14 May, 2024
Good Housekeeping - The best holiday destinations for 2024: Top places to visit
Posted on 1 March, 2024
Photo by Jaanus Jagomägi on Unsplash
Written by Roshina Jowaheer for Good Housekeeping
If you're already looking ahead to where to travel next year, we’ve picked the best holiday destinations for you to visit in 2024.
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING'S EXCLUSIVE HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS FOR 2024
From new flight routes to the latest openings, and major events to the up and coming regions to explore before the crowds, you’ll want to browse our best holiday destinations to visit in the year ahead.
With the cost of living on many people’s minds, we’ve even picked out a couple of more affordable up-and-coming destinations, such as the Albanian Riviera and the Polish city of Warsaw.
If you're hoping to venture further afield, why not plan a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the end of the world, Argentina, where the peaks of Patagonia, exciting cities, beautiful wine regions and plenty of fine-dining (and not just steaks) await.
Closer to home in Europe, Paris is abuzz with the incoming 2024 Olympics, and in London, a host of luxury hotel openings have made the capital even more exciting than ever.
Our hot list takes in the islands, regions and countries to explore next. They're the places loved by us or the locations we're most excited about visiting. Here’s our ultimate pick of the best holiday destinations in the world for 2024.
1. The Albanian Riviera
The Albanian Riviera is becoming increasingly popular, particularly with the TikTok generation, and it’s not hard to see why. The country’s sweeping, golden coastline is da huge draw for tourists. The Riviera starts at the bustling, seaside city of Vlorë and stretches 110 miles down to the tiny resort of Ksamil, which has been likened to an island in the Maldives, thanks to its sugar-white sand and clear, turquoise waters.
It’s only recently that this underrated jewel of the Balkans, sandwiched between Greece and Montenegro, has come to Brits’ attention; it’s long been popular with Italians, who arrive by ferry from Brindisi or Bari, and even then, they weren’t able to visit until the late 1990s, after the end of decades of Communist rule in the country.
Albania still boasts very affordable prices, with three-course meals often leaving change from a £10 note. Delicious seafood is a highlight along the Riviera, with typical dishes including grilled octopus, steamed mussels in white wine sauce, or freshly caught squid.
Base yourself at Vlorë’s stylish beachfront Hotel Aross, which offers a relaxing spa and wellness centre. The best way to get here is to fly to Corfu, and take the one-hour ferry to Sarande, another seaside town, although hopes are high that a new, second airport (currently, the only one is in the capital, Tirana) will open in Vlorë next year. If you’re looking for luxe-for-less, this is the place to come.
2. Paris, France
France’s capital, the dazzling City of Lights, shines even more brightly for a new reason next year, as the host of the 2024 Summer Olympics. The city is currently buzzing with extensive construction projects and climate change initiatives, from cleaning up the mighty River Seine – the plan is to make it a focus of the opening ceremony, as well as ensure it’s fit for some swimming events – to creating new cycle paths and tram routes.
Against this exciting sporting backdrop are a host of other reasons to visit Paris in 2024, including the much-lauded reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral, ravaged by fire in 2019, by the end of next year. Just south of the city centre, in the suburb of Val-de-Marne, the Cité de la Gastronomie Paris-Rungis, a cultural complex whose aim is to promote sustainable food and responsible gastronomy, will launch. A flurry of must-see exhibitions is on offer, too, including Van Gogh at the Musee d’Orsay, Mark Rothko at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, and a tribute to celebrated designer Azzedine Alaïa at the Palais Galliera.
And, of course, it remains a haven for shopping and dining, from the art nouveau Galeries Lafayette or the independent designer boutiques of the fashionable Le Marais neighbourhood, to the chic brasseries around Boulevard Haussmann or Montparnasse. Check in to the chic, contemporary and very central Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera.
3. London, England
Whether you’re coming here to sight-see, shop, or eat and drink, the one thing you shouldn’t worry about is finding somewhere fabulous to stay. It’s estimated that the UK’s capital has over 123,000 hotel rooms to offer visitors, and a good proportion of these are in some of the most talked-about hotels in the world. The recent, inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels awards featured no fewer than four London properties: the historic and stately Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Savoy, all dating from the 19th century, and the stylish, more recently opened NoMad.
