As the world fully reopens, 2023 is poised to be an extraordinary year for travel, marked by a resurgence of exploration and a desire for new experiences. Inspired by the discerning tastes of Travel And Leisure Magazine editors, we present an enhanced guide to the 50 best destinations for 2023, offering richer insights and SEO optimization for English-speaking travel enthusiasts. This year’s list, originally curated by Travel and Leisure, takes a unique approach, reflecting the personal aspirations of their seasoned editors – the very experts who shape our travel desires. From long-awaited returns to Japan to adventurous treks along the Trans-Bhutan Trail, and from serene sails around Greenland to gourmet wine tours on California’s Central Coast, their selections promise a diverse range of journeys.
Beyond the well-trodden paths, Travel and Leisure magazine also spotlights emerging culinary hotspots and awe-inspiring artistic marvels. While the list includes remote havens for fresh air seekers, it also embraces vibrant cities where the energy and excitement are integral to the experience.
Recognizing the diverse motivations of modern travelers, Travel and Leisure has thoughtfully categorized these 50 destinations, making it easier than ever to pinpoint your perfect 2023 escape. Whether you seek cultural immersion, gastronomic delights, thrilling cityscapes, aquatic adventures, natural wonders, or idyllic beach retreats, this expanded guide, inspired by Travel and Leisure magazine, will lead you to your ideal destination. Perhaps, our paths will even cross there.
— Adapted from Travel + Leisure’s original list
Destination by Category
For Cultural Riches
Alexandria, Virginia
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Alexandria, Virginia, a city celebrated in Travel and Leisure magazine for its postcard-perfect charm, offers more than just cobblestone streets and proximity to Northern Virginia wineries. As highlighted by Travel and Leisure, Alexandria stands out for its compelling engagement with its historical narrative, particularly its poignant confrontation with the legacy of the Confederacy, a theme resonating across the American South. Founded in 1749 as a tobacco port, Alexandria became a major hub for the domestic slave trade in the 19th century. Today, as Travel and Leisure points out, the Freedom House Museum presents impactful new exhibitions honoring those who were forcibly brought into slavery. The African American Heritage Trail, inaugurated in 2020 and featured in Travel and Leisure, traces nearly two centuries of history across 11 significant sites along the Potomac River, including the Torpedo Factory, where many African Americans contributed during World War II. An upcoming extension in February 2023, as noted by Travel and Leisure, will add 20 more stops, including Waterfront Park, a former port of departure for enslaved people. At Jones Point Park, visitors can explore the legacy of Benjamin Banneker, an accomplished African American inventor and mathematician who played a crucial role in surveying Washington, D.C. For an in-depth exploration of Alexandria’s Black history, Travel and Leisure recommends Manumission Tours, led by a fourth-generation Alexandrian. For accommodation, Travel and Leisure recommends the elegant Morrison House Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection, recently recognized in their 2022 World’s Best Awards. Adding to the city’s appeal, the Hotel AKA is set to open in Old Town in winter 2023, further enhancing Alexandria’s cultural and historical richness, as reported by Travel and Leisure magazine.
Cairo and the Nile
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Cairo and the Nile region are highlighted by Travel and Leisure magazine as a must-visit for 2023, primarily due to the highly anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. After over a decade of construction, this monumental museum, located near the Great Pyramids of Giza, is expected to finally open its doors this spring. As described by Travel and Leisure, it will offer over one million square feet of exhibition space, showcasing treasures like a 40-foot Ramses II statue, alongside outdoor gardens and a vast plaza with desert views. Travel and Leisure also notes the resurgence of luxury Nile cruises, with new ships like the Viking Osiris and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ opulent Sphinx. The Sphinx, featured in Travel and Leisure, boasts 42 marble and hand-carved wood cabins with fine Egyptian cotton linens. Cairo’s hotel scene is also evolving, with a new Mandarin Oriental planned for downtown Cairo in 2024 and a Four Seasons Hotel Luxor expected in 2025, as reported by Travel and Leisure. However, Travel and Leisure suggests not waiting to explore the ancient Valley of the Kings and other historical wonders that Cairo and the Nile offer, making 2023 the perfect time to experience Egypt’s enduring allure.
