Top Travel Trends in 2023

It’s so hard to predict what the future holds, but here are a few of the top travel trends we predict will be popular, especially in 2023:

Adventure Travel

Exploring exotic destinations with activities like hiking, rafting, and camping

As our world advances, and our need to explore the unknown grows, there will definitely be more opportunities to explore new and exciting destinations that were once considered off limits. Some of the best places to go for adventure travel will be destinations that offer something that is unique and exciting; think trekking through the Amazon rainforest, exploring volcanoes in Iceland, or taking a safari in Africa. There will also be more options for eco-friendly and sustainable travel, focusing on preserving the environment and local cultures. Whatever your travel style, there will be plenty of amazing destinations to explore in 2023!

Off The Beaten Track Vacations

Discovering unique and lesser-known locations 

On the other hand, going off the beaten track in 2023 can offer unique and immersive experiences, allowing travelers to connect with local cultures and nature. Some of the best destinations to go off the beaten path include:

• Bhutan: A small country in the Himalayas that has maintained its traditional culture and way of life. Visitors can explore ancient monasteries, hike through stunning landscapes, and attend colorful festivals.
• Mongolia: A vast country with a rich nomadic culture and stunning natural scenery. Visitors can stay in traditional yurts, ride horses across the steppe, and witness the ancient sport of eagle hunting.
• Madagascar: An island off the coast of Africa that is home to an incredible array of unique wildlife, including lemurs and chameleons. Visitors can explore rainforests, beaches, and traditional villages.
• Colombia: A country that is rapidly becoming a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure and culture. Visitors can explore vibrant cities, hike in the Andes mountains, and visit coffee plantations and colonial towns.

Undoubtedly, these vacations in 2023 will offer travelers the chance to step outside their comfort zones and experience the world in a new and authentic way.

Unconventional Lodging

Staying in places such as hostels, treehouses, or tiny homes

The want for unconventional lodging is expected to grow, with more travelers seeking unique and offbeat accommodations. Some of the best destinations to find incredible, yet unconventional, lodging include:

• Iceland: Unique geothermal pods and glass igloos
• Japan: Capsule hotels and traditional ryokans
• Morocco: Riads and desert camps
• Thailand: Treehouses and floating bungalows
• Canada: Ice hotels and wilderness lodges.

Overall, travelers can expect to find a wide range of unconventional options, from tiny houses and yurts to converted shipping containers and luxury tents.

Sustainable Tourism

Visiting places with an emphasis on conservation and eco-friendly practices 

Sustainable tourism continues to grow in popularity as travelers become more environmentally conscious. Some of the best destinations for sustainable tourism in 2023 include Bhutan, Costa Rica, Norway, and New Zealand, all of which prioritize eco-tourism and conservation efforts. Travelers can expect to see an increase in sustainable accommodations, such as eco-lodges and green hotels.

Virtual Reality Travel

Experiencing a destination without leaving your home 

Virtual reality travel is growing in popularity, not just for gaming, but for travel as well! It is expected to continue growing in popularity through 2023. Some of the best destinations for virtual reality travel include:

• Machu Picchu, Peru
• The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
• The Northern Lights, Iceland
• The Colosseum, Rome
• The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

These destinations offer an immersive, virtual experience, that allow users to explore and learn about different cultures and landmarks without ever having to leave their homes. Additionally, virtual reality travel is expected to become more interactive and customizable, allowing users to create their own personalized travel experiences.

Urban Exploration

Exploring cities and their attractions 

Some of the best destinations for urban exploration in 2023 include cities like Tokyo, New York City, Paris, London, and Bangkok. Each of these cities has a unique blend of culture, history, and exciting attractions to explore. Whether you’re interested in visiting museums, trying new foods, or shopping, there’s something for everyone in these urban destinations.

Have you heard of the other form of urban exploration? Known as urbex? Urbex is a popular travel trend for adventurous travelers who enjoy exploring abandoned or off-limits urban locations. Some popular urbex destinations include abandoned factories, hospitals, and theme parks. However, it is important to note that urbex can be dangerous and illegal in some cases, so it’s important to research and approach these locations with caution and respect for the property and surrounding areas.

Slow Travel

Taking your time to immerse yourself in a destination

Emphasizing the journey rather than the destination. Encouraging travelers to take their time, immerse themselves in the local culture, and explore their surroundings at a leisurely pace.

