travel and leisure 2023 destination of the year

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

Travel + Leisure's 2023 Destination of the Year: The United Kingdom

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Oh, how we’ve missed our neighbor across the pond. The Crown and Ted Lasso sustained us — and The Great British Bake Off kept us well-fed — but at long last, it’s time to go back.

Our editors and contributors have crossed England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland in search of what is truly great in the U.K. right now: the innovative chefs, groundbreaking galleries, majestic landscapes, stylish hotels, and cozy pubs that make the nation more inviting than ever. In the following stories, you’ll find experiences that have stood the test of time, as well as fresh reasons to visit in 2023. Cheers to that!

Related Articles

*Prices below are per person based on double occupancy and include airline taxes, surcharges and fees of $0, which are subject to change until final payment is made. All tour prices (excluding airline taxes, surcharges, and fees) are guaranteed.

Departure Selected

Special event, please note, guest 1 details, guest 2 details, trip details, additional options, guest information.

Travel + Leisure's 2023 Destination of the Year: The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has recently been named Travel + Leisure's 2023 Destination of the Year. Join us on our Journey through Britain or Scotland: Highlands and Islands small group tours to experience this land of stunning natural beauty, cosmopolitan cities, world renowned history and culture, and timeless hospitality for yourself.

Destinations

Quick links, connect with us.

Share your great adventures with us on social media. Tag your pictures with #myodyssey and they may be featured on our website!

By using this website you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy .

The 23 Best Places to Go in 2023

By CNT Editors

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2023—find more travel inspiration here .

In any given year, the exercise of assembling a definitive list of the best places to travel is both exciting and daunting. After all, we’re never short on inspiring places and experiences we hope to cross off. And so, every fall, when we convene to start the process of creating this list, we do so with great care, enlisting our extensively traveled network of writers from around the world—and for the first time this year, editors from other  Condé Nast Traveler markets—to pitch, endorse, defend, and eventually align on the places we believe that you, as our readers, will most want to travel to over the next 12 months.

Our 23 best places to travel in 2023 is a mix of old favorites worth visiting anew, and lesser-trammeled, even once-forbidden, regions ready to welcome travelers—yet they are all unified by highly anticipated new offerings and evolutions. There’s something here for every kind of traveler, whether you seek extraordinary excursions through ancient rainforests, a blossoming terroir-driven culinary scene, or dazzling cultural calendars packed with world-class music and rare art exhibits. We also believe that there’s more that binds than separates these places: an opportunity for richer engagement with local communities, slower travel, and more meaningful—and joyful—human connection. What could better speak to what we hope for in the year ahead?

Here are the 23 destinations—vetted by  Condé Nast Traveler editors from the U.S. U.K. , Spain , and India —to plan your 2023 travels around. Let them guide your next adventure. —Arati Menon and Megan Spurrell

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Places to Go in 2023

Auckland, new zealand.

Go for: Cultural and sporting events, new hotels, improved flight connectivity

Auckland will be one of nine cities to host the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023. 

In June 2023, Qantas will begin running non-stop flights from New York City to Auckland. 

Widely praised for its containment of COVID-19, New Zealand held out until September of this year to finally eliminate travel restrictions introduced during the pandemic. Needless to say, the island nation is mightily gearing up for the throngs of foreign visitors anticipated in the coming year, especially in the city of Auckland .

Air connectivity with the U.S. has never been stronger. Nonstop flights are currently running from six American cities; the world’s fourth-longest leg, Air New Zealand’s nearly-17-hour flagship from New York City, debuted in September. Australian carrier Qantas has also announced its own direct flight to New York City, coming in June 2023.

Meanwhile, Auckland’s jam-packed events calendar seems to be making up for lost time. After a three-year hiatus, the popular Lantern Festival will be held in February 2023 to celebrate Chinese New Year. Pasifika , the largest Pacific Island cultural festival in the world, is returning in March 2023 after a two-year pause. And, in July, the quadrennial FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will swing down under to nine host cities across New Zealand and Australia, with Auckland’s games held in Eden Park.

Aside from Auckland’s newest attractions that outsiders have yet to experience—like the $350M eco-sensitive Te Wānanga waterfront development on Quay Street—three years’ worth of flashy hotel openings also await. There’s the Park Hyatt , QT Auckland , the charming Hotel Fitzroy , and Hotel Britomart , New Zealand’s only 5-Green-Star certified hotel. Stays in the city pair perfectly with newcomers in Auckland’s rural periphery, like the Scandi-inspired Parohe Island Retreat and golf-centric Te Arai . Should you journey further into Aotearoa, new multi-day tours by luxury rail operator Great Journeys depart from Auckland Rail Station. From the looks of it, 2023 will—finally—give Auckland its time to shine. —Paul Jebara

British Columbia, Canada

Go for: New Indigenous-led experiences and wilderness lodges

The newly opened Klahoose Wilderness Resort invites guests to learn about Klahoose First Nation Culture—and experience fantastic wildlife viewing—in British Columbia's remote Desolation Sound. 

The province of British Columbia is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, from the Rockies to the storm-battered islands of Haida Gwaii , and new Indigenous-led experiences are connecting travelers to the cultures most closely tied to the land. At Haida-owned and -operated Haida House —which launched its new longhouse-style oceanfront cabins in May 2022—guests will explore Haida Gwaii while learning about the Haida worldview of Yah’guudang, meaning “respect for all living things and the interdependence that binds us.” Haida House guests will visit the islands’ ancestral village sites—including The Village of Queen Charlotte, which was recently restored to its Indigenous name of Daajing Giids, in an unprecedented move.

Further east, in the interior Chilcotin region of B.C., Indigenous-owned and -operated Nemiah Valley Lodge will open for its first full season next June. The lodge marks the first tourism venture on Tsilhqot’in title lands after a landmark ruling awarded the First Nation rights to their traditional territory. In 2023, they’re adding a sweat lodge experience and kayaking on Chilko Lake—Canada’s highest-elevation freshwater lake—led by Tsilhqot’in cultural ambassadors from the local Xeni Gwet’in community.

Back on the coast, Klahoose Wilderness Resort is also new on the scene, with a focus on Klahoose First Nation culture and wildlife viewing in remote Desolation Sound. There’s also Tofino Wilderness Resort  in Quait Bay on Vancouver Island , which will open under Ahousaht First Nation ownership in 2023. But Indigenous culture will also make its mark in the bustling heart of British Columbia: Salmon n’ Bannock , Vancouver’s only Indigenous restaurant, is opening Salmon n’ Bannock on the Fly at the Vancouver airport, the first Indigenous restaurant in a Canadian airport—and a welcome way to bookend a trip to the region. —Chloe Berge

Central California Coast, U.S.A.

Go for: New wine country stays, standout tasting rooms and restaurants

New accommodations like The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection, are making the central California coast one of the state's hippest food-and-wine-focused getaways—and there's even more to come in 2023. 

A patchwork of laid-back beach towns , trail-laced redwood forests, and vineyards producing standout Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, the Central Coast has been on our radar for a while now. Yet, all at once, it seems the region’s lesser-known destinations are taking on cooler second lives. In the Santa Ynez Valley , cowboy towns like Los Alamos and Los Olivos float on the same intriguing whispers that Joshua Tree did a decade ago (known, but not too known). The valley has emerged as the hippest new getaway for Angelinos, with its mix of funky tasting rooms like disco ball-decorated Future Perfect Wines , casually chic restaurants such as seafood tavern Bar Le Côte , and new accommodations, most notably the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern . Auberge Resorts Collection recently resurrected the latter, a beloved 19 th century landmark with a cabana-lined pool, a spa curated by New York City’s cult outfit The Well , and four restaurants, including a smokehouse that juxtaposes open-fire cooking and Shanghainese flavors. One hour north, Paso Robles , has finally shed its serious oenophiles-only image. Tin City , an approachable collection of wineries and breweries set within an industrial market, feels reminiscent of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone , and boasts San Luis Obispo County’s only Michelin-decorated restaurant, Six Test Kitchen . Next year, the revival whizzes at Nomada Group will reopen two historic hotels—Farmhouse Motel, a 1940s spot downtown, and River Lodge, set at the entrance of Route 46 minutes from top wineries. They’ve even made the unassuming frontier town of Pozo, 30 minutes from downtown, Insta-cool by recently reviving the Saloon , where Willie Nelson once played, and adding airstreams and glamping tents as crash pads. —Jen Murphy

Go for: One-of-a-kind archaeological museums, waterfront resorts, cruises

The much-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, pegged to be the world's largest archaeological museum, is set to finally open in 2023 with all objects excavated from Tutankhamun’s tomb.

A far more hopeful period is afoot in Egypt after a decade of upheaval catalyzed by the Arab Spring. This year marked the centennial of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb—and in November 2022, Egypt hosted the United Nations Climate Summit, COP 27.

Long-laid plans will finally come to fruition in the year ahead, with many high-profile projects, including the much-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, set to open at last. Pegged to be the world’s largest archaeological museum, the space—slated for a 2023 opening—will contain priceless items, including all objects excavated from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Further touristic draws, Egyptology-wise, stem from the exciting return of certain artifacts from the Metropolitan Museum of Art , as well as the relocation of the nation’s vast collection of royal mummies to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo .

Grander transformations are afoot, with new infrastructure—and a new capital—rapidly taking shape. A development not without its controversies, Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, to the east of Cairo, will replace the current one as the country's governmental center, boasting Africa’s tallest tower and the 22-mile-long Green River Park, designed to look like the Nile River . On that note: Viking River Cruises have expanded their fleet yet again, with the Viking Aton due to launch in August 2023, sailing their popular  Pharaohs & Pyramids  itinerary. Meanwhile, the opening of eco-resort The Chedi El Gouna on the Red Sea is penciled in for December 2022—yet another reason for a multi-stop journey through Egypt. —Gilly Hopper

Galilee, Israel

Go for: Charming boutique hotels, vineyards, improved connectivity

Pereh Mountain Resort is one of several new boutique hotels to have recently opened in this part of Israel, drawing international tourists to the rural food and wine destination. 

Perched atop a hill and surrounded by olive groves and orchards, the Pereh Mountain Resort underscores why Galilee has earned its nickname as the Tuscany of Israel. 

For decades, food and wine aficionados from Tel Aviv have been making the windy drive north to Israel’s Galilee region, where the landscape unfolds into lush green hills and valleys. For locals, this fertile corner filled with fruit farms, organic dairies, and family-run wineries, has long been revered as Israel’s own Tuscany.

And now, international tourists are discovering the region’s bounty as well: A flurry of new boutique hotels have opened over the past year, including the Pereh Mountain Resort , perched atop a hill and surrounded by olive groves and orchards; and the Galei Kinneret , reborn with a kitchen led by celebrity chef Assaf Granit. At The Farmhouse , which also opened in 2021, guests sleep among vineyards, and after Watsu pool therapy and jeep tours, are invited to pair local wines with artisanal cheeses and local produce. Tiberias, the Galilee’s largest city, is also set for a facelift with a new promenade along the same shores where Jesus is said to have walked on water—and new direct flights to Israel from Atlanta (Delta; starting in May) and Miami (American; beginning in October) will make access in 2023 easier than ever. —Debra Kamin

Go for: City hotspots, island getaways, and dazzling safari lodges

Take advantage of new openings in Nairobi and the Lamu archipelago, then check in to Angama Amboseli, a new lodge in Amboseli National Park opening in November 2023. 

​​ Kenya has long been a big draw for safari travelers, but there’s much more to see beyond the Masai Mara—and there are compelling new reasons to crisscross the country. While Nairobi was often relegated to one-night layovers en route to the bush, innovative new hotel concepts like The Social House Nairobi , which opened just before the pandemic, are beckoning visitors to linger awhile. The 83 sleek rooms are brimming with local products, like Kenyan coffee and toiletries, and the four restaurants and café are hot spots for Nairobi’s creative set to converge. Nairobi’s restaurant scene is also thriving, with creative kitchens like the farm-to-table Cultiva , the brainchild of Ecuadorian chef Ariel Moscardi, who fell in love with Nairobi during a short visit; he’s now at work on an experimental chef’s-table offshoot called Aya set to open next year. Plus, on the heels of opening her home to guests as the art-filled Eden Nairobi in 2021, designer Anna Trzebinski has now set her sights on the coast. She’s taken over three apartments in the beguiling island archipelago of Lamu , filled them with furniture and decor she designed, and will unveil them as Jannah Shela in 2023. With gorgeous indoor-outdoor spaces and a rooftop bar with the best views in Lamu, this is a chic hideaway for a new wave of travelers—both Kenyan and international. For those who can’t get enough of Angama Mara ’s dazzling details, the November 2023 opening of Angama Amboseli brings its contemporary African design to Amboseli National Park further south, where 10 tented suites come with sweeping views of Mount Kilimanjaro . — Sarah Khan

Loire Valley, France

Go for: New hotels and restaurants in historic châteaux, luxury train journeys

Gatronomic getaways like Fleur de Loire, opened last July, are proving that the Loire Valley has more to offer than historical châteaux (though there are plenty of those). 

Fleur de Loire from Michelin-star chef Christophe Hay has two restaurants, a pastry shop, and a 2.5-acre garden from which his ingredients are sourced. 

The Loire Valley has always banked on its abundance of royal châteaux and lush landscapes to draw in travelers. But it wasn’t until very recently, thanks to the initiative of hoteliers, creatives, and chefs, that the region sought to go beyond its picturesque historical marvels to establish new reasons to visit.

That effort began in 2020, with the gastronomic and nature-inspired getaways offered at Loire Valley Lodges and Les Sources de Cheverny , and has shown no signs of stopping. Raising the bar in a big way has been Fleur de Loire , double Michelin-star chef Christophe Hay’s fine-dining-led hotel in Blois, overlooking the Loire River, which opened last July. Hay restored a former 17th-century hospice to set up two restaurants, a pastry shop, a Sisley spa, 44 elegantly appointed rooms, and a 2.5-acre garden which supplies all of the produce for his cooking.

Yet there is also novelty for those who can’t shake the urge to sleep within the majestic confines of a castle. The Château Louise de La Vallière is a new 5-star Relais & Châteaux offering in forestland tucked between Tours and Amboise, open as of October 2022. Occupying a 16th-century château set within a 47-acre park that served as the first holiday residence of Louise de la Vallière, the first official mistress of Louis XIV, the 20-room property has been restored and redesigned by Jacques Garcia to its centuries-old glory: it approximates the style and customs of the era, down to the period dress sported by staff, in addition to original paintings, tapestries, decorative pieces, and even mealtime rituals.

It makes for a suitable home base to visit the Royal Château of Amboise in 2023 when the Saint-Hubert chapel, the resting place of Leonardo De Vinci, reopens after nearly two years of renovations. The Château will also host a new, year-long exhibition dedicated to Louis XI on the 600th anniversary of his birth.

But the newest way to make a stopover arrives next summer with the inaugural Le Grand Tour experience from Puy du Fou. The six-day luxury train journey spans a more than 2,000-mile tour of France in a Belle Epoque carriage, bringing guests to Chenonceau for a night, with private visits to the namesake château. —Lindsey Tramuta

Marrakech, Morocco

Go for: New riads in the city, desert stays, art and design exhibits

In addition to buzzy new hotel openings in central Marrakech, the Burning Man–inspired Habitas Agafay has just begun welcoming visitors to the Agafay Desert, a mere 45-minute drive from the city's medina. 

Marrakech has a dizzying energy that pulls you in, spins you around, and leaves you wanting more. All good reasons to make sure you have a soothing home for the night—and you will, thanks to a handful of exciting openings. Dreamy riad El Fenn has just added ten new rooms in the hotel’s signature style, mixing intricate artisanal details, bold colors, and striking contemporary art. On the other side of the medina, two new spots are coming this spring. Firstly, Rosemary , a bijou new riad with a calming courtyard and sunny rooftop, from Laurence Leenaert, the designer behind the LRNCE brand of ceramics and textiles. In the leafy Hivernage neighborhood, home to some of the city’s best nightlife, a new Nobu hotel will breathe new life into the former Pearl Hotel. Out in the Agafay Desert, a 45-minute drive from the medina, Habitas has just opened the Burning Man–inspired Caravan Agafay . Don’t go expecting rolling Sahara-style dunes—the stone desert here looks more lunar than sandy—but do expect boho tents, swimming pools, moon gazing, and plenty more. 

Marrakech itself continues to be a magnet for artists and designers: The new Monde des Arts de la Parure showcases 3,000 pieces of jewelry, ornaments, and textiles from more than 50 countries in a three-story wood-and-brick space lit by a dramatic octagonal skylight. At the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL), Malagasy artist Joël Andrianomearisoa’s “Our Land Just Like A Dream” explores traditional Moroccan creative knowledge, filling the museum’s spaces with works made exclusively in Marrakech through July 2023. —Nicola Chilton

Melides, Portugal

Go for: Lesser-known beaches, design-forward stays

The Manuel Aires Mateus-designed Pa.te.os has just opened in Melides, with four discreet houses that blend into 80 acres of Mediterranean landscape. 

