10 Best 2023 Travel Destinations
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2023 has got to be the year for travel! It has definitely been a rough couple of years and we are all long overdue for some rest, relaxation, and adventure. More countries are starting to open their borders and restrictions are being lifted. Of course, based on your comfort level, it is time to get back out there and explore our beautiful world. Check out my locations below, I think I have something for everyone.
If you are just starting the process of planning your trip and you’re totally lost on where to start, check out my Guide To Planning the Perfect Trip! Or if that just sounds like way more than you want to deal with and would rather have someone else handle all the details, I would 100% recommend EF Ultimate Break and their group travel trips. If you click here and use code UAKarenR100, you can get an extra $100 off!
Los Angeles, CA
If traveling abroad isn’t within your comfort zone, or your budget, there are so many beautiful places within the United States that are great to travel to! One city that stands out and seems to have it all is Los Angeles, California. If daily brunches, shopping, museums, and nightlife is your thing, now is a great time since more in person events and activities are opening back up. Into getting out in nature and hiking? Both Los Angeles and the surrounding areas have some of the greatest trails and National Parks in the country. Also just want to relax on the beach all day and get some much needed vitamin D? California has miles of beaches, you can go to a different one every day of your trip. No matter what style of vacation you are interested in having, I’m positive you can find it in California.
Puerto Rico
Are you just itching to see the blue waters of the Caribbean but don’t have a passport? First, why don’t you have a passport?! Click here and let me show you how easy it is to get one. Second, I have the perfect location for you, Puerto Rico! Beaches, food, colorful streets, music, and dancing, what more can you ask for? Puerto Rico is a safe and easy place for any style traveler. Added bonus, tourism, and dollars spent within the communities directly help rebuild after natural disasters like the recent Hurricane Fiona.
Quick Tip - The US Virgin Islands is another area located within the Caribbean that US citizens do not need a passport to visit!
Caribbean
Speaking of the Caribbean, if you do have your passport, you can’t go wrong with any of these gorgeous islands. Visiting the Bahamas is high on my list for this year. I tend to lean towards history and adventure when I brainstorm my trips, but I could definitely use some rest and relaxation. I have a feeling you can too. Warm weather, blue water, and endless beaches sound like a great time to me! You can usually find great flight deals, especially from the eastern side of the United States along with crazy short flight times!
Quick Tip - Just want to click book now and have nothing to do with the planning? My go to site for that is www.cheapcaribbean.com.
Iceland
I know at this point everyone has talked about Iceland and no one needs any more convincing to check out everything this beautiful country has to offer. But it wouldn’t be a travel recommendation from me if I didn’t mention Iceland at least once. So, I’ll leave this here with a few points on why I think this year is a great year to visit.
Iceland used the last three years to rebuild its infrastructure to be able to accommodate the number of tourists that visit on a yearly basis and protect the raw beauty that so many travels here to see. They improved their roads, paths to many popular tourist sites, and viewing platforms to be able to keep the landscape safe.
Additionally, if you’re ready to get out into the world, but crowds don’t sound that appealing to you yet, the wide open spaces of Iceland are a perfect choice. Rent a camper van and explore beyond Reykjavik. If you have the time, travel the entire ring road! The farther you get outside the golden circle and southern coast, the more you feel like you have the country all to yourself.
Japan
After two years of having its borders closed, Japan is finally opening up to tourists! UPDATE, as of May 8th, 2023, Japan is also additionally dropping all of their Covid-19 requirements! Get ready to eat all of the sushi you could possibly dream about. After being closed off to tourists for so long, many areas that depend on tourism for a major chunk of their economy took the time to improve the experiences available for future visitors which can now be finally enjoyed by all.
For the first three months after opening in October 2022, Japan saw around 2.8 million visitors enter the country. This is amazing compared to the same time period in 2021, but way lower when compared to 2019’s 7.5 million. Due to these numbers, this year is a great time to visit and try to help with revitalizing their economy. Of course, make sure you are a respectful tourist. Use your manners when visiting, especially in a country like Japan that may have different societal norms than your home country.
Additional note for my covid weary travelers, if you’re really itching to get as far away from home as possible, Japan is a great location because many of the new covid precautions to us were already daily doings by locals here. Feel free to travel and feel safe at the same time in Japan.
Indonesia
Everyone thinks of Bali when they hear Indonesia, but there’s so much more to this country. But if you haven’t been to Bali yet, it’s a must visit! Indonesia is the largest archipelago, or group of islands, in the world to form a single state. It consists of five main islands and thirty smaller archipelagoes, totaling about 18,110 islands and islets of which about 6,000 are inhabited. To say the least, there’s a lot to see in Indonesia.
The first thing that comes to mind for most when they think of Indonesia is the endless seas of rice fields. And while that may be true, and they are so worth a visit, there is so much more to this gorgeous country. And if you’re looking for a good budget friendly location, here is definitely your place. Just getting all the way here may be the majority of your budget.. but there are ways around that.
Singapore
If you do decide to go to Indonesia and you have a couple more days to add to your trip, then I highly recommend Singapore. It’s a short, less than 3-hour, plane ride away. Also, why miss a chance to see one of the coolest airports in the world? The Changi Airport has the world's largest indoor waterfall, along with a butterfly garden, interactive and art exhibits, gardens, restaurants, and so much more. You could easily spend a whole day here. Just make sure to leave enough time to actually experience the country of Singapore. Its iconic architecture, food, nightlife, and of course shopping are among the top reasons why so many people travel to this small country. Even though it’s one of the more expensive countries in Southeast Asia, it can definitely be done on a budget. And if you have the money to spend, you can indulge in a couple of luxuries for cheaper than they would be in the US.
Additonally, just like Japan, Singapore has recently opened its borders to tourists. As of February 2023, all covid restrictions when entering the country have been dropped.
Egypt
Egypt should be on absolutely everyones bucket list! The history and culture are almost unmatched. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported into your history books in school. When I went to see the pyramids, I couldn’t believe I was looking at something so old and well preserved, along with just about every other site in the country. You will find something for every type of traveler here. Looking to relax, head to the coastal areas or along the Nile River in Luxor. Foodie, everywhere I ate was amazing. History geek, Do I even need to explain? Along with so many other great features. Also, you get to say you’ve been to Egypt!
Rome, Italy
I will never get over how beautiful Italy is, especially Rome. Every corner you turn is just as picturesque as the last, and I can’t believe how much history makes up the city. I’ll never get tired of wandering the winding streets and eating all of the pasta I can fit in my stomach. Rome is also a great main hub to stay in. So many beaches and popular destinations are just a day trip away. You can do something different every day and never get bored. And if you have the time, I would highly suggest adding nights in other parts of the country to see how wonderfully diverse every area is.
Morocco
Morocco has been at the top of many people’s lists recently, and I can completely see why! It has the most beautiful and colorful cities, the tastiest food, and the world’s largest desert, The Sahara! It has been quickly gaining traction as a popular travel destination. If you haven’t had the chance to step foot on the continent of Africa, Morocco is a great way to introduce yourself.
Don’t forget to check out my Guide To Planning the Perfect Trip! Or my discount code with EF Ultimate Break for their group travel trips. If you click here and use code UAKarenR100, you can get an extra $100 off when booking!
Hi, I’m Karen!Travel Blogger & Photographer + Founder of The Everyday Adventure
Here I share travel tips, packing guides, planning help, and photography from many different parts of the world. I help other working 9-5 adventurers get out into the world and see as much as they can with the little time they have available.
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