best travel destinations spring 2023

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The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2023

Where to go in 2023, according to T+L editors — for a breath of fresh air, a big-city adventure, or a glimpse at the future of travel.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

With much of the world reopened, 2023 is shaping up to be the year travel officially bounces back. We made our list of the 50 best destinations for 2023 a little differently this year: We asked Travel + Leisure's editors where they want to go in the months ahead. Some are raring to get back to Japan, while others have the Trans-Bhutan Trail on their lists. Still more are planning a sail around Greenland, a wine-tasting trip on California’s central coast, and a visit to France’s next big wine region (which is, as it happens, tiny).

A few up-and-coming culinary destinations made our list, as did a remarkable piece of art, the size and scale of which boggles the imagination. While many of the team’s picks are remote, breathe-in-that-fresh-air kinds of places, our list doesn’t skimp on cities where the hustle and bustle is part of the fun.

But with so many choices now back on the map, there are as many styles of trips as there are places to explore. That’s why, for the first time in recent memory, we’ve broken our list of best places to go into categories.

The hope is that, whatever it is you’re after in the year ahead, you’ll find it in one of these 50 places. And who knows? We may just see you there.

— Edited by Paul Brady and Maya Kachroo-Levine

Destination by Category

For cultural riches, alexandria, virginia.

K. Summerer for Visit Alexandria

With postcard-perfect cobblestone streets and quick access to the wineries of northern Virginia , Alexandria is an easy city to love. But these days, the reason to go is to see how effectively the city is confronting its own history, as destinations across the American South grapple with the legacy of the Confederacy . Alexandria, which was founded as a tobacco port in 1749, was for decades of the 19th century the site of the country’s largest domestic slave trade . Today, the Freedom House Museum has three new exhibitions honoring the people who were forcibly brought here. Meanwhile, the African American Heritage Trail, which opened in 2020, follows the Potomac River and encompasses nearly 200 years of history at 11 stops, such as the Torpedo Factory , where many Black men and women worked during World War II. An extension of the route will debut in February 2023 with 20 new stops, including Waterfront Park, the port from which enslaved people were trafficked to places like New Orleans. At Jones Point Park, visitors can learn about Benjamin Banneker , an inventor, mathematician, and free African American from Maryland who was instrumental in the 1791 surveying team that determined the border of the new U.S. capital of Washington, D.C. (For an even deeper look at the city’s Black experience, book with Manumission Tours , which is run by a fourth-generation Alexandrian .) The city’s most elegant stay is Morrison House Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection , which was recently voted one of the best city hotels in the continental U.S. in T+L’s 2022 World’s Best Awards. A new Hotel AKA is slated to open in Old Town in winter 2023. — Liz Cantrell

Cairo and the Nile

Emli Bendixen

It’s almost here: After more than a decade of construction — to say nothing of the hype — the Grand Egyptian Museum may finally open, just a stone’s throw from the Great Pyramids of Giza, this spring. What to expect? More than 1 million square feet of exhibition space, treasures including a 40-foot-high statue of Ramses II, outdoor gardens, and an expansive plaza from which visitors can take in the desert surroundings. Meanwhile, a number of new and luxurious ships have started sailing the Nile: Among the best choices are the Viking Osiris , an all-veranda vessel carrying 82 passengers, and the opulent Sphinx from Uniworld Boutique River Cruises , which has 42 cabins swathed in marble and hand-carved wood, with beds dressed in fine Egyptian cotton sheets. The hotel scene is also, thankfully, getting a refresh with a new Mandarin Oriental slated for downtown Cairo in 2024; the forthcoming 200-room Four Seasons Hotel Luxor is scheduled to debut in 2025 — not that you should wait that long to see the ancient Valley of the Kings. — John Wogan

“City,” Nevada

City, 1970 – 2022 © Michael Heizer. Courtesy Triple Aught Foundation. Photo: Eric Piasecki

Even in a state known for its vast, empty landscapes, Basin and Range National Monument , about a two-hour drive north of Las Vegas, takes “remote” to a new level. The 704,000-acre preserve, created in 2015, provides endless opportunities for hiking, climbing, camping, and cycling; its desert valleys and mountain ranges are also dotted with Indigenous rock art sites. But the reason to go now is “City,” the single largest contemporary artwork in the world, which opened to visitors in September 2022. Made from dirt, rock, and concrete, the monumental open-air sculpture was more than 50 years in the making, a collection of mounds, depressions, and stelae conceived by the artist Michael Heizer . The endeavor — which was made possible by joint contributions from art institutions around the country, including LACMA and MoMA — will open to the public for the 2023 season by reservation only . The mile-and-a-half-long sculpture feels at once ancient and futuristic, a destination just as awe-inspiring as the natural one surrounding it. — John Wogan

Havana, Cuba

Brad Ogbonna

The can-you, can’t-you continues, but the Biden administration has made it a touch easier to visit Cuba as a result of its May 2022 relaxation of some restrictions on travel to the island. These days, Americans can go as part of a group tour or visit individually on a "support for the Cuban people" license, travel advisor Molly Layman told T+L. “It’s one of 12 authorized categories of travel to the island,” she said, adding that “it requires citizens to have a full-time schedule of activities that support the Cuban people, which is easily fulfilled through buying services from Cuban entrepreneurs, staying in local homes, dining in private restaurants, and booking cultural activities.” Those ready to take to the vibrant streets of Havana will also need a visa, said Layman, who works as director of operations at tour company Cuba Candela . Travelers can handle that, she said, “on the day of travel at the airport check-in desk or from a tour provider.” (The cost varies depending on where a visa is purchased but rarely exceeds $100.) While the hoops are undeniable, they may well be worth jumping through in the year ahead. — Christine Burroni

Tangier, Morocco

Issam Elhafti/Getty Images

For decades, this northern Moroccan city has attracted a stream of bohemian expats including, most famously, beat-generation writers Paul Bowles and William S. Burroughs. That’s how it cultivated a reputation as a place where foreigners went to live, rather than simply visit. But Tangier’s reputation could change this spring, thanks in part to the opening of Villa Mabrouka — British designer Jasper Conran’s second Moroccan property, which follows the 2018 opening of L'Hôtel Marrakech . The one-time private residence of fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, the hillside property has gorgeous views over the Bay of Tangier within walking distance to the city’s frenetic medina. Villa Mabrouka joins other newcomers, like the Museum of Contemporary Art , a space displaying work by regional artists, also called the Kasbah Museum, as it's housed in the renovated, 17th-century Kasbah prison. Also new on the proverbial block is the just-opened Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier , set on a refurbished, century-old estate near the old city. Anticipation is already growing for a recently announced Waldorf Astoria, a 115-room and 21-villa resort set to open in 2025. — John Wogan

Lakes Region, Turkey

Istanbul and Bodrum are both rightly popular, but U.S. travelers will find much to love in other pockets of this diverse country — including this inland part of southwestern Anatolia, which travel advisor Engin Kadaster predicts “will be very popular in the years to come.” Kadaster has been including the Lakes Region on more and more itineraries for her clients, and helped coordinate a story in T+L’s August 2022 issue that included destinations such as Isparta, the region’s largest city and a center of rose and lavender production, and the ancient hilltop city of Sagalassos. The region’s most famous feature — naturally — is a series of tectonic lakes, created by ancient earthquakes, in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, but it also holds many ancient Greek and Roman archaeological sites. A blessed lack of mass tourism means that this isn’t a hot spot for luxury hotels, but cozy places like Eskiciler Konaği , a renovated century-old mansion near Lake Eğirdir, or Aliya Konak , a seasonal farmstay on a working lavender operation in Isparta, are warm and welcoming. Intrepid travelers can ditch the hotels altogether by camping along the new Pisidia Heritage Trail , a waymarked route that unites the Lakes Region’s splendid nature and unique history as it passes through ancient sites like Kremna, Adada, and Yazılı Canyon. — Hannah Walhout

The United Kingdom

Courtesy of Peninsula London

T+L’s Destination of the Year may be undergoing a once-in-a-lifetime period of transition, but some things never change. For one, the country’s historic cities will always be home to hotels that mix stately grandeur and affable service. This past summer saw the opening of Gleneagles Townhouse , a chic, urban outpost of the iconic Gleneagles resort, in the heart of Edinburgh; next year London will welcome the cool glam of the Peter Marino–designed Peninsula London . Of the U.K.’s many world-class museums, two have recently gotten upgrades: Glasgow’s Burrell Collection , a stunning assortment of international art and artifacts, and the Manchester Museum , which is dedicated to the natural sciences. The Factory , Manchester’s new cultural center, pays tribute to the famous record label behind '80s rock bands the Happy Mondays and New Order. Gourmands (and the just plain hungry) will want to sample the broad range of culinary delights at London’s new Arcade Food Hall at Battersea Power Station, the latest stage in the rehabilitation of the historic building. No visit to the U.K. is complete without venturing out into its peerless countryside, and Scotland’s first rewilding center, Dundreggan , is one noteworthy place to take it all in: Managed by charitable organization Trees for Life , this 10,000-acre estate on the shores of Scotland’s Loch Ness plans to open a visitor’s center by the end of 2023. Meanwhile, the new Two Toms Trail in Lancashire covers 25 miles and features some of England’s most stunning scenery. — Peter Terzian

Getty Images

The perennially popular city made headlines in 2022 for its day-trip entrance fee , which takes effect in January 2023. But why only go for the day? The Venice Architecture Biennale runs May 20, 2023 to Nov. 26, 2023, with global exhibits curated by Lesley Lokko, the first Black architect to organize the event. Architecture lovers will also want to visit the Procuratie Vecchie, the 16th-century building along St. Mark's Square. Though its façade is one of Italy’s most photographed, the public has only recently been allowed inside, after the completion of a five-year refurbishment led by David Chipperfield Architects . Those looking for nostalgic luxury should plan to arrive in the second half of the year, with their bags packed for a train trip: Belmond’s iconic Venice Simplon-Orient Express will unveil two newly restored carriages from the 1920s and ‘30s in June, with opulent suites modeled to mirror the landscapes of Europe. — Nina Ruggiero

For the Food — and Wine

Courtesy of Four Seasons

It may have a reputation as a stopover city, but Athens deserves a closer look — and at least a few nights — in the year ahead. Not far from the Piraeus port , where travelers hop both domestic ferries and cruise ships that criss-cross the Mediterranean, the Athens Riviera has seen a surge of development. Four Seasons Astir Palace , which opened amid the pandemic, has a private beach on the sparkling Saronic Sea and two spaces designed by Swedish architect Martin Brudnizki, including a midcentury modern cocktail bar and Pelagos restaurant, which has already earned its first Michelin star. In the spring of 2023, One&Only Aesthesis will open just a few miles away, also along the waterfront. Next door is the brand-new Experience Park, with trails, fitness classes, fountains, a Zen garden, and bountiful native plants and flowers; it’s part of an $8-billion waterfront green space called The Ellinikon , on the former site of the city’s international airport, that’s still under development. In central Athens, the 2022 opening of the 43-room Xenodocheio Milos hotel in the Pláka neighborhood brings a bit of cosmopolitan verve, from the team behind international restaurant brand Estiatorio Milos . And while the Odeon of Herodes Atticus on the Acropolis isn’t new — the ancient amphitheater first opened about 1,900 years ago — it will bring back a full schedule of shows in 2023 after a pandemic-era slowdown. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Central Florida

Courtesy of Small World Vacations

This fall, Hurricane Ian took 81 lives and caused $60 billion in damage across Florida. While the hard-hit southwestern part of the state continues to recover, Visit Florida president and CEO Dana Young said in October that other regions are ready to welcome travelers back. Central Florida in particular is worth a closer look, thanks to its ever-growing hospitality scene. Orlando and Tampa recently won a combined 14 Michelin accolades in 2022, when the guidebook publisher released its first-ever guide to Florida restaurants. The area’s family-friendly draws are better than ever: Disney’s recently opened, highly immersive Star Wars : Galactic Starcruiser is a two-night adventure that takes themed entertainment to the next level by allowing guests to eat, sleep, and breathe Star Wars with lightsaber training, out-of-this-world dining (blue shrimp, anyone?), and a trip to Batuu at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Meantime, Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebrations continue through March 2023, with limited-time eats, nighttime spectaculars, and festive décor. In Tampa, the latest Edition Hotel just opened with a sprawling rooftop pool club and restaurant from chef John Fraser. And getting both to and around Central Florida is easier than ever, with the recent opening of Orlando International Airport’s new 15-gate Terminal C and Brightline rail service connecting Orlando to South Florida destinations including Miami and West Palm Beach beginning in 2023. — Elizabeth Rhodes

The Jura, France

Guillaume Megevand

There’s a tiny French region just west of the border with Switzerland that’s producing some big, big wines. Thing is, only a tiny fraction of those bottles ever make it to the U.S., as T+L recently reported . That means you’ve got to go to the Jura — preferably before everyone gets wise to the area’s seven Appellations of Controlled Origin (AOCs) . Among serious oenophiles, word is already spreading about the vin jaune, “yellow wine,” made from native savagnin grapes and aged in the Jura’s distinct sous voile style, in which the wine matures “under a veil.” Not that wine is the only draw. The Jura also boasts a comté cheese trail — as if the région weren’t French enough — that connects no fewer than 150 fromageries and dairy farms. Hiking in the Jura Mountains, through Baume-les-Messieurs village and to the Hérisson waterfalls , is equally enticing, particularly as an antidote to all the wine- and cheese-focused sightseeing. Most surprising, perhaps, is just how accessible this under-the-radar area can be. Getting to the Jura takes two hours from the French capital by high-speed train , departing from Paris’s Gare de Lyon. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

San Luis Obispo County, California

Courtesy of Visit SLO CAL/Acacia Productions

It’s time to stop sleeping on “SLO.” Once considered a quick Pacific Coast Highway stopover for those visiting Hearst Castle — which reopened this past spring 2022 after a two-year closure — the central coast county is now a draw in its own right. SLO’s seven cities, including Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and San Luis Obispo, are all buzzing, and the area just earned official American Viticulture Area (AVA) recognition in 2022, thanks to more than 200 wineries, many of which are family owned . Two new Nomada Hotel Group properties opening in 2023 will welcome the inevitable influx of oenophiles: Farmhouse, a collection of 26 rustic-chic cottages with fire pits and hammocks, arrives in January; while River Lodge, a mile from the Paso Robles wine trail, is slated for May. Also being reimagined under Nomada is the Gold Rush–era Pozo Saloon , reopening in the town of Santa Margarita in August with outdoor soaking tubs, live music, trails for hiking and horseback riding, and a glamping site. Paso Robles just notched its first Michelin star ( Six Test Kitchen ), while San Luis Obispo’s SLO Public Market will welcome two new restaurants, All Good Grill and Todo Bueno , in 2023. Nature lovers should make a beeline for the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove : The insects were recently put on the endangered list, but this spot still draws over 10,000 annually. — Nina Ruggiero

Victoria, Australia

Matteo Colombo/Getty Images

Australia has reopened, and this southern state is a particularly appealing corner of the country these days, thanks to hot springs resorts that are poised to make it the next big wine-and-wellness destination: Alba Thermal Springs and Spa on the Mornington Peninsula was the first to open in September 2022, with pools powered by solar and a commitment to achieving climate-positive operations. Metung Hot Springs in East Gippsland is set to follow in late 2022, with updated facilities in an area long known for its thermal waters. Phillip Island Hot Springs , which distinguishes itself with several saltwater features, plans to open in early 2023. Out on the Mornington Peninsula — a destination long popular for its world-class wineries — the InterContinental Sorrento began accepting reservations this past August 2022. Melbourne, Victoria’s appealing capital city, is also expecting new openings, including the intimate, seven-suite Hotel Vera Ballarat by year’s end, followed by the highly anticipated Ritz-Carlton Melbourne , set to open in 2023 in Australia’s tallest tower. Qantas is making it easier to get there, too: By December 2022, the airline will have four nonstop flights a week connecting Dallas and Melbourne, a welcome bridge between Victoria and the middle of the U.S. — Sarah Bruning

For Big-city Thrills

Jonathan Filskov/Getty Images

The eternally cool city will highlight its prowess with all things design, as the official UNESCO World Capital of Architecture in 2023. Venues across Copenhagen — contemporary parks, starchitect-designed skyscrapers, even typically humdrum infrastructure like playgrounds — will host events and visitors for a look at the future of the urban environment. One highlight will be the Copenhill Power Plant, the cleanest waste-to-energy plant in the world — that’s also the site of an artificial ski slope. “We’re going to do a lot of open-house events where 50 different venues are going to be open to the public that are usually closed to visitors,” said Copenhagen’s city architect Camilla van Deurs, who mentioned as examples churches; bridges; and the Danmarks Nationalbank, the central bank building planned in part by Danish design legend Arne Jacobsen. “Superkilen,” van Deurs said, “is a playground for kids and adults — and a cultural hub in the middle of Nørrebro, the most ethnically mixed neighborhood in Copenhagen.” New places to stay in the city also deliver a signature blend of modernism and hygge: Find it at the single-suite Kaj Hotel , which floats on a canal near Copenhagen Opera House, or the colorful new 25 Hours Hotel Copenhagen . — Tim Latterner

Lance Childers/Houston First

The 2020 opening of the Kinder Building, the latest addition to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston , cemented the city’s spot among true international arts destinations. The recent reopening of the Rothko Chapel , after a $35-million renovation, has only reinforced that reputation. Today, a wealth of new ventures is poised to raise the profile of Texas’s largest city in other categories as well. Opening next year, the JMK5 Arena will transform a disused racetrack into a 12,500-seat concert stadium poised to rival the venues of Vegas. It arrives on the heels of the relatively more intimate 713 Music Hall , which has attracted artists ranging from Judas Priest to Lil Nas X. The Houston Zoo is undergoing a much-delayed expansion that will include a Galápagos Islands–themed exhibit, which will feature an underwater tunnel and a penguin habitat. And the Houston Botanic Gardens , which opened in 2020, features 132 acres of diverse ecosystems, from wetlands to prairie. — Peter Terzian

Courtesy of Rosewood Villa Magna

The Spanish capital may finally, thankfully, be shaking off its reputation as the country’s somewhat stuffy business hub. A flurry of tony hotel openings throughout the city has helped, by bringing plenty of personality to what had been a staid scene. It began in 2021 with the arrival of the Mandarin Oriental Ritz ; Rosewood Villa Magna ; and Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel . Then came the Edition in April 2022 . Breathing new life into the former Monte de Piedad de Madrid building, the hotel has 177 rooms, 21 suites, and two penthouses, plus two restaurants with food from chef Enrique Olvera and the culinary team behind Mexico City’s acclaimed Pujol . Elsewhere in Madrid, an already electric food scene has only gotten better — particularly in the glamorous Salamanca neighborhood and architecture-rich Chamberi district — with new offerings representing everything from Middle Eastern falafel and Argentinian asado to Spanish-Indian fusion and globally inflected vegan fare. — Sarah Bruning

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Welcome to the new Nashville. The city’s tourism renaissance is being fueled, in part, by a slew of just-opened hotels, including a Conrad , 1 Hotel , and a Soho House . (A Four Seasons just popped up in the bustling SoBro neighborhood, too.) The newly redesigned Hermitage Hotel , meanwhile, now has the first Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant in the South. The Fifth + Broadway complex has new outposts of old favorites, like fried chicken staple Hattie B’s , and the expansive Assembly Food Hall has dozens of choices, including bars, plural. That inimitable Nashville energy can still be found on Broadway, at honky-tonk bars that go until all hours, but there’s also Justin Timberlake’s sexy Twelve Thirty Club or live events like CMA Fest , which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023. Getting there has never been easier, thanks to low-cost carriers such as Breeze Airways and Southwest, both of which have recently added more flights from both coasts, not to mention places like Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Ohio’s Akron-Canton Airport. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Forget the notion that Steel City is just a town for football and factories. The metropolis is working on new cultural destinations that can’t be missed: While the next lunar lander is currently being built in Pittsburgh, the Moonshot Museum , which opened in October 2022, is putting on display mankind’s history of getting to and exploring the lunar surface. The Carnegie Museum of Art is hosting its 58th Carnegie International Exhibition, a huge temporary show of both historical and contemporary art which runs through April 2, 2023. The childhood home of playwright August Wilson has been restored and turned into a museum, complete with studios for arts programming. The city also has a new spate of hotels and bars drawing crowds, like the modern-chic Joinery Hotel Pittsburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton and The Industrialist, Autograph Collection in the Arrott building, one of the city’s first skyscrapers. Across the river in Allentown, Bottlerocket Social Hall is the perfect place to post up with locals and, yes, watch the game. — Tim Latterner

San Francisco

Ryan White/Parks Conservancy

Despite the so-called national conversation, the apocalypse has not yet come to San Francisco. True, this city had the most extreme wealth divide of any in California in 2020, and the seams here can be especially visible. But all the reasons SF shines — the arts, the nature, the dim sum, the sourdough — haven’t gone anywhere. And a slate of recent infrastructure and cultural projects show that many in the city are working to make it a better place to live and a more compelling destination to visit. The new Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco walks the walk of its focus on equity: the museum is completely free and has opted against a permanent collection in order to direct more funds to artists and staff. The city’s urban national park unit, the Presidio of San Francisco , recently gained 14 acres with the opening of the Presidio Tunnel Tops , a green space designed by James Corner Field Operations, the lead firm for New York City’s High Line, which incorporated input from more than 10,000 residents. Another massive community-led park and mixed-use development is underway in India Basin , with sustainability and affordable housing as stated core values. The hospitality scene is also on the come up: 1 Hotel San Francisco , The Line SF , and Beacon Grand (formerly the Sir Francis Drake) have all opened in the past six months, and Auberge Resorts Collection is slated to debut a new hotel in the Hearst Building in 2023. — Hannah Walhout

Don Eim/Travel + Leisure

American travelers can finally get back to the South Korean capital after years of pandemic restrictions — and there’s plenty to catch up on. The city’s arts scene is buzzing, thanks to new venues such as Konig Gallery , not to mention the announcement from Seoul Museum of Art that three new wings will launch by 2024. (An added boost came from Seoul hosting its first edition of Frieze this past September, during which many commenters asked if K-art may well be the next K-pop.) Meanwhile the destination has seen a number of new hotels open, including the surprisingly trendy Fairmont Ambassador Seoul and Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam , with its sweeping views of the globally famous district and stunning public spaces, including 1914 Lounge & Bar. — Tim Latterner

For Moments on the Water

Cape verde, the gambia, ghana, and guinea-bissau.

Arnau Ferrer

Though Ghana has, in recent years, surged in popularity as a destination for American visitors , particularly Black Americans , West Africa remains unfamiliar to many. One solution may be the innovative West Africa Archipelago cruises that Hurtigruten Expeditions aims to launch in November 2023. These two-week trips, aboard the line’s 180-passenger Spitsbergen , will stop in ports in four countries, with a huge array of activities on the expedition schedule: visits to historically important sites including Gorée Island ; wildlife-watching forays to spot hippos and manatees; and adventures such as scaling volcanoes and scrambling across lava fields. Though some cruise lines occasionally stop in West African ports, Hurtigruten’s deep focus on the region represents a step change — one that’s driven by passenger demand, said Asta Lassesen, the CEO of Hurtigruten Expeditions. “These islands are not as known as our other destinations, but they are teeming with unique wildlife, different cultures, and offer completely different experiences than you’d find in a traditional cruise destination,” Lassesen told T+L. — Paul Brady

Coastal Ecuador

Courtesy of Kontiki Expeditions

Many travelers know the historic capital city of Quito and the incredibly biodiverse Galápagos Islands , but now's the time to visit Ecuador’s stunning Pacific coastline. From surf towns like Montañita to the preserved beaches and cloud forest of Machalilla National Park, coastal Ecuador is packed with outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. Kontiki Expeditions unlocks the region with eight-day yacht cruises that visit five of the country’s 24 provinces, hitting destinations including Isla de la Plata and Salinas. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Kontiki Expeditions operates an intimate ship with just nine staterooms, refined outdoor and indoor spaces, and a nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio. (Guests can book an individual room, or charter the entire 18-passenger yacht.) Getting there has gotten smoother, too: U.S. airlines including American, JetBlue, and Spirit now offer direct flights to Guayaquil, from which Kontiki Expeditions trips depart. — Elizabeth Rhodes

The Explora I

Courtesy of EXPLORA I

Just don’t call it a cruise: Upstart travel company Explora Journeys describes its itineraries as “ocean journeys,” nevermind the fact they’re aboard the newly built, 461-suite Explora I . The vessel is slated to hit the water in July 2023, with trips in the Mediterranean that visit popular cruise destinations such as Barcelona and Civitavecchia, near Rome, as well as lesser-visited ports including Patmos, Greece, and St.-Tropez, France. “It’s a new style of ocean travel that connects you with the things that are important,” Explora CEO Michael Ungerer told T+L. “There’s a craving to learn something new and make authentic connections without leaving your tried and tested luxury environment and services behind.” Indeed, life aboard won’t be monastic: Explora I will have 18 restaurants and bars and a massive spa, among other luxuries. Still, should all that ocean journeying become a bit too wearying, guests can always retreat to their suites, all of which have private verandas. In fact, when it debuts, Explora I will have the most space per passenger of any vessel anywhere. — Paul Brady

Antarctica is so last year. While Greenland may not have penguins, it does promise plenty of beautiful landscapes and seemingly endless horizons. The newly christened National Geographic Resolution will sail the Eastern shore of Greenland in June 2023, with opportunities to explore the Rømer Fjord depending on conditions. Ponant has a dozen distinct itineraries scheduled for 2023, including a number of round trips from Kangerlussuaq, in Western Greenland, that explore Baffin Bay. The brand-new Seabourn Venture, the line’s first expedition ship, will also be there in 2023; one particularly compelling August itinerary starts in Iceland, spends nearly three weeks along Greenland’s coast, then continues through the Northwest Passage before wrapping in Anchorage, Alaska. More conventional operators, such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises, are making the polar destination a fixture, too. The Seven Seas Navigator will visit Prince Christian Sound and make calls in Nuuk and Paamiut on a June 2023 sailing between New York City and Reykjavik. — Paul Brady

Hvar, Croatia

Goran Stimac/Getty Images

Those seeking a brighter 2023 will find it on Hvar: This Dalmatian Coast island calls itself the sunniest in Croatia. That means plenty of time for cycling more than 100 miles of bikeable terrain or kayak trips to secluded beaches. At night, those clear skies make for incredible stargazing: Jesla, on the island’s north shore, was named the first International Dark Sky Community in Southern Europe in 2022; and Moeesy , the island’s newest luxury hotel, has one room with an over-the-bed skylight for bedtime viewing. The town of Velo Grablje’s 14th-century charm peaks in July, when the lavender festival blooms with food, drink, and family-friendly activities all centered around the fragrant Mediterranean plant. And in Hvar proper, the harborside Riva Marina hotel reopened in June 2022 with refreshed waterfront terrace suites and a new restaurant and bar concept focused on local ingredients. Just down the block is the island’s first sustainable hotel , Beach Bay , which opened this past summer 2022 with an off-grid solar power system and a commitment to honor UNESCO’s Sustainable Travel Pledge . — Nina Ruggiero

The Path of Totality

©StudioPonant/Laure Patricot

A total solar eclipse, in which the moon blocks the sun and plunges the Earth into momentary darkness, is a “relatively common” phenomenon, NASA heliophysicist Dr. Michael Kirk told T+L. The trick is that most eclipses happen over water or in extremely remote places — which is why spotting the next one, on April 20, 2023, will be all about the chase. The upcoming path of totality will cross the Indian Ocean, graze Western Australia, then sweep across Indonesia and East Timor into the Pacific; astro-enthusiasts can chart its full course with the Totality app . That means the best way to catch the show will be to board a ship , such as the 188-passenger Le Lapérouse, for a Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys cruise from Bali, Indonesia, to Broome, Australia. The new Indonesia-based charter yacht Celestia will also be sailing around the edges of totality, making visits to the islands of Komodo National Park, the Moluccas, and Raja Ampat. The very best odds for viewing, said NASA’s Kirk, will be in Western Australia, where “the Exmouth Peninsula, Barrow Island, and the sea in between should have clear skies.” Eclipse chasers could drive the 750 miles from Perth to Cape Range National Park on the Ningaloo Reef–fringed Exmouth, but Tropical Sails Corp’s Pacific Explorer , which can take you there from Perth on a five-day Indian Ocean sail, seems a far more pleasant journey. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

For Fresh Air and Nature

Courtesy of Pal-Arinsal Ski Resort

This tiny European country, which at 181 square miles is smaller than Chicago, could soon turn into one of the world’s biggest ski destinations. The mountainous country, situated between France and Spain, has long been known for its reliable December-to-April conditions thanks to its high-altitude perch in the Pyrenees. But now, for the first time, three Andorra ski areas have been added to the Ikon Pass , putting a collective 7,600 acres of downhill terrain across 215 runs and 123 lifts into play for holders of the global lift ticket. At the same time, the three destinations of Grandvalira , Ordino Arcalís , and Pal-Arinsal (or, collectively, the Grandvalira Resorts Andorra ) will be available on a single local Andorra Pass , which starts at about $50 a day, a bargain by any big-mountain standards. Alternatively, visitors can opt for a newly launched Nord Pass, a multi-day ticket that works at both Ordino Arcalís and Pal-Arinsal for less than $40 per day. So, while these affordable mountains remain a bit of a challenge to reach — Grandvalira can be a four-hour drive from Barcelona — the days of smaller crowds may soon be a thing of the past. — Jamie Aranoff

Asheville, North Carolina

Tim Robison

This flannel-clad city in the Blue Ridge Mountains checks all the boxes, with year-round outdoor activities, sophisticated dining, and easy access, whether you’re driving or flying. (Asheville Regional Airport is on pace for a record-breaking 2022 , with service from 25 destinations.) But the year ahead offers more reasons to visit, starting with some cool new places to stay: Wrong Way River Lodge has a collection of A-frame cabins along the French Broad River that are perfect for white-water rafters. AutoCamp Asheville , another glamping-esque abode with Airstream campers, is slated to open by mid-2023. Downtown, the new Restoration Hotel promises a properly plush stay; its sister property in Charleston consistently ranks in our best hotels in Charleston list . (For those who’d rather be even closer to nature, The Glamping Collective is a newly opened, 160-acre site with domed pods and glass cabins situated a short drive from the city.) Asheville’s food scene has fresh energy from S&W Market , Asheville’s first food hall and the brainchild of award-winning chef Meherwan Irani. For all that’s new, visitors shouldn’t skip the old standbys: French Broad Chocolates is a local fave that’s since gone national, and Battery Park Book Exchange is the prime spot for a late-night glass of Champagne amid dusty bookshelves. — Samantha Falewée

