At this time of year, we like to fantasize about what the coming year may bring, and the following places are high on our list to visit. The new year is a time for new beginnings and exciting vacation plans.
Find out why these 14 places are at the top of our list for this year’s trip. We have some lofty goals for 2023, including visiting the pyramids in Egypt and going on a safari in South Africa to witness wild elephants. This calls for significant events, significant symbols, and significant recollections. I say, “Shall we?”
Explore Norwegian fjords
Need an excuse to go to Norway? This may be your year, so make it 2023. Sognefjord is known as the “King of the Fjords,” Getting there could be the most exhilarating train ride in the world. The route takes passengers through the beautiful Flm Valley, the Kjosfossen Falls (where the legendary woodland spirit who dances and draws men into the mountains lives), and finally, the fjord. Not only will you wake up at the Sognefjord Hotel, situated on a peninsula jutting into the deep waters of the fjord, but you will also be surrounded by rich, breathtaking surroundings.
Venture Downunder
Why not add a trip to either Australia or New Zealand to your itinerary for 2023 if these two countries have been on your travel wish list for as long as you can remember?
Before moving on to New Zealand, a visit to the Great Barrier Reef, an encounter with koalas and kangaroos in wildlife sanctuaries, and a tour through lush, picturesque forests should take up all of the time that is available in your itinerary for the first two weeks. You’ll get to know the inhabitants in Maori villages, and Queenstown, known as the “adventure capital of the world,” is where you’ll go to pursue an adrenaline rush.
Tick off the Rocky Mountains
One of Canada’s must-see places is the Rocky Mountains. Take a scenic trip focusing on the stunning surroundings to see the snow-capped peaks. You’ll start in Stampede country, visit Jasper and Banff, Lake Louise, and even take an Ice Explorer to explore the Athabasca Glacier.
Eat tapas in Seville
There’s something extremely distinctive about southern Spain. When you visit the fiery city of Seville, you’ll get to know the culture of Andalucia. This vast and colorful city exhibits a rich history and is one of Spain’s top destinations. Visit Christopher Columbus’ tomb, roam the 14th-century Moorish Alcazar, and experience flamenco’s passion, rhythms, and clapping beats.
Explore the Amazonian Rainforest
The Amazon is one of those must-visit locations that feels like another world. You’ve probably heard about it on the news, read about it in publications, and even watched documentaries discussing the significance of the world’s largest rainforest – the source of life on Earth and a region of exceptional biodiversity.
Join a local guide on a guided tour beneath the towering canopy and search for timid capybaras and enormous anaconda coils. In this unique region of Brazil, learn about the indigenous Amazonians’ culture, rituals, and heritage and partake in the knowledge handed down from generation to generation.
Go to Memphis & follow the music
You can’t help but fall in love with the American city best known for its rock ‘n’ roll, soul, and blues music past. Albert King, Louis Armstrong, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King have all walked these streets; soon, you will too.
Even better, Memphis is the starting place for a trip where you can learn about the Civil Rights Movement in the American South from people who were there. Meet activists, visit museums, devour delicious cuisine and pay your respects on this vibrant cultural trip.
Tour Egypt & see the pyramids
Close your eyes and picture yourself exploring the ancient Egyptian kingdom as you visit the Great Pyramids of Giza. Travel to Memphis to see the famous Sphinx of Alabaster and the Colossus of Ramses II. Travel to Giza to see the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, and then to Saqqara to see the Step Pyramid.
Experience the variety that is Japan
Everyone should visit Japan at least once because it has everything, from ancient customs to incredibly modern cities. Learn about ancient traditions, such as spending the night in a traditional ryokan, as well as contemporary practices, such as dining in restaurants run by robots, to better understand both sides of this peculiar country.
Go on an African safari
Safaris let you see wild lions, tigers, elephants, and giraffes. Kruger National Park is ideal for your first safari. The fantastic “Big 5,” Little 5, and everything in between is here. Book your fantasy safari to South Africa, then play that Toto song and dance around your living room.
Jig your way through Ireland
When you tour unique Ireland in 2023, you can jog in Galway, drink a pint in Dublin, and lap the Ring of Kerry. There is no shortage of magic on the Emerald Isle between the warm people and famous sights like Ashford Castle and the Cliffs of Moher. Take the chance to explore with awe this year if Ireland has been on your bucket list for a while.
A vacation in Italy for a week
Italy is constantly on our minds. There’s something timeless about the beauty, food, people, and cities that bring us back again and again. A week-long trek through the boot eating your weight in pasta and pizza should be on the cards if you only have time for a brief vacation in 2023 (or want to add an extra quick excursion to your holiday calendar). Italy is a destination we’ll always be proud of, whether it’s our first or seventh visit.
Explore lovely U.S. national parks
There are dozens of magnificent national parks in the United States, with sites as iconic as the Eiffel Tower and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Take a week-long journey from Denver to Las Vegas, passing by Grand Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, and many other must-see destinations.
Cruise along Croatia’s coast
Even though we love our high-tech buses, some places are better seen by boat or train. Swap the four wheels for the captain’s wheel and take a nine-day trip from Dubrovnik to Split in Croatia across the Adriatic Sea. Spend sunny days on beautiful islands, explore Roman ruins and the empire of the Venetians, and eat fresh seafood caught from the sea.
India: A Place of Peace
Relax and enjoy the exotic aroma of spices, the soothing sound of lapping water, the beautiful landscape, and the vibrant colors of the serene Kerala region. Kerala is one of the most popular places in India to take it easy because of its beautiful landscape and abundant tea plantations. It’s also known as a major producer of spices. Remember to stock up on flavorful spices to use at home.
Do you plan to travel to any of these unique places in 2023? Comment about the most exciting places you hope to visit this year…