Comporta’s lesser-known sister has been quietly simmering for some time now, but 2023 is set to become the year Melides emerges as the Portuguese beach spot to know. Its alluring landscape of white-sand beaches, pine forests, and rice fields will soon welcome exciting new properties, including Christian Louboutin’s much-awaited Vermelho this coming spring. The designer discovered the charm of Melides early—he’s been visiting for 10 years to design his winter collections, even naming one of his shoe lines Melides—and the boutique property will celebrate Portuguese artisanship and design traditions.

And there are others: Spatia —the Comporta resort frequented by travelers looking for minimalist design and quiet respite—will open a second hotel in Melides in 2023, while Umay’s otherworldly villas, inspired by the geometry of seashells, will follow in 2024. Also new to the area is the recently opened Pa. te .os , consisting of four discreet houses on 80 hectares of land, designed by famed Portuguese architect Manuel Aires Mateus to blend into the Mediterranean landscape.

Hotels aside, other 2022 openings like the Melides Pottery Museum, which celebrates Portugal’s rich ceramic history, and beach-front restaurants like À Toa on Praia de Melides , add to the excitement around this buzzy destination. —Abigail Malbon

Memphis, Tennessee

Go for: New public spaces, restaurants and hotels that highlight the city's heritage

The Memphian Hotel is an eye-catching marker of the city's hotel boom—it's just one of eight new properties opened in 2022. 

The Memphian Hotel shines a light on the city's heritage through design and cuisine, much like the city's coolest new restaurants.

Nashville claims a lot of national buzz, but the city of Memphis has been quietly reshaping itself to be the hottest destination in Tennessee. Over the past decade, its downtown has invested billions in revitalization projects—and now, visitors can begin reaping the benefits.

An upgraded Tom Lee Park will open downtown in 2023, and in time for Memphis in May , a month-long festival celebrating the city’s culture with the famed Beale Street Music Festival and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. The $60 million transformation will add new pavilions, meditative paths, riverfront seating, sound gardens, and the Canopy Walk connecting the park to downtown—all a fitting tribute to the park’s heroic namesake, a Black Memphian who, nearly a century ago, rescued passengers from a sinking steamboat on the Mississippi River. Next up: The Walk on Union , said to be the largest new mixed-use development in the Southeast, will play host to retail businesses, green spaces, and two new Hilton hotels as it opens in phases over the next few years.

Memphis is experiencing a hotel boom, with eight new properties in 2022 and more on the way. Recently opened are the funky  The Memphian and Hyatt's first  Caption concept, both of which shine a light on the city’s heritage through design and cuisine, much like the latest crop of Memphis restaurants. Barbecue still reigns, but the city’s trendiest spots are lightening things up: Raw Girls now has two brick-and-mortar smoothie and juice bars, Food Network star chef Tamra Patterson will open a new vegetarian spot in 2023, and craft cocktail bar Cameo , opened this year, serves up sophisticated mocktails. —Kelsey Ogletree

Mendoza, Argentina

Go for: Women-led food experiences, new lodges on iconic vineyards

At the foot of the majestic Andes, a crop of stylish new restaurants and hotels—many spearheaded by women—are giving travelers a new reason to raise a glass in Argentina's wine capital. 

Toasting with Malbec in front of the majestic Andes is how people celebrate in Mendoza , and a slew of stylish restaurant and hotel openings—many of which are spearheaded by women—provides ever more reason to raise a glass in Argentina’s Great Wine Capital (it is just 90 minutes by plane from Buenos Aires , after all).

Mendoza’s new bodega wining and dining experiences are many. There’s chef Patricia Courtois’s 5 Suelos at Durigutti Family Winemakers (opened April 2022), sommelier Camila Cerezo Pawlak’s Ruda restaurant in Tupungato Winelands (January 2022), and Catena Zapata’s opulent Angélica named for the family matriarch (November 2022).

Zonda at Bodega Lagarde—an organic, B-Corp certified winery that marks its 125th anniversary in 2023—stands out, however, for showcasing the best of Mendoza, from fantastic vintages down to its hard-carved teaspoons. Owner Sofia Pescarmona shares her family’s terroir with guests, who gather herbs and veggies and get a little messy making empanadas during Zonda’s immersive garden-to-table experience. Efforts are rewarded with a nine-course regional tasting menu paired with Lagarde wines, including the refreshing Proyecto Hermanas White Blend that Sofia makes with sister Lucila.

Plus, the latest venture of Susana Balbo—Argentina’s trailblazing female oenologist who helms her namesake winery—saw her lovingly refurbish a mansion with daughter Ana Lovaglio, unveiling it as the seven-suite SB Winemaker’s Lodge & Spa in April 2022; chef Flavia Amad Di Leo runs both the bodega and the hotel’s restaurants. Invigorated by in-room massages and asado by the pool, adventurous guests can then hire the lodge’s VisionAir seaplane, Argentina’s only such aircraft, and explore hidden corners of the world’s eighth-largest country. —Sorrel Moseley-Williams

Mustang, Nepal

Go for: Luxury mountain retreats, rare experiences in a remote destination

From design virtuoso Bill Bensley, the all-inclusive Shinta Mani, set in the remote, once-forbidden region of Mustang, is arguably Asia's most anticipated hotel opening of 2023. 

For decades, Nepal has been the Himalayan destination of choice for backpackers and trekkers drawn to its deep-rooted spirituality, endless adventure offerings, and those sky-piercing peaks. This hasn’t been the case for many luxury-minded travelers, though, who often chose neighboring Bhutan for its superior clutch of upscale mountain lodges. That will change in 2023 as Nepal unveils a wave of first-rate boutique accommodations and experiences.

Much of this shift is courtesy the recent update of Mountain Lodges of Nepal , a family-owned collection of deluxe accommodations scattered around the ultra-scenic Annapurna and Everest regions. By the end of 2023, they will introduce 15 premium, intimate lodges—a mixture of refurbished sites and new builds combining tradition (stone walls and colorful cultural motifs) with modernity (like dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass windows)—while offering multi-day treks, wild honey hunting, and helicopter rides to a Mount Everest-facing Champagne breakfast.

Come 2023, the 29-suite Shinta Mani Mustang, a Bensley Collection , arguably Asia’s most anticipated hotel opening, will open in the remote, once-forbidden ancient kingdom region of Mustang. Spearheaded by design virtuoso Bill Bensley, the all-inclusive mountain retreat brings together Tibetan design (incorporating upcycled materials), traditional wellness programs, unique experiences—like guided explorations of the mysterious, ancient “sky caves”—and unparalleled access to one of the Himalaya’s last frontiers. —Travis Levius

Ollantaytambo, Peru

Go for: Old-meets-new food and drink experiences, eco-stays

Ancestral earthen oven cooking known as pachamanca is offered to guests at El Albergue Ollantaytambo, part of the region's growing effort to showcase Andean food and drink traditions to a wider audience. 

The 100-year-old El Albergue Ollantaytambo also functions as a quintessential home base for travelers in the Sacred Valley, proving the village of Ollantaytambo is more than a pit stop en route to Machu Picchu.

Ollantaytambo is best known for its archeological site, a hillside Incan fortress that draws travelers off the train to Machu Picchu. But of late, the village has also become a terroir-driven culinary epicenter in the Sacred Valley, with local entrepreneurs placing a new era of the Andean food and drink traditions on the world stage. Taste herbaceous high-elevation rums, or infuse your own, at Destilería Andina ; sip Andean coffee, or roast souvenir beans, at Cafe Mayu ; and sample craft beer flavored with local fruit at Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado . Old and new continue to meet, through farm-to-table fare paired with creative cocktails at Chuncho ; meanwhile, tradition takes precedence with ancestral earthen oven pachamanca cooking in El Albergue Ollantaytambo ’s farm tour meals. And look for Destilería Andina’s new location with a full-service bar, opening in mid-2023, near Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado.

Don’t make the mistake of hopping on the train after a meal, either—unique hotels further the case for staying the night. The 100-year-old El Albergue Ollantaytambo is a classic home base, but you can also pamper yourself at the Qolqas Eco Lodge (spa included), or sleep perched in a mountainside capsule with valley views at Skylodge Adventure Suites . The latter opened in 2013, but the brand’s new Starlodge Adventure Suites and onsen are 2022 additions.

Plan your trip around cultural moments for the full experience: The Señor de Choquekillka festival, 50 days after Easter, honors the village’s patron saint with food, music, and dance; locals celebrate the winter solstice in June; and the entire village revels during Ollantaytambo’s anniversary every October. —Nico Vera

Queensland, Australia

Go for: Indigenous-led experiences, swanky new hotels

Queensland has returned thousands of acres to Indigenous groups over the last two years, a shift that has yielded special new experiences for travelers. 

New Indigenous-owned and -run experiences include moonlit spearfishing in Daintree National Park, alongside Eastern Kuku Yalanji guides, and Torres Strait Islander-led day trips from Cairns.

Australia is making an effort to return land to its native people, and Queensland has been leading the way, with thousands of acres going back to Indigenous groups over the last two years. For travelers, this shift is yielding new experiences guided by the insight of the original stewards of the land.

The ancient rainforest of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Daintree National Park was part of a parcel returned in 2021, and now the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people are managing the national park alongside the state government. At the newly opened Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre , an ecotourism hub operated by mostly Indigenous staff, visitors walk the land with traditional custodians as guides; Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours include night walking, crabbing, and spearfishing under the moon; and on Walkabout Cultural Adventures , Indigenous plants and medicines are highlighted on guided rainforest excursions.

Further north, lands near the Torres Strait Islands—there are at least 274 in the strait between Australia and New Guinea—were returned to Torres Strait Islanders of Aboriginal, Melanesian, and Australian background last year. Now, local Indigenous entrepreneurs have launched companies like Strait Experience , which offers a first-of-its-kind day trip to the islands from Cairns, making the destination more accessible than ever.

Bookend your adventures with a night in any of the chic hotels and resorts set to call Queensland home in 2023, including the Mondrian Gold Coast and the Ritz-Carlton Brisbane, part of the Queens’ Wharf project that is transforming the river’s edge. These join a new luxury hotel faction including The Langham Gold Coast and Dorsett Gold Coast , both of which opened last summer.

Lastly, don’t skip a visit to Queensland’s capital: Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will host eight games in July and August for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Good thing getting to Queensland is easier than ever, thanks to three weekly nonstop flights between San Francisco and Brisbane, added by United Airlines in October 2022. —Devorah Lev-Tov

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Go for: Landmark art and architecture events, atmospheric new hotels

The Sharjah Biennial opens in February to celebrate its 30th anniversary, with works from more than 150 artists from 70 countries (above, an installation at the 2017 event, by Joe Namy).

While it might seem like Dubai continues to monopolize much of the U.A.E.’s glitz and buzz, neighboring Sharjah has been quietly asserting itself as the cultural capital of the Emirates. On the heels of striking new galleries from the Sharjah Arts Foundation and architectural marvels like the Foster + Partners–designed House of Wisdom library, the Sharjah Biennial opens in February, on its 30th anniversary, with works from more than 150 artists from 70 countries. Also on deck is the Sharjah Architecture Triennial, curated by Nigerian architect Tosin Oshinowo in collaboration with visionaries like India’s Rahul Mehrotra and Brazil’s Paulo Tavares. The most atmospheric place to stay in Sharjah is the Chedi Al Bait , a tangle of 53 rooms and eight suites spread across a series of ocher courtyards in the historic district. This year, it gets a refresh with the addition of a 12-room boutique wing built in a 100-year-old family home. There are plush new ways to explore the less-explored emirate’s natural splendors as well. Lux Resorts and Hotels, known for its swanky digs in Mauritius , the Maldives , and China , is making its Middle Eastern debut with two new retreats in Sharjah coming in 2023: Lux Al Jabal is a beach escape overlooking an untouched stretch of the Gulf of Oman, while Lux Al Bridi will be a safari camp brimming with wildlife in the sprawling Al Bridi Nature Reserve. —Sarah Khan

Srinagar, India

Go for: New infrastructure for easier road tripping, elevated nature retreats

Srinagar, an alluring and once hard-to-visit destination in the Kashmir Valley, is opening up to travelers in a big way in 2023, with new roadways making it easier than ever to get in and around. 

In the heart of the Kashmir Valley, the gem of Srinagar—with its winding waterways and colorful houseboats—is equally alluring and challenging to plan a visit to. Yet the destination seems to be shifting gears, with the government greenlighting development projects that will benefit travelers.

Srinagar has some vibrant new openings:  Karan Mahal , a swanky, intimate stay in the historic residence of Kashmir’s former rulers and amid nearly 60 acres of orchards and woods, launched last year, while  Qayaam Gah , a stylish, Sufi-inspired nature retreat in the Zabarwan Hills, with unfettered bird’s-eye views of Dal Lake, opened this summer. Additionally, Indian Hotels Company Limited (also behind the Taj Hotels) will bring its affordable brand, Ginger Hotels , to Srinagar in the first half of 2023.

The capital is also about to get a boost in accessibility, with a spate of highways and tunnels planned to open in 2023 that will, among other connections, make it easier to drive from Kashmir—across breathtaking landscapes—to neighboring Ladakh, even in winter. Other side trips that will be easier to reach, thanks to the new infrastructure: Sonamarg (which translates to “golden meadow”), a stunning hill station that is poised for substantial tourism development in the years to come, and Pahalgam, an idyllic getaway that has long drawn travelers to its pastoral charms. The latter will see, in early 2023, the opening of  Shepherd’s Barn , a cottage stay by Ramneek Kaur (whose family owns the Bollywood-favorite  Pahalgam Hotel ), which will add rooms to an existing program of craft tours and local activities under the auspices of the Shepherd Crafts Cultural Centre. With so much change underfoot, there is no better time to experience the area— and before everyone else starts to do the same. —Saumya Ancheri

Go for: The performing arts center, two years' worth of hotel and restaurant openings

After a decade of construction, the Taipei Performing Arts Center has finally opened—just as the country has begun welcoming international visitors again. 

Elegant towering teahouses, otherworldly landscapes, and culinary excellence have long tempted travelers to Taiwan . Now, after more than two years, the island nation has reopened its borders to international visitors—and there’s quite a bit to catch up on.

One decade of construction later, the Taipei Performing Arts Center is finally open, with three performance spaces housed within sleek geometric buildings. A few kilometers south, the stylish Hotel Resonance Taipei recently unbolted its doors with 175 fresh guest rooms, offering sweeping city views and sleek modern interiors. Just before borders closed, the Taipei location of The Place hotel—equal parts polished and relaxing, with a teahouse in its lobby—opened in Nangang, and a design-forward branch of the Kimpton set down roots in the Da’An District. There’s even more to come, with the Sotetsu Grand Fresa Taipei Ximen slated to open in 2023 in the bustling Ximending, which was just named one of the “51 Coolest Neighborhoods In The World” by Time Out. Plan your meals around any of the five restaurants that earned Michelin stars in 2022: Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature, Holt, Yu Kapo, Paris 1930 de Hideki Takayama, and Sushiyoshi.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s oldest city, Tainan, has been attracting travelers who hop on the high-speed rail, headed for one of the 44 restaurants that earned Tainan its addition to the 2022 Michelin Guide . Also making it worth the trip: Anping Tree House, an abandoned warehouse that has been swallowed by banyan trees; the colorful and artsy Shennong Street; and when you’re ready for a nap, Mao House , a chic bed and breakfast that stands in stark contrast to its architecturally staid neighbors. —Ella Quittner

Turks and Caicos

Go for: Easier access to remote islands, cruise upgrades, sleek resorts

Big-deal infrastructure enhancements are making it easier to reach Turks and Caicos’ less frequented outer islands, changing what it means to have an exclusive experience in the archipelago.

The exquisite white sands and blue waters of Grace Bay Beach have long been the coveted endgame for visitors to Turks and Caicos . Lately, though, a wave of new hotels and developments in more remote parts of the island chain are changing what it means to have an exclusive experience here. 

Leading the way, the 46-unit Rock House opened this past May, with its sleek Mediterranean style (a departure from the archipelago’s traditional colonial aesthetic), private plunge pools, and sustainability efforts that preserve native foliage and limestone. But Rock House’s real magic is undeniably in its location: a clifftop perch above a secluded beach on Grace Bay’s north shore, where you can while away your days snorkeling in a protected marine sanctuary. More properties slated to come in 2023 include the 31-acre South Bank Turks & Caicos , a residential resort and marina, opening in March, at the top of Long Bay Beach with 18 waterfront villas and a five-acre swimming lagoon. The Strand Turks & Caicos will follow later in 2023, 20 minutes south of Grace Bay, with oceanfront residences and what feels like its own peninsula on Cooper Jack Bay.

Big-deal infrastructure enhancements are also making it easier to reach Turks and Caicos’ less frequented outer islands. On Grand Turks, a $25 million dock extension is set to welcome larger cruise ships in 2023. And on tiny South Caicos, a significant upgrade to the single-runway South Caicos Airport is scheduled for completion in June, meaning improved access to the least populated of the islands—like the uber-luxe Sailrock Resort , a favorite of celebs like Justin Bieber and Regina King. —Nina Kokotas Hahn

Go for: A revived cultural calendar, dazzling new hotels

In 2023, Vienna will welcome the return of the Viennese ball season after a two-year hiatus. 