“City,” Nevada
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Nevada’s Basin and Range National Monument, an expansive 704,000-acre preserve, is known for its remote beauty and outdoor activities, as noted by Travel and Leisure magazine. However, Travel and Leisure emphasizes that the true highlight for 2023 is “City,” the world’s largest contemporary artwork, which opened to the public in September 2022. This monumental open-air sculpture, a half-century in the making by artist Michael Heizer, is constructed from dirt, rock, and concrete, presenting a collection of mounds, depressions, and stelae. Travel and Leisure highlights the collaborative effort of major art institutions like LACMA and MoMA in making “City” accessible. Opening for the 2023 season by reservation, as mentioned in Travel and Leisure, this mile-and-a-half-long sculpture offers an awe-inspiring experience, blending ancient and futuristic elements within the vast Nevada desert. For art aficionados and adventurers alike, Travel and Leisure magazine positions “City” as a uniquely compelling destination in 2023, rivaling the natural wonders of its surroundings.
Havana, Cuba
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Havana, Cuba, remains a vibrant and culturally rich destination, now made slightly more accessible to American travelers, as reported by Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure highlights the Biden administration’s May 2022 relaxation of travel restrictions, allowing Americans to visit through group tours or individually under a “support for the Cuban people” license. This license, as explained to Travel and Leisure by travel advisor Molly Layman, requires a full-time schedule of activities supporting Cuban entrepreneurs, such as staying in local homes, dining in private restaurants, and engaging in cultural activities. Travel and Leisure acknowledges the visa requirement, obtainable at airport check-in or via tour providers for under $100. Despite these steps, Travel and Leisure suggests the reward is well worth the effort. The lively streets of Havana, with their unique blend of history, music, and architecture, offer an unparalleled cultural experience, making it a compelling destination for 2023, particularly for those seeking authentic cultural immersion, as emphasized by Travel and Leisure magazine.
Tangier, Morocco
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Tangier, Morocco, a city long favored by bohemian expats and beat generation writers, is poised for a shift from a place of residence to a must-visit destination, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure points to the opening of Villa Mabrouka, British designer Jasper Conran’s second Moroccan property, as a key factor. This hillside villa, formerly Yves Saint Laurent’s residence, offers stunning views of Tangier Bay and is near the city’s medina. Travel and Leisure also highlights other new additions, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art (Kasbah Museum) and the Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier, located in a refurbished century-old estate. Anticipation is building for a Waldorf Astoria resort, slated for 2025, further enhancing Tangier’s luxury offerings, as noted by Travel and Leisure. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and now, burgeoning luxury and art scene, Tangier is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for travelers seeking cultural richness and sophisticated experiences, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine.
Lakes Region, Turkey
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Beyond Istanbul and Bodrum, Travel and Leisure magazine recommends exploring Turkey’s Lakes Region in southwestern Anatolia, predicting it will become increasingly popular with US travelers. Travel and Leisure mentions travel advisor Engin Kadaster’s growing inclusion of the Lakes Region in client itineraries, highlighting destinations like Isparta, a center for rose and lavender production, and the ancient city of Sagalassos. The region’s tectonic lakes, formed by ancient earthquakes, and numerous Greek and Roman archaeological sites are key attractions. Travel and Leisure notes the region’s lack of mass tourism, offering cozy accommodations like Eskiciler Konaği and Aliya Konak, a seasonal farmstay. For adventurous travelers, Travel and Leisure suggests camping along the new Pisidia Heritage Trail, which connects natural beauty and historical sites like Kremna, Adada, and Yazılı Canyon. The Lakes Region, with its blend of history, nature, and tranquility, offers a unique Turkish experience off the beaten path, making it a compelling destination for culturally inquisitive travelers, as highlighted by Travel and Leisure magazine.
The United Kingdom
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The United Kingdom, Travel and Leisure’s Destination of the Year, is recognized for its enduring appeal, blending historical grandeur with modern attractions, despite a period of transition. Travel and Leisure highlights the opening of Gleneagles Townhouse in Edinburgh and the Peter Marino-designed Peninsula London as new luxury hotel options. Museum upgrades in Glasgow (Burrell Collection) and Manchester (Manchester Museum), along with Manchester’s new cultural center, The Factory, are also noted by Travel and Leisure. For food enthusiasts, Travel and Leisure recommends London’s Arcade Food Hall at Battersea Power Station. Beyond cities, Travel and Leisure suggests exploring the UK countryside, including Scotland’s first rewilding center, Dundreggan, and England’s new Two Toms Trail in Lancashire. The UK’s blend of historical sites, cultural innovation, and natural beauty, as celebrated by Travel and Leisure magazine, makes it a consistently enriching destination.
