Where to travel in 2023

Our guide to 2024 has arrived! Find out where to travel to in 2024.

It’s a whole new year and a whole new chance to get out there and explore the world. With so many incredible places to visit, it can sometimes be difficult to decide where to travel first. That’s why, we’ve asked our experienced travel specialists, which holiday destinations they recommend in 2023. The experts have answered and here are our 10 best holiday destinations, so you can start planning your year of adventure in 2023.

Here are the best places to travel in 2023.

1. Fall in love with Vietnam’s diversified charm

From the mountainous landscape and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to the beautiful coastline of Central Vietnam, to the fertile plains of the Mekong Delta in the south. Vietnam is a diverse country of immense beauty. Whether you choose a tour in the north or south, or from north to south, you are guaranteed to enjoy the experiences of your lifetime.

Make the most out of your time in Vietnam:

• Visit the beautiful capital city Hanoi and UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient town, Hoi An
• Go on a mini cruise on Ha Long Bay
• Explore the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City and taste your way through a street food tour

2. Take a step back in time and meet the Mayans in Mexico

Gain a unique insight into Mexico’s exciting history and various pre-Columbian ruins. Discover exciting towns, fantastic ruins, wonderful nature, and white sandy beaches. A holiday in Mexico is your guarantee of exciting experiences with the possibility of total relaxation on beautiful beaches.

Make the most out of your time in Mexico:

• Experience Mexico’s Mayan ruins, especially one of the world’s new wonders, Chichen Itza
• Visit the charming, colonial town of San Cristóbal and the capital city, Mexico City.
• End your trip with a relaxing beach holiday at one of Mexico’s stunning beaches e.g. Playa del Carmen or Tulum

3. Discover the wonders of Tanzania on an unforgettable safari

Experience one of the world’s most varied and impressive collections of wildlife, with large populations of lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, leopards, and buffalo. End your trip with a beach holiday on the beautiful island of Zanzibar. Located off the Tanzanian coast, Zanzibar is known for its long, white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and palm tree-lined boardwalks.

Make the most out of your time in Tanzania:

• Serengeti National Park is without a doubt, one of Tanzania’s big highlights, where you can spot elephants, lions, wildebeest, zebras and much more!
• Drive through the hilly landscape of Ngorongoro, a volcanic caldera and one of nature’s wonders
• Digest your holiday on the beautiful paradise island of Zanzibar

4. Immerse yourself in ancient Japanese culture as the future whizzes by

Newly re-opened Japan is one of the great ancient cultures of the East, but it also has a taste for modern solutions. A fascinating blend of hyper-modern cities of millions, high-speed rail, pristine villages in its beautiful mountains and spectacular historical castles. Top tip: If you want to see the cherry trees blossom in 2023, you must book now as there are few spaces left!

Make the most out of your time in Japan:

• Experience the essence of Japan by visiting two important cultural cities: Tokyo and Kyoto
• While in Kyoto, see the beautiful and iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ginkakuji Temple, Nanzenji temple and the famous Philosopher’s Path

5. Unleash your inner adventurer in Botswana’s Okavango Delta

Experience the Okavango Delta in the only real way: under canvas with elephants, impalas and lions roaring at night, the tweeting of birds that wakes you in the morning and a cold beer around the campfire in the evening with views of the most wonderful starry sky.

Make the most out of your time in Botswana:

• See huge flocks of elephants in Chobe Nationalpark
• Sleep in an authentic tented camp in the middle of the Okavango delta and listen to the animals growling during the night

6. Be blown away by Ecuador’s stunning nature

Home to the enchanting Galapagos Islands, snow-capped volcanoes in Cotopaxi National Park and the fascinating crater lake, Quilotoa. A tour to Ecuador is truly an out-of-this-world experience for nature lovers and others wishing to experience outstanding scenery, exciting history, and the traditional culture of the locals.

Make the most out of your time in Ecuador:

• For many, a cruise is the ultimate way to experience Galapagos. This way, you can visit many islands in a short space of time and get unique opportunities to experience the very special wildlife and atmosphere
• For a cheaper alternative, you can choose an island-hopping tour. This is perfect if you want to see how the local communities live on the Galapagos islands, have greater flexibility and freedom (or if you tend to get seasick of course)

7. Walk among the treetops in Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica

Explore the beautiful natural scenery of Costa Rica, from the high mountains and volcanic craters to the beautiful sandy beaches and lush rainforests. Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the most breathtaking places in Costa Rica, with its lush vegetation, beautiful waterfalls and its large trees stretching into the clouds. Get your pulse racing by trying one of the exhilarating activities offered in the area, such as zipline driving or walking on suspension bridges.

Make the most out of your time in Costa Rica:

• Experience the stunning wildlife in Tortuguero National Park and Arenal Volcano
• If you want to end the tour with relaxation, choose either Playa Samara’s or Manuel Antonio’s beautiful beach

8. Spot ‘The Big Five’ in Kenya’s Masai Mara

If you’re a wildlife lover, then a safari in Kenya is the ultimate safari adventure. Here you can be so lucky to spot lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and African buffalo in some of Africa’s most iconic national parks. Expert tip: Visit from July to September to witness the action-packed Mara river crossings during the Wildebeest Migration.

Make the most out of your time in Kenya:

• See the view of elephants at the foot of Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park and experience hippos and flamingos standing side by side in Lake Naivasha
• Combine your safari with a lovely beach holiday on Mombasa’s white sandy beach, Diani Beach

9. Let Sri Lanka enchant you with its picturesque nature

This little tropical island in the Indian Ocean has a lot to offer. Above all their extremely smiley and hospitable locals. Sri Lanka is known for its stunning nature, lush green rice terraces and historic temples and culture. With a trip to Sri Lanka, you can also choose to extend with a sunny holiday on the Maldives chalk white sandy beaches.

Make the most out of your time in Sri Lanka:

• Experience the country’s wildlife on a jeep safari in Yala National Park and see elephants, crocodiles, bears and if you’re very lucky, leopards
• Enjoy views of Sri Lanka’s famous landmark, the Lion Rock of Sigiriya

10. Say ‘G’day’ to Australia’s large and beautiful contrasts

Australia is a fantastic destination for those who want to experience a bit of everything. Whether it’s white sandy beaches, desert, coral reefs, vibrant modern city life, breath-taking scenery or learning about history and indigenous communities. The possible travel experiences ‘Down Under’ are endless. Not only that, but it’s also a great way to enjoy the lovely summer weather during the cold and long winter here in the UK.

Make the most out of your time in Australia:

• Even though the country is packed with so many incredible nature experiences, we think that you will particularly enjoy seeing the sunrise over Uluru, a diving tour in the Great Barrier Reef, and a bridge walk over Sydney Harbour Bridge

Are you ready to go get amazing travel experiences in 2023?

If you have any questions about which destination is right for you, please feel free to contact our travel consultants who are on hand to help you.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller