After some very difficult traveling years, we hope that 2023 is the time to take the calendar and start looking at dates to be able to fit in all the trips we have dreamed of for so long.
Acknowledging the inherent subjectivity and individual preferences that shape any compilation, we endeavored to curate a catalog featuring the following assortment we think are some of the 10 best trips for 2023, with all the practical information to organize them accordingly. more comfortable and secure way, without missing anything important from each country or region you visit.
Keep in mind that these destinations are chosen from various points of view but at no time have we assessed the global health situation that we are experiencing or the one that each of the countries currently have at a particular level, so choose them or not for a future trip , will depend entirely on the evolution of the pandemic in the coming months.
For now, we keep dreaming and crossing our fingers that this year brings us some of the best trips for 2023.
1.Colombia
Colombia, located in the extreme north of South America, has everything a traveler dreams of finding in a country. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of untouched nature, ancient archaeological marvels, captivating colonial towns and bustling cities, along with serene havens of pristine beaches that offer the ideal setting for relaxation after an unforgettable journey. Embark on a thrilling 3-week itinerary across the country, seamlessly blending bus transfers, plane rides, and car rentals, immersing yourself in enchanting locales like the Coffee Region where getting lost becomes a delightful adventure, you will get to know a large part of the essential places to see in Colombia among which are places as incredible as the Valle de Cocora, Cartagena de Indias, Guatapé, the Explore the wonders of Tatacoa Desert, San Agustín, and a plethora of other breathtaking destinations.
We know that one of the concerns of many tourists when traveling to Colombia is the issue of security. In our particular scenario, having explored the entire country for over a month, we can confidently affirm that we never encountered any setbacks or experienced a sense of insecurity throughout the journey, although of course, you always have to have common sense and in cities like Bogotá or Medellín, move around the most touristic areas.
The best time to travel to Colombia is between December and March and July to August.
2. New Zealand
New Zealand is one of those unique destinations in the world where you can enjoy nature in its wildest state and landscapes of extreme beauty, which we are sure will leave you speechless.
Prepared to the smallest detail to travel on wheels, we cannot forget that this is one of the best motorhome trips in the world , although New Zealand is also known for being a calm and very safe country.
To complete this list of essential places to see in New Zealand, we advise you to take a 3 to 4-week route through the two islands, starting with the North exploring one island and then venturing to the South Island via a ferry crossing.
The best months to travel to New Zealand are between December and February, when it is summer there, although if you want to find cheaper prices we recommend autumn or spring.
3. Greece
Another extraordinary destination for 2023 is Greece, renowned as the birthplace of Western civilization and an unparalleled travel experience. While countless possibilities await your exploration within the country, we suggest embarking on an adventure that encompasses two distinct yet equally awe-inspiring phases: Mainland Greece and the mesmerizing Greek Islands, each offering its own unique allure.
The journey across the peninsula usually commences in Athens, renowned for its magnificent treasure—the Parthenon—and proceeds to explore various historic sites of Ancient Greece, including Olympia, Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae, and the awe-inspiring Delphi.
Completing this travel plan is the awe-inspiring Meteora Monasteries, perched atop colossal rock formations that soar more than 600 meters into the sky, promising a breathtaking experience that will undoubtedly leave you utterly amazed.
After concluding your exploration of Peninsular Greece, embark on a ferry journey to embrace serene moments amidst the captivating Greek Islands. These islands, adorned with turquoise waters and picturesque villages boasting white houses, come together like a breathtaking kaleidoscope of vibrant hues.
In addition to getting to know all these essential places to see in Greece , this trip will allow you to enjoy its magnificent gastronomy, ranked among the best in the world.
The best months to travel to Greece are May, June, September and October, in which you will avoid the high temperatures and exaggerated prices of the high season.
4. Japan
Japan is one of those countries that surprise and fall in love in equal parts. An impeccable fusion of contemporary allure and timeless heritage, indisputably ranking among the most exceptional journeys in 2023, allowing you to embark on a comprehensive expedition through Japan, spanning from Kyoto to Tokyo, over a span of approximately 2-3 weeks, traversing the exquisite landscapes by train.
Embark on an extraordinary journey to explore the magnificent wonders of the nation, including the awe-inspiring Kyoto temples, the picturesque mountain retreats of Takayama and Shirakawa-go, the enchanting Miyajima Island, vibrant cities like Tokyo and Osaka, and the majestic Himeji Castle.
In addition to all these places, Japan has unbeatable gastronomy, which includes the best sushi and fresh fish in the world, ramen, sashimi, tempura or Kobe meat, Embark on an alternative voyage, this time dedicated to tantalizing your taste buds. and the senses.
We could say that any time is good to travel to Japan , since it is a country in which each season of the year marks a special moment for the country, although we believe that there are two special moments: spring with the spectacle of the cherry blossoms and autumn,
5. Mexico
One could argue that Mexico stands as a truly stunning nation among the world’s most exquisite countries, presenting an unparalleled travel experience for 2023. Furthermore, it boasts an exceptional culinary scene, renowned as one of the finest on Earth.
A route through the country could start in its capital, Mexico City, and then travel by bus to some of the most beautiful colonial cities in the country such as San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Zacatecas or Guadalajara.
This area, and the whole country in general, have a reputation for being dangerous, but after our experience traveling for a month and a half on our own, we have to say that at no time during the days we spent in Mexico did we have any sense of danger, it is more, we always moved with the camera and mobile phones in hand and we felt totally safe. In addition, from what we spoke with several locals and intuited, insecurity is more focused in the north and usually due to drug trafficking issues, so tourism, in general terms, is not affected.
