Top Destinations And Travel Trends for 2023
Our team has been compiling a list of incredible travel destinations around the world to consider for the year ahead. Our team has been compiling a list of incredible travel destinations around the world to consider for the year ahead.
Our team has been compiling a list of incredible travel destinations around the world to consider for the year ahead. Our team has been compiling a list of incredible travel destinations around the world to consider for the year ahead.
We may use the term ‘travel trends’ but none of these destinations will be teeming with crowds. We have recommended some of the most spectacular wild places on the planet - and as always, a little bit of luxury.
This collective list of remote and unique landscapes bursting with wildlife is waiting for you.
Where will you choose? Will it be the white wilderness of Antarctica, astrotourism in Namibia, the rainforests of Costa Rica or Mountain Gorilla and the Big Five in Rwanda. Keep reading to discover our top destinations for 2023.
This collective list of remote and unique landscapes bursting with wildlife is waiting for you.
Where will you choose? Will it be the white wilderness of Antarctica, astrotourism in Namibia, the rainforests of Costa Rica or Mountain Gorilla and the Big Five in Rwanda. Keep reading to discover our top destinations for 2023.
Costa Rica: Ecotourism At Its Best
Since winning the ‘Earthshot Prize’ in 2021, Costa Rica continues to lead the way in ecotourism. Committed to protecting and restoring nature, the country successfully doubled the size of its previously devastated forests, increasing biodiversity.
You can search for sleepy sloths, vibrant toucans, crocodiles and a multitude of monkeys that inhabit the lush landscape.
Encounter dolphins and turtles and a kaleidoscope of other marine life from pristine beaches on Costa Rica’s Caribbean and Pacific Ocean coast.
Head inland and the terrain rises up, with coffee plantations and lush tropical rainforests coating the slopes of volcanoes and mountains.
Encounter dolphins and turtles and a kaleidoscope of other marine life from pristine beaches on Costa Rica’s Caribbean and Pacific Ocean coast.
Head inland and the terrain rises up, with coffee plantations and lush tropical rainforests coating the slopes of volcanoes and mountains.
Great For:
When To Visit:
December to April are the very best months to visit Costa Rica when you can expect dry, sunny days and temperate evenings.
Think of May to August as shoulder season; still great, but you might see a bit of rain so opt for the drier Pacific Coast for your beach stay.
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- Couples
- Younger and Older Families
- Groups of friends
When To Visit:
December to April are the very best months to visit Costa Rica when you can expect dry, sunny days and temperate evenings.
Think of May to August as shoulder season; still great, but you might see a bit of rain so opt for the drier Pacific Coast for your beach stay.
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Greenland: Setting New Standards of Arctic Exploration
In Greenland, the allure of its icy blue waters, luminescent northern lights and inuit culture is hard to ignore.
With Quark’s new expedition ship, Ultramarine, you can travel further into the fjords and above towering icy peaks in style and luxury.
Two helicopters are available for heli-hiking activities between kayaking, mountain biking and visits to the inuit communities.
On board, view wildlife from the wraparound deck or relax in the Tundra sauna and witness the ever-changing icy landscape from the warmth of the spa.
Two helicopters are available for heli-hiking activities between kayaking, mountain biking and visits to the inuit communities.
On board, view wildlife from the wraparound deck or relax in the Tundra sauna and witness the ever-changing icy landscape from the warmth of the spa.
Great For:
When To Visit:
We recommend visiting during the summer months, just before the landscape turns from green to completely white.
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- Couples
- Older Families
- Groups of friends
When To Visit:
We recommend visiting during the summer months, just before the landscape turns from green to completely white.
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Galapagos: There’s No Place on Warth Like It
There is no other place in the world like the Galapagos. Geographically isolated for millennia, the wildlife of the Galapagos has evolved along unique paths and, due to lack of predators, species including the blue footed boobie, the giant tortoise, land iguana and Galapagos sea lion are perfectly comfortable in our presence.
