Best Destinations to Travel in 2023

Where to Travel in 2023: The 18 Best Destinations

For many people, this year marked the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic that travel was back within reach. It was a year marked by joyful reunions – reconnecting with friends and family in person, rediscovering favorite destinations, and taking stock of this changing new world.

It was also a year of new travel challenges. As demand soared, so did prices. We returned to the roads and skies to find a travel industry that could barely keep up with our voracious appetite to explore the world.

But somehow our love of travel has endured, our wanderlust is as insatiable as ever, and destinations all over the world beckon us to visit.

We're excited to share the locations on our list of the top travel destinations for 2023 because of this. And this year, we've not only tapped our editorial team to lend their advice and insights, but also our amazing network of writers from all over the world.

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As always, we looked at exciting new hotel openings and boundary-pushing flights, as well as places that embody the travel trends and philosophies we see taking shape in 2023 and beyond: destinations that grant prioritize sustainability, focus on Indigenous and community-based tourism and encourage travelers to venture beyond the front door or the obvious route.

We've also seen a proliferation of innovative new ways for travelers to use their points and miles to see the world, including exciting ultra-long-haul flights where miles will come in handy and hotels in destinations that might have been absent from most reward travelers' Maps.

As we head into 2023, be excited (we are!) to embark on unforgettable journeys to new corners of the globe, get ready to take a second look at places you thought you already knew, and connect more personally with the people who call them home the path. We hope this list of places to visit will rekindle your passion for travel and we look forward to exploring this wonderful and awe-inspiring planet with you.

New Zealand as an inclusive travel destination of the future

Laid-back beach towns, award-winning wine, genuine hospitality, and outdoor adventure aren't the only reasons you should put Aotearoa-New Zealand at the top of your 2023 travel bucket list.

Although the country's commitment to sustainability has long and deep roots (more than 33% of its land is protected), New Zealand's tourism industry launched the Tiaki Promise, a sustainability pledge, just before the pandemic. As "Tiaki" in Maori means "caring for people and places," this commitment aims to prevent over-tourism and promote travel to less-traveled areas.

One way to do this is to seek out new Maori cultural encounters and experiences, such as a traditional hangi festival in Rotorua, which is prepared in underground pits, after a visit to the Institute of Maori Arts and Crafts in New -Zealand. Or take an interpretive storytelling hike to Maunga Hikurangi on the east coast of the North Island. If you are there in June or July, you can celebrate the Maori New Year, Matariki, which is based on the lunar calendar and became an official public holiday in 2022.

Next year, New Zealand will also co-host the biggest-ever FIFA Women's World Cup with Australia. Matches will be played on the North and South Islands. Along with other major sporting events like the Women's Rugby World Cup, it is a clear example of the country's efforts to promote diversity and inclusion for returning international visitors.

A handful of new hotels have also opened recently, such as the art-filled Park Hyatt Auckland, the eco-friendly Britomart Hotel in Auckland's CBD, and, on the South Island, the Pug in Queenstown, which overlooks the Eyre and Remarkables. mountain ranges surrounding Lake Wakatipu.

Getting to the country from the United States is even easier now with Air New Zealand's new non-stop flights from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Auckland Airport (AKL ) and Qantas launching the same route from March 2023.

Yugo tip: If you're staying in Tamaki Makaurau, the Maori name for Auckland, explore one of the nearby towns or islands around the harbor. Waiheke Island is about 40 minutes away by ferry, whereas the trip to Devonport is only 15 minutes. The latter has fabulous beaches and vineyards to explore using a hop-on hop-off bus.

A classic experience in Orlando

Ideal for roller coaster lovers, of course, but also for space geeks and culture enthusiasts.

Whether you want to feel like you're in space, watch a real rocket take off, or catch a concert in one of the best theaters in the world, Orlando is the destination to visit in Florida - and 2023 will be a banner year for the city.

Many travelers come for the world-class theme parks, but Orlando is experiencing a travel renaissance that includes a newly opened terminal at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and 170 miles of railroad that will connect the Brightline high-speed train from Orlando to Miami. by mid-2023.

But don't jump on the bandwagon too quickly. Book tickets for a concert at Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, which opened in 2022 and is considered one of the most acoustically perfect spaces in the world. A pocket downtown city park called Art2 also elevates this area of Orlando with can't-miss experiences, including live entertainment and food trucks.

Cape Canaveral, an hour east of the coast, is also home to Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, a 50,000-square-foot multi-level addition to the Kennedy Space Center that's packed with interactive exhibits. And that's to say nothing of the full range of planned rocket launches travelers can experience during 2023.

Of course, going to theme parks is always a good idea, especially to catch the final months of Disney World's 50th-anniversary celebration, which includes a redesign of Epcot with its first-ever roller coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and the spring 2023 opening of Tron: Lightcycle Run in the Magic Kingdom.