Aysén, Chile

Stefan Ruiz

Chile’s Aysén region lies between two popular destinations — Torres del Paine National Park and the Lake District — with a captivating landscape of hanging glaciers, magnificent fjords, pristine lakes, and jagged peaks. Yet this 41,000-square-mile swath in northern Patagonia — the least populated in Chile — remains largely unexplored by visitors, in part because of its topography. But now, several outfitters and organizations, including Chile’s Route of Parks , are developing more itineraries and ecotourism routes for the non-mountain-scaling adventure traveler, with less-daunting activities like kayaking, hiking, and biking. Not long ago, travel company Explora opened a lodge in Aysén’s Patagonia National Park (working with nonprofit Rewilding Chile to support conservation and educational efforts) and launched eight- to 12-day trips that make travel across the region convenient, with flights, accommodations, and activities included. Factor in loosened COVID-19 restrictions and a newly elected president (the country’s youngest in history) as additional reasons to go now. Then there’s the continually growing partnership between Delta Air Lines and Latam, which allows for mutual lounge access and easy nonstop flights from Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York City to Santiago, which is just a short connecting hop from Coyhaique, the gateway to Aysén. — Alisha Prakash

The Hudson Valley, New York

Andre Maier

Yes, the stretch north of New York City and south of Albany, along the banks of the lordly Hudson River, has been attracting enterprising former urbanites — as well as savvy travelers in search of charming towns and idyllic countryside — for the past century or so. But its transition from quasi-rustic to quietly glam marks a new and intriguing chapter. Next summer, The Ranch Hudson Valley , an offshoot of the West Coast’s rigorous retreat The Ranch Malibu, will open on a grand estate built by financier J.P. Morgan (as a gift for his daughter’s marriage to Alexander Hamilton’s great-grandson) and will offer multi-day programs to revive weary New Yorkers. Meanwhile, Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection , a property with 60 freestanding cabins and cottages, will highlight the pastoral side of the region, with a farm-to-table restaurant and 140 acres of orchards and wildflower gardens. The region’s reputation for top-notch cuisine continues with the upscale tavern fare at Merchants Social in Hudson and Stissing House in Pine Plains, the Southern-inflected Darlings in Tilson, and the sweet fantasia of the Catskills Chocolate Co. in Catskill. (Longtime cheesemongers Talbott and Arding have recently moved to a beautiful new space in Hudson, too.) But don’t forget to leave room for culture. In Catskill, Foreland is a self-billed kunsthalle that extends across three 19th-century mills with exhibition spaces and artist studios. And the beloved sculpture park Storm King Art Center is getting a $45-million overhaul that includes an extensive new visitors center. — Peter Terzian

Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

Thomas Retterath/Getty Images

“Zambia is a destination so many people miss,” said travel advisor Leora Rothschild . “The country’s Lower Zambezi National Park is one of my favorite destinations anywhere. Having a safari on a river adds a dynamic element,” she notes, since being on the water offers a different perspective than travelers get while on a game drive or in camp. Among the best places to take in this wildlife-rich destination is at one of its newest lodges , the luxurious eight-suite Lolebezi , which African Bush Camps opened inside the park and on the banks of the river this past June. It’s an ideal base from which to explore Lower Zambezi, which sits opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to what the agency calls its “ dramatic landscape ” and “huge herds of elephant and buffalo.” Though remote, this corner of Zambia has recently gotten a bit easier to access, as pandemic-era travel regulations have loosened. Air Botswana announced in May 2022 that, following a two-year hiatus, it would relaunch flights from Gaborone, Botswana to Lusaka, Zambia. — Samantha Falewée

Prince Edward Island, Canada

Tourism PEI/Sander Meurs

As Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island might get overlooked in favor of the country’s bigger, badder destinations for outdoor thrills. But this tiny island — known to many as the setting of L.M. Montgomery’s beloved “Anne of Green Gables” series — packs a punch. Here, you’ll find rugged cliffs, red-sand beaches , and a surprisingly robust golf scene, with 27 courses. Perhaps the biggest draw for adventurous travelers right now is the Island Walk , a 435-mile trail that opened in 2021 . Tracing the entire coastline, it passes through dozens of small towns and fishing villages. Walkers can start and end at any point, but the entire loop would take about 32 days, assuming a pace of 12-15 miles a day. Not that you’ve got to be hardcore to enjoy the trail: Towns and villages along the route have plenty to offer even non-hikers, such as the relatively new Slaymaker & Nichols , a cozy inn and gastropub in Charlottetown, the provincial capital. Classic PEI experiences endure, such as the seafood-focused, multi-course “ culinary experience ” from celebrity chef Michael Smith at the Inn at Bay Fortune . — Liz Cantrell

Stephanie Vermillion

When high-speed internet was installed at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, this past August, it was just the latest example of the new era dawning in Tanzania. The leader of the country’s changing face is President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the first woman of color and the first Muslim to lead this country, who took office in 2021. “I never expected that one day I would be president,” President Hassan told PBS . Not that she’s wasting any time. Since taking power, she’s devoted herself to strengthening infrastructure, women’s businesses, education, health care — she received her COVID-19 vaccine on live television to encourage others to get immunized — and sustainable travel. This summer, the Usangu Expedition Camp in Ruaha National Park opened in partnership with the Tanzania National Parks Authority , and the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute ; Selous Safari Company recently refreshed its six-suite private reserve on Fanjove Island, a jumping off point for “marine safaris” by dive boat or kayak. — Samantha Falewée

Uttar Pradesh, India

Luis Dafos/Getty Images

Pummeled by the pandemic, India suffered through a grim 20-month closure, only reopening to travelers at the end of 2021. However, at long last — and with COVID-19 cases now under control thanks to large-scale vaccination programs that have delivered more than 2 billion doses — 2023 is primed to be the year visitors return to this soul-stirring country in full force. While many travelers will opt for Rajasthan’s royal palaces and desert jewels, there’s good reason to discover Uttar Pradesh on your next trip. India’s fourth-largest state is home to classic attractions including the Taj Mahal, in Agra, and the Ganges River ghats of Varanasi, the nation’s holiest city. But the new draws here include Vana, a wellness retreat in the Himalayan foothills of Dehradun. The resort, which is now managed by the World’s Best Award–winning hospitality company Six Senses, has rooms and suites that prioritize the lush landscape with balconies and terraces overlooking the surrounding forest and gardens, offering a true breath of fresh air. — Alisha Prakash

For Beach Vibes

Patrick Michael Chin

Already a favorite weekend getaway for East Coasters, Bermuda will become even easier to get to in 2023. American Airlines resumed flights to the island from New York City's John F. Kennedy International in November, which the carrier had paused in the early days of the pandemic. Upon arrival at L.F. Wade International, travelers are now greeted in a new $400-million terminal with automated immigration gates and preclearance for U.S.-bound passengers — plus unexpected extras like a putting green and an outdoor nature trail. Bermuda’s resort stock is on the rise, too: Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa recently debuted a top-to-bottom renovation, adding villas and a Bermudian outpost of Sunken Harbor Club, the tropical cocktail bar above Brooklyn, New York’s wildly popular steakhouse Gage & Tollner. The St. Regis Bermuda is another high-end hotel option, which opened in 2021 with the nation’s first casino and incredible views of Fort St. Catherine. The island recently rolled back all COVID-19 entry requirements, but the Atlantic country’s  remote work program  — which launched in July 2020 and allows for stays up to one year — is still running for anyone looking to make its pink-sand beaches a new home base. — Liz Cantrell

Cayman Islands

Warren Fleming-Hollinger/Getty Images

It just keeps getting easier to visit the Caymans. As of fall 2022, Cayman Airways flies nonstop from Los Angeles International to Grand Cayman, the first direct route from the West Coast to the British territory. “Getting to Hawaii takes longer,” said Kenneth Bryan, Cayman Islands honorable minister for tourism and transport, in an interview with T+L. Wherever they’re flying in from, visitors will find plenty of new offerings along Seven Mile Beach, on Grand Cayman’s west shore. Chief among them is the freshly renovated Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman , which is now outfitted with a La Prairie Spa and Saint June restaurant, complete with a beachfront bar. (The property is thankfully still home to the long-running, annual Cayman Cookout .) For travelers who prefer heart-pumping adventure to pool- or beachside relaxation, the Caymans can deliver: Hiking reserves like the 100-year-old Mastic Trail on Grand Cayman or the Bluff on Cayman Brac may not be as well known as the islands’ beaches — but they should be. Meanwhile a growing art scene is beginning to draw international attention, thanks to shows at the well-established National Gallery of the Cayman Islands as well as the vibey, creative atmosphere at new hotels such as Palm Heights , as T+L recently reported . — Christine Burroni

Coastal Uruguay

© Tali Kimelman/Posada Ayana

The vast skies, empty beaches, and delicious food of Uruguay remain as alluring as they’ve ever been. Still, 2023 promises to be a breakout year for the country’s lowkey coastal destinations, thanks to an ever-growing art scene that adds a layer of culture to this already inviting stretch along the Southern Atlantic. Among the newest must-sees is the Atchugarry Museum of Contemporary Art in Punta del Este, a 90-acre campus which opened in early 2022. Also nearby is artist James Turrell’s “Ta Khut,” an experiential Skyspace that opened in late 2021 at Posada Ayana, a small hotel in José Ignacio. (The seaside village is also home to intriguing contemporary collections at three Vik Retreats properties, including Bahia Vik , with its oceanfront bungalows.) A short drive from José Ignacio, the village of Garzón has lately become a hub for multidisciplinary artists thanks to Campo , an incubator and non-profit that brings creatives to this still-rural corner of Uruguay. — Paul Brady

Lush mountains, bustling beach towns , and idyllic resorts make Guadeloupe the perfect place for adventurous travelers looking for something Caribbean but different. In recent years, though, it’s been difficult for U.S. travelers to reach this French overseas department — particularly after Norwegian ceased its nonstop flights to the destination in 2019. Now, things are looking up again, as JetBlue has relaunched its nonstop service from New York City to the gateway city of Pointe-à-Pitre in November 2022. SkyTeam faithfuls can also now get there on Air France, on nonstops from either Miami or New York; American Airlines also serves the archipelago from Miami. First-timers tend to focus on two of the islands, Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, the latter of which is home to Guadeloupe National Park. (A local tour company such as Vert Intense can help with the logistics of seeing Carbet Falls and La Grande Soufrière volcano.) Accommodations tend away from big brand names, though — this being France — there is an all-inclusive, beachfront Club Med La Caravelle . Other well-regarded options include the remote, hillside Le Jardin Malanga Hotel , with its dramatic ocean views, or the cliffside villas of the boutique-y La Toubana Hotel & Spa , along the southern shore of Grande-Terre. — Christine Burroni

The Jersey Shore, New Jersey

William Laird

“The real thing is quite different from TV,” George Distefano told T+L. Now a hotelier, Distefano grew up on the Jersey Shore — and today is doing his part to change the narrative around the beloved summer destination. His latest project, The James Bradley , is a 17-room inn that opened in Bradley Beach in August 2022 and is aimed at a crowd that’s perhaps quieter, chicer, and altogether less interesting to MTV producers. In nearby Asbury Park , which has long been a barometer of development, openings of The Asbury Hotel and the Asbury Ocean Club and Residences signal the start of a bougier era. Even Atlantic City is now substantially more chic, after many casino resorts, including Bally’s , Caesars , and Ocean , used the pandemic-induced dip in visitors to undertake hundreds of millions of dollars in renovations. “The area as a whole has had a bit of a renaissance,” Distefano said. One telling indicator of where the Shore is headed next? A Nobu Hotel is slated to open on the boardwalk any day now. — Hannah Walhout

Maui, Hawaii

Hawaii has been in the midst of a multi-year rethink about how tourism impacts the state . “We seek to balance the economic vitality of our industry with the health of our natural environment and the well-being of our communities,” is how Hawaii Tourism Authority President and CEO John De Fries put it this past summer . On Maui, that balance has been struck recently in efforts to renovate and reimagine some of the island’s most popular resorts. The 54-acre Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua , to take one example, is finishing up a major overhaul that includes a reimagined aquatic complex (with three “zero-edge” swimming pools), an expanded Club Lounge , and programming that will include not just cocktail classes and cooking demonstrations but also lei making and musical performances by Hawaiian artists. On the southwest coast of the island, The Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort is in the midst of its own refresh of all 776 guest rooms and suites; some are, happily, already good to go. There’s other progress beyond hotels: e-bikes are now plentiful on Maui, thanks to a recent rule change that allows them on island roads. Companies like RideSmart Maui lend out wheels that make exploring a breeze, whether your interest lies in the historic sites of Lahaina or the beautiful beaches around Wailea. — John Wogan

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Courtesy of Chablé Hotels

This picturesque stretch of the Yucatán peninsula is in the midst of welcoming four marquee hotels. The Waldorf Astoria Cancun just opened, a brand-new build with 173 rooms and five dining venues all overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Casa Chablé and The St. Regis Kanai Resort are slated to open in early 2023, followed by the Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai in spring 2023. Not new but refreshed is Maroma, a Belmond Hotel , which will reopen in May 2023 after a year-long closure with 10 new oceanfront suites and Latin America's first Guerlain spa. Farther south, closer to Tulum, the ultra-luxurious Hotel Esencia has added a posh new 10,000-square-foot, four-bedroom mansion tricked out with fitness and screening rooms, an underground speakeasy, and three pools — the perfect thing for a friends’ getaway. Not that hotels are the only draw: The last section of the new Maya Train project, which connects Cancun and Tulum, is expected to open by the end of 2023 after delays to address environmental and archeological concerns . The route will make several cultural and historic sites , including Chichén Itzá, more accessible and connect travelers to other destinations in the state of Quintana Roo, including Bacalar, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Morelos. Also on the horizon is the opening of the long-awaited Tulum airport, which Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said will be completed by the end of 2023. — Sarah Bruning

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Courtesy of Auberge Resorts Collection

Long a vacationer’s paradise, this section of Mexico’s Pacific coast between Puerto Vallarta and the beach town of San Blas is only getting better in the year ahead. The 59-room Susurros del Corazón , Auberge Resorts Collection, began welcoming guests in November 2022 with experiences that include an introduction to raicilla , a lesser-known agave spirit, and boating excursions in Islas Marietas, a national park known for its biodiversity. On its heels, Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort , which is the second tented camp property from the brand , will open in December 2022. Accommodating just 30 people at a time, the lush 48-acre property is making wellness a key focus, so guests can expect to unwind with options like a temascal ceremony and nocturnal forest bathing sessions. An extra incentive to go? JetBlue launched new nonstop flights from JFK to Puerto Vallarta International, which serves as the gateway to the region. — Sarah Bruning

U.S. Virgin Islands

Courtesy of USVI Department of Tourism; Jamie Aranoff

With no pandemic restrictions, no passport needed, and plenty of inbound flights, the U.S. Virgin Islands are challenging Bermuda for the title of easiest warm-weather getaway for East Coasters. What’s more, the islands just established a Territorial Park System Trust Fund Board which will protect and preserve attractions like St. Croix’s Great Salt Pond and St. John’s Oppenheimer Beach. Caribbean flavors are, once again, another reason to go: The King of the Wing competition on St. Thomas, which celebrates creative chicken cookery, is back after a two-year hiatus; the 23rd annual Taste of St. Croix festival, one of the largest culinary events in the region, happens in April. Carnival , which returned in 2022, will be another event to watch in the year ahead. St. Thomas celebrates from late April through early May with food fairs, pageants, and parades; St. John fetes from late June through July 4, concluding with an Independence Day bash; and St. Croix sparkles from mid-December through Three Kings Day with more traditional, Christmas-centric fanfare. — Jamie Aranoff

For a Look at the Future

This past September, Bhutan, the impossibly scenic country between India and China, reopened to tourists after 30 months. But that’s nothing compared to the 60 years it’s taken to redevelop the 250-mile Trans-Bhutan Trail , which also reopened that month. Once the only way to travel across the Himalayan kingdom, the ancient pilgrimage route is now one of Bhutan’s biggest draws, a must-see for hikers, bikers, and other outdoorsy types. The trail connects 400 historic sites, with museums, fortresses, and temples along the way — plus stunning natural scenery and seemingly endless views. As part of its reopening, Bhutan has ended its policy requiring visitors to be accompanied 24/7 by a guide; instead, the nation has implemented an increased tourism tax, or Sustainable Development Fee, which is intended to fund social and cultural programs, infrastructure improvements, and environmental conservation. (The $200-a-day charge, up from $65, is also deliberately expensive, in an effort to keep visitor numbers low.) On the hotel front, Six Senses opened its fifth and final Bhutan lodge, Six Senses Bumthang , in March 2020, but the eco hideaway tucked in a pine forest in the town of Jakar, of course, has only just become accessible to foreigners. — Alisha Prakash

Boten–Vientiane Railway, Laos

Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua via Getty Images

It’s not every day the world gets a new cross-country railroad. The ambitious Boten–Vientiane railway that stretches across Laos may have opened for business in late 2021, but now’s the time to jump aboard, as travel to Asia reopens to American visitors. The remarkable engineering project is one of many financed by China as part of the country’s Belt and Road Initiative that builds heavy infrastructure across Africa and Asia. In this case, the train has dramatically slashed travel times across the difficult-to-drive if strikingly beautiful landscapes of Laos: Trips that would’ve taken a full day by road can now be done in just a couple hours of train-carriage comfort, as T+L recently reported . The route runs from the northern border town of Boten to Luang Prabang, which is known for its many temples. It then continues on to Vang Vieng, a gateway to some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes, before arriving in the capital, Vientiane, on the border with Thailand. Intermediate stations will help open up to visitors parts of the country that haven’t historically benefited from tourism, as Ruben Derksen, director of product and digital at Bangkok-based tour operator Exo Travel , told T+L. In the years ahead, the 257-mile railway may become even more critical, as just one segment of a Singapore to Shanghai route that will make continent-spanning journeys not just possible, but pleasant. — Paul Brady

Kyoto, Japan

Rudy Sulgan/Getty Images

Kyoto is often thought of as the serene, slowed-down complement to go-go Tokyo. And, certainly, the former Japanese capital has its historic temples, gardens, and teahouses. But since Japan’s October 2022 reopening to independent travelers , this destination and its new draws demand fresh eyes. The city’s famous Gion Matsuri , or festival, is set to return in full force in July 2023 following a pandemic pause, with enormous floats and a wealth of food and drink offerings; the event, which was first held in 869, is said to be Japan’s biggest festival. In August, Kyoto celebrates Gozan Okuribi , a bonfire celebration visible across the city that marks the close of Obon, a festival honoring ancestors. New hotels abound, including hospitality group Banyan Tree’s 138-room Dhawa Yura Kyoto , located in the heart of the city. Another new option is Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto , with 25 rooms set amid lush greenery in front of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also new — yet firmly rooted in the city’s history — is the recently opened Maana Kiyomizu , where visitors can spend the night in restored machiya , traditional wooden townhouses. Though Japan has only just reopened, it’s already getting even easier to get there, thanks to Delta Air Lines’ brand-new routes from Hawaii to Tokyo plus flights that resumed this fall from Los Angeles. — Alisha Prakash

New Zealand

Barry Tobin; Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand

After a stringent lockdown, New Zealand has at last dropped all travel restrictions. Happily, the country is becoming more accessible than ever, thanks to the nonstop flights between New York and Auckland that Air New Zealand launched in September. (That long haul has also gotten comfier, thanks to the airline’s Economy Skycouch seats.) Wondering if those 17 hours in the air will be worth it? Auckland continues to evolve with no shortage of dazzling new places to stay. The 99-room Hotel Britomart , lined in timber and exuding Zen calm, is at the heart of Auckland’s Britomart District, nine blocks of historic warehouses converted into shops and restaurants. Mawhiti Walheke is a luxurious modern guest pavilion on a vineyard-covered island a short ferry ride from the city. And New Zealand’s spectacular landscape finally has a showstopper of a property to match it: Flock Hill , a fully serviced four-bedroom villa on a sheep ranching station in the Southern Alps region of South Island. — Peter Terzian

Teahupo’o,Tahiti

© Gre goire Le Bacon

The village of Teahupo’o, on the southwestern coast of Tahiti, will take center stage during the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite being 9,800 miles from the French capital. But unless you’re planning to compete, the year ahead is the ideal time for a closer look at this part of French Polynesia, before the world’s attention turns to the South Pacific. Some of the incredible waves here rate among the most fearsome on the planet — hence the name Teahupo’o, which essentially means “wall of skulls” — while others are more rideable for those with some surfing experience. Accommodations such as Tahurai can organize coaching sessions, including some hosted by local surf icon Tereva David. Those more comfortable watching the waves than riding them can get on the water with tour companies such as Teahupo’o Tahiti Surfari , which takes visitors by boat to see the famous Teahupo’o swell, one of the highest and heaviest waves in the world, as well as waterfalls, lagoons, lava tubes, and cliff-diving spots around the island. Meanwhile, it’s gotten easier than ever to reach Tahiti, thanks to Delta Air Lines’ new nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Fa'a'ā International Airport. Air Tahiti Nui has also added connectivity, with the only nonstop flights between Seattle and Tahiti, which took off in October. — Jamie Aranoff

Victoria, British Columbia

Carlina Teteris/Getty Images

What does it look like for a city to meaningfully prioritize “sustainability,” a word that often ends up more “feel-good” than actually “do-good?” Victoria is maximizing its green impact, aiming to make all new buildings carbon neutral by 2025 and halve landfill waste by 2040. Admittedly, few travelers pick destinations based on zero-waste initiatives, but it’s easy to take an environmentally minded trip to Victoria — the city even has suggested “green travel” itineraries , capitalizing on the outdoor beauty of places like Goldstream Provincial Park, one of many green spaces on Vancouver Island. Visitors have their choice of carbon-neutral hotels, such as Inn at Laurel Point and Parkside Hotel & Spa , and can even do carbon-neutral fast food at Big Wheel Burger , Canada’s first such restaurant. Other eco-minded activities include e-biking along the Saanich Peninsula to seaside towns like Sidney — with stops at picturesque wineries or the Butchart Gardens along the way — or hopping aboard an orca-watching cruise with Eagle Wing Tours , which is, of course, part of 1% for the Planet . — Liz Cantrell

JJ Farquitectos/Getty Images

Austria’s capital city may be old — like, Holy Roman Empire old — but 2023 will see neue life in this historic destination. The year ahead is the 150th anniversary of Vienna’s World’s Fair, and the celebrations include 12 months of cultural events. It’s also the 300th anniversary of the opening of the Belvedere , the palatial museum that’s mounting an art nouveau exhibit featuring 90 Gustav Klimt works in February. Adaptive reuse is also on trend here, and the recently opened Rosewood Vienna is but one example, set in a neoclassical building that was once a bank headquarters and, before that, an apartment building where Mozart lived. The now-reopened Reznicek is a contemporary gasthaus inside a 100-year-old inn; Grace ’s Michelin-starred fare is served in a refurbished wood-paneled café reminiscent of the ‘70s. Not that Vienna is only looking to the past: New initiatives have added 1,000 miles of bike paths, carsharing via WienMobil , a robust network of electric buses, and new development in the fast-growing Aspern neighborhood where every public space and street is named after a woman . Other new additions include Hotel Josefine , with its sultry Roaring ‘20s energy and Hotel Gilbert , with a greenery-cloaked façade and Scandi-inspired design. Nonstop flights from Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Newark, New York City, and Washington, D.C. are always an option but the most au courant way in may be the new Paris to Vienna Nightjet train , which runs three days a week, with private cabins with lie-flat beds and breakfast in the morning. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

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52 Places to Go in 2023

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London  Copied to clipboard!

A buzzing city ready for a coronation, a brand-new airport link and a prehistoric colossus read more.

Tom Jamieson for The New York Times

Between an altered post-lockdown landscape, sensational changeovers at 10 Downing Street and the death of Queen Elizabeth II, there is no doubt that London is in transition. But the city continues to juxtapose old traditions and new possibilities, offering something for everyone who loves culture, history, art and nightlife.

For fans of the royal family, and maybe a few naysayers, the crowning of King Charles III , Britain’s first coronation in seven decades, will be the main event in May. There’s also the revamping of Battersea Power Station , an iconic former coal-fired power plant, into a shopping and leisure hub, and a new line on the Underground will directly connect Heathrow Airport to the central boroughs. A cast of a titanosaur, the largest creature ever to walk the planet, will make its European debut at the Natural History Museum , and late-night obsessives can head to newly opened dance clubs like the Beams . Big changes, yes, but a wealth of new choices, too.

— Isabella Kwai

Morioka  Copied to clipboard!

A walkable gem without the crowds, just a short bullet train ride from tokyo read more.

Andrew Faulk for The New York Times

Morioka, Japan

Until this past October, Japan maintained some of the most stringent travel restrictions of any major country. Now, travelers are beginning to stream back to popular destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

The city of Morioka, in Iwate Prefecture, however, is often passed over or outright ignored. Circumscribed by mountains, it lies a few hours north of Tokyo by Shinkansen, the Japanese high-speed rail lines. Morioka’s downtown is eminently walkable. The city is filled with Taisho-era buildings that mix Western and Eastern architectural aesthetics as well as modern hotels, a few old ryokan (traditional inns) and winding rivers. One draw is an ancient castle site turned into a park.

There’s also fantastic coffee, including one of Japan’s third-wave originators: Nagasawa Coffee, whose owner, Kazuhiro Nagasawa, is so committed to his beans that he uses a vintage German-made Probat roaster, which he personally imported and restored. Azumaya serves up all-you-can-eat wanko soba , which comes served in dozens of tiny bowls; Booknerd offers classic Japanese art books; and Johnny’s, a jazz cafe, has been open for over 40 years. An hour west by car: Lake Tazawa and dozens of world-class hot springs.

— Craig Mod

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park  Copied to clipboard!

The majesty and awe of towering buttes in a setting fit for hollywood read more.

Rachael Wright

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park,

Americans have been flocking to national parks, many of which were overrun with visitors during the peak of pandemic-related international border closures. Amid the bustle, peacefully taking in the majesty of nature can be a challenge.

Monument Valley offers a less crowded alternative. The site, known as Tse’Bii’Ndzisgaii in Navajo, has been a popular insignia for the American West ever since John Wayne rode in to film “Stagecoach” in 1939, and the grandeur of its cinematic sandstone buttes, towering above a copper-red desert vastness, elicits a feeling of reverence and awe.

The tribal park, which features a 17-mile driving loop, is open to visitors under the stewardship of the Navajo Nation. Its relatively basic infrastructure — in contrast to sites governed by the National Park Service — and its out-of-the-way location on the Arizona-Utah state line help create a more serene experience compared with other awe-inspiring U.S. destinations.

— Rachael Wright

Kilmartin Glen  Copied to clipboard!

A misty scottish stonehenge, with all of the mystery and far fewer visitors read more.

Andy Haslam for The New York Times

Kilmartin Glen, Scotland

The sun rises over Kilmartin Glen as it has for thousands of years, illuminating an ancient landscape of more than 800 archaeological monuments sprouting in the mist. This verdant valley on Scotland’s wild west coast is one of the most significant prehistoric sites in Britain, yet it’s largely off the visitor circuit; imagine Stonehenge without the crowds.

Wander among majestic stone circles, standing slabs that jut from the earth, burial cairns and rock carvings of concentric rings, expanding like ripples from a drop of water. And now the past is getting a refresh: The Kilmartin Museum is reopening with expanded exhibits and new experiences that delve into the region’s relics and flourishing natural life, including Moine Mhor (Great Moss), one of the few remaining raised bogs in Europe, above which looms the Iron Age hill fort of Dunadd.

For full immersion into the Scotland of yore, stay at the moody 16th-century Kilmartin Castle , which was recently transformed into a boutique hotel, with vaulted ceilings, copper tubs and a wild swimming pond.

— AnneLise Sorensen

Auckland  Copied to clipboard!

New Zealand

Pastries that rival France’s best, with a side of adventure tourism on the North Island Read more

Susan Wright for The New York Times

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland is usually considered the entry point for the rest of New Zealand’s natural attractions, but travelers just passing through can miss that it’s also the culinary capital (sorry, Wellington).

Restaurants that have been germinating while the country’s borders were closed are now ready to be sampled by all. Just 10 minutes on foot from the newly renovated downtown, for instance, takes you to Hugo’s Bistro , where a regular clientele, including many lawyers, dines on unfussy French-inspired food that takes advantage of New Zealand’s fertility: Saffron, wasabi and truffles, among other delicacies, are grown in the country. Cazador , a longtime staple of the residential neighborhood Mt. Eden, serves local game in its restaurant and house-cured meats in its delicatessen.

The city’s famous multiculturalism also plays a part: Omni , which opened in 2020 and whose head chef worked at Hong Kong’s Yardbird, makes high-end yakitori, and Little French Pastry ’s founders, originally from France, serve up mille-feuille rivaling Paris’s best.

Palm Springs  Copied to clipboard!

Spotting stars in the streets and counting galaxies in the sky read more.

Beth Coller for The New York Times

Palm Springs, California

Yes, this is the land of midcentury nostalgia, with its low-slung Modernist architecture and the recent return of the 26-foot-tall “ Forever Marilyn ” statue. But these days, there’s another headliner: the surrounding desert, and the dark skies above.

Astrotourism is on the rise, with a constellation of ways to explore the cosmos, including at the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory , which offers tours and monthly “Swoon at the Moon” events. Unfurl a blanket on the desert floor and gaze up at the starry sky at Joshua Tree National Park . This designated International Dark Sky Park has one of the darkest skies in California, with stargazing treks and the annual Night Sky Festival .

The desert nature and history that flourish around Palm Springs are also shaping the city’s landscape, including the new Palm Springs Downtown Park , designed to reflect Indian Canyons , ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians; the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza and Museum , which, when it opens later this year, will be one of the largest Native American cultural centers on the West Coast; and new desert-inspired hotels like Azure Sky .

Kangaroo Island  Copied to clipboard!

A haven for koalas and other wild creatures, healing after devastating wildfires read more, kangaroo island, australia.

A short trip from Adelaide, South Australia’s capital, the nearly 1,700-square-mile Kangaroo Island is known for incredible wildlife, breathtaking ocean views and its status as an ecological haven — like a zoo without fences.

Three years ago, devastating fires consumed the island, wiping out wildlife and destroying a famous luxury hotel, the Southern Ocean Lodge . Efforts to rebuild are continuing, and the island is more compelling than ever to visit. New organizations that sprang up to help with the wildlife recovery offer visitors a chance to play a part in funding that regeneration.

At the Kangaroo Island Koala and Wildlife Rescue Centre , you can book a private tour to see the animal hospital facilities, or bottle-feed a joey (a baby kangaroo). At the long-established Seal Bay Conservation Park , you can watch one of Australia’s largest colonies of sea lions frolic on the beach. And in 2023 the Southern Ocean Lodge will reopen, grander and better than before.

— Besha Rodell

Vjosa River  Copied to clipboard!

Cycling through the canyons and valleys of one of europe’s last untamed waterways read more.

