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How do you choose your travel destination?
Are you a destination hunter or an adventure hunter?
We love to travel and pick our destination based on what we want to experience.
We have more than welcome the list of travel destinations worth visiting in 2023, divided into 5 categories by Lonely Planet’s experts, bloggers, and contributors.
Lonely Planet has grown into the world’s leading travel book publisher with over 150 million travel books published since 1973.
An annual list is revealed each year, here are promised 5 categories based on what your travel preferences are:
“This year, we really wanted to try something new and we wanted to reflect the way that we saw travelers looking for travel, which was about the destination, but also about the experience,” explains Nitya Chambers, executive editor and senior vice president of content at Lonely Planet.
If you are a fan of sustainable flight-free travel and you are off to explore Europe, then your choice would be:
1. A TRAIN FROM ISTANBUL TO SOFIA
Spend a day or two first in Istanbul and then embark on the sleeper train journey [11 hours] to Sofia where you will arrive with the bell for a good local brunch before you head to explore the city.
2. ZAMBIA/AFRICA
It is less visited than the rest of Africa, nevertheless, it can offer a variety of mesmerizing wildlife. It can be a satisfying journey and adventure for those who do not want to be surrounded by a massive tourism industry.
3. WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Is huge and you might be spending lots of time in your vehicle, but the freedom of joy may substitute this fact. Anyway with driving along dramatic coastlines, red desserts, wildlife, and spending time swimming, surfing, diving, or taking yoga classes and gazing on starry nights, you won't get bored.
4. BUTHAN/ASIA
It will become with newly reopened Trans Bhutan Trail's most iconic cross-country walks worldwide. Until late 1960 it was the only way for pilgrims, messengers, or traders to get from one point to the other. It is truly an ancient route to explore along other ancient sights like
1-Taktsang Goemba (Tiger's Nest Monastery)
2- Tsechus (Festivals)
3-Dzong (Bhutanese Fort)
4- Have ever heard about gross national happiness? Well, this is a sign that this country takes happiness seriously. Discover the beauty of this country with a professional guide to get the most out of it.
5. NOVA SCOTIA/CANADA
Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, clean air, cool breezes, picturesque coastline towns, lighthouses, friendly people, comfort food, and the ocean's calming sound, you don't want to miss this beauty. It is home to over 13,000 km of coastline and lakes, almost entirely surrounded by water and the fishing industry. Visit Nova Scotia and get fresh air into your life.
6. PARQUES NATIONALES/COLOMBIA
Colombia is one of the most diverse countries with two oceans and a range of climates. These volatile temperature conditions, from tropical to the alpine climate up in the mountains are the reason for the incredible natural variety in this part of the world.
Over 60 National Parks, as well as kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, surfing, diving, and other activities, will undoubtedly satisfy all nature lovers seeking raw beauty.
1. UMBRIA/ITALY
known for its lush landscapes and green hills, provides fertile lands for healthy Umbrian cooking. You will not go hungry here, and you will be spoiled with a variety of hearty cooked food. Although there are some rules:
1- Do not eat fish with cheese.
2- Cappuccino is only a breakfast drink.
3- Pasta is usually a first course {not a main dish or a side dish}
4- Pasta is not eaten with bread on the side.
Umbria is also famous as the capital of chocolate in Italy. Soak yourself in the essence of Umbria and plan your next destination to visit in 2023.
2. LIMA/PERU
Some people call Lima "The capital of flavor and good eating" while gastronomy here is the result of disparate influences: African, indigenous, and Chinese, which are all combined in delicious dishes that satisfy even the most demanding gourmet. Here are 3 signature dishes that you can not abide by.
1- Ceviche: Peruvian Marinated Fish.
It's Peru's national dish, known as the freshest, and healthiest dish you will ever have.
2- Pollo a la Brasa: Peruvian Roasted Chicken.
3- Lomo Saltado: Peruvian Tender Steak with soy.
Not to forget: nestled high in the lush cloud forest of the Andes, you also want to visit Machu Picchu & The Sacred Valley along with enjoying great Peruvian cuisine.
3. FUKUOKA/JAPAN
is a cultural city full of historical value, and sights, and is also known as a shopping paradise. Fukuoka is also the birthplace of many specialties widely spread all over Japan ranging from mouthwatering hakata ramen to heart-warming mizutaki chicken delicacy, This city is truly a food paradise that will not disappoint your taste buds.
- The Yatai (屋台) food stalls are one of the unique food culture and Fukuoka’s best-known symbol.
