Why 2023 Is the Year to Travel Smart
Travel isn’t what it used to be—and that’s not a bad thing. The post-pandemic era has pushed a reset button on how and why people move around the world. Instead of chasing bucket lists or racking up passport stamps, more travelers are looking for value, fewer crowds, and something that actually means something. This shift isn’t a trend—it’s a recalibration.
Forget the race for Instagram hotspots. 2023 is about slower, smarter travel. It’s about digging into local culture, spending your money where it matters, and making your trip count—not just geographically, but emotionally and ethically. People want places that feel real. Places that give something back.
That’s how this list came together. We prioritized destinations offering distinct experiences—be it cultural depth, natural beauty, or forward-thinking sustainability. It’s not just about where to go. It’s about why it matters now.
Kyoto, Japan
A Timeless Destination, Evolving
Kyoto remains one of Japan’s cultural jewels—a city where ancient temples coexist with cutting-edge design and forward-thinking cuisine. In 2023, Kyoto offers a deeper, more layered experience that’s attracting travelers looking for tradition without missing out on modern flair.
- Visit centuries-old sites like Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari with context and care
- Explore stylish cafes, minimalist fashion boutiques, and art galleries emerging across town
- Night strolls in Gion now feature a balance of old-world serenity and subdued sophistication
Why Travel Off-Season
If you’re aiming to avoid dense foot traffic and overbooked spots, consider visiting Kyoto during the shoulder months (late winter or early summer):
- Fewer crowds mean peaceful mornings at iconic landmarks
- More affordable stays in traditional ryokans and guesthouses
- Better local access to gardens, workshops, and festivals that get overlooked by peak-tourist itineraries
Going Beyond the Typical Tourist Trail
Kyoto is pushing past postcard stereotypes by offering a growing number of local-led activities and interactions:
- Take part in a private tea ceremony hosted by multi-generational artisans
- Enroll in a micro-cooking class using regional ingredients from Nishiki Market
- Visit small-scale sake breweries in the Fushimi district, where you can sip and learn directly from the source
Travel in 2023 isn’t just about seeing—it’s about experiencing. Kyoto makes that possible by blending authenticity with continual reinvention.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon walks the line between laid-back coastal ease and a buzzing European capital. The Atlantic breeze, tiled facades, and miradouros (lookout points) make it postcard pretty, but it’s the pace of the city that hooks travelers—slow enough for sunset espressos, fast enough to keep creatives moving.
For travelers priced out of cities like Paris or Barcelona, Lisbon offers strong value without cutting corners—especially when it comes to stays, transport, and eats. Neighborhoods like Campo de Ourique and Alcântara give a local feel while still being connected. And the tram rides? Still cinematic, still affordable.
Lisbon’s food scene is on the rise too. Think Michelin-level chefs opening casual spots, innovative takes on petiscos (think Portuguese tapas), and a wine culture that keeps surprising even seasoned sommeliers. Add in solid digital nomad infrastructure—co-working spaces are everywhere, cafés understand laptop culture, and the city’s pushing visas that make longer stays easier.
In short, Lisbon is having a moment—and it’s doing it without trying too hard.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca is where culture hits all five senses. Nestled in southern Mexico, this highland city brings together art, ancient traditions, and some of the most unforgettable food in the Americas. Mole isn’t just a dish here—it’s a language, and every chef speaks it differently. The streets are a canvas too, lined with brightly-colored buildings and stone-paved alleys that carry echoes of Spanish colonial architecture. It’s the kind of place where a short walk can turn into an unexpected history lesson.
The region has steadily become safer and more accessible, making immersive travel not just possible but natural. Whether you’re wandering through a local mercado, sipping mezcal straight from the source, or joining a craft workshop in a nearby village, Oaxaca invites you to lean in. It doesn’t shout; it lets its textures, smells, and pace speak.
To avoid the tourist surge and catch the best version of the city, aim for late October into early November—Day of the Dead season. It’s peak tradition, with just enough shoulder-season breathing room. Must-sees? Hierve el Agua, Mitla ruins, and a slow early morning at Mercado de Abastos. And don’t skip the street food—it’s where Oaxaca tells its best stories.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown isn’t just a postcard-perfect town—it’s a global epicenter for thrill-seekers and scenery lovers alike. With its unique blend of natural beauty and high-octane fun, it continues to shine in 2023 as one of the most exciting places to reset and reconnect.
Why Queenstown Captures the Spirit of Travel in 2023
Post-pandemic, travelers are craving both adventure and meaning. Queenstown delivers on both fronts:
- A wide mix of activities for every adrenaline level
- Soul-stirring landscapes that invite quiet reflection between adventures
- A strong eco-conscious push from local businesses
Come for the Adrenaline
Known as the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, Queenstown’s adventure menu is extensive:
- Skydiving with panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps
- Jet boating through the Shotover River canyons
- Paragliding and ziplining over lush valleys
- World-class mountain biking and heli-skiing
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned adventure traveler, Queenstown caters to every thrill-seeking level.
