My TOP destinations for 2023
It is that time of year again where we look ahead into 2023. I will share my top destinations for 2023. Sticks-World is going to share the top 10 destinations I think you should be visiting in 2023.
I have constructed my top 10 list of places to visit in 2023. Some of these destinations I have already had the pleasure to visit and enjoyed every second. They are in NO particular order so No.1 is not the best place and No.10 is not the least favourite. However, they are a collection of destinations that I think you need to get to in 2023.
TANZANIA
Tanzania is officially known as the United Republic of Tanzania. The country has a population of just over 65 million. 120 languages are spoken in the country, Swahili being the official language. The country is made up of over 100 tribes, each distinguished by their unique masks, hand-woven baskets and wooden carvings.
Tanzania is famous for having two of the world’s most popular national parks within its boarders. The Serengeti, a world UNESCO Heritage site and also one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It is the biggest and most famous national park in the country. However, following closely behind is Kilimanjaro National Park, home to the iconic mountain. Both parks bring in visitors in their million’s year each. The Serengeti is the world’s premier safari location. It is the most popular safari destination in the world behind the Masi Mara (Kenya). It is also where one of the largest events in nature takes place. As such is one of the seven natural wonders of the world (the great migration).
Tanzania is not just a place for Safari or mountain climbing. Tanzania is also home to one of the largest tropical island retreats on the continent. Zanzibar is a place with endless beaches, snorkelling, diving and endless sunshine. Having spent time in Tanzania in 2022 I can tell you, the people of Tanzania are brilliant. They are friendly, outgoing and helpful.
It is clear to see why Tanzania should be a destination you need to get too in 2023. Check out my trip to Tanzania.
SOUTH AFRICA
We stay in Africa for destination number two. As mentioned above, many people dream of an African Safari. It remains one of the most sort after items on people’s bucket lists. Africa itself has hundreds of parks and game reserves from Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia. They all offer incredible safari options. For me, as I have been there a few times now myself it’s South Africa that I urge people to visit.
One of the reasons I say this is because South Africa has so much more to offer then just the African Safari. I was able to cross off 2 items on my bucket list when visiting this country. South Africa sits at the very bottom of the African continent and is surrounded by two oceans, the Indian and Atlantic. This means the seas around the country are some of the most densely populated in the world with fish and predators. Meaning you can get other incredible experiences as well as a Safari.
Things to do
The last time I was in South Africa was in 2022, the country itself is stunning, the landscapes, the coastlines, the bays and beaches all are beautiful. South Africa also has one of the best cities I have ever been to in Cape Town. It’s vibrant, it’s colourful, it’s warm (most of the year) and it’s surrounded by beaches, but it’s also surrounded by Game Reserves and it’s here that you can get that ultimate African safari ticked off that list. South Africa actually has one of the most popular Safari parks in the world in Kruger National Park which lies to the east of the country just outside Johannesburg, I have seen all the “big five” now from visiting them. You can read my African Safari Blog Post from Kruger National Park when I visited again in 2022.
Cape Town however offers much more, with Robben Island, Table Mountain and the worlds capital for Great White Shark diving you can see why South Africa becomes a top choice. Its climate is similar to the UK but in reverse, so our summer is their winter and although it’s a 12-hour flight from London which you can now fly direct, they are only 2 hours ahead in time so NO jet lag which is an added bonus. Cape Town is a brilliant city, I spent 10 days in the city in 2022 and you can read my full itinerary here for tips, advice and inspiration to maximise your time in Cape Town.
Every time I visit South Africa I never want to leave, and I know you will feel the same.
TURKEY
Turkey is one of those countires that everyone needs to visit just once in their lifetime.
The Republic of Turkey is one of the only countries in the world to straddle two continuants. One of it’s biggest cities, Istanbul is one of the only cities in the world to span over two continents. Turkey is a melting pot of culture as a result as East meets West, Europe meets Asia.
Istanbul is the largest city in the country. However, Ankara is the capital of Turkey.
Turkey has 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 519 blue flag beaches along it’s coast. This makes it one of the best countries to visit in Europe. In fact, of all the tourists Turkey saw in 2019, 58% of them were from Europe. Turkey has loads of destinations to keep you busy, entertained and relaxed if planning a trip. Some of the most visited attractions in Turkey include, Pamukkale, Library of Celsus and Cappadocia.
Peak travel season for Turkey is July and August where you can expect large crowds and warm tempertures, typically into the high 30’s low 40’s. Shoudler season for Turkey is May and September. During these months you can expect less crowds but still warm temeptures in the low 30’s during the day.
Turkey is also a popular travel destination due to only being a couple hour flight away in Europe. It is also a country that continues to be relativly cheap for accomadation and food. Even during the peak travel period you can expect reasonable prices.
I highly recommend a visit to Turkey in 2023 and I am sure, once you do, you will keep going back.
FIJI
A place that many people dream about visiting, including me! Fiji is a tiny country situated as part of the Islands of the South Pacaific. It lies approx. 1300 miles north east of New Zealand and consists of an archipelago of 330 islands.