There are now great options to explore this wildlife-haven by either boat or land-based safari, with either option giving you the chance to experience unique adventures and get up-close to wildlife.
We love the new superyacht, Aqua Mare, launched in 2022. Seven spacious, elegantly designed, sea-facing suites; two naturalist guides for 16 guests; and an exclusive one-to-one crew to guest ratio enables a personalised journey for all.
We love the new superyacht, Aqua Mare, launched in 2022. Seven spacious, elegantly designed, sea-facing suites; two naturalist guides for 16 guests; and an exclusive one-to-one crew to guest ratio enables a personalised journey for all.
Great For:
When To Visit:
The Galapagos is a year round destination, our team can recommend the perfect time to visit depending on your wildlife wishlist.
December to May sees calmer ocean conditions; a great time for snorkelling.
From June to November it is cooler and drier and the ocean is full of nutrients attracting whales and marine life.
Start Planning Your Journey>
- Couples
- Younger and Older Families
- Groups of friends
When To Visit:
The Galapagos is a year round destination, our team can recommend the perfect time to visit depending on your wildlife wishlist.
December to May sees calmer ocean conditions; a great time for snorkelling.
From June to November it is cooler and drier and the ocean is full of nutrients attracting whales and marine life.
Start Planning Your Journey>
Bhutan: The Land of Spectacular Mountains and Ancient Culture
The Kingdom of Bhutan has been off limits for over two years, but since September 2022 the borders are open to tourists once again.
The country’s low volume, high quality tourism policy ensures that relatively few tourists come to Bhutan each year, so you can indulge yourself in its spectacular mountain scenery and ancient culture in peace.
The country’s low volume, high quality tourism policy ensures that relatively few tourists come to Bhutan each year, so you can indulge yourself in its spectacular mountain scenery and ancient culture in peace.
The beautiful clear blue skies above the soaring Himalayan peaks and the ever-present fluttering prayer flags are a backdrop to great adventures.
Fabulous hikes through lush forests, visits to ancient yet ornate monasteries and temples, kayak trips down rushing rivers, mountain-biking through verdant valleys, and a constant fascinating insight into age-old Buddhist traditions.
Fabulous hikes through lush forests, visits to ancient yet ornate monasteries and temples, kayak trips down rushing rivers, mountain-biking through verdant valleys, and a constant fascinating insight into age-old Buddhist traditions.
Great For:
When To Visit:
Bhutan is a year-round destination with plenty of sunshine.
We recommend visiting from March to May and September to November for warm days and cool nights, and to join in with the many festivals that take place during this time.
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- Couples
- Older Families
- Groups of friends
When To Visit:
Bhutan is a year-round destination with plenty of sunshine.
We recommend visiting from March to May and September to November for warm days and cool nights, and to join in with the many festivals that take place during this time.
Start Planning Your Journey
South Africa: The World in One Country
Big Five safaris, epic mountain ranges, vibrant cities and diverse coastlines - there are so many reasons to visit South Africa.
One day you are exploring forested reserves in search of lion and leopard, the next gazing out across the undulating vineyards of the Cape Winelands and dining in world-class restaurants.
One day you are exploring forested reserves in search of lion and leopard, the next gazing out across the undulating vineyards of the Cape Winelands and dining in world-class restaurants.
South Africa is a vast and diverse country, unless you have a couple of months, don't try and ‘do it all’ in one trip.
But getting there has never been easier with direct flights from the USA and much of Europe.
From November 2022, Virgin also added a London to Cape Town flight to their schedule, that’s 12 hours direct from one vibrant city to another.
But getting there has never been easier with direct flights from the USA and much of Europe.
From November 2022, Virgin also added a London to Cape Town flight to their schedule, that’s 12 hours direct from one vibrant city to another.
Great For:
When To Visit:
South Africa is a year round destination. Sunshine and blue skies make the summer months between November and April the ideal time to explore the Cape and Garden Route, while the cooler, dry winter months of June to October create the perfect safari conditions in the north of the country.