And there are now even more prime places to choose from, as several grand new hotels have opened this year. The jewel in London’s crown has to be the luxurious Raffles at The OWO, located in the Old War Office, a magnificent baroque building dating from 1906, situated between Horse Guards Avenue and Whitehall. It was here Churchill called daily meetings just after WWI, and where Bond author Ian Fleming worked for Britain’s Naval Intelligence division during WWII.
Alternatively, you could enjoy a touch of Asian indulgence at the new Peninsula, or check in to the chic, eco-friendly 1 Hotel Mayfair. Wherever you choose, it’s bound to be a great base for anything from taking in a West End show, admiring the view of the Thames from the London Eye, browsing iconic stores such as Selfridges or Liberty’s, and more.
4. Vigo, Spain
While most of the attention from visitors falls on beautiful Barcelona, stylish capital Madrid, or historic Seville, the Galician harbour town of Vigo flies under the radar. Set on the northwestern coast, not far from the border with Portugal, it’s a place full of authentic allure that’s more known by locals than tourists, with an atmospheric old centre, a burgeoning art scene, and some of the best seafood in the country.
Its low-key ambience is a major part of its appeal, but it’s not going to stay unknown for long. According to Skyscanner, it’s the top trending destination for 2024, with a massive 1235 per cent increase in searches for flights (currently, only Ryanair flies here directly). If you get here before the crowds, you’ll be bewitched by beautiful beaches, fringed by Atlantic surf, and fall for the charms of the Casco Vello, or old town, which spills down the hillside that leads down to the port. Here the street names still reflect the trades which took place there, from Sombrereiros, home of the hat-makers, to Cesteiros, once the centre of the town’s basket-weaving industry.
The nearby Gran Hotel Nagari Boutique and Spa offers stunning sea views and a host of high-end facilities. Vigo is also the gateway to some of Galicia’s most striking scenery – the gorgeous, granite Cíes islands are cloaked in pine forests and home to hundreds of seabirds; you might even spot whales and dolphins on the short boat journey to reach them. The magnificent old pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela is only an hour away, or you can cross the Minho River and visit the 17th-century Portuguese town of Valenca do Minho. Just book soon, before everyone else does!
5. Faro, Portugal
It may be the city everyone flies into on their way to the Algarve, but you’d be missing a trick by not spending some time in Faro itself. Perched right on the southern tip of Portugal, not only is it an underrated spot with an attractive marina, pretty parks and plazas, and a picturesque old town, ringed by medieval walls, but it takes the crown as Skyscanner’s best value destination for 2024, with a 24 per cent drop in airfare prices over the past twelve months.
Check into the city’s first five-star hotel, 3HB Faro, then stroll around the winding, cobbled streets of the old town (officially the cidade velha), where you’ll find museums, churches and alfresco cafes, as well as some fascinating sights. One of the most interesting is the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo and Capela dos Ossos, a twin-towered baroque masterpiece dating from the early 18th century. The lavish gilded interior is adorned with decorations such as cherubs, while at the back is something a little more unusual: a chapel built from the bones and skulls of over 1,000 monks, as a reminder of ‘earthly impermanence’. The Sé, or cathedral, is another masterpiece; originally dating from 1251, but damaged in the earthquake of 1755, it now features Renaissance, Gothic and baroque architecture.
Don’t miss the beautiful Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, a sizeable system of lagoons and islands, which stretches along the Algarve coastline and encompasses salt pans, marshlands and creeks. It’s an important area for migrating and nesting birds – you’ll see anything from ducks to gulls and terns.
6. Koh Samui, Thailand
For anyone obsessed with the darkly humoured drama, The White Lotus, Koh Samui is strongly rumoured to be the location for the much-anticipated third season. Season one was filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea in Hawaii, and the second series was shot in Sicily's monastery-turned-Four Seasons San Domenico Palace Hotel in Taormina. Creator Mike White has said that while the first series was about money, and the second about sex, the third will focus more on ‘Eastern religion and spirituality’. Cue fevered speculation from fans about the next one being shot in Asia, and more specifically, Thailand, which is home to no fewer than four Four Seasons properties.
The most likely is hailed as the outpost in Koh Samui, which offers the same dreamy, beach setting that the first two seasons did. Situated on Laem Yai Bay, it boasts sprawling thatch-roofed residences with palm-fringed pools, butler service and a perfect location for boat trips around the Gulf of Thailand. There’s plenty for visitors to discover, from the 15-metre-high golden Buddha at Wat Phra Yai, to the comical, slightly rude stone formations of Hin-Ta and Hin-Yai, also known as the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks.
At the Fisherman’s Village of Bo Phut, former Chinese shophouses have been converted into cool boutique hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes, while the Samui Elephant Sanctuary is well worth a visit. This admirable project focuses on caring for rescued pachyderms, and you’ll learn all about how the sanctuary started and how to behave around these magnificent creatures. The only thing you definitely won’t see on this island, sadly, is Tanya McQuoid.
7. Porto Cervo, Italy
Italy has many heavenly summer destinations, but according to American Express, the 2024 season belongs to Porto Cervo, a princely playground developed in the Sixties and the temporary home of various super-yachts ever since. It’s just as dreamy as the Amalfi Coast, with the same allure of beautiful beaches, attractive architecture and an equally jet-set clientele.
The town of Porto Cervo is set along Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda, so-named for the emerald colour of its clear waters. No visit to this part of Italy is complete without a boat trip to the archipelago of La Maddelana in the Strait of Bonifacio, with Corsica in the distance.
Porto Cervo may be relatively new in Italy terms – it was a heartfelt development by Prince Karim Aga Khan back in 1962, who designed the destination as the ideal spot in which to summer. Once the port was in place, the terracotta buildings sprung up in the new town, with conservation efforts ensuring none of the architecture could be higher than any of the existing buildings or the treetops. The yachts have flocked here every summer since and real estate is among the world’s most expensive.
One of Costa Smeralda’s finest hotels is the pastel pink Cervo, overlooking the piazzetta and the marina, and with an exclusive selection of restaurants suitable for its discerning clientele.
8. Warsaw, Poland
With many European destinations becoming increasingly more expensive, and the Euro exchange rate still not as favourable to Sterling as it once was, many travellers are looking for cheaper alternatives. One far more affordable city break destination is Warsaw in Poland, which Airbnb has declared a trending destination for 2024. The capital city has a Unesco-protected old town, which is equally attractive seen from within as it is when admired from across the Vistula River. The red rooftops of the old town have been joined over the years by an array of skyscrapers rising in the distance behind them, revealing Warsaw’s modern side.
A popular activity for tourists is wandering the city’s Royal Route, which links the residences of former rulers. Perhaps surprisingly, during the warmer months there are sandy beaches, cycle paths and watersports to enjoy on the shores of the Vistula River. It’s also an especially green city, with almost 100 parks – if you’re visiting over the summer, be sure to catch an outdoor Chopin concert in Warsaw’s largest outdoor space, Lazienki Park.
Warsaw is home to a vibrant contemporary art scene, too, and in 2024 the Musuem of Modern Art will move into its own headquarters, having been run from temporary spaces since its founding in 2005.
For your own apartment in the city, Airbnb has a host of options, including this flat in heart of the the old town, which is an offical 'guest favourite' on the site. It's in an old granary with a view of the Vistula River.
BOOK A WARSAW STAY WITH AIRBNB
9. Marrakech, Morocco
Another hotly tipped destination for 2024 by Airbnb, Marrakech is ready to receive visitors after the earthquake that struck Morocco in September. Sadly, parts of the Unesco-protected Medina in the old city were damaged, but tourism is so important to the city that the sector is keen to encourage visitors back.
The Moroccan city is a timeless winter-sun favourite, especially handy for sun-seekers who want to avoid flying long haul – the flight time from the UK is around four hours. In summer, it’s just as popular, with gorgeous gardens and huge swimming pools to locate for balmy July days. It’s a paradise for shoppers in search of everything from spices, slippers and carpets to leather goods and lanterns, with souks in the Medina that you could easily get lost in for hours. The hub of the old city is Jemaa El Fna square, where you can soak up the atmosphere and all that makes Marrakech so special.
Just outside of the city are the majestic Atlas Mountains, or you can stay in the Palmeraie, a short drive from the Medina, but a world away in terms of its peacefulness.
For an authentic riad experience in Marrakech, book this traditional private home, which has received Airbnb's 'guest favourite' status (a badge of honour indeed). The riad sleeps eight guests, with a traditional pool in the courtyard, a rooftop terrace with views of the city and striped sunloungers, and bright, breezy bedrooms.
