The last year or so for travel has been a difficult one. Most of the world has had their borders closed to international travellers. But it is looking positive for 2023. Many countries are now opening their boarders to allow tourism to flourish. So, there’s no better way than by getting back out there to visit the best places to travel in the world for 2023.
Who found it difficult to travel in the last year? Luckily in the UK, lockdown eased as the summer approached. And we took that opportunity to take short day trips in the UK. Although the signs for 2023 are looking up.
Not only will we continue with our staycations in the UK, but we will hopefully return to Sri Lanka for a short holiday, but to also take short weekend to 4-day trips around Europe.
So, to help you get back into the swing of travelling, whether it is a staycation in your home country or planning a trip internationally, then you’ll want to plan your trip to one of the best places to travel in the world for 2023.
Firstly, to help you plan your next big adventure, then download your free travel planner today. Just enter your details to be sent via email your printable travel planner.
Table of Contents
Best places to travel in the world for 2023
We have chosen the very best places to visit in 2023.
Best places to visit in UK for 2023
This is our home country and love to explore new locations. If you’re planning a trip to the UK, here are some of the best places you must visit while you’re here:
London
No visit to the UK could ever miss London from the list. Well, you’re more likely to arrive in the capital, so it would make sense to spend a few days here.
London has to be our favourite city to visit, it is steeped in so much history and things to do, that will keep you entertained for your trip.
First timers to London, must visit the top tourist attractions such as the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace just to name a few.
If this isn’t your first time to London, then you’ll want to discover some of the lesser-known locations, maybe you’re a movie buff and want to explore filming locations, or just admire the street art that’s dotted around the city.
London can be an expensive city to visit, but you can visit the capital on the cheap, by visiting the various museums and parks for free.
We would also recommend taking a guided tour, such as the famous Jack the Ripper tour, that dives right into the gruesome history of London. If that’s too much for you, then you’ll want to check out these other tours that will take you around London.
We love London so much, that not only do we return here on a regular basis, but it has to be added to the best places to travel in the world in 2023.
Hastings
Located about one hour by train from London, Hastings is the ideal seaside town for a day trip from the capital.
On a hot summer’s day, you could enjoy a free hot stones massage when you lay back on the shingled beaches of Hastings.
Packed with so much to see and do, from learning about the famous 1066 Battle of Hastings which claimed the new Norman King of England, to the smuggler’s caves of the West Hill.
Children will enjoy the Smugglers Adventures, learning more about the smuggling trade and the infamous Hawkhurst Gang that would have stored their illegal commodities in the cave before distributing them around the country.
The ruined castle that stands tall on the West Hill, overlooks the town below.
Head into the Old Town of Hastings before taking a funicular train up the East Hill, offering great views of the town below.
Hastings is our home town and just love exploring what we have on our doorstep.
Do you have a day trip planned to Hastings on your visit to the UK? Then why not book our free walking tour of the town. We share our knowledge of the town, from the history and the tops sights. Book your free tour here.
Seven Sisters
You hiking lovers will enjoy this day hike over the Seven Sisters cliffs.
Take the Southdowns’ for about 13 miles from either Eastbourne or Seaford, over the Seven Sisters to be rewarded with incredible landscape views, cliff views and wildlife.
The route should take no more than 8 hours and you will need to have some level of fitness to get you over the long arduous cliffs.
At the end of the hike, reward yourself with a delicious meal at either The Beachy Head Inn, or at the many restaurants in Sovereign Harbour.
Hiking is a great way to get out of the cities and into the wild open air and one you must take on when visiting the UK.
Related post: How to stay fit while travelling
Brighton
The bright colours of the rainbow also known unofficially of course as the LGBTQ capital of England.
Enjoy the architecture of Brighton Pavilion’s Indo-Saracenic style, that’s very grand on the inside fit for a king.
This was once a royal residence for George, Prince of Wales, who loved visiting Brighton. Relax back in the Pavilion gardens on a hot summers’ day, enjoying a picnic.
Brighton is a shingled beach, so enjoy your hot stones therapy in the summer.
While Brighton is an ideal day trip from London, why not stay for the weekend and enjoy the party life of the LGBTQ scene in Kemptown.
The bright colours of the flag invite all walks of life for a night on the town.
Stonehenge
These mysterious stones are definitely a must place to travel in the world in 2023.
It is unknown how or why these stones have been placed here, but it still draws thousands of tourists here year on year.
They have been precariously laid in position, be it as a time piece, seasonal calendar, or as a burial ground. Whatever the reason, it is still worth visiting.
You can take a tour from London, that is likely to include Bath, Oxford and Windsor in one day.
Tours are a great way to see a number of places in a day, but some might find it a little pushed with only a short period of time at each location. If you don’t fancy being rushed around, then you can drive. Stonehenge has a large car park for tourists.
