Top travel destinations in 2023, according to experts

As we head into 2023, all signs point to the collective demand for travel still being large despite the threat of inflation and recession. Industry experts predict that certain 2022 trends will continue in the new year, such as people taking longer trips, traveling more and spending more to take them.

Where are people going in 2023? We asked dozens of travel advisors, tour operators and booking platforms to find out.

1. Italy

The absolute, undisputed most popular destination for 2023 is Italy. And if you think they’re all gone by 2022, hold on.

Travelers want to meet interesting locals like chefs or fishermen. For example, you’ll want to see beautiful scenery by foraging in the mountains near Lake Como or hitting the beach. And maybe you want to experience fun sports by catching a soccer game or visiting team training grounds.

Shaina Mizrahi, founder and CEO of Vive Voyages, says clients are eager to connect with Italian culture through cooking classes, boat cruises and artisan workshops.

For private tour operator destinations Italy, the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, Tuscany, Puglia and Sicily are the most requested destinations for clients.

2. Japan

As the last region of the world to reopen amid the pandemic, East Asia is expected to have a banner year for tourism, with Japan poised to become a fan favorite.

Mike Salvador, a travel agent with travel guides to the “Golden Triangle” — Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka — recommends adding a stop to see Japan beyond its famous cities. On the southern coast of Okinawa.

3. Southeast Asia

Behind Japan, Southeast Asia is high on travelers’ wish lists, with Thailand, Bali and Vietnam at the top.

Travel booking service VIP Traveler’s demand for Bali has increased by 200%.

It may also be interesting to note that Bali is seeing an increasing number of travelers interested in health-focused travel. Salvador says most of his clients want to go to Ubud, Bali’s lush jungle city in the center of the island.

4. The Caribbean

A year-round sun-drenched favorite within easy reach of Americans, the Caribbean will remain in demand in 2023.

“A lot of people go to the usual places like the Dominican Republic or Jamaica or the Bahamas,” Salvador said, but Eastern Caribbean countries like Barbados, St. Lucia and Anguilla and Antigua, Grenada are some of his favorites.

5. Egypt

Jonathan Alder, owner of luxury travel company Jonathan Travels, has been booking Egypt trips for clients for the past two years and more than a decade, and requests for 2023 are increasing rapidly.

Some of the renewed interest may be due to the opening of the Great Egyptian Museum, says Jasmine Pada, Egypt destination expert at Kensington Tours. She pointed out that major shipping lines have increased by increasing the number of ships in the region.

6. American West

Jane Moise, vice president of product at travel app TripIt, said that while international travel may be a bit off, Americans continue to return to popular cities that are still recovering from the pandemic.

Four of the five most-booked domestic destinations on travel booking platform Hopper are to the west: Las Vegas, Denver, Los Angeles and Phoenix.

7. Mexico

Mexico has been breaking tourism records throughout the pandemic and will return as a powerhouse destination in 2023. The most popular and easily accessible beach destinations are major contributors to this success.

Located on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Cancun is next year’s most booked international destination for hoppers, Skyscanner and airline search engine Skiplagged.

8. Costa Rica

Another carrier from 2022, Costa Rica, is attracting travelers – from families to honeymooners to retirees – with affordable flights, outdoor adventures, wildlife and beaches.

For Zicaso customers, the most sought-after destinations to visit are Arenal, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Tortuguero and the Osa Peninsula – which are lined up with expert recommendations.

9. Galapagos Islands

Another dream destination that will become a reality for travelers in 2023 is the Galapagos Islands. From black lava rock and red sand to rare wildlife, a big seller for Adventure Travel owner Heidi Bocianowski is the Pacific Islands, which appeal to people who want to see something new every day.

10. African Safaris

Keeping with the once-in-a-lifetime theme, Brian Pentek, owner of Lux Life Travel, tells his clients, “Africa is big.”

Many go in multi-generational groups who use the trip as graduation gifts or family reunions. You can go to Cape Town, South Africa for gorilla trekking, as well as Botswana (for game reserves) or Rwanda.

In addition to safaris, Salvador includes jungle camping for its clients in Africa to experience local culture, or see food and drink shows, or stay in luxury lodges.

11. Morocco

Even before the North African country attracted international attention for the World Cup, Morocco had become a major travel hot spot. Currently the most booked country for Intrepid Travel, “We expect Morocco to continue to be incredibly popular in 2023 with an increase in flights to the destination and great experiences in one week, 10 days or two weeks. Itinerary,” said James Thornton, the company’s CEO.

12. Small cruises

Cruises are making a strong comeback, even for travelers who don’t consider themselves cruises. But instead of taking mega ships, they’re looking for smaller options like cruises (think Antarctica and Alaska) or luxury cruises, especially river cruises in Europe and Egypt.