation. 

Here are the top 10 best beaches around the world, according to Tripadvisor.

10. Varadero Beach – Varadero, Cuba

A former fishing town, Varadero Beach is situated on the Hicacos Peninsula and stretches along the Caribbean Sea. The sprawling beach actually comprises six beaches , including Varadero, Rincón Francés and La Alameda, so there’s plenty of space to spread out. Visitors enjoy taking a refreshing dip in the vibrant water, snorkeling the sea beds, or water sports like jet skiing or windsurfing. 

9. Siesta Beach – Siesta Key, Florida, U.S.

Snagging the spot as Tripadvisor's second-best beach in the U.S.,Siesta Beach is located on the stunning barrier island of Siesta Key in Florida. This slice of paradise is renowned for its white quartz sand, which is often called the softest sand in the world. A free island-wide trolley service makes it easy for guests to go to and from the beach.

8. Eagle Beach – Aruba, Caribbean

Aruba’s wide Eagle Beach stole people’s hearts last year by ranking as the second-best beach in the world. This idyllic beach is known for its calm waters and the chance to catch nesting turtles in summer. Eagle Beach invites visitors to unwind in paradise, whether basking in the sun's warmth, snorkeling amidst marine life, or simply strolling along its picturesque shores.

7. Manly Beach – Sydney, Australia

Manly Beach is known as the birthplace of surfing in Australia, having hosted the world’s first modern surfing contest in 1964. Besides trying out surfing, visitors can swim, dive, or sail along the stunning shoreline. Manly Beach is a long stretch of sand and includes a small cove, an enclosed swimming area for families and Shelly Beach, a sheltered spot for snorkeling. When people need respite from the sun and sand, they can walk the tree-lined promenade for food or shopping.   

6. Anse Lazio – Praslin Island, Seychelles

Tucked into a bay on Praslin Island, Anse Lazio feels like a hidden oasis. The background of the pristine shoreline and azure sea are lush tropical greenery and large boulders. On Tripadvisor, visitors said they enjoyed playing in the waves or grabbing a drink at the on-site beach bar.

5. Grace Bay Beach – Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos

This Caribbean beach earned the same ranking in last year’s Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for Beaches, and it’s no wonder why. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, Grace Bay Beach captivates visitors with its tranquil ambiance since the turquoise waters are never rough, thanks to an offshore reef. Since the beach is part of the Princess Alexandra National Park , it remains pristine and unspoiled.

4. Kaanapali Beach – Lahaina, Hawaii, U.S.

Often called the best beach in the U.S. , Kaanapali Beach offers sparkling warm water and soft white sand. The one-mile-long beach is the ultimate beach escape for anyone, offering cliff-jumping, paddleboarding, snorkeling or just frolicking in its gentle waters. And since the beach is west-facing, it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset. 

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3. La Concha Beach – San Sebastian, Spain

With a long coastline comprising over 4,265 feet, La Concha Beach is a renowned jewel of the Basque Country. Located in the charming fishing town of San Sebastian, this picturesque bay is framed by rolling hills and an uninhabited island people can also visit. A charming promenade with restaurants and amusement offers guests a place to explore off-sand.

2. Spiaggia dei Conigli – Lampedusa, Italy

There’s much to enjoy at Spiaggia dei Conigli – or Rabbit Beach, a nod to the native rabbits that inhabit the area – besides the clear waters and white granite cliffs. Located on the island of Lampedusa off the Sicilian coast, the beach is only accessible by boat or a 15-minute trek by foot, but it’s well worth it. During the summer, it becomes one of the few places in the country where loggerhead sea turtles lay their eggs.

1. Praia da Falésia – Olhos de Agua, Portugal

Vast golden sands and bright blue water help make Praia da Falésia the most beautiful beach in the world, which ranked sixth place last year. With dramatic ombre cliffs of reds and oranges, this beach immerses its visitors in pristine natural beauty. According to Tripadvisor reviews, many visitors to the sprawling beach relished how uncrowded it felt.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

The Best Places to Travel in May, From the Cyclades to Zambia

By Caitlin Morton

Zambia

A comprehensive list of the best places to travel in May would be incredibly long. This month is one of our favorite times to roam the world because the weather is usually ideal no matter where you go—whether in the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern, and the crowds are much thinner than during the summer months when most families and their kids are off for holidays. Plus, its position between spring break and summer vacation makes for a nice window of time begging to be filled with a trip.

But where to go? Whether you want to experience some of America’s best under-the-radar cities, soak up the sun in Sicily, or even squeeze in a safari in Zambia, these are a short selection of the best places to travel in May. (And if you want to get ahead of the game, here's a list of the best places to travel in June and July , as well.) This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

OneOnly Kea

The Cyclades, Greece

We don’t really need an excuse to head to the Cyclades—a Greek island group that includes Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Milos, and Ios—but the host of chic new hotels opening in 2024 certainly doesn’t hurt. Be one of the first people to stay at the five-star, 80-acre Gundari Resort , which opens in May on the island of Folegandros. The resort’s stone-and-cement villas (not to mention cliffside views of the Aegean) epitomize the effortless style of the Cyclades.

Meanwhile, One&Only will unveil a new property on Kea in April—a seaside resort where each villa comes with a private pool, terrace, courtyard, and fireplace. And to make your idyllic jaunt even more leisurely, take advantage of new flight routes to the Greek islands from major carriers like Etihad and British Airways, as well as inter-island flights from local carrier Cycladic.

Holland Michigan

Holland, Michigan

If you’re not able to make it to the Netherlands for tulip season this year, consider planning a visit to Holland, Michigan. The appropriately named town (and a great day trip from Chicago ) is filled with old-fashioned windmills, re-envisioned Germanic villages, dainty gardens, and—best of all—millions of tulips.

Try to time your visit to the town's annual Tulip Town Festival , held this year from May 4 to 12. The festival celebrates Holland's rich Dutch history with a Dutch market and costume exhibit, carnival, and flower-themed events like flower arranging lessons and yoga in the tulips. Book a room at Castle in the Country , a Victorian inn with a wrap-around porch and secluded location that lends itself perfectly to stargazing.

