Four Unique Travel Destinations for 2023

By Sarah Ridgway

Enjoy the Up-and-Coming Albanian Riviera

Albania has emerged as a word-of-mouth destination over recent years, and with a flight time to its capital of fewer than three hours, there are no excuses not to check it out. For many, Albania is not a country people know much about or can locate easily on a map, and this is due to the country living under dictator Enver Hoxha for 44 years. Albania was isolated from the rest of the world, and external travel, religion, and owning private property was banned. People who didn’t follow the strict rules were placed in prison camps. The state controlled all media and information, leaving some people unaware events, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, had taken place. The communist regime’s demise began in December 1990 with student protests in Tirana, where the statue of Enver Hoxha was pulled to the ground. The country finally opened, allowing its citizens to travel abroad. In 1992, 47 years of communist rule ceased, but its transition from communism to democracy stunted its economic growth. Despite the challenges, visitors can expect a warm welcome, as Albania is regarded as one of the friendliest countries to visit. Tourism is developing, and the country has lots to offer, with stunning mountains, lakes, archaeological sites, and the vibrant capital city of Tirana. The main attraction to the country is the beaches, and the Albanian Riviera has some of the best beaches in Europe at a fraction of the price of neighbouring Greece. The turquoise shoreline stretches from Vlorë and Palasë in the north to Sarandë, with Ksamil in the south. Tourists can swim in crystal clear blue waters and eat delicious local food accompanied by traditional live music.

Getting there There are direct flights from London and Liverpool to Tirana. It is around a five-hour journey from Tirana to Sarandë by bus or car. A ferry operates from the Greek island of Corfu and gets to Sarandë in under an hour. Eating out Albanian food is delicious and at very affordable prices in restaurants. Byrek is a Balkan staple and is a filo pastry containing meat, cheese, or spinach and local beers start at £1 a pint! Accommodation There is a huge choice of places to stay, from camping to apartments, guesthouses, and all-inclusive hotels to suit all budgets.

Step into the enchanting region of Cappadocia

The magical region of Cappadocia is like something out of a fairy tale, full of fairy chimneys, unique rock formations and its famous hot air balloons floating across the sky. Cappadocia is a region, not a city, and most people choose to stay in or close to Göreme, where most activities and the balloon rides are. The hot air balloons are the main draw for tourists to the region, who either want to watch the balloons fire up at sunset or are brave enough to take a trip themselves. The balloons fly daily all year round taking off at sunrise between 5:00-5:30 am, depending on the season. A trip starts from £150 per person, and there are places to book them in person or online. Cappadocia is also famous for its pottery, and the town of Avanos is home to many family-run potteries, where visitors are encouraged to have a go at making their clay creations to take home. A trip to the atmospheric Göreme National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not to be missed. Visitors will marvel at the rocks which have formed into their unique shape due to erosion that makes the landscape seem from another planet. People will also spot houses and dwellings carved into the rock by previous inhabitants. The region hosts a fascinating selection of underground cities believed to be built during the eighth and seventh centuries BCE. The dwellings were carved into the soft volcanic rock by the Phrygians as a method of security from foreign invasion enabling thousands of people to live undetected in absolute secrecy. During the 14th century, Christians sought refuge in the caves from the Mongolians during the attacks on Timur, and it was still used as a safe place in the 20th century by people escaping persecution during the Ottoman empire. There are around 200 cities, and the most popular with tourists are Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, and many bus tours go there daily. Getting there Take a direct flight to Istanbul from a variety of UK airports, then there are two major airports to access Cappadocia, and both are around a one-hour flight from Istanbul. Kayseri airport is a one-hour drive to the centre, and Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport is a 40-minute drive to the centre. Eating out Turkish food is well renowned as some of the best in the world so prepare to be spoiled for choice. There are many restaurants that cater to all budgets, and there are some lovely outdoor terraces for a delicious Turkish breakfast Accommodation There are some incredible places to stay, and many hotels built directly into caves offering a unique experience. The award-winning Museum Hotel’s luxurious cave rooms are a great choice and have a swimming pool and a stunning terrace for balloon spotting.

