5 places to go in 2023

If you’ve been visiting our website for a while, you’ll know that each year, we pin-point five destinations that we think are about to pop. While other websites have lists of fifty (or more!) destinations to visit in the coming year — we think that’s kind of ridiculous. No one’s got the time to go to that many places in twelve months. So, here’s our much more realistic list of five destinations around the globe, where you might reasonably be expected to visit, and which we think will be smokin’ hot in the new year.

Jordan

Jordan is frequently an add-on to visits to Egypt or Israel. But we’re seeing that it’s now becoming a destination worthy of a visit in and of itself. Take in sprawling vistas from Mount Nebo. Float in the Dead Sea’s ethereal waters at Wadi Rum. See the ancient walled city of Umm ar-Rasas, and of course, Petra, with its giant red mountains and vast mausoleums. We’re predicting that Jordan will have its moment in 2023.

Portugal

Portugal has been on our list before, and we keep coming back to it because it’s probably our favorite destination in Europe. The food is incredible. The people are lovely. The scenery is gorgeous. And it doesn’t have to break the bank! You can easily have a luxury experience in Portugal on a 4-star budget. Lisbon and Porto are a must, but we’d recommend going out and seeing the rest of the country, as well. Small towns like Óbidos or Piñhao are definitely worthwhile, and, of course, you won’t want to miss the summer palaces at Sintra.

Japan

Japan was one of the slowest destinations to re-open to travelers, post-pandemic. So, we’re predicting that this year will be busier than ever for the destination. We’d suggest an arts and culture tour with a special kaiseki-course dinner at an award-winning restaurant, visits to museums and temples, and a stay in a traditional ryokan. Visit craft shops and artisan studios in historical villages, gardens that change colors with the seasons and centuries-old castles. Attend a performance of the “Miyako Odori,” performed by Geisha and Maiko. This is definitely the year to check Japan off of your list.

Polar Expeditions

Kayak, snorkel and brave a polar plunge on a trip to the Arctic or Antarctic. We have some incredible supplier partners who specialize in expedition cruises to the polar regions. Whether you’re visiting the Antarctic Penninsula or sailing the Northwest Passage, these are the trips of a lifetime. And don’t forget about Svalbard, the Faroe Islands in the north, or the Falklands and South Georgia Island in the south. These remote destinations are fascinating and we’re predicting that they’re really going to pop this year. As travel resumes, our clients are going bigger and better — and you couldn’t hope to find something that fits that bill as well as a polar expedition.

Tanzania

An East Africa safari is a spectacular experience, and we’re somewhat partial to Tanzania. We visited in 2021, and had an incredible experience, but in 2022, Africa was not as popular a destination as we expected. That’s why we think 2023 is the year to go. Crowds are slower to return, and your safari experience will be exceptional. Stay in a luxury treehouse built around a baobab tree, or at a working coffee plantation. Look for the big five on a game drive. Visit a Maasai family and learn about their way of life. A safari is a life-changing experience, and there’s no better place to do it than Tanzania.

What do you think? Ready to travel in 2023? We’re here to help you plan your next great adventure. Get in touch with us!