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- Couples
- Younger and Older Families
- Groups of friends
When To Visit:
South Africa is a year round destination. Sunshine and blue skies make the summer months between November and April the ideal time to explore the Cape and Garden Route, while the cooler, dry winter months of June to October create the perfect safari conditions in the north of the country.
Start Planning Your Journey>
Zimbabwe: For the Ultimate Slow Safari
There are few other safari destinations that offer the sheer diversity of landscapes that Zimbabwe does.
The cascading waters of Victoria Falls and forested banks of the Zambezi River contrast with the arid open plains of Hwange and the rugged mountain terrain of Matusadona. Together, they create a completely unique safari experience.
The cascading waters of Victoria Falls and forested banks of the Zambezi River contrast with the arid open plains of Hwange and the rugged mountain terrain of Matusadona. Together, they create a completely unique safari experience.
Since the 90s, Zimbabwe has trained Africa’s finest safari guides who accompany you on extraordinarily diverse safaris to encounter an abundance of wildlife.
But it doesn’t all have to be fast paced; paddle along the Zambezi River, soar above the plains by helicopter or simply unwind at a luxurious safari camp, letting the wildlife come to you.
But it doesn’t all have to be fast paced; paddle along the Zambezi River, soar above the plains by helicopter or simply unwind at a luxurious safari camp, letting the wildlife come to you.
Great For:
When To Visit:
The best time to visit Zimbabwe is during the long dry season between June and November, when game viewing is at its best.
The smaller water sources dry up and herds congregate on lakeshores, at man-made waterholes and along verdant riverbanks.
Start Planning Your Journey>
- Couples
- Younger and Older Families
- Groups of friends
When To Visit:
The best time to visit Zimbabwe is during the long dry season between June and November, when game viewing is at its best.
The smaller water sources dry up and herds congregate on lakeshores, at man-made waterholes and along verdant riverbanks.
Start Planning Your Journey>
Antarctica: The White Wilderness is Calling
An Antarctic adventure evokes a true sense of exploration, but things are certainly more comfortable than the Shackleton era.
Opened December 2022, Echo Camp was inspired by Buzz Aldrin. Set in a lunar-like landscape this is the closest most of us will get to visiting another planet.
Opened December 2022, Echo Camp was inspired by Buzz Aldrin. Set in a lunar-like landscape this is the closest most of us will get to visiting another planet.
The camp’s ‘sky pods’ use ultra-modern materials which are juxtaposed to the wild landscape in which they are nestled.
Such a unique camp and setting need similarly impressive activities: take an arctic truck safari, reward yourself with the extraordinary views atop a nunatak, explore by skiddo, abseil, cycle across the snow, camp on the ice and test your stamina skiing the Explorer’s Loop.
Such a unique camp and setting need similarly impressive activities: take an arctic truck safari, reward yourself with the extraordinary views atop a nunatak, explore by skiddo, abseil, cycle across the snow, camp on the ice and test your stamina skiing the Explorer’s Loop.
Great For:
When To Visit:
The best time to visit Antarctica is between late October and late March, which are the Southern Hemisphere summer months.
This is the only time when a visit is possible.
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- Couples
- Older Families
- Groups of friends
When To Visit:
The best time to visit Antarctica is between late October and late March, which are the Southern Hemisphere summer months.
This is the only time when a visit is possible.
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Rwanda: Big Five and Primates - is Rwanda now Africa’s Most Exclusive Safari?
Renowned as one of just three countries where you can see wild Mountain Gorilla, investments in conservation and high end tourism have seen Rwanda step onto the stage as an exclusive Big Five safari destination.
In 2021, Akagera National Park became a Big Five reserve when 30 white rhino were successfully translocated from South Africa.
In 2021, Akagera National Park became a Big Five reserve when 30 white rhino were successfully translocated from South Africa.
Visitors can explore the rolling hills, acacia groves, swamps and lakes on game drives, walking safaris and boat cruises.