BOOK A MARRAKECH STAY WITH AIRBNB
10. Argentina
Argentina is vast, with lots of regions for travellers to choose from, whether you want to explore the remote Andean canyons and villages in the north, base yourself in buzzy Buenos Aires, tour the wine region of Mendoza, or head all the way south to the furthest reaches of Earth in Argentine Patagonia.
One of the most remote places on the planet, Patagonia is worth the epic voyage required to reach it for its majestic mountain scenery. For the truly adventurous, a trip all the way down to Ushuaia in the province of Tierra del Fuego is a must – the city is the southernmost inhabited place on Earth. One of the finest lodges in the region is Explora El Chalten.
Argentina is also an ideal destination for a gourmet getaway, with a culinary scene that is most famous for its asado grills and supreme steaks. It’s also held in high esteem for its wine, especially its malbecs. Other popular local treats include empanadas and dulce de leche. The Michelin Guide’s inspectors will soon descend on the country for the first time, highlighting the finest restaurants in both Buenos Aires and Mendoza. If you love red wine, book a trip to discover Mendoza’s wine route and you’ll also be able to see canyons, hot springs, ski resorts and the World Heritage Site of Puente del Inca. Check in to Casa de Uco and you won’t have to venture far for a vineyard, since there’s one on-site.
In 2024, Argentina will also host the much-loved music festival Lollapalooza.
11. Palermo, Sicily
Another 2024 holiday destination for the White Lotus fans, Palermo starred in the hit show’s second season. The Sicilian city has often been overlooked in favour of the country’s more polished counterparts – similarly to Naples, it’s seen as a little rough around the edges, but that only makes it more rewarding when you delve a little deeper. It’s also being billed by Expedia as a ‘destination dupe’ for ever-popular Lisbon.
With sustainability so high on everyone’s minds, visiting so-called second cities is a great way to help ease the impact of mass-tourism. So why not give Rome a miss and head south to Palermo? The capital of Sicily has diverse architecture that reflects its various invasions, with an Arab-Norman cathedral and assorted baroque buildings.
Palermo is also home to the neoclassical Teatro Massimo, the Cappella Palatina (famed for its Byzantine mosaics) and a royal palace whose construction started in the 9th century. One of the oldest markets in the city is Ballarò, which has the feel of an Arabic souk thanks to the island’s heritage. Down by the port, La Vucciria is another historic market that is not to be missed.
BOOK AN EXPEDIA HOLIDAY TO PALERMO
12. Sapporo, Japan
If you love mountains, you’ll adore Sapporo, a Japanese city that could stand in for Zermatt in the Swiss Alps if you’re feeling adventurous and looking to travel a little further afield than Europe. It’s the capital of Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, which is famous for its peaks and the pristine powder found in its ski resorts, making it the perfect 2024 destination for adrenaline junkies and avid skiers and snowboarders.
The most sought-after resort is a couple of hours’ drive south-west of Sapporo in Niseko, though there are some slopes closer to the city too. Skiers regularly declare the powder of Niseko to be the best in the world, so it’s likely to be worth the journey.
Sapporo is known for its beer – if you’re keen to discover more, simply head to the dedicated beer museum and learn all about the city’s brewing history. Snow and ice are put to good use during the Sapporo Snow Festival every February, where a spectacle involving huge ice sculptures is put on. The city was the host of the 1972 Winter Olympics, with some ski jumps still on show half a century later.
BOOK AN EXPEDIA HOLIDAY TO SAPPORO
13. Lake Maggiore, Italy
Lake Maggiore may often be overlooked in favour of Lake Como and Lake Garda, but that’s set to change with the launch of a new Tui flight from Glasgow to Verona for summer 2024. It’s the dream destination for lovers of both lakes and mountains, and the scenery is just as spectacular as it is at its more famous counterparts.
One of Maggiore’s most magical sights is the Borromean Islands, accessible by boat in the gulf of Pallanza. The lake, the second-largest in Italy, is on the southern side of the Alps, between the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy and the Swiss canton of Ticino.
As with most parts of Italy, food is a real highlight of any visit here and travellers will also be able to enjoy the wonderful wine made locally. There are beautiful cobbled streets to stroll, with shops to pop into and cafes and restaurants along the shore to stop for a coffee or bite to eat – but the star of the show is unquestionably the breathtaking natural scenery.
BOOK A TUI HOLIDAY TO LAKE MAGGIORE
Also on the horizon for 2024 are some unforgettable Good Housekeeping Holidays to this part of the world, including a tour of the Italian Lakes’ most beautiful gardens with Carol Klein, departing in March.