Fiji is an island nation and one of the premier holiday destinations in the world. 90% of the 330 islands that make up Fiji are surrounded by unspoiled coral reefs, white sandy beaches and palm trees lining every path. Just under 1 million people live in Fiji and it’s two national languages are Fijian and English. The two most popular destinations in Fiji are Suva (the country’s capital) and Nadi. The Nadi region has the highest concentration of hotels, motels, B&B’s and hostels than anywhere else. Nadi is also home to the international airport and remains the primary entry and exit route for the country. Odds are, if travelling to Fiji you will be staying in Nadi for some of the trip.
Weather
Like I mentioned, the country has 330 islands to explore. I highly recommend you get out and explore as many as you can. The country has outstanding natural beauty, incredible food and maximin daytime temperatures stay at 30C most of the year. It will get a little warmer in the summer months (JAN/FEB/MAR). The country also experiences a wet season. However it is fast becoming one of the most sort after travel destinations in the world. That is why Fiji makes my list for 2023.
From the UK getting to Fiji can be a long process and most of the time it will mean 3 or 4 flights to get there over two days. However, just remember good things come to those of wait and this country has good things in the bucket loads.
One of the most interesting things about Fiji is the international date line runs through the country, meaning you can stand with one foot in today and the other in yesterday or tomorrow! Fiji remains one of the destinations I long to get too and hopefully in the near future I will.
THAILAND
If there is only one place on your destination list for 2023 then it should be Thailand. I fell in love with the place when we visited in early 2020 and it remains a place I long to go back to.
Thailand is a country that again offers so much for so many, it has busy cities with amazing food and culture but it also has the most stunning coastlines with beaches and that laid back to life approach which is why I love this country. Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and Thailand is the most visited country on earth for tourists, in 2019 alone 102 million people came to Thailand and I am sure many of them will be back. Thailand has a rich culture and history waiting to be uncovered and as you spend more time in the country you see all of the magic this place has to offer.
Weather
It’s climate is ideal, it’s the same as Costa Rica. It’s warm all year around and certain times of the year if rains a lot but what’s great is in January and February when the UK is in the depth of winter, Thailand is hot and provides a great getaway for some winter sun with average temperatures at 34C most days. The country has an array of activities to do and things to see from Royal Palaces, temples and shrines to coral reefs and tropical forests it really is a destination worth checking out in 2021.
Thailand is also famous for it’s food and for me, it didn’t disappoint here either. The food I had on our trip was some of the best food I have ever eaten, and it was all from the street. The street food in Thailand really is restaurant quality and, in most cases, better then restaurants. Coming from the UK, the pound goes a lot further and you can actually do a lot as the transfer rate is really good and the country is really cheap.
Basically, I am telling you, YOU must check out Thailand in 2023. I had the best time in Thailand and can’t wait to check it out again. Here is the link to my Thailand Blog so you can get a much more in depth look into this incredible country.
ENGLAND
Maybe not expecting this on the list? England is home to so much, for such a small country it certianly packs so much in.
London the capital city of England is certainly up there in the top 3 most visited cities in the world. It’s so easy to see why, it has an array of shops, top class resturants, things to do, history and culture from Buckingham Palace to the London Dundgens there is something for everyone in London. If you are visiting England you MUST take some time to explore London. Check out my 3 days in London Blog for some great travel advice.
England has some of the most beautiful coastlines and beaches found anywhere, waiting to be explored like Sandbanks or the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, there are hundreds of national parks to enjoy like Snowdonia or the Lake District or maybe a trip to the UNESCO world heritage site Stonehenge is something you and the family can enjoy. There are castles, lighthouses, museums and loads more all over England. From stunning countryside like the Yorkshire Dales, the Cotswolds or New Forest to huge mega cities like Brimingham, Manchester and Newcastle.
England is famous for it’s history. From the Stone Age, to the Roman’s, to the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings. Learn and see the castles and palaces of kings and queens like Buckingham Palace, Warwick Castle, Bamburg Castle and Blemheim Palace. Take a trip to the seaside and enjoy tradionally fish and chips.
Whatever you choose to do in 2023, England is the place to do it all.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Speaking of doing it all. The United States of America is so large that you really can do it all in the US. This is why I have chosen the US as a destination you need to be thinking about in 2023.
From snow-capped mountains in the Rockys, or golden sandy beaches in California. To open grasslands in the mid-west to tropical wetlands in Florida, the USA really does have everything to make a holiday truly magical.
The most visited state in the USA is Florida. This is partly due to the state being the home of Disney World Resort. But Florida has more to offer with 3 large cities Tampa, Maimi and Orlando. It has stunning beaches all along the coast as well. The most visited city in the USA is no surprise, it’s the mega city of New York.
Things to do
However, as I mentioned the USA really does have something for everyone. The USA has some of the most visited national parks in the world, in fact the USA is the only country that can boast 3 national parks in the top 10 (Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Yosemite). All 3 of these parks offer amazing destination ideas alone, with stunning scenery, incredible wildlife viewing and natural wonders.
Maybe you are more of a beach person? The USA also features in the top 10 beaches of the world, with St. Petes Beach and South Beach in Florida. Waikiki Beach in Honolulu and Long Beach in California all making the list and that is just to name a few. The USA has some of the most stunning beaches and coastlines of any country I’ve visited. What is there not to enjoy?
