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There’s no doubt that the years 2020 to 2022 have been devastating to the travel industry. Speaking as someone who works in the travel, I can attest that I lost 90% of my income overnight, and it has yet to recover.
Going in 2023, travel is finally picking up again and expected to reach pre-pandemic levels. Chances are you’ve already made your first post-pandemic trip, or you are at least planning one!
With that in mind, I’ve compiled 10 destinations that are looking very enticing in 2023!
Mexico
Mexico has remained one of the easiest destinations to travel to throughout the pandemic, for those who have chosen to travel abroad. It has allowed airport entry without testing since mid-2020. The land border with the US has also been open to vaccinated travelers since Nov. 2021.
Mexico offers a vast array of destinations. Beach lovers should gravitate to the white sands of Cancun or go scuba diving in Cozumel. Tulum, with its mix of beaches and ruins, and become a hot spot for digital nomads. You can also try snorkelling in Tulum or spoil yourself at one of these Tulum resort. If you want peace and quiet, try one of these adults-only all-inclusive resorts.
For culture vultures and to get more off the beaten track, try eating, meeting indigenous peoples, and surfing on some of Oaxaca’s excellent beaches. Last but not least, don’t forget about Mexico City, which boasts more museums than any city in the world!
It comes as no surprise that both Condé Nast Traveler and Lonely Planet chose places in Mexico for their lists of best destinations to visit in 2022, and that excitement should keep rolling going in to 2023.
Learn more facts about Mexico here!
Iceland
Iceland has been open to vaccinated travelers and those who have recovered from infection since July 1, 2021.
The sparsely populated island offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the world (ever seen Game of Thrones?) Think jaw-dropping waterfalls at every turn (10,000+ in total, supposedly), Northern Lights, geothermal hot springs galore, icebergs, and puffins.
And no, that huge volcano that’s keeps erupting right next to Reykjavík (FYI it’s called Fagradalsfjall) isn’t going to prevent you from flying in, but yes, you can go check it out! There’s only one caveat to Iceland: the food is really as expensive as you’ve heard.
By the way, Lonely Planet even chose remote Westfjords in Iceland as the #1 top region to visit in the world in 2022.
Norway
To miss traveling for food as much as I do? Well, Norway is begging to be visited in 2023, especially for anyone who considers themselves foodies.
The city of Trondheim and Trøndelag County in central Norway have been named the European Region of Gastronomy 2022. The region has come to be known for its high quality local seafood, dairy products, and vegetables, all of which feature prominently in its food. The region also has annual wine, beer, food, and gin festivals!
All of this comes with gorgeous scenery. Norway’s iconic steep fjords and colorful villages meet azure seas, while inland there is world class skiing, cycling, and rafting to be enjoyed.
Canada
So I might be a little biased, as I live in Canada. But I must say that being stuck here for the last two years hasn’t been terrible – far from it. And yes, we are open to fully vaccinated tourists.
If you’re looking for wide open spaces and lack of people, welcome to one of the least crowded places on Earth. From the famous ski slopes and turquoise colored lakes of Banff to the aurora-filled skies and 38 insanely beautiful national parks to be explored, Canada is a paradise for nature lovers.
Come in fall for the gorgeous maple foliage, winter to partake in Quebec’s famous cabane a sucre (think gooey maple syrup thickened on snow), spring for the best ski resort deals, or summer for the kayak or canoe trip of a lifetime.
Turkey
Yet another country that has been open and ready for you since 2022 is Turkey. Begin in the great city of Istanbul, where the Asian and European continents meet, with its famous mosques, cuisines, and a surprisingly array of things to do with kids. If you’ve been before, you may be surprised to find that the city has undergone a multi-billion dollar facelift, with a number of new attractions and rejuvenated old ones.
Beyond Istanbul, don’t miss the secluded beaches and coves of the south coast, hot air balloon rides above otherworldly Cappadocia, and white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. To really get off the beaten path, venture to the historic sights and rich Kurdish culture of Eastern Turkey or take a rural respite on the Black Sea coast.
Where are you planning to visit in 2023? Let me know in the comments below!
