As the calendar turns and we step into 2023, the allure of travel beckons with unprecedented vigor. The constraints of recent years have loosened, and the world feels ripe for exploration. From long-awaited reopenings to the unveiling of hidden gems, 2023 promises a tapestry of travel experiences. Whether you seek the tranquility of sun-kissed beaches, the vibrant energy of bustling cities, or the enriching embrace of unfamiliar cultures, the choices are vast and varied.
While some destinations on this list may seem familiar, like the iconic cities of Rome, Tulum, or Sydney, rest assured that each has undergone a transformation, offering fresh perspectives and novel experiences. We’ve also included some unexpected treasures, such as Central Maine and Israel’s Western Galilee region, offering unique adventures.
Let’s embark on a journey to discover the most compelling destinations to visit this year, adding both beloved classics and hidden gems to your 2023 travel dreams.
Sydney, Australia: A Cultural Renaissance
Sydney, Australia, often celebrated for its laid-back outdoor lifestyle and beachside charm, possesses a captivating allure rooted in its natural wonders. Its glistening harbor, coastline adorned with world-class beaches, and the breathtaking World Heritage wilderness of the Blue Mountains have long captured the hearts of visitors. However, in 2023, Sydney is poised to redefine itself through a surge of new cultural offerings.
The iconic Sydney Opera House, a symbol of architectural brilliance and artistic expression, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023. This milestone is marked by the culmination of a decade-long, $300-million renovation project. The Concert Hall’s acoustics have been significantly improved, and many areas within the building have been made accessible to people with mobility impairments. The Opera House will celebrate its revitalized spaces with diverse theater, music, and opera programs.
Just beyond the iconic Harbour Bridge, Pier 2/3 emerged in 2022 as the home of the esteemed Australian Chamber Orchestra. This repurposed Edwardian-era finger pier extends gracefully into the harbor. It’s the newest addition to the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, a hub for nine of Australia’s premier performing arts companies, including the First Nations contemporary-dance powerhouse Bangarra Dance Theatre and the Sydney Theatre Company.
Sydney’s harbor revitalization continues south of Walsh Bay with the ongoing development of Barangaroo, which transformed a working wharf area into verdant parkland. It also boasts a brand-new harbor swimming spot offering stunning views of the Harbour Bridge. The area is also home to cultural spaces and the towering Crown casino, which stands as a striking addition to the Sydney skyline.
The Art Gallery of NSW unveiled its $344-million Sydney Modern wing in December 2022. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, this glass-fronted structure nestles into the Domain parklands across stepped terraces. Inside, visitors can explore landmark collections of First Nations art, an underground gallery housed in a former World War II oil tank, and a dedicated new-media gallery.
Getting to Sydney is becoming more accessible, with Qantas launching non-stop flights linking Sydney and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport starting June 14. Plans for future non-stop flights to London are also underway.
Having endured some of the world’s strictest lockdowns, Sydney has emerged with renewed vigor. The city pulsates with live music, vibrant conversations fill restaurants, and the beaches teem with life. New luxury accommodations, such as the Heritage-listed Capella Sydney and the architecturally adventurous W Sydney, further enhance the city’s appeal.
Central Maine: Discovering New England’s Hidden Charm
While Maine often evokes images of lighthouses, sailboats, and rocky coasts, Central Maine, located approximately one hour north of Portland, offers a unique and less congested version of the state’s motto: "The Way Life Should Be."
Known for inspiring American literature, Maine was once a dominant force in the paper mill industry. Today, only six paper mills remain, but the towns further from the coast are finding their footing.
Central Maine has become a model for transforming former mill towns into local communities. Towns such as Belgrade and Winslow offer outdoor adventures for campers, hikers, and skiers. The area also offers the same unrivaled seafood and blueberries as the southern coast but at a fraction of the price.
In Waterville, the once-storied Lockwood Mills are being transformed into residential and commercial spaces. Colby College has invested $100 million into the city’s downtown area, culminating in the opening of the Lockwood Hotel and the Paul J. Schupf Art Center.
Waterville’s neighboring city, Skowhegan, is also experiencing a surge of creative energy. Maine Grains, a gristmill producing organic and heritage grains, has expanded to accommodate new product lines and serve as an online fulfillment hub. The former jail building houses a local radio station, a yarn store, a dry goods shop, and Crooked Face Creamery, a local artisanal cheese shop. The Miller’s Table, the gristmill’s onsite restaurant, serves sandwiches and pizzas made with dough milled onsite.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Quarry Road Trails, offering over 8 miles of singletrack trails for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Outfitters like Magic Falls and North Country Rivers offer rafting trips on the nearby Kennebec River. Hiking opportunities, like the RiverWalk at Head of Falls or the Kennebec Messalonskee Trails, are also abundant.
