Patagonia
Patagonia should be on any year’s list of top destinations. The lofty peaks of Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy command respect and awe, while a little further south, in El Calafate, echoes the sound of the Perito Moreno ice that moves and grows every day, reminding us that Mother Nature will always prevail, one way or another. It is a mystical and fascinating place, Patagonia. You should add it to your list right now, as you read these words.
It is also perfect for a road trip. Fly to Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world, and from there go up to El Chaltén. In between, you can admire the arid, barren landscape of Chilean and Argentinean Patagonia, which speaks to the most sensitive hearts by telling stories of the ancient adventurers who first explored these lands. Then fall in love with the nature of the Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares parks, and breathe in a sense of freedom that few places in the world can offer.
South Korea
You have already been to Japan, China does not fascinate you… go to South Korea! This Asian country is slowly coming out of its shell – and not only in the field of music! Seoul is an energetic and sparkling city, but don’t limit yourself to the capital or other popular destinations such as Busan or Jeju Island. In South Korea, let your taste buds take over: the food here is delicious and there are plenty of starred chefs who have opened restaurants in Seoul.
Where do the recipes come from? There is a town on the coast called Mokpo, less known to most, but which attracts adventurers in search of new flavours. The Mokpo Specialty Seafood Market is the place to taste local delicacies: try the hongeo, a dish of fermented stingray, usually served with kimchi and stewed pork.
Guatemala
In Central America, Mexico and Costa Rica remain firmly established as favourite destinations. Also making its way into the top destinations of 2023 is the verdant Guatemala, with Lake Atitlán, Semuc Champey and Tikal, the largest of the ancient ruined cities of the Mayan civilisation. This place has something incredible about it: surrounded by tropical forest, which almost seems to have a life of its own, the ruins suddenly appear, imposing and mammoth.
For an out-of-this-world adventure, navigate the calm waters of the Rio Dulce, which runs from Lake Izabal to the Caribbean coast and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. There are plenty of eco lodges along the banks of the river, inviting you to stay among nature for a few days. Thatched roofs spring up amidst the green vegetation. Here one sleeps with the windows wide open, under thin, fine nets that serve to chase away mosquitoes, with the sounds of nature accompanying sleep and inviting one to wake up at the first light of day.
South Coast Australia
Australia is a huge country and a lifetime would not be enough to visit it. Our advice is to focus on one area and, of the best destinations of 2023, the one area you absolutely must visit is the south coast, which is perfect for all road trippers. Drive from Adelaide to Melbourne, taking the Great Ocean Road where you can’t miss the 12 Apostles, one of Australia’s most iconic sights. Continue on to Sydney, not forgetting a short detour to the mystical Blue Mountains.
To get completely out of the box, stay an extra week and head to Tasmania. The island in the south of Australia is not only famous for its namesake devil, but also for being the guardian of lush, unspoilt nature. For many, it will be one of the most desirable destinations of 2023. We won’t hide the fact that, given our starting point, getting to Tasmania is quite expensive. However, if you are attracted to places like these, don’t be put off and get your backpack ready!
Mongolia
If you had to decide on one destination for 2023, what would it be? For us, it would be Mongolia. Not because it is particularly popular in the travel industry – in fact, it is quite a niche destination – but because it is one of the most incredible places on earth. Here, the local people, who still live in gers (the Mongolian word for yurt), are nomads and live according to the rhythm of nature. Let yourself be hosted by a family and experience at first hand a way of life light years away from ours.
Visit the Gobi Desert, a place that seems to stand still in time but whose dunes change shape every day. If you can, come here between July and October, during which you can attend the Naadam and Golden Eagle Festival. You will see an ancient art that is still handed down from father to son: eagle hunting. Admiring the incredible connection between man and animal is something that is rare nowadays and, therefore, to be preserved at all costs.
And which destination will you choose for 2023?