A new year means a fresh start. In 2023, use this formula extensively in your vacation plans. Many nations have lifted the most of their pandemic travel restrictions after nearly three years of interruptions and difficulties. People are going worldwide in record numbers, and there is plenty of pent-up demand to go around.
According to OvationNetwork's ranking of the top visitor attractions, here are the 23 greatest locations to travel in 2023.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown, a resort town, featured 220 adventure tourist activities. Popular activities include skiing and snowboarding, jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, mountain biking, skateboarding, tramping, paragliding, sky diving, and fly fishing.
Queenstown is a prominent winter sports destination in New Zealand, with visitors coming from all over the country and across the world to ski at the four main mountain ski areas (Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Treble Cone). Cross-country skiing is also accessible at Waiorau Snowfarm, which is located close Cardrona village.
The TSS Earnslaw, a 100-year-old twin screw coal-fired steamship, crosses Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown is located at the center of a small wine-producing zone that is said to be the world's southernmost. Sam Neill, a well-known local actor, owns the Two Paddocks vineyard. Restaurants and bars may be found in nearby historic Arrowtown.
Other tourist activities include:
- Ben Lomond, a nearby mountain for a view of the area
- The gondola known as Skyline Queenstown ascends Bob's Peak on Ben Lomond
- Kiwi Birdlife Park and Paradise for the paradise duck (Tadorna variegata)
- Walk, mountain bike, or run The Queenstown Trail
- Skippers Road
- Scenic flights
- Cecil Peak Station, on the western shore of Lake Wakatipu, a 34,000-acre working sheep and beef farm.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh is a popular destination for handmade handcrafted goods like as tiles, ceramics, wood crafts, hand-beaten metals, leather, and glass. Furthermore, it "offers some of the most recognized hotels in the world where you can experience sublime luxury in antique grandiose palaces, minimalist luxury in private pavilions, or the taste of Morocco in a secluded riad," according to travel advisor Fiona Bayne.
Marrakesh is appealing to individuals who like combining history with distinctive gastronomy. If you want to find unique handcrafted products for your house, you should go to Marrakesh.
A day journey to the old coastal trading port of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient stone battlements around the harbour, is not to be missed. Explore Essaouira's marketplaces, which are famous for its Thuya wood crafts and skillful craftsmen.
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky Resort is a ski resort in the western United States, located in Madison County in southern Montana. Big Sky, Montana, is an hour south of Bozeman along US Highway 191. It is the second-largest ski resort in the United States by acreage.
Big Sky Resort, which opened in late 1973, contains more than 5,800 acres (9.1 square miles; 23.5 km2) of terrain and a vertical drop of 4,350 feet (1,330 m). Big Sky Resort purchased 200 acres (0.8 km2) on Spirit Mountain from Spanish Peaks, a private club, in July 2013. Big Sky Resort purchased the terrain and infrastructure of Moonlight Basin, a nearby resort that shared Lone Mountain's northern exposure, in October of the same year.
Skiing and snowboarding, seven terrain parks, a zip line, and snowshoeing are among the winter sports. Summer activities on the mountain include zip lines, archery, tennis, hiking, and mountain bike paths. Golf and horseback riding are provided at the Meadow Village, which is located between the ski area and US-191 at a height of 6,300 feet (1,920 m).
Alentejo, Portugal
Alentejo is a lesser-known agricultural region of Portugal located between Lisbon and the Algarve. It has vineyards, olive trees, and a vibrant local culture. "Some forward-thinking Portuguese families have transformed their farms into hotels, providing tourists with a genuine experience," explains travel consultant Sylvia Lebovitch. "The agricultural region of Alentejo delivers an immersive experience."
Couples, families, foodies, and anybody who has been to Napa or Tuscany and wants a comparable experience may all benefit from this one-of-a-kind destination.
Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. It is sometimes known as Spitsbergen or Spitzbergen. It is located north of continental Europe, almost halfway between the northern coast of Norway and the North Pole. The group's islands are located between 74° and 81° north latitude and 10° and 35° east longitude. Spitsbergen is the biggest island, followed by Nordaustlandet and Edgeya in size. Longyearbyen is the biggest settlement.
For a truly bucket list experience, Svalbard in the Norwegian Arctic remains one of the last untouched areas on Earth, owing to the difficulties of getting it. "Wildlife interactions with anything from walruses, Arctic foxes, and seals to reindeer and polar bears are a pleasure of visiting this Arctic beauty," says Lebovitch. Don't miss the Global Seed Vault, which stores seeds from all around the world to secure the world's food supply in the future. The seed vault is not available to the public, but the building is worth seeing.
Naoshima, Japan
Naoshima is a Japanese island in the Seto Inland Sea that is part of the Kagawa Prefecture. The island is most recognized for its numerous museums and modern art installations. Naoshima and 26 minor islands are administered by the municipality of Naoshima.
Naoshima promises a more peaceful, local, and community-oriented experience than cities such as Kyoto or Tokyo. "The island's innate peacefulness and surreal beauty provide the ideal setting to develop relaxation and an openness to creativity," says travel adviser Rachel Glick. "It also offers one of the world's most unique art experiences."