Shutterstock

Vjosa River, Albania

Protecting the Vjosa , one of Europe’s last undammed rivers, hasn’t been easy. After a decade of proposed projects that threatened to alter the waterway’s wild flow, its innumerable ecosystems and its valleys strewn with ancient communities, the Albanian government signed a commitment last June to create the Vjosa Wild River National Park .

Making good on that pledge, scheduled to become reality in 2023, will establish a global conservation model while preserving the country’s canyon-lined, 120-mile stretch of the 169-mile waterway, which runs from the Pindus Mountains in Greece to the Adriatic Sea, as well as including around 60 miles of tributaries.

For travelers — on trails like Albania’s new UNESCO Cycling Route (opening January 2023), which runs along the river and visits World Heritage sites like the city of Gjirokastra — safeguarding the Vjosa and its river system, with over 1,100 animal species, encourages responsible discovery of alpine settlements, where locals welcome adventurers for coffee, raki (local fruit brandy) and a chance to imbibe oft-overlooked Balkan culture.

— Alex Crevar

Accra  Copied to clipboard!

Feast first, dance later, in a hub of innovative west african cuisine read more.

Jessica Sarkodie for The New York Times

Accra, Ghana

Accra’s food scene typically consists of two schools: “chop bars” that serve traditional, cheap meals like fufu (made from pounded cassava, green plantains or yams) with tomato-based spicy soup, and pricier restaurants serving foreign fare.

Travelers to Accra, Ghana’s capital, can now see a new wave of chefs and entrepreneurs bridging this gap by emphasizing and innovating with local produce. At the Mix, a new restaurant and design hub, the West African staple gari (granulated cassava root) is dyed pink with beetroot and accompanies squid in a passion fruit sauce.

The sustainable food space in Accra is also one to watch; Ghana Food Movement , an educational group, hosts events throughout the year, including a signature Dine & Dance series in which underutilized indigenous ingredients like millet, eaten by Ghanaians almost exclusively as porridge, are made into stars over three courses. The meal is followed by a dance party, of course, in true Ghanaian fashion.

— Jessica Sarkodie

Tromso  Copied to clipboard!

A clear-skied hot spot where aurora seekers are likely to spy their dazzling prize read more.

Nerd Nomads Travel Blog

Tromso, Norway

After years of low solar activity, projections are looking up for travelers hoping to experience the aurora borealis, or northern lights. As the sun’s volatility increases, with more coronal mass ejections and solar flares, so, too, will the frequency and intensity of the aurora. Experts predict solar activity to peak in 2025, explained Trond S. Trondsen, an aurora expert at Keo Scientific , a designer of specialized optical instruments for space research in Calgary, Alberta. Already, he said, “the number of sunspots are climbing faster than predicted .”

One of the best places to see the northern lights, Tromso, Norway, is more than 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, and is relatively accessible, as far as reliable viewing locations go. Travelers can get there either by plane or by a combination of train and bus. Cruise ships and ferries are also a possibility.

Most important, the town’s surrounding landscape, near the sea but with mountains nearby, offers enough distinct weather zones to make it likely that there will be clear skies most nights — a must for seeing the lights when they do appear.

— Ingrid Williams

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park  Copied to clipboard!

Blinding white dunes and aquamarine pools in an otherworldly natural water park read more.

Scott Baker

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

Want to feel like you’ve traveled so far that you’re only vaguely tethered to Earth? Welcome to Lençóis Maranhenses , a horizon of rolling, blindingly white sand dunes rising into the sun and descending into otherworldly green and blue lagoons filled with rainwater.

Forget your cell signal or trappings of comfort: There are few if any structures, people or even trees around, and the park’s location near the Equator means it’s blazingly hot during the day. Yet almost all Brazilians will tell you they want to visit this remote area to experience the sensation of playing in a lunar water park.

Logroll down the dunes, splashing into the natural pools. Traverse the area on horseback, stopping at “oases” along the way. Or be mesmerized by its immensity via helicopter tour. It’s the antidote to that claustrophobic Covid-era feeling — a vast, borderless moonscape where you can roam wild and free.

— Shannon Sims

Bhutan  Copied to clipboard!

Cliff-top fortresses and rhododendron forests on a revived trekking trail read more.

Marcus Westberg

After two and a half years of pandemic isolation, Bhutan reopened in September with changes to its longstanding “high value, low volume” tourism policy. Visitors are no longer required to travel on package tours, but Bhutan’s mandatory “sustainable development fee” increased to $200 from $65 per day.

At the same time, the 250-mile Trans Bhutan Trail, a path used for centuries as a pilgrimage and communications route, reopened after a three-year restoration that mended suspension bridges, stone stairs and long-overgrown temples. The trail stretches east to west across nearly the entire country, passing through cities, villages, farmlands and wilderness. Depending on the route and time of year, trekkers might spy the snowcapped Himalayas, visit cliff-top fortresses, scale sacred mountain passes or pass through blooming rhododendron forests.

Official guides are required, and itineraries range from half a day to more than a month. Accommodations include guesthouses, home stays, luxury hotels and well-appointed campsites on each of the trail’s 28 sections. Proceeds from trips booked with Trans Bhutan Trail , the nonprofit that led the restoration, go toward trail maintenance, educational programs, guide training and other community causes.

— Sara Clemence

Kerala  Copied to clipboard!

Learn to climb a palm tree, visit a temple during an annual festival and get a sustainable taste of village life read more.

Poras Chaudhary for The New York Times

Kerala, India

We travel to immerse ourselves in other cultures, but some forms of community tourism put residents on display without offering benefits. Not so in Kerala — a southern Indian state celebrated for its beaches, backwater lagoons, cuisine and rich cultural traditions like the Vaikathashtami festival — where the government has adopted an award-winning approach that allows visitors to experience village life while supporting the communities that host them.

In Kumarakom, one of several “ responsible tourism destinations ” in the state, visitors can paddle through jungly canals, weave rope from coconut fiber and even learn to climb a palm tree. In Maravanthuruthu, visitors can follow a storytelling trail and enjoy village street art before taking in an evening performance of a traditional temple dance.

— Paige McClanahan

Greenville  Copied to clipboard!

South Carolina

Adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and on dinner plates downtown Read more

Tony Cenicola/The New York Times

Greenville, South Carolina

Set in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville has established itself on the culinary scene. The quaint city of about 70,000 has more than 200 restaurants — 85 percent of which are local, without a tie to a national chain — in its strollable downtown area alone. Visitors may come for the access to outdoor adventures, but they’ll most likely leave having been introduced to flavors from around the world.

Even as the renowned Soby’s celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022 and two food festivals — euphoria and Fall for Greenville — attract tens of thousands of people annually, restaurants continue to crop up around the city. The second location of Charleston’s acclaimed Lewis Barbecue opened to long lines in September. Mr. Crisp , with Greg McPhee as executive chef, highlights seafood, especially its crisp-yet-tender hand-battered fish and chips. Keipi celebrates Georgian khachapuri and the country’s ancient wines; Aryana delivers a taste of Afghanistan; and Califas has brought Mexican birria tacos to Greenville.

“The real heartbeat of Greenville is a creative and diverse food community that keeps reinventing itself,” said Sid Evans, the editor in chief of Southern Living. “The food here is adventurous, and the chefs have embraced the global influences shaping the modern South.”

— Ari Bendersky

Tucson  Copied to clipboard!

A rebounding center of art and adobe with centuries-old ties to mexico read more.

John Burcham for The New York Times

Tucson, Arizona

Barrio Viejo, an area of more than 150 acres in Tucson, is the largest barrio in the United States and exemplifies Tucson’s connection to Mexico, with centuries-old Sonoran adobe architecture.

This year, the neighborhood, which has one of the most diverse racial, cultural, religious and ethnic populations in the country, will receive National Historic Landmark designation . Revival projects include the restoration of the 300-seat Teatro Carmen , built in 1915 and later converted into the Black Elks Club , and female-owned boutique hotels, like the Citizen in the former home of the Tucson Citizen newspaper and the Downtown Clifton in a once-faded motel.

Take the Tucson Origins Tour by Borderlandia , which specializes in tours of the U.S.-Mexico border area, for a deep dive into history. Then explore the famed Etherton Gallery and Andrew Smith Gallery , both in new spaces. Don’t forget Barrio restaurants like the local coffee drinkers’ favorite EXO Roast , housed in an 1885 adobe home, and the Coronet , which moved to the neighborhood in 2019.

— Daniel Scheffler

Martinique  Copied to clipboard!

Creole culture, giant ferns and hummingbirds that don’t back down from a staring contest read more.

Martinique,

While travel was frozen in 2020, Martinique celebrated the induction of its traditional yole sailboat — a lightweight craft kept upright by crew members, who use their body weight as ballast by sitting on poles that extend over the sides of the hulls — on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. In the fall of 2021, the entire island was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve , recognizing the destination’s commitment to sustainable economic and social development.

Islanders are awaiting yet another decision from UNESCO, which they hope will name the nearly 4,600-foot volcano Mount Pelée and the Pitons du Carbet range to the World Heritage List. The region represents “the diversity of Martinique,” said Alex Dobat, who owns Natiyabel , a scuba diving and hiking outfitter (whose name means “nature is beautiful” in Creole), who described ferns the size of trees, wild begonias and hummingbirds “staring at you quietly.”

Tourism officials are counting on the UNESCO certifications to attract ecotourists to its peaks, rainforests, reefs and Creole culture.

— Elaine Glusac

The Namib Desert  Copied to clipboard!

Southern Africa

1,000-foot dunes and crashing waves along a nearly uninhabited coastline Read more

The Namib Desert, Southern Africa

Along the desolate coast of Namibia, 1,000-foot-tall sand dunes descend into the sea. During low tide, intrepid adventurers can drive along the beach, past towering yellow dunes on one side and the South Atlantic’s churning waters on the other. This is the Namib, the world’s oldest desert, and the perfect place for a long road trip . After almost three years of Covid-19 restrictions, it’s hard to imagine a place where you can feel more free.

“Namib” means “vast place” in Khoekhoegowab, a language spoken in many parts of Namibia. It’s astonishingly easy to get lost in this almost entirely uninhabited expanse of sand, where you might travel for days without seeing another human being.

In the Namib-Naukluft National Park, travelers can go back in time at the Deadvlei, where 600-year-old trees stand eerily lifeless, preserved by the dry air; challenge themselves to climb the 100-story Big Daddy Dune; observe desert-adapted wildlife like oryx and springbok; and even see mysterious fairy circles .

— Jen Guyton

The Alaska Railroad  Copied to clipboard!

470 miles of mountains, glaciers and grizzlies from the comfort of a glass dome read more.

Christopher Miller for The New York Times

The Alaska Railroad,

Since 1923, the Alaska Railroad — the last railroad in the United States to carry both people and freight — has connected millions of passengers and trade goods over 470 miles of track, from Seward to Fairbanks. This year is the centennial of its operation and a celebration is planned in Nenana, where President Warren G. Harding drove in the golden spike on July 15, 1923, completing the railroad.

Operational well before Alaska became a state, in 1959, the railroad is an environmentally friendly way for passengers to see wilderness, and even the aurora borealis, without sacrificing comfort: Glass-domed rail cars make viewing easy. It is also the only remaining flag-stop major railroad in the country. Passengers can wave a flag to embark or disembark, gaining access to more remote locations, including harder-to-reach areas of the Chugach National Forest, through a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.

Sights along the way include Denali, North America’s tallest peak, and Kenai Fjords National Park. History buffs can view a special exhibit at the Anchorage Museum that runs from May to February 2024, chronicling the railroad’s history.

— Charu Suri

Fukuoka  Copied to clipboard!

Savoring an endangered street-food tradition on the often overlooked island of kyushu read more.

Fukuoka, Japan

Fukuoka, a subtropical city perched on the northern shore of Kyushu, is one of the few remaining places in Japan where you will see rows of yatai — open-air street-food stalls resembling boxes of neon light. Many sell traditional foods like ramen, yakitori and oden, but if you stroll along the riverfront on Nakasu, a small island that is Fukuoka’s red-light district, you’ll find some diversity with wine, coffee, and even French sausages and garlic toast.

Yatai were a common sight across Japan in the 1950s, but during the 1964 Summer Olympics, the authorities had them removed to project an image of economic recovery. In the present, Fukuoka is the only city left that’s fighting this bureaucracy. The government has acknowledged the cultural significance of yatai by increasing the safety and quality of the food and by offering more licenses in 2022. Even so, the number of yatai has fallen drastically to around 100 stalls today from more than 400 in the ’60s. Pull up a seat while you can and enjoy rubbing shoulders with strangers over supper again.

— Harvard Wang

Flores  Copied to clipboard!

An island paradise where crater lakes change color and nine-foot dragons roam read more.

Lauryn Ishak for The New York Times

Flores, Indonesia

The term “fairy-tale getaway” is overused, but what else do you call a far-off, unspoiled, Southeast Asian island with nine-foot Komodo dragons, active volcanoes, white-sand beaches, coral gardens, rushing waterfalls and color-shifting crater lakes reputed to house departed spirits?

Such are the allures of Flores, one of the roughly 17,500 islands of the Republic of Indonesia. An hour’s flight from Bali and far less visited, Flores may be seeing more visitors with the scheduled opening late this year of Kodi Bajo , a luxury resort in the fishing town of Labuan Bajo. Operated by the group behind the NIHI hotel on Sumba, a nearby Indonesian island, Kodi Bajo will offer sumptuous hillside accommodations and views of the nearby Komodo National Park archipelago — the only place in the world inhabited by the famous giant lizards.

— Seth Sherwood

Guadalajara  Copied to clipboard!

Celebrating queer culture’s diversity and l.g.b.t.q. athletes from around the globe read more.

Adrian Wilson for The New York Times

Guadalajara, Mexico

Travel has always been a way to experience diversity, and in 2023 you’ll find a variety of sexual expression and shifts in traditional gender roles in Jalisco’s capital. This fall, the city will co-host (with Hong Kong) the 11th annual Gay Games . Athletes from around the world — of varying ages, sexual orientations and levels of athletic experience — will participate in 20 sports.

The city is also home to the annual Prohibido festival , during which an abandoned theater is transformed into a celebration of sexual diversity through art installations, interactive experiences, live music and talks about polyamorous and nonbinary culture. In Guadalajara, too, women take on nontraditional performance roles. On most nights, you can hear one of almost a dozen female mariachi bands from the area at Hotel Riu Plaza Guadalajara or El Patio, a restaurant. There are also local performances by female cowboys, known as escaramuzas, who present their choreography on horseback.

The city is considered by some to be Mexico’s drag capital, with numerous performers and shows. Guadalajara has also developed “antiturista” maps, including one for L.G.B.T.Q. travelers, that provide a local’s perspective on places to see and stay.

— Maggie Jones

Tassili n’Ajjer  Copied to clipboard!

Rock art, sandstone pillars and a glimpse at a lost saharan history read more.

Tassili n’Ajjer, Algeria

Often overshadowed by its neighbor, the tourism giant Morocco, Algeria — a stone’s throw from Mediterranean Europe and a mere three-hour flight from London — has recently relaxed its visa policies, allowing for much easier exploration of the country. While most visitors tend to stick to the coastal north, which contains some of the region’s best preserved Roman ruins, Africa’s largest country also contains its largest national park.

Virtually unknown to the outside world, Tassili n’Ajjer is eight times the size of Yellowstone. At the heart of the vast landscape of Saharan sand and stone lie the deep red dunes and pillars of Tadrart Rouge. Accessible only by a four-wheel-drive vehicle, this astonishingly striking national park is home to thousands of ancient works of rock art, stretching back to when the desert was a thriving savanna, as well as to a very much living nomadic Tuareg culture.

— Marcus Westberg

Kakheti  Copied to clipboard!

New flavors and ancient winemaking traditions in tiny hilltop towns and green valleys read more.

Irma Laghadze

Kakheti, Georgia

The mountainous nation of Georgia’s 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition is at the center of several new trends in the wine world, including skin-contact (a.k.a. orange ) wines, amphora fermentation and charismatic grape varieties like saperavi. As a result, Georgian wine exports to the United States recently topped one million bottles and are growing at almost 29 percent annually, as Wine Enthusiast recently reported .

For wine lovers, a tasting trip to estates like Vazisubani and Kardanakhi in Kakheti offers a chance to discover new wines in a landscape of tiny hilltop towns and verdant valleys framed by the Caucasus. Many wines are made in traditional pointed qvevri clay vessels that are buried in the earth.

To complement the experience, local chefs have started offering cooking classes where gastronomes can learn how to make the meaty dumplings known as khinkali and other dishes from what Saveur magazine called “Europe’s great unsung cuisine.”

— Evan Rail

Nîmes  Copied to clipboard!

A sunny mediterranean morsel whose charming streets are studded with roman monuments read more.

Joann Pai for The New York Times

Nîmes, France

Nîmes is that rarest of Gallic delicacies — a sunny southern French city with great charm and fascinating architecture and museums that hasn’t yet become thronged with tourists like Arles or Avignon.

The city has a growing word-of-mouth reputation for the excellence of its dining options, which include everything from Michelin two-star restaurants like the chef Pierre Gagnaire’s Duende at the recently renovated Hotel Imperator to exceptionally good lunchtime dining in Les Halles de Nîmes, a covered food market, where the Halles Auberge and La Pie Qui Couette offer first-come first-serve counter service at noon. The latest local buzz is about the chef Georgiana Viou, originally from Benin, who serves up her personal and very delicate Afro-Provençal cooking at Rouge , the restaurant of the elegant new 10-room Margaret-Hôtel Chouleur in a landmarked mansion in the heart of the Écusson, or Old City. Le Coin and Menna, two excellent cosmopolitan modern French bistros — a type of restaurant that’s new to Nîmes — are not far away.

Shed some calories after a meal by taking in the sights of the Rome of France, a sobriquet explained by the most spectacular collection of Roman monuments in Europe outside of Italy.

— Alexander Lobrano

Ha Giang  Copied to clipboard!

A two-wheeled thrill ride leads to mountainside settlements where hmong and tay culture lives read more.

Ha Giang, Vietnam

The several-day loop by motorbike through the Ha Giang highlands in northern Vietnam is not for the timid. Getting to the city of Ha Giang takes six hours by road from Hanoi, and the loop’s steep roads, serpentine passes and recurring switchbacks can make the journey both treacherous and exhilarating.

This remote tableau of soaring peaks and cavernous valleys inspires a deep connection to the landscape and its inhabitants. Veer off the main road onto the narrow ribbons of concrete streaking the mountainsides and into the Hmong and Tay settlements dotting the hillsides and hollows. To learn more about their cultures, you can hire a guide from QT Motorbikes and Tours .

Road improvement projects and new high-end accommodations have made the loop more accessible and inviting. Don’t miss a boat ride through the canyon on the emerald river at Ma Pi Leng Pass.

— Patrick Scott

Salalah  Copied to clipboard!

A historic frankincense-trading center where the desert erupts in waterfalls read more.

Salalah, Oman

With last year’s World Cup drawing attention to the built environment elsewhere in the Persian Gulf states, seaside Salalah, Oman, offers visitors a chance to see the region’s natural beauty. Depending on when you go, the area is either lush and green and blanketed in thick fog, or basking in sunlight and a warm breeze.

During the khareef (monsoon), the valleys and riverbeds are flooded with fresh water, and the mountains flow with waterfalls. The city is also home to Al Baleed Archaeological Park and the Museum of the Frankincense Land , which provides a visual history of the ancient incense trade and the associated export routes to the rest of the world. (A nearby collection of sites, known as the Land of Frankincense , is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.) Another draw is the collection of historical ports spread along the coast.

The population of Salalah, one of Oman’s largest cities, is around 330,000, so it’s easy to find oneself alone in the crystal clear waters of the area’s many tranquil beaches, including Mugsail, Fazayah and Haffa.

— Noa Avishag Schnall

Cuba  Copied to clipboard!

An island of music and white-sand beaches ripe for rediscovery as the united states eases travel restrictions read more.

Robert Rausch for The New York Times

With its sea-sprayed, pastel facades, white-sand beaches and tobacco-rich valleys, Cuba sits tantalizingly close to the United States, though it often feels out of reach — especially in recent years, when the Trump administration reinstated strict rules for American citizens hoping to visit.

But a confluence of factors just made travel to the island nation a bit easier. Last spring, President Biden relaxed many of the restrictions imposed by his predecessor. And in November, American Airlines resumed flights beyond Havana, adding departures to the beach town Varadero and the interior city Santa Clara, a regional capital steeped in revolutionary history. More flights from other carriers are set to begin in the coming months.

Cuba’s people are as generous with their stories — of history, family, even politics and protest — as they are with their music, an omnipresent, joyful soundtrack thrumming through the island’s cities and towns. Less than two years after historic protests were met with harsh repression, and as the country rebuilds from Hurricane Ian, travel to Cuba and support of its people may never be more valuable.

— Lauren Prestileo

Odense  Copied to clipboard!

A mystical new museum and garden with all you need to write your own fairy tale read more.

Andreas Meichsner for The New York Times

Odense, Denmark

Designed by the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma & Associates, the new Hans Christian Andersen Museum in Odense, on the island of Funen, is more than a museum. It’s a mystical land, featuring labyrinthine gardens that double as a public park.

The museum explores Andersen’s literary interplay between real and imaginary: You can gaze up at the sky through a glass dome and feel like the Little Mermaid; roam sunken courtyards, illuminated by sunlight splintering through trees; and engage with exhibits by contemporary artists in cylindrical spaces wrapped in latticed timber that suggest the city’s traditional thatched-roof houses. The museum is as much about telling stories as it is about imagining your own: Creativity is encouraged at the magical Ville Vau children’s center, where children can paint, draw, write and play dress-up amid colorful scenes from Andersen’s fairy tales.

Time your visit with Odense’s summertime H.C. Andersen Festivals , and then find artistic inspiration, as Andersen did, by venturing across his home island of Funen, the “garden of Denmark,” with its storybook castles (the moated Egeskov is the stuff of dreams), heather-coated hillsides and misty coastline.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park  Copied to clipboard!

The shape-shifting sandstone heart of a continent and its indigenous heritage read more.

Matthew Abbott for The New York Times

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia

At Uluru, time stretches, dissolves. Over 500 million years old, the 1,142-foot sandstone monolith in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a shape-shifter: aflame in pink, orange and violet through the day; its crevices gush with the rain, its surroundings erupt with wildflowers.

Now, Uluru is a symbol of urgency. In 2017, it was the site of the Uluru Statement From the Heart , which calls for an Indigenous “voice to Parliament” to be enshrined in Australia’s Constitution. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced there would be a national referendum on the issue in 2023.

Uluru is sacred to the Anangu people, who protect and manage the land, and for decades tourists climbed the rock against their wishes. Climbing was banned in 2019, and now visitors can take a 5.8-mile walk around Uluru’s base to experience its splendor. The ban was a rare victory for Indigenous rights and cultural respect, and evidence that even deep-rooted attitudes can change.

— Tacey Rychter

Boquete  Copied to clipboard!

A slope-side nirvana for coffee geeks, waterfall hikers and white-water rafters read more.

Paul Castillero

Boquete, Panama

Geisha, among the world’s most expensive coffee varietals, thrives on the slopes of the Barú Volcano, near Panama’s western border. In recent years, specialty coffee geeks the world over have gravitated here, encouraging coffee farms around the highland town of Boquete to act more like Bordeaux vineyards. New cupping rooms and bodega tours have been added at farms like Lamastus Family Estates , Chevas Coffee Estate and Finca Altieri , while coffee-themed hotels — including Finca Lérida and Panamonte — have updated their facilities.

In Boquete’s town center, which acts as a base for adventure activities like waterfall hikes and white-water rafting, the noted Panama City chef Mario Castrellón has opened a branch of the coffee roaster Café Unido , as well as a restaurant and bar with seasonal menus and Geisha-infused cocktails, in the new Selina hostel . The bold, 60-room property straddles a small river, with rooms ranging from beds in concrete cylinders to luxe suites.

— Nicholas Gill

Tarragona  Copied to clipboard!

An unsung artsy seaport rich in well-preserved roman ruins, and delicious tapas read more.

Tarragona, Spain

Long upstaged by the flash of Barcelona, this unsung waterfront city on the Costa Daurada is a culturally rich alternative, with thriving Catalan traditions, from the famous castells (human towers, formed by people standing on one another’s shoulders) to earthy Romesco sauce, often served with grilled fish and vegetables, and best enjoyed in El Serrallo, a maritime neighborhood.

But what elevates the Tarragona experience is the past: This is one of the oldest Roman settlements in the Iberian Peninsula. The impressively preserved Tarraco ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transform the city into an open-air museum, from the mighty Roman walls to the amphitheater framed by the Mediterranean.

Against this ancient backdrop, the city is in the midst of change: a revitalized port, new low-cost fast trains to the region and a growing contemporary arts scene. Perhaps the best way to savor it is to partake in a paseo: Stroll the Rambla Nova, grazing on tapas along the way, to the aptly named Balcó del Mediterrani observation point, where touching the iron railing is said to bring good luck.

Charleston  Copied to clipboard!

A powerful space will examine a city’s past and honor the african american legacy read more, charleston, south carolina.

Charleston’s brutal history of slavery can be overshadowed by a romanticized portrait of a city with charm, award-winning restaurants and plantation gardens. The planned opening of the $100 million International African American Museum this year will help comprehensively display the city’s complicated past.

The I.A.A.M. occupies the former Gadsden’s Wharf, where an estimated 30,000 African captives landed during the trans-Atlantic slave trade, more than at any other site. The sleek, single-story building floats atop 18 pillars clad in tabby, a kind of concrete made from oyster shells, and houses a genealogy center, a social justice action lab and 10 exhibit galleries that include stories of slavery and the Great Migration. A public outdoor space offers an African Ancestors Memorial Garden featuring indigenous plants like Lowcountry sweet grass and Canary Island palm trees.

This spring, the Charleston tourism board will debut a comprehensive guide to Black-owned businesses to elevate the overlooked successes of creative locals.

— Lauren Matison

Cayos Cochinos  Copied to clipboard!

Planting coral and counting sea turtles where there are no cars or roads read more.

Cayos Cochinos, Honduras

Off the northern coast of Honduras, the Cayos Cochinos archipelago, part of a marine preserve where commercial fishing is banned, encompasses about 300,000 acres, two main islands and 13 small cays, with a collective population of about 200 Indigenous Garifuna residents.

Before the pandemic, the nonprofit Cayos Cochinos Foundation, which manages the reserve, derived much of its funding to study and protect its biodiversity from the fees paid by day-trippers to snorkel there. Now, the nongovernmental organization is gently opening itself to tourism, allowing visitors to stay in basic cabins (from $45 a night) that previously hosted exclusively scientists.

Between scuba dives and hikes to see pink boa constrictors and black-chested spiny-tailed iguanas, travelers can volunteer to propagate new coral or count sea turtles. Travel to the islands, which are roadless and free of cars, also supports the Garifuna community, which offers guide services, restaurants and tastings of the local root-infused spirit, guifiti.

Burgundy Beer Trail  Copied to clipboard!

Paying homage to hops and yeast in a region where wine has long reigned read more.

Burgundy Beer Trail, France

Wine lovers have long revered the great vintages of Burgundy. Now, beer lovers have their eyes on the Burgundy region, following the arrival of head-turning new breweries like Ammonite , Vif , Independent House and 90 BPM , all within 90 minutes of one another, and all rated among the best in France by fans on sites like Untappd and RateBeer .

Winemaking influences these new brewers, some of which employ solera barrel systems (like those used to age and blend sherry and Madeira wines), natural yeast, small oak barrels and other tools and techniques most often used by vintners.

For years, France has been a laggard in the global craft beer revolution, running far behind neighboring countries like Spain and Italy. The emerging beer trail in Burgundy’s wine region shows how France might soon develop an enviable beer culture of its own.

Istanbul  Copied to clipboard!

Reviving a city’s historic architecture just in time for modern turkey’s centennial read more.

Maria Mavropoulou for The New York Times

This October, the Turkish Republic celebrates its 100th anniversary, and to mark the occasion, Istanbul’s local government has invested millions in giving historic structures new life.

Among them: Feshane, a factory that manufactured the iconic Turkish hats and one of Istanbul’s first steel buildings, will become one of its largest art centers; west of the old city, a comprehensive restoration of the stone-and-brick Mevlanakapi city walls with their 22 towers dating back to the fifth century, will transform them into a four-and-a-half-mile walking path; and the Botter Apartment, one of Istanbul’s earliest Art Nouveau buildings, whose bottom floor was originally a studio for the sultan’s private tailor, will be turned into a fashion design center.

There’s more. Art museums are planned for the former Yedikule gasworks and the Halic Shipyard, one of the world’s oldest still in operation. And most notably, the newly built Istanbul Modern museum, designed by the architect Renzo Piano, will open its doors along the Bosporus in Karakoy, showcasing the works of notable Turkish artists such as Fahrelnissa Zeid and Erol Akyavas.

— Nora Walsh

Taipei  Copied to clipboard!

Floating sky lanterns and soaring skyscrapers in a sprawling, thrumming capital read more.

Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei is a glorious assault on the senses, a capital with stunning natural beauty, low crime, and clear air despite its immense urban sprawl. From its neon-lit night markets to its Qing Dynasty temples, visitors can feel the quiet drum of independent pride, however fragile its future.

Beijing, which sees self-ruled Taiwan as an unruly child, continues to assert its desire to reunify with Taiwan and put the island firmly back under its control. But for now, a visit to this city offers a riot of culinary and cultural pleasures. In 2023, the island’s third-tallest skyscraper will open, and the Taiwan Lantern Festival , a beloved tradition in which thousands of glowing lanterns float skyward in tandem, will return to Taipei after more than two decades.

Taipei’s future is uncertain. But in 2023, it remains an ideal place to gape at the sheer power of human innovation.

— Debra Kamin

El Poblado  Copied to clipboard!

Medellín, Colombia

A chic shopping district, pulsing nightlife and rainbow-colored macaws Read more

Federico Rios for The New York Times

El Poblado, Medellín, Colombia

In the 1600s, Spanish settlers established El Poblado, “the village,” along the Medellín River. Eventually, the larger city of Medellín grew to the north, and El Poblado became a rural getaway for wealthy Colombians.

Today, it is once again a center of activity. The grid of two- or three-story homes has blossomed with shops and restaurants, interspersed with boutique hotels rising above the treetops. Nearby, gushing waterfalls and rainbow-colored macaws add to the lush tropical vibe.

An afternoon roaming the neighborhood, popping into Mon y Velarde for menswear or Makeno for artisanal home goods, followed by coffee at Pergamino or modern Colombian cuisine at Oci.Mde , is a worthy entry on any South American traveler’s bucket list. Stay out late enough to see the area transform into the pulsing heart of the city’s nightlife, with D.J.s on the rooftops and dance parties in the streets.

Lausanne  Copied to clipboard!

