If you have researched what your next adventure as a traveler will be, I believe this list can help you! National Geographic has selected the 25 best places and experiences in the world to discover in 2023. I point out that the options are for those who don’t like anything traditional, as they are outside of the most common itineraries.
The annual list is compiled by the editors of the journal. This edition focused on respect for people and their cultures, for the land and its preservation. A total of five places not to be missed were chosen for each of the five categories: culture, nature, family, adventure and community. See below.
Culture: Places where history and heritage reign supreme
Egypt
Without a doubt, Egypt is an amazing country and part of that is due to its magnificent monuments and ancient culture. No wonder the editors recommend visiting King Tutankhamun’s new home at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo the country’s capital and not missing the Avenue of the Sphinxes in Luxor.
Busan, South Korea
The port city of Busan is famous for its beaches, mountains and temples, but the location was chosen for its “creative energy” at Asia’s premier film festival: the Busan International Film Festival! In addition to the film screenings, tourists should try the city’s craft beer, the second largest in the country.
(Photo: Mongle Jyh)
Via Appia, Italy
Would you like to travel back in time without taking your eyes off the present? A good suggestion for this is the Via Appia in Italy, formerly known as the “super road” of Europe. The route contains interesting and important aspects of ancient Rome, so this pilgrimage steeped in history is a mustdo.
Charleston, South Carolina
The port city of the United States has beautiful early 20th century architectural buildings that are being restored and kept in perfect condition. The recommendation of the list is for tourists to explore the culture and history of the place, in addition to trying the Southern cuisine called Lowcountry. The editors were also careful to note a visit to the International African American Museum, which will open to the public on January 21, 2023.
Longmen Caves, Henan Province, China
In the Longmen Caves in China you will find one of the largest stone statues in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site has an impressive collection of Chinese art dedicated to the Buddhist religion, representing the pinnacle of Chinese stone carving.
Read more about the five destinations and experiences in the culture category on this page.
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Nature: Escape to wild and beautiful places
Botswana, Africa
Admire Botswana’s biodiversity and commitment to conservation. The destination has programs to rehabilitate endangered species, create wildlife corridors and combat illegal hunting. Initiatives have also been taken to bring tourists closer to the community in a sustainable way. Visitors can take various courses such as animal tracking and develop jungle survival skills.
Azores, Portugal
If you like sea creatures, the nine volcanic islands of the Azores are a mustsee! The Portugal region is like a haven for 28 species of whales and dolphins, according to National Geographic. In addition to its natural wonders, there are several local community initiatives to conserve this volcanic archipelago. The place is also known for its hot springs. Watch the video below.
Highlands, Scotland
Although the Scottish Highlands still offer an epic landscape of glens, lochs and winding rivers, the local landscape has already changed a lot. In the past, valleys and hills were covered with forest and wild animals. However, over the centuries deforestation and overgrazing have altered the local landscape.
Currently the Highlands region is in a reclamation movement aimed at restoring the original rural landscape with native fauna and flora. Therefore, the list recommends visiting this Scottish area, such as the Alladale Wilderness Reserve.
Slovenia
Slovenia is on the list for its sustainable tourism. The destination has invested in gastrotourism bike trails that visit farms, vineyards, cheese and other food producers. Specially designed for cyclists, the 11day Food Trail stretches from the capital Ljubljana overlooking the Alps in the Soca Valley, through the caverich Carso area and along the Drava and Sava rivers.
Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA
Big Bend National Park brings the legend of the Texas frontier to life and the scenery will amaze you too. Known for its starry skies and beautiful canyons, the park is one of the most remote in the state and also the largest: over 800,000 acres.
Read more about the five destinations and experiences in the Nature category on this page.
Family: Inspiring journeys for all ages
Switzerland
Beautiful Switzerland cannot be missed in the family category as it has a perfect rail network, especially for this audience who need specific services to make the experience easier. Train travel is therefore more than recommended as it offers comfort with incredible landscapes and stops at strategic points to enjoy with family such as: B. chocolate factories and places to ski.
Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean
Turtle and marine life lovers will love this proposal. Because on the coast of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean there is one of the most important colonies of leatherback turtles in the world, along with four other species. The country works hard to conserve this animal and therefore it is possible to find thousands of turtles on the beaches between March and August, like in the Grande Riviere of Trindade. Tourists can still work as volunteers in conservation efforts.
San Francisco, California
In San Francisco, California, it is possible to take a path that crosses the city. The Crosstown Trail offers nearly 17 miles of urban discoveries, from sweeping vistas of the Pacific Coast to neighborhood cafes. Another suggestion from the magazine is that visitors light a fire in the Presidio Tunnel Tops to enjoy the view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Colombia
The suggestion of the time is a visit to Tayrona National Park, which is located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast and is a sanctuary for almost 300 species of birds. The destination appears on the list to inform tourists about bird watching opportunities there. The nature tourism initiative in the region aims to help preserve Colombia’s biodiversity and support surrounding communities.
Manchester, England
In Manchester, England, tourists are all about having fun and enjoying the climate of the sporting and artsloving British city. Visit the pitches of the famous football team Manchester United and be inspired by the city’s art scene.
Read more about the five destinations and experiences in the family category on this page.
Adventure: Adrenalinepacked outdoor excursions
Choquequirao, Peru
High in the Peruvian Andes, the Inca ruins of Choquequirao are only accessible on foot, at least for now. The site is still off Peru’s tourist radars due to restricted access, but it’s well worth the trek.
(Photo: Harley Calvert)
New Zealand
New Zealand once again welcomes adventure travelers from around the world. There you can go cycling, skiing and hiking with beautiful landscapes. One of the highlights is for those who like to ride a bike, because by 2025 the destination will have a special network of recreational bike paths.
Utah in the United States
Utah’s landscapes invite outdoor adventures like standup paddle boarding on the Colorado River in Moab. The destination has five national parks and eight national monuments, which is why it is in the dreams of many adventurous travelers.
Austrian Alps
A firstclass destination for winter sports is the Carinthia region in Austria. The Austrian Alps offer great opportunities for adventure in the Mountaineering Villages network of 29 Mountaineering Villages.
Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico
Finally, add Mexico’s Revillagigedo National Park to your adventure itinerary. Its sheltered waters, supported by National Geographic’s Pristine Seas initiative, are home to dozens of sharks and rays.
Read more about the five adventure destinations and experiences on this page.
Community: where conservation benefits everyone
Karpathos, Greece (Dodecanese)
The second largest island of the Dodecanese, called Karpathos, is a Greek archipelago in the Aegean Sea. Despite the destination’s beautiful beaches, the location was the pinnacle of selection to have women at the helm of companies running sustainable tourism.
Milwaukee, United States
Located in the state of Wisconsin, Milwaukee is known for its breweries. The place has been dubbed by the editors as a “living city” that celebrates its “creative and closeknit” community — as does its local beverages.
Alberta, Canada
One of Canada’s most populous provinces, Alberta is famous for offering beautiful natural landscapes, but it goes further than that. The destination allows local receptionists to offer experiences that salvage the ancient traditions of indigenous peoples while addressing perspectives for the future.
Laos, Southeast Asia
Crossed by the Mekong, Laos is a land of mountains, French colonial architecture, tribal villages and Buddhist monasteries. What the editors noticed, however, was that a highspeed train was being put into service in the country to open up lesserknown regions to tourists. This allows visitors not only to create economic opportunities for locals, but also to discover surprising and underexplored places.
Ghana, West Africa
The presented proposal to get to know Ghana appears as an invitation to tourists to seek and explore their African heritage in the destination. In addition, the capital city of Accra has gained notoriety everywhere for its colorful fashion.
Read more about the five destinations and experiences in the Community category on this page.
You may have noticed that the list is a little different from most others because it seeks to promote destinations with special experiences that treat communities and heritage with respect and focus on sustainability, ecotourism and conservation. In addition, in a way, they reciprocate their visitors with unique experiences.
So what do you think of the suggestions? Are you already thinking about adding any of the destinations and experiences to your next itinerary? Tell us in the comments.