Put on your booking hats and grab your calendars. As we prepare for the holidays and look forward to the new year, we realise there are many exciting destinations to consider. Our top 23 destinations for 2023 include both well-known hotspots and off-the-beaten-path spots that are just waiting to be explored.
1. Egypt
The coming year will see the completion of many prominent projects, including the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. Set to open in 2023, the museum is expected to house priceless artefacts, including everything taken from Tutankhamun’s tomb.
2. Auckland, New Zealand
The city of Auckland is surrounded by beautiful beaches, picturesque scenery, and towering volcanic hills — what more could you ask for? They really do have the best of everything with good food and also fantastic museums in the heart of the city.
3. Penang, Malaysia
Penang, an island in northwest of Malaysia, is one of our country’s most popular vacation spots and known for its gastronomic diversity. Soft sandy beaches, bird sanctuaries, and botanic gardens are just a few of the many tourist attractions offered. Penang is also well-known for its colonial architecture and Chinese and Indian temples.
4. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo’s traditional Japanese gardens, incredible art scene, and world-famous restaurants can make anyone weak in the knees. And they’re enough reason to visit! but this is a city where old meets new, so be sure to take in the historic monuments, interesting museums, cool skyscrapers, and cultural experiences that make it one of the world’s most appealing cities.
5. Kashmir, India
Kashmir is without a doubt one of India’s most beautiful locations. Nestled amongst the Himalayan mountains, the region provides visitors with a wide variety of holiday opportunities, such as a shikara ride. Relax and take in the sight of the mountains in the distance as you listen to the splash of the boatman’s oar and feel the chill of the lake as you run your hand down its surface.
6. Langkawi, Malaysia
Another one of the country’s most popular holiday locales, Langkawi is also known as the jewel of Kedah. This stunning island may be found off the Andaman Peninsula in the northwest of the sea. Beautiful beaches, a lush tropical interior, and a teeming mangrove ecosystem make this the top pick for a vacation in Malaysia. The icing on the cake? Affordable drinks since the island is tax-free.
7. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a massive city with a vast variety of things to do. From its amazing floating markets to its stunning architectural works of art intermixing modern design, exotic food, and traditional influence, this city has something for everyone.
8. Nepal
Nepal is an incredibly diverse nation that draws tourists for a variety of reasons. Some are drawn to the Himalayas to climb or trek, while others are drawn to Kathmandu and its culture. Outside of the capital, the best places to go include Pokhara, a lakeside resort, and the famed trekking region of Bardiya and Chitwan National Parks for watching wildlife.
9. Queensland, Australia
Queensland is a state with a varied range of attractions, from its gorgeous forests and mountains to its clean white beaches and its reef to its outback, make it a popular destination for visitors from all over Australia and the world. Unwind with a crafted cocktail at a tropical island resort, explore lush rainforests rich with unusual flora and animals, or experience the pulsating energy of bustling Brisbane.
10. Vienna, Austria
Vienna has been a centre for innovative art and music in Europe for centuries, and the year 2023 marks a number of significant milestones for the city’s cultural scene. The Austrian capital, Vienna, is also packed with amazing buildings and hidden attractions.
11. Spain
Spain has a wide variety of tourist attractions, including its Mediterranean beaches, World Heritage towns, excellent gastronomy, and varied culture, making it truly special.
12. Pakistan
When thinking of places to visit in Asia, Pakistan might not be at the top of your thoughts. But it is worth checking out. Pakistan’s mountainous terrain, quaint towns, and barren plains are some of the most breathtaking sceneries anyone could ever hope to see. This country also has some fantastic ski resorts that are worth visiting such as the MalamJabba Ski Resort in the Hindu Kush.
13. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Angkor Wat and the other Angkorian temples are only a small portion of Siem Reap’s attractions. It is the epicentre of chic Cambodia, with everything from backpacker party pads to hip hotels, plenty of wining and dining options, sumptuous spas, great shopping, local tours for all types of travellers, and a creative cultural scene.
14. Taiwan
Taiwan is a small country filled with awe-inspiring attractions such as ancient stone temples, national parks, a ‘rainbow village’, and humming street food markets that can all be visited in a single day. Taroko Gorge, a geological marvel dating back 5 million years, as well as the verdant Elephant Mountain, and the serene Sun Moon Lake are popular tourist destinations for those interested in nature. Both Taipei and Kaohsiung, the country’s two main cities, are home to museums, galleries, and breathtaking skylines.
15. London, United Kingdom
London, England’s capital, is home to the iconic red double-decker bus and the royal family. It’s a cultural hotspot packed with magnificent art, fascinating history, and fun things to do. While it’s true that London is among the costliest cities in the world to visit, the city also has many free attractions, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, Hyde Park, and Kensington Gardens.
16. Doha, Qatar
Doha has emerged as a new cultural centre for the Middle East. Having just hosted the World Cup, the city has undergone significant development, blending its rich heritage with cutting-edge architecture.
17. Seoul, South Korea
The capital city of South Korea is one of the best destinations to visit in the country, thanks to its brilliant combination of modern architecture, party vibes, pop culture, magnificent parks, and shimmering promenades. Seoul is more than simply a thriving metropolis; it is also a city steeped in history and culture.
18. Bali, Indonesia
You don’t need to look any farther if you’re looking for destinations to visit in Indonesia that have it all. Bali, the most visited island in Indonesia, is an all-inclusive vacation location that’s so multi-faceted and unique at the same time. This destination has it all — stunning temples to towering mountains, a vibrant history and culture to a pulsating nightlife.
19. Sipadan Island, Malaysia
Sipadan, which is frequently hailed as having the best diving sites, lives up to its reputation thanks to its unparalleled environmental assets. Sipadan Island, which was nominated as one of the 7 Wonders of the World, is a must-see after Semporna.
20. Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
There’s more to Malaysia than just its beautiful beaches and islands. Cameron Highlands essentially started out as a green tea plantation and cool respite from the heat for British residents. Today, with hiking paths and active volcanoes, it’s a popular destination for trekkers. Other attractions include greenhouses, strawberry fields, and butterfly gardens.
21. Antalya, Turkiye
Antalya is a major, bustling city on the Mediterranean coast of Turkiye that is home to many resorts, hotels, and restaurants. Beautiful beaches and verdant mountains filled with historic sites form a breathtaking backdrop for the city. Antalya is a fantastic destination for a variety of vacation activities, including swimming, sailing, mountain climbing, sight-seeing, and fun with the family.
22. Hvar, Croatia
In case you’re looking for a brighter 2023, go no further than Hvar. This island on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast claims to have the most sunshine. Jesla, on the island’s north shore, was proclaimed the first International Dark Sky Community in Southern Europe in 2022, and the island’s newest 5-star hotel, Moeesy, features a suite equipped with an over-the-bed skylight specifically for stargazing.
23. Maui, Hawaii
The variety of things on offer on this island in Hawaii will leave you wishing there were more hours in a day. The island boasts more than 30 stunning beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, and paddling. It’s the ultimate escape for any beach bunny.