Switzerland

Spectacular views of Lake Geneva and an exploding architectural and artistic scene Read more

Clara Tuma for The New York Times

Lausanne, Switzerland

Already blessed with a sublime Lake Geneva location and dramatic mountain views, Lausanne, Switzerland’s fourth-largest city, has been adding architectural and artistic beauty to its repertoire as well.

Known as Plateform 10 , the city’s three-year-old arts district recently inaugurated a bold new building that resembles an artfully cracked block of white stone for a pair of museums. Photo Elysée is dedicated to exhibiting photography in all its forms, while MUDAC is a haven of five creative outlets: design, glasswork, ceramics, jewelry and graphic art. The two institutions join the new home of the city’s international art museum, the Musée Cantonal des Beaux-Arts , which moved into its ridged, rectangular building in 2019.

Methana  Copied to clipboard!

A hike, a stroll or a run into the bronze age followed by a soak in an ancient tub read more.

Methana, Greece

Athens’s nearest active volcano, Methana, sits on a peninsula of the same name some 30 miles southwest of the Greek capital. Though largely unknown to tourists, the area is slowly evolving, in part because of its increasing popularity as a hiking destination.

In recent years, groups of locals have managed to reopen and map old walking paths, some of which date back to the Mycenaean Era, creating hiking trails that attract visitors from around the world. (So far, more than 18 miles have been cleared and marked.) The Methana Volcano Challenge , first organized in 2021, offers a trail run across the peninsula’s sloping landscape.

Visitors to this volcanic peninsula can also enjoy several hot springs, the most interesting of which is an ancient (and recently renovated) tub known as the Pausanias Baths near the village of Agios Nikolaos.

— Demetrios Ioannou

Louisville  Copied to clipboard!

A rising l.g.b.t.q. scene with quilts, drag shows, the derby and, of course, bourbon read more, louisville, kentucky.

One of the oldest cities west of the Appalachian Mountains, and arguably among the most beautiful, Louisville somehow flies under the radar. This despite its graceful 19th-century park system , designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and its bourbon-fueled convivial spirit.

Today, its L.G.B.T.Q. scene is also thriving, with hot spots like Chill Bar and Play Dance Bar , which hosts regular drag nights featuring touring artists. (The city has also earned top marks from the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index for seven years running and is home to two new L.G.B.T.Q. community centers.) This spring brings Hotel Genevieve , from the Texas-based Bunkhouse Group, which offers Louisville-inspired touches like décor that pays homage to the city’s rich quilting heritage, an on-site market selling work from local artists and bourbon selections from neighboring Rabbit Hole Distillery .

Make plans for 2023, because the city might not stay below the radar much longer: 2024 will draw the masses for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby.

— Paul L. Underwood

Manaus  Copied to clipboard!

River-to-table cuisine and ancestral recipes in the heart of the amazon read more.

Manaus, Brazil

Michelin-starred restaurants in São Paulo use Amazonian ingredients to appear exotic, but in Manaus, where you can sip steamy gourds of tacacá from a stand in front of the Teatro Amazonas or wander past plastic bottles of tucupi, the juice squeezed from grated cassava, in Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market, Amazonian ingredients are a fact of life.

At the Indigenous-owned Biatüwi , a restaurant that pays homage to ancestral recipes and cooking techniques, drinks are made from fermented purple yams, and chiles are used to purify river fish in piquant stews like quinhampira.

Then there’s the chef Felipe Schaedler, who has helped threatened Yanomami communities commercialize their native mushrooms and runs two restaurants of his own: Banzeiro and Moquém do Banzeiro . Steering away from traditional preparations, Mr. Schaedler reimagines ingredients like lemon-grass-flavored ants and tambaqui ribs in a modern format, as do the bistros Caxiri , set in a colonial building overlooking Largo de São Sebastião, a grand plaza, and Fitz Carraldo, in the boutique hotel Villa Amazonia .

Vilnius  Copied to clipboard!

A 700-year-old survivor ready to party like there’s no tomorrow read more.

Gordon Welters for The New York Times

Vilnius, Lithuania

Lithuania’s cobblestoned capital has a long history of bootstrap survival. Occupied once by the Nazis and twice by the Soviets, Vilnius has a story that is complex and fascinating to explore. Its architectural riches span from Gothic to Renaissance to Baroque; grand churches rub shoulders with quaint timber homes on leafy streets.

In 2023, the resilient city celebrates its 700th birthday with a full year of revelry. A light festival , free music performances and the first Vilnius International Biennial are all on the calendar. Artificial intelligence will resurrect one of the city’s first operas from the 17th century, and an exhibition space will allow visitors to virtually explore Vilnius’s streets as they looked more than 200 years ago.

Ringing in its eighth century, Vilnius reminds travelers that, when viewed through the long lens of history, our own uncertain times are fleeting.

Macon  Copied to clipboard!

1,100-year-old native american mounds and deep rock ’n’ roll roots read more.

Macon, Georgia

The area around Macon has been home to multiple Native American tribes for 12,000 years. That history will be acknowledged this year, when Georgia is expected to get its first national park: The Ocmulgee Mounds, some of the most significant prehistoric Indigenous mounds in North America, date to the year 900, and are now a national historical park .

The national park will include the Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge , for a total of 50,000 acres, and offer a network of exquisite hiking trails and artifacts from American Indian culture. Management will be shared by the Muscogee Nation and the National Park Service.

Additionally, the city, whose musical roots run deep — Little Richard, the Allman Brothers and Otis Redding all got their start here — is celebrating its 200th anniversary with a new 10,000-seat amphitheater . Visitors can check out the Hotel Forty Five , a boutique hotel that opened downtown last year and that was named both for the angle of the street on which it sits and as a nod to musical history.

— Ondine Cohane

Madrid  Copied to clipboard!

Kicking off a worldwide tribute to picasso in a place that’s a masterpiece unto itself read more.

Emilio Parra Doiztua for The New York Times

If art is a universal language, as travel often reveals, Pablo Picasso’s antiwar “ Guernica ” may be one of its most potent symbols.

The Spanish and French governments recently announced the Picasso Celebration 1973-2023 in front of the famous painting at the Reina Sofia museum, kicking off a transnational commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the artist’s death. The worldwide tribute, from Madrid to Paris to New York City, includes some 50 exhibitions, many of which explore the artist through the lens of the present day. Madrid leads the way, with tributes throughout the year, including “Picasso. The Sacred and the Profane” at the Thyssen-Bornemisza ; “Picasso 1906. The Turning Point” at the Reina Sofia ; and an exhibition exploring Picasso and El Greco at the Prado .

During Picasso’s anniversary year, it’s worth noting that the city’s artistry isn’t just within its museums, but outside as well: Madrid’s cultural core is an urban masterpiece of art, nature and light, and in 2021, the entire area of the Paseo del Prado and verdant Parque del Buen Retiro, called “Landscape of Light,” was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Grand Junction  Copied to clipboard!

A bonanza of canyons, arches and cliffs, without the hordes of tourists read more.

Grand Junction, Colorado

On Colorado’s Western Slope, arid Grand Junction offers attractions similar to those of Moab, Utah, the gateway to Arches National Park, without the throngs.

The area around the Colorado alternative has the second-largest concentration of natural arches in the country in Rattlesnake Canyon, where some 35 sandstone spans are part of the roughly 123,700-acre McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area , reachable via off-road vehicle or a strenuous 14-mile round-trip trek. More convenient hiking trails in the Colorado National Monument — where geologic uplift and erosion formed monoliths of the same Entrada sandstone found at Arches — lie within about 10 minutes of town.

The 2021 opening of the Palisade Plunge adds a 32-mile descent — from the world’s largest flat-topped mountain, 10,000-foot Grand Mesa, down to the Colorado River — to the area’s biking challenges. All trails lead back to downtown Grand Junction, filled with shops, craft breweries, locavore restaurants and wine-tasting rooms from area vineyards.

La Guajira  Copied to clipboard!

An unspoiled land of orange-sand beaches and flamingo-lined lagoons read more.

La Guajira, Colombia

The remote and arid La Guajira peninsula, straddling Colombia’s border with Venezuela, remains largely unknown to international tourists — in spite of its dramatic salt flats, flamingo-lined lagoons and orange-sand beaches.

Terrorist activity made this area mostly off limits until 2016, but eco-minded hotels, including La Casa del Pavo Real and Hotel Waya Guajira , have spread along the peninsula, relying on increased flights to Riohacha, the regional capital, and nearby Santa Marta.

This region is the home of the Indigenous Wayúu people, who have expressed concerns that giant development projects may irreparably alter their ancestral lands. Tour operators visit Wayúu weavers known for their chinchorros, the colorful hammocks that take months to make, and their rustic kitchens, where cooks like Zaida Cotes showcase traditional cuisine based on salted fish, goat meat and purple corn.

Bergamo and Brescia  Copied to clipboard!

Open-air theater, art, music and a plateful of local delicacies in a cultural crossroads read more.

Andrea Wyner for The New York Times

Bergamo and Brescia, Italy

Milan may outshine Bergamo and Brescia , but in 2023 a spotlight will fall on these two Lombardy cities after they were jointly named the Italian Capital of Culture . More than 100 art projects, music and theater events (some open-air), nature walks and new bike routes are ​meant to map a way forward after the tragic headlines this northern region generated in 2020, when it was more ravaged by the coronavirus than anyplace else in Italy.

Bergamo is distinctive for its ancient, walled Città Alta (Upper Town) and modern Città Bassa (Lower Town), the two connected by ​narrow roads, a funicular and a footpath. Brescia, around 30 miles southeast , is a handsome crossroads of Roman, medieval and Renaissance sites .

Outstanding food is another draw — it’s Italy, after all — with menus in both areas featuring creamy, nutty polenta taragna and variously stuffed crescents of casoncelli swirled with butter and sage — little pasta miracles that prove how good life can still be.

— Julie Besonen

American Prairie  Copied to clipboard!

A vast, and growing, swath of nature where you can still feel tiny read more.

Janie Osborne

American Prairie, Montana

With its wide-open skies and boundless horizons, American Prairie is ideal for visitors seeking a respite from the fast pace of modern life. A vast nature preserve founded by a Montana nonprofit, A.P. has been accumulating grasslands since 2004. It currently consists of 455,840 acres — and the preserve continues to expand by acquiring private properties that connect to surrounding public lands. The goal: to create a contiguous, three-million-acre reserve and restore a disappearing ecosystem.

A.P. offers a broad range of activities, including leisurely walks, cross-country skiing and expert-level hiking, biking and paddling. Paved roads lead to Antelope Creek Campground, which features an interpretive trail and distant views of the Little Rockies. Buffalo Camp, accessible by gravel roads and situated among the reserve’s largest bison herd, is a little farther off the beaten path and provides a chance to see a buffalo jump, a cliff traditionally used by Indigenous peoples to harvest bison.

— Janie Osborne

Eastern Townships  Copied to clipboard!

A leisurely journey through the countryside with stops for wine, cheese and poutine read more.

Eastern Townships, Quebec

This is slow travel at its best: Pedal across the quiet Quebec countryside, refueling on local cheese, wine and, yes, poutine. Montreal and Quebec City are the stars of the region, but the bucolic, lake-laced terrain between them is often relegated to fleeting glimpses from the windows of a rental car.

The Eastern Townships — Canada’s New England, with French flair — deserves a visit all its own, and especially now, with the recent debut of the Véloroute Gourmande . The 150-mile cycle route traces the Route Verte and Trans Canada Trail across this charming region dotted with flower-festooned villages, and features more than 100 epicurean stops along the way, from farmers’ markets to maple groves to fromageries to vineyards.

Try the lush, sweet vin de glace (ice wine), made from ripe grapes that have frozen naturally on the vine, at Le Cep d’Argent , and the buttery Brise des Vignerons at the family-run Fromagerie des Cantons , one of the first in the area to develop cheese exclusively from Jersey cows, a nod to the region’s British influences.

New Haven  Copied to clipboard!

Connecticut

A home to tinkerers and rebels, and a treasure trove of contemporary art and architecture Read more

New haven, connecticut.

Connecticut’s third-largest city is a historic, mostly walkable and bikeable seaside town with distinctive neighborhoods, an encyclopedic collection of great American architecture, a thriving cultural life and one of the best food scenes in the country for a city of its size (134,000).

Founded in 1638, it’s a place where people have always tinkered with, mused about and challenged the status quo, which is why the New Haven Preservation Trust is now looking at saving the modernist buildings of the 1970s, which many see as disastrous examples of urban renewal. Discover one of the best of these brutalist concrete buildings by checking into the new Hotel Marcel , named for its architect, Marcel Breuer. Recently renovated, it’s become the first completely solar-powered, energy-neutral hotel in the United States.

Check out NXTHVN , a cutting-edge, community-focused arts center founded in 2019 in two abandoned factory buildings in the Dixwell neighborhood that has become the heart of a vibrant African American artists’ community. And then treat yourself to a great meal — maybe crispy artichokes with Parmesan aioli and pork belly with Tuscan cabbage and apple mostarda — at the recently opened Villa Lulu .

The Black Hills  Copied to clipboard!

South Dakota

Pine forests, powwows and a climb up to Crazy Horse’s giant granite face Read more

Benjamin Rasmussen

The Black Hills, South Dakota

The Lakota people trace their creation to the He Sapa, or Black Hills, a mountain range of dramatic peaks and pine forests in an area that is South Dakota’s chief tourism attraction.

Now, representatives of all nine tribes in the state — working as the South Dakota Native Tourism Alliance — are having a say in how to experience Native American sites with the publication of a new tribal nations’ visitors guide , including destination suggestions and tips on visitor etiquette. The assembly helped identify the Great 8 , eight sites and experiences — among them powwows, or dance celebrations — that are significant to Indigenous culture, with a concentration in the Black Hills. These include Bear Butte State Park where hiking trails may lead past prayer cloths tied to trees, 7,244-foot Black Elk Peak, the state’s highest, and the Crazy Horse Memorial .

The massive sculpture of the Lakota warrior turns 75 next summer, when the biannual Volksmarch will allow hikers to ascend the carving, still under construction, and stand beneath Crazy Horse’s more than 87-foot-tall granite face.

Sarajevo  Copied to clipboard!

Bosnia and Herzegovina

A living museum of resilience where empires and cultures have long intersected Read more

Todd Heisler/The New York Times

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo’s history lives in the present. There is the Latin Bridge, where a certain archduke was assassinated, catalyzing World War I. There are buildings still pockmarked by shells from the siege three decades ago. And there is the intricate interplay of empires, from the Ottoman to the Austro-Hungarian, that allows visitors to tour a mosque, a cathedral, an Orthodox church and a synagogue all within a few blocks.

These layers of history, of course, can detonate as easily as they can coexist. Bosnia’s multiethnic capital remains on edge. Look up to the hills, and there are the artillery positions built on the grounds of the 1984 Winter Olympics. But Sarajevo’s splendor comes from this intrusion of the past. It remains a living museum that hints at how a Ukraine or a Syria cannot only survive but perhaps one day flourish anew.

— Hannah Beech

Design and Production

Sean Catangui and Gabriel Gianordoli

Danial Adkison, Stephen Hiltner, Suzanne MacNeille, Morrigan McCarthy, Fiona Murray, Nancy Ramsey, Tacey Rychter and Amy Virshup

Photo Editing

Phaedra Brown

Baden Copeland

Corrections

A photograph with an earlier version of this article misidentified the city shown in the image. The photograph depicted the province of Tarragona, Spain, not the city itself. The image has been replaced.

The article also misstated the size of the Barrio Viejo neighborhood of Tucson, Ariz. It is more than 150 acres, not 150 blocks.

A photograph with an earlier version of this article misidentified the location in the image. It is Keelung, Taiwan, not Taipei.

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The Best Places to Travel in 2023

From Madrid to Montenegro, Turkey to Transylvania, Vienna to Venice...our curated list of the best places to visit now.

Your next trip should be:

Madrid, la maxima….

Because four new five-star hotels can't be wrong.

Madrid may not have the sheer beauty of Paris or the antiquity of Athens or Rome. Its appeal has long been what writer Julia Reed once called its “elegant conservatism”—and unmatched nightlife. (“In Madrid,” Hemingway said, “nobody goes to bed until they have killed the night.”) It’s still true, but these days there’s a new temblor de emoción , a flutter of emotion (the closest Spanish comes to the word excitement ). “Remember, in the 1980s, after Franco died, how Madrid was the place to be?” says Virginia Irurita, of Made in Spain and Portugal, who lives in Madrid. “With La Movida, the painters, Almodóvar? That’s how Madrileños feel now.”

The city’s cultural cachet (not that it needed more) is building: A fifth UNESCO World Heritage Site has been anointed (the tree-lined Paseo del Prado and the adjoining El Retiro, a 17th-century palace garden). Next summer Madrid’s Royal Palace (the largest in Europe) will open a new annex for the Museum of the Royal Collections. And the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum has not one but two blockbuster shows planned for 2023: Picasso and Lucian Freud.

On Our Radar Spain's Balearic islands just get better. Everyone's abuzz about the April opening in Majorca of the new Son Net , a 17th-century estate in a bucolic setting 15 minutes by car from Palma that has been restored and transformed into a 31-room hotel by the masterminds behind Andalucia's Finca Cortesin . Enough said.

Royal Romania…

Because the king of England will open his home to you.

The king of England’s real estate portfolio is worth billions. There is the verdant paradise at Highgrove and 192 acres of bucolic bliss at Llwynywermod in Wales. Now he has Sandringham and Balmoral, too. But where does a sovereign go to really unplug? Romania, apparently, where King Charles owns two homes in Transylvania—yes, of Dracula fame. One of them he turned into a center for traditional crafts; the other, his private country residence in Valea Zalanului , becomes a seven-room B&B when he isn’t around.

A grand pile this is not, and that is by design—all local antiques and textiles. No TV, no WiFi, just horseback rides, nature walks, and convivial dinners during which you might drop in this fun fact: Charles is a descendant of Vlad the Impaler (so named for his preferred method of execution), who inspired Bram Stoker’s tale about history’s most famous vampire. By Leena Kim. To book a trip to Romania : Raluca Spiac , raluca@ beyonddracula.com

The Literary Maldives...

Because who says a tropical resort can't be the ultimate party school?

Sonu Shivdasani, the founder of Soneva resorts, was turning his properties into exemplars of environmental sustainability long before it was fashionable to do so. His latest stroke of genius: bringing the Jaipur Literary Festival to the lush, beach-ringed island of Kunfunadhoo, in Baa Atoll in the Maldives—home of Soneva Fushi .

The JLF in Jaipur attracts thousands of attendees and is streamed to 10 million viewers worldwide; at Soneva Fushi’s inaugural festival last May, there were 120 attendees, spread out over 10 days (minimum stay is four days). Which meant attendees had direct access to the 34 renowned writers and artists (including filmmaker Mira Nair, novelist André Aciman, and Oxford historian Peter Frankopan). We all resided in solitary splendor (Soneva Fushi has 64 private, butlered villas), but we had meals and gala dinners together (barefoot) as well as keynote lectures, panel discussions, and musical performances.

There were sunset champagne cruises to a sandbank, movie nights, and dancing. I left with new friends and a notebook full of ideas—about as vivifying as travel can get. JLF Soneva Fushi 2023 runs May 12–21.One speaker will be Priyamvada Natarajan, a professor in the departments of astronomy and physics at Yale whose specialty is the nature of dark matter and black holes. Just the thing to ponder in paradise. By Klara Glowczewska . To Book : Soneva.com

On Our Radar The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavara has launched a trainee marine biologist program for teenagers. Six full-day modules are offered (you can choose as many as you like), working with scientists studying such topics as manta rays, turtles, coral, and the secret lives of plankton.

A Scottish Surprise…

Because you'll like the fresh takes—even on haggis.

The second haggis came as a surprise. On my first night in Scotland, ordering chef Mark Greenaway’s elegant version of the country’s most famous (and often derided) dish seemed like a leap into the gastronomic deep end, something to try to get the full experience of the place. On the next night it was just because I liked it. That kind of reconsideration of classics is what’s most exciting about Scotland right now. Sure, castles, lochs, and misty mountains abound. But Glasgow and Edinburgh are sophisticated cities with extraordinary dining and cutting-edge culture around every corner. Last summer Edinburgh’s Festival Fringe celebrated its 75th anniversary with 3,300 performances by artists from 63 countries;at the Edinburgh International Festival, Gabriel Byrne premiered his one-man show, Walking with Ghosts , which recently moved to Broadway. On leafy St. Andrew Square, Gleneagles has opened its first urban property, Gleneagles Townhouse , with a member’s club and rooftop bar.

Dean Banks, the MasterChef veteran who runs fine-dining destinations including the Pompadour at the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh , is quick to call out other new favorites, such as the Finnieston in Glasgow, which specializes in sustainable seafood, and Monachyle Mhor , the boutique Highlands hotel known for its “whisky safari.” “In Scotland,”Banks says, “we are kings of touching back to our traditions.” Luckily, the rest of us are able to as well. By Adam Rathe . To book a trip to Scotland : Jonathan Epstein, Jonathan@ celebratedexperiences.com

Italy Off-Season…

Because at the end of the day, no one comes to Italy for a suntan.

Last summer Italy was, let’s be frank, almost loved to death, with congested roads, swamped sights, and sluggish service from overworked staff. Our suggestion? A do-over, but not in summer. “We are huge believers in low-season travel here,” says Andrea Grisdale, the Como-based founder of IC Bellagio . “It’s a totally different experience, and we are actively encouraging it.” No, you will not be forced to pitch a tent. For the first time, a number of hotels that used to shutter as soon as summer ended are pushing back closures. In Lake Como, the classic Villa d’Este is staying open until early January and reopening in March, as is the beautiful new Passalacqua .

Following suit in Puglia is the wildly pretty Borgo Egnazia . On the Amalfi Coast, Monastero Santa Rosa stayed open into November in 2022 and is considering December in 2023. There will be more. “After a year like this one,” says Elisa Pozzoli, of Essence of Italy, “hotels are changing their mentality. And Venice in January or February is magical. You’re alone, in a ghost city.”

Something else might help ease the travails of overtourism: a handful of new five-star hotels available year-round. Six Senses Rome (GM Francesca Tozzi comes from Capri’s Tiberio Palace) opens in the spring in a 15th-century palazzo a block from the Galleria Doria Pamphilj. In Milan the 73-suite Portrait Milano , a first foray there from the Ferragamo family, has just opened on Corso Venezia, close to the fashion district but not in the thick of it. Casa Baglioni Milano , a 30-room hotel with an interior that nods to Italy’s Modernist dolce vita era, is in the heart of the city’s artsy, “local” Brera district. Both offer a way to sidestep the visitor surge, even during Fashion Week. As for the summer? Grisdale cannot be more emphatic: “We are about to enter a new era. The famous summer tradition is on its way out. No one comes to Italy for a suntan, anyway. And do you know how amazing this country is with few tourists around?” By Mark Ellwood . To book a trip to Italy : Andrea Grisdale, andrea@ icbellagio.com

On Our Radar Hotel La Palma , Capri’s first hotel, built in 1822 and steps from the famous Piazzetta, is opening in July after a major renovation as the Oetker Collection’s first Masterpiece Hotel in Italy. One of many highlights: a private beach club at the Marina Piccola. (No word yet, though, on an extended season.)

Your Next Trip Should Be:

Africa in a private villa….

Because, let's face it, having the bush all to yourself is better.

OL JOGI , KENYA.

A 58,000-acre onetime cattle ranch on the Laikipia Plateau is now a private conservancy with serious game viewing. Owned by the art-dealing Wildenstein family, Ol Jogi can be booked for up to 22 people. Don’t let the thatched-hut-style exterior fool you: Inside it’s over-the-top French château luxury. Great perk: the underground hide, reached through a tunnel, which overlooks a rhino-luring salt lick.

SINGITA’S MALILANGWE HOUSE , ZIMBABWE.

This 5-bedroom villa in the 130,000-acre Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is close enough to Singita’s Pamushana Lodge that you can walk to the main camp, but it’s isolated on a hilltop, with gorgeous views of huge boulders, red soil, and golden msasa trees. On offer: classic game drives as well as ancient cave rock art sites and “water safaris” to see fish eagles, hippos, and crocodiles.

COTTARS BUSH VILLA , KENYA.

Charles Cottar set up his safari business in the Mara back in 1919. Great-grandson Calvin and his wife Louise now run it, retro associations intact: canvas, Persian rugs, and dark wood furniture. The new 5-bedroom bush villa, built entirely by hand, sits on a hill like an old farmhouse, but it has all mod cons, including an 82-foot-long pool. Ask to be guided by the all-female ranger team, the only such in the Mara.

FARMHOUSE AT THE FARMSTEAD , SOUTH AFRICA.

Onetime fashion exec Liz Biden converted her country getaway in Greater Kruger into the Royal Malewane lodge 23 years ago and has since expanded her footprint. The nearby Farmstead now has a stand-alone 7,000-square-foot villa with a kids suite and a pool that sticks out right into the bush. Her background is evident in the exuberant decor; even the laundry comes packaged in scarlet netting, tied with a big red bow. Royal Malewane’s guides are standouts: Several have earned the title master tracker, a rarity in safari.

CHEETAH PLAINS, SOUTH AFRICA.

These three ultramodern 4-bedroom homes (booked individually or together) are remarkable for their especially game-rich location in private Sabi Sand reserve, adjacent to unfenced Kruger National Park. (The near-silent electric 4X4s help too.) As for the amenities: Each comes with a heated pool, wine gallery, chef, sommelier, and full-time spa therapist.

KATAZA HOUSE, SINGITA KWITONDA , RWANDA.

This 4-bedroom villa is the only luxe safari house close to Volcanoes National Park, home of the mountain gorillas. Building materials and decor were procured locally; there are ebonized tables, eucalyptus wood screens, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking three huge volcanoes. Deborah Calmeyer of Roar Africa calls it a “spiritual experience like nowhere else in Africa.” By Mark Ellwood. To book any of the above African villas : Deborah Calmeyer, deb@ roarafrica.com

La Belle Bourgogne…

Because of the wine, bien sur. And some fine new bolt holes.

They don’t call parts of Burgundy the Côte d’Or just for its fall foliage. “Anyone interested in wine will eventually end up here,” states Dennis Sherman, a 40-year resident who runs a wine brokerage business near Beaune. “It’s the simplicity of the single grape variety with the complexity of the soil—the wine has incredible depth and substance.” But ending up here hasn’t been all that easy: The higher-end accommodations have long been largely on barges on the region’s waterways. Now, however, two rival ultraluxe hoteliers are opening properties.

American expats Denise Dupré and Mark Nunnelly who run the five-star Royal Champagne hotel in that region, are reinventing the Clos de la Commarainen estate as a 23-room hotel in a 12th-century château (connected to the dukes of Burgundy) and anchored by its 10 acres of Pommard Premier Cru. It will form the basis of a revival of winemaking here, something that last took place 20 years ago. Arriving at the end of 2023 is COMO Le Montrachet , an albergo diffuso–style hotel nestled around a charming village square a few miles south of Beaune (Christina Ong’s fourth European site).

The lodging shortage solved, another issue persists. (Great pleasures are often hard won.) And that is access to Burgundy’s prized small-batch production. According to Philip Haslett, of Kairos , who organizes trips throughout France, “The winemakers here aren’t as visitor-ready as those in Champagne or even Bordeaux. The farmers are not turning up in a BMW—they’re the real deal, so it doesn’t matter who you are, because they don’t have anything extra to sell.”

Which is why Haslett works with guides who have deep roots here, such as Youri Lebault of Bourgogne Gold Tour, who specializes in opening near-impossible cellar doors (guiding is essential due to Burgundy’s fragmented, jigsaw-like terroir, which is carved into patches known as climats ). “Yesterday,” he said, “I ended my two-day wine tour in a private cellar in the Côte de Beaune, alone with my clients, smelling the wine from the barrel and tasting it with a pipette.” By Mark Ellwood. To book a trip top France : Philip Haslett, Philip @ kairos-travel.com

Your next trip should be...

Yes, panama….

Because it's about to pop and it has three attractions no other country in Central America or the Caribbean can claim.

1. The Old Town

One of the best-restored and most delightful historic districts in the region, dating back to 1673, with a sophisticated new hotel, La Compañia (a hot spot for locals and international travelers), and a real foodie scene: Peruvian-Panamanian, French-Panamanian, patisseries, and coffee and cigar bars.

2. The Canal

Human ingenuity is on full display along this 40-mile engineering marvel, which connects the Atlantic with the Pacific and divides North and South America. A must day trip from the Old Town, it’s also a good jumping-off point for hikes in the Anton Valley and visits to the Emberá indigenous community.

Nayara’s Bocas del Toro , in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, is a luxe perch from which to explore Panama’s astonishing biodiversity. Prep at the Frank Gehry–designed biodiversity museum in Panama City. By Michael Clinton . To book a trip to Panama : Pierre Gedeon, pierre@ costa-adventures.com

On Our Radar: An environmentally minded billionaire owner, Louis Bacon, has turned an archipelago of 14 islands off Panama’s Pacific coast into an a all-inclusive luxe retreat, Isla Secas . It guarantees total privacy (it sleeps just 24), real adventure, and untouched nature. Thirteen of the islands will remain undeveloped.

A Turkish Delight…

Because jetting to Bodrum is swell, but sailing to Kaunos in a gulet is better.

A couple of years ago Emily Morrison, a former New Orleans commodities trader, visited Turkey for the first time, suntanning in Bodrum and hot-air-ballooning over Cappadocia like a latter-day Jules Verne. At the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, that tortuous labyrinth from the 15th century, she had a career epiphany while sorting through textiles, so she left her job and started a lifestyle brand, Elysian by Emily Morrison , back home, collaborating with Turkish artisans on decorative wares, footwear, and clothing. “What I experienced was the people of Turkey,” she says. “The hospitality, the craftsmanship, the culture.”

Now she returns several times a year. And Morrison’s not alone: American travel to Turkey in the first half of 2022 skyrocketed 77 percent over the same period in 2019, according to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Post-pandemic, the number is poised to climb in 2023, as the country marks its 100th anniversary as a republic.

“It took many years, but things have definitely changed,” says Karen Fedorko Sefer, founder of Sea Song Tours , who arrived in Turkey in 1998 and organized Morrison’s original visit. “The key was developing infrastructure to accommodate demanding luxury travelers.” Turkish Airlines invested in U.S. hubs (three daily flights out of JFK, two from LAX), and elite lodgings boomed: A Four Seasons and a Mandarin Oriental opened on the Bosporus, followed by the newly restored Four Seasons in historic Sultanahmet. The Peninsula Istanbul and Japan’s Okura Spa & Resort Cappadocia are expected in 2023.

And it’s not just cities that are thriving: Thanks to Turkish Airlines’ vast network of domestic flights, jetsetters are discovering the cradle of civilization in Asia Minor. Though why go by air to the ruins of Kaunos or the shipwrecks of Monastir Bay when a gulet is an option. A very posh option. Turkish sailing yachts are, Sefer says, “second to none.” By Erik Maza .