Vienna has long been a European capital of groundbreaking art and music, and in 2023 the city has several landmark anniversaries on its cultural calendar.

After a two-year hiatus, the 2023 Viennese ball season promises lush nights of live orchestral music and dancing in black-tie. Two of the year’s sparkliest, the Vienna Opera Ball and the Vienna Philharmonic Ball, are also marking their 65th and 80th anniversaries, respectively. The latter is returning  on January 19 with performances by the legendary orchestra. Meanwhile, the Opera Ball, to be held  on February 16 , will host dancing “Under the Sign of Solidarity”—the night’s theme—in collaboration with  Österreich hilft Österreich (Austria Helps Austria) to fundraise for those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Belvedere, home to Gustav Klimt’s famous  The Kiss , is celebrating 300 years since its completion with a year-long exhibition, “ The Belvedere: 300 Years a Place of Art ,” paying homage to the museum’s impact on Viennese art history. Also not to be missed in 2023: “ Klimt. Inspired by Van Gogh, Rodin, Matisse… ,” a collaborative exhibit by the Belvedere and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, showcasing the prominent artists who influenced the master of Viennese Modernism.

Kick your feet up at Vienna’s chic new hotels. The  Rosewood Vienna , which opened in 2022, will welcome its first full year of guests with the new Asaya Spa. Then, in late 2023, The Hoxton is set to open a 196-room hotel featuring an events auditorium (a first for the hotel brand) honoring Vienna’s legacy as a hub for live entertainment and culture. —Matt Ortile

Go for: Locavore food experiences, forest hotels and saunas

In lush Wales, a foodie renaissance is taking place—drawing travelers to terroir-driven restaurants, distilleries, and revived pubs in untrammeled areas. 

A Welsh foodie renaissance has, admittedly, taken a while to arrive. But a new generation of chefs are digging into their terroir and emerging with handfuls of truffles, scallops, and cheeses, from James Sommerin’s Home restaurant in Penarth, to SY23 in seaside Aberystwyth, headed by Great British Menu finalist Nathan Davies. There’s also been the rise of hard-to-reach destination restaurants determinedly doing their own thing, such as Annwn in deepest Pembrokeshire, where Matt Powell forages most of his ingredients from the shoreline (the project is currently on hold as it relocates), and Gareth Ward’s Ynyshir in the Dyfi Valley , which was just awarded a second Michelin star. Ward’s empire will grow in 2023 with the opening of eight-seat Gwen—named after his mother—with sourdough pizzas on the menu. Paternoster Farm , meanwhile, set in a former Pembroke cowshed, is doing wondrous things with Porthilly oysters, Welsh Mountain lamb, and sea beet—with its Five Mile Feasts, a special menu, gathering up all sorts of local treasures. 

In Cardigan, the Albion Aberteifi —certainly the coolest hotel to arrive in Wales in years—is set to open a Scandi-Japanese restaurant on the river bank in 2023, along with a woodland onsen and spa. Wales seems to be turning into a hub for the UK’s thriving outdoor sauna scene: Snowdonia-based Heartwood Saunas is launching a new forest project this December, where groups of up to 10 can use a wood-fired sauna before jumping in the pools of the River Dulas (or head to the yoga deck), all while surrounded by old oak trees and natural pools. In Carmarthenshire, the seven-mile stretch of Pendine Sands is enjoying a revival. Caban hotel is opening in the spring alongside the Museum of Speed , which celebrates the many land-speed records made on the beach—including one by actor Idris Elba in a Bentley Continental GT. Reducing the speed a notch, a new slow-travel route of roads and walking paths, The Wild Drovers’ Way , unfurls over 180 miles from the foothills of the Cambrians into the Brecon Beacons—a lovely way to appreciate some of Wales’ rural highlights.

If you need somewhere to toast all this, you could head to Swansea, where Penderyn will open its new whisky-distillery experience in March, while in Cardiff, the St Fagans Museum of National History has been rebuilding the iconic Vulcan pub (beloved of Manic Street Preachers) on its grounds, set to open in 2024. Lechyd da! —Rick Jordan

Western Japan

Go for: Expedition cruises in the Seto Inland Sea, new onsen experiences

Luxury small ship company Ponant will launch a first-ever expedition cruise from Osaka in 2023, exploring old feudal towns and traditional fishing villages on Japan's oldest sea route. 

New luxury openings and a world’s-first expedition cruise are among a plethora of reasons to head for western Japan in 2023. In the Seto Inland Sea, which separates Japan’s main island of Honshu from the islands of Shikoku and Kyushu, luxury small-ship company Ponant has announced a first-ever expedition cruise from Osaka in 2023, which will sail along Japan’s oldest sea route. Exploring old feudal towns and traditional fishing villages on the coast of Honshu, as well as Inland Sea islands such as Inujima—once a copper mining hub and now one of the famous contemporary “Art Islands”—the 264-guest Le Soléal will chart a seven-night course towards the Sea of Japan, starting in May 2023. Also in the Seto Inland Sea, in a forest on Awaji Island, wellness retreat Zenbo Seinei just opened its doors. Designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Shigeru Ban, it features a 21-meter-long gallery for zazen meditation and a restaurant celebrating Japan’s culture of fermented foods.

On Kyushu island , the new Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen now conveniently connects cosmopolitan Nagasaki to Japan’s vast bullet train network. Good thing, as there’s a new Ritz-Carlton coming in the summer of 2023 to the vibrant, gateway city of Fukuoka ; and in the hot-spring town of Yufuin, Kengo Kuma—the architect behind the Japan National Stadium for the Tokyo 2020 games—has completed a new gallery at Comico Art Museum to house works by Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami, and Hiroshi Sugimoto, among others, as well as two exclusive-use “Art Houses” with private onsen baths. Nearby, Kuma has also created the gorgeous KAI Yufuin , a contemporary onsen ryokan with views of Mount Yufu and enveloped in rice terraces whose beauty changes with the seasons. —Kate Crockett

Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Go for: Design-forward boutique hotels amid the region's jungle and waterways

The Yucatán Peninsula is already an easy-to-love destination—its food heritage just one of the reasons to visit—but a boom of design-forward stays are upping the ante. 

Just outside of Mérida, above, travelers will find the new Galopina, a five-bedroom, family-run guesthouse from Mexican owners Elisa Navarrete and Guillaume Galopin.

With a boom of design-forward stays opening their doors—in an already easy-to-love destination marked by verdant jungle and brilliant waterways—the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico’s southeastern bounds is poised to be one of the most enticing areas to visit this year.

The 22-bungalow Boca de Agua is set to open in April in Bacalar , with suites designed by architect Frida Escobedo, who was recently tapped for the forthcoming contemporary art wing at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City . North of Bacalar, tucked within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is Casa Chablé , which will open in December 2022 with 10 rooms and bungalows. Guests take a 40-minute boat ride through lush mangrove forests, to arrive at the resort’s 12 acres of tropical jungle fronted by white-sand beaches. Plus, situated in the tranquil Xpu-ha cove, between the two bustling towns of Tulum and Playa del Carmen, the ultra-luxurious boutique property Hotel Esencia opened in November as one of the most refined offerings in Riviera Maya: the Esencia Mansion, a four-bedroom private hideaway with its own speakeasy, cinema, and rooftop infinity pool. And just outside of Mérida is the new Galopina , a five-bedroom, family-run guesthouse from Mexican owners Elisa Navarrete and Guillaume Galopin. After a stint in Paris , they returned to their home country and created their dream homestead in the jungle with miles of trails, organic gardens, and guest rooms offering meditative terraces. In May 2023, Maroma, A Belmond Hotel , will reopen on the Riviera Maya with 10 new waterfront suites, a culinary program overseen by chef Daniel Camacho, and a new look that will showcase Mayan culture and design with work by local artisans. —Michaela Trimble

Zamora, Spain

Go for: Romanesque architecture, dazzling lakes, and improved access from Madrid

Zamora, which is known for having the most Romanesque architecture in Europe, is becoming a European World Heritage Site in 2023—perfect timing, as a new high-speed train from Madrid makes it easier to reach than ever. 

Few know—even in Spain —that Zamora is the city with the most Romanesque architecture in Europe, but it was reason enough for UNESCO to make Zamora a European World Heritage Site for 2023. Additionally, its proximity to Madrid —an hour away thanks to a new high-speed AVE train, inaugurated just a year ago—put this underrated town high on our must-visit list.

But there is more to Zamora, such as its enormous modernist legacy and its Lagunas de Villafáfila, a collection of lakes that are home to thousands of migratory birds each season. There’s even more to see, scattered throughout the province: Lake Sanabria is the largest glacial lake in the Iberian Peninsula, and just a few miles away, Puebla de Sanabria is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Towards the east you will find Toro, the epicenter of bold red wines—and home to critically acclaimed winery Numanthia that’s credited with putting the wine region on the map. Not far away, in the heart of Tierra de Campos, snag a table at Lera , which got its Michelin star in 2022, and is a favorite among wild game enthusiasts.

Finally, to the south, Arribes del Duero shows that Zamora province has it all—even fjords. Beautiful crags and cliffs mark the border with Portugal in a natural park that has become a center for viticulture and attracts reputed international winemakers. Olive, citrus, and other fruit trees, artisanal ceramics, and stunning natural beauty turn this secluded corner into a Mediterranean paradise. Consider the luxurious Hacienda Zorita Natural Reserve , and the Castillo de Buen Amor (refurbished in 2021) in Salamanca, just a 30-minute drive away, the perfect setting for your quaint Zamora escape. —David Moralejo

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Bizarre Travel Stories
• Budget Friendly Travel
• Eco-Friendly Travel
• Packing Tips
• Points + Miles
• Travel Advisory + Alerts
• Travel Trends
• Cocktails + Spirits
• Dishes + Entertainment
• Restaurants
• Best Accessories
• Style + Fashion
• Travel Bags
• Travel Tech
• Animals Travel + Updates
• Celebrity Travel Alerts
• Meditation + Health
• Traveler Job Ideas
• Best Travel Guide
• Saving Tips
• Top Festivals
• Travel + Manners
• Travel Advisors
• Travel Tips + Tricks
• Trip Attractions
• Weather Updates + Places
• Bali Vacation
• Czech Republic
• Denmark Vacation
• UK Vacation
• Ecuador&Galapagos
• Montego Bay
• Turkey Vacation
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Spain&Morocco
• Kenya Tours
• Madagascar Tours
• Mauritius Tours
• Morocco Tours
• Namibia Tours
• Seychelles Tours
• South Africa Tours
• Tanzania Tours
• Zimbabwe Tours
• Antarctica Tours
• Bhutan Tours
• Cambodia Tours
• China Tours
• India Tours
• Japan Tours
• Malaysia Tours
• Myanmar Tours
• Singapore Tours
• SriLanka Tours
• Thailand Tours
• Vietnam Tours
• Albania Tours
• Armenia Tours
• Austria Tours
• Bosnia Tours
• Bulgaria Tours
• Croatia Tours
• CzechRepublic Tours
• Denmark Tours
• England Tours
• France Tours
• Germany Tours
• Greece Tours
• Hungary Tours
• Iceland Tours
• Ireland Tours
• Italy Tours
• Latvia Tours
• Montenegro Tours
• Norway Tours
• Poland Tours
• Portugal Tours
• Romania Tours
• Scotland Tours
• Slovenia Tours
• Spain Tours
• Ukraine Tours
• Argentina Tours
• Belize Tours
• Brazil Tours
• Cancun Tours
• Chile Tours
• Colombia Tours
• CostaRica Tours
• Ecuador&Galapagos Tours
• Hawaii Tours
• Los Cabos Tours
• Mexico Tours
• Montego Bay Tours
• Patagonia Tours
• Punta Cana Tours
• Egypt Tours
• Israel Tours
• Jordan Tours
• Turkey Tours
• New York Tours
• Florida Tours
• Australia Tours
• BoraBora Tours
• New Zealand Tours
• Tahiti Tours
• Arizona Tours
• New Mexico Tours
• California Tours
• Nevada Tours
• Washington Tours
• Family Vacation
• Private Tour
• Special Interest
• Adventure Travel
• Cultural Travel
• Last Minutes Hotels
• Last Minutes Vacations
• Last Minutes Cruises
• Last Minutes Flights
• Last Minutes Car Rentals
• Botswana Safaris
• Gorilla Trekking
• Kenya Safaris
• Namibia Safaris
• Rwanda Safaris
• SouthAfrica Safaris
• Tanzania Safaris
• Uganda Safaris
• Zambia Safaris
• Zimbabwe Safaris
• Book flight
• Leisure Jets
• Alaska Cruises Travel
• Best All-Inclusive
• Caribbean Cruises
• Cruises for Family
• Disney Cruises + Destinations
• European Cruises
• River Cruises
• Amusement Park
• Beach Vacation
• Best National Parks
• Culture + Activities
• Fall Vacation + Ideas
• Holiday Tour
• Luxury Travel
• Plan Road Trip
• Romantic Places
• Solo Travel + Tips
• Spring Vacation + Tips
• Summer Vacation + Tips
• Trip Suggestion
• Weekend Getaway
• Winter Vacation + Tips
• Travel Books
• Travel sized Toiletries
• Shoes/Clothing
• Travel Apps
• Music Travel Playlist
• Personal Stylist
• Packing Lists
• Language Learning
• Travel related - Movies/TV shows
• International Airlines
• US Airlines
• Visit Island
• Latest Trends
• Destination Of The Year
• Write Review
• Start Planning

Explore The Travel Destination Of The Year 2023: Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of those destinations that give tourists some of the most incredible sights around the planet. Tourists can experience rugged jungles, world-class beaches, and active volcanoes. This nation is also the perfect destination for ecotourism. Discover one of Latin America's natural wonders with this amazing blog exploring the destination of the year.

What does Costa Rica have to offer?

Costa Rica is a part of Latin America well-known for its rich jungle atmosphere. Tourists can go to one of the best beaches in the country in Dominical and Jaco. They can visit La Fortuna, which has an active volcano. They can also stroll around one of the most popular destinations in the nation, Monteverde.

Costa Rica extends with natural glory from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, owning hundreds of miles of stunning coastline. The scintillating culture, the wonders of nature, great adventures, and beautiful tropical beaches are all components of a perfect vacation. The nation has canals, museums, hot springs, and diverse wildlife.

• The destination highlights some incredible natural attractions, including La Fortuna and the Manuel Antonio National Park. 
• The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve has been named one of the world's most biodiverse regions. It houses a unique tropical ecosystem.
• Go to the spectacular La Fortuna and wander at the active volcano there.

Where should you go for a vacation in Costa Rica?

Check out all the attractions below for a wonderful trip to this exotic nation!

1. Monteverde Cloud Forest

This has been named one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. It houses a unique tropical ecosystem. Tourists can trek through the virgin forests. You'll be amazed to spot various animals, including amphibians, sloths, monkeys, and birds. Go out searching for the unique plumage and see the Hummingbird Gallery. You'll see these energetic birds sipping on nectar and buzzing around. The reserve has excellent trails for walking and hiking, one of which takes you to the continental divide. On a clear day, the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans can be seen! In addition to that, there are definitely some really interesting activities around Santa Elena that will keep you entertained. From the suspension bridges along the skywalks above the forest canopy to the famous zip lines over the cloud forest, the nature-spotting twilight walks, and the horse treks, there's something for everyone.

Apart from that, there are also sugarcane and coffee plantations. There's also the beautiful Orchid Garden and Butterfly Garden you can visit. Be conscious while putting up your clothes; the temperature is usually high during the day, so you must wear something light. Also, we recommend you keep the hiking and rain gear because there might be chances of frequent showers, particularly during summer.

2. La Fortuna

La Fortuna is called the sleepy rural town in Costa Rica. One of the most visited tourist spots in La Fortuna is the Arenal Volcano. It's been found to be constantly erupting between 1968 and 2010. This place is quite close to the town, and you can easily travel to this place. Visit the exhilarating waterfalls and partake in adventurous activities of rappelling, caving, and much more. Apart from that, there are plenty of things to do here, including wildlife spotting, biking, horse-riding, kayaking, canoeing, and trekking.

3. Manuel Antonio National Park

The Manuel Antonio National Park has some of the most diverse wildlife in the nation. Visitors can enjoy a serene boat trip to the Damas Island Estuary. You can navigate the mangrove swamps and kayak during the trip through little waterways. And you can't afford to miss the captivating wildlife that includes caimans, boas, and 200 other species of birds. This beautiful park has many palm-fringed beaches, attractive lagoons, lush green forests, and a vast array of animals. Some animals found in the park include pelicans, sloths, huge iguanas, and white-faced monkeys. And Manuel Antonio is also famously known for its pristine & beautiful beaches. It's an amazing feeling to lie down on the sunbathe and sands, snorkeling in the nearby reefs. And, if you want more adventure, go hiking through one of the well-marked trails of the park. And, if you are lucky enough, you will see the unique capuchin monkey.

