It’s a new year, which means new travel opportunities, new experiences to enjoy. So where should we all be aiming to travel in 2023 as our heads recover from the parties and Christmas excesses, and life settles back into its old routine?
We’ve researched, spoken to the experts and come up with a list as long as your arm! Whittling it down to a few places wasn’t easy, but we’ve picked out the places you should put on your 2023 travel wish-list.
Whether it’s visiting family or friends, the need for some warmth and sun or you’re looking for the next gastronomic experience. Our picks of the best destinations to visit in 2023 will give you the inspiration you need to make the right choices.
Europe
Portugal – The Portuguese capital Lisbon continues to entice and enthral. You have the famous landmarks, the history and architecture. Plus those seven hills to climb! Not forgetting that the Atlantic coastline is within easy reach. A city full of old-world charm, it’s easy to spend a weekend here. And that’s before mentioning that you have to try the fresh local sardines and take a ride on the iconic yellow trams!
Austria – Oh Vienna! This classic city is a chocolate box full of treats! Known as the ‘City of Music’ you come here for the cultural scene. Let’s list some greats who have embraced or called Vienna their home. Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud.
Come here and you’ll find yourself immersed in the cultural legacy. Just a walk around the compact city and its baroque stylings will ensure a visit here is nothing short of magical. Another weekend getaway for 2023.
France – The Provence region is one of the most beautiful areas of Europe. Head there during the summer and the sweet scent of Lavender will tiggle your nose and send your senses into overdrive. Castles and hillside towns that are like you are stepping out of the 20th century and into the 18th! Then you have the towns such as Aix-en-Provence and the city of Marseille, perfect bases to ensure you capture the best of this region.
Africa
Morocco – Their players have just enthralled the world at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and to add to those celebrations, the country is high on the list for visits during 2023. Marrakech is a city that’s bursting with colour and surrounded by rugged Atlas Mountains and the Saharan deserts.
With its cultural influences and traditions alongside modern stylings and old two Medina. There’s enough for any adventurer seeker looking for an alternative destination in the coming year.
Egypt – The grand pyramids of Giza have long attracted people to visiting Egypt’s shores. This coming year is no exception. You can either base yourself in the sprawling capital of Cairo and head out to places like Alexandria City or you could visit the resorts of Sharm El Sheikh. Whether it’s for winter sun or a trip to discover the Pharaohs, well, make sure that this African country is top of your wish list.
Middle East
Doha – It’s presented itself to the world during the FIFA World Cup. So, now the show has finished and perhaps your travel juices have seen enough to want to go, then make Doha the place to travel in 2023.
Modern though it is, there are several places you can visit and activities you can do that hark back to its past. Shopping malls and souks mingle for your attention, and money! World-class museums offer interesting exhibits and with almost non-stop sun, you have beaches and water-filled fun to mix in. Neighbours such as Dubai have hogged the limelight for a long time. It’s Doha’s turn now.
Asia
Japan – The clamour to visit here is huge! Really, make no mistake, Tokyo and other key regions around the country are going to be big in 2023. Welcoming visitors back to their shores, you are guaranteed a culinary and cultural feast of fun. The capital, Tokyo is the big draw of course, and with so much to offer, it’s not hard to see why.
Try to head for the regions, Kyushu, the southern island has a very different feel, and the north, Hokkaido is where the spring and summer come into their own among the mountain ranges. Add in the cherry blossom season in late March to early April, and the return to Japan has begun.
Photo by Louie Martinez on Unsplash
Malaysia – Truly Asia as the moto goes. And there is no mistaking that Kuala Lumpur is a big draw when it comes to where to head in 2023. The capital, KL as it’s affectionately known, offers it grand mix of Chinese, Indian and English cultures. Mashed together to great effect. One minute you are looking at some English colonial buildings and the next at the heart of the Chinese influences.
This is a city as vibrant and enticing as any other Asian capital, and when you mix in the stunning island of Phuket, and the northern shores, close to Thailand’s border. Variety is very much on the cards coming here.
America
Central California Coast – I realise it’s very specific, but what’s not to like about taking a driving holiday down one of the most iconic regions of the country? With San Francisco to the north and Los Angeles to the south, you have two major destinations to base yourself. California dreaming!
Oceania
Auckland – The world of football shifts from Doha to New Zealand in 2023. The FIFA Woman’s World Cup is heading down under, and all eyes will be on Auckland. With its harbours and stunning skyline, you have a brilliant base to not only enjoy the football but the city itself.
Sydney – Our last choice takes us to one of the top destinations in Australia. There’s no getting away from the pulling power of this city. The Opera house and harbour remain major draws, plus the Sydney vibes. Sip on the coffee and then head out for some exploring.
There we are, where to travel in 2023. It’s not an exhaustive list, as many other places are offering plenty of travel delights. Our list gives you something to think about as you start your travel planning for the year ahead.
Have you got a destination we should have featured? Let us know by commenting below and we’ll add to our list. Happy travels in 2023.
