New year, new places to travel. So where should you go next?

2023 is the year to be wild and free and visit those places you never thought were possible. However, choosing a destination can be overwhelming, so let’s break down where the top travel places are in 2023 and what makes each location unique.

Below is a curated list of the top places to go in 2023, as I cross-referenced Forbes, Travel + Leisure, and other travel sites. So let’s see which is the perfect destination for your next getaway adventure!

New Zealand 

New Zealand is the perfect place to travel in 2023, with its exquisite landscapes, rolling hills, snow-capped mountain ranges, ancient arctic glaciers, and breathtaking coastlines. However, New Zealand is not only about the land’s beauty. Visitors can dive into the preserved Maori culture and history, take trips to local cascading vineyards, and stroll through the city streets to find those hidden gems. Whether you visit the picturesque city of Queenstown or head to Auckland for a more vibrant city scene, you will have an incredible time.

If you need more convincing to travel to New Zealand, the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be hosted in the summer of 2023 in Auckland and is one of the most significant events to take place here! No doubt the city will be vibrant and full of celebration as the hospitality of the locals will welcome visitors from all over the world! Start your planning now; it’s sure to book up fast!

Now let’s take a look and see which top New Zealand city is for you!

Queenstown 

Queenstown is said to be one of the most stunning towns in the world. The small town is tucked between mountain peaks and the aquatic blue lake of Wakatipu in the middle of the South Island. This area is perfect for outdoor adventurers ready to hit the trails and experience the true beauty of nature and the surrounding wildlife. Another reason to visit Queenstown is that it is the ideal location for quick day trips throughout the surrounding area.

Day Trips from Queenstown: Mt. Aspiring National Park, Milford Sound, Aoraki Mt. Cook. 

Auckland 

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and it lies off the coast of the Pacific and the Tasman Sea. The sandy beaches, coastal cliffs, volcanic terrain, and vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene draw people to this world destination. Undoubtedly, Auckland will be full of energy during the FIFA Women’s World Cup in summer 2023 and the perfect time to visit! 

Like Queenstown, Auckland is an ideal base location for quick day trips throughout the surrounding area. 

Day Trips from Auckland: Hobbiton (for those Hobbit fans out there!), Waiheke Island. 

Australia

Ever wanted to go Down Under and visit the outback? Now is the time like no other! Be wild and free and find yourself on an outback adventure or diving below the sea.

Australia is so diverse with things to see and do that it will leave you wanting to extend your trip, which you may have to do to see it all! Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, and to visit it may take some regional flights, but it will be worth it!

Below are a few things to experience that are perfect for couples, families, and small to larger groups. The hardest part will be deciding what sections of Australia you want to explore.  

Not only will FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments be held summer 2023 in New Zealand, but Australia will also be hosting tournaments across the country. Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Brisbane are the cities hosting, while Sydney will host the finals. This is the perfect time to visit the outback and explore city life, especially if you’re a soccer fan or love watching the World Cup.

If you plan to attend any games or visit during summer 2023, plan and make your reservations to ensure availability. 

British Columbia, Canada

For those looking for outdoor adventure in 2023, venture into the great unknown in British Columbia. Get lost in the sights, sounds, and natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies. The wildlife is unparalleled, and the scenery is unmatched. There is a reason why this destination has been top-rated through the years, and 2023 is no different. 

Visitors come to the Canadian Rockies for various reasons, below are just some of the options you can do when visiting the beautiful British Columbia area. 

If you’re looking to explore marine life and coastlines, there are ample opportunities to jump aboard a vessel that will take you up close and personal to the Fjords and inlet islands. If you’re looking for more of a remote location, take a small aircraft to reach places no one dares to explore. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, scenic train rides, and even skiing during the winter are just a few options for visitors to experience. However, if you’re looking for a more vibrant city life scene, head to Vancouver to enjoy shopping and museums while dining at top-notch restaurants.