Western Galilee, Israel: A Coastal and Culinary Paradise
While Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are essential stops on any Israel itinerary, allocate extra days to explore Western Galilee, also known as the North Coast of Israel. This region stretches along the Mediterranean Sea, offering rolling mountains, coastal views, archaeological sites, and farm-to-table dining experiences.
Begin your journey in Acre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site conquered by empires and civilizations over its 5,000-year history. Explore the Hospitaller Fortress and the Templars Tunnels, and browse the city’s souk and artisanal shops, including Art 192, a gallery showcasing Israeli craftswomen.
Natural beauty abounds here. Visit Rosh HaNikra, a geologic formation comprising grottoes and white chalk cliffs. Then, head to Keshet Cave, a natural arch situated on the Adamit Mountain Ridge, where you can hike to the top or rappel down to the cave floor.
The region’s food and drink scene rivals Tel Aviv’s. Visit Alto Dairy Farm for housemade sourdough bread, quiches, and fresh cheese produced from Galician goat’s milk. Sample wine at Kishor Winery, staffed by members of the neurodiverse Kishorit kibbutz, or craft beers at Malka Brewery.
Indulge your sweet tooth at Tosha Bakery in Achziv, offering over 30 pastries and sweets adapted from family recipes. Then, head to Odette Chocolate & Pralines Boutique for chocolate logs, chocolate-covered nuts, and pralines.
Participate in a cooking workshop or home hospitality experience with Galileat, which offers visitors the opportunity to learn about local culture through food. Hosts from diverse communities welcome you into their homes to share their faith and customs and cook traditional meals.
Visit Kibbutz Kfar Masaryk to experience life on a collective Israeli community. The kibbutz offers tours, workshops, an art gallery, a dining hall, and accommodations.
Japan: Re-emerging with Renewed Allure
Japan, one of the most anticipated tourist reopenings, is now fully accessible to travelers. Visitors can take advantage of a weaker yen.
Tokyo is a must-visit city in 2023, with Tokyo Disney’s Toy Story-themed hotel and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter. The Tokyu Kabukicho Tower in Shinjuku, the country’s largest hotel and entertainment complex, offers a diverse range of experiences.
Anime fans can visit Studio Ghibli’s new theme park in Nagoya, featuring themed lands based on fan-favorite films.
The EDITION brand has planted its roots in Ginza, opening an 86-room hotel with three restaurants, including a rooftop bar. Tokyu Hotels opened Hotel Higashiyama in Kyoto, offering a zen-like experience with rooms arranged around a Japanese garden.
Hoshino Resorts has opened RISONARE Osaka, a hub of creativity where children can draw on the walls and windows of their guest rooms with crayons. Club Med has opened its newest ski resort, Club Med Kiroro in Hokkaido, offering skiing and a natural open-air hot spring and spa.
Noma, the renowned Danish restaurant, is holding a 10-week pop-up in the Ace Hotel Kyoto. The Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, features 12 restaurants and bars, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences.
Antarctica: A Continent of Awe and Responsibility
Antarctica, the southernmost destination in the world, has become increasingly popular. With the rapid growth of the expedition cruising industry, getting to Antarctica has never been easier.
Between 2022 and 2023, nearly a dozen new polar-class ships have been launched by both existing and new cruise lines. Even land-based Antarctic expeditions are growing. White Desert just opened its third space-age glamping facility, Echo Camp, on the continent.
While Antarctica’s climate is complex, it’s important to acknowledge that cruising is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. However, visiting Antarctica can turn you into an ambassador for protecting the planet.
Book with a company that is a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. This organization ensures its members adhere to best practices for protecting wildlife and the environment and take all precautions for human safety. Travel with intention, be safe, and open yourself up to the wonders of the White Continent.
Rome, Italy: Timeless Beauty and Modern Marvels
Rome, the Eternal City, remains a captivating destination. A recent survey by the Leading Hotels of the World found that Italy is currently leading the pack for bookings this year.
The Mausoleum of Augustus reopened to the public in 2021 after an 8 million euros restoration. Also in 2021, the Colosseum opened the underground level known as the hypogeum. Last year saw the inauguration of the Museo dell’Arte Salvata, which displays looted or lost antiquities and other artworks that have been recovered.
The city’s hotel scene is heating up in a big way, bringing hip new affordable options and luxurious properties by international brands. High-end hotels by Six Senses, Edition, Nobu, and Bulgari are slated to open in 2023.
The Bulgari Hotel will have a restaurant by lauded chef Niko Romito. The W has two restaurants: Giano by Michelin-starred Sicilian chef Ciccio Sultano and Otto Rooftop, which serves pizzas by esteemed Roman pizzaiolo Pier Daniele Seu.