14. North Macedonia
If turqouise lakes and towering mountains are your thing, then North Macedonia should be on your radar for 2023. The perfect alternative to Lakes Como, Garda and Bled, this lesser-known part of Europe is a great place to beat the crowds and soak up the nature and history of one of the continent's unsung destinations. The landlocked country of North Macedonia shares its borders with Greece, Albania, Bulgaria and Kosovo.
TUI is the only UK airline to fly non-stop to Lake Ohrid from London Gatwick, with the first flight departing in summer 2023. Once you arrive in North Macedonia, there are tranquil lakes, wildlife-packed national parks and age-old towns with plenty of history to explore.
Lake Ohrid itself is a stunning location for relaxing on lakeside beaches and getting stuck into outdoor activities, whether it's kayaking across the calm waters or biking and hiking through beech forests and up to summit viewpoints that piques your interest.
Just 250 metres from Lake Ohrid, Unique Resort & Spa is spacious and modern, with a "brilliant location," according to a previous guest. The pool and spa are some of the best-loved features, as well as everything being just a walk away.
BOOK A UNIQUE RESORT & SPA HOLIDAY
MORE LAKE OHRID HOLIDAYS FROM TUI
15. Aruba
There's a new slice of the Caribbean to experience in 2023 thanks to British Airways' direct flights to Aruba. Until now, the Dutch Caribbean island has been harder to reach for UK travellers, with only connecting flights available, but the first ever direct route from London Gatwick will finally open up stunning Aruba to British travellers. From its mesmerising white sand beaches (try Baby, Eagle and Arashi), some of which are named the best in the world, to the abundance of resorts including luxury, boutique and family-friendly options, Aruba is the island paradise to choose in 2023.
Located 15 miles north of the South American coastline and offering an alternative Caribbean experience, the island benefits from year-round sunshine and an average temperature of 32 degrees, as well as a cooling breeze, making it perfect for a winter sun escape. There's turquoise sea, colonial Dutch architecture and a Latin vibe to discover, as well as a host of cultural events throughout the year. The nightlife is vibrant too and an array of watersports await active types.
Named among TripAdvisor's top 25 hotels in the Caribbean, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is the place to book for a stay. It was also named the fifth most romantic hotel in the Caribbean. The adults-only hotel is on the heavenly Eagle Beach and offers hospitality from famed hotelier and eco-pioneer Ewald Biemans, romantic dining and a handful of suites and rooms for the perfect boutique escape.
16. Hurghada
Egypt is seriously hot for 2023 - and we don't just mean for its winter sun appeal. We've heard from our river cruising contacts that Nile cruise holidays sold out well before the year even started and TUI is making the end of this year's the biggest winter season ever by adding a huge 150,000 seats to popular winter destinations, including Egypt. There's never been a better time to explore the North African country, which was also a filming location for Netflix's docuseries Queen Cleopatra.
Hurghada is an excellent choice for taking in the coast and adventure of Egypt. This Red Sea paradise is best explored from October to April if you'd rather avoid the sweltering heat of the summer. The city is home to colourful d coral reefs, white sand beaches and an old town, El Dahar, with its mosque and souk. There is also the marina, a swish part of the city, where you can dine at restaurants and relax in the cafes.
Following TUI's announcement of more winter flights to Egypt, the company's hotel brand TUI Blue, which is designed for modern travellers, has a new hotel opening in Hurghada. TUI Blue Crystal Bay is where chic, modern architecture meets natural beauty. The hotel has beautiful gardens and sits in a prime location on a private beach, right next to the Red Sea. While here, you can enjoy local cuisine, relax in the state-of-the-art spa and soak up the sun by a pool.
BOOK A TUI BLUE CRYSTAL BAY HOLIDAY
17. Aberdeenshire
Our best holiday destination in the UK for 2023 is underrated Aberdeenshire. Located in north-east Scotland and a much-loved holiday retreat of the Royal Family, it’s easy to see why Queen Elizabeth II loved spending her time here. From glorious coastline packed with wildlife to majestic mountains and dramatic rivers that rival those of Canada, Aberdeenshire is a playground for nature-lovers.
Following Her Majesty’s passing, Balmoral sees a few changes in 2023 including an exhibition dedicated to the late monarch and a new audio guide, which will shift focus from Queen Victoria to Elizabeth II. The audio guide will offer insight into the life of the late Queen's time at her beloved Scottish holiday home.