You can book a tour below:
Don’t forget, with a tour you don’t need to worry about driving to Stonehenge and back to London, as the tour will do all of this for you.
Best places to travel in Ireland for 2023
Ireland is one of our favourite countries to visit. Rugged coastlines, abandoned monastic cities, incredible scenic hikes and more. Here are the best places to visit in Ireland for 2023.
Co.Wicklow
Only about one hour from Dublin, but great for getting away from the capital for a couple of days.
A road trip around Co. Wicklow is a great way to see some amazing places. Which is exactly what we did.
Hikers will enjoy climbing the easy Great Sugarloaf at 501m and Glendalough Upper and Lower Lake, that offers various routes for different abilities.
Explore the ghost town of the Monastic city, located between the Upper and Lower Lake and Glendalough Visitors Centre.
It was once a monastery, but now deserted buildings, ruins and a place of burial.
Hire a car from Dublin Airport and explore this beautiful region on a 4-day road trip, you won’t be disappointed.
Best places to travel in USA
The big US of A. This large country is one that must be visited in 2023, but where to go? We have selected the very best places to visit in USA.
New York
If you’re heading to the USA, you must include the big apple in your plans for 2023.
There’s so much to see and do. Of course, visiting the top tourist attractions in New York is a must, but what about the hidden gems that many tourists overlook.
Remember the thousands of people who lost their lives in the September 11th attacks, by marking your respects at the memorial pools and the September 11th Museum.
Admire the architectural design of the Oculus, with the transportation and shopping mall below ground.
If you might think New York is too expensive to visit. That’s where you’re wrong. Yes New York is one of the most expensive cities to visit, but you can visit on a budget. There’re plenty of free things to do in the city, that will help with keeping your travel costs low.
We love New York City, that we have visited twice and can’t wait to get back there to visit the city again.
Related post: USA Travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go
Las Vegas
The bright lights, gambling, Cirque Du Soleil shows and food. That’s right, it’s Las Vegas.
The city that was built in a desert, is one that should be added to your bucket list. This is the place that you spend your money, either in the casino, on a show and on drinks. And that is definitely some of the things you must do in Sin City.
If you’re strap for cash, but still want to tick your bucket list destination off the list, then this is still possible. Walking between hotels on the strip, are just some of the things you can do for free in Las Vegas.
And you’ll be surprised with some of the architecture, statues, designs all on display inside the hotel, all for free.
You could visit some of the world in just Las Vegas, with The Venetian, Paris Hotel, New York New York and Luxor Hotel just to name a few of the hotels on the Strip that you must visit on your trip to Las Vegas.
Best places to travel in France in 2023
France is best known for the city of Love (Paris), good vineyards, beaches and more. So, let’s discover France in 2023:
Paris
The city of Loooove. Get all romantic, with a picnic in Champs de Mars and the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Or, book a nice table in a French restaurant, with good French wine and music, to get you in the mood. With all this romance, someone might get down on one knee and propose.
There’s plenty of art to get lost in at the Louvre Museum. Or, you might get lost in the museum, as it is a real maze in there. Once you have found what you’re looking for, for most it’s the Mona Lisa, you’ll have to fight through the crowds to get a selfie with her.
Fed up to wandering the streets of Paris, then why not wander in and out of the designer shops along the Champs Elysees and buy some expensive outfits. Do what we do and window shop at the French fashion.
Families might like to take the young children to Disney Land in Paris. Only a short train journey and a great day trip to entertain the children.
If you have a spare day, why not take a day trip to London via the Eurostar. In just over two hours, you can be in London, exploring the city, before returning back to Paris.
Best places to travel in Germany
Germany tantalises you with stunning castles, great nightlife, music and historical sites just to name a few. We have chosen the best of Germany for 2023.
Cologne
The highlight to Cologne has to be the dazzling Cathedral, that’s located in the middle of the city.
Gargoyles gaze down at you while you admire the cathedrals architecture. The interior is definitely worth peacefully wandering around. The stain glass windows paint a bright picture as the light pours through them.
Take your time at the Cathedral, you really won’t want to head back out into the busy streets, when you have tranquillity.
Learn more about World War II at the NS Dokumentationszentrum. The upper floor depict life in Germany during the World War, but the basement is not for the fainthearted.
The moment you drop down those steps, the cold atmosphere hits you. This was once the Gestapo headquarters, that held prisoners and would have interrogated them to get information, if they didn’t comply, strict punishment was handed down to them.
This was definitely an eye opener for us and one that must be included in the best places to travel in the world in 2023.
Related post: What to pack for Germany
Best places to travel in Poland
One of the budget friendly places to visit in Europe. You could set a small budget, but still travel here like kings and queens.
If you’re looking for a budget holiday, Poland is it.
Krakow
Once the capital city of Poland, that’s steeped in so much history, royalty and delicious food.
