With borders opening up, train travel back with a bang and a host of exciting cultural events in-store, 2023 is set to be a great year for travel. Read on to discover the destinations we’re most excited about, from sustainable safari adventures to lesser-known city breaks.
For an affordable city break: Vilnius
2023 is Vilnius’s year. Celebrating its 700th anniversary as a city, Lithuania’s capital is gearing up for a year-long party – and you don’t want to miss it. There’s a palpable sense of excitement in the lead up to the anniversary year with foodie feasts, light festivals, free music performances and art events all on the agenda. To top it all, Vilnius is one of Europe’s most affordable cities, making it the perfect city break for budget travellers.
For a trip to the past: Egypt
The Grand Egyptian Museum might just be the most highly anticipated museum opening in the world. This mammoth project began life back in 2002 and it’s expected to finally open (*fingers crossed*) in 2023. Will it be worth the wait? History buffs think so. Located just around the corner from the Great Pyramids of Giza, the aptly abbreviated GEM will be the largest archaeological museum complex in the world, housing more than 100,000 ancient artefacts inside.
For a bucket list adventure: Japan
Stringent lockdowns and strict visas have largely left the Land of the Rising Sun off the tourist map these past few years, but now, Japan is back and it’s better than ever. Book a bucket list trip here in 2023, touring the country by train and taking in everything it has to offer – from foodie treasures and ancient temples to robot-run cafes and contemporary art exhibits. Be sure to visit the exciting new Ghibli Park, too. This long-awaited theme park features recreations of the fantastical worlds of Studio Ghibli (Japan’s beloved animation studio).
DK Japan
View BookFor a better office: Bali
Fed up with the daily grind? Looking to relocate your workspace to somewhere less drab? Bali’s here to answer all your prayers. This gorgeous Indonesian island, known for its sweeping beaches and picture-perfect rice fields, is now offering digital nomads tax free visas. Valid for up to five years, the visa hopes to entice long-term visitors who will have a more positive impact on the island and its economy.
DK Bali and Lombok
View BookFor art and culture: Liverpool
Think of Liverpool in 2023 and Eurovision probably comes to mind. This party-loving city is set to host the music extravaganza in May and boy is it ready to put on a show. Liverpool lives and breathes music (heard of The Beatles?) and it also hosts a notoriously fun nightlife scene. If you’re not one for sparkly costumes and pop performances, don’t worry, there’s art on offer too. Visit during the summer to see the Liverpool Biennial (the UK’s largest free festival of contemporary visual art).
DK Great Britain
View BookFor a walk on the wild side: Namibia
Looking for an epic eco safari? Venture to Namibia. This sea-skimming African country is packed with conservation areas, like Etosha National Park (home to roaming lions and elephants) and the Namib-Naukluft National Park (where hyenas stalk the sand dunes). And there’s no better way to see these wildlife-rich landscapes than with one of Namibia’s mindful safari companies. The best of the best? The award-winning Ultimate Safaris company, which recently opened a new lodge in the heart of the Namib Desert (the oldest desert in the world).
For an unforgettable journey: Europe by rail
With old sleeper trains being revived and new routes popping up, Europe’s rail renaissance is well and truly here. Highlights for 2023 include the new EuroNight service from Stockholm to Hamburg, which crosses the Øresund Bridge between Sweden to Denmark; Ougio’s high-speed trains connecting Madrid with Valencia; and the snazzy Orient Express ‘La Dolce Vita’ which offers luxurious train travel around Italy.
DK Eyewitness Europe
View BookFor good food: Mexico City
Mexico’s capital is trending for 2023 and it’s easy to see why. Foodies can happily eat their way around town here, gorging on classic Tacos Al Pastor, snacking on crispy chicharrónes and washing it all down with a shot of tequila. A flurry of food tours operate around the buzzy streets, leading visitors to hidden gems and offering feasts at every turn. And there’s no need to feel guilty: prices in this food-loving city are lip-smackingly good.