Disney World is also home to the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, a "Star Wars" themed voyage like no other. In early 2022, the immersive and engaging two-night (hum, space mission) hotel experience will open.

Walt Disney World Resort isn't the only theme park giant elevating the park experience in 2023. Universal Studios Florida opened the thrilling VelociCoaster ride last year, and it's keeping the excitement going with an all-new theme park, Epic Universe, already under construction. It will feature new rides, themed lands, hotels, and restaurants.

Yugo tip: If you're one of the millions of travelers who rent a car in Orlando every year, there's a new 7-Eleven on airport property where you can fill up at retail and stop at the stand to grab some snacks for your trip.

Art capital of Europe: Oslo

Ideal for art and design lovers looking for new museums and hotels that shape the city.

Norway continues to capture the attention of travelers, but in 2023 all eyes are on the capital, which is finally ready to show off its latest arts and hospitality investments.

Opposite the white, angular slashes of the opera house's Carrara marble banisters and stairs is the 13-story curved tower housing the new Munch Museum, which opened in 2021. Even more imposing is the new museum sprawling national building, now one of the largest art museums in Europe. museums, which house works ranging from Edvard Munch's iconic "The Scream" to masterpieces by European artists like Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, and Henri Matisse.

This fall also saw the debut of Sommerro, an art deco hotel filled with collections of contemporary art curated by museum director and art critic Sune Nordgren, as well as works from the 1930s by Norwegian master Peter Krogh - including a mosaic in the restored public baths, which opened in November. Next year, the boutique hotel and cultural center will expand with the addition of Villa Inkognito, an 11-suite hideaway in a former 19th-century villa.

You can even book your trip to Oslo by venturing further south to Kristiansand, where Kunstsilo, a modernist Nordic art museum, will make its debut next year in an award-winning functionalist silo from the 1930s.

Yugo tip: Exploring beyond Oslo has never been easier with a host of new flights and cruises. Low-cost carrier Norse Atlantic (which began operations in 2022) continues to expand its reach in the United States by offering some promising non-stop routes, including one between Gatwick Airport (LGW) in London and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. it happens next year. Norwegian airline Widerøe will also link Bergen with four new European cities next summer. For those keen to head north, Norway's oldest cruise line, Hurtigruten, will restart the Svalbard Express next year, while Viking and Disney have announced new routes to the remote Arctic region.

The connections between Jordan and the world are as follows: air, land, and sea

Ideal for travelers who want a taste of the ancient world in the heart of the modern Middle East.

Home to some of the oldest pieces in world history, Jordan is on many travelers' wish lists, especially now that several new additions are on the way. In 2023, this Middle Eastern country will channel its legendary warmth to welcome visitors with new airlines, hotels, and activities.

In the capital of Amman, The Ritz-Carlton is the latest luxury hotel to join the group of friendly properties near the city's landmark 5th Circle. Sumptuous white interiors and crystal chandeliers dazzle the new hotel, which has 194 rooms and 34 suites with floor-to-ceiling views of the capital's sand-colored buildings. Next summer, Radisson will expand its portfolio in the Middle East with the Radisson Blu Hotel, and Amman Galleria Mall. And on the other side of the red sand desert, the Crowne Plaza Resort Petra will reopen after 10 years of renovation and expansion.

Northwest of Amman, the ancient trading town of Al-Salt has become Jordan's sixth and final UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its reputation as a "city of tolerance and hospitality urban". History and design buffs can explore touches of European architecture alongside the city's distinct yellow limestone facades. This town is also a new stop on Jordan Trail's Thru Hike. Launched in 2017, the trail offers the opportunity to spend 40 days hiking through eight regions together across the entire country. Originally connecting 52 villages, it has recently been extended to 75 different communities.

Nearly 75% of Jordan is covered in pomegranate-colored sand, but drive south and the Red Sea's painting greens and blues emerge. In this country known for its magical desert vistas, the cruise generates waves. Emerald Cruises recently launched its first ocean-going yacht, the Emerald Azzurra, which sails from the famous seaside town of Aqaba to Athens, Greece. Next year, Windstar Cruises is following suit, launching new itineraries from Amman to Athens and Athens to Dubai, with a stopover in Aqaba.

Yugo tip: Flying to Jordan from select North American cities just got easier. United has launched its first-ever direct flight between Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Washington, D.C., and Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman, departing three times a week. Last summer, Oneworld member Royal Jordanian Airlines also launched a new route from Amman to Toronto via Montreal and will increase frequencies to Chicago, Detroit, Montreal, and New York in the spring and summer of 2023.

