The unmissable travel destinations for you to visit in 2023

With the new year just around the corner, you may already be turning your attention to the places you’ll want to visit throughout 2023.

If you’re looking for some globetrotting inspiration, these unmissable travel destinations should be right at the top of your list.

Santorini, Greece

An island located off the south coast of Greece, Santorini is one of the most picturesque locations in the world – think sparkling sea underneath miles of sunny sky.

The capital, Fira, offers sunshine, ocean, and history in abundance. Relax on the beach or visit the remarkable Santorini caldera, an active volcano site where you can enjoy natural hot springs and see land made of cooled lava.

In the evenings, explore the city centre where you can eat authentic moussaka, try Greek wine, and visit the beautiful Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.

The best times to visit Santorini are often mid-spring and mid-autumn, allowing you to enjoy the best of the hot weather without having to navigate the summer crowds.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is an island province of Indonesia, lying just south of the mainland.

Explore everything from gorgeous beaches to jungles and mountains across this island paradise. Visit the incredible Mount Agung, an active volcano and the highest point of Bali, or relax on the sand at one of the many beaches along the coast.

The best months to visit are often thought to be May, June, and September, as you can still have the best of the hot weather while the climate remains stable outside of the monsoon season between around November and March.

Seville, Spain

Many people think that Barcelona and Madrid are the only cities worth visiting in Spain. But these travellers have surely never been to Seville.

Located in the south-west of the Iberian Peninsula, Seville is excellent for a city break. Soak up some culture at the Alcázar of Seville, a palace built for King Peter of Castile, and the Plaza de España.

Then, visit the Plaza Nueva to find restaurants, cafes, and bars to enjoy authentic Spanish tapas and wine.

It can be better to head to Seville in spring between March and May. That way, you can enjoy the heat and sunshine without the heights of humidity, while also avoiding the summer tourism rush.

Hardanger, Norway

For a different kind of holiday to hot climates and subtropical weather, Hardanger in Norway presents a fascinating alternative option.

Hardanger is located in the west of the Scandinavian country, offering a stunning location for a relaxing break away from the mania of city holidays.

The entire region is rich with hills to hike and incredible scenery to enjoy, from enormous mountains to rushing waterfalls. And of course, you can’t visit this region without going to the Hardangerfjord, the second-longest fjord in Norway.

In the evenings, visit one of the many restaurants in the area to enjoy freshly prepared Scandinavian delicacies, including hearty stews such as lapskaus, and fårikål, a dish of mutton and cabbage.

The best time of year to visit Norway tends to be June, July, and August, although the autumn months can also make for a refreshing break later in the year.

Mauritius, Indian Ocean

Mauritius is an island located right in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Across just 2,040 square kilometres, this little gem is renowned for its beaches, lagoons, and reefs, with a mountainous centre of rainforests, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Explore incredible natural landscapes such as the Black River Gorges National Park, Chamarel Waterfall, and the unbelievably stunning seven-coloured earth in Chamarel.

Meanwhile, the island’s capital, Port Louis, has plenty of food stalls and markets to explore, as well as fascinating architecture dating back to the country’s French colonial past.

As Mauritius is in the southern hemisphere, the best time to make the most of its subtropical climate is between October and December.

Tel Aviv, Israel

Lying right on the Mediterranean coast in northwest Israel, Tel Aviv has become a hotspot for holidaymakers seeking all kinds of experiences.

Tel Aviv has plenty to explore, with walking tours exploring the port and promenade. In the evenings, you can enjoy plenty of nightlife in this metropolitan city.

Meanwhile, the Jaffa Old City sitting atop a hill to the south of the city presents an opportunity to step back in time to a simpler era. Enjoy antiques and jewellery stalls, as well as craft shops and art galleries, among the old town’s winding alleys.

You should also find time to visit the Carmel Market, a vibrant marketplace that has been a hub of commerce in the city for more than a century.

The humidity becomes particularly oppressive around July and August, so mid-spring (around April to June) or early autumn (September and October) can be best for visiting Tel Aviv.

Antwerp, Belgium

Sitting in northern Belgium on the banks of the Scheldt, Antwerp is the largest city by area in the entire country.

The city dates all the way back to the Middle Ages, and became a powerhouse of commerce thanks to its participation in the diamond trade. As a result, there are centuries-old diamond traders, cutters, and polishers located in the centre.

Enjoy cafes and restaurants among Antwerp’s boulevards, carefully constructed around the river in the centre. Meanwhile, there are plenty of cultural trips to enjoy, including the so-called “Railway Cathedral” and Rubens House, a museum dedicated to the work of artist Peter Paul Rubens.

And of course, no trip to Belgium would be complete without tasting the country’s most famous export: chocolate. That makes a trip to Chocolate Nation, the largest Belgian chocolate museum in the world, an absolute necessity.

Thanks to Belgium’s largely moderate climate, Antwerp makes a good destination all year round.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town lies right on the South Atlantic coast of South Africa, and has become a great location for a city holiday. From botanical gardens to beaches and waterfront views, there’s lots to explore in this metropolis.

As well as city culture, wildlife plays a huge part in any South Africa trip, with safaris to see incredible animals such as lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and cheetahs.

Of course, while this is a beautiful and vibrant city, it is also one with an incredibly sad past. Take the chance to explore some of the city’s history by visiting the Robben Island Museum, a tour of the prison that once held former president Nelson Mandela.

Summer in South Africa can be gorgeous, but the cooler winter months in May to September can be preferable for trips to see some of the amazing creatures that call the country home.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

The capital city of Sri Lanka, Colombo is a brilliant and thoroughly unmissable tourist destination. This beautiful city offers a combination of modern, cosmopolitan exploration with gorgeous culture.

Learn about the natural heritage of Sri Lanka at the Colombo National Museum, or visit the Gangaramaya Temple, a Buddhist temple nestled among the hubbub of this vibrant city.

Then in the evenings, visit one of the many restaurants and bars in the city centre. If you’ve never tried Sri Lankan cuisine, Colombo is the place to do so. Treat yourself to fish ambul thiyal, which is a sour fish curry, as well as other delicacies such as kukul mas curry, a chicken curry.

The best weather tends to be between December and March, or July and September in Colombo, making it an ideal destination for holidays during both the UK’s summer and winter.

Munich, Germany

As the capital of Bavaria, Munich is one of the best European cities to visit. The city lies in the south of Germany, around 150 kilometres away from the Austrian border.

There’s plenty of culture to enjoy in Munich, from a tour of the majestic Neuschwanstein Castle to the BMW museum, featuring fantastic exhibits from the long history of one of the world’s premier vehicle manufacturers.

Like many German cities, Munich is well-known for its breweries and beer. Visit sites such as the Paulaner Brewery or the Augustiner Brauerei to see just how Germany became a powerhouse of the world’s favourite alcohol.

While a summer trip is more than worthwhile, visiting in October to enjoy an authentic Oktoberfest is an unmissable experience. The city also hosts a fantastic German Christmas market from November to December, making it worth heading over to for the festive period.