Galpagos Islands Ecuador

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands are a classic bucket-list destination, with towering rock formations, blue lakes, and dinosaur-like giant tortoises drawing travelers from all over the world. The islands are also a popular spot for diving and snorkeling, with the best underwater visibility occurring during the warm season (which starts in December and stretches through the end of May). This is your best chance to see marine life, plus the courtship of blue-footed boobies and freshly hatched sea turtles.

A cruise is the preferred way to explore the islands, and you have new some options to choose from. A few summers ago , Silversea launched the 100-passenger Silver Origin , specifically built for the Galápagos. The ship was designed to minimize impact on the environment, with features like enhanced water management systems and a computer-aided “dynamic positioning system” to place seabed-hitting anchors. There are also aesthetic stand-outs, like floor-to-ceiling windows in the suites and interior color palettes that complement the archipelago's terrain.

Zambia

Zambia is a popular safari destination, with 30% of the country allocated as national parkland. The country also has the Zambezi River which flows into Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most jaw-dropping waterfalls. These natural sites are primed for a vacation in May, which marks the end of Emerald Season—the time of year when the bush is green, the weather is not too hot, and the light is perfect for photographing wildlife.

Book your safari trip with boutique tour operator The Bushcamp Company , which operates six camps in the southern parts of South Luangwa National Park. Each camp is worth staying at, but this year you should look toward the renovated Chindeni Bushcamp , with four simple yet comfortable canvas tents that channel the frontier days of safari travel.

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Nantucket

Nantucket, Massachusetts

So much more than just a summer town, Nantucket is a beauty in every season. But there are a few perks to visiting in May—namely, beating the summer influx of tourists. You won’t have to dodge quite as many crowds as you bike and sail your way around the island, and you can score some unobstructed views of the three million daffodils that bloom here in late April and early May.

When you aren’t out enjoying some fresh sea breezes, you better be eating seafood. Try the oysters at Cru (open for the season in May) or Atlantic halibut at upscale Dune for some unforgettable meals. For perfect pairings, align your visit with the Nantucket Wine Festival , a four-day event taking place from May 15–19 this year. And to wind down at the end of a busy day, you can't do much better than The Wauwinet . The five-star hotel (and past Condé Nast Traveler Gold List winner) is tucked away on the far northeastern side of the island, meaning the only strangers you’ll run into are fellow guests and friendly staff members.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu

May marks the beginning of the dry season in Peru , which makes it the perfect time to see the endpoint of the Inca Trail in its greenest glory. As an added bonus, visiting Machu Picchu in May helps you avoid the heaviest crowds that arrive in June, July, and August. This is one of those trips that you typically have to plan a year in advance , so consider this your reminder to get a head start on 2025 trip planning.

Make sure to carve out some time to explore the city of Cusco, which most people use as a starting point for their Machu Picchu visit. (The destinations are about two hours apart by train.) The Andean city retains much of its colonial architecture, from its cobblestone roads to the Baroque design of its churches. It also has several great hotels to choose from, including Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award winners Inkaterra La Casona and JW Marriott El Convento Cusco .

Kentucky Derby Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky

You haven’t experienced true day drinking until you’ve sipped on a mint julep at Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. Held this year on Saturday, May 4, the iconic horse race is a great excuse to spend a long weekend in Louisville . Your itinerary should, of course, prioritize spending time at Churchill Downs, where you can visit the Kentucky Derby Museum, sip cocktails, and enjoy some fine dining at one of the venue's many restaurants and lounges.

Book a room at 21c Museum Hotel —a regular favorite in our Readers’ Choice Awards —for the exposed brick walls, art exhibits, and a bar that has more than 120 bottles of Kentucky bourbon.

Healdsburg is not only one of the most alluring slices of California wine country—its also one of the best places to...

Healdsburg, California

Healdsburg is not only one of the most alluring slices of California wine country—it’s also one of the best places to travel in May. The charming hamlet is known for its world-class food and wine, both of which deliciously collide during the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience every spring. This year’s celebration (held May 16–19) will feature classes and tastings led by celebrity chefs and local artisans, as well as outdoor concerts, vineyard picnics, and even an entire seminar about which wines to pair with tacos (sign us up).

Another compelling reason to visit Healdsburg this spring? The Madrona : a historic mansion-turned-boutique hotel and 2023 Hot List winner . ​​Originally built in 1881, this gabled mansion has been reimagined as a 24-key property with curated gallery walls and a Michelin-starred chef helming the on-site restaurant. We can’t think of a more fabulous place to nurse your mild, Chardonnay-induced hangover.

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Sicily, Italy

Head to the Baroque town of Noto to fill up on fettuccine ai funghi and stroll past grand cathedrals. Then rest up at the luxurious Seven Rooms Villadorata , where you can sleep in ornate rooms and stock up on the hotel’s famous line of organic olive oil soaps.

Heading west, Fontes Episcopi is a divine eco-retreat with stone walls, an ivy-draped courtyard, and a farm kitchen serving up fresh pasta. The hotel opened three new stand-alone suites with skylights and terraces just behind the pool—although the original rooms are equally lovely, with air from the nearby citrus groves wafting through the windows.

Shou Sugi Ban House

The Hamptons, New York

The Hamptons , a string of towns along the easternmost shore of Long Island, is so much more than a summer destination. Visit in the early weeks of May to beat the Memorial Day crowds, and enjoy non-beach activities like visiting the Parrish Art Museum , sipping wine at Fresno Restaurant ’s outdoor rosé garden, and hiking through Montauk Point State Park.

Another compelling reason to visit the Hamptons is to book a room at Shou Sugi Ban House , an incredibly chic wellness retreat that opened in Water Mill a few years ago. The hotel is zen personified, with Buddha statues greeting you at the front gate, steaming bowls of congee for breakfast, and 13 standalone villas with Japanese wooden soak tubs. Hydrotherapy spa treatments and tea ceremonies are icing on the relaxation cake.

Puebla Mexico

Puebla, Mexico

While Cinco de Mayo is more of an excuse for Americans to drink margaritas than an actual Mexican celebration, Puebla is one town that does go all out for the holiday. The country’s fourth-largest city was the site of the 1862 battle that Cinco de Mayo marks, and residents honor the date with parades, fireworks, and military reenactments. But Puebla is so much more than one highlighted day on the calendar. The city is known for its delicious food (it’s the birthplace of mole, gorditas, and cemita sandwiches), shops that will leave you filling a second suitcase with souvenirs , and a colorful village feel that provides endless photo opportunities.