To book a trip to Turkey: Karen Fedorko Safer, fedorko@ seasong.com

On Our Radar: This past October, Michelin Guides published its first list of 53 Istanbul restaurants . Why it took this long, given the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman epicurean traditions, is a mystery. But never mind: It’s a whole new impetus to visit. The star of the list, with two stars, is Turk Fatih Tutak .

A Montenegro Odyssey…

Because it's the Med without the crowds.

Byron called the 182-mile stretch of Montenegro’s Adriatic coast “the most beautiful encounter between land and sea.” No wonder. Riven with fjords, dotted with tiny islands and ancient towns (such as Kotor, Budva, and Perast), and lined with 45 miles of beach, the little country has been quietly turning into a niche destination for yachting holidays, a Croatia without the crowds. “It’s Norway, but it’s warm!” proclaims Paola Scalabrino, a charter specialist with Monaco-based Yachtzoo . “And it’s for people who want beautiful anchorages but don’t need to be in port every night, out clubbing.” If you want a land perch, One&Only Portonovi , near a new marina, is the sole five-star resort option (ever since the Aman Sveti Stefan closed amid a local controversy over beach rights). And, opening this spring, in an 1850s Austro-Hungarian fortress, is the boutiquey 32-room Mamula Island , which comes with a fleet of boats you can use on demand. By Mark Ellwood . To book a trip to Montenegro: Ala Osmond, Ala@ exeterinternational.com

A Viennese Waltz...

Because the new museums are magnificent and you get to pack your dancing shoes.

Mention Vienna and what comes to mind are pastries and paintings, sacher-torte and Schiele—a place worth a pit stop between Prague and Budapest. But the grand onetime imperial capital is starting to shed its gilded cobwebbiness. A permanent home has just opened for the Austrian billionaire Heidi Goëss-Horten ’s 700-strong collection —of Picassos, Chagalls, Basquiats, Warhols, Richters, and Baselitzes. The two-year-old Albertina Modern , Austria’s answer to the Tate , will showcase in spring 2023 American artist Alex Katz in a major retrospective.

On the hotel front, the 150-year-old Sacher has some competition. Rosewood Vienna opened last summer in a former bank in the heart of the city’s pedestrian district. The onetime Ring Hotel, on the Ringstrasse, will reopen in early 2023 as the Amauris Vienna . The locally owned and operated Leo Grand is a pretty boutique spot a few steps from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. And a Mandarin Oriental is coming as well (to an Art Nouveau building on Riemergasse).

But there’s one tradition that Gwen Kozlowski, president of Exeter International , is keen to see preserved: the balls. “They are truly like nowhere else, and superformal.” Skip the ones around New Year’s and focus on the distinctly Viennese ones at Lent. The most prestigious are the Opera and Philharmonic balls. “They’re hard to wrangle tickets for, but if you’re serious, we can usually make it happen.” By Mark Ellwood. To book a trip to Austria: Gwen Kozlowski, Gwen@ exeterinternational.com

A Cool Cruise…

Because swanning around on a gorgeous ship is as good as it gets.

A JAMES BOND–IAN FANTASY (ON SCENIC ECLIPSE ).

The first ultraluxe expedition ship, Scenic Eclipse, from the Australian brand Scenic, turned heads for its megayacht style and 007-esque toys. Now comes Scenic Eclipse II . Both will go to the Arctic and Antarctic, but in 2023 Eclipse II will also visit Euro yachtie hangouts (Capri, Hvar, Ibiza, and more) and explore the Pacific—the gorges of Australia’s Kim- berley, Indonesia’s Spice Islands, and Raja Ampat.

AN ARCTIC ADVENTURE (ON COMMANDANT CHARCOT ).

Until now, reaching the North Pole has never been a breeze. But next summer Ponant’s hybrid-powered icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot , will make four 15-night trips there. Outside is a silent world of polar bears and pack ice; onboard it’s all expedition-chic (an Alain Ducasse restaurant, a dernier-cri spa, floor-to-ceiling windows). The best part: knowing you’re farther north than anyone else on earth.

AN ART TOUR OF THE BALTIC (ON VIKING OCEAN ).

Without St. Petersburg, a cruise around the Baltic might feel like seeing Athens without the Acropolis. Not so. Scandi-chic Viking has a fix for art lovers next summer: a series of 14-night ocean sailings between Bergen and Stockholm, with guided tours of major museums and works of architecture. One highlight: a private viewing in Oslo of Edvard Munch’s haunti ng masterpiece The Scream . By Sue Bryant. To book a cruise : Ashton Palmer, Ashton@ expeditiontrips.com ; Tom Baker, Tom.Baker@ cruisecenter.com ; Mary Jean Tully, travel@ tullyluxurytravel.com

On Our Radar : Other lines are plying the Baltic too: Silversea’s 14-night roundtrip from Copenhagen stops in Stockholm, Tallinn, Helsinki, and Gdansk. Regent Seven Seas’ 10-night cruise sails June 30 from Copenhagen to Stockholm, with stops in Berlin, Gdansk, Tallinn, Helsinki, and Art Nouveau–rich Riga.

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Where To Go in 2023

It’s our favorite time of year — planning where we’ll go in 2023. Whether you’re in search of somewhere new or a reason to revisit a place you’ve been before, we hope that this guide will inspire you to pack your bags. From three-day vacation ideas to luxury couple getaways, to far-flung adventures, there’s something for every type of traveler. Whether it’s a city or an entire country that beckons you to visit, these are the 25 places (in no particular order) worth traveling for this year.

If you’ve experienced and loved the east coast of Mexico, you’ll adore the Pacific side and specifically Punta Mita — home to incredible culture, pristine beaches, and now a luxury tented resort rooted in nature and wellness. Naviva, a sister of nearby Four Seasons Resort, features a customized wellness itinerary (including meals), and 15 well-appointed tents nestled among the trees. Naviva is designed as a place to explore, self-discover, and completely immerse yourself in an unscripted stay. 

Ireland 

There’s so much to see and do on the Emerald Isle that Ireland continues to make our must-travel list. Jaw-dropping coast to coast, breathe in its lush green — with varying shades of watery blue. No where is the physical beauty of the country more pronounced than The Wild Atlantic Way. Stretching 1,553 miles along the west coast, this spectacular drive offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs dipping to the sea, moody lighthouses, and storybook castles. 

For a true step-back-in-time experience, reserve a suite at Ballyfin in County Laois, one of Ireland’s most gracious country manors and five-star hotels. Once an all-boys’ school — a few staff remain to tell the tale — Ballyfin is set on 615 acres, dense with bluebells (in spring), castle ruins, glorious gardens, and a stunning outdoor cascading water feature. Visit the hotel’s famed dress closet, featuring costumes from the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Arrive for dinner, by horse-drawn carriage, in elegant, feathery, Edwardian attire, before retiring to your canopied bed and deep-soaking bronze tub in the gardeners cottage, inside the walled garden. 

Another must stay comes at Ireland’s 16th-century Dromoland Castle , the storied ancestral home of the O’Brien clan, turned glamorous five-star hotel. This baranial fortress, where history dates back a millennium to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kings of Ireland, features magnificent interiors: coats of arms, ancestral portraits, gild and drippy chandeliers. Fly falcons, dine in the Michelin star restaurant, or ride horses across the vast acreage. To really live like nobility, reserve the two-tiered Tower Room, with its alluring circular bath occupying its own floor and anchored by a Gothic window. 

Washington D.C.

The Nation’s Capital has a lot more to offer than most people realize. Aside from monuments and museums (which are all free, btw, including the zoo which is a must), Washington, D.C. is home to arts, culture, great shopping, and incredible dining options. Plus, there’s so much to do on the Virginia and Maryland sides of the Potomac River. Check into the newly refurbished The Dupont Circle Hotel optimally located for discovery of the city. While there, be sure to grab a bite in the morning from Doyle & Co Coffee Bar (we can’t get enough of their smoked salmon croissant), then return for dinner at The Pembroke, one of D.C.’s best places to dine. While in D.C. head to Georgetown for shopping along Wisconsin Avenue and M Street, stand in line (because you will) for a famed Georgetown Cupcake, and stroll along the Potomac River for sights of The Kennedy Center. Take a short cab ride to Alexandria, Virginia (you can literally see it from D.C.) to stroll the streets of Old Town — a historic district with street names like King Street and Queen Street, dotted with small boutiques, antique shops, bars, and plenty of incredible restaurants with views of Washington, D.C.

Calgary/Banff  

Festival aficionados likely already have the cowpoke-intoned, two-week long Calgary Stampede on their must-do list. A riotous, rodeo-rife gathering, it celebrates the region’s “wild west” underpinnings, something many don’t expect to find so far north, near the gloriously beautiful Canadian Rockies. While cowboy culture is cool, the vibrant town emits its own vivified chic via craft bars, gastronomic eateries, and curated shops. Just 90 minutes away, Banff National Park , established in 1885 as Canada’s first dedicated, official outdoor playground, spreads wide. A grand expanse of postcard perfect wilderness with hot springs, hiking trails, wildlife galore, glimmering lakes, and historic sites, the park promises plenty of year round entertainment and activities. A high point is Lake Louise, a hamlet in Banff National Park, idolized for its glacier-fed, ever turquoise lake, encircled by soaring, snow-capped peaks. Fairmont Château Lake Louise, a vision at lake’s edge, and like a storybook domain with its semblance of castle-like architecture and plethora of activity offerings, embodies quintessential national park lodge digs, which families appreciate as much as adventure-seeking honeymooners. 

Adelaide and Kangaroo Island 

Adelaide lies at the center of South Australia’s wine country. With its university town buzz and slower pace it dances to a less urbane beat than Melbourne and Sydney, deeply identifying with the untrammeled nature in its realms. Take a wine tour in the Adelaide Hills, a stunningly verdant, koala-filled region just outside Adelaide that brims with characteristic towns, farms, cheesemakers, and more than 50 cellar doors and 90 wine labels. Next, cruise or take the short 30-minute flight to Kangaroo Island which, though it sounds a bit like a section of a zoo reserved for marsupials, has no cages.  In fact, the 98-mile-wide island, instead, features acres of unsullied wilderness and bushland, dotted by otherworldly rock formations and edged by staggering cliffs. Wildlife abound — animals from goanna lizards to kangaroos to echidna, which roam the island’s eucalyptus and acacia-studded terrain. On wild beaches penguin colonies, historic lighthouses, and gamboling sea lions await. To explore it all, join a tour to swim with the dolphins or hike part of the 106-mile Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail. Tours to Flinders Chase National Park, the sea-sculpted Remarkable Rocks and the stalactite-composed Admiral’s Arch will invigorate the senses. 

The quintessential paradise, a state that proudly bears — and shares — its own culture, Hawaii with its six major islands (each with its own unique personality) stands out as everybody’s idea of heaven. Thronged by revenge travelers once the state reopened, Hawaii — famous for its aloha spirit — felt a need to pivot towards more sustainable visitations as it geared up for visitors in 2023. The solution? Malama: the Hawaiian word that represents the ethos of giving back. Like the Hawaiian word mana (which means spirit or intangible energy), malama isn’t found in the guidebooks and can’t be purchased from a store. But travelers can experience it in real time through acts of generous volunteerism, activities that bring enrichment as they preserve and protect the Hawaiian landscape, and culture. Offering a Malama Hawaii program for 2023, the state encourages visitors to participate in approved volunteer opportunities during their stay. From beach clean ups to wildlife rescue to tree reforestation, the variety of helpful volunteer pursuits for travelers not only enhance their trip and guard the integrity of the landscape, but offer a slew of discounts, including free nights at top hotels. Some examples? The Ritz-Carlton Maui Kapalua offers a fifth night free when participating in a self-directed beach cleanup (a DIY beach kit will be provided at check-in), and the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island provides the fifth night free and daily breakfast for two to guests who volunteer for “any volunteer program on GoHawaii’s Voluntourism site including Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative, Hawaii Wildlife Fund, or Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative.”

Tangier  

Just a short nip across the water from Spain, Tangier — an hour’s ride by ferry  — is steeped in culture and (famously delicious, sweet, soothing) mint tea. This northern Morocco port city, forever a stronghold for literary expats in search of inspiration, has historically been more residential than touristic. It has served as a great place for those visiting to get a taste of Morocco’s food and souks — and practice their bargaining skills — without changing time zones. With the well received Museum of Contemporary Art in place as a showcase for regional artists, and the opening of hotels such as Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier , and design centric Villa Mabrouka (with a Waldorf Astoria in the works for 2025), Tangier, a tremendous melting pot with delectable cuisine, has come into its own. 

Seville, Spain

While sprawling, regal Madrid vaunts some of the world’s finest art museums and takes credit for the buzziest tapas scene, and though Barcelona brandishes Gaudi, reigns as the pioneer of molecular gastronomy, and touts all things Catalan, Southern Spain’s Andalucia actually may be what you envision when you dream of Spanish stereotypes. Sun-dappled Seville, the region’s centuries-old capital, which straddles the Guadalquivir River, captivates as a trove of Mudejar (Moorish) architecture. Knitted amongst the Mudejar-style glazed ceramic tiles, ornamental stucco work, and horseshoe-shaped arches, Medieval, Gothic, and Renaissance structures also enliven the city’s fabric. Home to Flamenco, Seville forever emits lugubrious guitar riffs, the sound of castanets clicking, and the choreographed tapping of feet in dance mode. In season, orange blossoms perfume the air. Deeply entrenched in bullfight culture, Sevillanos continue to gather at the city’s famous corrida to watch the ancient ritual unfold. Visitors can learn about the controversial sport at the nonviolent Bullfight Museum as a blood-free alternative. The setting for the opera Carmen, home to kings and queens of yore, seductive Seville oozes with exoticism and sexiness. Provocative and stunning year round, the “Pearl of Andalucia” hosts two dynamic festivals in spring, which we highly recommend: Semana Santa during Holy Week (known for its mystical parades) and Feria de Abril, a two-week long, 24/7 fête, highlighted by beautiful horses, defined, as well, by sherry drinking, dancing, daily bullfights, tapa-ing and festivities. Though held on the fairgrounds, Feria turns the entire city into a party. 

Italy’s most famous city — home to the Spanish Steps, Colosseum, and arguably the best cacio e pepe and carbonara in the entire country — is one of the world’s hottest travel tickets for 2023. A slew of new hotel openings in the Eternal City have us already  packing our Paoli and Alviero Martini bags and heading to the airport.  Among the hotel openings to watch: Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Roma; InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace, an IHG Hotel; Six Senses Rome; and Bulgari Hotel Rome. 

There’s nothing more transformative than an African safari, but gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes the concept to another level. Be among the few who ever have the chance to visit Volcanoes National Park, home to the storied Silverback Gorillas, championed by the legendary Dian Fossey. In this majestic nation, known as “The Land of A Thousand Hills,” the gorillas roam amid the Virunga Mountains’ highly regulated, ranger abundant Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. There, only 80 guests gain entrance for treks each day. Small groups clamor up muddy hills in search of the handful of nomadic gorilla families — which, as of 2022, each boast their own Instagram account. The massive apes, afraid only of a few things (such as water and lizards), stay on the move as they forage for food. With lunches in tow, led by guides, following scouts and accompanied by various staff, the intimate groups of visitors hike until they come across a gorilla family, then have the privilege to sit quietly and watch the entire troop at work and play for an unforgettable hour. With one third of Africa’s bird species, a variety of monkeys (including Golden) and the important The Kigali Genocide Memorial Center , friendly Rwanda draws intrepid travelers. Stay at one of the newish, upscale lodges (such as Virunga Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and One & Only’s Gorillas Nest) to base for the treks, which should be facilitated by a qualified safari company to enhance your adventure.  

There is a good reason why the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) and our own Travel Curator team head to Cannes for the unveiling of the world’s most coveted travel destinations and experiences. This once sleepy fishing village by the sea is one of the most glamorous and fashionable destinations on France’s Côte d’Azur. Home to the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival (which runs every May), the city is equally famous for La Croisette — its glamorous seaside boulevard lined with palm trees, luxury hotels, chic boutiques (from Chanel to Gucci to Louis Vuitton), and Michelin-star restaurants. What has us excited in 2023 is the reopening of the Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, this spring. With a return to its glamorous Art Deco past married with chic modern luxuries, this property is going to be the “it” place to stay (trust us, we had a sneak peek).

Gone are the days when Athens was simply a stopover on the way to the more glamorous and jetsetting Greek isles of Santorini, Mykonos, and Hydra. Athens 2023, with its stunning sea and sky, ancient ruins and Acropolis, is taking on a new persona — that of a modern wellness retreat. From swanky hotel spas and buzzy juice bars to a newfound appreciation for its age-old healing mineral waters and traditional Mediterranean diet, health and wellness is now the heartbeat of the capital city. A few wellness musts during a visit here: a plant-based facial with Crete-born beauty guru, Dimitra Goula, at her namesake Dimitra Goula Boutique Institute; an outdoor yoga class in the rugged landscape surrounding the city, a soak in the bubbly mineral-rich waters of turquoise-hued Lake Vouliagmeni, and elevated healthy cuisine at  Papadakis in Kolonaki, where Greek chef Argio Barbarigou slow cooks her Paros Island chickpeas for 15 hours. Stay at one of Athen’s emerging boutique hotels. At NEW Hotel, award-winning design duo, Fernando and Humberto Campana, have transformed the hotel into a living, breathing art space come wellness retreat. Indulge in NEW spa’s restorative marine-inspired body and face treatments using ingredients like marine mud, seaweed, kawa-kawa, and nutmeg to trigger lymphatic circulation, and massages with hot seashells. Another savvy boutique hotel option is Gatsby Athens, close to  Syntagma Square, the Acropolis, and stylish Kolonaki neighborhood. We love the Art-Deco-inspired bedrooms with pink headboards, diamond-tiled showers, golden wardrobes, velvet sofas and Juliet balconies. 

Italy remains at the top of most people’s must-go list year after year for good reason: food, wine, culture, and plenty of la dolce vita. If you’re looking for a new reason to head back, we suggest truffle hunting, breathtaking countryside views, and a chance to experience a medieval hamlet complete with the original old chapel, sprawling vineyards, and modern amenities (including a very large pool and wine cellar for your enjoyment) at Borgo San Felice . But perhaps our favorite reason to visit is during truffle season where you’ll find yourself following trained dogs and a master truffle hunter to unearth quite possibly the best truffles we have ever tasted. 

True confession, we love Sweden. There is something so incredibly magical about Sweden’s towering white birch trees, dense forests, sauna huts, endless archipelagos, and savvy design that keeps us returning time and time again. We love summers and chasing the midnight sun, cruising on the Baltic Sea side by side with swans, and pausing to dip into the sea or dine at out-of-the-way restaurants accessible only by boat. We love the dark season just as much, the candlelit winters in snow, and sheer magic of Lapland and its indigenous Sami culture. Stockholm — one-third architecture, one-third green space, and one-third water  — is also quite special, renowned for its boutiques, galleries, grand palaces, museums, coffee shops, and emerging design studios. Spanning  14 islands, Stockholm’s distinct districts are seamlessly connected by bridges, making the city easily walkable. Stay at the new Villa Dagmar hotel in the posh  Östermalm district next to Östermalms saluhall.

The world is discovering what author J.K. Rowling secretly knew while writing her now-famed Harry Potter series. Scotland, and specifically its capital city Edinburgh, is rich in inspiration. The historic city, home to the iconic Edinburgh Castle overlooking its medieval streets, is high on our travel list. We love the InterContinental Edinburgh The George, an IHG Hotel, with its five Georgian townhouses, originally built in 1775 as homes for Edinburgh’s most prosperous citizens. We are excited, too, about the recently opened Gleneagles Townhouse, a blend of traditional and modern; and have our eyes on the upcoming 100 Princess Street hotel (inspired by Alexander McQueen and designed by the dream team behind Ireland’s Ashford Castle), set to open this year. 

We also love Aberfeldy Perthshire in the misty Scottish Highlands, made famous by Robert Burns’ famous poem The Birks of Aberfeldy. Stay at Dun Aluinn , an exclusive-use venue for up to 26 guests, Savor the view of the quaint town and River Tay from the property’s wood-fired cedar hot tub. And be sure to indulge in the hotel’s  exclusive whisky experience. Dun Aluinn has teamed up with three world-renowned local whisky distilleries, including The Glenturret Distillery, home of the Michelin Star Lalique Restaurant. A bagpiper, rare whisky tasting, and a private tour of  the Glenturret Distillery, followed by a five-course dinner at Lalique are part of the experience.

With Japan finally open for travel, momentum is high to visit this stunning island nation of mountains and sea, traditional homes and gardens. Pre-pandemic, Japan topped travelers’ lists, so the reopening of the country  — combined with new hotel openings — is adding to the intrigue. The ancient city of Kyoto, world famous for its gardens, temples, architecture, onsens, and cherry blossoms (which typically bloom from mid-March to early April), is specifically seeing a surge of new hotel openings. Aman Kyoto, on the outskirts of the city, opened just as the pandemic set in, so remains relatively undiscovered by international travelers. Another stunner is the 114-room ROKU Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts which opened September 2021, marking Hilton’s Kyoto debut. The hotel infuses traditional Kyoto design and modern Japanese elements in its earthy palette, and is close to some of the city’s most beloved gardens and tea houses. Other notable hotel newcomers include: Park Hyatt Kyoto, Marufukuro, and Ace Hotel.

Miami  

Racing enthusiasts rejoice — the Grand Prix F1 Race is heading to Miami in May. And, if you’re looking for a place to stay there are a number of reimagined and recently opened hotels to book. Most notably, the W South Beach hotel underwent an incredible makeover last year shedding its jewel tones for serene neutrals with an overall wellness angle; while The National is open now and is putting the final touches on a restoration to its original splendor while updating areas and rooms to be even more iconic, including a very cool martini bar. And, opening soon is The Elser Hotel and Residences boasting residential-style suites in the heart of Miami.

Turks and Caicos

The bluest waters and the whitest sand beaches are not the Turks and Caicos only attributes (although they are pretty exquisite). The recent opening of Rock House, a 46-room hotel on Grace Bay’s north shore, is also making a splash. The Mediterranean-style hotel features private plunge pools and one of the best snorkeling locales on the island. Other new openings to watch include the Strand Turks & Caicos, a private residential resort on Cooper Jack Bay, and South Bank Turk & Caicos, featuring four distinct neighborhoods of waterfront villas.

Paso Robles, California

Long known for its olive groves, wineries (over 300), and breweries, Paso Robles is seeing its culinary day in the central California sun. Pronounced ‘Paso Row Bulls,’ the city is now home to San Luis Obispo County’s only Michelin star restaurant. Six Test Kitchen, helmed by chef Rickey Odbert, features a 12-seat chef’s counter dining experience focused on ingredients from the central California coast. Horseback riding and long soaks in natural hot springs are among Paso Robles’ other fabulous attributes. The famous Hearst Castle is also close by, and is a must see (even if you’ve visited before). The massive estate, founded by William Randolph Hearst, took over 20 years to build (completion was in 1947), and evokes a grand Romanesque feel with its lavish gardens, pools, ornate rooms, and columns. 

Yellowstone

There’s little doubt that fictitious character, John Dutton (played by Kevin Costner) in the hit series Yellowstone , has catapulted Montana to the top of travelers’ wanderlust list. Two of the Dutton Ranch cabins (Lee Dutton’s and Rip’s) are now available as vacation rentals. The real Yellowstone (National Park) however is even more worthy of a  trek. Spanning 3,500 miles, America’s oldest national park is peppered with colorful hot springs, mudpots, geysers, and waterfalls. One of our favorite stays (aside from the Dutton Ranch, which in real life goes by Chief Joseph’s Ranch) comes at Under Canvas . Located near the Yellowstone Park west entrance, Under Canvas features luxurious safari-inspired accommodations — oversized canvas tents, private bathrooms, and outdoor lounge areas.

With dozens of hotel openings and renovations, there’s never been a better time to revisit London. Located just steps from Hyde Park, The Dorchester is wrapping up its long-awaited renovation and is ready to welcome guests through a grand new entrance, renovated rooms and suites, and an overhaul to its famous cocktail bar now called Vesper Bar. We recommend a reservation at The Grill for a dining experience you won’t soon forget from chef Tom Booton. 

Also located in Mayfair, The Mayfair Townhouse is optimally located across the park from Buckingham Palace and mere blocks to prime designer shopping and fine dining. You’ll feel right at home with plush king beds and elevated yet cozy furnishings. Why we’ll be back: the heated floors in the bathroom, “the fox room”  just off the restaurant for breakfast, and a bed so comfy we forgot where we were for a minute.

Located in the heart of Chelsea, 11 Cadogan Gardens will instantly transport you into a Jane Austen novel with all the modern conveniences you’d expect from this Relais & Châteaux property. Sit for afternoon tea in the library or living room, sleep like royalty in a canopy bed with so many extras, or stop in for a bite and drink at Hans Bar & Grill for a delicious take on elevated comfort food. 

New York 

The art of French living — in all of its glamor and elegance — is being played out in Tribeca at New York’s newly opened Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s .  No expense has been spared in this Emily in Paris , Champs-Élysées masterpiece. Inspired by the Art Deco movement, design extraordinaire Martin Brudnizki has meticulously worked his magic with Parisian flair. Think brass, marble, chandeliers, sumptuous velvets, and glamorous lavender color palette (with sides of green and cream). The wallpaper is a custom Toile de Jouy, a playful interpretation of the classic French wallpaper print, updated with scenes from the Tribeca neighborhood: women carrying  Birkin bags; a pigeon clutching a croissant in its beak. The menu, overseen by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire, offers traditional brasserie fare similar to the Paris original — but with a New York twist. There is also a speakeasy-inspired Bar Titsou and a casual French vegetarian bistro, Par Ici Café. The Spa Dianne Barrière, too, is decadent and quintessentially French with its highly personalized Biologique Recherche skincare treatments, white marble indoor pool, sauna, and steam room.

Mozambique  

For a walk on the wild (east) side of Africa, journey to Mozambique, located between South Africa and Tanzania. Once overlooked completely, or quietly added to safari itineraries as an afterthought, Mozambique is emerging as its own travel-worthy destination. Cultural immersions with residents, exploration of land and sea with local guides, pristine beaches, and superb diving are among the highlights of this exotic Indian Ocean destination. Mozambique’s stunning Bazaruto Archipelago comprises five islands, renowned for their sugar-white sand beaches and reefs that are home to over 1,200 species of marine creatures including the rare Dugong (similar to a manatee). For the ultimate luxury, reserve a stay at Kisawa Sanctuary on Benguerra, one of the larger islands. And brush up on your Portuguese. While English is widely spoken at the resorts, Portuguese is the official language. 

Known for its high altitude peaks, yawning valleys, colorful festivals, temples nuzzled atop precipitous cliffs, ancient footpaths, and bucolic countryside, just reopened Bhutan beckons. Among its biggest news: The defense fortress of Wangdue Dzong — built in 1638 on a cliff at the confluence of two rivers  — is, after a decade of meticulous restoration, ready to welcome guests again. If you are a traveler who cares about preserving culture and about sustainability, if you are someone who wishes to learn about new cultures and deeply desires to have an impact on the global good, then you are the sort of traveler Bhutan seeks. Wanting you to delve into its profoundly safeguarded heritage and become acquainted with its authentic face, Bhutan has elevated its standards for travelers, while investing heavily in touristic aspects of the country during the long interlude when it remained closed. A diminutive, landlocked country, snuggled deeply into the Himalayas between China and India, the nation’s reimagined tourism philosophy has included money spent on improvements galore, such as hotel redos, road repairs, and airport renovations. Perhaps most importantly, an infusion of national pride and touristic training has reinvigorated the populace. Today, with its economy driven by hydro power, Bhutan also takes sustainability seriously. It charges a $200 sustainable development fee for tourists, an amount which helps the country maintain carbon neutral goals. Now authentically a low impact tourism destination, Bhutan can provide tourists with less crowded experiences on hiking trails, at temples, in restaurants and at festivals, such as the annual Black Necked Crane Festival, even as it preserves its nature and benefits the local lifestyle. 

Kerala, India

The tranquil state of Kerala in the south of India, along the tropical Malabar Coast, feels worlds away from the rest of the country. Less chaotic and hectic, Kerala is home to backwaters, canals, elegant houseboats, tea plantations, palm-lined beaches, and wildlife: elephants, the rare tiger, and exotic birds. Kerala is most known, however, as the birthplace of Ayurveda, India’s ancient healthcare system, dating back more than 5,000 years. Ayurveda contends that every individual is born with a dominant ‘dosha’ (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) and that the secret of health lies in keeping the dosha balanced via customized nutrition and exercise regimens, herbal treatments, and massages. For centuries, Ayurveda vaidyas (healers) worked almost exclusively in Kerala, employing authentic treatments like Abhyangam, a full body massage applying warm oil all over the body, followed by a medicated steam bath called swedana; and Panchakarma, one of the most widely available treatments in Kerala today. Panchakarma includes a host of medicinal and oil enemas, and nasal sinus cleanses to purify and remove toxins. To really immerse, reserve a 7-, 14-, or  21-day Ayurveda experience.

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These are the 15 best places to visit for spring break this year

Ah, spring — the season of rejuvenation and adventure. It's that time of year when the winter chill thaws and possibilities bloom like spring flowers.

Are you ready to ditch the textbooks, escape the office, or take a break from the daily grind? Spring break is not just a time off; it's a state of mind! It's your chance to explore new horizons, make unforgettable memories and maybe even find a new favorite cocktail.

We've scoured the globe to bring you the top 15 spring break destinations that cater to every traveler's taste, whether you're a college student ready to party, a couple in search of romance or a family eager for fun.

Here are the best places for spring break travel.

Grenada: A hidden gem beach

Have you heard about Grenada? As it marks its 50th year of independence, this island isn't just another dot in the Caribbean; it's a world of its own.

Picture this: secluded beaches like the famous Grand Anse, where the sand is soft, and the crowds are few. But there's more to the island than just beaches.

If you're into exploring different cultures, you'll love it here. The island has its own music, tasty food and markets full of spices. And if you're adventurous, the rainforests and hidden waterfalls are ideal for some nature immersion.

So, if you're looking for a special place that's under the radar and not too busy, you've come to the right place.

Where to stay : Mount Cinnamon is a boutique hotel with 36 hillside suites and villas above Grand Anse Beach. Plus, it has a complimentary kids club for 3- to 12-year-olds. Rates start at $720 per room, per night, including breakfast, in March and April.

Related: The 22 best Caribbean resorts, from boutique literary haunts to exclusive private-island escapes

Cancun, Mexico: A classic spring break destination

Cancun, Mexico , resonates with many as the classic beach getaway, and for good reason.

With its spectacular stretches of Caribbean beaches , vibrant street life and rich cultural heritage, Cancun offers a complete package.

Here, you can soak up the sun on powdery white sands, dive into the crystal-clear waters, or explore the bustling markets and lively nightlife. The city is a hub of activity where every turn promises a new adventure, whether it's a boat trip across stunning Nichupté Bay, known for its fascinating wildlife, or a day exploring ancient Mayan ruins nearby.