Venice
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Venice, a perennially popular city, is highlighted by Travel and Leisure magazine as a cultural destination beyond just a day trip. Despite the introduction of a day-trip entrance fee in 2023, Travel and Leisure encourages longer stays, particularly to experience the Venice Architecture Biennale 2023, curated by Lesley Lokko, the first Black architect to organize the event. Travel and Leisure also recommends visiting the Procuratie Vecchie, recently opened to the public after a five-year refurbishment. For luxury travelers, Travel and Leisure points to Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient Express, unveiling newly restored 1920s and ‘30s carriages with opulent suites in June 2023. Venice’s architectural wonders, artistic events, and luxurious experiences, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make it a compelling destination for a culturally immersive journey in 2023.
For the Food — and Wine
Athens
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Athens, often seen as a stopover city, deserves a longer visit for its burgeoning culinary scene and coastal developments, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure highlights the Athens Riviera’s growth, including the Four Seasons Astir Palace, opened during the pandemic, with a private beach and Michelin-starred Pelagos restaurant. The upcoming One&Only Aesthesis, Experience Park, and the Ellinikon waterfront green space further enhance Athens’ appeal. In central Athens, Travel and Leisure notes the Xenodocheio Milos hotel, bringing cosmopolitan flair, and the revived Odeon of Herodes Atticus, hosting a full schedule of shows in 2023. Athens’ blend of ancient history, modern luxury, and a thriving food scene, as emphasized by Travel and Leisure magazine, positions it as a destination worthy of extended exploration in 2023.
Central Florida
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Central Florida, while parts are recovering from Hurricane Ian, is highlighted by Travel and Leisure magazine as ready to welcome travelers, particularly for its growing hospitality and culinary scene. Travel and Leisure points to Orlando and Tampa’s combined 14 Michelin accolades in 2022. Family attractions are better than ever, with Disney’s immersive Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser and Walt Disney World’s 50th-anniversary celebrations continuing into March 2023. Tampa’s new Edition Hotel and improved accessibility with Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C and Brightline rail service further enhance Central Florida’s appeal, as noted by Travel and Leisure. Central Florida’s mix of theme park excitement and culinary excellence, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, makes it a compelling destination for families and foodies in 2023.
The Jura, France
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The Jura region of France, bordering Switzerland, is emerging as a significant wine destination, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure notes the limited availability of Jura wines in the US, making a visit essential for wine enthusiasts before it becomes widely discovered. The region is known for its vin jaune “yellow wine” and seven AOCs. Beyond wine, Travel and Leisure highlights the comté cheese trail with 150 fromageries and dairy farms, and hiking opportunities in the Jura Mountains and Hérisson waterfalls. Accessible via a two-hour high-speed train from Paris, the Jura offers a surprisingly accessible and rich experience for food and wine lovers, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine.
San Luis Obispo County, California
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San Luis Obispo County (SLO), California, is transitioning from a highway stopover to a destination in its own right, Travel and Leisure magazine suggests. Once known mainly for Hearst Castle, SLO now boasts buzzing cities like Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and San Luis Obispo. Travel and Leisure points to its recent AVA recognition in 2022, with over 200 family-owned wineries. New Nomada Hotel Group properties, Farmhouse and River Lodge, opening in 2023, will cater to wine enthusiasts. The reimagined Pozo Saloon, Paso Robles’ first Michelin star (Six Test Kitchen), and SLO Public Market’s new restaurants further enhance the area’s appeal. Nature attractions like the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove add to SLO’s diverse offerings. SLO County’s blend of wine culture, natural beauty, and emerging culinary scene, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, makes it a must-visit destination on California’s Central Coast in 2023.
