a long delay, the travel industry is starting to pick back up, and people are eager to hike, bike, drive, fly, and bungee jump their way to new and exciting destinations. Which are generating the most buzz for the 2022 – 2023 travel season? Let’s take a look at some of the best places to go for current travelers!
1. Hokkaido, Japan
Everyone knows about Tokyo, but Hokkaido is more of a hidden gem. It’s tucked away in northern Japan and blanketed with snow all winter long, offering beautiful, picturesque scenery as well as ample opportunities for outdoor activities like skiing. You can also enjoy authentic eastern culture when you spend the night in a rokan, a traditional inn covered in tatami mats, or slip into the onsen, the natural hot springs that jut out of the mountains.
2. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rico
If you’ve always dreamed of a tropical getaway, this is the destination for you. Costa Rica is emerging as a popular post-COVID travel destination because of its cheap prices and low amount of restrictions.
When you’re feeling burned out by the state of the world, it can be an amazing place to recharge.
As for Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, it isn’t the only city where you can knock back a drink at a coconut bar before hitting the surf, but it’s a great one. Other attractions include a black sand beach, a rainforest preserve, and a jaguar rescue and rehabilitation center.
3. Napa Valley, California
Get a little tipsy with a trip to Napa Valley. Not only is it home to more than 400 vineyards, wineries, and breweries, but it’s also jam-packed with tourist attractions that’ll be even more dizzying than the alcohol.
Have you ever taken a hot air balloon ride over the countryside? Have you ever danced all night long in a music hall, kayaked across a churning river surrounded by mountains, or undergone a full-body massage at a world-class spa? Napa Valley has it all!
4. Bali, Indonesia
Known for its crystal-clear beaches, Bali is a bucket list destination for many, and they’re tired of waiting around to see it. Interest in Bali has surged in the 2022 – 2023 travel season, especially from honeymooners and other folks who are ready to splurge on their dream vacation.
You can enjoy everything from treks into the monkey forest to wellness retreats that offer yoga on the hills of ancient temples.
If you want to visit nearby islands as well, you can use a tool like DestinationScanner to plan an epic Indonesia getaway.
5. Budapest, Hungary
Nicknamed “The Paris of the East,” Budapest is a gorgeous city that offers art, culture, history, and more. Its museums and galleries are filled with priceless artifacts dating back thousands of years; its restaurants are considered some of the finest in the world; its luxury hotels boast grand and often historic architecture that draws inspiration from everything from basilicas to foreign palaces. Be sure to check out its famous thermal baths as well!
6. Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Rwanda is another destination that’s emerging as a post-COVID hot spot, but this time, it’s because there are strict travel restrictions keeping the virus at bay.
This is largely done for the sake of the wildlife: Akagera National Park is one of the safari capitals of the world, offering tours deep into the savanna to see lions, hippos, gorillas, giraffes, and more. Just make sure that you’re visiting in the right season to spot your favorites!
7. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Forget about Cabo and Cancun. Far from rowdy groups of spring breakers, San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful, peaceful destination that offers sprawling scenery in the form of Spanish and Mexican baroque architecture. You’ll feel like you stepped into an old-fashioned postcard as you walk down the cobblestone streets lined with colonial buildings and colorfully festive awnings. Other things to see include churches, sanctuaries, mask and toy museums, art galleries, outdoor markets, and cultural festivals.
8. Antarctica
Believe it or not, but there’s been a lot of demand for trips to Antarctica in 2023! It might be based in a curiosity to see animals and landscapes that have been left alone these past few years. It might be based on a desire to escape the daily grind and experience the exhilarating edge of nature in one of the remote places in the world.
Either way, there are a number of cruise ships and tour helicopters operating in Antarctica right now, so it’s a prime time to go and see the penguins.
These are just a few destinations that are exciting travelers for the 2022 – 2023 travel season. Whether you’re interested in surfing, skiing, shopping, or skydiving, there’s an ideal place out there for you. You just have to find it!