4. Dominical

This place is a haven for tropical backpackers and one of the top locations in the nation for surfing. The town has long been renowned for its lovely bohemian vibe, serene open-air eateries, beautiful hotels and residences, and lively beaches. The place also attracts a high-end crowd because of the premium rentals, small inns, resorts, and the surrounding mountains. There is a long stretch of beach in front and behind the town. Vendors set up their tables under the refuge of shady trees and sell crafts and other materials. In the recent past, the dirt streets have been carefully paved, the sidewalks have been bricked, and the formerly dusty beach location has become a refined tourist location.

Other beaches do not attract huge crowds outside of the town. You can find your own special place there. The town is great for spotting wildlife without going too far into civilization. The common sights that are present right in the town of Dominical include scarlet macaws, sloths, monkeys, and toucans. The annual Envision Festival is here in late February or early March. This event mainly focuses on sustainability, wellness, arts, and music. It also includes activities such as yoga and various other workshops.

This place is a great choice for tourists who want to get out of San Jose but still require the amenities and comforts of a bigger city or town. The beach here has an active vibe and is quite pleasant and spacious. The swimming and surfing that are done here are quite good. There are smaller waves here than in the other areas in this section of the coast. What makes Jaco special and sets it apart from the various coastal towns present along this stretch of the Pacific are the modern conveniences that have made it a favorite choice with retirees and expats. 

This includes apartments and stores, a great selection of hotels and restaurants, and other modern conveniences. Jaco is within driving distance of San Jose and can be reached easily. Tourists can also set up their base here during their vacations and explore the nearby attractions and beaches.

6. The National Theater in San Jose

The people of this nation take great pride in their National Theater. It is known to be one of the most impressive monuments in the city. During the late 1800s, the ruling coffee barons of the nation voted for a tax on coffee exports to fund the theater's construction. Numerous European artisans were imported to design the building. The building was completed in 1897 and had a classical Renaissance columned faade topped by statues that symbolize fame, music, and dance.

In the interiors, the pink marble foyer has allegorical figures of tragedy and comedy. There are also painted murals depicting various themes overlooking Costa Rican life. The most popular of the paintings present here is the one representing coffee harvesting and export, which was painted by Arturo Fontana.

Costa Rica is a country filled with natural wonders. Visitors can experience and enjoy the amazing marine life, experience stunning panoramic views and encounter the spectacular wildlife in one of the many National Parks present in this country. Costa Rica has every attraction that modern-day tourists may want out of their vacation to an exotic location. This nation is truly one of the gems of Latin America.

Our private tours typically range from $500 - $1000 per person/per night depending on chosen hotels and room categories, vehicles used, types of tours, flight cost, time of year and other factors. Make an inquiry for a customized trip quote.

Learn more about leisure plans

1888-509-1184.

Signup for Exclusive Deals

Exclusive access to private sales, customized specials & more

Embark on remarkable journeys to the urban gems + island wonders that Travel + Leisure readers deem the very best.

Go There Now →

Unleash your wanderlust with meticulously crafted itineraries in destinations hand-picked by our esteemed travel editors.

See What’s Out There →

Elevate your travels with endless inspiration found within the captivating pages of Travel + Leisure Magazine.

Reveal More →

• World’s Best Cities
• World’s Best Islands
• Best U.S. Cities

Discover culture hubs with irresistible culinary appeal in the best cities around the globe.

Oaxaca, Mexico

Udaipur, india, kyoto, japan, editor's tip:.

The places that emerged triumphant this year range from activity-rich family favorites to relaxing honeymoon classics. What do they all have in common? Abundant wildlife, pristine waters, and unspoiled landscapes.

Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia

The maldives, bali, indonesia, editor’s tip:.

Embark on a journey across the U.S. and experience the culture, cuisine, and charm of award-winning cities.

Charleston, South Carolina

Santa fe, new mexico, new orleans, louisiana, go itineraries: the world’s best vacations.

Plan your trip from start to finish with these curated itineraries. Keep an eye out for the World’s Best emblem from this year’s winners.

Save on Flights

This year’s Travel + Leisure World Best Winners held several surprises – including a new No. 1 international airline for the first time in 28 years. When it comes to getting from Point A to B, find more ways to save with Travel + Leisure GO.

More From Travel + Leisure

Find more inspiration among the world’s best destination spas, cruises, and adventures. Then, let Travel + Leisure GO Concierge book award winning trips with incredible savings.

Travel + Leisure Readers’ 15 Favorite Domestic Destination Spas for 2023

Travel + leisure readers’ 10 favorite safari outfitters of 2023, travel + leisure readers’ 10 favorite river cruise lines of 2023.

The Best Places to Travel in 2023

Start planning your 2023 travels to these 12 places—the most creative, delicious, and soul-reviving destinations of the year..

• Copy Link copied

It’s our favorite time of year: the Where to Go season, when AFAR reveals our list of the ultimate places to travel in the coming year. How to choose? Our editorial team reached out to writers, reporters, and correspondents around the world and curated 12 global destinations for 2023 that feel poised for a “moment": creative cities, seaside villages, national parks, and other places where wonder prevails. Read on and prepare to start wandering...

Located 150 miles south of Melbourne, Tasmania is teeming with adventure and beauty.

Sean Fennessy

1. Tasmania, Australia

Across this secluded and beautiful island state near Melbourne, irreverence and experimentation reign.

It was my first trip to Australia—my first trip abroad —in 2001, and I arrived in Melbourne a green-as-they-come university student, all nerves and adrenaline, ready to pounce on whatever adventure lay before me. Show me the city! I screamed silently at our study-abroad orientation leaders. Let me loose! We visited the Coney Island–like neighborhood of St. Kilda on the south shore, learned the finer points of Australian rules football, and ferried to nearby Phillip Island, site of a nightly parade of pint-size penguins that dashed from sea to land at dusk, prompting a chorus of “awwws” from everyone with a heart.

Those points of interest were lovely but ... safe. Introductory. What if I had realized that a couple of hundred miles off the coast of Melbourne was an island known for its irreverent art? For its stark and dramatic natural beauty, its world’s-best single-malt whisky, and seafood so fresh, it asks you about the catch of the day. What if I had visited Tasmania?

For the full story from Laura Redman, read Eclectic Art, Fresh Seafood, and Wild Landscapes—Why Your Next Trip Should Be to Tasmania .

Asilia camp administrator, Leena Lulandala, using telemetry to track collared animals in Ruaha National Park.

Photo by Greg Funnell.

2. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

In a remote corner of Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park, travelers can find an abundance of wildlife without the crowds—and help with important conservation work.

Sprawled across 7,700 square miles in southern Tanzania, Ruaha is the country’s second-largest national park. Yet it draws only a tiny fraction of Tanzania’s safarigoers, who flock in much larger numbers to the more famous Serengeti in the north. But low visitation rates make biodiverse Ruaha a wildlife enthusiast’s dream: This vast landscape of habitats, ranging from savannas to wetlands, feels like a private game reserve, and travelers can go days without seeing another vehicle.

In one of the park’s less-visited corners, you’ll find the Usangu wetlands , site of a former hunting reserve and home to the Wasangu tribe for centuries. The wetlands feed the Great Ruaha River, a critical water source for people, animals, and hydroelectric dams that supply energy to much of the country. Wildlife audits have revealed populations of cheetahs, leopards, and lions. Topi antelope can exceed 1,000 animals in one herd.

In 2017, the Tanzania National Parks Authority , Tanzanian Wildlife Research Institute , and safari lodge company Asilia Africa came together to introduce a tourism model where revenue from visitors helps fund research, management, and conservation. Asilia’s Usangu Expedition Camp , which opened in 2022, is the only place to stay for more than 30 miles in any direction. Its four high-ceilinged rooms feature enormous beds, rain showers, and wraparound mesh walls that provide views of acacia-dotted wilderness. The lodgings make a stylish base for exploration in two upcycled vehicles that run on ethanol created from the cane waste of a nearby sugar plantation. Guests pitch in on data collection from camera traps by day and thermal monocular cameras by night.

The area’s conservation story is brought to life by the mostly local staff, including Wasangu guide trainee Anderson Pakomyus Mesilla, whose family roots in Usangu run generations deep. “I’m helping to conserve my ancestral home, but this wetland also supplies electricity to a large part of the country, including my village,” he said. “We all benefit from conserving the source of the river.” —Jennifer Flowers

>> Watch the video: What it’s Like to Safari in Ruaha National Park

Vienna, Salzburg, Linz—take a trip to Austria’s best kept secret, Graz.

Photo by Felix Bruggemann

3. Graz, Austria

A DIY spirit brings a historic city to life in a riot of yoga, silent discos, and avant-garde music.

Just over 100 miles south of Vienna, amid the surprisingly Mediterranean climate of the Styrian wine region, sits Austria’s second-largest city. Here, a fairy-tale jumble of baroque and Renaissance buildings clusters at the base of the Schlossberg, the hill that was once Graz ’s ultimate defense. Back in medieval days, a daunting fortress stood at its summit; Napoleon had it destroyed, but the colorful facades and terracotta roofs that sprang up beneath it still shine brightly in the southern Austrian sun. On the east side of the river Mur, Graz’s past is a vivid presence.

On the west bank, however, you will find its future. What the districts of Lend and Gries lack in architecture they make up for in creativity and an entrepreneurial soul. At Bo Suppe , Arnd Hoffmann sells different flavors of homemade soup from his kitchen window (try the vegan pumpernickel Bolognese). At Managerie, Maria Reiner sells drinks and crocheted lampshades from the “kiosk shop” at the front of her apartment. Daily life revolves around the Lendplatz morning market , and small businesses thrive thanks to a fierce community spirit that manifests in a busy calendar of events and projects, such as backyard flea markets, walking tours, outdoor yoga, and knitting circles. Travelers can find out more through the Annenviertel project , which was launched by local campaigners in 2014 to breathe new life into the quarter (or “viertel”) around the shopping street of Annenstrasse. Live music at the 1930s bar Café Wolf ranges from Israeli space-rock to an improvisational autoharp trio. The Lendwirbel festival in May fills empty shop fronts with art installations, silent discos, workshops, and discussions.

The Kunsthaus Graz modern art museum , meanwhile, has inspired artists and designers to make their homes and livings here. Stroll along the main strip Mariahilferstrasse and you’ll find jewelers, fashion boutiques, and homeware shops. A spirit of social enterprise infuses the city: One of the trendiest accessory stores in town, tag.werk, has helped hundreds of young people find employment over the past two decades by teaching them crafts and life skills. Come to Graz for the history, for sure—but stay for its hopeful vision of the future. —Emma John

The Great Lakes are home to the largest fresh water ecosystem on the planet.

Photo by Christina Holmes

4. Great Lakes, USA

From charming lake towns to expedition cruises, there are many good reasons to explore the Greats.

A native of Michigan, I have a birthright bond to the Great Lakes, the magnificent five that span two countries and eight states, from New York in the east to Minnesota in the west. Michigan, which claims shoreline on four of the five lakes, always seemed like both the center of it all and a remote peninsula, buffered by its treasures. During high school, when my family had moved to a suburban Detroit home near a smaller lake that connects the Greats, I would fall asleep to the faint bass notes of freighters’ foghorns, the songs of vast waters you can’t see across, inland seas at once familiar and strange.

All these years later, they remain a place to splash in the calm shallows each summer or brave the waves by kayak. Winter brings ephemeral ice caves and adaptations such as iceboats, or sailboats on blades. “Great” describes not just their size but their influence on culture, history, and our climate future.

For the full story from Elaine Glusac, read The Great Lakes Offer Culture, History, and One of the Most Unique Ecosystems on the Planet .

Black sand beaches, big waves, and rushing rivers. There’s lots to love about Cambutal.

Photo by Hassen Salum

5. Cambutal, Panama

Adventure and community-centric tourism beckon on the southern coast of Panama’s Azuero Peninsula.

Few travelers who visit Los Santos, one of Panama’s least-touristed provinces, venture to the end of the only main road heading south. That’s where Cambutal awaits, 228 miles from Panama City—a beach town garnering much-deserved attention from Panamanians and intrepid international travelers alike.

The town sits on the shores of a never-crowded, volcanic black-sand beach with perfectly surfable waves. The surrounding jungles hold rivers, canyons, natural pools, and multitiered waterfalls.

Having spent a lot of time on the southern coast of the Azuero Peninsula during his childhood, Panama-born Bryan Goldner founded Azuero Adventures in November 2020 to help visitors safely explore the region. As Cambutal’s only registered tour operator, the company started small, with horseback rides through grassy hills to bring travelers to see petroglyphs carved by Indigenous people.

In 2022, Azuero Adventures introduced multiday trips to Cerro Hoya National Park , just west of Cambutal. Encompassing more than 80,000 acres with no direct road entry, Cerro Hoya can only be accessed by boat, on horseback, or in a 4x4 vehicle, making it one of the hardest-to-reach national parks in Panama. The mostly untouched land is known for its diverse wildlife, including the great green macaw and the Azuero spider monkey, both endangered species. Guests can stay in secluded oceanfront cabins or opt for full immersion with an overnight camping expedition that includes a hike through the cloud forest more than 4,200 feet above sea level.

With sustainable and equitable tourism at the heart of his operations, Goldner works closely with the people of Cambutal—a vision directly in line with the Panama Ministry of Tourism ’s efforts to strengthen rural and community-based tourism enterprises.

“We use local captains and local guides,” Goldner says. “The idea is not to hire people and bring resources from outside when we have such a rich community that’s already here.” —Jessica Poitevien

No vampires to worry about here.

Photo by Fundatia Adept

6. Transylvania, Romania

Nature and tradition thrive in one of Europe’s last wild regions.

It’s been 125 years since Bram Stoker wrote Dracula , branding Transylvania as a dark, forbidding land populated by bloodsucking counts with an aversion to holy water. And while perhaps no other book has clouded its readers’ impression of a place in quite the same way, Stoker was right when he wrote of the region’s wild side. North of Bucharest, in the heart of Romania, Transylvania is home to one of Europe’s last great wildernesses: a sprawl of alpine meadows, ragged limestone ridges, and old-growth forests that billow across the landscape in a thick quilt of juniper, spruce, beech, and fir.

These wild mountains harbor some of the highest numbers of large carnivores—brown bears, wolves, and lynx—on the continent. The nonprofit Foundation Conservation Carpathia (FCC) is in the process of creating a vast reserve to safeguard all this for future generations—a “European Yellowstone” as Christoph Promberger, FCC’s executive director, envisions it—that will stretch for nearly 618,000 untamed acres across Romania’s Southern Carpathian Mountains .

For the full story from Keith Drew, read This Misunderstood Romanian Region Is Known as “European Yellowstone.”

Prepare to be surprised on your next trip to Thailand’s most visited city.

Photos courtesy of The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakho and The Small Dinner Club

7. Bangkok, Thailand

Ambitious young Thais are driving a creative reawakening in one of the world’s most visited cities.

From the end of an L-shaped bar I watched three chefs in black caps delicately plate 11 dishes of what appeared to be snow. Loud music masked the sounds of the busy Bangkok street outside. “OK guys, this one is titled, ‘Daft Punk Is Playing in My Mouth,’” said chef Sareen Rojanametin, setting the intriguing dish before me. Marvelously on cue, the throbbing LCD Soundsystem song “Daft Punk Is Playing at My House” burst onto the stereo.

The first bite rocked me to my core. At Small Dinner Club , which “pulls apart, questions, and reimagines Thai food,” you’re not handed a menu. The 12-course evenings are a delightful mystery accompanied by inspiration notes from the 32-year-old chef, who opened the hidden boîte in February 2022. “For me this dish represents the essence of Thai cuisine,” he wrote. I expected coconut or lime; instead I got an explosion of Thai green chile. My eyebrows started sweating. I swirled it all up: hot ice, tiny iridescent fish, watermelon, and a sumptuous black sesame sauce. These were the flavors of Thailand composed into an entirely new song. Rojanametin, who spent two years in a forest monastery before opening the restaurant, tells me, “The city has changed a lot in the last four years. People are much more daring.”

For the full story from Kathryn Romeyn, read Just When You Thought You Knew Bangkok, Thailand’s Most Visited City Changes .

Experience the intersection of history and culture in Salvador, Brazil.

Photo by Luisa Dorr

8. Salvador, Brazil

Engaging with Brazil’s Black history is essential—and easier than ever in the city of Salvador thanks to new cultural offerings.

In Salvador, a port city on the northeastern coast of Brazil, history isn’t relegated to textbooks. More than 4 million people were kidnapped from Africa and forced to harvest coffee beans and sugarcane in the country—a legacy that is most evident in the state of Bahia, where 80 percent of the population is Black or mixed race. Today the descendants of those enslaved people carry on traditions through Salvador’s food, culture, and music.

Tour company Guia Negro leads English-language histori- cal outings delving into Brazil’s Black heritage, including a walk through the streets where Michael Jackson and Spike Lee shot “They Don’t Care About Us,” the 1996 music video featuring the storied Afro-Brazilian drum team Olodum. The Casa do Carnaval da Bahia is a museum dedicated to the history of Brazil’s annual carnival celebration. The City of Music of Bahia museum, which opened in 2021, invites visitors to experience more than 800 hours of Bahian music, with the goal to educate them about specific styles such as pagode , a Brazilian subgenre of samba, and axe ́, an Afro-Caribbean mash-up that originated here.

