The overlooked peninsula of Halkidiki in Greece is one of the destinations in the list for ‘unwind’ … [+]
getty
Epic landscapes, resurgent cities, foodies’ Edens and family favorites are among the anticipated Best in Travel destinations that global travel guide Lonely Planet has unveiled for 2023.
The 18th annual selection featuring 30 must-visit destinations around the globe has been organized this year around the quality of the visits that travelers can enjoy in each place.
“In the past, our team has organized this list by country, region and city,” Lonely Planet explains. “Yet as travel continues to rebound, we’ve noticed that our readers are craving meaningful experiences now more than ever. They’re selecting the places they want to visit with particular intentionality and care.”
The ancient city of Dresden, Germany, an historical and cultural center of Europe, appears in the … [+]
getty
Thus, Lonely Planet’s predictions for the coming year celebrate the world’s top locations for Food, Unwinding, Connection, Journeys, and Learning.
It’s not just about where you can travel but how, and this year’s list puts local perspectives at the heart of each destination, sorts them by the type of trip most appropriate for the location and helps travelers navigate the world in the ways most meaningful to them.
Each year, the lists start with nominations from Lonely Planet’s staff, writers, bloggers and publishing partners. They’re then whittled down to 30 destinations by a panel of experts.
Marxaslokk harbor with traditional maltese eyed boats. The country is included in the list for … [+]
getty
“2023 is shaping up to be the year to get out and explore,” says Annie Greenberg, Lonely Planet’s creative director. “With much of the world firmly on the road to recovery, travelers are looking for different locations and experiences. The lists celebrate the world in all its wonderful enticing variety. Each itinerary shows how to leave the crowds behind and truly get the heart of a destination.”
This Best-In-Travel list delivers new takes on popular destinations such as Western Australia and Japan, and unearths lesser-known gems including the food scene in Montevideo, Uruguay, indigenous community-operated attractions in Alaska and South America’s eco-tourism rising star, Guyana.
A display of Peruvian vegetables at a market in Lima. Peru’s capital appears in the ‘eat’ category.
getty
Among the various categories and their respective destinations:
- The eat category features Peru’s capital, Lima, alongside chef Ricardo Martins, affordable world class dining in South Africa and the dining scene around Umbria, Italy.
- Intrepid journeys include the reinstated night train between Istanbul and Sofia, Bulgaria, and a long-weekend road trip through Nova Scotia, Canada’s dramatic Atlantic province narrated by surfer Dean Petty.
- For unwind experiences, the list includes the overlooked peninsula of Halkidiki in Greece, historic Jordan as told through the lens of designer Tania George, future-facing Jamaica and ever-popular Malta.
- Travelers looking to connect with distinctive local scenes are directed to the buzzing art-centric Accra with Surf Ghana’s Sandy Alibo and musician Pure Akan, as well as Sydney, back on the map after the enforced separation of the past few years.
- In the learn category are New Mexico with the Native American hoop dancer ShanDien Sonwai LaRance, Manchester, home to one of the U.K.’s most dynamic art scenes and the laid-back surf culture of El Salvador.
“Playa El Tunco, El Salvador. The country’s laid-back surf culture is featured in the ‘learn’ … [+]
getty
This is the Best in Travel 2023 complete list:
EAT
Umbria (Italy), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Fukuoka (Japan), Lima (Peru), South Africa, Montevideo (Uruguay).
JOURNEY
Istanbul to Sofia, Nova Scotia (Canada), Bhutan, Zambia, Western Australia, Parque Nacional Naturales (Colombia).
UNWIND CONNECT LEARN
Halkidiki (Greece), Jamaica, Dominica, Raja Ampat (Indonesia), Malta, Jordan.
CONNECT
Alaska, Albania, Accra (Ghana), Sydney (Australia), Guyana, Boise (Idaho, U.S.)
LEARN
Manchester (U.K.), New Mexico (U.S.), Dresden (Germany), El Salvador, Southern Scotland, Marseille (France).
