Top Destinations of 2023: Find your next adventure!

Are you finally ready to take that trip you wanted to go on for so long, but the pandemic kept you from taking flight? We all have those hopes of traveling, whether within our neighborhoods, to a different state, or to a different country entirely. Many of us have considered our budgets first, but before you plan any further, be sure to know what the up and coming destinations are projected to be for the year. After all, you do want to know exactly where to go.

Here are the top 5 places to travel domestically within the states and 5 for international travel for 2023:

Domestic Travel: 

New Mexico

 Often referred to as the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico seemed to be the top-tier vacation spot within the United States for 2023. Based on my research and my drives through the mesas of New Mexico, I can see why it got its name. The stunning views and ever-reaching landscapes of the mesas are breathtaking. Additionally, beautiful when taking in sunrises and sunsets. If you are planning a specific time to go, September seems to be the prime month; this way, you skip the summer monsoon season and see nothing but crystal-clear blue skies beyond those horizons. Whether you are an avid hiker or a culinary critic, New Mexico has everything for any travel-goer. In Santa Fe, you can be luxurious by spending an evening at the Santa Fe Opera House or exploring its numerous museums. In Albuquerque, you can enjoy the majestic nature; options include hiking along the Rio Grande, traveling to the Valles Caldera National Preserve, or taking a stroll through the Bosques Trail. In Taos, you will take a deep dive into the historic churches, museums, and ghost towns of long ago and admire the unique architecture.

California

You have the classics for the Golden State, such as the vibrant and luxurious city of Los Angeles, or the wine country wonder of Napa Valley. However, we must not leave off some other gems. 

The California Central Coast boasts various restaurants and wine-tasting excursions to indulge in. In the San Luis Obispo area, for example, their only Michelin-decorated restaurant, Six Test Kitchen, is worth a visit after its remodel. Additionally, the Central Coast region is also home to some family-friendly western-inspired towns that the whole family, which includes the Pozo-Saloon. The saloon, located in the San Luis Obispo country, is set to reopen in August with numerous new activities, such as horseback and hiking trails, live music, and even a glamping site, among other new features. San Luis Obispo also has the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove for those enthused with nature. 

 San Francisco, which is a shining beacon of California, is not only home to the familiar sights of the majestic Golden Gate Bridge but also new wonders. In 2022, the Institute of Contemporary Art opened in San Francisco, a free museum worth exploring if you are an avid art fanatic. 

In Encinitas, which is about 25 miles from San Diego, boasts a surfer’s paradise. Moonlight and Grandview Beach are among the popular beaches to visit and take on some waves, but if surfing is not your style, there are always some small beautiful boutiques and cafes that are worth checking out. 

Tennessee

If you are a music fan, Tennessee might be your next stop in music culture. From the small historically ridden cities such as Bristol to the grander cities such as Nashville and Memphis, The Volunteer State has at least something everyone will love. It also doesn’t hurt that the local barbeque and Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich are Southern classic staples here.

If big cities are too intimidating, check out Chattanooga, Bristol, or Pigeon Forge. Chattanooga has a mix of everything: art, history, outdoor activities, and restaurants that will satisfy any foodie. During the day, head out on the bike trail to Lookout Mountain and take in some historical Civil War area sites, then at night, check out one of the many microbreweries in the city. Bristol bears the small-town title of the birthplace of country music with their music right in the heart of downtown. Or, if around the summer, check out a NASCAR race. If you are a thrill seeker in Pidgeon Forge, head out to Dollywood or any of the accompanying parks and attractions. You can also discover some quaint country stores which boast delicious homemade fudge. 

 Rich in its musical culture, Nashville is more than just the Land of Song. The CMA fest is hosted in Nashville every year, celebrating its 50th anniversary this June. Nashville has been a rising bachelor/bachelorette destination as the streets of Broadway boasts many honky-tonk bars and overall good vibes.

Memphis will always be a beloved destination for Elvis fans, especially with the Baz Luhrmann biopic released last year highlighting the singer’s chaotic life. This sleeper city has been slowly building up for many years and, at long last, is finally reaping the rewards for its efforts. One of the investments for refurbishing was in Tom Lee Park, which will reopen in May 2023, just in time for their annual Memphis in May celebration. Memphis, along with many other cities on this list, will experience a hospitality boom, as it plans to have numerous new hotels, with eight new properties introduced in 2022, this is only set to increase in the upcoming years.

Alaska

This state cannot only be seen as just a winter tundra. Alaska has the largest wilderness of any state and is also known as a popular cruise port for some of the largest cruise liners in the world. Alaska has a pure calling for outdoor enthusiasts who want to embrace nature in all its glory. The wildlife variety is massive, all creatures, big and small, live in harmony amongst the luscious landscape. Should you choose to be adventurous and explore, do so with caution and preparedness. Hiking and nature might be Alaska’s bread and butter, but some of the real gems of Alaska come from unexpected discoveries. From Russian cemeteries to dive bars, Alaska always has something new for everyone to enjoy. 

Idaho

 This state is a wildcard, but after reading up on some of the attractions in Idaho, I believe this might be a state worth visiting in 2023. There are year-round activities, white water rafting in the summer and skiing in the winter. Any nature or geological enthusiasts will enjoy beautiful landscapes and luscious scenery from the Shoshone Falls and Idaho Falls to the Lava Hot Springs and the Crater of the Moon National Monument. You could even swing by the beloved Yellowstone National Park. However, where Idaho truly shines is in its capital city of Boise. Boise surprises travelers and is refreshingly modern, urban, and trendy. The downtown scene in Boise is also something to boast about – complete with walking streets, bistros, and sophisticated wine bars for all visitors to enjoy. Idaho is called the Gem State, which is fitting, considering that it is a hidden gem among this year’s ideal travel spots. 