Victoria, Australia
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Victoria, Australia, is highlighted by Travel and Leisure magazine as an appealing destination, particularly for its emerging wine and wellness scene with new hot springs resorts. Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, Metung Hot Springs, and Phillip Island Hot Springs are set to establish Victoria as a wellness destination. Travel and Leisure also mentions the Mornington Peninsula’s wineries and the InterContinental Sorrento’s recent opening. Melbourne, Victoria’s capital, is expecting new hotels like Hotel Vera Ballarat and the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne. Qantas’ increased flight connectivity from Dallas to Melbourne improves accessibility. Victoria’s blend of wellness retreats, wine regions, and city life, as noted by Travel and Leisure magazine, makes it a compelling Australian destination in 2023.
For Big-city Thrills
Copenhagen
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Copenhagen is celebrated by Travel and Leisure magazine as the UNESCO World Capital of Architecture in 2023, showcasing its design prowess. Travel and Leisure highlights events across Copenhagen, from parks to skyscrapers, focusing on urban environment futures, including the Copenhill Power Plant with its ski slope. Open-house events at 50 venues, like churches and bridges, and playgrounds like “Superkilen” are planned. New hotels like Kaj Hotel and 25 Hours Hotel Copenhagen embody modernism and hygge. Copenhagen’s design focus and urban innovation, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make it a thrilling city destination in 2023.
Houston
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Houston is recognized by Travel and Leisure magazine as an international arts destination, further enhanced by new ventures in 2023. Travel and Leisure points to the Kinder Building at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and the reopened Rothko Chapel as cultural landmarks. The upcoming JMK5 Arena and the 713 Music Hall will boost Houston’s music scene. The Houston Zoo’s expansion, including a Galápagos Islands exhibit, and the Houston Botanic Gardens, opened in 2020, add to the city’s attractions. Houston’s growing arts and entertainment scene, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, makes it a thrilling city to watch in 2023.
Madrid
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Madrid is shedding its business-hub reputation, becoming a more vibrant and personality-filled city, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure highlights a wave of tony hotel openings, including Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Rosewood Villa Magna, Santo Mauro, and The Edition. The Madrid Edition, in particular, is noted for its dining from chef Enrique Olvera of Pujol. Madrid’s electric food scene, especially in Salamanca and Chamberi, is also expanding with diverse culinary offerings. Madrid’s transformation into a stylish and culturally rich city, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, makes it a thrilling European capital to explore in 2023.
Nashville
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Nashville’s tourism renaissance is fueled by new hotels and attractions, Travel and Leisure magazine reports. Travel and Leisure mentions newly opened hotels like Conrad, 1 Hotel, Soho House, and Four Seasons. The redesigned Hermitage Hotel now features Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s restaurant. Fifth + Broadway complex and Assembly Food Hall offer new dining and entertainment options. Nashville’s energy remains on Broadway, but new venues like Justin Timberlake’s Twelve Thirty Club and events like CMA Fest add to the city’s appeal. Increased flight accessibility with low-cost carriers further enhances Nashville’s status as a must-visit city, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine.
Pittsburgh
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Pittsburgh is evolving beyond its steel city image with new cultural destinations, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure highlights the Moonshot Museum, the Carnegie Museum of Art’s 58th Carnegie International Exhibition, and the restored August Wilson childhood home as new cultural attractions. New hotels like Joinery Hotel Pittsburgh and The Industrialist, Autograph Collection, and bars like Bottlerocket Social Hall are also drawing crowds. Pittsburgh’s cultural revitalization and new hospitality offerings, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make it a city to rediscover in 2023.
San Francisco
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San Francisco, despite challenges, remains a shining city with ongoing efforts to improve and innovate, Travel and Leisure magazine suggests. Travel and Leisure points to the new Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco (free admission), the Presidio Tunnel Tops park, and the India Basin development as examples of positive change. New hotels like 1 Hotel San Francisco, The Line SF, Beacon Grand, and the upcoming Auberge Resorts Collection hotel in the Hearst Building enhance the hospitality scene. San Francisco’s enduring appeal, combined with new developments and cultural initiatives, as highlighted by Travel and Leisure magazine, make it a compelling city destination in 2023.
Seoul
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Seoul is experiencing a cultural and artistic resurgence as it reopens to American travelers, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure notes the buzzing arts scene with new venues like Konig Gallery and Seoul Museum of Art’s expansion. Seoul hosted its first Frieze art fair, signaling the rise of K-art. New hotels like Fairmont Ambassador Seoul and Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam, enhance the city’s luxury offerings. Seoul’s dynamic arts scene and new hospitality, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make it an exciting city to explore in 2023.