Lovers of Japanese architect Tadao Ando, couples, architects, students, families with teenagers, and artists should incorporate Naoshima into their Japan itinerary and add it to their bucket list.
In addition to Yayoi Kusama's iconic Yellow Pumpkin, visitors might prioritize Monet and Turrell in the Chichu Art Museum, The Oval at Benesse House, and Tadao Ando's new Valley Gallery Art Site. If you have an additional day, the surreal Teshima Art Museum is a must-see and a boat trip away.
Paros, Greece
Paros, a Greek Island famed among Greeks for decades, captivates visitors with its rolling hills sprinkled with private chapels, rich valleys, golden coastlines, and attractive whitewashed villages. "Paros is beginning to provide a blend of real Greek traditional feel and elegance," says Konstantinos Bastas, a travel expert.
Those seeking for a less congested option to major Greek islands like Mykonos and Santorini can try this destination. The fishing town of Naoussa, located on the island's northern coast, offers a welcome blend of traditional Greek and contemporary elements in the form of boutique luxury hotels and a vibrant culinary scene.
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
It has an area of around 8 square miles and is located at approximately 18 degrees, 48 minutes north and 64 degrees, 30 minutes west (21 km2). Spanish Town, located on the island's southwestern tip, is the primary business and residential center. The peculiar natural phenomenon known as "the Baths," located on the island's southern end, has made Virgin Gorda one of the BVI's most popular tourist sites.
With pristine, tranquil seas and first-rate snorkeling, Virgin Gorda is one of the Caribbean's best-kept secrets. "The ideal way to explore has always been by boat, but with the reopening of the newly refurbished Rosewood Little Dix Bay, staying on land is just as amazing," Lebovitch observes. Couples, families, snorkelers, and beachgoers flock to Virgin Gorda.
Perth, Western Australia
Perth has a laid-back feel and life focused on the water - both the Swan River and the blue seas of the Indian Ocean - and is often neglected for international tourism due to its remoteness. "You'll discover sailing, surfing, lovely Victorian architecture, fantastic food, and good wine," adds Mary Calloway Wood, a travel expert.
With renowned vineyards and a fantastic food scene - there are more al fresco restaurants in Australia than anyplace else - it's excellent for wine connoisseurs and foodies, as well as surfers and adventure seekers. A day excursion by ferry to Rottnest Island has more than 60 white sandy beaches and the quokkas, little marsupials with unique features.
Provence, France
Provence has a way of lowering your pulse rate. "Beautiful landscapes of pastoral valleys, great food, and ageless activities provide a unique reprieve from our now fast-paced world," travel adviser Christopher Bellot says. "Days spent visiting gorgeous farms, centuries-old vineyards, and lovely villages sometimes conclude in romantic dinners as the sun sets late." This place is ideal for families, foodies, and those looking for an inspired getaway.
The magnificent Le Mas des Poiriers, an 18th-century farmhouse perched on an island in the Rhône River near the historic city of Avignon, should not be missed.
Antalya, Türkiye
Antalya is known for some of the world's most ancient landmarks, as well as some of the best beach resorts. "It's a terrific alternative to the Greek Islands and less expensive as a gateway to Türkiye's Mediterranean area, known as the Turquoise Coast or Turkish Riviera," says travel expert Harlee Rosenberg. The historic structures and ruins, as well as Yivli Minare Mosque, The Harbour, Kaleici, Perge Hadrian's Gate, and a boat journey to explore Duden Waterfalls, should not be missed. Visitors seeking for a budget-friendly warm-weather escape. It's an excellent retreat spot for families, singles, and groups of friends.
Lecce, Italy
Often overshadowed by Italy's tourist sites, the southern city of Lecce in the Puglia area is for those who have seen the classics. "Travelers looking for a real Italian living experience will enjoy the evening passeggiata, when locals take a walk around town before supper as the sun sets over the cobblestone pathways," says travel adviser John Yuceler.
After you've had your fill of pasta and pizza, try La Cucina Povera, the authentic Lecce Puglia food. Take a cooking lesson to learn more about the local cuisine and experience a genuine dinner if you want to go a step further.
Menorca, Spain
Menorca is commonly referred to as Majorca's younger sibling. Menorca has less visitors and is considerably peaceful, yet it has 216 kilometers of coastline and over 75 unspoilt beaches. "Visitors will discover the island is replete with secret bathing coves, known as calas, many of which can only be reached by boat," travel specialist Barbara Hammer says.
The island's laid-back atmosphere and empty beaches make it perfect for families. Water skiing, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, and even discovering the island's shipwrecks are all options. Don't miss Port Mahon, the world's second-largest natural port. Consider a wine tasting trip at the Binifadet Winery, which offers exceptional culinary and local wines.
Lausanne, Switzerland
Lausanne is a historic city on Lake Geneva's shoreline that was formerly colonized by the Romans. "It boasts a quaint and ancient old town, as well as magnificent vistas of the Alps and infinite natural beauty," travel consultant James Katz adds. Anyone interested in history, as well as outdoor lovers who like trekking. Climb the Sauvabelin tower for spectacular views of the city, lake, and Alps.
0 Comments