After completing the visit to some of the colonial cities, a good option is to take a plane or bus to the Chiapas area to visit the beautiful San Cristóbal de las Casas and, of course, its surroundings.
And if you have more time in thisMexico for free you can go to Oaxaca or follow the route by rental car through the states of Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatán, which include some of the best places to visit in Mexico since in this most touristic area are the spectacular ancient cities Maya, fantastic cenotes and beaches with transparent waters where you can spend the last days of your trip in a relaxed way.
Any time is good to travel to Mexico, since being such a large country there are climatic variations depending on the area. In the southern part of the country, between the months of May to September, it is usually quite hot and humid, while in the interior, between the months of October-November to February-March, it is usually colder.
6. Iceland
Iceland is a paradise for lovers of landscapes and another of the best trips of 2023 . Exploring the entire island via car on Highway 1, making stops at the most captivating tourist spots, typically requires a span of 10 days to two weeks. However, if you’re pressed for time, fret not, with one week you can also plan a very complete tour , removing some of the more remote areas.
Something to keep in mind is that in Iceland there is not much hotel infrastructure, so it is very important to book in advance, consider a trip by motorhome or, if you go in the hottest season, a tent.
During the days of the trip you will have the opportunity to do incredible trekking routes, walk through glaciers, see black sand beaches, volcanoes, the impressiveJökulsárlón glacier lagoon , waterfalls such as Seldjalanfoss, Detifoss or Godafoss , see whales or puffins, surprise yourself in front of landscapes from another planet such as Landmannalaugar or bathe in hot springs, surrounded by the wildest nature. You dare?
The best time to travel to Iceland, if you want to tour the island in its entirety during the summer months, although any time is good to travel to Iceland, as long as the cold is not an impediment for you.
7. Peru
Peru is another of the most visited countries and we are sure that it can be considered one of the best trips for 2023 . If you have about 3 weeks, you can do a complete route that goes from Lima to Cuzco, as well as including an end of the trip in which you can relax for a few days in the Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado area , to enjoy the Amazon.
On this route through Peru, in addition to being overwhelmed by Machu Picchu, you cannot forget to visit places like the Paracas National Reserve, the Ballestas Islands, the Huacachina Oasis, fly over the Nazca lines, visit Arequipa, tour the Colca Valley, be on the roof of the world in Lake Titicaca or get lost in the Inca ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
The best time to travel to Peru is between the months of September to November, and from March to May, when the weather is pleasant and there is less tourism.
8. South Africa
South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world and another of the best trips for 2023 that you can do.
In this amazing country you can enjoy natural landscapes that seem from another planet, see big cats like lions and leopards up close, in its well-kept national parks, as well as feel the great multicultural atmosphere of its big cities.
To get a complete picture of the country and visit all the essential places to see in South Africa , we recommend taking a rental car route from Cape Town to Johannesburg, passing through Swaziland, although depending on the time you have, some long stretches such as Port Elizabeth to Durban, you can do it by plane.
Although all the tourist spots in the Kruger Park are incredible, we recommend you spend at least 5 days, practically essential time to enjoy the safaris with your private car, enjoying a unique experience in the world.
Any time is good to travel to South Africa, although according to our experience, a good time is our autumn, when there are good conditions to see wildlife in the national parks and the whales come close to the coast.
9. New York
New York, known as the city of skyscrapers or the city that never sleeps, should always be among the best trips of 2023 as well as being a good choice to spend a few fun days.
Even if you go to the city on the days you are going to enjoy it, we recommend you travel a minimum of one week, enough time to get to know its endless offer of leisure and culture. In addition to visiting its main tourist attractions such as Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge , the Statue of Liberty or Central Park, among others.
During our 11-day trip to New York we completed this list of places to visit in New York Essential. And we liked the experience so much that we returned a few years later to spend almost two months living in an apartment near Central Park. Where we had the opportunity to get to know the city much more closely.
A piece of advice that we believe is very interesting, especially if it is your first time in the city, is to stay near Times Square or in the downtown area of Manhattan Island, which is where most of the points of interest are concentrated and thus not waste a lot of time commuting on the subway.
Any time is perfect to visit New York, although in spring or autumn the parks are at their best and at Christmas, the city becomes magical.
10. Sri Lanka and Maldives
A trip to Sri Lanka and Maldives is the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation and another of the best trips for 2023 .
Sri Lanka, which is called the Tear of India , offers you incredible places and landscapes. As well as the possibility of making one of the most beautiful train journeys between Ella and Nuwara Eliya . If you add to that that you can visit historical places such as Sigiriya, Anuradhapura. The Dambulla Caves, Aukana or Polonnaruwa or go on a safari in search of leopards in Yala, stroll through endless tea fields in the Highlands or enjoy the wild beaches south, Sri Lanka is a destination in capital letters. And if you add to that the friendliness of the people and their smiles. We are sure that it is one of the best trips for 2023 .
After touring Sri Lanka for a couple of weeks, you can catch a plane in Colombo to reach the nearby and paradisiacal Maldives Islands. The perfect place to leave your backpack, put on your swimsuit. And flip-flops and only worry about enjoying the sun, the beach, good food, diving, snorkeling. And relaxation in the most incredible paradise you have ever dreamed of.
The best time to travel to Sri Lanka and Maldives is from October to March, when you will avoid the monsoon.