The painful, racist history of Pelourinho, the city’s old town, is preserved in its name, which translates to “whipping post.” Once the site of slave auctions, it’s now home to brightly painted houses, cobblestoned streets, and numerous restaurants. At the rustic eatery Di Janela , chef Nara Amaral serves the food that brings her joy: roasted garlic with octopus, ruby-red lobster with heavily seasoned potatoes, and traditional fare such as moqueca, a seafood stew. At Ana Célia Santos’s Zanzibar restaurant, the moqueca takes numerous forms. A vegetarian version is prepared with rice and farofa (toasted cassava flour), while another is made with shrimp, stingray, and soft-shell crab.

For late-night entertainment, visitors should go to ABOCA Centro de Artes , a theater that hosts Afro-Brazilian musicians such as Mariene de Castro and Mateus Aleluia. After all, there’s no better way to end a day in Salvador than by listening to the residents who give the city its heartbeat. —Kayla Stewart

Sharjah is often overlooked by its glitzier neighbors, but this emirate has plenty to offer in terms of art, architecture, and culture.

Photo by Ieva Saudargaite

9. Sharjah, UAE

Thought-provoking art and architecture shine a light on an emirate often overshadowed by its glitzier neighbors.

Ever since I moved to the United Arab Emirates seven years ago, I’ve loved Sharjah . It may not have the biggest/tallest/highest superlatives of Dubai or the epic palaces of Abu Dhabi, but understated Sharjah is home to some of the region’s most exciting cultural institutions. And 2023 is a big year for the emirate, with headline events showcasing two of its greatest draws: art and architecture.

The 15th Sharjah Biennial runs from February to June, presenting the creations of more than 150 artists from 70-plus countries. Thirty newly commissioned pieces, including works by Moroccan photographer Hassan Hajjaj and British Palestinian multimedia artist Mona Hatoum , will be featured in a program that spans 16 venues and explores the theme “Thinking Historically in the Present.” The exhibition spaces are as intriguing as the art: from traditional coral-stone houses to the Sharjah Art Foundation ’s recently acquired 1970s-era Flying Saucer, a UFO-shaped building that once housed a French patisserie and a fast-food chicken shop.

For the full story from Nicola Chilton, read Sharjah Is One of the Most Exciting—and Overlooked—Cities in the UAE .

Baltimore is quickly becoming an entertainment and foodie destination.

Photo by Irina Sitnikova/Unsplash (left) Scott Suchman (right)

10. Baltimore, USA

Long-overdue upgrades to major downtown attractions are turning Charm City into a veritable food- and-entertainment hub.

From its early days as a thriving seaport to its current status as a seafood paradise, Baltimore is ever evolving. A $45 million overhaul of Lexington Market —billed as the oldest continuously operating public market in the country, with roots dating to 1782—recently welcomed visitors to an airy, light-filled space enlivened by 16-foot murals from local artist Ernest Shaw Jr. and photographs by Shan Wallace depicting Baltimore’s Black food culture. (This is, after all, a majority Black city.)

The developer’s gut renovation of the old market reimagined the space as a fresh version of the com- munity gathering spot it had been before it fell into disrepair. Benches flank the central staircase and serve as prime people-watching spots, while an adjacent plaza hosts events and concerts. Input from residents informed the mix of more than 40 stalls, half of them Black-owned, including the coffee shop Black Acres Roastery and the husband-and-wife-run Sunnyside Café . The market also maintains its devotion to the ocean with Faidley’s Seafood , the famous crab cake spot, and the Korean family-owned Cho’s Sea Garden .

A few blocks away, the CFG Bank Arena will reopen in time to host college basketball tournaments in February and a nearly sold-out Bruce Springsteen show in April. Its $200 million revamp, backed by singer Pharrell Williams and an investment firm cofounded by NBA star Kevin Durant, gives the 60-year-old facility the updated concessions, audio, and lighting it needs to compete with other venues in the region.

Also notable for 2023: an exhibition of Baltimore native John Waters’s personal art collection at the Baltimore Museum of Art (through April 16) and the return of Artscape , a multiday cultural extravaganza in September that, in the past, has featured wildly decorated cars. Festivalgoers can stay in the Mount Vernon neighborhood’s new literary-themed boutique hotel, Ulysses , a 116-room property whose name pays homage to both the James Joyce novel and a ship that brought Bavarian immigrants to Baltimore. —Julekha Dash

Prince Edward Island’s new hike and bike trail offers travelers a new way to experience the coastal idyll.

Photo by Brendan George Ko

11. Prince Edward Island, Canada

A 435-mile hiking and biking route around Canada’s small but mighty province invites visitors to travel slowly and joyfully.

Prince Edward Island, or PEI, off Canada’s eastern seaboard, is home to some of the country’s most enchanting pastoral scenery. You’ll find fields of potatoes and strawberries, beaches that stretch for miles, storybook villages (the 1908 novel Anne of Green Gables was set here), red-and-white wooden lighthouses, and docks anchoring fishing boats. The Island Walk , a new 435-mile walking and cycling route circumnavigating “the Island,” as locals call it, gives travelers a unique opportunity to experience it up close.

My husband and I cycled 180 miles of the route in June 2022, starting in the compact capital city, Charlottetown, and spending six days working our way across a section in the central region of the province. From Charlottetown, we pedaled 35 miles along crushed-gravel trails, wide red-dirt roads lined with trees, and country lanes—all relatively flat. After checking into the Orient Hotel , a historic B&B in the tiny village of Victoria-by-the-Sea, we browsed in shops, talked with local anglers bringing in the day’s catch, and walked barefoot along an expansive beach with rose-colored sand at the edge of the village. The tide came in while I ate possibly the best lobster roll I’ve ever tasted—a buttery toasted roll loaded with chunks of tender fresh-caught crustacean and house-made mayo—at the Lobster Barn restaurant.

For the full story from Debbie Olsen, read Idyllic Villages, Fresh Lobster Rolls, and a New Trail—Why Now Is the Time to Visit Prince Edward Island .

In the heart of Bergamo near the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the famous Colleoni Chapel.

Photo by Andrea Frazzetta

12. Brescia & Bergamo, Italy

Find venerable history and hip cocktails in two Italian cities connected by a cycling trail.

The key ingredients of la dolce vita? Golden light beaming across ancient stones, a piazza that bustles at aperitivo hour, and streets ripe for a passeggiata (stroll) to work it all off. Enter Brescia and Bergamo, two cities in the northern Italian region of Lombardy that have been named joint Italian Capitals of Culture for 2023. If you only know them from news reports in early 2020—the two were hit hard during the pandemic—prepare to be bowled over.

Bergamo is the better known of the two; its historic Città Alta (Upper City) crowns a ridge nearly 300 feet above its more modern section. The Bergamaschi love the outdoors, and they kick back in deck chairs at the 17th-century gardens of Palazzo Moroni, which opened to the public for the first time in 2020. New tuk-tuk rides wind around the Città Alta’s UNESCO-protected 16th-century city walls. The lion- and sphinx-surrounded fountain in the main square, Piazza Vecchia, has been restored, and new walking routes through Bergamo’s layers of history connect the old and new town. Travelers and locals alike can amble through the nearby Val d’Astino, a valley filled with vineyards, wildflower- strewn meadows, and a monastery that was founded in 1107.

With a ceremonial opening in early 2023, a 47-mile bicycling route will roll from Bergamo past Lake Iseo, then through Franciacorta wine country to Brescia, the most colorful Roman city north of the Italian capital.

While Bergamo life is mainly outdoors, Brescia is inside; you’ll find gourmet pizza tasting menus at Inedito and Roman- themed cocktails at Massenzio . Try the Domitilla at the latter. Named after the wife of Emperor Vespasian, it’s a mix of berry gin with grapefruit, rosemary syrup, and egg white. Spend the night at Areadocks Boutique Hotel , where all the modern art- work and vintage furnishings are for sale. Here in northern Italy, the sweet life just got an upgrade. —Julia Buckley

• Trazee Travel
• WhereverFamily

FX Excursions

• The source for luxury travelers

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Itineraries

Specialty tours & events, global traveler announces the winners of the 2023 leisure lifestyle awards.

by Kimberly Inlander

PHOTO: © VASILIS VERVERIDIS | DREAMSTIME.COM

Leisure Lifestyle 2023

Welcome to our 11th Leisure Lifestyle Awards, an annual survey honoring the best in the world of leisure and lifestyle travel, awarding goods, services, destinations, hotels, airlines, airports, cruises and more. Read on to find out the winners in this year’s milestone ranking, and congratulations to all the winners!

Let’s begin with our destination winners, some of the best cities, islands and towns around the world offering the ultimate in leisure travel. Kick back in any of these exceptional, award- winning spots, starting with Greece , Best Historical Attractions, International, and Savannah, Georgia , Best Historical Attractions, Domestic, both for the second consecutive year. If it’s adventure you seek, Thailand , Best Adventure Destination, International, and Asheville, North Carolina , Best Adventure Destination, Domestic, are the spots for you.

PHOTO: © KONSTIK | DREAMSTIME.COM

The Cayman Islands appears in the top spot for Best Beaches. The Dominican Republic is now a three-time Best Caribbean Island winner, while Santoríni retains its Best Island in Europe title for the 10th consecutive year, earning it a spot in our Hall of Fame, which commemorates 10 consecutive wins in the same category. Tahiti upset a long-time winner to earn Best Island in the Pacific Rim. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina , takes its third win as Best Island in the United States.

For skiers, we applaud the best locations here and abroad: Telluride, Colorado , Best North American Ski Destination for the fifth year in a row, is calling your name, while Whistler, British Columbia , takes the title as Best International Ski Destination. With its fifth consecutive win, Telluride secures its spot in the Quint Status list of honorees. For golfers, Streamsong Resort is two-time Best Golf Destination.

PHOTO: © TAWATCHAI PRAKOBKIT | DREAMSTIME.COM

Place these other winning destinations at the top of your list when planning your next leisure trip: Nashville, Tennessee , Best Leisure Destination in the United States; South Africa , Best Leisure Destination in Africa; İstanbul, Türkiye , Best Leisure Destination in Europe for the second consecutive year; Panama City, Panama , two years running as Best Leisure Destination in Latin/ South America; Los Cabos , Best Leisure Destination in Mexico, two years in a row; and Dubrovnik, Croatia , Best Leisure Destination for Groups. Seoul, South Korea , takes its first win as Best Leisure Destination in Asia.

Savannah, Georgia, and Dublin, Ireland , appear once again on the Winners’ List and round out our destination winners as Best Weekend Destination in North America, four years running, and Best Weekend Destination in the World, second consecutive year, respectively.

Let’s cruise on over to our winning cruise lines, starting with Royal Caribbean , Best Family Cruise Line, and Seabourn Cruise Line , Best Luxury Cruise Line. Virgin Voyages makes its mark on this survey as Best Cruise Line Suites for its Mega Rockstar Quarters.

For adventure, the winner is Viking Expeditions , Best Adventure Cruise Line. The company appears two more times on the list: Viking Ocean Cruises , Best Large-Ship Cruise Line, and Viking Expeditions, Best Expedition Cruises. Paul Gauguin Cruises sails away with its eighth consecutive Best Small-Ship Cruise Line. Princess Cruises appears twice, with its eighth win for Best Cruise Ship Excursions and its fifth Best Cruise Line Entertainment nod. Joining Princess with Quint Status is Seabourn Cruise Line, winning its second award this year and its fifth time being honored as Best Cruise Line Spas. Cunard is twice as nice for Best Cruise Line to Alaska and Best World Cruise.

PHOTOS: © AMAWATERWAYS

Rounding out our cruise line winners, we have AmaWaterways , Best River Cruise Line; Azamara , Best Cruise Line Dining; Oceania Cruises , Best Cruise Line Rewards Program for its Oceania Club; and Windstar Cruises , Best Cruise Line Caribbean Sailings for the second year in a row. Port of Miami earns Best Cruise Port.

Meliá Hotels International returns as Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World after a one-year hiatus. The brand also wins Best Hotel Chain in the Caribbean. For other award-winning places to lay your head while on vacation, check out these top-tier options: Marriott Hotels & Resorts , Best Hotel Chain Resorts and Best Family Resort Chain in the World; Six Senses, Best Hotel Chain in Thailand and Best Eco- Friendly Hotel Chain; Westin Hotels & Resorts , Best Pet-Friendly Hotels; and Paradisus Resorts , Best All-Inclusive Resorts.

The perfect leisure travel trip includes a lot of moving parts. Here’s a look at the rest of this year’s honorees, starting with airports and airlines. We applaud the following winners: Istanbul Grand Airport as Best Airport for Layovers, second consecutive year, and Orlando International Airport , Best Airport for Recreation.

PHOTO: © AIR CANADA

TAP Air Portugal secures Quint Status with its fifth win for Best Stopover Program, while Air Canada joins it with five-time wins for Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment and Best Premium Economy Class. The Canadian carrier also wins Best Airline Onboard Menu in its business-class cabin for the fourth year in a row. United Airlines earns its second title as Best Eco-Friendly Airline. Last, but certainly not least, Air Tahiti Nui is Best Leisure Airline.

This year, we added a few new categories celebrating the best credit cards for leisure travelers, helping them rack up the points for their dream vacay. Our inaugural winners are Aeroplan Credit Card from Chase , Best Leisure Credit Card; United MileagePlus Quest Card from Chase , Best Airline Affinity Credit Card for Leisure; Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase , Best Hotel Affinity Credit Card for Leisure; and Norwegian Cruise Line Mastercard , Best Cruise Line Credit Card.

PHOTO: © ABERCROMBIE & KENT

The band of winners continues with Abercrombie & Kent , Best Tour Operator, two years running; BMW , Best Luxury Vehicle; Cartier , Favorite Luxury Watch Brand; Hertz , six-time Best Leisure Car Rental; Na Hoku , Best Destination Jewelry Brand for the fourth year in a row; and Maker’s Mark , Favorite Liquor Brand.

Congratulations to the 2023 Leisure Lifestyle Awards winners!

THE PROCESS Global Traveler conducted a survey of its readers Dec. 6, 2022–April 1, 2023, with open-ended questions for the best in many categories of leisure, luxury and lifestyle travel. This survey ran in the magazine, as an insert to subscriber copies, as a direct mail questionnaire, online at globaltravelerusa.com/leisureballot and emailed during the survey period. Only those questionnaires where more than 50 percent of the questions were completed were counted. Those with fewer than 50 percent of the questions answered were discarded. Employees of the magazine or individuals associated with the travel industry were not allowed to participate.

CRUISE LINE OF THE YEAR Global Traveler is pleased to name its Cruise Line of the Year. Congratulations to AmaWaterways !

Nominees for this honor were compiled by Global Traveler , with the final winner selected by our Globility Board, a vetted group of well-traveled magazine subscribers.

This year’s Cruise Line of the Year earns the superlative for a number of reasons. Perhaps what makes the brand so special is its start: The family-owned brand recently celebrated 20 years of offering high-end river journeys around the world. Its family-owned approach dictates its customer service and attention to detail.

AmaWaterways’ river cruises sail not just through Europe but also in Asia, Africa and South America, with special-interest cruises provided as well. Amenities and offerings found on board include pre- and post-cruise options, commitment to health and safety, booking flexibility, award- winning ships, professionally guided excursions, unique itineraries, immersive shore experiences, wellness activities and exceptional dining.

AmaWaterways also commits to sustainability and environmental responsibility, with 18 ships in its fleet earning Green Award certification.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Each year, in addition to our Leisure Lifestyle Awards, Global Traveler acknowledges those travel companies going above and beyond. Our Special Achievement Awards recognize leaders in innovation, environmental initiatives and community outreach. Congratulations to this year’s honorees!

PHOTO:© DELTAAIRLINES

Delta Air Lines takes an impressive two Special Achievement Awards: Outstanding Social Responsibility and Outstanding Innovations. When it comes to its social responsibility efforts, Delta shines for its continued work to fight human trafficking, with initiatives including a $2.5 million donation to an anti- trafficking organization, an in-house apprenticeship program to create jobs for survivors, training employees to detect human trafficking, and much more.

There are just as many reasons Delta is tops for innovation, among them its $4 billion remodel at New York’s LaGuardia Airport and the $2.3 billion Delta Sky Way at Los Angeles International Airport to be completed this year. The airline’s parallel reality experience for customers at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport created a more streamlined and personalized airport experience and simplified operations.

For cruisers looking to customize their entire cruise experience, consider Princess Cruises , winner of Outstanding Customized Services. Its Ocean Medallion personalized the travel experience through wearables, allowing the cruiser to do more than previously imagined. The device also works with Ocean Compass, a digital experience portal that holds passenger preferences.

Last year, Viking launched a new hydrogen-powered cruise ship designed to lower carbon emissions, so it’s no wonder the brand received this year’s Outstanding Environmental Initiatives honor. Viking plans to incorporate the system on more ships in the coming years.

