As mindful travellers, we know how to travel responsibly but in 2023 we are wondering where to go next. Are you too? I have taken opinions from travel and hospitality experts to find out what's there to explore next and how. I have got places from across the globe but some countries of APAC region that were overshadowed will get their momentum in 2023, experts predict. Here we go designing how to explore these destinations with the best experiential tours on offer.
1. Mexico
After binge watching Somebody Feed Phil season 5, where he explores culinary at the vibrant food capital of Oaxaca, I decided Mexico it is in 2023. Be it, windswept tropical beaches, mountains, a lively food & drink scene and culture that's inviting to modern travellers, Mexico has it all for you. According to Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism, from 2020 to 2021 alone travel increased to an alarming rate of 28.1 to 31 million visitors and the number will only increase 2023 onwards. The trip can begin from Mexico city and further into some more regional towns like Oaxaca, and La Paz to Chiapas for the love of the mountains and maya archaeological sites and many cultural immersive tours. Head to Guanajuato, a colonial city in the mountains of central Mexico was once a silver mining town and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and follow the 6-day Mexico yoga retreat in the beautiful, mountainous state of Guanajuato and, deepen your yoga practice in this vibrant epicenter of Mexican culture & cuisine with Traverse Journeys
2. Botswana, Africa
They say best things happen to those who knows to wait, with Botswana ticked that wait will be over and only packed with good times. From elephant herds splashing in the cool waters of the Chobe River to an annual zebra migration meandering through the Linyanti and Savute regions. From untouched San Bushman rock paintings in the Tsodilo Hills to the stark and dramatic landscapes of the Kalahari Desert. From the magnificent range of wild endangered species including the sitatunga and red lechwe antelopes, found only in the Okavango Delta to Moremi Game Reserve’s renowned and brilliant birdlife — Botswana truly boasts some of Africa’s wild spaces, just waiting to be explored in 2023 for us.
3. Sicily, Italy
Sicily is a diverse mix of cuisines, culture, religion and architecture, scenes of crumbling splendour and timeless vibrancy mixed with the stunning Tyrrhenian sea views. Palermo, the regional capital is the best place to start from and then head to Mondello, a fishing village turned summer hotspot, also home to a stretch of white sandy beach and plenty of buzzing bars and restaurants to fuel a day’s sightseeing and sunbathing. Next could be the art and architecture-rich Noto, and most notably for wine lovers, Planeta estate’s Sciaranuova vineyard on the north side of Etna to indulge in some viticulture.
4. Lombok, Indonesia
Adventure lovers and outdoorsy kinds, Lombok Island is for you to explore. It is a volcanic island surrounded by coral reefs and dotted islets within the Indonesian archipelago. It’s often referred to as Bali’s sister island, but I like to call it Indonesia’s adventure island. There are hosts of incredible things to do on Lombok for adventure lovers — islands hopping, trekking, and surfing, snorkeling and diving. It is the island's southern coast best suited for surfing. From Desert Point in the west to Ekas there are a series of bays, reefs and rocky inlets, an ideal ground for scuba divers and surfers. Gunung Rinjani, Indonesia's second-highest volcano, dominates Lombok's topography, and is a magnet for trekkers. For party lovers, islands of Gili, like Gili Trawangan, is internationally renowned for beach parties. Take a break or plan a summer holiday at Lombok.
5. Benguerra Island, Mozambique
Mozambique is an adventure island haven. You can either club any African safari destination with Mozambique or can do it separately — either way, you’ll enjoy a truly empty tropical getaway where the shoreline stretches for miles without a person, or building, in sight. Situated off the coast of Mozambique within the protected marine reserve of the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, this island hideaway is set on a protected lagoon. Warm waters, pristine coral reefs teeming with marine life, idyllic beaches, inland freshwater lakes and towering sand dunes invites you, then Benguerra island is your kinda place.
6. Japan
Japan is everything out-of-the-box. Design the tours according to your interests. Starts with the vibrant Tokyo including the fish market at Tsukiji, the city’s temples and shrines, discover Tokyo neighborhoods, or opt for shopping excursions and food or sake tours. Viator designs some good day trips from Tokyo Mt Fuji, Hakone and Lake Ashi Cruise. After Tokyo exploration, ditch the bustle of the Japanese capital and experience some Zen serenity in this ancient city of Kyoto. Rent a bike and you’ll quickly be transported to the Kyoto you’ve imagined — the Kyoto of rivers and canals, wooded hills, serene temples, sand gardens, bamboo forests, and cherry trees. Or soak in the beautiful outdoor baths along the river and refresh your body and mind with this day trip to Takaragawa Onsen from Ikebukuro, Tokyo.
7. Estonia
East Europe is the other Europe that is getting the momentum of being unexplored. Tallinn's 2 month Christmas market is world famous. Estonia is all about history, heritage, culture and nature. It shares a similar geography and history with Latvia and Lithuania, but culturally it’s distinct. Explore the 1000-year-old capital of Estonia, Tallinn listed as the UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town, one of Europe’s most complete walled cities. If you're a nature lover head to the Soomaa National Park, a wetland area in the Pärnu and Viljandi County also home to elk, deer, wild boar, lynx, wolf and bear and many birds.
8. Norway
Discover Norway and witness its breathtaking natural beauty either by chasing the northern lights or soaking in the midnight sun. Start with Oslo, explore some of the city's landmarks such like the beautiful Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Royal Palace, Polar Park, Akershus Fortress, and Oslo City Hall and head up north to Bergen, Flam, to archipelago in Norway, known for its dramatic scenery which is Lofoton to further North Cape. Explore the Trondheim and its food scene, home to Michelin stars. Cruise along the Trondheim Fjord and past Hitra Island and if a wildlife lover head up north to Svalbard to meet with polar bears and giant size glaciers.
9. Philippines
Philippines is known to have around 7,641 tropical isles of coral reefs brimming with sea life, rolling rice paddies and huge cities. One of the best beach destination of the world. Explore the vibrant capital city and its buzzing night life of Manilla and then head off to its islands such like El Nido, Bohol, Coron, Cebu. The lesser-known province of Pangasinan is still undiscovered by many travellers. Most come here to visit Hundred Islands National Park—actually made up of 123 tiny limestone islets which can be explored on a boat.
10. Portugal
We all love Lisbon for its culture, fado music, delicious food and nightlife. But there are others too worth exploring. Travel a bit north to the historic towns of Sintra and Coimbra for art, architecture and rich culture. Don't forget to head to Alte, a dreamy mix of white-washed houses, cobbled streets, and scarlet bougainvillaea and in the summers refresh with a dip at the beaches along the Algarve coast. There are countless caves created by the constant encounter of the sea with the rocks and the Benegal beach is a must-visit for beach lovers. For wine lovers, a stay in Porto and signing up for a river cruise to understand the history of this Portugal's rich terroir is a must-do in 2023 if not done yet.
