2023 has just started and you’re already dreaming of your next trips? We completely understand and that’s why we’re suggesting 10 incredible destinations to add to your bucket list in 2023 to help you plan your dream getaways! History buffs, nature lovers, culture fans or passionate foodies, there’s something for everyone!
1. Croatia
If you’re looking for an idyllic European destination, where you’ll have plenty of sun, sublime beaches and cultural activities, we strongly recommend that you visit Croatia in 2023. Located by the Adriatic Sea, it’s almost impossible not to fall under the spell of Dubrovnik’s fortress, Split’s medieval city or Hvar’s paradisiac island, three amazing places which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Outdoor enthusiasts will also thrive in Croatia thanks to its lush national parks, among the most beautiful and impressive that we have ever visited, including Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park. You can’t travel in Croatia either without passing through the magnificent capital of Zagreb, where there are as many eccentric museums as excellent neighborhood cafés and gems of Austro-Hungarian architecture.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
2. Scotland
If you’re dreaming of luscious mountains and romantic cities, Scotland is the perfect destination to add to your bucket list in 2023! From its verdant valleys to its fascinating castles, hiking and history enthusiasts will be delighted by visiting the Highlands. From Glencoe to Loch Ness, spectacular landscapes await you in the north of the country, including several on Isle of Skye. Kilt Rock, Old Man of Storr, Lealt Falls, Cuillin Hills, Sligachan, Fairy Pools and Portree are just some of the magical places you’ll find on your way.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Edinburgh is also a magical city to add to your itinerary. Beyond the Royal Mile, sumptuous museums and elegant Georgian districts, a fairy tale atmosphere can be felt almost everywhere in the Scottish capital. From Calton Hill to Dean’s Village or from Victoria Street to Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh will certainly charm you while transporting you to the world of Harry Potter at every corner.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
3. Hungary
Pearl of Eastern Europe and capital of Hungary, Budapest is an ideal destination if you’re looking to fill up on self-care in a city that is as soothing as it’s affordable. Along the banks of the Danube, there are more than 100 thermal baths, including our favorite, the Széchenyi baths.
Complete this relaxing day with a walk through Varosliget Park to Vajdahunyad Castle. For an incomparable view of Budapest, we also recommend you to go to Fisherman’s Bastion to admire the sunrise in the heart of this sublime fortress. And for a festive evening, stop by Szimpla Kert the experience the famous ruins bars.
Crédit: The Storytellers MTL
4. Nova Scotia
We don’t have a crystal ball, but we could bet that local destinations will still be a major trend in 2023, especially during summer season when international flights are much more expensive. Aside from our beautiful Quebec, Nova Scotia is one of our favorite Canadian destinations. We can’t recommend enough this gorgeous province on the Atlantic coast, famous for its lighthouses, as a road trip to discover the east of the country.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Some of our favorite stops include Halifax, for its Victorian gardens, tasty döners and strolls on the boardwalk, but also the coastal village of Lunenburg for its Norwegian influences and waterfront microbreweries. You’ll also have to explore the magnificent Cape Breton region where you can hike in one of the most beautiful national parks in Canada, including on the famous Skyline Trail. Other places to add to your itinerary include Pleasant Bay, Ingonish Beach, Glenora Distillery and the iconic Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse for a magical golden hour while listening to the waves crashing on shore.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
5. Norway
If you’re looking for a breathtaking destination where pastures blend harmoniously with fjords and glaciers, Norway is THE country to put on your bucket list in 2023. Thanks to its 20 hours of sunshine from mid-May to mid-July, you can explore the breathtaking landscapes of this Nordic country, no matter the time of day.
Crédit photo: Unsplash/John O’Nolan
As sublime as it is vast, it’s ideal to explore Norway by car or even by van so that you can visit all the majestic landscapes of the Land of the Midnight Sun at your own pace. From Oslo’s ancient palaces to the fishing village of Lofoten Islands via the winding roads of the Atlanterhavsveien, Norway has many treasures in store for travelers who dare to venture there.