Stay for the Landscapes
The region’s natural beauty is equally worth the trip. After the rush, slow down and take in:
- Mirror-like lakes surrounded by dramatic peaks
- Scenic drives through Glenorchy or along the Crown Range
- Stargazing with minimal light pollution
- Vineyard visits offering both views and vintages
Supporting Eco-Tourism That Matters
As its tourism industry rebounds, Queenstown is investing in sustainability more than ever:
- Carbon-neutral adventure tours and electric transport options
- Local conservation projects volunteers can join
- Hotels and operators embracing eco-certification programs
By choosing experiences that give back to the environment and local communities, travelers can help ensure Queenstown remains a responsible destination for years to come.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana doesn’t shout for attention—and that’s part of its charm. The Slovenian capital is low-key, walkable, and refreshingly clean, making it a near-perfect fit for travelers embracing the slow travel movement. Public transport is simple, connections to nature are close, and there’s zero rush. If you want a calm place to recalibrate while still being in a capital city, this is your lane.
What Ljubljana lacks in size, it makes up for in taste. The wine culture here is surprisingly deep, pulling from Slovenia’s diverse wine-growing regions. Add in cozy bistros, farmer’s markets, and chefs blending Alpine and Mediterranean flavors, and you’ve got a food scene that punches above its weight.
It’s also one of the greenest cities in Europe by design, not by accident. The car-free city center, riverside cycling routes, and strong investment in sustainability earned it a European Green Capital award. So if you’re looking for a destination that aligns with values like climate-conscious travel and thoughtful living, Ljubljana quietly leads the pack.
Petra, Jordan
Petra might be one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, but it still feels like a secret. Tucked into the sandstone cliffs of southern Jordan, this ancient city is a stunner—yet it doesn’t draw the same crowds you’d find at places like the Eiffel Tower or Machu Picchu. That makes now a good time to go: before the masses catch up.
Travelers should know Petra has made quiet improvements in recent years. Visitor centers are better organized. Trails are a bit easier to navigate. It’s still dusty, raw, and requires sturdy shoes—but you’ll find better signage and more responsible tourism policies in place. Keeping your impact low is a matter of basics: stay on marked paths, skip the animal rides, and bring refillable water bottles. Local guides are a smart hire—not just for info, but to support community-based tourism.
If you’ve made it to Petra, you’re close to much more. Wadi Rum is just a couple of hours away—perfect for desert stargazing or a 4×4 tour. Aqaba offers a Red Sea reset for divers and beach-chillers alike. Want something quieter? Dana Biosphere Reserve gives you a different kind of ancient: sweeping views, stone-built lodges, and rare wildlife.
In short: Petra is more than a check-the-box ruin. Treated right, it can be the anchor of one of the most surprising, thoughtful trips you’ll ever take.
Vancouver Island, Canada
Comfort in the Heart of Wild Nature
Vancouver Island offers travelers a rare balance: deep immersion in the natural world without sacrificing modern convenience. Ideal for those who want to recharge in the outdoors while enjoying cozy accommodations, farm-to-table dining, and accessible adventures.
Why It Stands Out:
- Dense forests, vast coastlines, and mountain views—all within day-trip range
- Charming towns like Tofino and Victoria blend nature, culture, and comfort
- High-quality eco-lodges and boutique stays put responsible travel front and center
Signature Experiences You Can’t Miss
From sea to sky, Vancouver Island invites slow exploration with a focus on connection—to the land, to indigenous heritage, and to local food.
Top Activities:
- Whale Watching: Spot orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales along the coastline
- Cultural Experiences: Explore indigenous-led tours that share First Nations history and traditions
- Local Cuisine: Taste the Pacific Northwest’s bounty—from salmon to wild mushrooms—in locally owned restaurants and cafes
Scenic Drives and Secret Paths
The island isn’t just for staying still—it’s for exploring at your pace. With well-marked byways and lesser-known trails, road trippers and hikers can discover peaceful places tucked just off the main routes.
Adventure Ideas:
- Pacific Marine Circle Route: A dramatic drive through rainforest, ocean vistas, and sleepy coastal villages
- Juan de Fuca Trail: A rugged coastal trek for serious hikers
- Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park: Home to ancient cedars and lush rainforest trails
Whether you’re looking for wellness in the wild or an active base for adventure, Vancouver Island delivers.
