Visiting new places is one of the best things for traveling, and you can find plenty of exciting opportunities in 2023. You can check out the French capital’s cosmopolitan culture and iconic landmarks.
Or you can see the mesmerizing Northern Lights in Iceland. Witnessing glaciers in Patagonia has also become popular as climate change becomes a top concern for travelers.
London
While London’s famous landmarks are certainly worth visiting, it’s equally fun to explore the city’s less-trodden spots. From colorful neighborhoods to quirky pubs and cafes, these hidden gems offer a one-of-a-kind experience.
For example, Barrier Park is a unique adventure playground that’s home to tree climbing, a mini golf course, a Farmer’s market, a segway rally and even an adventure course! It’s the perfect place to get some fresh air and see the city from a different perspective.
Another cool place is Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features one of the world’s largest collections of curated plantlife and fungi. It’s a tranquil escape from the city just a short walk from Buckingham Palace and the West End.
Lastly, you should definitely make a point to visit the Tower of London. This iconic landmark has played many roles over the years from a prison to a treasure vault and now it’s a popular museum.
Rome
Honestly, there isn’t much that you can’t do in Rome. The Eternal City is packed with stunning historical sites (many of which are free) and yummy food.
The Pantheon is one of those iconic sights you have to see when visiting Rome. It reminds visitors that before Rome was a centre of Catholicism, it was a place that worshipped a different set of gods.
St Peter’s Basilica is another top sight in Rome. It’s the holiest church for Catholics around the world and is a humbling and beautiful place to visit.
A trip to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill should also be on everyone’s Rome bucket list. This massive archeological site shows you what life was like in the Eternal City 2000 years ago.
The Vatican Museums are a must-see attraction in Rome, especially for art lovers. This is a huge collection of rooms and halls that are just incredible to see in person. You can also see the Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina) here too. It’s worth doing both of these in a guided tour to get the most out of your experience.
Socotra
Socotra is a natural wonder with jaw-dropping landscapes and a unique biodiversity. It’s also a treasure trove of cultural traditions. It’s a must-see destination for adventure lovers, keen hikers, and travelers who crave simplicity and nature.
The best time to visit is from October to May when the weather is cooler and the island is less crowded. If you’re a hiker, the Zahiq Hills are one of the most popular trails in Socotra. It’s a challenging climb, but the vistas are awe-inspiring. The hike also offers some great bird-watching opportunities, including several endemic species such as the Socotra sunbird and Socotra starling.
Another must-see experience in Socotra is Shuab Bay. This beautiful beach is home to a small freshwater lake that’s a natural infinity pool overlooking the breathtaking view. Visiting at sunset is an extra special experience, as the sky turns into a canvas of oranges and pinks, reflecting on the water. It’s an unforgettable moment that encapsulates the essence of Socotra’s pristine beauty. For marine life enthusiasts, Dihamri Marine Reserve is a must-visit. Its crystal-clear waters are teeming with a kaleidoscope of colors, making it a snorkeler’s dream.
Okavango Delta
There’s something elemental about the Okavango Delta, whose spreading waters attract huge concentrations of wildlife. It’s a natural wonder, up there with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater on Africa’s top-rated list of places to visit, and a true safari highlight. The best way to see the wildlife is by vehicle, although a mokoro (traditional dug-out safari canoe) or on foot offers a different perspective.
This watery paradise radiates across a floodplain of reed-filtered channels and forested islands, attracting 122 mammal species and more than 500 bird species. Its famed Moremi Game Reserve is a great place to see the Big Five, and has one of the highest densities of endangered African wild dog.
Combination stays at wet and dry camps add variety to a trip to the Okavango, as do boating excursions and trips on mokoros, the traditional canoes that are guided by Botswanan gondoliers. The best time to visit is the drier season from May to October, when game congregates around permanent water sources and the bush thins. The wetlands are also drier and deeper during this time.
China’s Reed Flute Caves
Known as Lu Di Yan in Chinese (), Reed Flute Cave is 180 million years old and one of the main highlights of Guilin. It gets its name from the reeds that grow outside the cave, which can be made into flutes. The massive limestone cave is filled with stalactites, stalagmites and rock formations in weird and wonderful shapes, illuminated with colorful lighting. The cave is a feast for the eyes and a wonderland that’s inspired travelers for more than 1000 years.
The cave’s popularity was reinforced in modern times during World War II and the Sino-Japanese war when it served as a natural shelter for people living in Guilin. Many newspaper offices, hospitals and printing companies were relocated to the cave during this time for more security.
Inside the cave there are 77 ink inscriptions, including five from the Tang Dynasty (618AD-907AD) and eleven from the Song Dynasty (960AD-1279AD). The inscriptions indicate that Reed Flute Cave has been a popular tourist destination since ancient times. The inscriptions are also valuable cultural heritage because they show the changing trends of China’s history and culture.
Lake Titicaca
The azure waters of the world’s highest navigable lake border myriad remote islands where life moves at a slower pace and traditional agrarian cultures thrive. Visitors to the region, which is split between Peru and Bolivia, are rewarded with a jaw-dropping sight as they witness communities living off the land, still speaking ancient Quechua and Aymara languages, and building their own homes from reeds or stone.
Visiting the lake’s islands is popular and can be arranged through many of the travel agencies lining the streets of Puno. A tour will normally take in the famous floating islands of Uros, where homestays are available to learn about local life, and Taquile, where islanders wear their socially symbolic fluffy hats for tourists.
Homestays on the larger islands are more difficult to find but can be arranged through a local guide who will also take you to some of the other sites of interest around the lake including the impressive ruins on Isla del Sol. The best time to visit is between June and August when days are warm but the lake is not yet swollen with water.
Kruger National Park
The sprawling Kruger National Park is a must-visit for any traveler in South Africa. The wildlife sanctuary is home to the Big Five—lions, elephants, leopards, and rhinos—along with rare birds like southern ground-hornbills and lappet-faced vultures, and it’s dotted with giant baobab, fever, and marula trees.
Most travelers stay in one of the so-called “rest camps” within the park’s perimeters, most notably Skukuza and Phalaborwa. The former is the obvious choice, as it’s a major hub for visitors, has all the necessary facilities, and sits right in the middle of Big 5 territory.
Other good options include Punda Maria, Mopani, and Satara. In addition to securing a great place to sleep, these camps and their surrounding areas offer a wealth of things to do. Visitors can take part in game drives, bush walks, and birding trips; explore the Kruger Museum and Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial Library; or sample local food like braaivleis (grilled meat dishes), mieliepap, and morogo. Some of the lodges—like Rhino Post Safari Lodge and the Relais & Châteaux–affiliated Singita Sweni—even have in-house wine cellars.
Maldives
The Maldives is one of the most buzzed-about destinations around the globe. Its crystal clear waters are a brighter turquoise blue than anywhere else on Earth, its dazzling coral reefs are full of life, and its overwater resorts take luxury to new heights.
While it’s easy to find tranquil islands in the Maldives, there’s also plenty of adventure here. Surfing is popular in Guraidhoo Island, where roaring waves create great conditions for beginners and experienced surfers alike. It’s also a great destination for snorkeling, as the ocean is filled with colorful fish and a variety of other sea creatures.
Addu City is a bustling hub for locals and tourists alike. It’s home to captivating vistas, coconut tree-lined streets, and historic landmarks like Gan Island and the unmissable Mosque of the Judge. It’s also a top Maldives destination for history buffs thanks to its array of museums and other cultural venues.