Pay a Visit to the Cultural Hub of Beirut

Beirut is known as the “Paris of the Middle East”, and is a vibrant hub for great shopping, culture, sightseeing, beaches, and nightlife. The city has been inhabited for over 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. Beirut has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, and the summers can reach temperatures of 40 degrees, so Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit. The city is a shopping destination with designer shops, independent outlets, and flea markets to choose from, Beirut also has a vibrant nightlife scene for those who enjoy a party. The capital city was rebuilt quickly after the civil war which ended in 1990 and boasts impressive structures and architecture. Today, the city is full of Ottoman, Roman, and Byzantine ruins alongside contemporary buildings and skyscrapers. The multicultural city is awash with a mix of mosques, catholic churches, and Armenian and Orthodox churches. Visitors will find Beirut a tolerant and respectful city where different religions coexist peacefully side by side Street art is a thriving scene, and talented local artists have decorated walls throughout the city for admiration. Culture lovers will feel at home in Beirut as the city is full of art galleries and museums to wander through at leisure. The National Museum of Beirut is the most popular museum and dates to 1937. The museum showcases archaeological findings from Lebanon and houses over 100,000 artefacts, including pieces from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman and Byzantine periods. Tourists can pay a visit to the old town of Baalbek the ancient Phoenician city. The ancient town located north of Beirut in the Beqaa valley was inhabited as far back as 9000 BCE and is one for the bucket list. The Pigeon Rocks are a symbol of Lebanon, and the 60-metre-high rock formations formed in the prehistoric era are a popular tourist attraction. The rocks draw the crowd at sunsets, and there is also a 30-minute boat ride that travels around the rock to get a closer look. Head to Zaituna Bay for a great place to relax by the waterside and eat at one of the many fantastic restaurants while watching the yachts go by. Tyre Beach is one of Beirut’s best open public beaches, and the beautiful clear blue waters are a short drive from the city, with a great choice of food and dining and the perfect place to watch the sun go down Getting there There are direct flights to Beirut from London airports or most UK airports with a transfer. Eating out Lebanese food is considered one of the best cuisines in the world, and the flavours of Beirut are sure to tantalise the taste buds, accompanied by some local wine and its famous hummus.

Accommodation Beirut has a wide range of apartments, chain hotels, boutique hotels, and hostels to cater to all budgets.

Explore the Myths and Legends of The Isle of Skye

The breath-taking Isle of Skye known as “the land of Fairies” is one of Scotland’s top locations. The magical island is the largest of the Inner Hebrides, with spectacular landscapes and panoramic views. Skye is almost 50 miles long and no part of the island is more than 5 miles from the sea. The Vikings settled here and inhabited the island for over 550 years, and the ruins of Viking houses remain. Skye was occupied by Gaelic-speaking Scots from Ireland during the first centuries BCE, and many islanders still use Gaelic in everyday conversation. The main town is Portree makes a great place to stay and use as a base. The town has a port, harbour, and a unique array of rainbow-coloured houses. The beautiful scenery will be a photographer’s dream, with mountains, villages, lochs, and castles to capture, and Quiraing located at the northernmost summit of Skye does not disappoint. Locals say villagers hid their cattle in Quiraing’s hidden spots and nooks to keep them from the Vikings. Kilt Rock is a 90-metre wonder that will take your breath away, and the Mealt Waterfall cascades off it 51 metres below in the Sound of Raasay. No trip to Skye will be complete without a trip to the famous Fairy Pools, the small series of pools full of crystalclear blue water cascading down from the Black Cuillin range. People are encouraged to jump in for a swim but be warned the waters are cold! The myth and legends of the Island are everywhere and Fairy Glen which is an enchanted spot said to have been created by fairies can be found on the west side of Trottternish. The Glen is one of the best spots on the Isle of Skye for tourists and offers hours of wandering pleasure for all ages. Sligachan is a picture-perfect spot located where the Black Cuillin meets the western seaboard, The iconic stone bridge that lies above the river Sligachan, is a beloved scene adorning many postcards. The nearby mountains of the Red and Black Cuillins are a range of rocky mountains for hikers to get their fix. Getting there The Isle of Skye is not the easiest place to reach but it is worth it. There are direct trains from Glasgow and Inverness which go to the northernmost part of the mainland, and from there take a ferry. Public transport is infrequent, so visitors are advised to rent a car or use an organised coach tour to get around. Eating out The island is home to some excellent restaurants, offering fine dining, quality seafood, and pubs with some good old fish and chips. Accommodation There is a range of accommodation but pre-book in advance as it can get booked up, and there are campsites for those wanting to be closer to nature.