Travel Update

There’s no denying that travel is back in 2023, thanks to a pent-up demand for all those vacations that were put on hold during the pandemic. But what are the best international places to visit? What are the top travel destinations around the world?

This year, the picks for where to go in 2023 span the gamut from European capitals to exotic beach escapes to sustainable rainforest retreats.

Keep in mind

With travel demand soaring and 31% of travelers saying they intend to spend more on international travel this year, costs on the rise and the airlines encountering record demand, don’t delay. Now is the time to book that bucket list trip of a lifetime.

Where to Go: Noto Valley, Sicily

Why: Film and television tourism has always been a thing. It’s arguably Italy’s best PR asset and there’s no doubt that this summer, the Sicilian town of Taormina will be jam-packed with The White Lotus fans.

Where to Go: Isle of Skye, Scotland

Why: The Isle of Skye became famous as the place that Bonnie Prince Charlie escaped to after the Battle of Culloden, thanks to local hero Flora Macdonald. (It’s also home to “The Skye Boat Song,” composed by Sir Harold Edwin Boulton in 1870s and now beloved of Outlander fans.) Part of the Inner Hebrides, Skye is now a place to escape the pace of modern life and take a breath. “It was, and hopefully always will be, a sanctuary.

Where to Go: Istanbul, Turkey

Why: With its layered history, magical waterways, and breathtaking vistas, Istanbul has always been known for romance. But this city that straddles Europe and Asia is also a kinetic modern metropolis revitalized recently by a string of ambitious new projects.

One is Galataport, a mixed-use development with a gorgeous waterfront promenade, acres of retail, a futuristic underground cruise port and dining hotspots like the seafood-centric Sait, trendy fusiony Roka and the Populist bar, which serves up local craft beers and incredible views.

Where to Go: Japan

Why: After nearly three years of borders being closed for travel, the glorious country has finally re-opened, and it’s even better than ever. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, tourism has been spiking since the country reopened in October. This article as seen at www.forbes.com