When it comes to hotels, we've been in love with Azul Talavera ever since it opened in 2017. Aside from its impeccable design and spacious rooms, the property has the best rooftop in the city, where you can sip a watermelon martini while gazing out over the smoking volcano Popocatépetl.

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Nova Scotia, Canada

Comfortable springtime temperatures are ideal for outdoor adventuring in the oceanside province of Nova Scotia, with activities ranging from hiking and biking to kayaking along the coastlines. If you’d rather take in the scenery without breaking a sweat, charter a boat tour with Salty Dog Tours or Halifax Harbour Tours , both of which start operating for the season in May.

Make sure to spend a couple of days and nights in Halifax, too. Stay at the  Lord Nelson Hotel and Suites  by the Halifax Public Gardens for a dose of history (the hotel was originally built in 1928), or at the Muir, Autograph Collection Hotel for waterfront dining and a private in-house art gallery.

Greenville SC Skyline from Paris Mountain

Greenville, South Carolina

Voted one of the best cities in the US in our most recent Readers’ Choice Awards, Greenville is a great under-the-radar South Carolina option. Visit during May for some of the city’s best annual festivals and events, like the Saturday Market; Gallabrae , a local version of the Scottish Games over Memorial Day Weekend; and Artisphere , a popular art festival held this year from May 10 to 12.

The spring season is also ideal for exploring the outdoors, and Greenville is especially primed for hiking and biking, thanks to its proximity to five state parks and the Blue Ridge Mountains . And you’re going to need to stretch your legs a bit after filling up at one of the 100+ locally owned restaurants in the downtown area. Come sundown, recharge at the AC Hotel on Main Street, which features works from more than 100 local artists.

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Stacker

20 travel destinations to get the best bang for your buck

Posted: April 4, 2023 | Last updated: January 3, 2024

<p>Since 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic has limited and, in many cases, completely halted international travel, but that's finally changing. The United Nations World Tourism Organization expects <a href="https://www.unwto.org/taxonomy/term/347">global tourism</a> to return to near pre-pandemic levels in 2023.</p>  <p>When planning an international trip, travelers must decide when and where to go, obtain passports and visas, book flights and hotels, and identify any pandemic-related <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html">entry requirements</a>. Among these considerations, the cost is one of the most crucial. With travel becoming even <a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/travel-rewards/travel-predictions-2023/">more expensive in 2023</a> due to fuel prices, inflation, and labor shortages, travelers may consider international destinations where they can get the most bang for their buck.</p>  <p><a href="https://stacker.com/">Stacker</a> ranked the top 20 travel destinations where the U.S. dollar stretches the most by combining data from <a href="https://www.worlddata.info/cost-of-living.php">WorldData.info</a> with <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/">country travel advisories</a> issued by the State Department. Countries are only included in this analysis if they meet a Level 1 travel advisory, meaning travelers only need to "exercise normal precautions."</p>  <p>Qualifying countries were then ranked by their WorldData.info cost index, a metric calculated using Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund, and Eurostat data that compares the cost of living in different countries. Additional data points, including exchange rates and geographic location, were compiled using <a href="https://www.google.com/finance/">Google Finance</a>, <a href="https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/">XE.com</a>, and<a href="https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/"> CIA World Factbook</a> data from March 2023.</p>  <p>Data shows more expensive countries are generally considered safer travel destinations. Of the countries WorldData.info rated that fall under the Level 1 travel advisory, 31.7% are more expensive than the U.S. Conversely, only 9.8% of countries with a less safe travel advisory are pricier than the U.S.</p>  <p>However, many safe and cost-effective options are also available for U.S. travelers. Asian countries, for example, account for seven out of the top 10 destinations on this list, with various locations in the Central, Southeast, and East Asia regions. Keep reading to learn more about these and other countries where U.S. travelers can maximize their budget.</p>  <p><strong>You may also like: </strong> <a href="https://stacker.com/stories/1469/most-popular-historic-sites-america">Most popular historic sites in America</a></p>

20 of the best travel destinations where the US dollar stretches the most

Since 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic has limited and, in many cases, completely halted international travel, but that's finally changing. The United Nations World Tourism Organization expects global tourism to return to near pre-pandemic levels in 2023.

When planning an international trip, travelers must decide when and where to go, obtain passports and visas, book flights and hotels, and identify any pandemic-related entry requirements . Among these considerations, the cost is one of the most crucial. With travel becoming even more expensive in 2023 due to fuel prices, inflation, and labor shortages, travelers may consider international destinations where they can get the most bang for their buck.

Stacker ranked the top 20 travel destinations where the U.S. dollar stretches the most by combining data from WorldData.info with  country travel advisories issued by the State Department. Countries are only included in this analysis if they meet a Level 1 travel advisory, meaning travelers only need to "exercise normal precautions."

Qualifying countries were then ranked by their WorldData.info cost index, a metric calculated using Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund, and Eurostat data that compares the cost of living in different countries. Additional data points, including exchange rates and geographic location, were compiled using  Google Finance ,  XE.com , and CIA World Factbook data from March 2023.

Data shows more expensive countries are generally considered safer travel destinations. Of the countries WorldData.info rated that fall under the Level 1 travel advisory, 31.7% are more expensive than the U.S. Conversely, only 9.8% of countries with a less safe travel advisory are pricier than the U.S.

However, many safe and cost-effective options are also available for U.S. travelers. Asian countries, for example, account for seven out of the top 10 destinations on this list, with various locations in the Central, Southeast, and East Asia regions. Keep reading to learn more about these and other countries where U.S. travelers can maximize their budget.

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<p>- Cost index: 42.7% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 360.29 Hungarian forints to $1<br> - Region: Europe</p>  <p>Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is also the country's top tourist destination. The city is known for its thermal baths, spas, and various museums, religious sites, and theaters. Budapest is also home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Hungarian House of Parliament.</p>  <p>The building took 17 years to complete and showcased local craftsmanship using only Hungarian raw materials (except for eight giant granite columns). This landmark, located on the banks of the Danube River, draws an estimated 700,000 visitors each year at about $28 per person.</p>

#20. Hungary

- Cost index: 42.7% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 360.29 Hungarian forints to $1 - Region: Europe

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is also the country's top tourist destination. The city is known for its thermal baths, spas, and various museums, religious sites, and theaters. Budapest is also home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Hungarian House of Parliament.