A rediscovery of our country's waterways

Ideal for travelers looking for a nostalgic way to experience small-town America.

Something is charming about living by the water — and we're not talking about the swanky condos overlooking Miami Beach or Malibu, California's billionaire beach. Instead, consider historic small towns like Natchez, Mississippi, and Muskegon, Michigan, as well as industrial cities like Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, and Chicago that have long relied on the nation's waterways.

America's lakes and rivers remain key commercial arteries, but the cruise industry has made them one of the world's top leisure destinations with a list of offbeat new itineraries that will only attract more passengers in years coming.

Although river cruises on the Great Lakes and in the United States have been around for more than a century, 2023 could be one of the best years yet to navigate the domestic market thanks to lines like American Queen Voyages, American Cruise Lines, Ponant, Viking and Pearl Seas Cruises, which are adding more capacity and routes along the Mississippi, Ohio, Columbia and Snake Rivers; the Great Lakes; and the Chesapeake Bay.

Viking's new expedition branch has deployed its first two ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, both of which spent time cruising the Great Lakes in 2022. Next year, travelers can also expect two new ships, American Eagle and American Glory, from American Cruise Lines. The ships will debut along the East Coast and sail exclusively on domestic routes. Additionally, American Queen Voyages will offer the longest river voyages yet: 23-day crossings on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.

If you book a domestic cruise, you'll discover unexpected sides to big cities like Cincinnati, where the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center offers a sobering experience, as well as Detroit, which is a staple of many Great Lakes trips, and New Orleans along the Mississippi. You can also visit towns such as Madison, Indiana, home to stately homes and a historic saddle tree museum you might not otherwise have heard of. With more routes rolling out over time, there will be many more destinations to discover along America's waterways.

Yugo tip: If you're looking to engage your competitive spirit, book the Kentucky Derby cruise from American Queen Voyages on American Countess. During the May 3, 2023 sail, the boat will race against two other ships in Louisville, Kentucky's Great Steamboat Race, as part of the annual Kentucky Derby Festival.

It's the season of in-person events in Los Angeles

Ideal for travelers looking for a new side to the City of Angels.

Events for sports enthusiasts and tech enthusiasts will draw large crowds to Los Angeles next year.

The College Football Playoff National Championship will be staged at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park in January, followed by the 123rd US Open Championship Golf Tournament at the Los Angeles Country Club in June. A third major event, the 40th Annual World Breeders' Cup Horse Racing Championship, will gallop out of Santa Anita Park in November. The venue is across from the brand-new Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia.

You'll also want to get your VR headset ready, as E3 returns to the game, live, and in person this June at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The video game industry's biggest annual event was held virtually in 2021 and was canceled altogether in 2022.

It will finally be easier to get around Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). After three years of construction, LAX's Automated People Mover will finally open, connecting all terminals, the subway, and a new rental car center. This state-of-the-art train will reduce travel time to and from the airport.

Even frequent visitors will find exciting new places to bed down in Los Angeles since eight major hotels opened in 2022, including Hyatt-branded Hollywood Tommie, The Shay in Culver City, and Hyatt Place and Hyatt House LAX/Century Blvd. Two Marriott hotels — a Moxy and an AC — will make their downtown debut in the 38-story Fig+Pico Tower, which sits across from the convention center and Crypto.com Arena. A few blocks away, a Frank Gehry-designed, billion-dollar, mixed-use development called The Grand LA has opened. Here you'll find Hilton's splashy Conrad Los Angeles and four new restaurants from chef José Andres.

Also new to downtown is the Sixth Street Viaduct, a 3,500-foot-long bridge with a 12-acre park with walking and biking trails. Spanning the Los Angeles River, this bridge connects the downtown arts district to the Mexican foodie hotspot, Boyle Heights.

Yugo tip: The Los Angeles Dodgers are considered the baseball team to beat in the 2023 World Series, so we recommend keeping an eye out for fall point offers at downtown Los Angeles hotels near Dodger Stadium.

Increasing flights to wildlife areas in South Africa

Ideal for nature lovers dreaming of visiting the Rainbow Nation.

South Africa is full of natural and cultural riches that travelers never tire of exploring, from the Big 5 of safari traditions (elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and buffaloes) to the historic "Long Walk to Freedom" marches. by Nelson Mandela. One thing the country lacked, however, was direct flights to Cape Town and Johannesburg via several US carriers.

Delta will begin triangle service in mid-December, flying the Airbus A350 from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), then to Cape Town (CPT) with a nonstop return flight. And, owing to a special agreement with the Department of Transportation, United now operates nonstop flights using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner between Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Washington, D.C., and Cape Town International Airport (CPT). This is in addition to its nonstop services from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and the O.R. from Johannesburg. Tambo International Airport (JNB).