For Moments on the Water
Cape Verde, the Gambia, Ghana, and Guinea-Bissau
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West Africa, while less familiar, offers unique travel experiences, and Travel and Leisure magazine highlights Hurtigruten Expeditions’ West Africa Archipelago cruises as a novel way to explore the region. Travel and Leisure mentions Hurtigruten’s two-week cruises aboard the 180-passenger Spitsbergen, stopping in Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, and Guinea-Bissau. Activities include historical site visits like Gorée Island, wildlife watching, and volcano hikes. Hurtigruten’s focus on West Africa represents a significant step in exploring this region, driven by passenger demand, as noted by Travel and Leisure. These cruises offer a unique opportunity to discover West Africa’s diverse cultures and landscapes, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine.
Coastal Ecuador
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Coastal Ecuador, often overlooked in favor of Quito and the Galápagos, is now a destination to consider, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure highlights the Pacific coastline’s surf towns, beaches, and Machalilla National Park. Kontiki Expeditions’ eight-day yacht cruises explore this region, visiting five provinces and destinations like Isla de la Plata and Salinas. Kontiki Expeditions offers an intimate experience with a small ship and high crew-to-guest ratio. Improved flight access to Guayaquil, with direct flights from US airlines, makes coastal Ecuador more accessible. Coastal Ecuador, with its blend of adventure and natural beauty, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, is a compelling alternative to traditional Ecuadorian destinations in 2023.
The Explora I
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Explora Journeys’ Explora I, launching in July 2023, offers a new style of “ocean journeys,” as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure emphasizes Explora Journeys’ departure from traditional cruising, focusing on deeper connections and authentic experiences. The Explora I, with 461 suites, will sail Mediterranean itineraries, visiting both popular and lesser-known ports. Despite its focus on exploration, Explora I offers luxury amenities, including 18 restaurants and bars and a large spa. The ship boasts the most space per passenger of any vessel, offering spacious suites with private verandas. Explora I’s blend of luxury and immersive travel, as highlighted by Travel and Leisure magazine, provides a unique ocean journey experience in 2023.
Greenland
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Greenland is emerging as a destination replacing Antarctica for adventurous travelers, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure notes Greenland’s beautiful landscapes and vast horizons. New expedition cruises from National Geographic, Ponant, and Seabourn Venture are offering Greenland itineraries in 2023. Seabourn Venture’s itinerary, starting in Iceland and continuing through the Northwest Passage to Alaska, is particularly compelling. Conventional operators like Regent Seven Seas Cruises are also including Greenland in their itineraries. Greenland’s stunning Arctic scenery and increasing cruise options, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make it a prime destination for water-based adventures in 2023.
Hvar, Croatia
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Hvar, Croatia, known as the sunniest Dalmatian Coast island, promises a bright 2023, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure highlights Hvar’s cycling terrain, kayaking to secluded beaches, and stargazing in Jesla, the first International Dark Sky Community in Southern Europe. Moeesy hotel offers rooms with skylights for stargazing. Velo Grablje’s lavender festival in July and refreshed hotels like Riva Marina and the sustainable Beach Bay add to Hvar’s appeal. Hvar’s sunny climate, outdoor activities, and cultural events, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make it an ideal destination for a vibrant and relaxing getaway in 2023.
The Path of Totality
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The total solar eclipse on April 20, 2023, is a major travel event, and Travel and Leisure magazine highlights destinations along its path of totality. Travel and Leisure explains that the eclipse path crosses the Indian Ocean, Western Australia, Indonesia, East Timor, and the Pacific. Cruise ships like Ponant’s Le Lapérouse and charter yachts like Celestia offer eclipse-viewing itineraries. Western Australia, particularly the Exmouth Peninsula, offers the best viewing odds due to clear skies, according to NASA’s Dr. Michael Kirk, as mentioned in Travel and Leisure. Tropical Sails Corp’s Pacific Explorer cruise provides access from Perth. This eclipse offers a rare and awe-inspiring travel opportunity, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine.