Heading to the eastern side of British Columbia? Be sure to take advantage of the breathtaking national parks! Head to Yoho National Park to explore the beautiful grounds of Emerald Lake, along with visiting Glacier, Kootenay, and Banff National Parks. Trust me, you will not be disappointed! 

California Central Coast, USA

Start your 2023 year out with a California road trip! California has always drawn visitors to the wilderness of National Parks and the luxury-style city life of San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco; however, there is so much more to California. This year, it’s time to hit the road and venture through those hidden gem areas. Stop by small beach towns, visit rocky shorelines, hit up the lesser-known national parks, wine and dine through the exotic vineyards of Napa, take a hot air balloon ride over the rolling hills, or explore the striking beauty of the Redwoods in Northern California. It’s the perfect vacation to unplug and enjoy the scenery!

If you’re considering taking on this scenic road trip, renting a camper van instead of a car would be a unique and fun experience for the whole family. The camper van will allow you to enjoy the sights and sounds in a natural environment and to explore the “Van Life” that some people dream about experiencing.

If you’re planning to travel with kids and you’re flying into Los Angeles, an option is to explore the fun theme parks and museums that are family-friendly before hitting the road to be immersed in nature and hidden gems.   

Turks & Caicos

Turks & Caicos is the picture-perfect paradise destination to travel to in 2023! Explore the pristine white sandy beaches, the world-renowned seven-mile-long beach at Grace Bay, swim in the beautiful hues of the turquoise sea, dive below and explore the diverse marine life and the coral reef system. This island getaway is perfect for couples or families looking to have fun in the sun.

If you book a vacation to Turks & Caicos, you will find the most luxurious or all-inclusive resorts in Providenciales, which is home to Grace Bay Beach. Plunge into the sea and swim among turtles, stingrays, and reef sharks in this area. Visitors can also find high-adrenaline thrills in participating in eco-water sports or parasailing. For those looking to enjoy land activities only, saddle up and take a horseback ride, swing for a hole-in-one at a nearby golf course, or explore caves, historical ruins, national parks, and reserves. The hardest part will be leaving the island to come home!

South Africa, Africa

Take a walk on the wild side and Be Wild and Free for 2023! Delta Airlines has announced adding more flights from Atlanta, Georgia, to Johannesburg, making getting there more accessible for those traveling from the United States. So grab your safari wardrobe and sunblock and take a journey to the African Safari.

South Africa is the perfect place to visit for first-timers wanting to dive into seeing the beautiful wildlife but still having access to luxury and affordable lodging. South Africa is also ideal for visiting one of the top-rated safaris at Kruger National Park. Kruger National Park is an hour’s flight from Johannesburg and perfect for seeing the lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo. Lodging options are abundant, but spending a night or two at the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve for a more luxurious style is a unique experience. The reserve is located just outside of Kruger National Park, where you will be immersed in the natural wildlife that some only dream of experiencing.

Want a change of pace after spending time with wildlife? Head down to Cape Town and view the sweeping landscape of the dramatic mountaintops and boats cruising in and out of the harbor. Enjoy the vibrant culture, history, music, and dining at top-notch restaurants. Cape Town is the place to visit if you’re a food enthusiast. Cape Town restaurants take food to the next level!

Wales, U.K.

Head to the United Kingdom in 2023, skip the hustle and bustle of city life in London, and venture to the friendly country of Wales. Wales offers visitors rugged coastlines, rolling hills, a dramatic mountainous landscape, three beautiful national parks, and some of the most stunning beaches. Not only is the landscape top-notch, but so are the locals and cuisine. Don’t be surprised if you make friends with the locals at a cozy pub while singing some folk songs!

For those looking to visit ancient castles in the countryside, Wales is the place for you! Often called the Land of Castles, Wales has 427 castles, each unique for visitors to explore. According to CNN, the most famous one is Caernarfon Castle, but there are so many to see, so be sure to add castle tours to your bucket list when visiting Wales. Castle tours are also perfect for a family vacation because what kid wouldn’t love to explore castles?