Upon arrival, travelers will find new safari lodges opening next year in some of the best wildlife-viewing destinations. The Tswalu Concession in the southern Kalahari Desert is South Africa's largest private game reserve, less than two hours by plane from Cape Town and Johannesburg. There are few lodges here though, so the opening of the new Loapi Tented Camp in 2023 is truly remarkable. With just six modern, eco-friendly tented micro-camps perfect for privacy, you'll feel like you have the secluded savannah all to yourself as you set off on a private ranger-led safari to spot African wild dogs and desert black rhinos.

The Homestead, a luxury, sustainability-focused lodge in the remote Nambiti Private Game Reserve, is also set to open in 2023. Nestled in the mountains of malaria-free KwaZulu-Natal, the lodge is about a three-hour drive from Johannesburg or Durban. In addition to a dozen stylish safari suites with stunning wilderness views and butler service, expect electric safari vehicles for game drives and innovative energy-saving touches in part of the lodge's larger conservation efforts, such as grassy rooftops and a solar farm.

Yugo tip: Plan a trip around South Africa's epic music festivals, including the Johannesburg Afropunk Festival on Constitution Hill, the seat of the country's legislators, in December. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Sub-Saharan Africa's largest jazz festival, takes center stage every March. And AfrikaBurn, South Africa's answer to Burning Man, is coming to the Eastern Cape in April.

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Shine a new light on Rome, the Eternal City

Ideal for history buffs and hotel enthusiasts wanting to experience ancient ruins in modern luxury.

In 2023, Rome's comprehensive historical heritage will be front and center for visitors.

A project to open up the sacred area of Largo di Torre Argentina (where Julius Caesar was assassinated) via a series of elevated walkways is set to be completed next summer. The archaeological site near the Pantheon was unearthed in the 1920s but remained inaccessible for decades. It joins the Mausoleum of Augustus, which reopened in 2021 after an 8 million euro ($8.2 million) restoration, as one of the ancient sites newly accessible to visitors.

Additionally, the Museo dell'Arte Salvata (the Museum of Rescued Art) opened in 2022. Here, valuable antiquities that were returned to Italy after being looted from archaeological sites and trafficked on the black market to auction houses, private collections, and even institutions like The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York are on display. The exhibits will change, but you can see sculptures, ancient coins, or even an amphora painted with erotic scenes dating back to the 6th century BC.

But there are also new modern developments that are attracting luxury travelers to Rome.

The arrival of international brands like W, Soho House, The Hoxton, and Mama Shelter, as well as boutique hotels like The First Musica and Umiltà 36 heralded a boom in contemporary hospitality. Next year's openings will up the ante even further, with arrivals from Six Senses, Edition, Bulgari, and Nobu, as well as a refurbishment of the 19th-century Palazzo Naiadi, a neoclassical landmark in Piazza Della Repubblica, by Anantara.

Rome will also see an increase in air travel from the United States, with Delta launching three daily seasonal flights (rather than two) from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Rome's Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and United launching a new daily seasonal route from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Fiumicino Airport (FCO) on May 25.

The greatest way to explore the Eternal City is on two wheels, according to TPG. Just in time for the 2023 season, Scooteroma revamps its popular Street Art Vespa Tour and launches an all-new experience focusing on the city's often-overlooked early 20th-century art and architecture, like the iconic Vittoriano Emmanuel National Monument. II in Piazza Venezia.

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The epic comeback of Bangkok

Ideal for passionate foodies and art lovers.

Over the past few years, Bangkok has quietly set the stage for a monumental rebound once the floodgates of travel reopened and international tourists returned in droves.

On the edge of the Chao Phraya River, a revival of luxury hotels led by outposts Capella and Four Seasons has been underway since 2020. Both properties are home to destination restaurants, including Soul Thai at Capella's Phra Nakhon and the posh Buenos Aires-themed BKK Social Club at the Four Seasons. This summer, Hong Kong's Mott 32, along with five other restaurants, arrived at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon around the corner. Early next year, Southeast Asia's first Soho House will open in Bangkok with multiple bars and restaurants (plus a 39-foot outdoor pool), and an Aman will follow in the coming years.

Hotels aren't the only places tourists can experience the energy of Bangkok's ever-evolving culinary scene. Innovators across the city are transforming it into the world's next great foodie destination. Again this year, a former monk opened the Small Dinner Club, which serves quirky dishes like the tom yum dessert, while mixologists at the Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar whip up alcoholic, zero-waste concoctions featuring an individual element like walnut. coconut or squid.

The Michelin guide Bangkok 2023 has 35-starred restaurants (five more than last year). Additionally, Samrub Samrub Thai and Raan Jay Fai made the list of the World's 100 Best Restaurants in 2022. Buzz gathers around watering holes like No Name Noodle, which opened in 2022 and only serves 35 bowls of Japanese soba a day, and chef Arnaud Dunand Sauthier's brand new alpine-inspired restaurant, Maison Dunand.