For Fresh Air and Nature
Andorra
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Andorra, a tiny European country in the Pyrenees, is becoming a major ski destination, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure points to Andorra’s reliable December-to-April ski season and the addition of three Andorra ski areas to the Ikon Pass: Grandvalira, Ordino Arcalís, and Pal-Arinsal. The Andorra Pass offers access to these resorts at a bargain price. The Nord Pass provides affordable access to Ordino Arcalís and Pal-Arinsal. While slightly challenging to reach, Andorra’s affordable and expansive ski areas are poised to become more popular. Andorra’s emergence as a major ski destination, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, makes it an attractive option for winter sports enthusiasts in 2023.
Asheville, North Carolina
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Asheville, North Carolina, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a year-round destination for outdoor activities and sophisticated dining, Travel and Leisure magazine notes. Travel and Leisure highlights Asheville Regional Airport’s record growth and new places to stay like Wrong Way River Lodge, AutoCamp Asheville, and Restoration Hotel. The Glamping Collective offers nature-immersed accommodations. Asheville’s food scene is enhanced by S&W Market food hall. Classic spots like French Broad Chocolates and Battery Park Book Exchange remain must-visits. Asheville’s blend of outdoor adventure, culinary scene, and new accommodations, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, makes it an appealing destination in 2023.
Aysén, Chile
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Chile’s Aysén region, between Torres del Paine and the Lake District, offers unexplored Patagonian landscapes, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure points to Aysén’s hanging glaciers, fjords, lakes, and peaks, largely untouched by tourism due to its topography. Organizations like Chile’s Route of Parks are developing ecotourism routes with activities like kayaking and hiking. Explora lodge in Patagonia National Park and eight- to 12-day trips make the region more accessible. Loosened COVID restrictions and Delta-Latam partnership enhance travel to Aysén. Aysén’s untouched Patagonian wilderness and increased accessibility, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make it an adventurous destination in 2023.
The Hudson Valley, New York
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The Hudson Valley, New York, is transitioning from rustic to glam, offering a new chapter for travelers, Travel and Leisure magazine suggests. Travel and Leisure highlights The Ranch Hudson Valley, an offshoot of The Ranch Malibu, and Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection, as new wellness and luxury retreats. The region’s culinary scene continues to thrive with restaurants like Merchants Social, Stissing House, Darlings, and Catskills Chocolate Co. Cultural attractions like Foreland and the Storm King Art Center’s expansion add to the Hudson Valley’s appeal. The Hudson Valley’s blend of upscale retreats, culinary excellence, and cultural attractions, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, makes it a revitalized destination in 2023.
Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
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Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia offers a unique safari experience, often missed by travelers, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure recommends river safaris for a different perspective, highlighting the new luxurious Lolebezi lodge by African Bush Camps. Lower Zambezi, opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park UNESCO site, boasts rich wildlife. Air Botswana’s relaunched flights to Lusaka improve accessibility. Lower Zambezi’s unique river safaris and new luxury lodges, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make it a compelling and accessible African safari destination in 2023.
Prince Edward Island, Canada
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Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada’s smallest province, offers outdoor thrills and charm, Travel and Leisure magazine suggests. Travel and Leisure highlights PEI’s rugged cliffs, red-sand beaches, and golf courses. The Island Walk, a 435-mile coastal trail opened in 2021, is a major attraction. Towns along the trail offer accommodations like Slaymaker & Nichols inn and culinary experiences like Michael Smith’s Inn at Bay Fortune. PEI’s natural beauty, outdoor activities, and charming towns, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make it a compelling destination for nature lovers in 2023.
Tanzania
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Tanzania is entering a new era under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, focusing on development and sustainable travel, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure highlights President Hassan’s commitment to infrastructure, women’s businesses, and sustainable tourism. New Usangu Expedition Camp in Ruaha National Park and Selous Safari Company’s refreshed Fanjove Island reserve enhance Tanzania’s safari offerings. Tanzania’s commitment to progress and sustainable tourism, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, makes it a destination to watch and visit in 2023.
Uttar Pradesh, India
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Uttar Pradesh, India, is poised for a tourism return in 2023 after pandemic closures, Travel and Leisure magazine suggests. Travel and Leisure highlights classic attractions like the Taj Mahal and Varanasi’s Ganges River ghats. New draws include Vana wellness retreat in the Himalayan foothills, now managed by Six Senses. Uttar Pradesh’s blend of historical sites, cultural richness, and new wellness retreats, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, makes it a compelling Indian destination to rediscover in 2023.