The city has seen a wave of next-gen pizzaiolos energizing the scene. Top spots include 180 Grammi, L’Elementare, and I Quintili. A visit to Rome in 2023 will be a feast for all the senses.
Minneapolis, Minnesota: Midwest Charm and Culinary Delights
Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a welcoming place to visit, no matter the weather. With the addition of a luxury hotel, a restaurant at the helm of pivoting American cuisine, and other must-see locales, it’s easy to understand why you’d want to visit the land of 10,000 lakes.
The Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis is the state’s first five-star hotel. Mara, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant by award-winning chef Gavin Kaysen, is located within the hotel.
Owamni, the highly-praised restaurant at the center of the Indigenous foods movement, offers a "decolonized" menu free of ingredients introduced to North America after Europeans arrived.
The Minnesota Zoo is home to lions and tigers and bears and the world’s longest elevated pedestrian loop. The Treetop Trail is a 32-foot-high, 1.25-mile walking path through the zoo’s lush landscapes.
Book Viking’s new Great Lakes Collection cruise for a more all-encompassing view of the Midwest.
Tulum, Mexico: Transformation on the Riviera Maya
Tulum, Mexico, is a resort town where every year brings something new. The Maya Train and a brand-new international airport are on the horizon.
The Maya Train will connect Tulum to Cancun and other major cities on the peninsula. The new airport will sit 20 minutes south of the city center near the ruins of Muyil.
Hilton has just opened two new hotels in the area. The centrally-located Motto delivers Tulum style with a rooftop infinity pool, and the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya is 20 minutes away from Tulum proper, sitting on the beaches of Akumal.
A new 1.4-mile-long anti-sargassum barrier will stop the seaweed before it washes up on the beach. Tulum is a place that is constantly transforming, and with many promises on the horizon to make it even more accessible, this is a place to watch.
Disneyland: A Century of Magic
Disneyland is celebrating a century of creating its unique brand of animated magic. The Disney100 Celebration will feature added entertainment, festivities, and an abundance of razzle dazzle throughout the park. Sleeping Beauty’s castle will be given a platinum-hued glow.
The Wondrous Journeys nighttime extravaganza will use the castle, Main Street U.S.A., Rivers of America, and the facade of "it’s a small world" as the canvas for a visual cavalcade. The World of Color – ONE water projection show will pay homage to Disney classics, both new and old, alongside moments from "Star Wars" and Marvel movies.
The Magic Happens parade will return in late February. Mickey’s Toontown, which has undergone a massive remodel, will reopen to guests on March 27. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Train will be housed in the memorabilia-filled El CapiTOON Theater.
Disney is transforming Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The French Market in New Orleans Square will be reimagined with a menu to reflect Tiana’s culinary talents for dishes such as gumbo and beignets. Disneyland is a worthy destination to celebrate Disney’s centenary.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, blends an opulent British-colonial past with ever-growing, space-age skylines. Expect more seamless connections from the U.S. after the Federal Aviation Administration upgraded Malaysia’s air safety rating in October 2022.
Malaysia’s De Rantau Pass, Southeast Asia’s first full-fledged digital nomad visa, has a rock-bottom income requirement of $2,000 a month and allows stays of up to two years.
The Klang river flows by architectural gems such as the Jamek Mosque and the old Kuala Lumpur Railway. The next giant to open mid-2023 is Merdeka 118, the world’s second-highest building.
The Petronas Towers are the trademark of KLCC, Kuala Lumpur’s glitziest and central neighborhood. Dewakan boasts authentic Malaysian dishes prepared with rare ingredients and stunning views of the Klang Valley.
Dewakan and DC by Darren Chin earned a star each in the first Michelin guide to Kuala Lumpur and northern sister Penang island. Kuala Lumpur’s labyrinthine food scene mixes Malay, Chinese, Indian, and international cuisines and boasts some of Asia’s best street food culture.
When the city becomes too much, one doesn’t have to travel far to wind down in nature. The longest trail at Kota Damansara Community Forest Reserve, Denai Tiga Puteri Peak, is a two-hour out-and-back scrawl across the rainforest. Bukit Saga in the northeastern area of Ampang has something for every level.
Where to Go in 2023: The world is ready for your travel plans. From the cultural renaissance in Sydney to the untouched beauty of Central Maine, the historical wonders of Rome to the futuristic allure of Kuala Lumpur, the choices are endless. Consider these destinations as you plan your travels for the year ahead, and prepare for an adventure that broadens your horizons and creates lasting memories. The ideal place to visit is Where to Go in 2023.
