Planes are in the sky, trains are on the tracks, and buses are loaded with wide-eyed travelers looking to make up for lost time. 2023 is shaping up to be a banner year for the global travel and tourism sectors. In fact, the industry is expected to grow at a rate of 5.8 percent over the next 10 years, which is no small feat all things considered.1
Travel trends have been changing. Market fluctuations have had a substantial effect on travel plans too. Simply put, travelers are making more travel plans to a number of emerging hotspots. With that in mind, here are 10 countries you need to make time to visit in 2023.
Iryna Kalamurza/ShutterstockPeru
Peru is a truly remarkable place. The South American state has been independent since 1821, but the country’s story begins far earlier. The country is full of cultural and historical landmarks left by centuries of human history.
From Machu Picchu to the Amazon, Peru has something to satisfy every taste.2
Morocco
Don’t let the exotic panoramas and ornate gold aesthetic trick you into thinking that Morocco is out of your financial reach. The coastal paradise is surprisingly budget friendly. Occupation of the area dates back to 300 BCE, and its various mosques, art installations, and architecture exhibit centuries of artisan handiwork.
From breathtaking natural vistas to bustling marketplaces, Morocco is a sight to behold.3
Thailand
There’s a lot to love about Thailand. The people are friendly, the beaches are world class, and the food is as inexpensive as it is delicious.
Thailand is full of things to do too. There are Buddhist temples to explore, Elephant sanctuaries to visit, and sun to soak up.
Did we mention that Thailand is budget friendly? That’s probably why flights to Thailand in 2023 are in such high demand.4
United States
The United States of America has always been a popular destination for international visitors. From the iconic Yellowstone National Park, to the Western world’s cultural epicenter of Hollywood, California, the country just has so much to see, do, and experience.
Hawaii, New Orleans, and San Francisco look to be the hottest tourist destinations in 2023, but don’t let the trends set your itinerary. There’s always New York City, Miami, Chicago, and Boston to choose from too.5
Egypt
You don’t need to raid King Tut’s tomb in order to afford a trip to Egypt. In fact, the popular bucket list destination is surprisingly affordable when you consider how popular it is. The country’s warm climate makes it the perfect destination to escape the winter months.
Take in the man-made creations of ancient civilizations, sail down the iconic Nile river, and bask in the impeccably spiced cuisines served atop every table. Adventure hunters aren’t left out either. Egypt is a premier Scuba destination and home to some of the world’s best beaches.6
Czech Republic
It’s not as popular as France or Italy, but the Czech Republic is quickly becoming a highly sought after European destination.
Prague is an architectural aficionado’s dreams, with a skyline so remarkable that it’s been dubbed the City of a Hundred Spires. However, the country offers even more than its capital to discover.
The Czech Republic houses the most castles in all of Europe. Over 2,000 to be exact. Many of which pepper the quaint countryside towns and are open for tourists to explore.7
Cambodia
Home to some of the friendliest people in the world, Cambodia is heavily reliant on the money it generates from its tourism sector. Fortunately, more and more international visitors are planning trips to the country in 2023.
Popular Cambodian tourist attractions include the:
- Ancient ruins of Angkor Wat;
- Picturesque island retreat Koh Rong;
- Battambang Bat Caves, and;
- Bousra Waterfall.
From five-star resorts to rural homestays, Cambodia caters to all styles and budgets.8
Jordan
You’ve seen pictures of Jordan, that’s for sure. Like photos of the centuries-old, stone carved city of Petra or the landscapes that formed the backbone of popular movies like The Martian and Indiana Jones. However, seeing pictures is a far cry from experiencing Joran firsthand.
Taste the local cuisine and walk amongst some of the most well preserved Roman Empire relics around. All at a price that presents savvy travelers with a lot of value for their vacation dollars.9
Costa Rica
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of your work life in favor of something a little more balanced? Check out Costa Rica.
The Central American marvel has long been considered a premier tourist spot for those that love the outdoors. The area is covered in pristine tropical beaches, unique resorts, and fantastic food.
If outdoor adventure is what you crave, a trip to Costa Rica is tough to top.10
Canada
There’s a lot to love about Canada. The country is vast and offers nature lovers an impressive variety of ecological landscapes to choose from. Mountains, lakes, forests, and world-renowned waterfalls all call Canada home. As do some of the most interesting and modern cities in all of North America.
Popular tourist destinations of note include:
- Vancouver;
- Quebec City;
- Toronto, and;
- The entire province of Prince Edward Island.11
Conclusion
If reading about far-off vacation destinations didn’t cause you to take an inventory of your remaining vacation days, then nothing will. There’s adventure out there to be discovered, and a growing list of countries that must be seen in 2023.
Today’s list is far from comprehensive. The vacation opportunities are truly boundless. However, there’s no need to settle. Keep searching, reading, and comparing adventures until you find the optimal way to unplug abroad.