International Travel:

Italy

 Some popular Italian cities should be on any traveler’s bucket list. The historical and religious significance of Rome, Florence's lush beauty, and Sicily's eatery giant. However, in Italy, there is so much to explore. Although a popular destination among travelers, Venice also has a deep-rooted connection with architecture. This year, The Venice Architecture Biennale will run from May 20, 2023, to November 26, 2023, and will feature global exhibits curated by Lesley Lokko, the first Black architect to organize this event.Other cities to consider is Umbria, Basilicata and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Umbria, or “Italy’s Green Heart”, is best known for its medieval hilltop towns, still enriched and preserved with historical charm. The resonance of the Renaissance remains in Umbria, from the Gothic cathedral to Assisi’s fresco-clad basilica, which can still be visited today. Umbria also showcases a food haven with fine cured meats, truffles, and full-bodied local wines to cleanse any palate. 

Basilicata plays host to pristine beaches, lush history, and exquisite seafood. It also served as the backdrop for the high-adrenaline car chase in the most recent Bond film, No Time to Die (2022). Cortina d’Ampezzo is a year around sought destination. Need some off-travel adventures? Head out in the spring. Need some wild winter excitement? Enjoy a ride down some of the best slopes out there on tubes. Need that eye-popping color? Be sure to observe the fall scenery. And for summer, head out to the trails and feast on local cuisine. 

Spain

 Many already consider Madrid a swoon-worthy travel destination, along with the food scene and the architecture-rich district of Salamanca helping with that recognition. However, I want to highlight other cities worth checking out. The Canary Islands offers beaches as well as a growing culinary scene. This place has been hardly touched by US travelers, as this is a favored spot amongst European travelers. E

Each island offers its array of activities and tastes in arts and culture. Looking for some adventure? Deep dive in some snorkeling pools or hike some volcanoes on Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote islands. Embracing nature’s wild side and wanting to explore the lands around you? Head out to La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Looking for that pitch-perfect beach town? Then you have to head to the islands of El Palmar de Vejer: El Palmar de Vejer. Magala is the perfect spot for the artists, as new museums, including the Pompidou Center, have opened their doors to fellow travelers looking to expand their minds in the art landscape. Street art, too, is a thing of beauty to be observed.

Additionally, Zamara is being recognized as a European World Heritage Site in 2023. Mostly known for its Romanesque architecture, it also hosts a collection of lakes and is close to several popular cities and countries, including the capital city of Madrid and Portugal. 

Egypt

Egypt holds a fascination in many people’s hearts, from the archeological explorers to the historically inclined. The Grand Egyptian Museum (a project nearly 10 years in the making) is set to open this spring in Giza, adjacent to the Great Pyramids. After many years of planning and building – the museum will highlight countless treasures and objects excavated from Tutankhamun’s tomb, which was discovered more than 100 years ago. If you time out your trip before the opening of this grand exhibition, head over to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. For those fascinated with theology, head over to Islamic Cairo, where you can visit the Al-Azhar mosque, if not for a service, just to even gaze upon the Islamic architecture. They even have a park adjacent to the mosque that is worth exploring. If you are of the Christian belief, head over to Coptic Cairo, where you will find a concentration of Christian sites predating the arrival of Islam into Egypt. 

If cruising on the Nile is more of your style, the Viking River cruises are expanding, launching the Viking Aton and the Viking Osiris in late summer 2023. Also, be sure to check out Zamalek, which serves up a variety of restaurants, antique stores, and more. 

 Mexico

There are some hot tourist destinations such as Cancun and Cozumel, however, these are some hidden gems that deserve a spotlight and potential ticket to in 2023. In the city of Oaxaca, the world’s largest producer of mezcal, is worthy of a visit; maybe even heading to Santiago Matalan for a distillery tour or tasting. They also have some unique street food, including a tlayaudas, also known as “Oaxacan pizza” that is worth a taste. Riveria Nayarit is a vacationer’s paradise; from the quiet beachfront to the wide variety of cuisines. If you need a getaway reminiscent of a summer of beach-time fun, this might be the spot for you. The Yucatan Peninsula boasts a booming hotel industry, especially within the last few years. One of the most recent highlights is the expected completion of the new Maya Train project by the end of 2023. With this project completed, the route will make several cultural and historic sites, including Chichén Itzá, more accessible to travelers and openly accessible travel to other nearby destinations. 

New Zealand

As always, you can come here for the gorgeous scenery or if you are a Tolkien fan. There are a couple of other cities that I want to showcase in New Zealand as potential stops if you plan to travel here in 2023. Although a booming hospitality locale, Aukland will also be spotlighted this year in the sports world. In July 2023, they will host a sports day for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Auckland’s Eden Park. The city of Rotorua can satisfy adventurous spirits. From familiar thrill seeker's attractions such as white water rafting and bungee jumping to one-of-a-kind pedal-powered sport referred to as “Shweeb Racer”, there are many activities to enjoy. If you like a toned-down adventure, the city also is enriched with the Maori culture and natural landmarks such as geysers, mud pots, and more to fascinate your fancy.