Rwanda’s road network allows for easy journeys between spectacular lodges. A name long associated with exquisite safaris, Singita’s Kwitonda Lodge offers a sumptuous retreat between primate tracking.
In Akagera, Wilderness Safaris’ Magashi Camp sits on a private conservancy of 6,000 hectares, offering total exclusivity for your game viewing.
Rwanda’s road network allows for easy journeys between spectacular lodges. A name long associated with exquisite safaris, Singita’s Kwitonda Lodge offers a sumptuous retreat between primate tracking.
In Akagera, Wilderness Safaris’ Magashi Camp sits on a private conservancy of 6,000 hectares, offering total exclusivity for your game viewing.
Great For:
When To Visit:
You can trek mountain gorillas and discover Akagera throughout most of the year.
We recommend avoiding the rains in April and May, and during October and November.
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- Couples
- Older Families
- Groups of friends
When To Visit:
You can trek mountain gorillas and discover Akagera throughout most of the year.
We recommend avoiding the rains in April and May, and during October and November.
Start Planning Your Journey>
Namibia: The Best Place on the Planet for Astrotourism
Astrotourism has gathered momentum over the past few years, thanks to private companies developing commercial flights into the earth’s atmosphere. So it’s not surprising that we’re seeing an increasing interest in those wanting to get a slice of the galactic pie, albeit with their feet firmly on the earth’s surface.
If you want to combine your astrotourism with the chance to see Africa’s Big Five then head to Namibia.
Here, Africa’s only International Dark Sky Reserve is just a short flight from game reserves teeming with desert adapted wildlife.
Set amidst towering apricot sand dunes, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge has its own observatory, complete with state-of-the-art Celestron computerised telescope taking your night sky experience to another level.
Here, Africa’s only International Dark Sky Reserve is just a short flight from game reserves teeming with desert adapted wildlife.
Set amidst towering apricot sand dunes, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge has its own observatory, complete with state-of-the-art Celestron computerised telescope taking your night sky experience to another level.
Great For:
When To Visit:
We recommend travelling during Namibia’s winter months between June and October, when the temperatures are cooler and game viewing conditions at their best.
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- Couples
- Older Families
- Groups of friends
When To Visit:
We recommend travelling during Namibia’s winter months between June and October, when the temperatures are cooler and game viewing conditions at their best.
Start Planning Your Journey>
Kenya: The Original Safari and Still One of the Best
Kenya is the land of the ‘original safari’, so it has had plenty of time to cultivate the perfect safari experience. But what excites us is that Kenya just keeps getting better and better!
A perfect example of this is the private Loisaba Conservancy, an area of rugged natural beauty, home to just two exclusive safari camps.
A perfect example of this is the private Loisaba Conservancy, an area of rugged natural beauty, home to just two exclusive safari camps.
Loisaba is set to reach new heights as a rhino relocation project aims to see these majestic animals return to the conservancy 50 years after they last roamed.
Engaging in active conservation, Loisaba is a haven for wildlife and 70% of visitors now see lion, leopard and cheetah as well as elephant and a plethora of other animals.
The reserve is also known for its great diversity of activities, which from 2022 include scenic helicopter flights along the Ewaso Nyiro River and up over the Mathews Mountains.
Engaging in active conservation, Loisaba is a haven for wildlife and 70% of visitors now see lion, leopard and cheetah as well as elephant and a plethora of other animals.
The reserve is also known for its great diversity of activities, which from 2022 include scenic helicopter flights along the Ewaso Nyiro River and up over the Mathews Mountains.
Great For:
When To Visit:
Kenya offers an excellent safari throughout most of the year. We recommend avoiding the rains in April and May.
Start Planning Your Journey>
- Couples
- Younger and Older Families
- Groups of friends
When To Visit:
Kenya offers an excellent safari throughout most of the year. We recommend avoiding the rains in April and May.
Start Planning Your Journey>