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| ⒸAnnie Spratt / Unsplash |
By Kaitlyn Rosati , TheTravel
No pressure, but have you made your new travel plans yet? The new year is right around the corner, and what better way to incentivize starting another go around the sun than by having a trip or two planned? Whether you're new to travel and looking for an affordable bustling city or a luxurious getaway for a relaxing oasis, this list of prospective travels for the new year will have aspiration travelers booking a ticket in no time.
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Geneva, Switzerland
Overlooked for its more popular neighbors Italy to the south and France to the west, is the vastly underrated nation of Switzerland. Most folks might think of Switzerland as only mountains in the countryside and business on the city side, but they are wildly misinformed and missing out on some of the best scenery, culture, and cuisine in all of Western Europe. When visiting Geneva, try dishes like rösti, the famously gooey cheese Raclette, and of course, what trip to Switzerland is complete without fondue? For the ultimate luxurious experience, stay at Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva for the proper treat you rightfully deserve.
Jeju Island, South Korea
While many visitors head to South Korea to explore the bustling city of Seoul, an hour flight off of the mainland will transport visitors to an otherworldly side of Korea: Jeju Island. Jeju is one of the new natural seven wonders of the world, and rightfully so. It hosts the highest point in South Korea and the second-highest point in Korea overall: Mount Hallasan. Jeju has exquisite food, from their uber-fresh tangerines to their "black pork," made from local black pigs. Jeju Island is best explored by car, so don't forget to rent a car from the airport to properly explore all of the waterfalls, museums, and natural phenomenons this Korean island has to offer.
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Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is on so many travel lists, so why put it on this one? Well, the reason is obvious. Japan had one of the strictest pandemic lockdowns in the entire globe, and as of late 2022, they have finally reopened for tourism. 2023 is the perfect time to visit the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, the world's most populous city. Tokyo has more Michelin-star restaurants than any other The city has several new hotels, such as Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, MIMARU SUITES Tokyo Nihombashi, and Kimpton Shinjuku.
Atacama Desert, Chile
Want to head to the driest place on Planet Earth? Maybe it doesn't sound so appealing that way, but the Atacama Desert in Chile is one of the most unique places on the planet due to its incredibly dry climate. Some areas have not seen a drop of rain in over 500 years. Located in northern Chile close to the border of Bolivia, the Atacama is so picturesque in its landscape that it inspired the Salvadore Dalà paintings. In the Atacama, there are so many amazing activities to partake in, including but not limited to floating in a lagoon where it's impossible to sink (move over, Dead Sea!), checking out geysers, visiting the Salt Flats (better known as the Atacama Salar), to name a few.
Grenada
The Caribbean is an incredibly popular region, particularly for American tourists, but really, for tourists worldwide. There's a great reason behind its popularity; who wouldn't want to swim in crystal clear blue waters, hang out with friendly locals, eat flavorfully spiced food, and listen to some of the world's best music? While hotspots like Jamaica, the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and Aruba tend to make it to the top of many travelers' bucket lists, Grenada is an underrated spot that is a missed opportunity for many travelers. By adding a Grenada stamp to your passport in 2023, travelers will be able to enjoy up to 45 of the island's beaches, frollick through stunning waterfalls, enjoy the local dish of oildown (a one-pot dish of coconut milk, breadfruit, turmeric, and callaloo, often with meat or fish added), and even go diving in an underwater museum.
Pro-tip: For travelers who love the country so much that they decide to stay, Grenada is offering a new digital nomad visa program . Maybe 2023 is the year you relocate to the Caribbean!
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Who doesn't love a good boardwalk? For US-based travelers looking for a domestic beach destination that can be family-friendly, solo-friendly, couple-friendly, and even dog-friendly, head to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Myrtle Beach has something for all types of travelers, and despite South Carolina's Charleston consistently ranking as the top city in the state, Myrtle Beach offers a different side of the state, showcasing a family-friendly, beach-centered destination that's perfect for exploring for a quick weekend getaway. It doesn't hurt that this beach town is home to some incredible resorts, such as Kingston Resorts, home to the newly-opened craft-beer bar and restaurant, Black Drum Brewing, which is slated to open by early 2023.
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Muscat, Oman
The Middle East is home to many nations which sadly live as blank pages in many traveler's passports. There's no reason for this: the Middle East, in general, has some of the best cuisine, hospitality, and breathtaking views that this world has to offer. For such a widely misunderstood region, all it takes is one trip out there to shatter the misconceptions the media portrays. For those looking to get their feet wet, Oman is a great starting point. While there are souks and mosques like many nations in this area of the world, Oman is also home to mountainous valleys, sand dunes, and, most surprisingly, some incredible beaches. One of the most stunning natural wonders of Oman is the Bimmah Sinkhole, a water-filled depression with water that's so uniquely colorful it looks like a painting.
Bangkok, Thailand
Thailand is known to be a backpacker's haven; It is often the place that births young travelers' love for backpacking, hostel-hopping, and exploring the globe on a budget. However, Bangkok is officially the most visited city in the world, so long gone are the days when Thailand was just for the young, broke backpacker. Whether you're in your early 20s and new to travel, or a seasoned traveler looking for a luxurious experience, Bangkok has it all, and, spoiler alert: either way, it won't break the budget. From some of the trendiest clubs and bars in the world to rooftop pools overlooking the city, to late-night street food, to floating markets, Bangkok is a city that thrives on chaos and has an infectious energy, and any traveler will quickly understand why Thailand is also known as "Land of the Smiles." For a backpacking experience, stay at Khao San Capsule Hostel. For travelers on a champagne budget, the only obvious choice is Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya.
Cairo, Egypt
For those who haven't been to Egypt yet, what's the hold-up? Cairo is one of the most visited cities in Africa, thanks to being home to the Pyramids of Giza, but there's so much more to the city than that. Now more than ever, is the perfect time to go. Egypt is quickly shedding its reputation as a dangerous destination, and there's a reason its capital Cairo is so popular. Cairo is a lively, bustling, affordable city with incredible food and people, and it certainly doesn't hurt that it's one of the most historically-rich places on planet earth. Really, what are you waiting for? Book that ticket to Egypt.
Lake Malawi, Malawi
For underrated African destinations, the list is plentiful, but for 2023, head to the fifth largest freshwater lake in the world by volume, Lake Malawi, in the landlocked African country of Malawi. Lake Malawi makes for great kayaking, swimming, and relaxing. Take in the scenery of Africa's third-largest lake, best enjoyed from May to October during the dry season. Malawi is known as the warm heart of Africa for good reason: it's the "tiny country with a big heart," and as soon as travelers head to this overlooked destination, they will be quick to understand why.
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