Bangkok's art scene is also waking up. Just before the pandemic, 31-year-old Mook Attakanwong founded ATT 19, an exhibition space in a former Chinese school where works tackle once-taboo topics like mental health. Exhibits at Aurum The River Place range from street art to a metro car installation.

Airlines are also putting flights to Thailand back on their schedules. Air Canada's seasonal service from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Bangkok, until March 24 is the first nonstop from North America in more than a decade. Remember to make your restaurant reservations first.

Yugo tip: Spend a few days hiking in tropical UNESCO-listed Khao Yai National Park and stay in a Bill Bensley-designed heritage wagon suite at the brand new InterContinental Khao Yai resort, located just 2.5 hours away from Bangkok.

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The tourism industry in Panama is thriving

Ideal for adventure seekers looking to explore an untouched paradise.

Panama may be best known for its famous canal, but in 2023 that all changes for the Central American country, as previously untouched areas, become more accessible to travelers. The country is a hotbed of biodiversity and an eclectic mix of cultures like no other in the region. Now it's easier than ever to find out.

Launched in August 2022, Panama's Community Tourism Network, SOSTUR, is a digital platform connecting travelers to rural communities and local tourism businesses. Travelers planning a visit for 2023 can select visits to 10 pilot communities in remote corners of the country. Experiences range from visiting agritourism farms to spotting sloths in the jungle.

Hikers will love exploring the pristine south coast of Panama's Azuero Peninsula, which is teeming with tropical flora and fauna, natural caves, and hidden beaches. Next year tour operator Azuero Adventures - based in the rural village of Cambutal - will introduce its Cerro Hoya Mountain Expedition, a six-day adventure that includes a three-day camping trip in Cerro Hoya National Park, home to some of the last primary jungle areas on the peninsula.

End your trip with a few days in the capital and a stay at the stylish new La Compañia hotel, part of Hyatt's Unbound collection. Also in the city's colonial Casco Antiguo neighborhood is the new Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, an Accor-affiliated property slated to open before the end of the year. It enjoys a prime waterfront location and unobstructed views of the city skyline and the Pacific.

Since Delta launched three new routes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Orlando International Airport (MCO), and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York to New York International Airport Tocumen de Panama (PTY) at the end of last year made it that much easier for many travelers to visit Panama.

Yugo tip: If you're flying to Panama City on Copa Airlines, the national carrier, consider upgrading to see the new Copa Club Lounge in the new Terminal 2 at Tocumen International Airport (PTY). It is a vast space of 21,500 square feet with a buffet-style dining area, leather lounge chairs, a dedicated family entertainment area, and a bar.

It's time to explore Bhutan's legendary trails

Ideal for adrenaline junkies in search of nature and culture.

When Bhutan reopened to tourism in September 2022, it also unveiled the long-awaited Trans-Bhutan Trail, an ancient trail that stretches 250 miles across the country. Over the past two years, the trail has been carefully restored by people across the country, connecting the popular western region to the less traveled eastern edge of Bhutan.

For decades, trekking has attracted mountaineers to Bhutan. The small Asian kingdom has exceptional trails, especially through the Himalayas, such as the famous Snowman Trek, a demanding 216-mile hike considered one of the most difficult in the world. The recently restored Trans-Bhutan Trail, on the other hand, has sections that can be tackled in one or more days, so it's more beginner-friendly. Hikers weave through forested mountains, rice paddies, and bustling villages with new campsites and homestays along the way. Although there are still difficult areas, the intention is to open up parts of the country that are less touristy.

As part of a commitment to a more sustainable tourism strategy, the country has also implemented a new, higher daily tourist fee of $200. The fare (which replaces the $65 daily fee) funds various economic, social, environmental, and cultural developments and is intended in part to limit tourist entries to a manageable number. It also means that travelers no longer need to purchase tour packages, which provides more flexibility to book preferred hotels and tours.

The country has no shortage of luxury lodges (Aman, Como, and Six Senses all have properties here), with more on the way. Next year and Beyond will unveil the new Punakha River Lodge on the banks of the Mo Chhu River in western Bhutan, in a bucolic, rice-growing region. It will have tented suites and two villas designed in the traditional Bhutanese architectural style.

Yugo tip: In addition to the new daily tourist fee, travelers must follow some rules, including hiring a local guide (in some areas) and not self-driving. The advantage is that a guide can unlock the history of the country and reveal its historical heritage. The roads are also extremely steep and winding so having someone to navigate them is a big plus. When planning your trip, keep in mind that there are no direct flights from the United States to Bhutan. Most travelers transit through Bangkok or Delhi, both of which have direct flights with Drukair to Paro International Airport (PBH).