Where to stay : The Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla offers a luxurious stay with stunning sea views. Plus, the hotel's Wander Rooftop pool provides an unbeatable spot to watch the sunrise. Rates start at $183 or 52,000 Hilton Honors points per night in March and April.

Related: The 13 best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun

Colorado: For those who still want winter

If you're not quite ready to say goodbye to winter, Colorado is the perfect spring break destination, especially this year, with many people having spring break in March due to Easter.

Did you know March is often the best time for skiing in Colorado? This is when winter sports destinations like Colorado see some of their prime ski conditions.

Related: Best ski resorts in Colorado for everyone from beginners to experts

As the darker days of winter fade, the snow in Colorado is typically at its best. Ski resorts often boast their deepest snow bases in March, thanks to continuous snowfall and spring storms that bring heavy, moisture-rich snow. This makes for excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions, combining the thrill of winter sports with the more comfortable early spring temperatures.

Moreover, most Colorado ski resorts stay open until April, giving you plenty of time to hit the slopes during spring break. Whether you're a seasoned skier or looking to try something new, Colorado's snowy peaks offer an exhilarating escape for those who aren't quite ready to let go of winter.

Where to stay : The Limelight Hotels , located in adventure-driven locations, make the experience even more special. Imagine your kids scaling a five-story climbing wall or learning ski tricks from a pro. For the days you prefer relaxation, the hotel's luxe amenities provide the perfect backdrop. Rates start at $259 per person, per night for a Limelight Denver or $1,089 per night at Limelight Aspen.

Orlando, Florida: The classic spring break option for families

Disney and Orlando are classic picks for a family-friendly spring break.

The magic of Disney World , with its iconic attractions and beloved characters, offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for kids and a nostalgic trip down memory lane for adults.

The excitement doesn't stop at Disney; Universal Studios brings your favorite movies to life with thrilling rides and shows. Orlando 's warm spring weather is perfect for those looking to enjoy the outdoors, and the city's variety of dining and shopping options cater to families of all tastes and budgets. With a range of accommodations, from posh resorts to cozy hotels, every family can find their ideal stay.

Where to stay : The JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes' new multi-million-dollar renovation includes inspired family suites, a poolside restaurant and yes, even a water park. Just a short drive to Disney World makes this luxurious, sparkling new property a win for the entire family. Rates start at $470 per night or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points in March and April.

Hawaii: For those who want adventure and relaxation

Hawaii is not just another beach destination; it's a whole vibe. You get the best of both worlds here — thrilling adventures and chill-out spots. Snorkeling in Hawaii is like jumping into a postcard, with water so clear and full of life. And if hiking is your thing, the trails here take you through lush forests and up to some pretty epic volcanoes.

But hey, it's not all go-go-go. Hawaiian beaches are perfect for just kicking back and soaking in the sun. Each island has its own personality. Oahu's got the buzz with places like Waikiki Beach, while Kauai is more about taking it easy and enjoying the quiet.

You won't struggle to find a cool place to stay. Whether you're looking for luxury or something more low-key, like a cozy cottage, Hawaii's got it. And the food? Get ready for some amazing seafood and local treats.

So, whether you're flying solo, hanging with your partner, bringing the family, or on a trip with friends, Hawaii hits the spot. It's a mix of adventure, relaxation, and just plain beauty. For a spring break that's a bit of everything, Hawaii is where it's at.

Where to stay : Waikiki Malia is the perfect mix of opulence that's easy on the wallet. The 18-story hotel is just one block from the famed Waikiki Beach in the center of some of the best shopping and dining in Honolulu (sales tax in Honolulu is just 4.5%). Spring break months of March and April are seeing prices from $164 per night for a Waikiki view, two-double room.

Related: The best hotels and resorts in Hawaii

Los Angeles: For a city and nature escape

Los Angeles , affectionately known as La-La Land, is a fantastic choice for spring break. It's a city where there's always something happening. If you're into the glitz and glamor, Hollywood's iconic sights are a must-see.

But that's just the start. LA's beaches are perfect for those sunny spring days, whether you're up for surfing or just lounging on the sand. For the adventurers, hiking the Santa Monica Mountains offers some breathtaking views and a bit of a workout. And let's not forget about the food — LA's culinary scene is incredible, with everything from trendy food trucks to high-end restaurants.

Where to stay : Hotel Amarano Burbank, a secret gem, offers a luxury boutique close to Hollywood and Universal Studios. Rates start at $224 per night during March and April.

Related: The 27 best hotels in Los Angeles for your next visit

Charleston, South Carolina: For foodies

For a spring break centered around amazing food, Charleston is the place to be. This South Carolina city is renowned for its culinary scene, with streets lined with top-notch eateries. From the upscale delights at FIG to the comfort of Callie's Hot Little Biscuit, your taste buds are in for a treat. While the charming cobblestone streets and pastel beach houses add to the city's allure, the flavors of Charleston truly shine. After indulging in the local cuisine, you can walk it off in the historic district or along the sparkling beaches. Don't forget to explore the downtown area, which is rich in both history and culinary gems.

Where to stay : In the heart of historic Charleston stands the Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton . The property is within walking distance of some of the best dining options in the city. However, the Mills House holds its own with elevated Southern Coastal fare at the Iron Rose Restaurant, and its all-day cafe, The Black Door Cafe. Rates start at $339 per night or 80,000 Hilton Honors points in March and April.

Related: The 17 best hotels in Charleston, from historic inns to modern stays

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: For history buffs

Are you a history buff looking for a spring break that's a bit out of the ordinary? Try Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia . It's a living history museum where you can wander through blooming gardens, explore art museums and dive into interactive historical adventures.

Learn about the Revolutionary War at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, then see the past come alive at the Jamestown Settlement. Dining is a throwback to places like Chowning's Tavern, serving up dishes from yesteryear. Don't miss Merchants Square, where shopping meets 18th-century charm.

Where to stay : The Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection offers visitors true 18th-century styling with Chippendale fretwork and unique furnishings within modern amenities. It's in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, so history buffs will feel as if they're living in the past. Rates start at $169 per night or 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points in March and April.

National Parks, USA: Perfect for roadtrippers

Thinking about a road trip for spring break? You've got to check out the U.S. National Parks .

Start with Zion National Park — those arches are like driving through a giant, natural art gallery. Yosemite ? Wow, it's like rolling right into your computer's wallpaper with its lush meadows and huge mountains. And the Grand Canyon is a must-see. It's massive, and the views will blow your mind.

Each park is a whole new world, filled with cool sights and fun things to do. And for those who love a good road trip, try the Golden Circle route. It ties all these amazing spots together, making the journey as awesome as the destinations.

Where to stay : With five camps located along the Grand Circle (near Grand Canyon, Moab, Zion and Lake Powell) and open for the season by spring break, Under Canvas and ULUM Moab deliver upscale, outdoor accommodations that allow guests to retreat in nature's best without the hassle of camping. Rates for a late March or April stay start at $649 per night.

Related: These are the best new hotels that opened in 2023

Paris, France: For a city escape

Paris during spring break is an experience like no other.

Known as the City of Light, it's perfect for all kinds of travelers. For history buffs, Paris is a treasure trove with landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Art lovers will be in heaven, wandering through galleries like the Musée d'Orsay.

Foodies, get ready for some of the best pastries and cafe experiences in the world. Strolling along the Seine or exploring the charming streets of Montmartre, you'll feel like you're in a movie.

And for those seeking romance, Paris in spring, with its blooming gardens and picturesque cafes, is as romantic as it gets. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple or a family, Paris offers a blend of culture, history and beauty, making it an unforgettable spring break destination.

Where to Stay : Hotel des Grand Voyageurs is an elegant and intimate treasure. Escape into the nobility of old-world Europe without sacrificing the welcoming warmth of today. Grandeur and class ooze from every room, while the hotel's own restaurant and bar offers fantastic dining. Rates start at $270 for a March or April one-night stay.

Related: The best hotels in Paris

Costa Rica: For the adventure seeker

Costa Rica , a gem for adventure seekers, is a spring break paradise with rainforests, volcanoes and beaches — all in one place.

You can zip line in Monteverde, feeling the rush as you soar above the cloud forest. Then, hit the waves at Jaco or Tamarindo; they're a surfer's dream. And let's not forget the thrill of white water rafting on the Pacuare River. It's not just about the adrenaline, though.

Wildlife is everywhere. Sloths, monkeys, a burst of tropical birds — all living freely in national parks like Manuel Antonio. And the commitment to eco-friendliness is real here. It makes your adventure not just exciting but also responsible. Oh, and the warm, welcoming vibe of the locals? It's the cherry on top.

Where to stay : The Botanika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton is a great jumping-off point for adventures in Costa Rica. Rates start at $220 or 66,000 Hilton Honors points per night in March and April.

Related: The 13 best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica for beach visits or hiking trips

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: A fun-filled alternative to Disney

Consider swapping the Disney crowds for the charm of Dolly Parton's world in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee .

It's an ideal spot for families looking for a fun-filled vacation without the Disney hustle. Pigeon Forge boasts an impressive array of amusement parks and attractions. Take Dollywood , for example: With more than 40 rides, including thrilling roller coasters and water adventures, it's a hit for all ages.

Related: My '9 to 5' sent me to sleep in Dolly Parton's $10,000 tour bus suite — here's what it was like

But there's more to this Smoky Mountain town . The Island at Pigeon Forge is an entertainment hub with a giant Ferris wheel offering breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains, a challenging ropes course for adventurous families, plus a variety of unique shops and local eateries.

And for a mix of fun and learning, WonderWorks is an interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits that kids absolutely love. For a family getaway that's both entertaining and relaxed, Pigeon Forge is a fantastic choice.

Where to stay : Black Fox Lodge Pigeon Forge, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a family-friendly hotel with mountain views and real rustic Southern charm. Families will adore sitting by the fire pit on their patio, while kids will appreciate the pool's epic waterslide. Best of all, Dollywood is just a 3-mile drive. Rates start at $145 per night or 37,000 Hilton Honors points in March and April.

Seychelles: An exotic (and luxurious) escape

The Seychelles? It's like a little piece of heaven on Earth, perfect for anyone who loves a bit of extravagance with their adventure.

With 41 ancient granite islands and 74 dreamy reef islands, it's seriously like stepping into a postcard of paradise. This place is all about upscale, unique experiences. If you love stunning views, exclusive beaches and feeling like you're in a world of your own, you'll fit right in.

The Seychelles is tailor-made for those who enjoy the finer things in life but still want that touch of wild, natural beauty. So, if sipping a fancy drink on a private beach or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters sounds like your idea of a good time, this is your spot.

Where to stay : The Mango House , an LXR property by Hilton , is a magnificent gem of a property tucked along the oceanfront of the Anse Aux Poules Bleues. You'll rest in one of their 41 sea-facing villas listening to the hushed tones of the waves after eating at one of their five marvelous fine dining options. Rates start at $551 or 110,000 Hilton Honors points per night in March and April.

Scotland: A unique family adventure

Scotland is an exceptional choice for a unique family spring break, especially if you're not set on a beach-centric holiday.

Spring in Scotland is a time of rejuvenation, where the landscapes burst into vibrant colors and the days grow longer, offering more time to explore. It's a playground for families who love adventure and history.

Imagine wandering through ancient castles, uncovering stories of knights and legends, or hiking through the lush, green Highlands, with scenery straight out of a fairy tale. The cities, like Edinburgh and Glasgow, are brimming with culture, from interactive museums to street performances, all kid-friendly and educational.

Related: How to spend 1 day in Edinburgh

Plus, the chance to spot some of Scotland's iconic wildlife, like red deer or golden eagles, adds an exciting twist to the trip. Scotland offers a blend of outdoor activities, historical exploration and cultural experiences that create unforgettable memories for the whole family, away from the usual beach crowd.

Where to stay : Gleneagles is an adventure playground for the entire family. With its new "Children's Welcome Experience," kids can become explorers, while adults indulge in elegance. It's an ideal blend of adventure and relaxation in a stunning natural setting. Rates at Gleneagles start from $730 based on two adults and two children under 14 sharing a room, including breakfast. Interconnecting rooms are available at an additional fee.

Related: Edinburgh's Gleneagles Townhouse: A city hotel that's costly but close to perfection

Roatan, Honduras Bay Islands: For nature and water sports lovers

Roatan, nestled in the Bay Islands of Honduras, is a spring break destination you've probably never considered. Yet, it's an absolute gem for those seeking adventure and close encounters with nature.

This island is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, offering diverse activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, parasailing and Jet Skiing in its warm, crystal-clear waters.

For a unique perspective of marine life, try the glass-bottom boating. Families will find Roatán especially enchanting, with attractions like the Gumbalimba Animal Sanctuary and Manawakie Eco Nature Park, where you can interact with sloths and monkeys.

Where to stay : Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa is nestled on the picturesque West Bay Beach and has premiere access to the dropoff point of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world's second-largest barrier reef. Rates start at $554 per night or 100,000 IHG One Rewards points in March and April.

Related: The top Kimpton Hotels across the world, according to IHG Diamond members

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Spring Vacation Ideas for 2024: Best Places, Itineraries, and More

Updated:  January 16, 2024

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Rovinj, Croatia

With colorful scenery, fewer crowds, and great weather at destinations around the globe, this list of spring vacation ideas is just the beginning of what is possible as winter gives way to the season’s blooms.

From the sunshine that spills across Spain’s southern coastline to the pleasant weather and clear seas in which to explore Australia’s Outback and Great Barrier Reef, the following destinations are spectacular at this time of year. They also offer a mix of iconic and unique experiences that you can embrace using our vacation ideas as inspiration.

From the wonders of wildlife to the charms of historic cities, cobbled medieval lanes to the splendor of the rainforest, enjoy the beauty of the season with our best spring vacations.

2. Portugal

7. the maldives, 8. australia, 9. south africa, 10. argentina, 11. colombia, 13. ireland, 14. united kingdom, 15. vietnam, discover the best spring vacation ideas for your 2024 trip.

Plaza de España in Seville, Spain

Warm weather returns in Spain, with endless sunshine across the southern coastline, and vibrant energy fills the cities and towns as the past and present converge.

Spain in spring is about the re-emergence of life’s simple pleasures. Epic landscapes entice every visitor, the cafés brim with sophisticated ambiance, and the passion for cuisine and tradition spills into the streets. Fewer tourists also make each day feel more authentic, as you experience the top things to do in Spain .

From the medieval streets of Toledo to the cathedral of Santiago, the kitchens of San Sebastian to the vineyards of Jerez de la Frontera, Spain in spring is picture-perfect.

Spain Vacation Idea

The eight-day Luxury First-Timers Tour of Spain's Highlight Cities is the perfect inspiration for your customizable trip, as you explore surrealist beauty, Moorish architecture, captivating artwork, and medieval streets that bring the essential wonders of Spain into view.

Highlights: Witness Gaudi’s surrealist architecture in Barcelona • Wander charming Seville • Visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba • Explore Madrid’s Prado Museum

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Spain Tours & Vacations • Spain Travel Guide

Expert Tips for Discerning Travelers

Portimao, Portugal

Spring in Portugal is a delight as the cities warm, the coastline brightens, and the vineyards across the country return with a welcoming lushness. From the Algarve to the inland plains, a vibrant energy colors the whole of Portugal and highlights the diversity of fairytale castles, ancient neighborhoods, and dramatic landscapes.

Portugal offers the wonders of spring blossoms, golden sands that expand along the Atlantic coastline, and the simple pleasures of cafes that look out onto the cobbled streets in major cities.

Enjoy the architecture that crowns the hills on Lisbon vacations , find ancient Roman ruins that fill the plazas of Evora, and appreciate the zellige tiles that pave the avenues to give you a new perspective of the gorgeous combination of culture, land, and sea.

Portugal Vacation Idea

Spectacular Portugal Adventure: Kayaks and Cooking is an eight-day exploration of Portugal that combines marvelous cuisine and unparalleled natural beauty to demonstrate an idyllic passion, charisma, and historical cultural significance.

Highlights: Uncover hidden gems in Lisbon • Enjoy a private experience with a professional chef • Explore cultural history in the Sintra Mountains • Kayak along the Waters of Lagos

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Portugal Tours & Vacations • Portugal Travel Guide

Ostuni, Italy

Italy in the spring is a wonderland of rebirth and warmth without the crowds. Flowers bloom, snow melts along the mountain passes, and the famous places in Italy beautifully blend historic architecture with contemporary life.

Italy is a popular destination year-round, but the splendor of the landscape and cityscapes are best without the larger crowds often found in the summer. From the canals of Venice to the landscape that sweeps across the southern plains of Puglia, the blossoming flowers that line vineyards to the delights of local food and wine, Italy is energetic and lively.

Rich with heritage and brimming with endless options, whether in the alpine towns or along the Mediterranean coast, Italy is one of the best places to travel to in spring.

Italy Vacation Idea

The 12-day Unique Exploration of Italy: Rome, Matera, Monopoli Tour shines a light on the  heritage that informs the roots of Italian culture in warm weather that blankets the often overlooked, yet enriching south.

Highlights: Experience the Vatican museums • Explore the unique cave dwellings of Matera • Cook a delicious meal in a traditional farmhouse • Visit the fairytale homes of Alberobello

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Italy Tours & Vacations • Italy Travel Guide

Palace of the Normans in Palermo, Italy

Sicily is a marvelous destination to visit as the weather warms, allowing travelers to uncover the golden Mediterranean light for which the island is famous.

As the crossroads of the region, Sicily shares customs, heritage, and traditions with cultures from across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, accentuated by architecture layered with history, cuisine erupting with spices, and a coastline glinting with crystal-clear azure waters.

Embrace the charm of the island as you comfortably explore its streets, beaches, and ancient monuments. With ancient Greek temples, indulgent chocolates and pastries, mouthwatering wines, and the mighty caldera of Mount Etna, the island in spring abounds with opportunities to experience the top things to do in Sicily .

Sicily Vacation Idea

Coastal communities, gorgeous beaches, Norman palaces, and Greek temples can offer you insight into the diverse history of Sicily on this sample 19-day Paradise Tour of Italy: Sicily and Puglia Vacation .

Highlights: Embrace the multicultural Mediterranean ambiance of Palermo • Wine taste in Marsala • Uncover Ancient Greek temples at Agrigento • Visit the summit of Mount Etna

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Sicily Tours & Vacations • Sicily Travel Guide

Paris, France

France blossoms with color, while fewer tourists make every detail of the familiar culture approachable. From weaving around cafe terraces to lounging in a market that overtakes a village square, wandering through the grand galleries of the Louvre to exploring the detailed flavors of a coveted vineyard, it's the perfect time to discover it all.

France celebrates life as the weather warms, with France food and wine tours highlighting the changing season and art capturing the rhythm of daily life, as each city and town exudes the quintessential French lifestyle.

From coffee and croissants to lily-clad gardens and ancient mythology, France in spring revels in legendary style, effortless grace, and the splendor of the outdoors, from the Riviera to the Alps.

France Vacation Idea

This sample 14-day Highlights of France Tour: Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Nice can inspire you with an immersion into the timeless charisma of France, with activities that allow you to experience artistic mastery, seductive ambiance, enticing flavors, and the natural beauty of the country, from rolling vines to turquoise waters.

Highlights: Enjoy a cooking class in Paris • Wander famous museum galleries • Visit a famous spa in Bordeaux • Explore the food culture of Lyon • Bask in seaside splendor in Nice

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: France Tours & Vacations • France Travel Guide

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Spring turns Croatia into a fantastic Mediterranean destination, as the sea shimmers with shades of blue and ancient walled towns bring added drama to the epic contours of the natural landscape.

As the days lengthen, the chance to snorkel, kayak, and sail returns, while the architecture is also yours to explore. Croatia is a cultural feast that celebrates a connection to layered heritage, from the flavors of the cuisine to its architectural styles.

With craggy peaks and stunning Croatian beaches , pearl farms, and unique vineyards, the fewer crowds and colorful contrasts of Plitvice Lakes National Park bring the shades of the past into reality.

Croatia Vacation Idea

Revel in the inspiring sample itinerary of this 11-day Tailor-Made Croatia Highlights Exploration that demonstrates the illustrious history, contemporary culture, and endless beauty of Croatia that you can experience during an active adventure or relaxing exploration.

Highlights: Admire the beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park • Enjoy an adventure on a Cetina River excursion • Cycle between small towns on Hvar Island • Embrace a Dubrovnik Kayak tour

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Croatia Tours & Vacations • Croatia Travel Guide

Photo courtesy of Lily Beach Resort & Spa at Huvahendhoo

Crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, lush palm trees, and the serene ambiance of a tropical getaway make the Maldives the perfect destination. The spring months provide cooler, drier weather across the wide-spread archipelago to capture the edge of the dry season, one of the best times to visit the Maldives .

The Maldives is a paradise that can immerse you in the splendor of luxurious accommodations and powdery coastline, whether traveling for a seductive couple’s escape or a thrilling family vacation.

The wonders of the underwater world can become a treasure trove of colorful fish and coral, while the nights can fill with starlight to embody the excitement that comes with a combination of active exploration and relaxation.

Maldives Vacation Idea

This sample itinerary for the 11-day Perfect Maldives Vacation: Island Escapes and Pristine Beaches represents the highlights of the remote archipelago that can take you from jungle trees to unfettered coastal sands, diving into a calm lagoon or indulging in a glamorous spa treatment, all customized to your travel preferences.

Highlights: Enjoy a relaxing five-star overwater bungalow • Visit the vibrant coral reef • Relax with a soothing spa treatment • Embrace a glass-bottom canoe excursion

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Maldives Vacations & Tours • Maldives Travel Guide

Sydney, Australia

March to May in Australia capture the fall in the Southern Hemisphere for the perfect time to explore Australia , while avoiding the crowds of the most popular seasons.

The weather varies greatly, from the tropical climate of the north to the Mediterranean ambiance of the south. The next few months offer a fantastic overlap for you to experience pleasant weather all around. Venture deep into the Outback to find the marvels of Uluru, embrace the colorful coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef, and travel through the dense tropical jungle.

From vineyards to vintage arcades, scenic drives to fascinating wildlife, Australia is unlike anywhere else in the world.

Australia Vacation Idea

This 15-day Amazing Australia Tour: Cities, Outback, Barrier Reef offers you a sample of Australia’s captivating possibilities for your personalized tour, and speaking with a local Zicasso travel specialist can ensure your best trip with an itinerary tailored to your preferences.

Highlights: Explore Melbourne • Visit exciting Uluru • Discover Sydney and the Opera House • Enjoy snorkeling and cruising the Great Barrier Reef

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Australia Tours & Vacations • Australia Travel Guide

Sabi Sands, South Africa

Astounding wildlife, adventurous wilderness excursions, and the drama of the landscape, tamed by delicious cuisine, provide the perfect backdrop for visiting South Africa in spring.

This is a wonderful time to experience a South Africa safari , explore the famous cities, and visit the eastern beaches. History shapes the identity of contemporary South Africa, as the landscape brims with urban charm and natural splendor.

The renowned Big Five and other wildlife provide timeless allure, passing whales create an added layer of wonder, and museums reflect a variety of perspectives that help portray a point of view on the past. When visiting in spring, South Africa’s diversity becomes a constant inspiration.

South Africa Vacation Idea

This sample 12-day Exquisite South Africa Exploration: Culture to Safari embodies the best way to explore the Rainbow Nation and can act as a guideline for your trip. By planning with a local Zicasso travel specialist, your vacation will be personalized to your preferences.

Highlights: Indulge in the luxurious wildlife of Sabi Sands Private Reserve • Embrace the famous Cape Winelands • Explore celebrated Cape Town

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: South Africa Safaris • South Africa Travel Guide

Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

March to May unveil the pleasures of Argentina and the fall months of the Southern Hemisphere, from the tip at Ushuaia to the northern tropical corner of Iguazu.

The tourist crowds are gone, the weather is pleasant, and your experience can feel authentic as you uncover the treasures of the country’s diverse culture and landscapes. The scenery can feel seductive and intense, while the culture gives way to captivating gauchos and the tango.

From the legendary barbecues to the exceptional glaciers, grazing wildlife to alluring vineyards, vibrant city life to expansive pampas, Argentina’s best places to visit capture the sensational allure of intertwining culture and beauty.

Argentina Vacation Idea

Find inspiration in this 12-Day Argentina Introduction: Culture, Wine, and the Southern Patagonian Scenery , and with the help of an Argentina travel specialist, you can have your itinerary personalized to your travel preferences for an unforgettable trip.

Highlights: Enjoy an authentic Argentine dinner with locals • Discover Buenos Aires’s vibrant ambiance • Witness the power of Iguazu Falls • Sample the wines of Mendoza • Embrace the splendor of Los Glaciares National Park

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Argentina Tours & Vacations • Argentina Travel Guide

Hacienda Bambusa in Quindío Colombia. Photo courtesy of Hacienda Bambusa

Colombia is vibrant with color year-round, but is particularly beautiful in the spring. Outside of Easter, when many Colombians travel around the country, the months offer the chance to embrace a mixture of tropical warmth and Andean charm.

On the heels of Disney’s hit Encanto , explore the stories behind the film and experience the joy found around every magical corner when experiencing the top things to do in Colombia .

Visit local communities, enjoy the emerald hilltops, bask in the beauty of Spanish colonial architecture, or discover the marvels of hidden pre-Colombian ruins, from epic statues to staggering mosaics.

Colombia Vacation Idea

The eight-day Experience the Real Encanto In Colombia tour brings to life the magic of the Madrigal family from the popular Disney film, while demonstrating the endless marvels of Colombia’s landscape, heritage, and vibrant wildlife.

Highlights: Embrace magic at the hotel that inspired the Casita • Explore the colors of traditional Silletero flower farmers • Horseback ride to reunite the Familia Madrigal • Dance like Tio Felix at a private salsa lesson

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Colombia Tours & Vacations • Colombia Travel Guide

Nashik, India

Spring in India ushers in a riot of color across the diverse topography and exceptional cities, ancient temples, and religious monuments for which the country is famous.

The cooler months of spring make it the perfect time of year in India to explore the depth of the country, from the Himalayas of northern Himachal Pradesh to the southern canals of Kerala, without the crowds of peak travel season.

The urban landscape and countryside can reveal the surreal and the splendid when traveling India in spring, as you make your way through mighty mountains and lush greenery, golden deserts, and dense tropical forests. Cities shimmer with pink, blue, gold, red, and white, while historic architecture crowns streets adorned with preserved gems that demonstrate a captivating blend of traditions, spiritual beliefs, and memorable festivals.

India Vacation Idea

Discover the dream of India with this sample 15 Days Golden Triangle with Vineyard Tour that can immerse you in the known marvels and lesser-known wonders of the culture and landscape when tailored to your preferences by a Zicasso travel specialist.

Highlights: Explore New Delhi’s highlights • View the Taj Mahal’s majesty • Witness the Pink City of Jaipur • Explore the grand scale of Mumbai • Wander the sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: India Tours & Vacations • India Travel Guide

Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland

Lush, majestic, and inviting, Ireland in spring is a quiet time to visit the Emerald Isle. The weather is slightly cooler than in summer and wildflowers dot the woodlands, prairies, and gardens with color, while the untamed coastline is dramatic.

With fewer crowds, small towns, lively cities, and a tradition of storytelling, Ireland in the spring can be a perfect getaway. Wander along cobblestone streets, visit rolling hills and ancient monoliths, find views of majestic mountains, and listen to stories of cultural heritage that will immerse you in the history of the landscape and Ireland’s best places to explore .

Ireland is welcoming and reveals colorful villages, ancient texts, fascinating cliffs along the Atlantic, and adventure that connects strongholds to estates.

Ireland Vacation Idea

Your 11-day Excellence of Ireland Luxury Tour: Cultural Charm to Natural Beauty can give you the perfect combination of scenic grandeur and cultural charisma during a custom-tailored trip that leads from Dublin to the Dingle Peninsula, the remote Aran Islands to the mystical landscape of Connemara.

Highlights: Visit the Guinness museum • Witness a falconry demonstration • Explore the charming Dingle Peninsula • Sample whiskey at antique distilleries

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tip: Ireland Tours & Vacations • Ireland Travel Guide

Village of Castle Combe, England

The United Kingdom promises alluring landscapes and classic history of western civilization as you explore the lush hills, stunning mountains, and charming towns for a majestic perspective. Enjoy the unique combination of centuries of history and modern culture when exploring the best places in the UK in spring.

Consisting of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, here you can enjoy the cultural subtleties and vibrant landscapes, famous urban neighborhoods, and quiet villages with thatched-roof cottages.

From dramatic castles to opulent estates, world-class art galleries to delectable cuisine, the United Kingdom is always a pleasure and endlessly fascinating.

United Kingdom Vacation Idea

From the wonders of western England to the hidden charms of Wales, this 13-day Wonderful Wales: Unique UK Tour can be personalized to your preferences, enabling you to explore the United Kingdom from a timeless point of view that’s steeped in greenery, drama, and charisma.

Highlights: Explore charming Cotswold communities • Sample traditional English ales • Visit Snowdonia National Park • Wander epic castles • Search for puffins

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: UK Tours & Vacations • UK Travel Guide

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Perfect temperatures, colorful landscapes, and clear skies with golden sunshine are what you can expect on a Vietnam trip in the spring.

The cold mountain air warms and the heat along the southern edge of the country has not yet settled, offering prime trekking and vibrant scenic exploration in Vietnam’s best places to visit .

With natural beauty and complex cultural history, you can immerse yourself in the megacities or visit hill-tribe villages to uncover the compelling ambiance and exotic landscapes.

Vietnam Vacation Idea

Spectacular scenery, local culinary majesty, and endless cultural wonders create the best experiences on this customizable sample itinerary for an eight-day Amazing Vietnam Vacation: Karst Islands to Imperial Citadels .

Highlights: Cruise natural beauty in Ha Long Bay • Enjoy the secrets of local cuisine • Travel to the scenic Hai Van Pass • Uncover the wonders of the Mekong Delta

More Sample Itineraries & Travel Tips: Vietnam Tours & Vacations • Vietnam Travel Guide

Cordoba, Spain

The best spring vacations reveal the shifting beauty that sweeps cities, forests, coastlines, and grasslands in the northern and southern hemispheres. From the charming coastal towns of Croatia that shimmer in the spring sunshine to the sensational South African bushveld with its incredible wildlife, our spring vacation ideas offer inspiration for your custom trip.

As you consider your spring plans, you can find more tips and ideas in our travel guide for 2024 . You can also discover the best places to visit in March , top travel destinations for April , and popular travel destinations for May when designing your vacation.

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• European Best Destinations 2023

The best places to visit in Europe selected by travellers

Best places to travel in Europe

Over half a million travellers from 178 countries have voted for the European Best Destinations 2023 .