This is why I had to include the USA on my list. I have been to the USA many times and I always want to go back. Here is a little taste of what Florida has to offer.
I assure you, whatever sort of holiday you are looking for in 2023, you find it in the USA. For the latest deals in Orlando Park tickets SEE HERE.
CROATIA
They say It’s all in the name and Croatia is known as “the pearl of the Ardactic” and it didn’t get that name by chance. Croatia has some of the most stunning cities of anywhere in europe and the sad truth is it’s mostly over looked by it’s European counterparts, Italy and Greece as a holiday destinantion. However things are starting to change for Croatia and it is becoming more popalur then ever.
In 2022 Croatia saw a record number of tourists of 1.4 million. It was helped a little by the extremely popluar Game of Thrones TV show, although isn’t the sole reason. It is simply because more and more people are finding out what a stunning and amazing country Croatia is and how it is enriched in history and has some of the most incredible natural wonders like Krka National Park and the Plitice Lakes found no-where else in the world.
Croatia is becoming the top holiday destinantion in Europe. I had the pleasure of spending some time there in 2022 which is why I had to inclcue this beautiful country on my list of places you need to visit in 2023.
Things to do
Croatia is home to some of the most stunning architectural cities in the world, from the capital Zagreb, Riijeka and Split. The port city of Pula in the north of the country for example is home to one of the biggest amphitheatres outside of Rome, Spilt is home to the Diocletian’s Palace a UNESCO World Heritage site (also a filming location for Game of Thrones) and Dubrovnik down in the south of the country is known as the “jewel” of Croatia with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
The country also has an abundance of islands, all of which are stunning with stunning beaches and views across the Sea. Maybe the most famous is Hvar, but in fact there are over 1,000 different islands off the coast of mainland Croatia all waiting to be explored and there are plenty of boat trips and tours from the major cities along the coast if you wanted to check them out.
I really cannot say enough good about this small little European country. Croatia blog is coming!
COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is situated in central America and is the most stable, safest country in the region compared to many of its neighbours. The country also boasts the highest biodiversity in the world with over a quarter of the country protected for nature and the country is one of only two in the world to be carbon neutral. Costa Rica sits between two oceans the Carribean and Pacific coast and is home to the endangered Jaguar (not to be mistaken for the car).
Things to do
Many tourists visit the Pacific coast side of the country after flying into the capital San Jose. The country isn’t very big, and you can drive from one side to the other in a few hours. From the airport it takes about 1hr 30mins to drive to the popular town of Jaco on the Pacific Coast where surfing, paddle boarding and wake boarding are part of daily life. As I mentioned before more than a quarter of the country is covered by protected forests meaning spotting wildlife is a must, there are Hummingbirds, Sloths and if you’re lucky enough there are Jaguars to be found. The country has lush rainforests to explore with tree top bridges and zip wires for that adrenaline rush.
The national language is Spanish, and the local currency is “Colon” and another great thing about Costa Rica, UK citizens do not require any visa for entering the country as long as it’s less then 90 days and you are not working or earning any money, so no paperwork to complete either. For those reasons mentioned above and for so many more Costa Rica is on my hit list for 2023 and I hope at some point I can make it to this beautiful country.
PERU
Peru lies in South America and is boarded by Columbia, Brazil, Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia and compared to its boarder countries is one of the safest and most stable to visit as a tourist. The country is the 3rd largest country in South America and direct flights are now possible from London to it’s capital city Lima. Its main language is Spanish and its currency is Peruvian Nuevo Sol or Sol as most people call it.
Things to do
So why should you be looking at taking a trip to Peru in 2023? Well, it has over 2,000km of coastline hugging the Pacific Ocean great for a beach holiday, surfing, wake boarding and paddle boarding. It is home to 1 of the 8th wonders of the world and world UNESCO site “Machu Picchu” which saw an estimated 1.9 million tourists in 2019 but maybe something you didn’t know; Peru is covered by 74% of the Amazon Rainforest which means you can visit one of the most important habitats on earth.
The Amazon is one of the most important places on earth and by visiting Peru you are helping to project this important habitat by helping the local people looking after it. Now I know what you’re thinking? I thought it was in Brazil, the Amazon Rainforest covers many countries and Peru is safer for tourists then Brazil. You can also take a cruise down the Amazon River and spot wildlife and ancient creatures. It’s high on my bucket list that’s for sure.
Food
The food in Peru is influenced by Spain so it shows cases many Spanish dishes and Spain is the No.1 tourist destination for British people so the food shouldn’t put you off. This doesn’t mean that Peru doesn’t have it’s own dishes to show off, it has many. Geviche is a traditional seafood dish and many dishes in Peru contain potatoes, corn and beans. Peru also offers its own beers and alcoholic drinks like Pisco Sour and Brahma (local beer).
You can clearly see that Peru has everything to have an incredible holiday and really do something amazing and it’s a shame that most people only visit to see Machu Picchu because Peru has so much more to offer.
I hope you enjoyed this list, and YOU start planning your next adventure RIGHT NOW!
Until next time…