For Beach Vibes
Bermuda
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Bermuda is becoming an even more accessible getaway for East Coasters in 2023, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure highlights American Airlines’ resumed flights from NYC and Bermuda airport’s new terminal. Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa’s renovation and Sunken Harbor Club opening add to Bermuda’s appeal. The St. Regis Bermuda and remote work program further enhance Bermuda’s attractiveness. Bermuda’s ease of access, resort upgrades, and pink-sand beaches, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make it an ideal beach destination in 2023.
Cayman Islands
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The Cayman Islands are increasingly accessible, with new direct flights from the West Coast, Travel and Leisure magazine reports. Travel and Leisure mentions Cayman Airways’ nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Grand Cayman. The renovated Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, and growing art scene, including Palm Heights hotel, add to the islands’ appeal. Hiking reserves like the Mastic Trail offer alternative activities to beaches. The Cayman Islands’ improved accessibility, luxury offerings, and diverse attractions, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make them a top beach destination in 2023.
Coastal Uruguay
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Coastal Uruguay is poised for a breakout year with a growing art scene enhancing its natural beauty, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure highlights the Atchugarry Museum of Contemporary Art in Punta del Este and James Turrell’s “Ta Khut” Skyspace at Posada Ayana in José Ignacio. Vik Retreats properties and Campo art incubator in Garzón further contribute to the art scene. Coastal Uruguay’s blend of art, beaches, and vast landscapes, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, makes it a culturally enriched beach destination in 2023.
Guadeloupe
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Guadeloupe is becoming more accessible to US travelers with relaunched nonstop flights, Travel and Leisure magazine reports. Travel and Leisure mentions JetBlue’s resumed NYC flights and Air France and American Airlines’ services. Guadeloupe offers lush mountains, beach towns, and resorts. Guadeloupe National Park, Carbet Falls, and La Grande Soufrière volcano are key attractions. Accommodations include Club Med La Caravelle, Le Jardin Malanga Hotel, and La Toubana Hotel & Spa. Guadeloupe’s improved accessibility and diverse Caribbean offerings, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make it a compelling beach and adventure destination in 2023.
The Jersey Shore, New Jersey
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The Jersey Shore is undergoing a transformation beyond its TV image, offering a chicer experience, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure highlights The James Bradley hotel in Bradley Beach and Asbury Park’s upscale developments like The Asbury Hotel and Asbury Ocean Club. Atlantic City casinos have undergone renovations. A Nobu Hotel is slated to open on the boardwalk. The Jersey Shore’s evolution into a more sophisticated beach destination, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, makes it worth revisiting in 2023.
Maui, Hawaii
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Maui, Hawaii, is balancing tourism with environmental and community well-being, Travel and Leisure magazine reports. Travel and Leisure highlights resort renovations like The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, and The Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. E-bikes are now permitted on Maui roads, enhancing exploration. Maui’s efforts to balance tourism with sustainability and resort upgrades, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make it a responsible and appealing beach destination in 2023.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
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Riviera Maya, Mexico, is welcoming new marquee hotels and improved infrastructure, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure mentions new hotels like Waldorf Astoria Cancun, Casa Chablé, The St. Regis Kanai Resort, and Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai. Maroma, a Belmond Hotel, is reopening after renovation. The Maya Train project and Tulum airport will improve accessibility. Riviera Maya’s new luxury hotels and improved infrastructure, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make it a premier beach destination in 2023.
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
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Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, is becoming even more appealing with new luxury resorts, Travel and Leisure magazine suggests. Travel and Leisure highlights Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection, and Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, as new luxury options. JetBlue’s new nonstop flights to Puerto Vallarta enhance accessibility. Riviera Nayarit’s new luxury resorts and improved access, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make it a top-tier beach destination in 2023.
U.S. Virgin Islands
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The U.S. Virgin Islands offer easy warm-weather getaways with no restrictions or passport needed, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure points to the islands’ new Territorial Park System Trust Fund Board and returning Caribbean flavors with events like King of the Wing and Taste of St. Croix. Carnival celebrations across St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix are also highlighted. The U.S. Virgin Islands’ ease of travel, cultural events, and natural preservation efforts, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make them an accessible and appealing beach destination in 2023.