The building took 17 years to complete and showcased local craftsmanship using only Hungarian raw materials (except for eight giant granite columns). This landmark, located on the banks of the Danube River, draws an estimated 700,000 visitors each year at about $28 per person.

<p>- Cost index: 45.3% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 18.50 Mexican pesos to $1<br> - Region: North America</p>  <p>According to the State Department, the Campeche and Yucatán states are the <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html">safest areas of Mexico</a> for tourists. These areas feature plenty of free activities, including beautiful beaches, mangrove forests, and old villages.</p>  <p>Visitors can explore ancient Mayan sites like Uxmal or Chichén Itzá and caverns dating back to 800 B.C. at Grutas de Loltún. Those who prefer to explore local art and culture will find plenty to keep them busy in the Yucatán capital of Mérida.</p>

#19. Mexico

- Cost index: 45.3% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 18.50 Mexican pesos to $1 - Region: North America

According to the State Department, the Campeche and Yucatán states are the safest areas of Mexico for tourists. These areas feature plenty of free activities, including beautiful beaches, mangrove forests, and old villages.

Visitors can explore ancient Mayan sites like Uxmal or Chichén Itzá and caverns dating back to 800 B.C. at Grutas de Loltún. Those who prefer to explore local art and culture will find plenty to keep them busy in the Yucatán capital of Mérida.

<p>- Cost index: 48.9% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 4.40 Polish zloty to $1<br> - Region: Europe</p>  <p>European Best Destinations named Poland's capital <a href="https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/european-best-destinations-2023/">Europe's best destination in 2023</a>. Warsaw beat out 400 other European cities for the title. Warsaw's Old Town offers several popular attractions, like the Royal Castle and the Museum of Warsaw.</p>  <p>Kraków, the former capital of Poland, is another popular Polish destination. Its historic center boasts the largest market square in Europe. Kraków is also known for its art museums and galleries, including the <a href="https://mnk.pl/branch/the-princes-czartoryski-museum/tickets-information">Princes Czartoryski Museum</a>, where visitors can view Leonardo da Vinci's famed "<a href="https://artincontext.org/lady-with-an-ermine-by-leonardo-da-vinci/">Lady With An Ermine</a>" painting for a $9 admission fee.</p>

#18. Poland

- Cost index: 48.9% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 4.40 Polish zloty to $1 - Region: Europe

European Best Destinations named Poland's capital Europe's best destination in 2023 . Warsaw beat out 400 other European cities for the title. Warsaw's Old Town offers several popular attractions, like the Royal Castle and the Museum of Warsaw.

Kraków, the former capital of Poland, is another popular Polish destination. Its historic center boasts the largest market square in Europe. Kraków is also known for its art museums and galleries, including the Princes Czartoryski Museum , where visitors can view Leonardo da Vinci's famed " Lady With An Ermine " painting for a $9 admission fee.

<p>- Cost index: 49.8% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 0.94 euros to $1<br> - Region: Europe</p>  <p>Montenegro is a small but beautiful Mediterranean nation bordering Croatia. The only country on this list that uses the euro, Montenegro has grown to offer high-end hotels and restaurants.</p>  <p>Visitors can save their euros by relaxing here as an alternative to Spain, soaking in Montenegro's stunning bays and rugged natural beauty. Budva is a popular destination with stunning beaches and views alongside a town full of history. Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also offers outdoor enthusiasts an exhilarating hiking and biking experience around the country's tallest peak.</p>

#17. Montenegro

- Cost index: 49.8% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 0.94 euros to $1 - Region: Europe

Montenegro is a small but beautiful Mediterranean nation bordering Croatia. The only country on this list that uses the euro, Montenegro has grown to offer high-end hotels and restaurants.

Visitors can save their euros by relaxing here as an alternative to Spain, soaking in Montenegro's stunning bays and rugged natural beauty. Budva is a popular destination with stunning beaches and views alongside a town full of history. Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also offers outdoor enthusiasts an exhilarating hiking and biking experience around the country's tallest peak.

<p>- Cost index: 51.1% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 1.35 Brunei dollars to $1<br> - Region: Southeast Asia</p>  <p>Brunei is a small country on the island of Borneo where visitors can lounge on one of the many beaches dotting the 100-mile coastline or dive to explore coral reefs and shipwrecks. Almost three-quarters of the country is rainforest, which travelers can explore for free at reserves like the Luagan Lalak Forest Recreation Park, a tranquil spot famed for its serene, mirrorlike waters accessed by a network of wooden walkways.</p>  <p>For those needing an end-of-the-year fix, the country's <a href="https://www.bruneitourism.com/the-brunei-december-festival/">Brunei December Festival</a> also offers a long list of events, including food, entertainment, and celebrations of Islamic culture in the last month of the year.</p>  <p><strong>You may also like: </strong> <a href="https://stacker.com/stories/3147/30-incredible-photos-show-true-power-nature">30 incredible photos that show the true power of nature</a></p>

#16. Brunei

- Cost index: 51.1% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 1.35 Brunei dollars to $1 - Region: Southeast Asia

Brunei is a small country on the island of Borneo where visitors can lounge on one of the many beaches dotting the 100-mile coastline or dive to explore coral reefs and shipwrecks. Almost three-quarters of the country is rainforest, which travelers can explore for free at reserves like the Luagan Lalak Forest Recreation Park, a tranquil spot famed for its serene, mirrorlike waters accessed by a network of wooden walkways.

For those needing an end-of-the-year fix, the country's Brunei December Festival also offers a long list of events, including food, entertainment, and celebrations of Islamic culture in the last month of the year.