Hiring a car is your best bet for getting around in Aberdeenshire. You’ll want to visit the village of Ballater for its royal connections, watch the leaping salmon of the Falls of Feugh, spot adorable seals at Newburgh Beach and put on your walking shoes for a breathtaking ramble around Loch Muick. The fascinating Peterhead Prison Museum, formerly Scotland’s ‘toughest jail,’ shouldn’t be missed and visitors of all ages will be captivated by what life is really like behind bars.
For a wonderful place to stay, check in to Glen Dye for gorgeous glamping, cottages and slow living in Banchory. Alternatively, the Balmoral Arms in Ballater is the perfect place for walkers to relax, with its cosy atmosphere and roll top bath tubs for warming, post-hiking soaks.
BOOK A STAY AT THE BALMORAL ARMS
18. Rajasthan
After three years of being cut off from many parts of the world during the pandemic, 2023 is about going big with adventures and having a proper culture shock - and nowhere does it like India. Whether you’ve been before or want to return to country, Rajasthan is the region for your hot list in 2023 thanks to its growing tiger population for exhilarating safaris, life-changing wellness offering and beautiful, welcoming people.
You’ll want to be close to the Ranthambore National Park for safaris that allow you to search for spotted dear, sloth bears, peacocks, mongooses and Bengal tigers. A tiger sighting is like nothing else and provides unparalleled safari adventures.
For the ultimate safari experience in India, you must check in to Aman-i-Khas near Ranthambore for an off-the-scale luxury glamping experience. From its work with local communities to give you the most authentic, meaningful stay to its incredible food and service that goes above and beyond, Aman-i-Khas is easily one of the world’s best hotels.
After ticking India's wildlife off your list, head to Aman’s other Indian hotel, the transformative Amanbagh for the wellness journey to rival all others. The meditation, the yoga, the Ayurveda and excellent hospitality alongside free-flowing masala chai, elegant architecture and absolute serenity: there’s a reason why Amanbagh is known to have guests who check in for four nights but end up staying for 14.
19. Swiss Alps
For snow-covered mountains and outdoor adventures close to home, the Swiss Alps gets our vote - and apparently yours too as the bestselling tour in Good Housekeeping Holidays’ collection was a ride through picturesque Swiss scenery on the Glacier Express in 2022. An excellent holiday destination in any season, the Swiss Alps is a place everyone can enjoy: walkers who appreciate wildflowers in the summer, skiers and snowshoers looking for high peaks in winter and eco-travellers in search of a no-fly hotspot they can easily reach by train from the UK.
With the ever-growing demand for rail holidays, 2023 is the year to experience one of the world’s best train rides and finally take in the views from the bright red Glacier Express, also known as the world’s slowest express train. 2023 will also see the first summer season of the new GoldenPass Express panoramic train route from Montreux to Interlaken, which launched in December 2022, and the completion of the Matterhorn crossing from Zermatt to Cervinia in Italy, making it possible to cross the Alps without using your skis or getting your feet wet.
What’s more, there are new hotel openings. The long-awaited Six Senses five-star hotel arrives in Crans-Montana in February and two new hotels, Faern Arosa Altein and Faern Crans-Montana Valaisia, bringing 70s’ alpine charm with an urban vibe to Arosa and Crans-Montana from January.
EXPERIENCE THE GLACIER EXPRESS WITH GH
20. Dolomites
An unsung destination on our list is Italy's mighty Dolomites. The stupendous mountain range is like something out of a Disney film and offers some of the most remarkable views in all of Europe. Luckily, it's a hop away with EasyJet when you fly to Innsbruck, around a two-hour journey by road, for an easy European break, whether you've got a long weekend or fortnight to spare.
But why the Dolomites in 2023? 'Mindful moving' is one of the buzzwords in wellness travel for the year and with research showing that noticing the smells and noises around you while exercising can have a positive impact on your mental health, we couldn't think of a more fitting destination to practice the trend. If boosting your mood, relieving stress and reducing anxiety is on your agenda for 2023, then you'll want to check into Hotel Sassongher in Corvara, Alta Badia.