Best Beaches 1. Cayman Islands 2. Mykonos, Greece 3. Turks & Caicos 4. Aruba 5. The Big Island, Hawai‘i 6. Costa Rica 7. Lopes Mendes, Brazil 8. Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i 9. Phuket, Thailand 10. Krabi, Thailand

Best Historical Attractions, Domestic 1. Savannah, Georgia 2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 3. Charleston, South Carolina 4. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 5. Washington, D.C. 6. Williamsburg, Virginia 7. New Orleans, Louisiana 8. Boston, Massachusetts 9. Charlottesville, Virginia 10. Big Sur, California

Best Historical Attractions, International 1. Greece 2. Türkiye 3. Italy 4. Egypt 5. Spain 6. United Kingdom 7. Israel 8. India 9. Jordan 10. Peru

Best Adventure Destination, Domestic 1. Asheville, North Carolina 2. Nashville, Tennessee 3. Albuquerque, New Mexico 4. Alaska 5. Hilton Head, South Carolina 6. Grand Canyon 7. Salt Lake City, Utah 8. Portland, Oregon 9. California 10. Montana

Best Adventure Destination, International 1. Thailand 2. Australia 3. India 4. The Galápagos Islands 5. New Zealand 6. Chile 7. South Africa 8. Taiwan 9. Jordan 10. Colombia

Best Leisure Destination in the United States 1. Nashville, Tennessee 2. Savannah, Georgia 3. Charleston, South Carolina 4. Asheville, North Carolina 5. Napa Valley, California 6. Chicago, Illinois 7. Virginia Beach, Virginia 8. San Francisco, California 9. Austin, Texas 10. New Orleans, Louisiana

Best Leisure Destination in Africa 1. South Africa 2. Zambia 3. Seychelles 4. Morocco 5. Kenya 6. Uganda 7. Réunion Island 8. Zanzibar 9. Botswana 10. Namibia

Best Leisure Destination in Europe 1. İstanbul, Türkiye 2. Lisbon, Portugal 3. Porto, Portugal 4. Florence, Italy 5. Seville, Spain 6. Venice, Italy 7. Paris, France 8. Prague, Czech Republic 9. Krakow, Poland 10. Rome, Italy

Best Leisure Destination in Asia 1. Seoul, South Korea 2. Singapore, Republic of Singapore 3. Phuket, Thailand 4. Tokyo, Japan 5. Taipei, Taiwan 6. Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China 7. Bangkok, Thailand 8. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 9. Osaka, Japan 10. Bali, Indonesia

Best Leisure Destination in Latin/South America 1. Panama City, Panama 2. Bogotá, Colombia 3. Buenos Aires, Argentina 4. Montevideo, Uruguay 5. Mendoza, Argentina 6. Santiago, Chile 7. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 8. Cusco, Peru 9. Quito, Ecuador 10. Machu Picchu, Peru

Best Leisure Destination in Mexico 1. Los Cabos, Mexico 2. Cancún, Mexico 3. Playa del Carmen, Mexico 4. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico 5. Cozumel, Mexico 6. Isla Holbox, Mexico 7. Mexico City, Mexico 8. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 9. Guadalajara, Mexico 10. Mérida, Mexico

Best Leisure Destination for Groups (Four or More) 1. Dubrovnik, Croatia 2. Los Cabos, Mexico 3. Italy 4. Park City, Utah 5. Costa Rica 6. Napa Valley, California 7. Cartagena, Colombia 8. Montréal, Québec, Canada 9. Nashville, Tennessee 10. Ireland

Best Weekend Destination in North America 1. Savannah, Georgia 2. Nashville, Tennessee 3. Asheville, North Carolina 4. Charleston, South Carolina 5. Las Vegas, Nevada 6. Austin, Texas 7. New Orleans, Louisiana 8. San Francisco, California 9. Miami, Florida 10. New York City, New York

Best Weekend Destination in the World 1. Dublin, Ireland 2. Rome, Italy 3. Paris, France 4. São Miguel, Azores, Portugal 5. Lisbon, Portugal 6. Québec City, Québec, Canada 7. Bermuda 8. Cartagena, Colombia 9. Vienna, Austria 10. Belize City, Belize

Best North American Ski Destination 1. Telluride, Colorado 2. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada 3. Aspen Snowmass, Colorado 4. Vail, Colorado 5. Alta, Utah 6. Jackson Hole, Wyoming 7. Park City, Utah 8. Beaver Creek, Colorado 9. Winter Park, Colorado 10. Breckenridge, Colorado

Best International Ski Destination 1. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada 2. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy 3. St. Moritz, Switzerland 4. Niseko, Japan 5. Gstaad, Switzerland 6. Meribel, France 7. Courchevel, France 8. Verbier, Switzerland 9. Lech, Austria 10. Zermatt, Switzerland

Best Golf Destination 1. Streamsong Resort 2. Bandon Dunes 3. Kiawah Island Golf Resort 4. Pebble Beach 5. Pinehurst Resort 6. The Broadmoor 7. The Greenbrier 8. Sea Island Resort 9. Big Cedar Lodge 10. Sea Pines Resort

Best Caribbean Island 1. Dominican Republic 2. Bahamas 3. Grand Cayman 4. U.S. Virgin Islands 5. Curaçao 6. Saint Lucia 7. Aruba 8. Nevis 9. Jamaica 10. British Virgin Islands

Best Island in Europe 1. Santoríni, Greece 2. Sicily, Italy 3. Mykonos, Greece 4. Ireland 5. Capri, Italy 6. England 7. Sardinia 8. Crete, Greece 9. Elba, Italy 10. Jersey, United Kingdom

Best Island in the Pacific Rim 1. Tahiti 2. Cook Islands 3. Fiji 4. Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i 5. Okinawa 6. The Big Island, Hawai‘i 7. Phuket, Thailand 8. Maui, Hawai‘i 9. Japan

Best Island in the United States 1. Hilton Head, South Carolina 2. St. Simons & Little St. Simons, Georgia 3. Kiawah Island, South Carolina 4. Marco Island, Florida 5. Maui, Hawai‘i 6. Amelia Island, Florida 7. Isle of Palms, South Carolina 8. Lāna‘i, Hawai‘i 9. Longboat Key, Florida 10. Oahu, Hawai‘i

Best Family Cruise Line 1. Royal Caribbean 2. Celebrity Cruises 3. Disney Cruise Line 4. Silversea Cruises 5. Seabourn Cruise Line 6. Holland America Line 7. Princess Cruises 8. Atlas Ocean Voyages 9. Regent Seven Seas 10. MSC Cruises

Best Luxury Cruise Line 1. Seabourn Cruise Line 2. Silversea Cruises 3. Cunard Line 4. Regent Seven Seas 5. Paul Gauguin Cruises 6. Azamara 7. SeaDream Yacht Club 8. MSC Cruises 9. Celebrity Cruises 10. Atlas Ocean Voyages

Best Cruise Line Suites 1. Mega Rockstar Quarters, Virgin Voyages 2. Regent Suites, Regent Seven Seas 3. Queens Grill Suites, Cunard Line 4. Princess Grill Suites, Cunard Line 5. Owner’s Suite, Oceania Cruises 6. Owner’s Suite, Silversea Cruises 7. Haven Suites, Norwegian Cruise Line 8. MSC Yacht Club, MCS Cruises 9. Penthouse, Celebrity Cruises 10. Atlas Navigator Suites, Atlas Ocean Voyages

Best Adventure Cruise Line 1. Viking Expeditions 2. Hurtigruten 3. National Geographic Expeditions 4. Ponant 5. American Safari 6. Windstar Cruises 7. UnCruise Adventures 8. Lindblad Expeditions 9. Scenic 10. Silversea Cruises

Best Small-Ship Cruise Line 1. Paul Gauguin Cruises 2. Regent Seven Seas 3. Windstar Cruises 4. Silversea Cruises 5. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises 6. Viking River Cruises 7. Azamara 8. Seabourn Cruise Line 9. SeaDream Yacht Club 10. AmaWaterways

Best Large-Ship Cruise Line 1. Viking Ocean Cruises 2. Cunard Line 3. Celebrity Cruises 4. Princess Cruises 5. MSC Cruises 6. Holland America Line 7. Norwegian Cruise Line 8. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line 9. Atlas Ocean Voyages

Best River Cruise Line 1. AmaWaterways 2. Viking River Cruises 3. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises 4. American Queen Voyages 5. Emerald Cruise Line 6. American Cruise Lines 7. Aqua Expeditions 9. Avalon Waterways 10. Riverview Cruises

Best Cruise Line Entertainment 1. Princess Cruises 2. Regent Seven Seas 3. Holland America Line 4. Viking Ocean Cruises 5. Disney Cruise Line 6. Celebrity Cruises 7. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line 8. Cunard Line 9. Virgin Voyages 10. Norwegian Cruise Line

Best Cruise Line Dining 1. Azamara 2. Regent Seven Seas 3. Cunard Line 4. Seabourn Cruise Line 5. Silversea Cruises 6. Viking Ocean Cruises 7. Celebrity Cruises 8. Oceania Cruises 9. Atlas Ocean Voyages 10. Virgin Voyages

Best Cruise Line Spas 1. Seabourn Cruise Line 2. Regent Seven Seas 3. Virgin Voyages 4. Celebrity Cruises 5. Viking Ocean Cruises 6. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises 7. Princess Cruises 8. Costa Cruises 9. Atlas Ocean Voyages 10. Cunard Line

Best Cruise Ship Excursions 1. Princess Cruises 2. Virgin Voyages 3. Celebrity Cruises 4. Cunard Line 5. Silversea Cruises 6. Viking Ocean Cruises 7. Regent Seven Seas 8. MSC Cruises 9. Atlas Ocean Voyages 10. Holland America Line

Best Cruise Line Rewards Program 1. Oceania Club, Oceania Cruises 2. Captain’s Club, Celebrity Cruises 3. Club World, Cunard Line 4. Captain’s Circle, Princess Cruises 5. Latitudes, Norwegian Cruise Line 6. MSC Voyagers Club, MSC Cruises 7. Mariner Society, Holland America Line 8. Castaway Club, Disney Cruise Line 9. Crown & Anchor Society, Royal Caribbean 10. Seven Seas Society, Regent Seven Seas

Best Cruise Line to Alaska 1. Cunard Line 2. Princess Cruises 3. Holland America Line 4. Celebrity Cruises 5. Royal Caribbean 6. UnCruise Adventures 7. Regent Seven Seas 8. Oceania Cruises 9. Viking Ocean Cruises 10. Norwegian Cruise Line

Best Expedition Cruises 1. Viking Expeditions 2. Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic 3. Ponant 4. Quark Expeditions 5. Atlas Ocean Voyages 6. Hurtigruten Expeditions 7. Silversea Cruises 8. Seabourn Cruise Line 9. UnCruise Adventures 10. Swan Hellenic

Best Cruise Line Caribbean Sailings 1. Windstar Cruises 2. Regent Seven Seas 3. Princess Cruises 4. Carnival Cruise Line 5. Royal Caribbean 6. Norwegian Cruise Line 7. Celebrity Cruises 8. Holland America Line 9. MSC Cruises 10. Viking Ocean Cruises

Best World Cruise 1. Cunard Line 2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 3. Oceania Cruises 4. Princess Cruises 5. Holland America Line 6. Viking Ocean Cruises 7. Silversea Cruises 8. Seabourn Cruise Line 9. MSC Cruises 10. P&O Cruises

Best Cruise Port 1. Port of Miami, Florida 2. Port of San Diego, California 3. Port Canaveral, Florida 4. Port Everglades, Florida 5. Cozumel, Mexico 6. Southampton, England 7. Port of Los Angeles, California 8. Philipsburg, St. Maarten 9. New York City, New York 10. Venice, Italy

Best Luxury Leisure Hotel Group in the World 1. Meliá Hotels International 2. Westin Hotels & Resorts 3. The Ritz-Carlton 4. The Peninsula Hotels 5. Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts 6. Hyatt 7. Sonesta Hotels & Resorts 8. Belmond 9. Four Seasons 10. Marriott Hotels & Resorts

Best Hotel Chain Resorts 1. Marriott Hotels & Resorts 2. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 3. Meliá Hotels International 4. St. Regis 5. Westin Hotels & Resorts 6. The Ritz-Carlton 7. Four Seasons 8. Hyatt 9. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts 10. Sonesta Hotels & Resorts

Best Pet-Friendly Hotel 1. Westin Hotels & Resorts 2. Sonesta Hotels & Resorts 3. Kimpton Hotels + Restaurants 4. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts 5. Loews 6. The Peninsula 7. Le Méridien 8. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 9. Mandarin Oriental 10. Marriott Hotels & Resorts

Best Family Resort Chain in the World 1. Marriott Hotels & Resorts 2. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 3. Westin Hotels & Resorts 4. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts 5. Disney Hotels 6. Sonesta Hotels & Resorts 7. Hyatt 8. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts 9. Kimpton Hotels + Restaurants 10. Loews

Best Hotel Chain Caribbean 1. Meliá Hotels International 2. Club Med 3. JW Marriott 4. Hilton Hotels & Resorts 5. SuperClubs 6. Rui Hotels 7. Barcelo 8. Iberostar 9. Hyatt 10. Royalton Resorts

Best Hotel Chain Thailand 1. Six Senses 2. JW Marriott 3. St. Regis 4. Four Seasons 5. The Luxury Collection 6. Banyan Tree 7. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 8. Mandarin Oriental 9. Kempinski Hotels 10. Marriott Hotels & Resorts

Best Eco-Friendly Hotel Chain 1. Six Senses 2. Kimpton Hotels + Restaurants 3. Hilton Hotels & Resorts 4. Ace Hotel 5. Banyan Tree 6. Joie de Vivre Hotels 7. Marriott Hotels & Resorts 8. Choice Hotels 9. Sonesta Hotels & Resorts

Best All-Inclusive Resort 1. Paradisus Resorts 2. Hyatt Ziva 3. Hyatt Zilara 4. Sandals Resorts 5. Karisma Hotels & Resorts 6. Meliá Hotels International 7. Dreams Resorts & Spas 8. Jade Mountain, Saint Lucia 9. Secrets Resorts & Spas 10. Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resort

Best Tour Operator 1. Abercrombie & Kent 2. Cox & Kings 3. The Inspiring Travel Company 4. The Turquoise Holiday Company 5. Red Savannah 6. Kuoni 7. TrailFinders 8. Kenwood Travel 9. GOWAY 10. Elegant Resorts

Best Airport for Layovers 1. Istanbul Grand Airport 2. Dubai International Airport 3. Hamad International Airport, Doha 4. Singapore Changi Airport 5. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport 6. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport 7. Zürich Kloten International Airport 8. Incheon International Airport 9. Miami International Airport 10. Denver International Airport

Best Airport for Recreation 1. Orlando International Airport 2. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport 3. Miami International Airport 4. Denver International Airport 5. Incheon International Airport 6. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport 7. Istanbul Grand Airport 8. Zürich Kloten International Airport 9. Munich Airport 10. Singapore Changi Airport

Best Stopover Program 1. TAP Air Portugal 2. Turkish Airlines 3. Brussels Airlines 4. Air Canada 5. Finnair 6. Qatar Airways 7. British Airways 8. Emirates 9. Korean Air 10. Singapore Airlines

Best Leisure Airline 1. Air Tahiti Nui 2. Aeromexico 3. American Airlines 4. Alaska Airlines 5. United Airlines 6. Delta Air Lines 7. Hawaiian Airlines 8. TAP Air Portugal 9. Air France 10. Fiji Airways

Best Eco-Friendly Airline 1. United Airlines 2. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 3. Alaska Airlines 4. Cathay Pacific Airways 5. Air France 6. Delta Air Lines 7. American Airlines 8. Lufthansa 9. TAP Air Portugal 10. Air Canada

Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment 1. Air Canada 2. Emirates 3. United Airlines 4. American Airlines 5. Korean Air 6. Air France 7. Delta Air Lines 8. Qatar Airways 9. Asiana Airlines 10. Singapore Airlines

Best Airline Onboard Menu 1. Air Canada Business Class 2. Korean Air First Class 3. Air France La Première 4. United Polaris 5. Air France Business Class 6. Swiss International Air Lines First Class 7. Emirates First Class 8. All Nippon Airways First Class 9. Asiana Airlines Business Class 10. LATAM Premium Business Class

Best Premium Economy Class 1. Air Canada 2. Delta Air Lines 3. United Airlines 4. Singapore Airlines 5. American Airlines 6. Lufthansa 7. Scandinavian Airlines 8. Air New Zealand 9. British Airways 10. ITA Airways

Best Luxury Vehicle 1. BMW 2. Mercedes-Benz 3. Audi 4. Volvo 5. Maserati 6. Tesla 7. Porsche 8. Lexus 9. Acura 10. Cadillac

Best Leisure Car Rental 1. Hertz 2. Sixt 3. National Car Rental 4. Avis 5. Enterprise 6. Thrifty 7. Dollar Car Rental 8. Alamo 9. Budget 10. Payless

Best Leisure Credit Card 1. Aeroplan Credit Card from Chase 2. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase 3. Royal Caribbean Bank of America Visa 4. United MileagePlus Quest Card from Chase 5. Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card 6. IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase 7. Choice Rewards World Mastercard 8. World of Hyatt Credit Card from Chase 9. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card 10. Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

