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All Articles Dream, plan, book: Where to go in 2023

Dream, plan, book: Where to go in 2023

Collage of photos from a beach in St. Thomas, a snorkeler in Riviera Maya, cherry blossoms in Tokyo, an ocean pool in Sydney, the Grand Canyon, and the Northern Lights in Reykjavik
Clara Sedlak and Maria Hart
By Clara Sedlak and Maria Hart21 Dec 2022 1 minute read

We've got a hunch you’re thinking about your travel plans this year—but we also know there are so many amazing places to see that narrowing down where to go isn’t easy. To get you started, here are six destinations our traveler community is very into right now. These places all deliver on once-in-a-lifetime seasonal experiences, with plenty of new things to explore. Bonus: We know that one size doesn't fit all, so these spots will suit all types of travelers—beach bums, city lovers, outdoor adventurers, and more. Happy travels for 2023.


Three photos depicting Reykjavik, Iceland: Photo 1 is of a girl looking at ice glaciers, Photo 2 is a group of people sitting in front of a fire with the Northern Lights behind them, and Photo 3 is a photographer looking out at some lakes in Reykjavik

Hot springs, black sand beaches, next-level Nordic food—Iceland is an island of striking landscapes and serious culinary cred. And if you've never seen the Northern Lights, your best chance to catch the show is January through April.


Three photos depicting Riviera Maya, Mexico: Photo 1 is of a man taking a photo of a woman in front of a ruin, Photo 2 is a snorkeler floating on top of the water, and Photo 3 is a group of snorkelers in the water with a boat in the background in Riviera Maya

A stretch of Caribbean coastline on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Riviera Maya is dotted with laid-back beach towns like Isla Mujeres, Tulum, and Puerto Morales (and Cancun is just a stone's throw away). With newly opened resorts and miles of sugar-white sand—it's a go-to now and always.


Three photos depicting Tokyo, Japan: Photo 1 is of two kids overlooking the city of Tokyo, Photo 2 is a picture of Tokyo nightlight with neon signs, and Photo 3 is of a man wearing a robe putting up Shimekazaris for New Years in Tokyo

Now that its borders have reopened, Japan's already making a comeback as a must-go vacation destination. And you're in luck: Cherry blossom season is just around the corner (late March through April). Plan to go before peak tourist season hits in summer for the best views.


Three photos depicting St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands: Photo 1 is the back of a woman in a swimming suit looking out at the Caribbean Sea, Photo 2 is of the tourist attraction 99 steps which is a long brick staircase leading up a hill to a 17th-century watchtower known as Blackbeard's Castle, and Photo 3 is a POC woman and child playing in the sand on a Bach in St. Thomas

The beaches and weather are near-perfect, and let’s not forget about the street festivals and sailing regattas. This year also marks the return of UberSoca, the largest Caribbean music celebration at sea.


Three photos depicting the Grand Canyon, United States: Photo 1 is a faraway shot of Mather Point in the springtime, Photo 2 is a man and woman taking a selfie at the Grand Canyon, and Photo 3 is an overview shot of the Grand Canyon

Think views for miles, winding hiking trails, and a chance to see one of the most amazing landscapes in America. This natural wonder is topping travel lists in 2023, and a visit in spring delivers, thanks to thinner crowds and cooler temps.


Three photos depicting Sydney, Australia: Photo 1 is a man in a swimsuit doing a back flip off a small cliff into the water, Photo 2 is a faraway shot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with people in the foreground sitting and eating at tables beside the harbor, and Photo 3 is two young women in wet suits sitting on a beach with their surfboards in Sydney

Where else can you go surfing, gallery-hopping, and hiking in one day? You can do it all in Sydney, and December is the start of summer in the city. The beaches are buzzing and festival season is in full swing—we're talking the Sydney arts festival, Pride, and so much more.


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