Discover the 20 most voted destinations  (out of over 400 destinations) awarded the title of "Best European Destinations 2023".

Discover your top European destinations to visit and find inspiration among European destinations perfect for a city break , a sunny holiday , a romantic getaway , shopping , culture or immersion in nature .

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Countries to visit in Europe , Best Places to Visit in Spain ,  Most Beautiful Islands in Greece , Most Incredible Castles in Germany , Best Secret Destinations in Italy , Best Places to visit in Turkey,   Most Beautiful Beaches in Croatia  and much more…

Book your flights , accommodation , tours and activities and discover the very best of Europe .

1. Warsaw, Poland

Beautiful, friendly, green, open-minded, perfect for a family city break, a cultural city break , a shopping experience, a romantic stay, Warsaw , your European Best Destinations 2023 has something to offer to everyone. Take a walk in its beautiful parks, relax on its city beaches, take advantage of its great gastronomic offer, come at any time of the year and take advantage of its rich calendar of events.

You will be dazzled by its emblematic places such as the Old Town Market Square and its colourful buildings, the Palace of Culture and Science, the Łazienki Park and its palaces, pavilions and orangeries. During your stay in the Best European destination 2023 do not miss to stroll in "Krakowskie Przedmieście" the most prestigious street in Warsaw and to visit The Warsaw Barbican, the historic fortifications that once encircled Warsaw.

Warsaw is a dynamic and sparkling city and there are a thousand activities and experiences to enjoy in Warsaw from tasting local culinary specialties, to a hot air balloon flight or zip line in one of the city's parks. Would you rarther enjoy a cruise on Warsaw's beautiful Vistula River? Are you travelling with family? Be sure to visit Warsaw Zoo and take a dip at Moczydlo Water Park and enjoy its slides, wave pools and other water activities.

Warsaw is considered one of the safest city breaks in Europe . Did you know that Warsaw is three times safer than Paris? Twice as safe as Rome and even safer than Vienna (Numbeo datas) and that the feeling of safety while walking alone was one of the highest for a European capital? It seems there are only good reasons to visit Warsaw this year.

During your stay do not miss to discover the amazing Mazovia Region . Mazovia is full of historic palaces and manor houses, one of them is the Birthplace of Fryderik Chopin! Do not miss to visit the pristine forests, ideal for hiking and cycling.

Book your flights to Warsaw, your accommodation in Warsaw , your activities and tours as a " Warsaw: Chopin Concert in the Old Town " and discover your destination number one this year.

  Best for:   City break, Foodies, Culture, Instagrammers, Lovers, Families, Shopping, Safety, Green Spaces.

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights to Warsaw and your transfer .

  Where to stay:  " Hotel Indigo Warsaw ". Stay in the heart of Warsaw.

2. Athens, Greece

The capital of Greece is a  must-see destination  for many reasons. First of all, it is the cradle of democracy and philosophy. Many assume that the blue of the sea, the incredible landscapes, and the beautiful sunlight help spirits escape from everyday life and arise.

Athens  is a sophisticated cosmopolitan hub with excellent gastronomic delights, electrifying nightlife, creative vibes and a booming art scene. It is an artistic beacon of the ancient world with spectacular Mediterranean landscapes. Did you know that Athens is also one of the Best Street Art Destinations in Europe ?

Book your flights  to Athens, your  accommodation  in Athens as well as your  tours & activities in Athens  and discover one of the European Best Destinations 2023 . 

During your stay do not miss to visit the Most Beautiful Beaches in Greece , Best Hidden Gems in Greece , Most Beautiful Islands in Greece and Best Natural Wonders in Greece ! 

  Best for:  Culture, History, Street Art, Shopping, Instagrammers, Lovers, Families, Foodies, Nightlife.

  Nearest airport:   Book your flights    to Athens  and your transfer .

  Where to stay:   For excellent value and location with the Acropolis reachable within 100 metres, we recommend the " Coco-mat Athens BC " in the heart of Athens .

3. Maribor, Slovenia

Maribor , one of the most beautiful Slovenian destinations in on your podium of the European Best Destinations 2023 !

The city of Maribor is a charming cultural, culinary, and educational centre in the north-eastern part of the country. The city’s deep cultural and historical roots date back to the Middle Ages, and therefore the old city centre offers a rich heritage and a wealth of genuine experiences. In particular, the locals are proud of their Guinness World Record holder, the oldest grapevine in the world .

Maribor – the European Capital of Culture in 2012 – has a reputation for a happy and hospitable city, hosting numerous international cultural and sporting events throughout the year. Don’t miss the lively atmosphere of summer festivals , and enjoy an active city break just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the city centre on the green Mt. Pohorje. The picturesque natural scenery offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, and adrenaline sports .

Need another reason to visit Maribor in 2023? It has been awarded the title of Best Culinary Destination in Europe !

Book your flights to Graz (45 min) or Ljubljana (1h20), your accommodation in Maribor and stay in one of the Best Places to Visit in Europe in 2023 ! 

  Best for:  Gastronomy , Nature Lovers, Families, Wine lovers, Culture, Romantic Getaway.

  Nearest airport:   Book your flights to Graz (Austria  - 45 min) or Ljubljana (1h20). 

  Where to stay:     “ Nesting Resort ". Maribor Thermal Spa is 8 km away.

4. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is an ideal destination for romantics: what better than a horse-drawn carriage ride followed by a visit to the Royal Palaces of Vienna ? And in the evening, a waltz to the sound of Strauss's Blue Danube to transport you to the time of the Empress Sissi?

That said, Vienna is also the perfect city for a sparkling, original city break for friends, families, lovers and singles.

An openly gay-friendly city (you’ll remember Conchita Wurst was from Vienna ), it is also one of the safest cities in Europe . The feeling of security is very high and Vienna is known for its quality of life and low crime rate.

We love Vienna in Spring and Summer, with its parks classified among the most beautiful city parks in Europe.  Did you know that its amusement park "The Prater" is home to one of the most beautiful Ferris wheels in Europe ? It is also considered to be one of the best places for a marriage proposal . 

Do you want to meet people? Meet at the Palmenhaus; in addition to being the largest greenhouse in Europe , it houses a bar where you can drink lighter cocktails more suited to cruising and a super trendy restaurant of Austrian specialties.

Book your flights to Vienna as well as your accommodation , tours and activities in Vienna , such as a " Vienna: Classical Concert at the Mozarthaus " and stay in one of the best destinations to visit in 2023 . 

  Best for:   Lovers, Singles, Foodies, LGBTQ+, City Break, Families, Culture, Safety.

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights  to Vienna as well as your  transfer  from the airport.

  Where to stay:  " High Street Suites " for a perfect stay in the heart of Vienna.

5. Cittadella, Italy

We invite you to visit Cittadella , the most beautiful walled city in all of Europe . Cittadella is located in the heart of the Veneto Region, in Northern Italy, in a strategic position because it is close to all the most important cities in the area. It is located 60 km from Venice and Verona (1H by car), and only 3h drive from Milan or Florence .

From Cittadella you can easily reach both the sea of the Venetian Lagoon and the the Dolomite mountains with a daily trip. It is obviously an ideal starting point, given its central position, to visit the Veneto and all of Northern Italy. Cittadella is not only the most beautiful walled city in all of Europe, it is also the best-preserved walled city in all of Europe.

Its origin is medieval, its foundation dates back to 1220. This explains the high historical value of its walls, which in 2020 celebrated 800 years of history and foundation. The walls are impressive and are the symbol of all the walled cities in the area because Cittadella is the only walled city in all of Europe to have a medieval walkway, elliptical in shape and completely walkable . 

Thanks to your votes, Cittadella enters the major European destinations by ranking among your 5 best European destinations 2023 !

  Best for:  Culture, History Buffs, Foodies, Lovers, Families, Medieval City Break, Literature Lovers.

  Nearest airport:   Book your flights to Venice (1h), Verona (1h) or Bologna (1h30). 

  Where to stay:  " Hotel Due Mori ". Located in a 15th-Century Monastery.

6. Essen, Germany

Essen is the most exciting big city you may not have heard of before. Germany 's third greenest city, Capital of Culture 2010, European Green Capital and pulsating metropolis in the heart of the Ruhr region. Hardly any other German city stands for so many exciting contrasts.

Here, urban trendy districts meet historic old towns, high culture meets street art, lush green meadows and forests meet the incomparable charm of the spoil heaps of former collieries, the UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein meets the magnificent Villa Hügel, the former family seat of the Krupp family, and a high-tech city tour that is unique in the world meets the oldest fully sculptural statue of the Virgin Mary in the world - the Golden Madonna in Essen Cathedral. Essen got it all!

Explore the green south along Baldeneysee and the Ruhr valley or the urban north with its industrial culture and the old colliery settlements. Discover the city on around 260 km of cycle paths, by train or bus. In hardly any other large city you can reach so many highlights from the city centre in less than 20 minutes by car. And if you simply want to unwind, enjoy the tranquillity of the central 70-hectare Grugapark or the Baldeneysee leisure paradise with its numerous water sports activities.

Experience your very own personal contrast programme in one of Germany's most exciting metropoles. Let yourself drift and discover the diverse possibilities. First here, digitally, then in real life. Essen is looking forward to your visit! 

  Best for:  City Break, UNESCO Heritage, Green Capitals, City Parks, Shopping, Water Sports, Christmas Market.

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights to  Düsseldorf Airport (20 min).

  Where to stay:   " Hotel Essener Hof ". Stay in the heart of Essen.

7. Veszprém, Hungary

Veszprém , the European Capital of Culture 2023 is also one of your Best European Destinations 2023 and the Best Destination to visit in Hungary in 2023 ! 

The city of Veszprém is wedged between the wooded slopes of the Bakony Hills and the northern shore of Lake Balaton. It is a place of rare and distinct natural and environmental assets and an attractive cityscape. This amazing city has been a meeting place for cultures for a thousand years.

Take your time to explore the contemporary art galleries and experience a diverse creative community’s art through the frequently changing exhibitions. The vibrant music life and the diverse music festivals play an even more significant role in shaping the cultural life of the city. 

High-quality gastronomy enterprises also make the city inviting: cosy cafés and confectioneries, atmospheric bistros and first-rate restaurants.

For a special family experience follow the signs for Veszprém ZOO. The constantly refreshed attraction awaits both young and old all-year-round for an adventure across six continents. Year after year, the City of Queens has something new to offer; visitors will always find novelties to explore.

  Where to stay:  “ Historia & Historante ”. Situated in the heart of Veszprém. 

8. London, UK

After Brexit, Covid and border closures, it is high time to rediscover  London  in 2023, one of Europe's most extravagant destinations. Capital of the United Kingdom,  London  brings together like no other destination, traders, business people, eccentrics, artists, creators, designers and more. Its tourist offer goes well beyond Big Ben, the London Eye and Madame Tussauds, which will always delight young and old.  London  is also an atmosphere, parks of rare beauty ranked among the  most attractive city parks in Europe .

Head for Portobello flea markets and colourful houses that are the backdrop to  legendary films like “Notting Hill” . Discover the eccentric and colourful neighbourhood of Camden Town. Stroll between the tidy commercial streets of Regent Street and Oxford Street to the designer, artistic and independent shopping districts of Carnaby Street or Covent Garden; do not miss the gay and  LGBTQ  district of Soho and marvel at the theatre posters hosting world renowned musicals.

There are a  thousand good reasons  to visit  London  this year. Our favourite time to discover  London  is in Spring and Summer. It is less crowded and the parks in the city centre and surrounding areas like Richmond Park, are sublime with flowering plants ancient trees and deer roaming freely. 

Book your flights  to London, your  accommodation  and your  tours and activities in London , such as a " Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour ". 

Want to leave the city for a few days? Discover the  Best nature Wonders in England , the  Best Hidden gems in England  and  Best places to visit in England  and treat yourself to an unforgettable tailor-made stay.

  Best for:   Shopping, Foodies, Instagram, Lovers, Families, Culture, City Break, Friends.

  Nearest airport:   B ook your flights to  London and your   transfer . 

  Where to stay:   " The Portobello Hotel " with a quiet location in elegant Notting Hill.

9. Grenoble Alpes, France

Grenoble has an exceptional geographical location, nestled at the heart of emblematic mountain ranges like Vercors, Chartreuse and Belledonne. A pioneer, innovative and inspiring city , the Capital of the Alps is constantly reinventing itself. Selected as the green destination for this year's competition (awarded by the EU the title of European Green Capital ), you have ranked Grenoble Alpes in your 10 Favourite Destinations in Europe !

It is the ideal destination for an urban and nature-based stay , accessible without a car , offering a subtle balance between culture, living arts, wide open spaces and outdoor activities in winter as in summer (ski touring at ‘Col de Porte’, urban via-ferrata on the foothills of the Bastille, canoeing on the Isère river, paragliding in Saint Hilaire du Touvet, night skiing with breathtaking views of Grenoble…). Everything is possible in Grenoble and in the neighbouring massifs so close and so different from each other!

The flattest city in France, Grenoble Alpes is easily run through by two-wheelers: on a daily basis (450 km of cycle paths) and during leisure time (21 bike loops, signposted paths for mountain biking, etc.). The destination is developing ‘low-carbon’ holiday packages pointing at soft mobility, and in particular cycling. 

Did you know that Grenoble is also considered the best destination to visit in France in 2023  and that it is ranked among the Best Street Art Destinations in Europe ? There are only good reasons to visit Grenoble this year.

  Best for:  Nature City Break, Car Free, Street Art, Sustainable Tourism, Green Capitals, Outdoor Sport, Families, Skiing, Biking, Culture.

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights  to Lyon (1h by car or public transport).

  Where to stay:    " Okko Hotel Grenoble " Great location to explore the city on foot.

10. Mannheim, Germany

Mannheim is the exciting city of experiences at the heart of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. There’s always something going on here. Pure zest for life, enjoyment, a multicultural flair and a jam-packed event calendar await travellers. Known as the city of squares, Mannheim impresses with a host of  architectural treasures : the baroque palace, a historic water tower and an Art Nouveau square.

Did you know that Mannheim hosted the best event 2023 and was considered the Best Street Art Destination in Europe ?

People from more than 170 nations shape the atmosphere of this university city. The city of culture and festivals attracts everyone from theatre lovers to techno fans, jazz connoisseurs or cinema buffs. While the Reiss-Engelhorn museum complex and Kunsthalle art gallery whisk visitors away into worlds of experiences ranging from the early days of human history to contemporary art, the murals by graffiti artists form an open-air gallery for international street art. The green city on the banks of two rivers combines urbanity with recreational activities in almost entirely untouched natural settings.

A highlight for Mannheim in 2023 is the Federal Garden Show “BUGA” (April 14th to October 08th 2023) a large laboratory of the future of urban development that goes far beyond a mere exhibition of plants and flowers.

  Best for:  Architecture Lovers, Art Nouveau, Baroque, Street Art, Nature Lovers, Music Festival, All-Year Round Events, Green City, Star-Awarded Cuisine.

  Nearest airport:   Book your flights to  Mannheim.

  Where to stay:  " Syte ". Centrally Located in Mannheim.

11. Porto-Santo, Madeira Islands

This island, little sister of the main island of Madeira , is accessible by plane or by ferry and offers wellness hotels , trendy bars and restaurants, the most beautiful sunsets in Europe, a sunny climate almost all year round.

Porto Santo is an invitation to discover paradisiacal beaches, historical heritage and geological exuberance.

Visiting Porto Santo is discovering a golden island, famous for its nine-kilometer sandy beach. The smallest inhabited island of the Madeira Archipelago is only an hour and a half flight away from Lisbon , in the extreme southwest of Europe, 500 km from the African coast and 1000 km from the European continent.

If you want to disconnect from your tumultuous life,  experience nature, relax,  have no goal in the day except that of watching the sunset, waiting for a good spa treatment, a game of golf or a  nautical activity, then Porto Santo is really for you.

Book your flights to Porto Santo or to Funchal + a domestic flight to Porto Santo (20 min) or a Ferry to Porto Santo (2h30) as well as your accommodation in Porto Santo and your activities & tours in Madeira Islands .

  Best for:  Beach Lovers, Families, Sunny Holidays, Wellness, Golf, Digital Detox.

  Nearest airport:   Book your flights to Porto Santo or Funchal (+ Ferry or domestic Flight - 20 min).

  Where to stay:  " Pestana Porto Santo Beach ". Along the Porto Santo shore.

12. Toledo, Spain

Toledo blends eras, styles and identities since it is both one of the best medieval destinations in Europe but also one of the Best Erasmus destinations in Europe with its famous world-renowned University. A young and historic city, Toledo is authentic and sparkling, traditional and modern. 

‘Toledo’ comes from the Latin word "Toletum" which means "fortified population". Come and discover this city built by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. Located in the centre of Spain , Toledo is within easy reach from Madrid (30 min by train). You can either stay in a hotel, a guesthouse or an apartment in Toledo or find your accommodation in Madrid and book your activities in the region such as a Toledo full-day tour from Madrid .

Discover the "city of three cultures" and live unforgettable experiences in Toledo such as a " Madrid: Segovia and Toledo Tour " or a " From Madrid: Toledo Tour with Wine Tasting and 7 Monuments ".

  Best for:  History Buffs, Lovers, Short Breaks, Foodies, Instagrammers.

  Nearest airport:   Book your flights to  Madrid (30 mins) and  your transfer .

  Where to stay:     " Eugenia de Montijo ". Offers style and comfort in the heart of Toledo.  

13. Faial, Azores

This year go wild and green and experience eco-responsible adventures in the Azores . Greener than Iceland, less expensive, with a more moderate and milder climate, the Azores are a prime destination for lovers of nature, outdoor sports, hiking, but also gastronomy and even for lovers since they are ranked among the best wedding destinations in Europe .

Considered by the European Commission as a European Destination of Excellence (EDEN), Faial has many sweeping landscapes, unique birds and plants and iconic geological formations, all of them surrounded by a magnificent blue, pure and lively sea. With Sao Jorges and Pico they form a triptych of unique and bewitching islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. A place where sailors crossing the ocean like to stop over for a few days or… a lifetime.

The biodiversity of Faial is very rich: 855 vascular plant species that can be found throughout the island, 57 of which are endemic (that exist only in the Azores). The sea of Faial is an extraordinary mosaic of colours, shadows, smells, sounds, silences and emotions, and is emblematic in the life forms it holds, such as cetaceans, seabirds, sharks and all other inhabitants.

Book your flights to Faial (or a flight to Ponta Delgada – Main Island + a domestic flight to Faial), your accommodation in Faial as well as your activities and tours in the Azores such as a " Azores: Whale Watching Boat Tour ".

  Best for:  Nature Lovers, Outdoor Sport, Whale Watching, Sustainable Tourism, Gastronomy, Hiking.

  Nearest airport:   Book your flights to Faial or  Flight to Ponta Delgada + a domestic flight to Faial.

  Where to stay:   " Quinta das Buganvilias " is surrounded by a large park with lush vegetation. It offers self-catering facilities and free bikes.

14. Rhodes, Greece

The island of Rhodes is a perfect destination for lovers of old stones, heritage, fortresses and castles. You like history? This sublime medieval city is one of the best preserved in Europe, so do not miss a visit to the Palace of the Grand Master. When visiting Rhodes do not miss the Ancient Acropolis of Lindos, the historic Rhodes Old Town or just relax on Agios Pavlos beach.

Rhodes is one of the  most beautiful islands in Greece  and certainly one of the most beautiful islands in Europe. It is a perfect destination for any type of travellers. You like a sunny holiday? Rhodes is sunny from May to end of September. You just like laying in the sun? The beach of Tsambika and its turquoise waters await you.

If you are looking for an original family outing, treat yourself to an  excursion  to "Kallithea", the Butterfly Valley or a trip to Kayak or a trip to Lindos Village & Seven Springs.  Treat yourself to a dream holiday on one of the  most beautiful Greek islands.

Ready for an unforgettable stay in Greece ? Discover the Best Hidden Gems in Greece , Best Experience to Live in Greece , Best Places to Visit in Greece , Most Beautiful Beaches in Greece and Most Amazing Castles in Greece .

Book your flights to Rhodes or Athens (+1h Flight) as well as your accommodation in Rhodes and your tours & activities in Rhodes  such as a " Rhodes: Catamaran Day Cruise with Lunch and Drinks ".

  Best for:  Beach Holidays, History Buffs, Foodies, Families, Lovers.

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights to Rhodes or fly to Athens (+1h Domestic Flight).

  Where to stay:   " Rhodes Bay Hotel & Spa " is a 5-star hotel, just 50 min from the beach.

15. Copenhagen, Denmark

One of the trendiest capitals in Europe awaits you this year. Come and see for yourself: the thrift stores, independent boutiques, the Tivoli Garden ranked among the  best amusement parks in Europe  (book your  admission ticket here ), Copenhagen’s legendary canal with its  romantic cruises  and of course the "Copenhagen Hidden Gems". 

There are a thousand  activities and experiences to enjoy in Copenhagen . Feeling hungry? Treat yourself to a " Copenhagen Culinary Experience Tour " and taste the local specialties and find out why Copenhagen is home to some of the best restaurants in the world. Fancy a nice drink?  Copenhagen is the centre of Craft Beer! Do you have ants in your pants? Book your tours and activities in Copenhagen such as a " From Copenhagen: Lund & Malmö: Guided Tour of 2 Countries in One Day ".

Book your flights  to Copenhagen , your  accommodation in Copenhagen  as well as your  activities and tours  and discover one of the  best City break destinations in Europe . Do not miss a visit to the "little mermaid". 

  Best for:  Foodies, Beer lovers, Nature, Amusement Park, Family City Break, Shopping.

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights   to Copenhagen and  your transfer .

  Where to stay:   " Motel One Copenhagen " is an intimate Danish design hotel inspired by the 50's & 60's fashion.

16. Tossa de Mar, Spain

Blue sky, blue sea and fine sand are awaiting you! Tossa de Mar is enchanting. Its pine forests very near the sea and medieval walls are a magical setting for a perfect holiday in Europe.

Tossa de Mar is one of the best hidden gems of the Costa Brava and one of the most beautiful secret destinations in Spain .

Because you are different, because spending 5 days in Barcelona is ok but …you long to discover new landscapes, new places, we advise you to treat yourself to a short break in Tossa de Mar .

Located just 1h30 from the centre of Barcelona , Tossa de Mar seems unreal: several fine golden sand beaches and a magnificent medieval castle await you. The sweet scent of pine trees is floating in the beautiful fishing village. Tossa de Mar is a destination to put on top of your travel bucket list if you want to discover one of the most beautiful places in Spain  and one of the Best Destinations to visit in Europe . 

Book your flights to Barcelona (1h20 by car), your accommodation at the best price and your tours and activities in Costa Brava such as a " Best of Costa Brava with boat ride and Tossa Visit ".

  Best for:  Beach Holidays, Family Holidays, History Buffs, Foodies, Instagrammers, Sun Seekers.

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights to Barcelona and your transfer .

  Where to stay:   " Gran Hotel Reymar & Spa Superior ", is a beautiful seafront hotel.

17. Ascona-Locarno, Switzerland

This year stay in Ascona-Locarno and discover a little corner of paradise and one of the Best Places to visit in Europe in 2023 . Nature is quiet, beautiful and peaceful. This destination is enriching from a cultural, gastronomic, sporting point of view or even if you are looking for a romantic getaway or a holiday in a city on a human scale with your family.

The Swiss part of Lake Maggiore, surrounded by the towns Locarno, Ascona, Brissago and further small villages, prides itself on its numerous and extraordinary natural beauty spots. Thanks to the enchanting flowers and plants from all 5 continents, the Botanical Garden of the Brissago Island is of major importance. Near the lakeshore and the centre of Locarno lies the Camellia Park with over 900 species, some of which are very rare.

Locarno is recognized worldwide for its International Film Festival, the biggest cultural event in Switzerland and one of the most important ones in Europe. It also has a strong relationship with flowers: lovers of nature are drawn by the spectacular shows of camellias, mimosas and magnolias.

Book your flights to Locarno or Milan (1h20 min) as well as your accommodation in Ascona or Locarno and your activities and tours in Switzerland such as a " Locarno: Full-Day Ticket to the Termali Salini & Spa Locarno ".

  Best for:  Romantic Getaway, Family Holidays, Active Holidays, Film Festival, Nature Lovers. 

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights to Locarno or Milan (1h20).

  Where to stay:   " Hotel Lago Maggiore " is situated on the beautiful lake promenade of Locarno.

18. Milos, Greece

Milos Island is one of the best places for a dream holiday in Greece.  Voted one of the Best Places to visit in Europe in 2023 , you have also classified Milos Island among the Best Natural Pools in Europe , Best Beaches in Europe (Sarakiniko Beach and its famous volcanic rocks which offer sunbathers a lunar scenery). It is also classified among the Best Sculptures in Europe with the Venus of Milo now exhibited in Paris and discovered by a peasant on the island of Milos in Greece by pure chance. Finally Milos is obviously ranked among your Most Beautiful Islands in Greece .

Treat yourself to a relaxing day on the beautiful beach of Sarakiniko or on the most exclusive beach of Firiplaka. For history lovers, do not forget to visit the Ancient Theatre of Milos and the Milos Archaelogical Museum.

Book your flights to Milos - the best way to get to Milos is to fly from Athens (1 hour). You can also take a ferry or a Sea Jet (faster than the Ferry) from the port of Athens -, your accommodation in Milos as well as your tours and activities in Milos such as a " Milos: Full day Milos and Poliegos Catamaran Cruise ".

  Best for:  Nature Lovers, Sun Seekers,  Foodies, Families, Instagrammers, History Buffs.

  Nearest airports:   Book your flights  to Athens + a domestic flight to Milos or your direct flights to Milos.

  Where to stay:  " White Coast Pool Suites ". Set right on the sea.

19. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of your top places to visit in Europe in 2023 ! Do you like discovering cities away from the crowds? Wake up a little earlier than usual, at 5.30 am-6am, and walk around  Prague  before city life starts up again. Discover its markets, cafes, restaurants at dawn, watching the sun rise over the most beautiful monuments of  Prague . This little tip will cost you nothing (other than a few hours of sleep) and will allow you to see Prague from a different perspective.

Need more reasons to visit  Prague  in 2023? You have ranked it among your  Best Christmas Markets in Europe , Best destinations to celebrate  New Year's Eve , Best  honeymoon destinations  in Europe,  Best places to propose  in Europe and  Best Fairy tale destinations in Europe .

Book your flights  to Prague, your  accommodation  and treat yourself to extras from a selection of the  best tours and activities in Prague , such as a " Prague: Sightseeing Dinner Cruise on Open-Top Glass Boat ".

  Best for:   Lovers, Instagrammers, Foodies, Shopping Addicts, City Break, History Buffs, Beer Lovers.

  Nearest airport:   Book your flights to Prague Airport.

  Where to stay:   " Boho Prague " the Old Town Square is 600m away.

20. Sóller, Spain

Want some good reasons to visit Sóller on the island of Mallorca this year? You have ranked Sóller among the best hidden gems in Europe, Best honeymoon destinations in Europe , Best hidden gems in Spain , but also best cycling destinations in Europe and best destinations to visit by train in Europe (the little train that goes up to the top of the mountain is charming and authentic and will appeal to the whole family).

Are you looking for a sunny place for your old age? You also ranked Sóller among your best places to get retired in Europe ! There are only good reasons to visit Söller.

Sóller is the most beautiful village on the island of Mallorca. Surrounded by mountains, it is quiet, relaxing and perfect for a family holiday. Although the location is isolated, Sóller is well connected to Palma de Mallorca , (30 minutes from the airport ) by many lines of trams and buses.

If you like nature, hiking, gastronomy, Sóller is for you.

Book your flights to Mallorca (40 mins by car). Book your accommodation and your tours and activities in Mallorca such as a " Mallorca: Tramuntana Panorama Tour - Sóller - Deia - Valldemossa ".

  Best for:  Nature lovers, Hikers, Foodies, Families, Beach Lovers, Instagrammers, Sun Seekers.

  Nearest airport:   Book your flights   to Mallorca (40 min by car) and your transfer .

  Where to stay:   “ Hotel Can Roses ”. it is a paradise on earth and just 5 minutes walk from the centre.

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10 Best Spring Break Destinations for Families

Travel experts share the best spots to book during your kid's spring break.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

"Is there even still time to book anything?" asked my friend who has been trying to plan a trip during her family's spring break next month. "I think so," assuring her that we just booked our spring break trip two weeks ago. As parents of older kids, we both know the deal: Spring break really is the only time to squeeze in a family vacation between January and May or June unless you want to take the kids out of school, and, well, that's a story for another time.

Take your pick from this expert guide to the 10 best destinations for a last-minute spring break travel. Whenever possible, the Good Housekeeping Institute added suggestions for hotels based on our research for our annual Family Travel Awards . No matter which locale sounds most appealing to you, lock it in ASAP. As Fish notes, "We're past the time when you're going to see a better deal."

San Diego, California

Best for: Families with a variety of interests

The closest you'll come to a one-size-fits-all getaway, San Diego supplies something fun to do for every member of your family. Fortunately, this SoCal gem is one of the few warmer-weather locales with average airfare under $350 roundtrip in March and April, says Fish. Baseball fans in the family will be in their element at a San Diego Padres game at the city's downtown stadium; opening day is March 30. For the animal lovers in your group, the San Diego Zoo is packed with rare (and super cute) creatures plus hands-on activities. Superhero buffs will lose their minds at the new Comic-Con Museum . Theme-park goers can hit up Sesame Place right in town, or drive 40 minutes or so to Legoland California Resort . Of course, that's if your crew ever wants to leave the beach.

Where to Stay: The Hotel del Coronado , Loews Coronado Bay Resort , and Bahia Resort Hotel all performed well in first-hand evaluations by the Good Housekeeping Institute. If you're bringing three generations on the trip — something that 40 percent of families are doing this year, according to AAA Travel — look into Shore House at the Del . The Hotel del Coronado's new seaside residences sleep up to 11 and have outdoor fireplaces.

RELATED: 40 Best Things to Do in San Diego with the Whole Family

Washington, DC

Best for: Families who live within driving distance and like to explore museums and historical attractions

So much is free in Washington, DC. "There's no admission fee to the monuments, memorials, National Zoo or any of the Smithsonian museums," says Diaz. In fact, the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum re-opened last fall with eight new galleries. Spring break coincides with peak cherry blossom season. DC's official festival runs from March 20 to April 16, and peak bloom in 2023 is predicted to be from March 22 to March 25.

Where to Stay: Walkable to many top spots to visit, Yours Truly DC offers traditional rooms plus two- and three-bedroom suites, according to our tester.

Greenville, South Carolina

Best for: Families on the east coast or in the midwest who want a low-key getaway with a variety of things to do for all ages

While the crowds are in Charleston and Hilton Head, your family can explore Greenville's charming downtown, extensive park system and world-class attractions, like the seventh-largest children's museum and a truly one-of-a-kind science center . Winner of a Good Housekeeping 2023 Family Travel Award , Greenville takes the stress out of family travel with stroller-friendly walking paths plus a modern, easy-to-navigate airport with more than 100 nonstop flights daily. Free family-friendly concerts start in March while the town's minor-league baseball team begins its season in April.

