Where to Travel in 2023
Each year gives us a fresh slate for planning and selecting where to go. Having a trip to look forward to helps your mental health. It’s science!
The reason why January and February are such watershed moments for travel booking is that the holidays are behind us, depending on where you are based — it’s cold, and you need a light at the end of the tunnel. A trip is just the ticket!
Here is a list of the top destinations to put on your travel calendar for 2023.
1.The United States
Credit: Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection
You don’t need to take an international flight to get off the grid or feel like you’ve unplugged! A brand that I really like to recommend for domestic travel is Auberge Resorts Collection, which has properties in Colorado, Utah, Aspen, Napa, New Mexico, Maine, Rhode Island, Hudson Valley (NY), and more. All you have to really decide is your vibe and travel inspiration for the trip. Let me help you narrow it down and book with my special travel agent perks.
Head to Ted Turner Reserves in New Mexico. The properties center around the most innovative sustainable practices as reported by my sustainable guru and teacher - Rose O’Connor, founder of Sustainable Wanderlust. I’m taking her travel advisor training course this year so I cannot wait to report back in more detail. We’re going in May and we have some great connections there in the meantime should you want to visit.
2. Portugal & Spain
These two countries make for a great trip if you’re looking to pair two destinations. It’s been hot hot hot lately with planning for clients and there are a lot of reasons why. Each country ticks off so many boxes: food, wine, culture, history, beach, and architecture.
Give Italy a break y’all. I love it too but there are some amazing places to consider that give off the Italy vibes and are equally amazing. People are “catching onto them” now, so book right away as inventory is getting snapped up and rates are rising.
3. Lebanon - The Paris of the Middle East
Come with me! The country is one of my favorite places in the world. This year, I’ve decided to organize a small group so we’re able to stay at the boutique hotels and guest house favorites. We’ll host intimate and immersive activities with the locals. Sip wine, dine and enjoy the splendor of this complex, yet intoxicating country. The trip has been published here and on sale now. Only 12 spots available September 1-9, 2023.
4. Africa Safari & Beach
These new flight routes are making it easier to get there and take shorter safaris, which means less time you have to take off work. Get in a safari vehicle or hot air balloon over the Maasai Mara; sleep under the stars in a star bed and witness the great migration. The safari offerings can be accompanied by incredible beach spots like Diani Beach in Kenya, the Mozambique archipelago, Zanzibar, Seychelles, or South Africa. Many honeymooners like to pair the magic of game-watching with rest and relaxation so I recommend it to many clients.
5. Slovenia
Another under-the-radar European destination is Slovenia. Known for its sustainability and beauty, it’s a must-visit and coupling a few surrounding countries like Croatia, Bosnia, and Montenegro for example if you have the time. Slovenia has endless things to offer in the small country including enchanting towns, lush forests, crystal clear green lakes, medieval castles, and much more to keep you captivated as well as a great destination for those repeat European travelers seeking something new.
6. Colombia
This South American country has seen a lot of changes for the better in the last few years, and it’s a hot destination to put on your list — not only is the weather great year-round but there is also so much to see, do, and eat! Everyone that has returned has raved about it from culture to scenery, beaches to cities. We have a few great travel partners there that I’d love to put to work to organize a custom trip there for you!
7. Go Nordic! Norway, Sweden’s Ice Hotel
Recently I’ve been captivated by the idea of whimsical winter activities in the Nordic countries like dogsledding, cozying up in an igloo to sleep under the stars, and feeding the reindeer. Stay in THE Ice Hotel which gets remade every year, see the Northern Lights, be absolutely in awe of the fjords, and get into winter retreat ideas for the end of 2023. Consider stitching a few countries together in the itinerary to get your Viking life on.
8. Costa Rica
Costa Rica has something for everyone, especially the active traveler. Make time to visit this lush destination with endless options of activities from zip-lining to white water rafting, and surfing to hot springs and volcanos. Set aside a week or more because you’ll find you barely scratch the surface before you have to leave. If you want to see it all, the best way to get around is to keep a flexible itinerary and rent a car to get to harder-to-reach places. My client Vamos Rent-A-Car is a locally-owned independent rental company that has locations near both International airports and offers lots of perks you won’t get from larger rental companies in the country. Work with a travel advisor like me to arrange all your the trip details for a seamless hassle-free experience.
Consider the method of travel
This year is not just about the destination but also about how you get there. There are so many options coming on the market when it comes to luxury train travel through Spain, Scotland, France, Italy, the UK, and more, expedition and specialty cruising to places like Antarctica, Alaska, Galapagos, and the Fjords of Norway for example. I’m always happy to share the best and latest on the market like Explora Journeys, which has its maiden voyages this year.
Cruising in back in a big way.
Not only is cruise travel gaining momentum but Cruise Line International Association has reported the industry is making concerted efforts to make cruising more sustainable. Personally, I love a slower pace via a river cruise or hotel barge through the canals of France, stopping off at smaller ports, and getting those boutique vibes.
My trip report is here from the most recent one we took through the Netherlands and Belgium.
Ready to plan your next trip? Let the Trip Whisperer team know where you want to go, and how to maximize your time by making a plan with an expert.
Thanks for indulging in my love of travel planning and dreaming. Happy travels!