Best Airline Affinity Credit Card for Leisure 1. United MileagePlus Quest Card from Chase 2. United Explorer Card from Chase 3. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card from Bank of America 4. Delta SkyMiles American Express Card 5. Aeroplan Credit Card from Chase 6. United Club Infinite Card from Chase 7. Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard 8. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card 9. JetBlue Card 10. AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard from Barclays

Best Hotel Affinity Credit Card for Leisure 1. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase 2. Hotels.com Visa Card from Wells Fargo 3. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card 4. World of Hyatt Credit Card from Chase 5. IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card from Chase 6. Wyndham Rewards Earner Visa Card from Barclays 7. Hilton Honors Aspire Credit Card from American Express 8. Best Western Rewards Premium Mastercard 9. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card 10. Sonesta Stay Rewarded Bank of America Mastercard

Best Cruise Line Credit Card 1. Norwegian Cruise Line Mastercard from Bank of America 2. Royal Caribbean Bank of America Visa 3. Carnival World Mastercard from Barclays 4. Princess Cruises Visa Signature Card from Barclays 5. Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature Card from Bank of America 6. Holland America Line Rewards Visa from Barclays 7. Disney Premier Visa Credit Card from Chase

Favorite Luxury Watch Brand 1. Cartier 2. Ulysse Nardin 3. TAG Heuer 4. Panerai 5. Patek Philippe 6. Louis Vuitton 7. Movado 8. Tiffany & Co. 9. A Lange & Sohne 10. Omega

Best Destination Jewelry Brand 1. Na Hoku 2. Dune Jewelry 3. Maui Divers Jewelry Hawai‘i 4. Destination Jewelry Brands 5. Caribbean Gems 6. Cardow Jewelers 7. Arezzo Jewelers 8. Little Switzerland 9. Tiffany & Co. 10. Diamonds International

Favorite Liquor Brand 1. Maker’s Mark 2. Bacardi 3. Woodford Reserve 4. Patrón 5. Johnnie Walker Blue 6. Bombay Sapphire 7. Johnnie Walker Black 8. Crown Royal 9. Grey Goose 10. Belvedere

HALL OF FAME 10th Consecutive Year Best Island in Europe Santoríni, Greece

Cruise Line of the Year 2023 AmaWaterways

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS Outstanding Social Responsibility Delta Air Lines

Outstanding Customized Services Princess Cruises

Outstanding Environmental Initiatives Viking

Outstanding Innovations Delta Air Lines

QUINT STATUS Fifth Consecutive Year Best Premium Economy Class Air Canada

Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment Air Canada

Best Stopover Program TAP Air Portugal

Best Cruise Line Spas Seabourn Cruise Line

Best Cruise Line Entertainment Princess Cruises

Get insider information and deals in your inbox!

• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Read This Next

Review: hotel oderberger berlin, all reads on this topic, review: citizenm los angeles downtown, review: thompson central park new york, review: loews kansas city, read them all.

Introducing

World’s First Chief Aurora Chaser Joins Hurtigruten

In the world of professional titles, not much beats a business card that bears the stamp Chief Aurora Chaser. Northern Lights astronomer, author and speaker Tom Kerss has been bestowed with exactly that designation thanks to a new partnership with Hurtigruten.

Sponsored Content

A new perspective on incentive travel.

Incentive travel has long been a way for organizations to drive sales and reward employees with opulent trips to exotic destinations. Today it encompasses even more.

Global Traveler Announces the Winners of the 2024 Leisure Lifestyle Awards

With hearty congratulations we are delighted to bring you the 12th Leisure Lifestyle Awards winners! Our annual survey honors the best in the world of leisure and lifestyle travel, awarding goods, services, destinations, hotels, airlines, airports, cruises and more. Read on to find out who dominates in the leisure travel industry, and see if your favorites made the cut. We also offer a hearty thank you to our readers, the most seasoned travelers we know, for voting in this year’s survey.

Leisure Lifestyle 2024

Enjoy a private island retreat, accessible only by cruise ship.

Setting sail on a cruise is, for the most part, an all-inclusive experience, providing myriad opportunities for traveling someplace new and exotic. More than a dozen cruise lines sweeten tropical itineraries by calling upon their own private islands, giving guests exclusive access to uninterrupted stretches of sandy beaches and calm waters. Here we take a look at some of the private islands to which it’s worth charting a course.

Experience Luxury and Tranquility at Hamad International Airport’s Hotel

Known as one of the best airports in the world and voted Best Airport in the Middle East by Global Traveler readers, Hamad International Airport aims to set new standards for the airport industry that exceed the expectations of travelers through its facility.

Take Part in InterContinental New York Barclay’s Summer Programming

InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel unveiled new programming for summer travelers, inviting guests to partake in experiences both in and out of the hotel. The historic hotel is located just steps from Grand Central Station and serves as the perfect home base for a summer vacation to NYC.

Global Traveler Announces 12th Annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards

Press releases, new culinary highlights on lufthansa’s business class, 5 nyc hotels going big for pride month, the evolution of boston’s buzziest bites, little-known new york stewart international airport attracts travelers with hassle-free experience, a new, luxury hotel to open in puglia, italy, in 2027, doors open in edinburgh at red carnation’s 100 princes street.

Leisurely afternoon tea flavored with castle views? You’ll enjoy this and plenty more at 100 Princes Street, Red Carnation’s newest property in Scotland’s fascinating capital city . Set within a historic structure that once served as headquarters for the Royal Overseas League, this luxurious hotel promises to both pamper guests and immerse them in a truly Scottish experience.

Tips to Plan a Destination Event Worth the Trip

Corporate events can often feel … too corporate. Where to go to get the team out of the office environment to bond and think outside the box? Starting with an unconventional, unique space to make them feel like the all-stars they are will get the juices flowing and make your LinkedIn profile glow.

What are the World’s 50 Best Beaches in 2024?

Did your favorite beach make this year’s list? The World’s 50 Best Beaches was just released, showcasing the results of votes from more than 1,000 of the world’s most prominent travel professionals.

Experts Predict The Most Popular Travel Destinations Of 2023

Senior Reporter, HuffPost Life

From changing pandemic restrictions to utter airport chaos, 2022 was quite a notable year for travel.

Despite the challenging aspects, it’s clear people were ready and willing to dive back into exploration and bring the “ revenge travel ” predictions to fruition. Next year promises to bring more opportunities for adventure.

“The travel landscape has changed much in recent years, but people’s desire to experience different parts of the world hasn’t,” Naveen Dittakavi, CEO and co-founder of Next Vacay , told HuffPost. “If anything, it’s only grown. So just how exactly people satisfy that desire is what will drive destination popularity in 2023.”

With that in mind, where do experts see travelers flocking to next year? Below, we share their predictions for next year’s trending travel destinations.

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

It's another trump-biden showdown — and we need your help, the future of democracy is at stake, your loyalty means the world to us.

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.

Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.

The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?

HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.

It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.

But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.

Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.

Dear HuffPost Reader

Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.

The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?

The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.

Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.

Popular in the Community

From our partner, huffpost shopping’s best finds, more in life.

Your browser is not supported

Sorry but it looks as if your browser is out of date. To get the best experience using our site we recommend that you upgrade or switch browsers.

Find a solution

Welcome to groupleisureandtravel.com. This site uses cookies. Read our policy .

• Skip to main content
• Skip to navigation

Recognising the best attractions, destinations, experiences and suppliers for group trips and holidays

• 2024 finalists
• Awards Partners
• Back to parent navigation item
• GTO of the Year Award®
• About the Award
• The Excellence Award
• Category Guide
• Photo Gallery
• Video Highlights

• More from navigation items

Source: ING

Group Travel Organiser of the Year Award®: introducing the 2024 finalists

2024-05-10T12:30:00+01:00

Meet the 2024 finalists of a very special annual award that highlights the amazing experiences and memories that brilliant group travel organisers create for their members.   

Since the first recipient back in 1999, this prestigious accolade has been a highlight of the Group Leisure & Travel Awards, which are Britain’s only national awards for group travel. The GTO of the Year Award ® has helped to highlight so many people making a huge difference to the lives of others.

The winner will be announced at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards in London on 27th June and scoop a prize of £2,000 to spend on a holiday to remember. 

The finalists for 2024 are…

Joyce cook, basingstoke & old basing u3a.

Joyce has been a group travel organiser for 35 years, taking members all over the world to the likes of Spain, Canada, Austria, Cyprus and most recently, Montenegro.

When she first began organising for the U3A group, there were 70 members and she has grown it to more than 400 with many people who join the branch doing so because they have heard about the holidays available to book. 

GTO, Joyce Cook has taken her group all around the world - she loves arranging mystery tours and going the extra mile for special occasions. 

Joyce prides herself on coming up with new ideas of where to go and told us: “I rarely repeat the same location within three years. I like to look at where we went the previous year and then look in the opposite direction.”  Arranging a range of day outings and UK breaks, as well as European and long-haul holidays, Joyce caters for various interests. Asked what the most rewarding aspect of her role as a GTO is, Joyce said: “Seeing smiles at the end of a trip. I also look out for people who are on their first trip, perhaps since a bereavement.

“It is rewarding when you see these people joining in and laughing. Several of my members have made new friends this way and now they will share with one of their new friends rather than having a single room.” 

Nicola Haynes, Theatre Trips Essex

It has been a real family affair for group organiser, Nicola who took over running the group from her dad Ken some years ago. He had initially set it up in 1975 to raise money for a local swimming pool and it has grew from there and now boasts about 10,000 members.

Catering for all ages, ranging from babies to a 94-year-old, Nicola’s focus is on theatre trips but she also arranges a host of other experiences such as garden visits, guided tours, river cruises, shopping, theme park outings and more.   

Nicola organises all sorts of experiences for her members from afternoon tea cruises to theatre outings and more. 

Describing herself as a “real people person”, Nicola aims to include everyone on her trips because she wants them all to “enjoy their special day out and have the best time”. She added: “It is the best feeling to be able to offer people the chance to see first-class musicals in our wonderful West End.”

Nicola goes over and above for her members, ensuring that any requirements are met and adding special touches such as getting balloons arranged in advance for birthdays and special occasions. 

On what her members would say about her, Nicola told us: “I always give my best effort. They know that I work every day, sometimes into the long hours, to ensure the smooth running of trips.”

Patsy Steadman, Force Club, Avon & Somerset Police

The aim of the police club is to provide health and wellbeing to its 5,000 members and a big part of that is organising subsidised events and holidays. For many it’s a chance to have quality family time away from their busy jobs. 

Patsy has been manager of the club for more than 30 years but still absolutely loves what she does, bringing lots of enthusiasm and drive. Her role is all-encompassing; she is involved in everything from research to organising trips, sorting membership, as well as promoting events and holidays through talks and videos. 

Group organiser, Patsy has the wellbeing of her members at the forefront of her mind when arranging holidays. 

Receiving good feedback is very important to Patsy who said: “The most rewarding part is knowing that you have made a positive difference to people’s lives. My aim is to research and find the best deals for our members. Even better if we can subsidise those deals so that in these challenging times the members are able to afford our events and enjoy themselves, particularly as many of our members are involved in highly stressful situations, which can affect their health in many ways.”

She added: “I absolutely love my job and I cannot wait to get into work to face the next set of challenges that have kept me motivated and focused on providing a great service to our membership.”

The Group Travel Organiser of the Year Award® 2024 is partnered by Ambassador Cruise Line.

Ambassador sails for the British market from eight regional UK ports including London Tilbury, Newcastle, Dundee, Liverpool and Newcastle. 

Its two ships, flagship  Ambience and   Ambition , carry 1,400 and 1,200 passengers respectively, sailing to destinations around the world with a focus on premium-value no-fly cruises. 

Ambassador offers a range of benefits for groups including discounts, group cocktail parties and optional group dining requests. To find out more head to ambassadorcruiseline.com/groups

Find out more

Gwen Wright, the Arts Society, Cranleigh

It all started many years ago for Gwen when she first began arranging group trips as a science teacher. Then, when she retired more than 20 years ago, she took up the visits secretary role with her local Arts Society club. 

Since then, she has taken her members all around the world including to Slovenia, Greece, Spain, Italy and Austria, as well as many destinations in the UK such as Yorkshire, Northumberland and Liverpool. 

For Gwen, it’s all about people enjoying themselves and learning about our incredible world. 

Gwen tries to find places that are “less well trodden” and looks at accommodating the interests of the group by arranging fascinating talks and guided tours.

She told us: “I love to know that people are enjoying themselves in many ways, such as experiencing and learning about our world - it’s a big world to explore. 

“Without a doubt, the planning and anticipation of trips brings joy, but equally the hindsight does too. Giving people a break and also being comfortable with going away with like-minded folk is important.”

Gwen also prides herself on being a good listener and being responsive to all, particularly being mindful of those travelling alone. 

A big thank you to the judging panel for this year’s GTO of the Year® Award:

• Mary Gotts, GOTT 2 TRAVEL, 2023 GTO of the Year®. 
• Daniel Pocock, sales development team leader at Potters Resorts and winner of the 2023 Excellence Award. 
• Alan Rennie, business development manager - groups, Ambassador Cruise Line. 
• Keeley Rodgers, editor of Group Leisure & Travel, and Rob Yandell, publisher of Group Leisure & Travel, completed the 2024 judging panel. 

Congratulations to all the 2024 finalists.

The Group Travel Organiser of the Year Award® is presented annually as part of the Group Leisure & Travel Awards.

The 2024 ceremony will take place on Thursday 27th June at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, London. 

For more information visit  groupleisureandtravel.com/awards .

Related Content

GLT Awards partners: importance of groups and the move to London

2024-05-02T10:42:00Z

We asked our 2024 Group Leisure & Travel Awards partners why groups are so important, and what they’re looking forward to about the ceremony moving to London.

Pete Firman: GLT Awards host on what guests can expect on the night

2024-04-17T10:37:00Z

We catch up with magician and comedian Pete Firman ahead of the 2024 Group Leisure & Travel Awards, to find out what our host will bring to the ceremony and where his love of magic came from.

Meet the 2024 Excellence Award finalists and vote for your winner

2024-04-04T08:22:00Z

Whether you organise a day trip or a long haul holiday, it is often the people you deal with who can make the difference. Find out who the finalists for this year’s Excellence Award are and vote for your winner. 

More from GLT Awards

Sophie Dart: organising memorable group visits to the theatre

2024-01-03T14:08:00Z

We caught up with Sophie Dart, finalist in the 2023 Excellence Award category, who spoke about the importance of group theatre visits and why she loves her role.

Jackie Cook: Success all round and tailoring group trips

2023-12-18T16:35:00Z

Mary Gotts: ticking off her groups’ travel bucket lists

2023-12-06T16:34:00Z

Faye Brant-Key: the National Memorial Arboretum’s appeal to groups

2023-11-27T17:00:00Z

Find out about: the GTO of the Year Award®

The Excellence Award 2024: recognising travel trade superstars

• GLT Awards Terms & Conditions
• GLT Home Page
• © YANDELL PUBLISHING LTD.

Site powered by Webvision Cloud

Volusia tourism leaders celebrate 10.1 million visitors in destination 'reset' year

D AYTONA BEACH  ― Volusia County attracted 10.1 visitors in 2023, down from a record 10.6 million in 2022 , according to figures from the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The news was announced at a celebration event to mark National Travel & Tourism Week on Wednesday at Hard Rock Hotel.

Area tourism officials and other local leaders praised the strength of the area’s leading industry as they also acknowledged increasing competition for travelers as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues fade into the past tense.

“That number reflects what we have been calling a ‘reset’ year, so we’re actually very pleased,” said Lori Campbell Baker, executive director of the Daytona Beach Area CVB. “The world has reopened. International travel is booming.”

Volusia's 2023 visitor total surpassed pre-pandemic 2019

As Florida emerged as one of the first states to re-open for tourists in the wake of pandemic-era restrictions, Volusia County’s record-setting 10.6 million visitor total in 2022 was the destination’s highest annual count since logging 10.2 million in 2018.

Although the 2023 visitor total failed to match that record high, Baker pointed out that it was better than the pre-COVID 2019 total of the 9.8 million.

“As always, we’re working to bring that total up,” she said. “Everything we do is geared toward attracting overnight visitors.”

In addition to a decline in visitors, Volusia County’s tourist development tax collections for the fiscal year that concluded on Sept. 30 finished 3.51% below the year-end total for 2021-22, according to figures from the Volusia County Revenue Division.

For the previous fiscal year that concluded on Sept. 30, 2022, record-high overall tourism bed-tax collections of $33.7 million countywide were more than 20% higher than the previous year, which also set a record.

The county collects a 6% tourism tax on hotels and lodges with half of the revenues going to fund the county-run Ocean Center convention complex in Daytona Beach. The other half goes to the county’s three tourism ad authorities to market their respective areas — the Daytona Beach/Halifax area, Southeast Volusia and West Volusia — as tourist and special event destinations.

Tourism trend also evident in statewide visitor total

The trend in Volusia County also is evident in statewide numbers.

In 2023, Florida welcomed an estimated 135 million tourists according to the Visit Florida tourism marketing agency. That's down from 137.4 million the year before, but up from 131.1 million in 2019, the last full year of data before the pandemic.