Where to Stay: Our tester was "seriously impressed" by the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Greenville Downtown , which is just a few blocks from fun shops and restaurants. "While you're checking in, the kids can swing on the egg chairs in the lobby," our tester said. "There's also a heated outdoor pool!"

Phoenix, Arizona

Best for: Families who want to swim and hike in the southwest or see lots of baseball games

Spring is prime time to visit the southwest, so we were pleasantly surprised to find flights from the east coast to Phoenix in March for less than $400 roundtrip. A Good Housekeeping staffer recently took her 1-year-old to Phoenix and raved about the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park and Children's Museum of Phoenix . Another team member highly recommends the Desert Botanical Garden (pictured), the Musical Instrument Museum and nearby hiking trails. If your family is baseball-obsessed, they'll love that the Greater Phoenix area is home to 10 spring-training stadiums.

Where to Stay: The Wigwam , winner of a Good Housekeeping 2023 Family Travel Award, is a stand-out pick for families, especially those traveling with three or more generations. Waterslides, golf courses and sporty activities like volleyball and tennis give everyone something to do. "The food is especially fantastic!" said our staffer.

New York City

Best for: Families with tweens or teens who want to go to Broadway shows or see their favorite TikTok-famous spots IRL

If your family is eying New York City for summer vacation, Fish suggests you move up the trip to spring break. "Manhattan will be considerably less crowded in springtime, and average flight prices in March and April are under $350 roundtrip," she says. Fewer tourists means you're more likely to snag a discounted ticket to a Broadway show (everyone will love Wicked ), reservations at the restaurants of your choice and a bench in Central Park (pictured). Buy a Go City discounted attraction pass to hit all the iconic sites and sprinkle in a few stops tailored to the interests of your tweens and teens. For instance, if you have a Swiftie, walking down Cornelia Street will be a must — and it's totally free.

Where to Stay: For more space than the typical NYC hotel room, try the Mint House at 70 Pine . Its apartment-style accommodations plus a downstairs bowling alley more than make it worth the subway ride from downtown to Midtown.

Pensacola Beach, Florida

Best for: Families who want a spring break trip in Florida away from the college crowd

"The college kids are going to be in Miami, so head north," suggests Gabe Saglie, communications manager at Travelzoo , a deal site. In particular, he recommends Pensacola Beach — on the Western stretch of the Florida panhandle — for its spectacular, uncrowded beaches and more affordable lodging. "There are 40 miles of coastline and it has the longest stretch of federally protected seashore in the U.S.," he says. Getting there is pretty straightforward too: Pensacola boasts non-stop flights from over 20 U.S. cities, including Denver, Chicago and Dallas.

Where to Stay: With March rates under $200 per night, the beachfront Surf & Sand Hotel is a deal.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Best for: Families who like live music, shopping and trying new foods

My family spent last year's spring break in New Orleans thanks to an airfare deal that got us there from the New York City area for around $250. We noticed some flights this spring for about the same price. Jazz, vintage shops and vinyl record stores are my teen daughter's jam, and NOLA is packed with all of them. We listened to music on the street and at Preservation Hall , which welcomes the under-21 crowd. We stuffed ourselves with beignets and our suitcases with the thrifting finds. It was bliss, and I realized that we shouldn't have waited so long to visit. City Park, home to the Louisiana Children's Museum , beignet-purveyor Cafe du Monde and the outdoor sculpture garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art, has the makings of a dream day for families with younger kids.

Where to Stay: We stayed at ONE11, a newish hotel in the French Quarter that passed my teen's "vibe check." Once a sugar mill, the hotel has maintained some of the original features plus it has a pool.

Houston, Texas

Best for: Families with younger kids who live within driving distance

Fish's solid advice: Let the other families go to the Texas Hill Country while you go to Houston. Your crew could spend multiple days at the Children's Museum of Houston, a winner of the 2023 Family Travel Awards. The city also has an amazing recreation system with 366 parks, 200 green spaces and 125 miles of trails. And for any wanna-be astronaut, the Space Center Houston will wow.

Where to Stay: If you'd rather have a kitchen than a pool, try Sonder's The Hogg Palace , near the city's aquarium and just a 10-minute drive to the children's museum. Otherwise, book the Marriott Marquis Houston , which has — Ready for this? — a Texas-shaped lazy river (pictured).

Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, Dominican Republic

Best for: Families who enjoy the features and food at an all-inclusive resort

On a large stretch of white sand beach, the newest Club Med in the Caribbean makes sure everyone in your party gets a true vacation. While kids and teens are off at fun-filled clubs broken up into a wide variety of age groups, you can score some much-needed R&R at the adult-only Zen Oasis. Restaurants surprise and delight — one even has a secret chocolate room. What's more, flight availability to Punta Cana is still relatively good, says Fish. Roundtrip airfare on certain dates in March and April cost less than $400. RELATED: 25 Best All-Inclusives to Visit in 2023

Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, California

Best for: Families who love Disney

If you're hoping to book a last-minute Disney trip over spring break, Diaz suggests you price a Disneyland vacation, even if you live closer to Orlando. Depending on the week you want to go, she notes that Disneyland might be less crowded and less expensive than Walt Disney World. The reason? Local families in Florida and California make up a good chunk of the visitors, and they have spring break on different weeks. While extra time on the airplane isn't ideal, especially with kids, you can take comfort in the fact that it's easier to get around Disneyland than Walt Disney World. Another plus: Mickey's Toontown at Disneyland Park, which features Minnie's house, a Donald Duck-themed splash pad and much more, opens on March 19.

Where to Stay: The Hampton Inn & Suites , which was recognized as a budget-friendly hotel chain in Good Housekeeping's 2023 Family Travel Awards, has Anaheim locations with rooms for less than $150 per night on some dates in March.

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20 of the best travel destinations where the US dollar stretches the most

For the past few years, the COVID-19 pandemic limited and, in many cases, completely halted international travel—but that's no longer the case. The United Nations World Tourism Organization expects  global tourism  to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, after a strong recovery in 2023 amounted to more than $1.4 trillion in revenue.

When planning an international trip, travelers must decide when and where to go, obtain passports and visas, book flights and hotels, and identify any pandemic-related entry requirements . Among these considerations, the cost is one of the most crucial. Travel is expected to become  even more expensive in 2024  thanks to both the usual suspects—fuel prices, inflation, and labor shortages—as well as once-in-a-lifetime events like the  Paris Olympics , the European leg of  Taylor Swift's Eras Tour , and a  historic year for astrotourism . Travelers who don't care for the hype and are just looking for a break may consider international destinations where they can get the most bang for their buck.

Stacker ranked the top 20 travel destinations where the U.S. dollar stretches the most by combining data from WorldData.info with  country travel advisories issued by the State Department. Countries are only included in this analysis if they meet a Level 1 travel advisory, meaning travelers only need to "exercise normal precautions."

Qualifying countries were then ranked by their WorldData.info cost index, a metric calculated using Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund, and Eurostat data that compares the cost of living in different countries. Additional data points, including exchange rates and geographic location, were compiled using  Google Finance ,  XE.com , and CIA World Factbook data from March 2023.

Data shows more expensive countries are generally considered safer travel destinations. Of the countries WorldData.info rated that fall under the Level 1 travel advisory, 31.7% are more expensive than the U.S. Conversely, only 9.8% of countries with a less safe travel advisory are pricier than the U.S.

However, many safe and cost-effective options are also available for U.S. travelers. Asian countries, for example, account for seven out of the top 10 destinations on this list, with various locations in the Central, Southeast, and East Asia regions. Keep reading to learn more about these and other countries where U.S. travelers can maximize their budget.

#20. Hungary

- Cost index: 42.7% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 360.29 Hungarian forints to $1 - Region: Europe

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is also the country's top tourist destination. The city is known for its thermal baths, spas, and various museums, religious sites, and theaters. Budapest is also home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Hungarian House of Parliament.

The building took 17 years to complete and showcased local craftsmanship using only Hungarian raw materials (except for eight giant granite columns). This landmark, located on the banks of the Danube River, draws an estimated 700,000 visitors each year at about $28 per person.

#19. Mexico

- Cost index: 45.3% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 18.50 Mexican pesos to $1 - Region: North America

According to the State Department, the Campeche and Yucatán states are the safest areas of Mexico for tourists. These areas feature plenty of free activities, including beautiful beaches, mangrove forests, and old villages.

Visitors can explore ancient Mayan sites like Uxmal or Chichén Itzá and caverns dating back to 800 B.C. at Grutas de Loltún. Those who prefer to explore local art and culture will find plenty to keep them busy in the Yucatán capital of Mérida.

#18. Poland

- Cost index: 48.9% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 4.40 Polish zloty to $1 - Region: Europe

European Best Destinations named Poland's capital Europe's best destination in 2023 . Warsaw beat out 400 other European cities for the title. Warsaw's Old Town offers several popular attractions, like the Royal Castle and the Museum of Warsaw.

Kraków, the former capital of Poland, is another popular Polish destination. Its historic center boasts the largest market square in Europe. Kraków is also known for its art museums and galleries, including the Princes Czartoryski Museum , where visitors can view Leonardo da Vinci's famed " Lady With An Ermine " painting for a $9 admission fee.

#17. Montenegro

- Cost index: 49.8% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 0.94 euros to $1 - Region: Europe

Montenegro is a small but beautiful Mediterranean nation bordering Croatia. The only country on this list that uses the euro, Montenegro has grown to offer high-end hotels and restaurants.

Visitors can save their euros by relaxing here as an alternative to Spain, soaking in Montenegro's stunning bays and rugged natural beauty. Budva is a popular destination with stunning beaches and views alongside a town full of history. Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also offers outdoor enthusiasts an exhilarating hiking and biking experience around the country's tallest peak.

#16. Brunei

- Cost index: 51.1% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 1.35 Brunei dollars to $1 - Region: Southeast Asia

Brunei is a small country on the island of Borneo where visitors can lounge on one of the many beaches dotting the 100-mile coastline or dive to explore coral reefs and shipwrecks. Almost three-quarters of the country is rainforest, which travelers can explore for free at reserves like the Luagan Lalak Forest Recreation Park, a tranquil spot famed for its serene, mirrorlike waters accessed by a network of wooden walkways.

For those needing an end-of-the-year fix, the country's Brunei December Festival also offers a long list of events, including food, entertainment, and celebrations of Islamic culture in the last month of the year.

#15. Bulgaria

- Cost index: 52.5% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 1.83 Bulgarian leva to $1 - Region: Europe

Bulgaria offers seaside resorts that rival those in Western Europe, but with more competitive prices. While visiting this Balkan nation, travelers can also take in the rich local history through its ornate churches, religious art, and ancient ruins. Some of the most popular attractions include the 300 B.C. Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari, the Bachkovo Monastery that features 19th-century hand-painted frescoes, and an ancient Roman amphitheater dating back to the second-century reign of Emperor Trajan.

#14. Romania

- Cost index: 53% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 4.62 Romanian lei to $1 - Region: Europe

Romania is the least expensive European country for U.S. travelers on this list, offering a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the country's national parks throughout the Carpathian Mountains, the beauty of the Danube delta for wildlife and birdwatching, and the beach resorts along the Black Sea coast.

There are well-preserved medieval towns and ancient castles for travelers more interested in local history. One of the most popular is Transylvania's Bran Castle, best known as the setting of Bram Stoker's "Dracula." Visitors can tour this medieval fortress and castle for $13 or less, depending on the season.

#13. Lesotho

- Cost index: 60.7% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 18.24 Lesotho loti to $1 - Region: Africa

The Southern African country of Lesotho is an excellent option for travelers seeking outdoor exploration and adventure on a budget. Visitors can hike through the Bokong Nature Reserve, featuring a stunning waterfall and guided pony tours, or through the nation's most popular preserve, Ts'ehlanyane National Park. Tourists looking to immerse themselves in the local culture should visit the Royal Archives and Museum and the Cultural Village, which educates visitors on Basotho history.

#12. Malaysia

- Cost index: 61.2% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 4.52 Malaysian ringgits to $1 - Region: Southeast Asia

Bordering Brunei, which came in at #16 on this list, Malaysia offers affordable tourist experiences. Kuala Lumpur features big city attractions like the tallest twin towers in the world, a sky bridge, and the family-friendly Sunway Lagoon Theme Park.

The 400-million-year-old Tempurung Cave in Gopeng, Perak, provides more adventurous travelers with guided tours lasting up to 3.5 hours for $5 or less. The Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sabah is another popular natural attraction, with trails weaved through the jungle and a steel canopy walkway suspended 82 feet, perfect for birdwatching.

#11. Paraguay

- Cost index: 61.4% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 7,200 Paraguayan guaranis to $1 - Region: South America

Although it may not have as many flashy attractions as the surrounding countries of Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia, Paraguay is just as rich in South American history and culture. The Museo Jesuítica de Santa Fe highlights local Jesuit history through religious carvings, and the Panteón de los Héroes holds the remains of key historical figures.

Those seeking a unique experience can arrange private trips to see the flamingos of Chaco Lodge during the dry season for less than $14 per vehicle, and visitors can even camp on the nature reserve.

#10. Thailand

- Cost index: 61.6% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 34.81 Thai bahts to $1 - Region: Southeast Asia

Thailand's capital city, Bangkok, is rich with historical and religious sites that tourists won't want to miss. One example is Wat Pho , a grand royal temple considered Thailand's first university, which costs less than $6 for admission. The northern province of Phuket is another popular Thai destination, full of breathtaking beaches and an active nightlife.

#9. Cambodia

- Cost index: 63.4% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 4,045 Cambodian riels to $1 - Region: Southeast Asia

Cambodia offers a range of activities and attractions that are sure to meet all traveler preferences. Rural areas feature rice paddies, fishing villages, and the Cardamom Mountains, which tourists can admire for free while enjoying the great outdoors.

For those more interested in urban life, cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have a variety of cultural attractions, along with plenty of dining and entertainment options. Cambodia's top attraction, however, is the temple of Angkor Wat, where visitors can spend hours touring the largest religious structure in the world.

#8. Mongolia

- Cost index: 64.6% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 3,538 Mongolian tugriks to $1 - Region: East Asia

Mongolia, the only East Asian country on this list, is known for the vast beauty of the Gobi Desert. Visitors can climb enormous sand dunes at Khongoryn Els, search for wildlife and dinosaur fossils at Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, or marvel at the great glacier in Yolyn Am Gorge. Mongolia also has numerous active monasteries open to the public. Erdene Zuu Khiid , the first Buddhist monastery in the country, allows visitors to explore the grounds for free and offers guided tours of the 16th-century temple for less than $1.50.

#7. Suriname

- Cost index: 65% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 34.48 Surinamese dollars to $1 - Region: South America

Suriname is South America's smallest country, but it has a surprising variety of historic attractions and a growing ecotourism industry. The Brownsberg Nature Park, set within a lush jungle, is home to various monkey species and is the perfect spot for birdwatchers. Adventurous tourists can camp there for as little as $1.50 or rent group lodges from $3.50.

Another must-see attraction includes Paramaribo's Central Market , which has a separate market of herbs and mysterious concoctions where no photography is allowed. Also worth checking out is the 18th-century Fort Zeelandia and Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral-Basilica, which claims to be the Western Hemisphere's largest wooden building.

#6. Vietnam

- Cost index: 65.6% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 23,675 Vietnamese dong to $1 - Region: Southeast Asia

Two of Vietnam's top destinations  are Hanoi, a northern city known for its architecture and museums, and Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling southern cultural hub. The capital city of Hanoi is rich with historical attractions like the nearly 1,000-year-old One Pillar Pagoda and the much newer Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, each offering admission for less than $1.50. In Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), tourists can enjoy boutique shopping, delicious street foods, and motorbike tours of the city.

- Cost index: 66.7% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 507.50 Angolan kwanzas to $1 - Region: Africa

Angola welcomes tourists with vast stretches of beach in the capital city of Luanda, as well as Benguela and Namibe. While in Luanda, visit the city's oldest surviving building, Fortaleza de São Miguel , a 1576 fortress that now houses a museum tourists can enjoy for the low price of $2.50. Angola is also committed to preserving local land and wildlife through reserves like the National Park of Iona in Namibe, where visitors can see zebra, springbok, and even cheetahs roaming free.

Travelers should note that, since October 2022, the British Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has advised against nonessential travel to the province of Cabinda (excluding Cabinda City) and Angola's border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

#4. Georgia

- Cost index: 67.8% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 2.58 Georgian laris to $1 - Region: Middle East

Georgia, the only Middle Eastern country to make this list, offers a lot to travelers—beautiful mountain views and lush green valleys to a growing scene of bars, restaurants, and clubs, among other features. Those interested in history will enjoy the ancient cave cities of Vardzia and Uplistsikhe or the unmissable hilltop Tsminda Sameba Cathedral with its gold-covered cross and dome.

For an admission fee of less than $6, tourists can visit a museum about the life of dictator Joseph Stalin in his birthplace, Gori. Travelers considering a trip to Georgia should be mindful of political tensions within the country. As of October 2022, the U.S. Department of State recommends avoiding the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia . Travelers should also be aware of the potential impacts of Russian efforts to destabilize the area.

- Cost index: 70% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 82.01 Bhutanese ngultrums to $1 - Region: Southeast Asia

The Tourism Council of Bhutan previously required tourists to have a full-time guide, use pre-approved itineraries, and check in at immigration checkpoints; however, the country has loosened these restrictions. Although Bhutan requires guides for some attractions or to venture outside the cities of Thimphu and Paro, this new approach allows tourists to explore more freely, absorbing the local culture, food, and shopping.

Visitors will also enjoy the country's many newly restored attractions, including the centuries-old Trans-Bhutan Trail and the National Museum of Bhutan, with an admission fee of just over $6.

#2. Kyrgyzstan

- Cost index: 74.7% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 87.42 Kyrgystani Som to $1 - Region: Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan—dubbed the "land of celestial mountains" because of its Tien Shan and Pamir mountain ranges—features various ways to explore the country's beauty and nomadic lifestyle inexpensively. Visitors can take tours by bike, horseback, jeep, and motorbike, while more adventurous travelers may consider hiking, mountain climbing, or white-water rafting. To learn more about the country's history, tourists can visit sites along the Great Silk Road, the ancient trade route that connected the East to the West.

Travelers to Kyrgyzstan should steer clear of its border with Tajikistan, however. The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning for the area since November 2022.

#1. Uzbekistan

- Cost index: 78.2% cheaper than the U.S. - Exchange rate: 11,405 Uzbekistani Som to $1 - Region: Central Asia

Uzbekistan, another country along the Great Silk Road, offers travelers a rich history of Islamic culture. Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in central Asia and home to a must-see attraction: the Registan. This area served as the town's trading area during medieval times, and visitors can now access its mosque and three beautifully designed madrassas (Muslim schools) for just over $2.50.

The 2,500-year-old city of Bukhara is another worthy stop, where travelers will appreciate the architecture of its mosques, bathhouses, and the Kalon Minaret, a towering structure over 150 feet tall with 14 exquisite ornamental bands.

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Google Maps travel tips to navigate and learn about places you visit (even without Wi-Fi)

"Easy Travel” is a ten-part series focusing on how to reduce bumps during vacations, anticipate roadblocks and be ready when things aren’t going your way. If you'd like to contribute to our future reporting and share your experience as a source, you can click here to fill out this quick form .

It goes without saying, but gone are the days of paper maps for navigating. We mostly all have phones in our pockets that can show us where to go, which comes in especially handy when traveling to a new place, even when reception isn’t guaranteed. 

USA TODAY Travel reporters Zach Wichter and Kathleen Wong teamed up to share some of their favorite digital map tips to help travelers on their journeys.

Street navigation and offline map access 

Zach: I’m a little map-obsessed myself. The post below on X, formerly Twitter, really speaks to me. So, before I visit a new place, I typically spend hours looking around on Google Maps to familiarize myself with the geography. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

It’s not just natural features I’m interested in, either. Google Maps comes in super handy for learning the basics of a new city’s transit system and other ways to get around. Especially if I’m arriving after an overnight flight, I like to know exactly how I will get to my lodging. I often take screenshots of transit directions for that first trip so I don’t have to worry about bad service or lack of airport Wi-Fi to get where I’m going.

However, I may want to start using the app directly more often. 

Christina Tong, a senior product manager at Google, said "Live View" directions are available everywhere that Street View imagery exists.

“It’s a really new capability that is helping you navigate in augmented reality and be able to search your surroundings,” she said. Live View allows Maps users to see turn-by-turn directions overlaid on street view. Tong said the feature can be especially helpful for orienting yourself when you come out of a subway station and need to get your bearings.” You can even use it in some indoor locations like certain shopping malls and airports for more detailed wayfinding.

Live View is accessed through the camera icon on the walking directions tab. To use it, you must have an active internet or data connection.

Tong pointed out that the Maps team is also rolling out bike and scooter directions in many cities.

“This bike and scooter information is available on Google Maps in more than 500 cities globally,” she said, adding that information about vehicle availability, dock locations and battery levels for e-bikes and scooters is also provided in the bike directions tab.

Another cool feature that’s especially helpful when using Google Maps abroad is the option to download offline maps. Doing that allows you to navigate and find some basic information about popular sites where you’re visiting, even if you don’t have cell service outside of the U.S., like when I went on a reporting trip to Hamburg this spring. or are traveling somewhere with poor reception.

“Two cases for me: I’m about to go camping or take a road trip and I’m going to be driving through a place that has less phone reception coverage, or if I’m traveling internationally and my phone doesn’t cover a data plan,” Tong said. “This was actually one of our most requested tools and I’m really excited to share that with travelers.”

To download offline maps:

• Tap your profile picture or the initial icon in Google Maps
• Then tap “offline maps” and choose the select your own feature
• Zoom in on the area you want to save, and then hit download

Cruising Altitude: Is airplane coffee safe to drink? I'll try to put the rumors to rest.

Customizing your map for a trip, collaborating with friends

Kathleen: When I travel, I always employ Google Maps – and not just for directions. The online tool helps me easily visualize my destinations to develop an efficient game plan. 

I’ll include Google Maps in my research when I check out accommodations to book. I’ll scroll around to explore neighborhoods and see what businesses are nearby. (For obvious reasons, it’s important that a good coffee shop is within walking distance of my hotel or Airbnb.) 

If a business catches my eye, I’ll save it to My Maps . Usually, I’ll make My Maps for different categories, like shops or bars I want to visit, and mark them with a color or icon. 

• To make your layered custom map, sign into your Google Maps account and open or create a map. 
• Add and name a layer, like "cool bars," then explore and save certain businesses to your layer. You can even add different colors and icons to your layers. 
• When you’re done, hit share or preview to see your custom map.

The Google Maps interface makes it easy to see the address, operating hours, contact information and if you can make reservations or order online. I’ll also do a quick look through reviews and photos. Based on how many reviews a place has, I can gauge if a place sounds popular – and will probably be busy. The digital tool also helps me support diverse businesses . You can see if a place is women-owned or LGBTQ+-owned, among other identities. 

Tong also pointed out that hundreds of places are also getting added to Google Maps’ new Immersive View feature, which can help you better understand things like crowds and weather to plan your visit more precisely.

“Immersive view uses AI to fuse together billions of images and create this multidimensional view of a place,” she said. 

If I’m traveling with friends, we’ll work together on marking places to visit and share the map link with each other, where all the pins live. When my New York-based friend visited me in Honolulu in 2021 for the first time, we brainstormed a map of spots that I wanted to take her to and others she wanted to visit ahead of time. We could even add notes, like saying if an eatery is a must-visit. When creating our daily itinerary, we looked at our custom map to see what was in the same vicinity so we could make the most of our time and not backtrack.      

These custom maps also help me in the moment when I’m traveling. If it’s been a long day and I need to grab some dinner, I can open up Google Maps to see what spots I had previously vetted without having to frantically search for a place. Then, Maps will direct me right to the restaurant. (This is especially useful for those with dietary restrictions, so you already have a rolodex of eateries before the hanger kicks in.)

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and columnist for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected] . Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected]

Spring Snowstorms Mean You Can Still Hit the Slopes—These Resorts Are Open Now 

Skiing in May? Yes, it’s possible.

Spring may have sprung but that doesn’t mean skiers can’t still head for the trails. Heavier snow seasons and unexpected storms have piled up extra inches, meaning some ski resorts have extended their seasons. Savor that snowy adrenaline boost for as long as you can… right until the summer sun beckons beach days. 

Winter 2023-2024 featured El Niño conditions, which often means increased snowfall through March in some Western regions. As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” but this month has actually seen snow continue to fall out West, especially in the mountains of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. 

For Utah , early May saw as much as two feet in multiple regions and even 31 inches for Alta. Over the weekend, a spring storm brought heavy accumulations to Colorado, including an impressive 19 inches for Alma. 

Patrick Orton/Getty Images

Colorado’s Breckenridge Ski Resort is known for long seasons but unfortunately closed its doors for the season on Sunday. Last week also saw Copper Mountain close. Other resorts across Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and even northern California are extending their season longer than anticipated—and avid skiers were grateful for even just one more extra weekend. Ten resorts across the West have trails open and lifts ready for visitors craving one last run.

Colorado’s Winter Park Resort surpassed the 400-inch mark of snowfall after last weekend’s storm, and the ski destination is determined to stay open as late as possible.  

Thomas J. Story

Though most resorts are closed for the season, due to weather conditions or public land agreements, here are the open ski resorts where you can still take advantage of snowy mountains: 

• Mt. Bachelor, Oregon 
• Mt. Hood Meadows, Oregon
• Timberline Lodge, Oregon
• Mammoth Mountain, California 
• Palisades Tahoe, California 
• Brighton Resort, Utah
• Snowbird, Utah
• Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Colorado
• Winter Park, Colorado 
• Arizona Snowbowl, Arizona

While you’re skiing the peaks and exploring snowy slopes, don’t forget to scout out the best early-bird deals at your favorite resort for the 2024-25 season. Whether it’s an exhilarating run or planning next year’s trip , there’s always excitement on the horizon for skiing enthusiasts. 

Keep Reading:

• Outdoor Adventure
• ski resorts

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Passing Thru Travel

Colorado’s BEST: 19 Perfect Spring Break Destinations

Posted: May 15, 2024 | Last updated: May 15, 2024

Spring break in Colorado unfolds a treasure trove of experiences, blending the chill of winter with the warmth of the coming summer. From the snowy peaks to the urban streets, here are 19 perfect spring break ideas across Colorado, complete with adventures, wildlife, and local flavors, all tailored for an unforgettable escape.

1. Skiing in Aspen

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kevin Ruck

Hit Aspen’s slopes for that sweet spot of spring skiing. Expect lift tickets to run around $150, but the trade-off is premium slopes with fewer crowds and sunnier skies.

2. Denver Brewery Exploration

Image Credit: Shutterstock / MaxyM

Delve into Denver’s craft beer scene. Tours and tastings can start as low as $10, offering a journey through the city’s finest breweries.

3. Sandboarding the Great Sand Dunes

Image Credit: Shutterstock / f11photo

For about $20, you can rent a sandboard and conquer the dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park, blending the thrill of snowboarding with the warmth of spring.

4. Soaking in Glenwood Springs

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kristi Blokhin

Take a dip in the world’s largest hot spring pool for roughly $30. It’s a serene way to unwind, especially after a day of hiking or biking.

5. Biking in Crested Butte

Rent a bike for around $50 and pedal through the thawing beauty of Crested Butte, often hailed as the wildflower capital, offering picturesque trails perfect for spring.

6. Rock Climbing in Eldorado Canyon

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Zachj6497

Challenge yourself with some climbing starting at $125 for guided adventures. Eldorado Canyon offers routes for all levels, set against stunning backdrops.

7. Whitewater Rafting on the Arkansas River

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Traveller70

Embrace the thrill of whitewater rafting with spring runoff making the rapids wilder. Trips on the Arkansas River start at about $70 per person.

8. Hiking Garden of the Gods

Image Credit: Shutterstock / CCallanan

This iconic park offers free access to trails winding through majestic rock formations, with Pikes Peak in the background, ideal for a leisurely spring hike.

9. Boulder’s Culinary Tour

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Koldunov

Savor Boulder’s food scene, where farm-to-table isn’t just a trend, it’s a lifestyle. Culinary tours offer a taste of the local flavors, with prices varying by experience.

10. Ice Climbing in Ouray

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jacob Boomsma

Experience the thrill of ice climbing in Ouray, the ice climbing capital. Spring offers the last chance for icy adventures, with guides available for beginners. Prices start around $250.

11. Stargazing at Black Canyon

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kyootaek Choi

The dark skies of Black Canyon of the Gunnison offer unparalleled stargazing. Spring nights are crisp, perfect for astronomy buffs. Free access, with camping spots available for a fee.

12. Hot Air Ballooning in Steamboat Springs

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Rhona Wise

Float above Steamboat Springs for breathtaking views of the Rockies. Morning flights capture the beauty of spring, starting around $250 per person.

13. Discovering Dinosaur Ridge

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Danielle Beder

Walk among dinosaur footprints for a prehistoric adventure. Located near Denver, it’s a budget-friendly outing with tours under $15, offering a unique glimpse into the past.

14. Wine Tasting in Palisade

Image Credit: Shutterstock / GiorgioMagini

Explore Colorado’s wine country in Palisade with tastings starting at $5. Spring is perfect for vineyard tours, combining scenic beauty with exquisite local wines.

15. Exploring Mesa Verde National Park

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sopotnicki

Dive into history with a visit to Mesa Verde, home to ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings. Entry fees are around $20 per vehicle, offering access to a remarkable cultural heritage.

16. Kayaking on Lake Dillon

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Mr.Gravity21

Paddle the serene waters of Lake Dillon, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Kayak rentals start at $40, providing a peaceful way to enjoy Colorado’s spring beauty.

17. Ghost Town Exploration

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Atmosphere1

Colorado is dotted with ghost towns that come alive in spring. Visit St. Elmo or Independence for a spooky adventure, with free access to these historic sites.

18. Springs Spree in Colorado Springs

Image Credit: Shutterstock / tanitost

Celebrate spring at Colorado Springs’ annual Springs Spree, featuring local music, food, and art. It’s a free event, perfect for experiencing local culture and community spirit.

19. Zip Lining in Durango

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Cavan-Images

Get your adrenaline fix with zip lining through the San Juan Mountains. Prices start around $100, offering breathtaking views at high speeds.

Perfect Spring Break

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nick Fox

This spring, Colorado invites you to step outside the ordinary and into a world brimming with adventure, culture, and natural wonders, all with a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains coming to life. Whether cruising down Aspen slopes or sipping Palisade wines, the perfect spring break awaits in Colorado.

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The post Colorado’s BEST: 19 Perfect Spring Break Destinations republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / John Hoffman.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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