New stylish destinations emerge along Mexico's Pacific Coast

Ideal for swimmers, surfers, and sybarites who appreciate design-driven resorts.

The resort towns of Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, and Zihuatanejo dot the 1,200-mile stretch of mainland Mexico's Pacific coast from Nayarit to Oaxaca. But swanky new hotels, major infrastructure upgrades, and breathtaking natural landscapes have highlighted three very different areas along it for 2023: Riviera Nayarit, Costalegre, and Riviera Oaxaqueña.

Beginning just north of Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit is experiencing one of the biggest luxury hotel booms in Latin America. This 65-mile beach resort chain includes Punta Mita, already home to Four Seasons and St. Regis properties, as well as the surf town of Sayulita and, further north, the up-and-coming developments of Mandarina and Costa Canova. Recent openings include Conrad Punta de Mita, Secrets Bahia Mita, One&Only Mandarina, and Auberge Resorts' ultra-exclusive Susurros Del Corazón. Rosewood Mandarina and Costa Canuva's Ritz-Carlton Reserve Riviera Nayarit are coming soon, along with the VidantaWorld theme, water, and nature park.

The dramatic headlands and secluded beaches of the 60-mile Costalegre, which sits 2.5 hours south of Puerto Vallarta, have drawn celebrities to enclaves like Careyes for decades. The area is poised to take off with the opening of a new airport in Chalacatepec and continued improvements along the winding coastal thoroughfare, Highway 200. The chic Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo opened in November 2022 with 157 open-air rooms and suites, and the famed Las Alamandas resort recently completed a top-to-bottom renovation. There's also the continued expansion of the 36,000-acre Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve, home to a chic 40-room eco-resort with Byzantine design.

Served by two smaller airports, including the recently expanded Puerto Escondido International Airport, the Riviera Oaxaqueña is increasingly attracting visitors looking for a laid-back, mindful vibe (think yoga retreats and scuba diving). eco-responsible architecture). Grupo Habita's new Hotel Escondido and Hotel Terrestre offer understated luxury, while Puerto Escondido's adults-only Casona Sforza is an idyllic retreat at the end of the beach. And just down the coast, the artsy and diverse villages of Mazunte and Zipolite (with their popular, clothing-optional LGBTQIA beach) are wonderful beach towns in which to unwind.

Yugo tip: The planned completion in early 2023 of the Barranca Larga-Ventanilla highway, which crosses a 10,000-foot mountain pass, will reduce travel time between Puerto Escondido and historic Oaxaca City, with its renowned art galleries and restaurants, from seven hours to less than three.

Among the top ecotourism destinations in Africa, Kenya

Ideal for the mad-hearted traveler looking for adventure and eco-friendly luxury.

Kenya has long been the flagship of sustainable tourism in Africa. The emergence of wildlife reserves in the 1970s not only prevented poaching and illegal trade but also ushered in a new era of community involvement.

In 2023, Kenya's ecotourism movement will launch bold new projects to conserve what is perhaps the world's best safari destination. Kenya's iconic mountain bongo (a notoriously endangered and notoriously shy type of antelope) will be repatriated to Mount Kenya from a reserve in Florida under a project led by the Meru Bongo and Rhino Conservation Trust. Sanctuaries in Mount Kenya National Park will also provide refuge for endangered black rhinos and will build on the knowledge and commitment of local Masai communities.

Points travelers will soon have even more reason to add the East African nation to their travel wishlist. In 2023, Marriott will launch its first high-end safari lodge on the continent: the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge. Its location, in the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve, will ensure optimal wildlife viewing; the park is home to a staggering inventory of over 450 animal species, including the Big 5. The lodge will feature 20 classic safari-style tents with four-poster beds, stone tile floors, and Maasai-inspired prints and fabrics. Marriott has also pledged to hire 50 people from the Maasai community.

Beyond the Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park is home to an extraordinary density of wildlife thanks in large part to conservation efforts such as the Amboseli Trust for Elephants. Today, the park is one of the best places on the planet to see long-tusked elephants, as well as giraffes, elands, zebras, and wildebeest in large numbers. Commencing in November 2023, Angama Amboseli will comprise 10 luxury tented suites located in Kenya's first community reserve, the Kimana Sanctuary. All tents will frame views of Mount Kilimanjaro, but the main draw here will undoubtedly be the once-in-a-lifetime elephant encounters.

Yugo tip: The Billionaire Resort & Retreat Malindi, a former A-list hangout that opened its doors to the masses in 2022, offers the ultimate combination of safari and the Indian Ocean without any grueling border crossings. Located in Malindi (75 miles north of Mombasa, Kenya), the resort's lavish villas and stunning infinity pool overlook a must-see private white sand beach.