For 2023, some of the best destinations for slow travel include:

• Kyoto, Japan – known for its ancient temples, gardens, and traditional culture. 
• Tuscany, Italy – famous for its vineyards, olive groves, and picturesque countryside. 
• Oaxaca, Mexico – a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and colorful markets. 
• Bali, Indonesia – a tropical paradise with stunning beaches, lush jungles, and a laid-back vibe. 
• Tasmania, Australia – a pristine wilderness with rugged coastlines, scenic hiking trails, and unique wildlife. 

By taking the time to fully experience these destinations, travelers can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local culture, history, and way of life.

Cruise Holidays

Sailing to multiple destinations in one trip 

So far, cruising is continuing to be a popular form of travel in 2023! Travelers love the opportunity to visit multiple destinations in one trip. Some of the best destinations for a cruise include the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, and Northern Europe. These regions offer a diverse range of cultures, landscapes, and activities to explore. With the convenience of unpacking only once, the variety of onboard amenities available, and the (mostly)all-inclusive price, it’s no surprise that cruise holidays are a favorite among travelers.

River cruises vs. Ocean liners

River cruises offer a more intimate and relaxed experience with the opportunity to explore smaller ports, while ocean liners provide a wider range of amenities and activities with the ability to visit multiple destinations on one trip. It ultimately depends on your preferences and what type of vacation you are looking for.

Cruising as a family vs. Cruising romantically

Cruising as a family on an ocean liner can be a great opportunity for quality time together. These ships often have a wide range of activities for all ages, from kids’ clubs and water parks to sports and entertainment. Whereas on a river cruise, families can explore different cultures and historic sites along the way. Although, river cruises may not have as many amenities as ocean liners, they offer a more intimate and educational experience.

For a romantic cruises, ocean liners have plenty of options, from couples’ massages and fine dining to live music and dancing. The large size of these ships allows for a variety of activities, and couples can enjoy privacy in their own cabin. On the contrary, a river cruise, couples can enjoy stunning scenery and cultural experiences together. These cruises often have a more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying each other’s company and taking in the surroundings.

Top luxury ocean & river cruising companies

Some of the top luxury ocean liners are the Seven Seas Explorer, Crystal Serenity, and Viking Ocean Cruises. For luxury river cruises, you might consider Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, and AmaWaterways.

Accessible Travel

Discovering destinations to suit all abilities 

More and more people are seeking destinations that cater to all abilities, this type of travel focuses on providing access to people with disabilities or limited mobility, making it possible for them to explore and enjoy different destinations, that may have otherwise been inaccessible to them. Some of the best destinations for accessible travel include Vancouver, Canada; Barcelona, Spain; Melbourne, Australia; and Tokyo, Japan. These cities offer a range of accessible attractions, accommodations, and transport options, making them ideal for travelers with special needs.

All-Inclusive Packages

Booking everything in one package for an easier, stress-free trip.

So, what is an All-inclusive package? It bundles together various aspects of a trip such as flights, accommodations, activities, and meals, and is becoming a more and more popular way to travel, and in 2023, it doesn’t look like it’s going to slow down. These vacations provide a convenient and stress-free travel experience, as everything is organized and paid for in advance. Amenities usually provided include meals, drinks, entertainment, sports activities, spa services, and more.

Top 5 all-inclusive destinations for travelers

• Cancun, Mexico
• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
• Montego Bay, Jamaica
• Riviera Maya, Mexico
• Negril, Jamaica

Top 10 luxury all-inclusive resorts in the world

• Jade Mountain Resort (St. Lucia)
• Hermitage Bay (Antigua)
• The Caves (Jamaica)
• Constance Moofushi (Maldives)
• Royal Davui Island Resort (Fiji)
• NIZUC Resort & Spa (Mexico)
• Le Blanc Spa Resort (Mexico)
• Ikos Olivia (Greece)
• The BodyHoliday (St. Lucia)
• Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island (Jamaica)

If you’re traveling with family, an all-inclusive resort can be a great option as it takes care of meals, drinks, and activities, all in one place! 

For a romantic trip, an all-inclusive resort can offer a lot of amenities and privacy, making it easy to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

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What do you think of these travel trends for 2023? Do you see yourself taking one of these kinds of vacations? let me know in the comments!

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Hi, I’m Haley, a Travel Advisor, and I’m here to help make your travel planning adventure easier. If you need any help along the way, please feel free to reach out to me, and I’d be glad to help you in any stage of your travel planning process!

To learn more about working with Haley or Next Vacation Travel Agency: Click Here

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