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<p>- Cost index: 52.5% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 1.83 Bulgarian leva to $1<br> - Region: Europe</p>  <p>Bulgaria offers seaside resorts that rival those in Western Europe, but with more competitive prices. While visiting this Balkan nation, travelers can also take in the rich local history through its ornate churches, religious art, and ancient ruins. Some of the most popular attractions include the 300 B.C. Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari, the Bachkovo Monastery that features 19th-century hand-painted frescoes, and an ancient Roman amphitheater dating back to the second-century reign of Emperor Trajan.</p>

#15. Bulgaria

- Cost index: 52.5% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 1.83 Bulgarian leva to $1 - Region: Europe

Bulgaria offers seaside resorts that rival those in Western Europe, but with more competitive prices. While visiting this Balkan nation, travelers can also take in the rich local history through its ornate churches, religious art, and ancient ruins. Some of the most popular attractions include the 300 B.C. Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari, the Bachkovo Monastery that features 19th-century hand-painted frescoes, and an ancient Roman amphitheater dating back to the second-century reign of Emperor Trajan.

<p>- Cost index: 53% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 4.62 Romanian lei to $1<br> - Region: Europe</p>  <p>Romania is the least expensive European country for U.S. travelers on this list, offering a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the country's national parks throughout the Carpathian Mountains, the beauty of the Danube delta for wildlife and birdwatching, and the beach resorts along the Black Sea coast.</p>  <p>There are well-preserved <a href="https://romaniatourism.com/medieval-towns.html">medieval towns</a> and ancient castles for travelers more interested in local history. One of the most popular is Transylvania's Bran Castle, best known as the setting of Bram Stoker's "Dracula." Visitors can tour this medieval fortress and castle for $13 or less, depending on the season.</p>

#14. Romania

- Cost index: 53% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 4.62 Romanian lei to $1 - Region: Europe

Romania is the least expensive European country for U.S. travelers on this list, offering a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the country's national parks throughout the Carpathian Mountains, the beauty of the Danube delta for wildlife and birdwatching, and the beach resorts along the Black Sea coast.

There are well-preserved medieval towns and ancient castles for travelers more interested in local history. One of the most popular is Transylvania's Bran Castle, best known as the setting of Bram Stoker's "Dracula." Visitors can tour this medieval fortress and castle for $13 or less, depending on the season.

<p>- Cost index: 60.7% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 18.24 Lesotho loti to $1<br> - Region: Africa</p>  <p>The Southern African country of <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/lesotho">Lesotho</a> is an excellent option for travelers seeking outdoor exploration and adventure on a budget. Visitors can hike through the Bokong Nature Reserve, featuring a stunning waterfall and guided pony tours, or through the nation's most popular preserve, Ts'ehlanyane National Park. Tourists looking to immerse themselves in the local culture should visit the Royal Archives and Museum and the Cultural Village, which educates visitors on Basotho history.</p>

#13. Lesotho

- Cost index: 60.7% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 18.24 Lesotho loti to $1 - Region: Africa

The Southern African country of Lesotho is an excellent option for travelers seeking outdoor exploration and adventure on a budget. Visitors can hike through the Bokong Nature Reserve, featuring a stunning waterfall and guided pony tours, or through the nation's most popular preserve, Ts'ehlanyane National Park. Tourists looking to immerse themselves in the local culture should visit the Royal Archives and Museum and the Cultural Village, which educates visitors on Basotho history.

<p>- Cost index: 61.2% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 4.52 Malaysian ringgits to $1<br> - Region: Southeast Asia</p>  <p>Bordering Brunei, which came in at #16 on this list, Malaysia offers affordable tourist experiences. Kuala Lumpur features big city attractions like the tallest twin towers in the world, a sky bridge, and the family-friendly Sunway Lagoon Theme Park.</p>  <p>The 400-million-year-old Tempurung Cave in Gopeng, Perak, provides more adventurous travelers with <a href="https://www.ipoh-city.com/attraction/Gua_Tempurung/">guided tours</a> lasting up to 3.5 hours for $5 or less. The Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sabah is another popular natural attraction, with trails weaved through the jungle and a steel canopy walkway suspended 82 feet, perfect for birdwatching.</p>

#12. Malaysia

- Cost index: 61.2% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 4.52 Malaysian ringgits to $1 - Region: Southeast Asia

Bordering Brunei, which came in at #16 on this list, Malaysia offers affordable tourist experiences. Kuala Lumpur features big city attractions like the tallest twin towers in the world, a sky bridge, and the family-friendly Sunway Lagoon Theme Park.

The 400-million-year-old Tempurung Cave in Gopeng, Perak, provides more adventurous travelers with guided tours lasting up to 3.5 hours for $5 or less. The Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sabah is another popular natural attraction, with trails weaved through the jungle and a steel canopy walkway suspended 82 feet, perfect for birdwatching.

<p>- Cost index: 61.4% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 7,200 Paraguayan guaranis to $1<br> - Region: South America</p>  <p>Although it may not have as many flashy attractions as the surrounding countries of Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia, Paraguay is just as rich in South American history and culture. The Museo Jesuítica de Santa Fe highlights local Jesuit history through religious carvings, and the Panteón de los Héroes holds the remains of key historical figures.</p>  <p>Those seeking a unique experience can arrange private trips to see the flamingos of <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/paraguay/the-chaco/attractions/chaco-lodge/a/poi-sig/1270823/1327386">Chaco Lodge</a> during the dry season for less than $14 per vehicle, and visitors can even camp on the nature reserve.</p>  <p><strong>You may also like: </strong> <a href="https://stacker.com/stories/37467/us-airlines-most-likely-bump-passengers">US airlines most likely to bump passengers</a></p>

#11. Paraguay

- Cost index: 61.4% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 7,200 Paraguayan guaranis to $1 - Region: South America

Although it may not have as many flashy attractions as the surrounding countries of Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia, Paraguay is just as rich in South American history and culture. The Museo Jesuítica de Santa Fe highlights local Jesuit history through religious carvings, and the Panteón de los Héroes holds the remains of key historical figures.

Those seeking a unique experience can arrange private trips to see the flamingos of Chaco Lodge during the dry season for less than $14 per vehicle, and visitors can even camp on the nature reserve.

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<p>- Cost index: 61.6% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 34.81 Thai bahts to $1<br> - Region: Southeast Asia</p>  <p>Thailand's capital city, Bangkok, is rich with historical and religious sites that tourists won't want to miss. One example is <a href="https://www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/wat-phra-chetuphon-wimonmangkalaram-ratchaworawihan-or-wat-pho">Wat Pho</a>, a grand royal temple considered Thailand's first university, which costs less than $6 for admission. The northern province of Phuket is another popular Thai destination, full of breathtaking beaches and an active nightlife.</p>

#10. Thailand

- Cost index: 61.6% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 34.81 Thai bahts to $1 - Region: Southeast Asia

Thailand's capital city, Bangkok, is rich with historical and religious sites that tourists won't want to miss. One example is Wat Pho , a grand royal temple considered Thailand's first university, which costs less than $6 for admission. The northern province of Phuket is another popular Thai destination, full of breathtaking beaches and an active nightlife.

