5 Trending Travel Destinations for 2023

The Australian island state has long been a draw for food and wine aficionados, but post-pandemic, this wild and beautiful destination is more enticing than ever. Stunningly diverse landscapes include forests, mountains, lakes and rugged coastlines, with jaw-dropping photo ops seemingly around every corner. Thrilling opportunities abound for outdoor activities like hiking and boating, while visitors can get to taste world-class seafood, including favourites such as abalone and oysters, straight from the clear, frigid waters. Paired with acclaimed local wines and a stunning bounty of local produce, unforgettable gastronomic escapes are guaranteed to round off your escape down under.

Although it’s often overshadowed by its louder, brasher neighbour Dubai, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has truly come into its own in recent years. Cultural highlights include the Louvre Abu Dhabi, beautifully designed both inside and out, alongside the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, whose scale and peacefulness truly take the breath away. Kids of all ages will love the adrenaline rushes at Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld, with dozens of edge-of-your-seat rides and attractions. Carefully maintained coastlines and dunes feature wildlife including hawksbill turtles and bottlenose dolphins, while beach clubs have sprung up to offer a relaxed home-away-from-home for locals, expats and visitors alike, where you can kick back to live tunes in relaxed poolside cabanas.

Japan has long been beloved of travellers from Hong Kong, so the recent relaxation of the country's arrival conditions has meant it’s now a hotter spot than ever. Just a 90-minute drive from Osaka airport, the former capital city of Kyoto is truly one of Asia's most remarkable cities, with no fewer than 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the city's borders. Wander quaint ancient alleyways, be wowed by more than the 2,000 temples and shrines, or discover the otherworldly beauty of the Arashiyama bamboo grove. But Kyoto is also a thriving modern metropolis, with first-class shopping, entertainment and dining, all at very wallet-friendly prices given the very favourable exchange rate for the yen.

Landlocked Botswana in southern Africa was recently named by National Geographic as one of its top 2023 destinations for nature, thanks to the country’s efforts in conservation and sustainability. A breathtaking array of natural habitats ensures that it’s one of the world’s top spots for game viewing, thanks to grasslands and savannahs, deltas and deserts. The Chobe National Park boasts the world's largest concentration of African elephants, while the Okavango Delta is world-renowned for its annual migration of millions of wildebeest, truly one of the world's greatest natural spectacles. Luxury safari experts like &Beyond<https://www.andbeyond.com/> can tailor itineraries to take it all in, in serious style.

For lovers of art and culture, Tuscany in north-central Italy is truly the promised land. Florence is the home of Renaissance art and architecture, seen in the stunning Florence Cathedral or treasure-filled Uffizi Gallery, with works by giants like Michelangelo and Botticelli. But Tuscany offers so much more, from Chianti's picture-perfect rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees to the rugged Apennine Mountains. Some of Italy's most famous dishes and produce grace both home-style and fine dining menus, beloved of those in the know. But don’t forget the often overlooked coastline, where colourful fishing villages and picturesque towns boast unique charms and a decidedly laid-back version of la dolce vita.