At Wednesday’s event, the contributions of the area’s tourism industry were heralded by host Bob Davis, president and CEO of the Lodging & Hospitality Association of Volusia County.

After nearly 60 years as a hotelier and tourism leader, Davis emphasized that connection among hotel owners, managers, small businesses, elected officials and educators was essential for success.

“It takes all of us together, working to make Volusia the No. 1 county in Florida,” Davis said. “We’re all in this together. We all have a part to play.”

That theme was echoed in presentations by leaders of the county’s three tourism advertising authorities representing the Halifax area, West Volusia and Southeast Volusia.

In case you missed it: After two record-setting years, Volusia tourism weathers downturn in 2023

There also were updates from Cyrus Callum, director of aviation and economic resources at Daytona Beach International Airport, Ocean Center Director Lynn Flanders and Volusia County Manager George Recktenwald.

Recktenwald offered thanks to county staff members and area businesses for contributing to the recovery from beach damage sustained during back-to-back tropical storms Ian and Nicole in fall 2022.

“The last 18 months touched us like never before,” said Recktenwald, adding that the future still holds the prospect of “significant investment” to ensure the condition of the area’s beaches. Yet he, too, was optimistic.

“The businesses, the hotels and the county’s environmental staff have acted swiftly to repair the damages,” he said. “Things are looking positive.”

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Volusia tourism leaders celebrate 10.1 million visitors in destination 'reset' year

• Twitter / X
• Readers' Choice
• Food & Drink
• Arts & Culture
• Travel Guides

Vote for your favorite lake for swimming!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

From natural water features to human-made bodies of water, the United States is full of beautiful lakes where you can enjoy a refreshing dip. Not to mention, several offer sandy stretches of beach, perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. An expert panel has nominated their 20 picks for the best lakes for swimming in the United States. Where is your favorite spot to go for a swim? Vote once per day until polls close on Monday, June 3 at noon ET. The 10 winning lakes will be announced on Wednesday, June 12. Read the official  Readers' Choice rules . 

From natural water features to human-made bodies of water, the United States is full of beautiful lakes where you can enjoy a refreshing dip. Not to mention, several offer sandy stretches of beach, perfect for sunbathing...   Read More

Best Lake for Swimming Nominees

Photo courtesy of cws_design // Getty Images

Crater Lake

Dazzling blue water and stunning volcanic landscapes are both on full display along Crater Lake, the deepest lake in all of the United States. Designated swimming areas range from Cleetwood Cove to Wizard Island, but be sure to bring plenty of warm clothing in addition to a bathing suit, as this stunning water feature is just as frigid as it is beautiful.

Photo courtesy of LumineImages // Getty Images

Deep Creek Lake

The westernmost reaches of Maryland are home to Deep Creek Lake, an artificial body of water that made its debut roughly a century ago. Local fish species range from walleye to bluegill to yellow perch, while humans tend to join in on the party once spring kicks in, with panhandle residents swinging by for a refreshing swim in the Garrett County waters.

Photo courtesy of harryfn / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Devil's Lake

Spanning roughly 374 acres along southern Wisconsin's Baraboo Range, Devil's Lake serves as a top spot for summer recreation. While visitors arrive in droves to paddle along its scenic shoreline and hike in search of local birds, the water feature is also a popular swimming destination thanks to its calm water and warm temperatures in the summer months.

Photo courtesy of nancykennedy / iStock / Getty Images Plus

New Hampshire

Just west of the Maine border, New Hampshire's Echo Lake serves as a top spot for water recreation during peak summer. Kayaking and fishing are two popular activities across the area, while those looking to cool off on a hot day can take a dip in the warm, calm water found along the lake's sandy shores.

Photo courtesy of VISIT Lake Geneva

Geneva Lake

Located roughly halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee, Wisconsin's Geneva Lake is a particularly popular summertime destination for those seeking an idyllic escape from the city. On the western shore, Fontana Beach is a local favorite thanks to its soft sand and shallow water, while Big Foot Beach State Park is a must-visit for those staying in the idyllic city of Lake Geneva.

Photo courtesy of EvgeniiAnd // Getty Images

Colorado's Grand Lake springs to life once the snow has made its annual retreat, inviting tourists and locals alike to kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and swim along its tranquil shores. It may be a little chilly, but it's tough to pass up a dip in the largest and deepest natural lake in all of the Centennial State.

Photo courtesy of Visit Charlevoix

Lake Charlevoix

While Lake Michigan sees its fair share of bathers during the warmer months, it's not exactly Caribbean-level in terms of temperature. Fortunately, northern Michigan residents have the perfect alternative in the form of Lake Charlevoix. The third-largest natural lake in the state, this scenic body of water tends to run a bit warmer than its massive neighbor, with Depot Beach being a particularly popular spot for taking the plunge.

Photo courtesy of Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce

Lake Chelan

It may be a little chilly at first, but the crystal-clear water and stunning surroundings make Lake Chelan a top destination for a warm weather swim. Renowned for its immense depth, the body of water is often compared to a Northern European fjord, providing visitors with a glimpse into the stunning beauty of Scandinavia without having to set foot outside of North America.

Photo courtesy of Shores & Islands Ohio

New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania

With hundreds of miles of shoreline to explore between both Canada and the United States, the sprawling Lake Erie is rife with sandy beaches to swim along. Headlands Beach State Park is a popular bathing destination for Ohio residents, while Pennsylvanians can take a dip at the scenic Presque Isle State Park (during the warmer months, at least).

Photo courtesy of Majicphotos // Getty Images

Lake George

After a long day of trekking through Adirondack hiking trails, there's nothing quite as refreshing as a dip in Lake George. Measuring in at 45 square miles, this scenic body of water is a particularly refreshing swimming spot thanks to its unusually clean water, with locals congregating at the sandy Million Dollar Beach to swim, sunbathe, stand-up paddleboard, and take a leisurely cruise out on the boat.

Photo courtesy of bukharova // Getty Images

Whether you're trekking along Saginaw Bay or exploring the remote northern shore of Georgian Bay, Lake Huron is dotted with a wealth of incredible swimming beaches for visitors to enjoy. While both Canada and the United States are rife with top-tier swimming destinations, Michigan is particularly suitable for the sport, equipped with charming preserves like Sleeper State Park and Hoeft State Park.

Photo courtesy of Kruck20 // Getty Images

Lake Jocassee

South Carolina

Located in the northwesternmost reaches of South Carolina, the scenic Lake Jocassee is fed by natural Appalachian rivers all throughout the year, each one coming together to form a particularly idyllic mountain lake. During a swim, visitors can scour the water for creatures like sunfish and trout, and as an added bonus, there's no shortage of rushing waterfalls to admire along the shore.

Photo courtesy of Drew Mason

Lake Michigan

Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin

It's always a little cold even in the height of summer, but for those willing to brave the low temperatures, Lake Michigan is perfect for a refreshing dip. For Chicago visitors, North Avenue Beach is a particularly lively spot for a swim, while destinations outside the city range from Indiana Dunes National Park to Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Lake Ouachita

Created in the 1950s as a source of hydroelectric power, Lake Ouachita doubles as a massive outdoor recreation spot, spanning 40,000 acres just outside the city of Hot Springs. While boaters and fishers can be found in abundance across the lake, it's also a haven for swimming and scuba diving.

Photo courtesy of Yobro10 // Getty Images

Lake Powell

Arizona and Utah

Arizona and Utah aren't particularly lush, so it should come as no surprise that Lake Powell is one of the most popular water features between the two states. While there's no bad time to take a dip, the height of summer provides visitors with bathtub-like water at temperatures capable of reaching over 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Photo courtesy of SteveLagreca // Getty Images

Lake Superior

Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin

With 31,700 square miles of lake to explore, the colossal Lake Superior is equipped with more than its fair share of swimming spots spread along the Canada and United States shores. Though each one tends to swing towards the colder side, destinations like Agate Beach, Wisconsin Point, and Wild Goose Beach all offer some welcome relief from the summer heat.

Photo courtesy of Kristin Rust / Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

California and Nevada

Renowned for its immense depth and spectacular beauty, Lake Tahoe is an unusually picturesque destination for a midday dive. For anyone hanging out on the California side, Pope Beach is a top destination for tourists and locals alike, while Nevada visitors can spend their time swimming along shoreside stops like Secret Cove and Sand Harbor.

Photo courtesy of fotografixx // Getty Images

Norris Lake

Spanning more than 200 miles along five separate counties, Norris Lake began its life as a method of flood control, gradually morphing into a top-tier aquatic adventure destination since its creation in the 1930s. During a visit to Loyston Point Recreation Area, locals can be found taking advantage of the calm water, with swimmers, boaters, and fishers all in attendance.

Photo courtesy of 7Michael / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Sylvan Lake

South Dakota

For those wishing to immerse themselves in the pristine beauty of South Dakota's Black Hills, Sylvan Lake is the perfect spot. This sprawling water feature earns abundant acclaim for its gorgeous atmosphere, with visitors arriving during the warmer months to swim along the shallow and sandy beachfront.

Photo courtesy of Studio4 // Getty Images

Whitefish Lake

Trout, sculpin, and (of course) whitefish all call Montana's Whitefish Lake home, and they're far from the only creatures that spend their time cruising through the water. Throughout spring and summer, the area draws a wealth of campers, boaters, and swimmers, all of which arrive to take full advantage of the balmy temperatures and beautiful surrounding landscapes.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Jacky runice.

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home...   Read More

Born in Bucktown when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). In her best Chicagoese, Jacky asks, "Who has the time or money to blow on hotels, attractions, restaurants, exhibits and activities that blow?"

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She...   Read More

Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for   Insider,   Fodor's Travel ,   Yahoo ,  the Huffington Post , the  Washington Post,   Viator  and  Reviewed  among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer.    Jamie can be reached at  [email protected]  and can be found on  Twitter ,  Instagram  and  TikTok .

Kristen Lummis

Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in...   Read More

Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website  braveskimom.com  in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family — pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook. 

Marla Cimini

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion...   Read More

Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is:  www.marlacimini.com  

Shea Peters

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent...   Read More

Shea Peters is a NYC based writer and frequent world traveler that looks to the history of a location in order to tell the story. Growing up in a Southern family that loves to travel, Shea has seen 44 of the 50 US states and believes that every place has a story worth telling, regardless of how populated or rural. She's currently a regular contributor discussing travel, culture, history, food, wellness, and business at Travel + Leisure, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Oprah Daily, Women’s Health, TripAdvisor, Cosmo, and Revolt TV. When she's not traveling, rooting for some unlikable sports team, or taking a pilates class, you can find Shea in her rooftop garden that is currently flourishing above the streets of New York City. You can follow Shea on  Instagram  and  Twitter .

Tamara Gane

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best...   Read More

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.

Wendy O'Dea

Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea ...   Read More

Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea moved to L.A. to attend the USC graduate School of Journalism and stayed for the innovative and creative lifestyle the city offers. Other than the traffic, there's not much about California she doesn't love. You can track her gallivanting ways on Instagram via @WendyTravels . 

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

‘Friendly’ and ‘walkable’ city named one of the best UK destinations

Share this with

Looking for inspiration for your next day trip ? A ‘friendly’ and ‘walkable’ city has been named one of the UK’s best destinations .

Leicester – the final resting place of Richard III – has been shortlisted for best UK destination at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards.

Home to historic buildings, famous Indian restaurants and Leicester City football club, this East Midlands city is often overlooked in favour of its larger sibling Nottingham .

Locals and tourists alike, however, are raving about Leicester’s wow factor.

‘Walkable and the people are pretty friendly. Only an hour and half train ride from London, but there’s already a good amount of stuff to do. Amazing food and restaurants as well,’ Reddit user @tillybilly89, who moved to the city to study, wrote.

‘Leicester is the most affordable place I have lived in England yet only 2 hours or less from big cities,’ added @Travelin2017, whilst @summa-awilum, who used to live in Los Angeles, praised the East Midlands gem for being ‘multicultural.’

‘It’s multicultural, it’s a good size, it has a nice central location, it’s affordable, and it has a good arts scene. There’s a lot of history in Leicester, too, and it’s a fun place to show off to family and friends when they visit.’

Things to do in Leicester

Into history? Leicester is one of the UK’s oldest cities, and, perhaps most famously, the Battle of Bosworth – the last battle in the War of the Roses – took place in the county.

Visitors should take a trip to the King Richard III Visitor Centre to learn the story of how the famous King of England, who was slain in 1485, was found underneath a city centre carpark in September 2012.

Now, after a state funeral, his body lies in the Leicester Cathedral – making Leicester one of the few places in the UK where a British monarch is laid to rest.

And, if you want even more War of the Roses info, head over to Market Bosworth, a picturesque town with a market square, lined with cute tea rooms and independent shops. Afternoon tea at Softley’s is delicious, try the Turkish fayre at Istanbul BBQ Kitchen, or have slap up pub meal at The Black Horse.

The nearby Battlefield is thought to be where Henry Tudor and King Richard fought for the crown – recent research found the battle actually happened about a mile away, but the place is still worth a visit to learn more about the battle – and for the stunning countryside views.

Back in the city, The Guildhall Museum is the oldest building still in use in Leicester, with the earliest part dating back to 1390.

It acted as the town hall, and was famously the centre of celebrations after Elizabeth I’s navy defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588.

There’s also the National Space Centre, the only museum in the world that houses upright space rockets indoors, and anyone who went to school in Leicester will be familiar with New Walk museum. Its Egyptian and Dinosaur galleries are always popular with little ones, making it a family friendly day out.

The best bars in Leicester

• Audrey Bar is an instagrammable bar that serves up bottomless brunch, great cocktails – on the weekends it comes with the soundtrack of RnB, garage and hip hop bops.
• For great music and cocktails – with a dance floor space – head to Fat Cat .
• 33CankStreet bills themselves as Leicester’s first and best table service cocktail bar. Book a table here for creative drinks you don’t get anywhere else.
• Lane 7 has 12 bowling venues around the UK, and the Leicester spot is definitely worth a visit. There’s bowling, karaoke, darts, pool, crazy golf and, of course, booze.
• For fancy wines, Veeno has a huge range, plus you can get wine flights. They start at £10 per person for three.

If museums aren’t your thing, Leicester has a vibrant arts scene – famous musical exports include Kasabian and Mahalia.

The Shed , in the cultural quarter, is the place to go to discover new talent, with live music and DJs every weekend.

If film and theatre takes your fancy, the Curve plays host to touring West End shows – and you can even catch performances here before they make it to London. The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ premiered here (based on the book written by Leicester legend, Sue Townsend), before going to the capital.

For independent cinema the Phoenix Theatre shows everything from major Hollywood releases to tiny independent films. There’s also a cafe and rooftop bar, The Nest, making it perfect for a date or special night out.

And if sport is more your idea of theatre, the city loves it – Leicester City Football Club and the Leicester Tigers rugby team both have huge followings. You can also watch the Leicester Riders play basketball, or head to Grace Road to watch some cricket.

Leicester has its fair share of green spaces and waterways too, with the Grand Union Canal running from London to Birmingham and, subsequently, straight through the city centre.

@roxxxi_19 Am I in Disney movie 🤔 #leicester #bradgatepark #fyp #foryou #england #nature #views ♬ Disney-style fanfare-style BGM – harryfaoki

Abbey Park, Fosse Meadows and Beacon Hill also offer up a quiet spot for an afternoon stroll.

There’s also Bradgate Park – another spot for the historians as it’s where Lady Jane Grey – who was Queen for just nine days – lived. It’s stunning and a favourite among locals, be sure to keep an eye out for the deer.

And when it comes to food, Leicester is famous for its Indian restaurants. The city is proud of its diversity, and it’s often said Leicester has the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4dFNcMOF9x/

Along the Golden Mile, you can find authentic food, spices and clothing. Popular restaurants include Bobby’s, which serves up vegetarian Indian food, and Paddy’s Marten Inn.

How to get to Leicester

The best way to get to Leicester is by train. It’s just over an hour away from London, and trains go direct from St Pancras International.

Alternatively, you can get a train to Nuneaton from London Euston, which tend to be cheaper, and slightly quicker. You can either grab a cab into Leicester, or get another train. Altogether, this route takes between 1 hour 35 minutes and 2 hours 19 minutes.

Your Daily Horoscope

Daily horoscope today: May 11, 2024 astrological predictions for your star sign

Book wisely, and you can get a return train to Nuneaton for around £40 – the service to Leicester can be more expensive though, with a return fare costing around £70.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected] .

MORE : Seven years on I went to the Fyre Festival island — there wasn’t a soggy cheese sarnie in sight

MORE : This unexpected ‘paradise’ is one of the top island destinations to visit this year

MORE : The accidental adventurer who hiked Iran in a vintage Burberry mac

Get need-to-know travel news, inspiration and advice from Metro every week.

Sign up here....

Privacy Policy

To the Nigerian mistaken for a Ghanaian traveling from Woolwich to…

To the guy with blond, shoulder-length hair wearing a greyish-black,…

Enter your birthday for your free daily horoscope sent straight to your inbox!

Get us in your feed