A superb base in both winter and summer, the family-run hotel encourages guests to mindfully move in the destination with guided hiking, skyrunning and climbing to try. Back at the hotel after active days out, there's a bubbling hot tub with epic views, an old cable car converted into an infrared sauna to soothe sore muscles, and sublime indoor wellness spaces to help prolong the benefits of your mindful escape.
When it comes to the food, you're in safe hands: this is Italy, after all. Dining at the Sassongher is hands down one of the best hotel restaurant experiences without Michelin stars. There's a daily changing buffet menu that will convert even the most sceptical of diners and comforting Italian dishes that perfectly complement the warm hospitality at the hotel. Whether you're there to ski and snowshoe in the winter or hike and climb in the summer (personally, we'd recommend the latter), everyone needs to experience the beauty of the Dolomites at least once and the Sassongher is the place to check in to.
BOOK A STAY AT HOTEL SASSONGHER
21. Guyana
One of the most exciting new flight routes of 2023 is British Airways' direct route to Guyana, the lesser-known South American country to discover in 2023. Launching in March from London Gatwick to capital city Georgetown, BA’s twice-weekly flights open up a spectacular corner of the continent. With its Atlantic coastline and rainforest-covered interior (over 80 per cent of the country is still pristine rainforest, FYI), you can expect breathtaking scenery from a trip to Guyana.
A thoroughly fantastic holiday destination for wildlife viewing, there are jaguars, tapirs, sloths, armadillos, sharks, stingrays and more to discover. Guyana is also an excellent place for community-based tourism (CBT), which ensures your visit directly benefits local communities, whether they run or own your accommodation or the travel experiences you book, making it a great place to give back as you explore.
Taking in the views at Kaieteur Falls, hiking Turtle Mountain and learning traditional handicrafts in the Pakaraima Mountains, such as weaving baskets and working leather to create belts, are some of the ways to see the best of Guyana in 2023. Original Travel has a wildlife-packed holiday to Guyana for eco-tourists which includes searching for giant ant eaters with local cowboys and paddling down the river to help black caiman conservationists.
ORIGINAL TRAVEL'S TOUR OF GUYANA
22. Malta
An underrated star of the Mediterranean, Malta is a delight in every season and features on our list as one of the most diverse destinations to visit in 2023. Its place on the map as a leader of LGBTQIA+ travel, the affordability for travellers on a budget and its top-notch gastronomy for discerning diners are just a few reasons to visit Malta in 2023.
With something for every holidaymaker, whether you're travelling solo, with friends, as a couple or with the family, Malta is an excellent island to soak up the sunshine, explore ancient streets and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants (try ION at Iniala Harbour House). On a tighter budget in 2023? You'll find holidays for around £250 per person for seven nights from the likes of EasyJet, British Airways and On the Beach, and the mild winter makes it a fabulous place to escape the chill for a few days.
For 2023, the Maltese capital of Valletta has also been chosen to host EuroPride 2023, which takes place from 7 to 17 September. One of the largest LGBTQIA+ events on the continent, EuroPride has a fitting host for 2023, with Malta occupying the number one spot on the Rainbow Europe Index for the seventh year in the row and achieving a score of 92 per cent for its legal and policy practices for LGBTQIA+ people.
23. Anna Maria Island
Florida continues to be one of the most popular destinations for British travellers and it's not hard to see why. Its sun-drenched beaches, world-class theme parks and excellent shopping make it a great place to travel, whether you're going solo, with the kids and grandkids, or with friends. While Miami and Orlando have lots of appeal, we're looking for a different kind of holiday in the state this year and laid-back Anna Maria Island is the place on our radar.
This incredible island is known as a best-kept secret among Floridians. It's where time slows down and you can soak up the quaint, old time feel of the seven-mile stretch. Its powdery soft beaches are only part of its beauty. You'll find colourful buildings, with strict regulations so you won't find anything above three storeys. Virgin Atlantic's recently launched London to Tampa route, means you can reach Anna Maria Island in just an hour from the airport, too. Once you arrive, you can get around on the free Island Trolley or explore on a golf buggy or bike.
Fishing for your own dinner with a catch and cook experience, sinking your toes in the sand at Coquina Beach and stand up paddle boarding in the blue waters are just a few of the things to experience on a relaxing trip to Anna Maria Island.
EXPEDIA HOLIDAYS TO ANNA MARIA ISLAND
To read the original article written by Roshina Jowaheer for Good Housekeeping, please visit: www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/lifestyle/travel/g28745164/best-holiday-destinations/
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