<p>- Cost index: 63.4% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 4,045 Cambodian riels to $1<br> - Region: Southeast Asia</p>  <p>Cambodia offers a range of activities and attractions that are sure to meet all traveler preferences. Rural areas feature rice paddies, fishing villages, and the Cardamom Mountains, which tourists can admire for free while enjoying the great outdoors.</p>  <p>For those more interested in urban life, cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have a variety of cultural attractions, along with plenty of dining and entertainment options. Cambodia's top attraction, however, is the temple of Angkor Wat, where visitors can spend hours touring the largest religious structure in the world.</p>

#9. Cambodia

- Cost index: 63.4% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 4,045 Cambodian riels to $1 - Region: Southeast Asia

Cambodia offers a range of activities and attractions that are sure to meet all traveler preferences. Rural areas feature rice paddies, fishing villages, and the Cardamom Mountains, which tourists can admire for free while enjoying the great outdoors.

For those more interested in urban life, cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have a variety of cultural attractions, along with plenty of dining and entertainment options. Cambodia's top attraction, however, is the temple of Angkor Wat, where visitors can spend hours touring the largest religious structure in the world.

<p>- Cost index: 64.6% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 3,538 Mongolian tugriks to $1<br> - Region: East Asia</p>  <p>Mongolia, the only East Asian country on this list, is known for the vast beauty of the Gobi Desert. Visitors can climb enormous sand dunes at Khongoryn Els, search for wildlife and dinosaur fossils at Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, or marvel at the great glacier in Yolyn Am Gorge. Mongolia also has numerous active monasteries open to the public. <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/mongolia/central-mongolia/kharkhorin-karakorum/attractions/erdene-zuu-khiid/a/poi-sig/434944/357030">Erdene Zuu Khiid</a>, the first Buddhist monastery in the country, allows visitors to explore the grounds for free and offers guided tours of the 16th-century temple for less than $1.50.</p>

#8. Mongolia

- Cost index: 64.6% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 3,538 Mongolian tugriks to $1 - Region: East Asia

Mongolia, the only East Asian country on this list, is known for the vast beauty of the Gobi Desert. Visitors can climb enormous sand dunes at Khongoryn Els, search for wildlife and dinosaur fossils at Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, or marvel at the great glacier in Yolyn Am Gorge. Mongolia also has numerous active monasteries open to the public. Erdene Zuu Khiid , the first Buddhist monastery in the country, allows visitors to explore the grounds for free and offers guided tours of the 16th-century temple for less than $1.50.

<p>- Cost index: 65% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 34.48 Surinamese dollars to $1<br> - Region: South America</p>  <p>Suriname is South America's smallest country, but it has a surprising variety of historic attractions and a growing ecotourism industry. The Brownsberg Nature Park, set within a lush jungle, is home to various monkey species and is the perfect spot for birdwatchers. Adventurous tourists can camp there for as little as $1.50 or rent group lodges from $3.50.</p>  <p>Another must-see attraction includes Paramaribo's <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/the-guianas/suriname/paramaribo/attractions/central-market/a/poi-sig/437186/363444">Central Market</a>, which has a separate market of herbs and mysterious concoctions where no photography is allowed. Also worth checking out is the 18th-century Fort Zeelandia and Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral-Basilica, which claims to be the Western Hemisphere's largest wooden building.</p>

#7. Suriname

- Cost index: 65% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 34.48 Surinamese dollars to $1 - Region: South America

Suriname is South America's smallest country, but it has a surprising variety of historic attractions and a growing ecotourism industry. The Brownsberg Nature Park, set within a lush jungle, is home to various monkey species and is the perfect spot for birdwatchers. Adventurous tourists can camp there for as little as $1.50 or rent group lodges from $3.50.

Another must-see attraction includes Paramaribo's Central Market , which has a separate market of herbs and mysterious concoctions where no photography is allowed. Also worth checking out is the 18th-century Fort Zeelandia and Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral-Basilica, which claims to be the Western Hemisphere's largest wooden building.

<p>- Cost index: 65.6% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 23,675 Vietnamese dong to $1<br> - Region: Southeast Asia</p>  <p>Two of <a href="https://vietnam.travel/sites/default/files/2021-03/Beginner%27s%20Guide%20to%20Vietnam%20NOW.pdf">Vietnam's top destinations</a> are Hanoi, a northern city known for its architecture and museums, and Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling southern cultural hub. The capital city of Hanoi is rich with historical attractions like the nearly 1,000-year-old One Pillar Pagoda and the much newer Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, each offering admission for less than $1.50. In Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), tourists can enjoy boutique shopping, delicious street foods, and motorbike tours of the city.</p>  <p><strong>You may also like: </strong> <a href="https://stacker.com/stories/3258/what-50-top-tourist-destinations-looked-50-years-ago">What 50 top tourist destinations looked like 50 years ago</a></p>

#6. Vietnam

- Cost index: 65.6% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 23,675 Vietnamese dong to $1 - Region: Southeast Asia

Two of Vietnam's top destinations  are Hanoi, a northern city known for its architecture and museums, and Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling southern cultural hub. The capital city of Hanoi is rich with historical attractions like the nearly 1,000-year-old One Pillar Pagoda and the much newer Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, each offering admission for less than $1.50. In Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), tourists can enjoy boutique shopping, delicious street foods, and motorbike tours of the city.