Walk the actual route that royalty would have done on coronation day and other royal celebrations, down to Wewal Castle. Before finishing off your royal tour inside the grounds and castle.
Dive into history at the Old Town, where you’ll find the best Polish food. While enjoying the delicious Polish food, wash it all down with a Polish beer, that compliments the food well.
Take a day out from Krakow and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site at Auschwitz-Birkenau. One of the most emotional places to visit but one that you will learn a great deal about the terrible things that happened in Poland during World War II.
Visit Krakow if you’re looking for a cheap weekend trip away. We can’t wait to get back to Krakow.
Warsaw
The capital of Poland and one that saw near on destruction of the city during World War II. But over the years, Warsaw was rebuilt to what we see today.
World War II, played a big role in Warsaw and Poland, with the Jewish Ghettos set up. A wall would have enclosed the ghettos. Some fragments of the wall remain, which you can visit.
More World War II reminders with statues and monuments such as the Little Insurgents Monument, Ghetto Heros Monument, Umschlagplatz and Warsaw Uprising Museum.
On a more positive note, walk along some of the remaining Barbakan Warszawski, which is a 16th century defensive wall, or take on some lovely views of Warsaw from the Observation Deck just across from The Royal Castle in Warsaw.
Related post: What to pack for Poland
Best places to travel in Sri Lanka in 2023
Sri Lanka is our second home and will go to see family and see some sights in the country. We have chosen our favourite places that must be included in this list:
Colombo
No trip to Sri Lanka, can ever miss Colombo, the capital of the country.
Dutch colonial architecture is prevalent in the capital, with the Old Dutch Hospital a must visit.
It was once a working hospital during the Dutch period, but is now a hive of activity. Restaurants, shops, bars and café’s, offering a great communal space for people to meet, over a few beers and a meal.
Head to the hustle and bustle of Pettah Market and dive straight into the Sri Lankan culture. All kinds of goods, from locally sourced food, to fashion and bags, all at a low value price. But you will need to haggle with the stall holders if you’re looking for a good price on something that caught your eye.
Religion is an important part of Sri Lankan life, so any trip to Sri Lanka must include a visit to a Buddhist Temple.
All tourist seems to visit Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. But if you want a less touristy temple, then we would recommend Isipathana Temple in Colombo 5.
A more tranquil and peaceful temple to really draw on the Buddhist Temple experience.
To end your busy day in Colombo, head to Galle Face Green, relax back and watch the sun set. Or why not head to Galle Face Green Hotel, for a cooling drink, while enjoying the sun sets.
Galle
Head down south of the island and bask on the vast sandy beaches, but the real highlight of Galle is Galle Fort.
Originally built by the Portuguese, but little remains of the remnants of the Portuguese fort. The Dutch built the fort over the original Portuguese fort, to what we see today.
You can walk the entire ramparts of the fort, but for cricket fans, you’ll want to sit at the top of the fort overlooking the cricket ground below. Check what matches are played at Galle Cricket ground, you could watch a free international match.
For the best food, head to A Minute by Tuk Tuk at the Old Dutch Hospital in the fort. Best local Sri Lankan dishes or western food.
Sigiriya Rock
One of our favourite places to visit, which is why it has to be included in the best places to travel in the world for 2023.
From the moment you arrive, you can see why this place is so beautiful.
Start by walking through the gardens, with bathing pools, and beautiful green spaces.
At the base of the rock, are 1270 steps to climb, but all that energy you use to climb those steps are so worth it once you reach to summit.
Ruins of a once palace greets you at the top, with scenic landscape views across the gardens and the surrounding area.
The wall frescos on the way are just amazing.
We have climbed this iconic rock fortress twice and could happily climb it again.
Nurawa Eliya
Also known as little England, but why?
Well, the weather conditions of course.
Nurawa Eliya’s temperatures are so much colder compared to the rest of the island and the temperate climate is very similar to England.
While it’s cooler and an ideal place to visit, to get away from the steaming heat of Colombo, it’s also the best location for tea producers.
Learn more about how tea is produced before tasting the best tea from the tea estates of Nurawa Eliya.
Take a little souvenir with you, when you purchase your favourite tea.
There a number of tea estates to visit in the region, so which one should you visit? We would recommend Pedro Tea Estates. We found it very informative and the tea was delicious.
Conclusion
We have selected a variety of the best places to travel in the world in 2022, from tropical islands where you can relax back on a nice sandy beach soaking up the sun, to some awesome city breaks that you can’t possibly miss.
We hope that 2023 is a better year for travel, especially with these best places to visit, you really can’t go wrong.
Where will you travel to in 2023? Have you visited any of these fabulous places? Is there somewhere you would recommend, that should be in this list of the best places to travel in the World in 2023? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to visit one of these places, but not yet been? Let us know, by leaving a comment below.
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