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A day trip to Turks and Caicos

Ideal for sun worshipers and beach lovers.

Beyond the Caribbean's pristine sands and turquoise oceans, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer intriguing projects such as new hotels and cruise facilities, as well as improved airports that will make some of its previously inaccessible islands much more accessible. It's no surprise, then, that the Turks and Caicos Islands saw the fastest growth in travel demand by Americans year-over-year, according to TripAdvisor's Fall Travel Index.

To help with the influx of inter-island and private flights, the new South Caicos Airport (XSC) on South Caicos Island – the easternmost island in the Caicos Group – will complete construction in June 2023 The government will also inaugurate a new-and-improved Providenciales International Airport in early 2023, a project expected to cost $300 million.

Visitors will also have many new accommodation options. Andaz Turks & Caicos Residences in Grace Bay is targeting a spring 2023 opening and will be the first Andaz-branded resort and residential resort in the Caribbean. Also available in 2023, The Shore Club is adding eight six-bedroom pool villas to its iconic Long Bay Beach property. Travelers can also expect boutique-style suites and sweeping views of Grace Bay Beach at the Bight Hotel and Providenciales' newest resort and marina, South Bank Turks & Caicos, both in the works.

The Grand Turk Cruise Center's recently finished dock extension can now accept larger cruise ships, so it's bound to be a port of call on more itineraries. In addition, $1 million in grants were distributed to water sports operators and beach vendors to meet the expected increase in cruisers.

Yugo tip: For the first time since the pandemic, a full lineup of events is planned for the Turks and Caicos Islands in 2023. This includes the weekly Island Fish Fry at Bight Park and legendary events like the Conch Festival, Valentine's Day Cup on Middle Caicos, the Caribbean Food and Wine Festival, and the Turks and Caicos Islands' most significant festival, Maskanoo, a cultural celebration started by slaves in the 19th century mocking the costume balls of wealthy islanders.

There's a lot of darkness in Charleston, South Carolina's past, revealed in a new museum

Ideal for diving deeper into a much-loved city.

Yes, we know. Charleston on a “best of” travel list is a bit like saying “flowers for spring” — universally popular but hardly groundbreaking. But in 2023, the International African American Museum will open in Charleston, heralding a new era for cultural tourism in the city. Under construction for two decades, the museum officially opens its doors on January 21.

The museum will be a powerful lens into the past and is conveniently located at Gadsden's Wharf, where slave ships docked in Charleston Harbor and where thousands of enslaved Africans first set foot in North America. The museum is raised from this now hallowed ground on 18 pillars, each 13 feet high – a monumental structure designed by famed architect Henry Cobb.

Inside, exhibits explore both the history of slavery and the stories of African Americans in South Carolina's Lowcountry, from past to present. There is also a genealogy center here. Outside, the African Ancestors Memorial Garden includes a reflecting pool facing the harbor and a soundscape that explores the diversity of African languages.

Beyond the IAAM, Charleston welcomes new nonstop flights to several cities. Breeze Airlines continues to roll out new flights, including two weekly nonstop flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and six direct flights per week to Provo Airport (PVU) in Utah, all of which began in November. Earlier in 2022, Breeze rolled out daily nonstop service to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and New York City's Westchester County Airport (HPN).

Travelers can stay at the historic Charleston Place Hotel, which is now undergoing a $100 million makeover as part of the Beemok Hospitality Collection. Mills House Charleston in the city's French Quarter recently emerged from an extensive renovation as the city's first Canopy by Hilton property. Also worth a visit is Le Loutrel, a new luxury hotel in the heart of historic Charleston with a lively on-site restaurant.

Yugo tip: Spoleto Festival USA presents more than 150 performances of opera, dance, theater, classical music, and jazz over two full weeks, from Memorial Day to early June. It's a fun time to plan a visit, and there are plenty of hotel packages available.

A spotlight on Ecuador's coastal towns

Ideal for travelers looking for new destinations to unlock with points.

Although Ecuador's capital, Quito, and the remote Galápagos Islands may first come to mind, exciting developments along the country's Pacific coast are attracting a new wave of adventurers to unexpected corners of the country.

In March 2022, Kontiki Expeditions launched expeditions aboard the exclusive M/S Wayra, a nine-cabin yacht that bears the distinction of being the first “water-based” member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, partner of World of Hyatt. This means travelers can earn Hyatt points while exploring seldom-visited ports of call like the San Mateo surf break and Isla de la Plata, often seen as a low-cost alternative to the Galapagos.