You may also like: What 50 top tourist destinations looked like 50 years ago

<p>- Cost index: 66.7% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 507.50 Angolan kwanzas to $1<br> - Region: Africa</p>  <p>Angola welcomes tourists with vast stretches of beach in the capital city of Luanda, as well as Benguela and Namibe. While in Luanda, visit the city's oldest surviving building, <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/angola/luanda/attractions/museu-central-das-forcas-armadas/a/poi-sig/1071554/355089">Fortaleza de São Miguel</a>, a 1576 fortress that now houses a museum tourists can enjoy for the low price of $2.50. Angola is also committed to preserving local land and wildlife through reserves like the National Park of Iona in Namibe, where visitors can see zebra, springbok, and even cheetahs roaming free.</p>  <p>Travelers should note that, since October 2022, the British Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has <a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/angola">advised against nonessential travel</a> to the province of Cabinda (excluding Cabinda City) and Angola's border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.</p>

- Cost index: 66.7% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 507.50 Angolan kwanzas to $1 - Region: Africa

Angola welcomes tourists with vast stretches of beach in the capital city of Luanda, as well as Benguela and Namibe. While in Luanda, visit the city's oldest surviving building, Fortaleza de São Miguel , a 1576 fortress that now houses a museum tourists can enjoy for the low price of $2.50. Angola is also committed to preserving local land and wildlife through reserves like the National Park of Iona in Namibe, where visitors can see zebra, springbok, and even cheetahs roaming free.

Travelers should note that, since October 2022, the British Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has advised against nonessential travel to the province of Cabinda (excluding Cabinda City) and Angola's border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

<p>- Cost index: 67.8% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 2.58 Georgian laris to $1<br> - Region: Middle East</p>  <p>Georgia, the only Middle Eastern country to make this list, offers a lot to travelers—beautiful mountain views and lush green valleys to a growing scene of bars, restaurants, and clubs, among other features. Those interested in history will enjoy the ancient cave cities of Vardzia and Uplistsikhe or the unmissable hilltop Tsminda Sameba Cathedral with its gold-covered cross and dome.</p>  <p>For an admission fee of less than $6, tourists can visit a museum about the life of dictator Joseph Stalin in his birthplace, Gori. Travelers considering a trip to Georgia should be mindful of political tensions within the country. As of October 2022, the U.S. Department of State recommends avoiding the regions of <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/georgia-travel-advisory.html">Abkhazia and South Ossetia</a>. Travelers should also be aware of the potential <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/03/09/georgia-is-a-new-front-in-vladimir-putin-s-hybrid-war/44888f6c-be61-11ed-9350-7c5fccd598ad_story.html">impacts of Russian efforts</a> to destabilize the area.</p>

#4. Georgia

- Cost index: 67.8% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 2.58 Georgian laris to $1 - Region: Middle East

Georgia, the only Middle Eastern country to make this list, offers a lot to travelers—beautiful mountain views and lush green valleys to a growing scene of bars, restaurants, and clubs, among other features. Those interested in history will enjoy the ancient cave cities of Vardzia and Uplistsikhe or the unmissable hilltop Tsminda Sameba Cathedral with its gold-covered cross and dome.

For an admission fee of less than $6, tourists can visit a museum about the life of dictator Joseph Stalin in his birthplace, Gori. Travelers considering a trip to Georgia should be mindful of political tensions within the country. As of October 2022, the U.S. Department of State recommends avoiding the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia . Travelers should also be aware of the potential impacts of Russian efforts to destabilize the area.

<p>- Cost index: 70% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 82.01 Bhutanese ngultrums to $1<br> - Region: Southeast Asia</p>  <p>The Tourism Council of Bhutan <a href="https://www.travelandleisure.com/bhutan-reopens-how-to-plan-your-trip-6742760">previously required tourists</a> to have a full-time guide, use pre-approved itineraries, and check in at immigration checkpoints; however, the country has loosened these restrictions. Although Bhutan requires guides for some attractions or to venture outside the cities of Thimphu and Paro, this new approach allows tourists to explore more freely, absorbing the local culture, food, and shopping.</p>  <p>Visitors will also enjoy the country's many newly restored attractions, including the centuries-old Trans-Bhutan Trail and the National Museum of Bhutan, with an <a href="https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.bt/index.php/visiting-hours/">admission fee</a> of just over $6.</p>

- Cost index: 70% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 82.01 Bhutanese ngultrums to $1 - Region: Southeast Asia

The Tourism Council of Bhutan previously required tourists to have a full-time guide, use pre-approved itineraries, and check in at immigration checkpoints; however, the country has loosened these restrictions. Although Bhutan requires guides for some attractions or to venture outside the cities of Thimphu and Paro, this new approach allows tourists to explore more freely, absorbing the local culture, food, and shopping.

Visitors will also enjoy the country's many newly restored attractions, including the centuries-old Trans-Bhutan Trail and the National Museum of Bhutan, with an admission fee of just over $6.

<p>- Cost index: 74.7% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 87.42 Kyrgystani Som to $1<br> - Region: Central Asia</p>  <p>Kyrgyzstan—dubbed the "land of celestial mountains" because of its Tien Shan and Pamir mountain ranges—features various ways to explore the country's beauty and nomadic lifestyle inexpensively. Visitors can take tours by bike, horseback, jeep, and motorbike, while more adventurous travelers may consider hiking, mountain climbing, or white-water rafting. To learn more about the country's history, tourists can visit sites along the Great Silk Road, the ancient trade route that connected the East to the West.</p>  <p>Travelers to Kyrgyzstan should steer clear of its border with Tajikistan, however. The U.S. State Department has issued a <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Kyrgyzstan.html">travel warning</a> for the area since November 2022.</p>

#2. Kyrgyzstan

- Cost index: 74.7% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 87.42 Kyrgystani Som to $1 - Region: Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan—dubbed the "land of celestial mountains" because of its Tien Shan and Pamir mountain ranges—features various ways to explore the country's beauty and nomadic lifestyle inexpensively. Visitors can take tours by bike, horseback, jeep, and motorbike, while more adventurous travelers may consider hiking, mountain climbing, or white-water rafting. To learn more about the country's history, tourists can visit sites along the Great Silk Road, the ancient trade route that connected the East to the West.

Travelers to Kyrgyzstan should steer clear of its border with Tajikistan, however. The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning for the area since November 2022.