If time allows, hop aboard a train or opt for a car rental and visit Scotland’s beautiful countryside or the small quaint towns of England. 

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora has undoubtedly been the top destination to visit and still is to this day! Bora Bora is where the tropical terrain and the blue hues of crystal clear water are a photographer’s dream come true. Although it takes a few flights to reach the island, visitors are transported into nature’s masterpiece and unfiltered views once they step off that last plane flight.

Whether opting to stay at a luxury resort on the surrounding motus or a more affordable option with a home rental stay on the mainland, visitors will have gorgeous views of Mt. Otemanu and an abundance of things to do and see around the lagoon.

Bora Bora has a fantastic culture and the most hospitable locals you will ever meet. Visitors will be greeted by the locals with a hello and smile every step of the way. Although the primary languages are French and Tahitian, it is easy to understand and get guidance throughout the stay on the island. 

Although staying at a resort will offer top-notch restaurant options, visitors can venture to the mainland and enjoy the many highly recommended places to dine. The local Poisson Cru and the Tahitian Crème Brûlée on the menus are a must to try!

If planning to stay on the mainland in Bora Bora, due to a limited number of taxis and transportation, most restaurants and tours on the island will pick you up free of charge if you have a reservation or booking, but you must confirm by calling or emailing them. 

For adventure and experiences, visitors can take a jet ski tour, explore the lagoon’s blue hues, snorkel among the marine life at the lagoonarium, and swim at one of the top beaches in the world, also known as Matira Beach. Another fun land option for travelers is renting a scooter to drive around the small 18-mile loop island and visit historical sites. For those into adventures and hiking, enjoy day hikes to Mt. Otemanu and Mt. Pahia.

If Bora Bora is on your list to visit, it’s worth spending a few extra days exploring another island in French Polynesia before heading home! Each island is unique in its own way. 

Still not convinced you can travel to this slice of paradise? Think again, it can absolutely be done and I have real-time knowledge and expertise of getting you there. Reach out to hello@discoverwithde.com to start your island getaway.

Marrakesh

Take your 2023 travels to a place where luxury and world charm meet. Marrakesh is the most famous city in Morocco, home to gorgeous palaces, old architectural cities, whimsical gardens, mosques, marketplaces, luxury spas, and Five-Star cuisine like no other. Although there are high-end restaurants, the true treasure is in Marrakesh’s street food which has ranked among the top destinations in the world according to CNN.

Explore the surrounding area of Marrakesh by venturing away from the red-walled city, where you will experience a variety of landscapes. Whether you take a camel ride through the desert landscape or hike the Altas Mountains, there is plenty to be explored in this beautiful Moroccan city.

Loire Valley, France

Loire Valley is the perfect destination in 2023. It is considered one of the best cities in France and is only 2.5 hours southwest of Paris, making it easy to reach. Loire Valley is known as the Garden of France and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This enchanting place allows visitors glimpses into what a fairytale world would be like with whimsical gardens, stunning châteaux, charming towns, a vibrant culture scene, and some of the best dry-white wine you can find around Europe.

The best time to visit Loire Valley is from April to October, springtime being the best to see the gardens in full bloom. Summer months are peak times and can get hot and crowded, so if you’re looking at cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, try visiting during the shoulder seasons.

Visiting Loire Valley is one of the more popular day trips from Paris (self-guided or part of a tour). Staying in Loire Valley for a few days will give you the best experience of beating the crowds and seeing everything the town offers!

Lecce, Italy

Fly to Puglia, Italy, in 2023 and explore the hidden gem of Lecce! This city is perfect for those who love to dive into culture and history.

Lecce is over 2,000 years old, rich in baroque architectural buildings and monuments, and considered one of the most stunning towns in Italy. The city is relatively small, so visitors who spend one to two days can experience all the beautiful treasures the city offers.

The cuisine in Lecce has an old-world charm of home-cooked meals from seasonal and local produce rather than dining at a luxury gourmet restaurant, which makes this a perfect fit with the city’s authenticity. The dish to try while visiting Lecce is Pasticciotto, a pastry made from thick sourdough filled with pastry cream.