Georgia (the Country)
Tbilisi is having a moment—and not by accident. The city blends classic European ambiance with its own raw, post-Soviet charisma. Cobbled streets, Art Nouveau balconies, and a buzzing café scene make it feel like Budapest’s little cousin who just got interesting. There’s history, sure, but also a wave of art galleries, underground bars, and tech-friendly co-working spots that say this place is turning heads for a reason.
But Tbilisi is just the starting point. Georgia’s real flex? Mountains and wine. Just a few hours’ drive north puts you in the Greater Caucasus with proper alpine hikes, medieval towers, and cozy mountain guesthouses. Head east instead, and you’re among vineyards older than Rome, sipping qvevri-aged wine with local families.
It gets better. Georgia’s visa policy is incredibly lenient—citizens from dozens of countries can stay up to a year, no questions asked. Add in low travel costs, hearty food, and a culture of hospitality, and you’ve got one of 2023’s most underrated wins for travelers who want to go deep without going broke.
South Korea
Seoul might be the default, but South Korea’s story is more layered than ever. Jeju Island—rural, volcanic, and sea-washed—isn’t just for honeymooners anymore. It’s becoming a sanctuary for hikers, slow travelers, and those chasing coastal calm. Think lesser crowds, fresh seafood, and waterfalls that don’t need a filter.
Meanwhile, Busan has grown out of Seoul’s shadow. Korea’s second city blends beach charm with a dense tangle of art spaces, night markets, and spicy street food. Gamcheon Culture Village and the Jagalchi Fish Market are fixtures—but there’s more to find in the alleys, beyond the photo ops.
Smaller cultural zones like Gyeongju, the ancient Silla capital, and the tea fields of Boseong are also drawing interest. K-dramas and K-pop may have put Korea on the map, but they’re now gateways to the country’s quieter corners. If you’re after misty mountains, clean air, and a break from the LED-haze, South Korea’s sub-regions are where to aim.
Travelers with a bit of nerve and curiosity will find the reward: raw beauty, deep history, and locals who are proud you made the effort.
Madagascar
Madagascar isn’t just another island—it’s a world apart. Roughly 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else, from curious lemurs to towering baobabs and kaleidoscopic chameleons. It’s the kind of place that humbles even the most seasoned traveler. Biodiversity is the main event here, not the backdrop.
Eco-conscious travel is rising fast, and Madagascar hits the sweet spot between untouched and accessible. But it won’t stay that way forever. Deforestation, climate change, and shifting tourism patterns are starting to leave marks. Now’s the time to experience its raw beauty—before the balance tips.
Traveling here takes some grit. Roads aren’t always smooth. Wi-Fi is patchy. Language barriers can slow you down. But for those who lean in instead of backing off, the payoff is intense. You’ll trade creature comforts for real creatures in surreal settings. And you’ll come back with stories that no edited highlight reel could capture.
Go if you’re after something real. Something rare. Madagascar delivers.
Honorable Mentions & Hidden Gems
Every solid top 10 leaves a few contenders off the list—tight margin calls, often. These spots didn’t quite crack our main lineup, but still deserve a hard look if you’re planning smart, intentional travel in 2023.
Places like Luang Prabang in Laos, the Azores in Portugal, and Salento in Colombia are gaining quiet momentum. They offer deep culture, unspoiled nature, and fewer crowds. Perfect if your goal is more about real connection and less about ticking boxes. Think misty hiking trails, slow food, long conversations with locals—travel that lingers.
As global mobility continues to evolve, underrated doesn’t mean inaccessible. Keep your radar open—tucked-away places tend to stay special longer.
Want more off-path options? We’ve got you covered: Exploring Hidden Gems & Underrated Travel Spots
Final Takeaway
Travel in 2023 isn’t about passport stamps or ticking boxes. It’s about intent. People aren’t just looking for far-flung places—they’re looking for places that feel real, grounding, and worth remembering. The rise of conscious travel has shifted the spotlight from distance to depth.
The destinations on this list weren’t chosen for flash. They were picked because they offer something that sticks: local flavor, rich stories, and natural beauty you can feel, not just photograph. Whether it’s the ritual of tea in Kyoto or a rain-soaked hike on Vancouver Island, these are the kinds of moments that last.
So be deliberate. The world’s changing quickly, and some of its best corners won’t stay untouched forever. Choose a place that challenges you, connects you, or teaches you something. That’s how travel stays meaningful.
Now’s your move.
Koralia Vosswynne, the visionary founder of Travel Update Vault, has dedicated her work to transforming the way travelers access reliable information. With a passion for exploration and cultural understanding, she built the platform to serve as a trusted hub for travel news, safety and health guidelines, planning resources, and authentic cultural insights. Her leadership ensures that every traveler, from the casual vacationer to the seasoned globetrotter, is equipped with the tools and knowledge needed for safer, smarter, and more enriching journeys.