<p>- Cost index: 78.2% cheaper than the U.S.<br> - Exchange rate: 11,405 Uzbekistani Som to $1<br> - Region: Central Asia</p>  <p>Uzbekistan, another country along the Great Silk Road, offers travelers a rich history of Islamic culture. Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in central Asia and home to a must-see attraction: the Registan. This area served as the town's trading area during medieval times, and visitors can now access its mosque and three beautifully designed madrassas (Muslim schools) for just over $2.50.</p>  <p>The 2,500-year-old city of Bukhara is another worthy stop, where travelers will appreciate the architecture of its mosques, bathhouses, and the Kalon Minaret, a towering structure over 150 feet tall with 14 exquisite ornamental bands.</p>  <p><strong>You may also like: </strong> <a href="https://stacker.com/stories/3404/25-extreme-getaways">25 extreme getaways</a></p>

#1. Uzbekistan

- Cost index: 78.2% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 11,405 Uzbekistani Som to $1 - Region: Central Asia

Uzbekistan, another country along the Great Silk Road, offers travelers a rich history of Islamic culture. Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in central Asia and home to a must-see attraction: the Registan. This area served as the town's trading area during medieval times, and visitors can now access its mosque and three beautifully designed madrassas (Muslim schools) for just over $2.50.

The 2,500-year-old city of Bukhara is another worthy stop, where travelers will appreciate the architecture of its mosques, bathhouses, and the Kalon Minaret, a towering structure over 150 feet tall with 14 exquisite ornamental bands.

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News March 13, 2024

Top 7 luxury destinations you should have on your bucket list in 2024.

world's best tourist destinations 2023

Luxury travel expert Stephanie Davis has stayed at the best resorts around the world, and says these are the top seven luxury destinations to book in 2024. 1: Passalacqua , Lake Como, Italy “Passalacqua is my number one destination in the world for too many reasons to count,” Davis said. “I was not surprised when the prestigious World’s 50 Best Hotels Organization named the Lake Como villa as the World’s Best Hotel for 2023. It is a romance of the senses with its captivating views of Lake Como, fragrant smells that loom from the rose gardens, impeccable flavors of cuisine, faint sounds of Italian opera music playing in the background, and the top-notch service that makes you feel like royalty.” With just 24 rooms, Passalacqua offers privacy and exclusivity, creating an intimate atmosphere that makes you feel truly important. Guests will find a cigar boat at the base of the villa, with a “charming” Italian boat captain offering tours around the lake or into Bellagio for a day trip,” Davis said. “Passalacqua, simply put, is a fantasy contrasting reality.” 2: Burj Al Arab , Dubai, UAE The Burj Al Arab is the epitome of luxury, often hailed as the world’s only seven-star hotel. “Renowned for its unparalleled service, opulent amenities and the fact that every room is a suite, the Burj ensures a stay that surpasses traditional standards with an over-the-top vibe,” Davis said. The hotel’s lavish interior is adorned with real gold accents, adding an extra layer of sophistication to an indulgent experience. “Relax by the pool in your private Cabana with Crystal and Caviar service and soak up the Arabian sun while socializing with the who’s-who of Dubai, Davis said. “Don’t forget to order their famous $50.00 Gold Latte made with real gold and don the signature gold mustache for a selfie.” 3: Jaoli , Maldives Davis said Joali is an “unparalleled” destination for couples seeking an intimate and romantic escape. “If you are looking for the perfect honeymoon destination or marriage revival trip this is your place. The vast over-the-water rooms, luxurious and beautifully designed, with their own private pool and 24-hour butler service offer a sanctuary like no other,” Davis said. Joali has five restaurants to choose from, or guests can plan a romantic private dinner and movie on the beach. For an even more private beach excursion, guests can rent a private island for the day — clothing optional. Guests can snorkel and swim with the turtles, or, if they’re feeling more social, can visit the infinity pool next to the bar and enjoy the serene surroundings and turquoise sea while sipping a Mai Tai out of a coconut. “Joali combines opulence, eco-consciousness, romance and spirituality, making it the standout destination in the Maldives,” Davis said. 4: The Oberoi Rajvilas , Jaipur, India “Choosing to stay at the Oberoi Rajvilas in India's Pink City, means immersing yourself in a world of luxury,” Davis said. “Every detail from accommodation, to spa, pool, cultural immersion, and dining is meticulously crafted to ensure a stay that is nothing short of extraordinary and relaxing.” Guests can soak in a candlelit bathtub that is filled with rose petals every night, visit the spa for a tranquil massage and facial, enjoy authentic Rajasthani cuisine, and get henna by the pool surrounded by peacocks. 5: Forestis , Italian Dolomites “Forestis is perfect for the active traveler seeking a blend of health, wellness, exploration, and luxury,” Davis said. “This destination is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.” Guests can ride a mountain bike through breathtaking scenery or hike to the gondola for lunch at the peak of the mountain. Forestis focuses on healthy cuisine, incorporating local fresh ingredients for a nutritious dining experience. “Watch the sun disappear behind the Dolomite Mountains from your balcony bed while you sip on wine and toast to nature's embrace,” Davis advised. 6: Eden Rock , St. Barts, Caribbean Eden Rock is a favored destination for celebrities and others who appreciate the finer things in life. It’s famous for its lavish accommodations, stunning views, and vibrant entertainment. “Sip rose slushies on your beach day-bed and rub shoulders with celebrities while getting a Caribbean tan,” Davis advised. “A favorite room is the Garbo Suite, which offers one of the best views on the property, your own balcony and garden for relaxing. The world famous Nikki Beach is steps away where you can stand on tables, dance, and fist pump your way into oblivion, or simply enjoy some of the best people watching in the Caribbean.” 7: The Springs Resort and Spa , Costa Rica The Springs Resort and Spa offers a unique blend of luxury and adventure, making it the perfect match for those seeking opulence and excitement. Take a fast-paced horseback riding adventure through the jungle, or try the heart-pounding whitewater rafting tour,” Davis recommends. “You can embark on adrenaline-pumping adventures or choose to relax in the spa and palatial suites. Take a dip in the hot springs for a relaxing soak or unique tubing experience. It is the best of both worlds and all set against the backdrop of Costa Rica’s stunning scenery.” Davis, an Ironman triathlete, now finds her thrills escaping to luxury destinations around the world, sharing her journeys on Instagram , and wants others to believe in a dream vacation of their own. No matter where you decide to visit, Davis advises packing a universal appliance adapter for anything that needs to be plugged in or charged, along with some snacks, because “bringing a little bit of home to a foreign country is always a nice treat to have.”

TMX contributed to this story.

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  2. Top 20 Most Visited Countries In The World 2023

    world's best tourist destinations 2023

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    world's best tourist destinations 2023

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