6. Portugal
As gorgeous as it’s affordable, Portugal‘s popularity isn’t likely to slow down in 2023. While Lisbon offers intriguing monuments and castles (and the best pastéis de nata), Porto seduces gastronomy and wine lovers thanks to its proximity to the Douro Valley. Café Majestic, Lello Library and the Portuguese Center of Photography are also among the places we suggest you to stop on your next visit.
Crédit photo: Unsplash/Julia Solonina
If you prefer to enjoy the beauty of the sea or practice aquatic sports, opt for the golden sand beaches of the Algarve region, including Lagos and its spectacular setting, from Praia da Marinha to the Benagil Cave. If time permits, also add the Azores to your bucket list, especially the island of Madeira for its breathtaking biodiversity, exceptional hikes and eternally warm climate.
Crédit photo: Unsplash/Claudio Schwarz
7. Argentina
Recent winner of the FIFA world cup, Argentina will certainly be on the list of many travelers in 2023. As for us, we’ve been dreaming of setting foot there for a long time and we hope that this year will be the one where we finally visit Argentina!
Crédit photo: Unsplash/Ignacio Aguilar
Tasting Malbec in Mendoza, taking a tango lesson in Buenos Aires, admiring Iguazu Falls, discovering the most beautiful glaciers in Patagonia and traveling to the end of the world in Ushuaïa are just some of the varied activities that this vibrant country offer. From the Andes to Tierra del Fuego, unique panoramas, incredible hikes and a rich gastronomy will certainly await you there!
Crédit photo: Unsplash/Agus Buscaglia
8. Colombia
For those who want to escape the cold while avoiding quintessential touristy tropical destinations, Colombia will be a great option in 2023. Filled with colorful cities, archaeological sites, islands with crystal clear waters and distinct natural landscapes, from the desert to the jungle, Colombia is a fabulous country to explore this year.
Cartagena, Bogotá and Medellín are must-sees, but also be sure to add Cocora Valley, Ciudad Perdida, Providencia, Villa de Leyva, Caño Cristales, Las Lajas Sanctuary and Tayrona National Park to your itinerary.
Crédit photo: Unsplash/
Ricardo Gomez Angel
9. Japan
After announcing its reopening to international tourists in the fall of 2022, Japan will definitely be at the top of the travel destinations for 2023. If, like us, you prefer to travel in the spring and fall, you can take the opportunity to admire the cherry blossoms in March and April or the flamboyant colors of the Japanese forests until November.
After getting your fill of nature, you can venture into the urban jungle of Tokyo to visit the famous Shibuya artery and the different districts of the city. Then hop on a bullet train to Kyoto to visit the Fushimi Inari trail and its iconic Torii gates. With its efficient train network, it will be your transport of choice to cross the country and see as much as possible during your journey through Japan.
Crédit photo: Unsplash/Su San Lee
10. Ireland and Northern Ireland
Featured on the list of the most welcoming cities in the world, Dublin is renowned for its festive pubs playing Celtic music and for its sumptuous library in the heart of Trinity College, called The Long Room. Ireland’s capital will also certainly charm you with a visit to Dublin Castle and the National Gallery of Ireland as well as the Guinness Warehouse.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Beyond its warm capital, Ireland is a fascinating country that can take several trips to explore the full extent of its unparalleled beauty. Places to add to your bucket list include the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney National Park, Kylemore Abbey and the Connemara region, among others.
And if you liked Game of Thrones and Derry Girls series, take advantage of your trip to spend a few days in Northern Ireland and visit Londonderry, Belfast, Dark Hedges, the Giant’s Causeway or even cross the famous rope bridge Carrick-a-Rede.
Crédit photo: Unsplash/Sean Kuriyan
There you go, now all you have to do is make your choice! We hope these recommendations will help you plan your travel itineraries in 2023 and inspire you to go on an adventure! We wish you a year filled with new discoveries, fun and happiness, whatever the destination of your dreams is!
Have a good trip!
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