For those who plan to visit this beautiful town, renting a car is a must for driving around to see these charming towns and beaches in the Puglia region of Italy. Although there are some options for transportation in the area, it could take longer than just driving yourself. 

Menorca, Spain

Travel to a tranquil paradise island rich in lush greenery, rugged coastlines, breathtaking beaches, and beautiful turquoise seas. Nope, it’s not in the Caribbean! This beautiful island is one of the Balearic Islands in Spain’s Mediterranean Sea and the second largest. Although most travelers visit Ibiza for the party atmosphere or the sightseeing Mallorca offers, Menorca provides visitors with something even more special with its luxurious, laid-back vibe.

Menorca is the “quiet island” of the four Balearic Islands and is perfect for romance and relaxation. The draw to visiting this beautiful island is sunbathing on the beaches, exploring the natural caves, shopping at chic boutiques throughout the city, and dining at high-end restaurants. This destination is perfect for couples looking for an unforgettable getaway.

Need a change of pace and have time to spare? Head to Ibiza or Mallorca for a few days to finish your beautiful getaway trip! 

Lausanne, Switzerland

Take a trip to the city of Lausanne this coming year. The alpine old-world charm city surrounds Lake Geneva with the backdrop views of the French Alps, making it the perfect spot to explore or create a home base for hitting the nearby towns in Switzerland. 

Lausanne is one of the most beautiful small towns in Switzerland. There are many things to see and do within a few days. Visitors can wander the old town’s city streets lined with restaurants and boutiques and step into the gothic Lausanne Cathedral that dates back to 1170! Since Lausanne is home to the Olympic Committee, visitors can spend time at the Olympic Museum, which showcases artifacts, exhibits, and films from years past. 

The museum is perfect for those looking to do something with the kids. 

For those warm summer months, cruise around the exquisite Lake Geneva and capture another perspective of the beautiful surroundings, or hit the slopes and thermal bathes in the colder climates. 

Day Trips from Lausanne include: Château de Chillon, Montreux, Vevey, Lavaux Wine Region, Gruyères, Bern, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen.

Kyoto, Japan

Are you looking for some cultural inspiration? Head to Kyoto and become immersed in the cultural capital of Japan. Kyoto is one of the world’s most significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is home to hundreds of temples, shrines, gardens, and a historic castle. Take a walk through the bamboo canopy and explore the beautiful nature-scapes that await. Kyoto is a top destination for those looking to find the true beauty in nature and culture.

The best time to visit Kyoto is during the spring and fall time. Although three days are a must to see the highlights of Kyoto, the city is so rich in culture and history that extending your holiday might be the ticket! That’s not even including the surrounding villages and towns waiting for exploration! 

If you have time, below are a few day trip options from Kyoto. 

These day-trip destinations bring something unique and new to explore. Whether you stroll through the bamboo forest in Arashiyama, visit a medieval castle in Himeji, order Kobe Beef at a high-end restaurant, commemorate the lives lost in Hiroshima, or visit the many temples and gardens along the way, there is something for everyone to explore.

Lake Como, Italy

There is a reason Lake Como is a top destination for travelers worldwide! The picturesque towns surrounding a gorgeous lake with the Northern Alps in the background make this a true Italian gem.

Lake Como is just under two hours from Milan, making this an easy-to-reach destination by car or train from the closest airport. Whether choosing only a few short days or a week’s stay, there is much to see and do within the small villages surrounding the lake. The best times to visit Lake Como are from April to October, when the gardens flourish, and the weather is perfect for enjoying all the outdoor activities.

Visitors can take boat rides around the lake, capture beautiful photos and views of the surrounding area, stroll through the cobblestone streets, visit stunning villas and museums, dine at terraces overlooking the lake, and hike the trails to take in the beautiful nature scenes.

Now that the world is back open, there are so many places that need to be explored! What place is at the top of your list? I can’t wait to see where you choose for your next destination for the 2023 year!