For a Look at the Future
Bhutan
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Bhutan is reopening to tourists and its historic Trans-Bhutan Trail after decades of redevelopment, Travel and Leisure magazine reports. Travel and Leisure highlights Bhutan’s reopening after 30 months and the Trans-Bhutan Trail’s reopening after 60 years. The trail connects 400 historic sites and offers stunning scenery. Bhutan’s new tourism policy includes an increased Sustainable Development Fee to fund conservation and cultural programs. Six Senses Bumthang lodge is now accessible to foreigners. Bhutan’s reopening, Trans-Bhutan Trail, and focus on sustainable tourism, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make it a future-forward destination in 2023.
Boten–Vientiane Railway, Laos
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The Boten–Vientiane Railway in Laos offers a new cross-country travel experience, Travel and Leisure magazine suggests. Travel and Leisure highlights the railway’s dramatic reduction in travel times across Laos’ landscapes. The route connects Boten to Vientiane, passing through Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. Intermediate stations open up previously less-visited regions. The railway may become part of a future Singapore to Shanghai route. The Boten–Vientiane Railway’s transformative impact on travel in Laos, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, makes it a forward-looking destination in 2023.
Kyoto, Japan
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Kyoto, Japan, is experiencing a fresh perspective as Japan reopens to independent travelers, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure highlights the return of Gion Matsuri festival and Gozan Okuribi bonfire celebration in 2023. New hotels like Dhawa Yura Kyoto and Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto and restored machiya accommodations at Maana Kiyomizu enhance Kyoto’s offerings. Delta Air Lines’ new routes from Hawaii and resumed flights from Los Angeles improve accessibility. Kyoto’s blend of tradition and new developments, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, makes it a future-forward destination while honoring its past in 2023.
New Zealand
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New Zealand is dropping travel restrictions and becoming more accessible with new nonstop flights, Travel and Leisure magazine reports. Travel and Leisure mentions Air New Zealand’s nonstop flights between New York and Auckland. Auckland’s Hotel Britomart and Mawhiti Walheke guest pavilion, and Flock Hill villa in South Island, are highlighted as new accommodations. New Zealand’s improved accessibility and stunning landscapes with luxury accommodations, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make it a future-forward destination for adventure and relaxation in 2023.
Teahupo’o,Tahiti
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Teahupo’o, Tahiti, will be center stage for the 2024 Paris Olympics surfing competition, making 2023 the ideal time to visit before global attention increases, Travel and Leisure magazine suggests. Travel and Leisure highlights Teahupo’o’s famous waves and surf culture. Accommodations like Tahurai offer surf coaching. Tour companies like Teahupo’o Tahiti Surfari provide boat tours to see the waves and island scenery. Delta Air Lines’ new nonstop flights from Los Angeles and Air Tahiti Nui’s Seattle flights improve accessibility. Teahupo’o’s world-class surfing and improved access, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make it a future-forward destination for surf enthusiasts and adventurers in 2023.
Victoria, British Columbia
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Victoria, British Columbia, is prioritizing sustainability, aiming for carbon neutrality and reduced landfill waste, according to Travel and Leisure magazine. Travel and Leisure highlights Victoria’s carbon-neutral hotels like Inn at Laurel Point and Parkside Hotel & Spa, and carbon-neutral fast food at Big Wheel Burger. E-biking and orca-watching tours with Eagle Wing Tours offer eco-minded activities. Victoria’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly travel options, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make it a future-forward destination for responsible travelers in 2023.
Vienna
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Vienna, Austria, is blending its historic charm with new developments and sustainability initiatives in 2023, Travel and Leisure magazine suggests. Travel and Leisure highlights Vienna’s 150th World’s Fair anniversary celebrations, the Belvedere’s 300th anniversary and Klimt exhibit, and adaptive reuse projects like Rosewood Vienna and Reznicek restaurant. Vienna’s new bike paths, car sharing, electric buses, and Aspern neighborhood development showcase its future-forward approach. New hotels like Hotel Josefine and Hotel Gilbert add to Vienna’s offerings. New Nightjet train from Paris improves access. Vienna’s blend of history, culture, and sustainable urban development, as featured in Travel and Leisure magazine, make it a future-forward European capital to experience in 2023.