Travelers looking to connect with Ecuador's unsung coast can also take advantage of the country's increased airlift: LATAM resumed its route between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito (UIO) in October with daily flights, making it easier for Americans. to reach Ecuador. American Airlines has also increased the frequency of its flights between Miami and Guayaquil, the gateway to Ecuador's seaside coast.

Even Ecuador's most famous destination, the Galapagos, continues to see significant investment in the travel industry. Earlier this year, the Ecuadorian president expanded the Galapagos Protected Marine Reserve by more than 23,000 square miles. Months later, a former eco-friendly boutique hotel is reborn as the Royal Palm Galapagos, a Curio Collection hotel, allowing travelers to redeem Hilton Honors points in Galapagos. Standard reward nights start at around 80,000 points, putting the islands within reach for many travelers with points and miles.

Additionally, a new Indigo Hotel is now accepting bookings for year-end trips to the archipelago, also unlocking opportunities to redeem IHG One Rewards points there.

Yugo tip: If eight days of cruising along the coast aren't enough time to immerse yourself in Ecuador's culture and wildlife, remote workers can take advantage of Ecuador's new Nomad Visa, which has launched in 2022 and allows foreign workers to live and work in Ecuador. up to 24 months.

Disney Wish: The most magical place at sea

Ideal for travelers who want the best of Disney while exploring the Caribbean.

Disney Wish first set sail in mid-2022, but 2023 will be the best time to sail the company's first new cruise ship in a decade.

Routes and cabin types (ranging from a very first funnel suite to smartly designed ocean-view cabins with separate bathrooms that help an entire family get ready faster by creating two distinct spaces) are now more widely available than in the first sold-out months. Still, the smell and shine of the new ship remain.

Equally important, the staff have now had the time to take flight with the service, including on stage with Broadway-caliber reimaginings of "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin", and in exciting all-new restaurants with " Frozen" - and Marvel-inspired dinner parties (don't forget to try the sticky date pudding with vanilla ice cream in Marvel Worlds and Anna's Koldtbord with treats like smoked salmon, sweet shrimp, and honey dill mustard while dining in Arendelle).

With her three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral in Florida to the Bahamas, most passengers book Disney Wish to experience the ship itself rather than the ports of call. Many guests don't even disembark in Nassau, preferring instead to take a ride on the AquaMouse waterslide, book a treatment at the Senses Spa, or simply have fun with the many Disney characters and themed areas on board. It's a stress-free alternative to the increasing complexity and cost of visiting Disney theme parks.

Yugo tip: There's magic that's easy to spot on Disney Wish, but there's more to discover. For example, if you love whiskey, don't pass Hook's Barbery without going in, as the secret space is so much more than just a spot to shave and get a haircut. And if you can stay up late, head to the Great Hall at midnight and look for a fun surprise.

A global celebration is underway in Sydney

Ideal for travelers keen to say they've seen some of the biggest events of 2023.

A fabulous flock of international visitors will descend on Sydney in February and March to celebrate WorldPride (the first in the southern hemisphere) mixed with the city's Mardi Gras festival. An opening concert headlining — who else? — The inimitable Kylie Minogue is reason enough to board a flight Down Under.

In August, the city's Accor Stadium will host the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, ending a month of football (sorry, football) and Australia's shared hosting of the tournament with New Zealand. -Zealand.

Fortunately, getting there will be easier than ever, as Qantas recently announced that it will fly from Sydney Airport (SYD) to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) via the Auckland Airport (AKL) in June, cutting journey times for East Coasters and heralding a new era of super long-haul flights.

Arrivals will also have a host of new hotels to choose from for their visit, including the recently opened Kimpton Margot Sydney and Ace Hotel Sydney, as well as a luxurious new Capella opened by Circular Quay earlier this year and the next set W Sydney to debut in October.

In addition to all of Sydney's diverse outdoor activities, visitors can continue to enjoy year-round, from beach walks to BridgeClimb Sydney, travelers will also be able to explore Sydney's new modern (and eco-friendly) project. Environment) from the Art Gallery of New South Wales. , which the museum billed as "the city's most significant cultural development since the opening of the Sydney Opera House nearly half a century ago".

Opening in December 2022 and overlooking Sydney's lush Royal Botanic Garden, the complex will include both new and historic buildings, performance spaces, creative studios, terraces, and gardens. It was designed by architectural firm SANAA, winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, and will house specially commissioned works by international and Australian artists, as well as rotating exhibitions… so you never know what you might see during your next trip to Sydney.

Yugo tip: Indigenous tourism experiences are flourishing across Australia, including Sydney, where travelers can learn about the Indigenous Australian way of life on a Dreamtime Southern X walking tour of The Rocks or even book BridgeClimb Sydney's popular Burrawa Aboriginal Experience guided tour as you scale the Sydney Harbor Bridge.