Ah, January…the month equivalent of a new book smell paired with an empty calendar. We greet the new year with bright eyes and bushy tails, getting out our calendars and world maps as we proclaim that 2023 will be an amazing year to travel. We always get excited at the beginning of a new year, for all the possibilities it holds and routes we can take. At the beginning of the year the world is your oyster, so where will you travel to, what is at the top of your list of experiences to make a reality in 2023?

If you are looking for a reason to dust off your passport this year, we have put together a list of some of our top places to visit in 2023.

MOROCCO

Situated in North Africa, this mountainous country that is Morocco borders the Atlantic Ocean in the West, and the Mediterranean Sea in the North and has the Atlas Mountain range running through the middle dividing the coastline from the country’s border with Algeria in the East. A country with beautiful ancient architecture and traditional customs that remain in takt even with the rapid modernisation of the country. It is also the only country with a monarchy in North Africa.

The country offers beautiful beaches, magnificent mountains and the finest souks – traditional markets / open-air markets in North Africa.

ITALIAN COUNTRYSIDE

Often when travelling to Italy we think of pizza, pasta, Rome, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum and the more mainstream tourist attractions. Those are all amazing to see and experience and are definitely a must if you haven’t already, but for 2023 we aim to venture out to the countryside and explore a little of Italy off the beaten path.

We travel to the countryside to relax and enjoy the local food and wines. A few destinations to consider include the iconic Chianti stretching between Florence, Siena and Arezzo, the Euganean Hills near Venice, Lake Bracciano and the Faliscan countryside. Italy has gems scattered through the countryside for those willing to dig a little deeper and explore the roads less taken.

VIETNAM

This long thin country in Southeast Asia borders China, Lagos and Cambodia to the North and West and has a coastline along the South China sea that stretches for 3260 km from Ha Tien in the southwest to Mong Cai in the North. A country with bustling cities, beaches, rivers and Buddhist pagodas.

Visiting the rice fields, exploring the rivers or expanding your taste buds with Vietnamese cuisine, it’s a country with rich culture that will surprise you with its beauty.

PERU

South Americas Peru is home to the Inca trail, Machu Picchu, a section of the Amazon rainforest and the mesmerising rainbow mountain. It is a country rich in archaeological sites and has a beautiful and diverse coastline. Ruled by the organised Inca civilisation for centuries, travellers can visit the Inca ruins and museums housing artefacts from ancient tombs.

SOUTH OF FRANCE

Fresh produce, fine wine and ancient sights paired with upscale boutique shopping, private beach clubs and stylish holidays by the seaside with gourmet dining. The French Riviera with its glamorous beach resorts contrasted by the more rustic Provence with its countryside, lavender fields, ancient Roman ruins and colourful open-air markets. The versatility of the South of France offers something for everyone. From those wishing to enjoy the luxury of the coastline to the rustic countryside, the south of France is even perfect for family holidays with an abundance of things to do with children throughout the year. The largest cities include Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Nice and Montpellier for those looking for a city experience.

MONTENEGRO

Attached to a small strip of beaches along the Adriatic coastline you will find the Balkan country of Montenegro. Derived from Venetian the country’s name translates as Black Mountain referring to Mount Lovćen when it is covered in dense evergreen forests. The country is famous for its beaches and summer tourism and you can tour medieval cities, and explore forests and crystal-clear lakes. As with most coastal countries Montenegro’s cuisine is dominated by seafood and resorts offer a wide variety of fish, oysters and octopus.

ICELAND

A relatively short flight from Heathrow airport in London will bring you to the island country of Iceland. Where captivating black sand beaches lay in wait, waterfalls are ready to take your breath away and if you venture out 10 km off of Iceland’s south coast between May and August you will find the world’s largest Puffin colony so have your “awww’s” ready for these beautiful birds. Winter brings snowy landscapes and views of the northern lights, during which you can take glacier hikes or explore ice caves.

RWANDA

For those seeking to venture deep into the jungle and FAR off the beaten path, Rwanda is still considered to be an “undiscovered” travel destination. The country is landlocked by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo just south of the equator in the Great Rift Valley of Central Africa. You will find welcoming people in the cities and discover Rwanda’s history in their museums, but the landscapes, oh what a sight to behold. Natural scenery teeming with wildlife, Gorillas and golden monkeys’ dwell in the forests while lush, misty mountains cut across the landscape. Join tours to trek through the forests and view these magnificent Primates in their natural habitat. An experience you will never forget.

CYPRUS

Getting married this year and still in search of a Honeymoon destination? Why not visit Cyprus, often referred to as the Island of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty? The country’s natural beauty, mineral wealth and outstanding wines and produce pair well with the wide beaches and tall mountains. Cyprus boasts the densest concentration of blue flag beaches, the most blue flag beaches per coastline as well as the most blue flag beaches per capita in the world.

SAUDI ARABIA

Being the largest country in the Middle East you can be sure that Saudi Arabia has a lot of areas to explore. The desert ranges from hard-packed rocky sand to soft red sand ideal for sandboarding to “The Edge of the World”, where you can take in the vast view of the desert. A country with hospitality, eager to share its culture, history and food. At souks, you can find a variety of things ranging from fresh fruit and vegetables to hand-crafted jewellery that will remind you of your travels to this country every time you wear it.

SWITZERLAND

Switzerland in winter for the adventurous means skiing, snowboarding, sledging, snow tubing and ice skating. If you are looking for another form of adventure there are also groomed winter hiking trails and special snowshoe trails.With cable cars to many famous Swiss mountains offering beautiful views of snow-capped Alps you will have a beautiful view along with an exciting and fun sporting experience.

If you would rather visit during the summer months, the green hills, clear lakes and massive mountains are a sight to behold and you can spend more time exploring the villages.

If this list piqued your curiosity and you would like to see more of the destinations mentioned, stay tuned and keep a lookout for our blogs as we venture through the year we call 2023.