4. KUALA-LUMPUR/MALAYSIA
A food culture ranges from exclusive cafes to vegetarian restaurants, Indian bistros to trendy rooftop bars, and street food on the other side. Every tourist needs to taste it at least once:
1-Nasi Lemak is Malaysia’s national dish.
it is rice cooked in coconut milk, served with a spicy shrimp paste, peanuts, hard-boiled eggs, and fried anchovies or
2-Char Kuey Teow; is the favorite Malaysian food for many. When it comes to street food in Kuala Lumpur; it is not a trend, but rather a way of life.
5. MONTEVIDEO/URUQUAY
Uruguayan cuisine is heavily influenced by other countries; most prominently by Spain, Italy and Portugal. As a result, much of the Uruguay's typical food has evolved into something that is uniquely their own. Meat is the main ingredient here. The famous dishes are:
-The Chivito Sandwich and Uruguayan Grill Parilla along with Uruquayan Pizza.
The classic Uruguay sandwich rarely contains two pieces of bread. Instead, the contents are layered in a heaping pile on a plate, often spilling over the sides and it requires a fork and knife to consume it.
Also, pizza has its own square flair instead of a circular one. Not to forget..when it comes to drinks, the iconic Mate is a must-try in Montevideo. Gain more info about Montevideo in my next article.
6. SOUTH AFRICA
South African cuisine reflects diverse culinary traditions from Dutch, French, Indian, and Malaysian. This has been translated into a board of textures, tastes, and aromas that lure visitors to eat more and taste everything. Cooking typically consists of plenty of red meat (grilled, barbecued or roasted), potatoes or rice. Vegetables are important to Africa's cuisine and include a range of green, leafy varieties. A portion of food to try:
1-Biltong (dried, cured meat that originated in South Africa)
2-Bobotie (a Cape Malay version of Shepherd's Pie)
3-Boerewors (seasoned sausage)
4-Potjiekos (an Afrikaans stew cooked in a three-legged cast-iron pot)
5-Melktert (milk tart)
Check them out when you visit South Africa. This beautiful country is also globally recognized for its protected areas and major conservation efforts. It aims to be as "green" as possible which should be motivating for other countries too.
3.UNWIND
What is the point of unwinding?
Chill out, relax, and rebalance yourself and your life so you can move on with whatever comes your way in better shape and with a better mindset. Isn't it?
Each of these beautiful travel destinations (read more about Jordan and Raja Ampat) offers amazing beaches, picturesque coastlines, pieces of history within, remote places, stargazing nights, breathtaking sunsets with a glass of wine in one hand, delicious local cuisine, and the friendliness and hospitality of locals that will look about your comfort. What else? A mission is completed.
What is your travel intention? To connect with some new people or connect with your Soul?
The answer depends on what you're looking for; locations such as Australia and Boise,or Accra in Ghana offers you lively energy and many ways to connect with people, get known new communities, and new places, be open to new contacts, get friendly with locals, be part of creative spaces, joy and new experience in your life.
On the other hand, Albania with its lush mountains and sea advantage, or Alaska with its sustainability and spectacular nature, fjords, and glaciers, and Guyana- A south American country with 90% rainforest will give you a different type of connection.
Many would have chosen these places to connect with themselves through unspoiled nature. Nevertheless, the energy of all these places will take you to connect either with a community or with yourself.
5. LEARN
Along with great experience and travel adventures, we are also looking for knowledge, interesting facts, pieces of history, and other things to learn and to bring home as a part of our amazing trips. Let's scroll through a list of exciting places like Manchester where "things are done differently" according to a famous saying from 1977 and obviously it is still valid these days. This city has one of the most dynamic art scenes and does a lot in terms of city sustainability and well-being. I can just confirm it from my experience of living in this country. The United Kingdom isn't just about Big Ben and London. Is it ?
Let's stay in the country for a little bit longer and learn about Scottish Independence while exploring the sandy coastlines of Southern Scotland, forests, hills, and bustling town markets blessed with its southern charm and history of beautiful country houses, castles, and famous writer Robert Burns.
Do you fancy someplace more urban, trendy but also historic and possibly meditterean? Let's head to Marseille with its famous French coastal vibe, delicious food, and sunny weather. We have to warn you that the charm of this city can seduce you to stay longer or come back soon easily. A visit is worth more than a thousand words and if you are already in Europe you don't want to miss visiting and learning something about Dresden with its exceptional beauty and history breathing from every corner of it. The city of Dresden also offers part of its new history in terms of the Transparent Volkswagen Factory Tour where you can lend a hand to assemble a VW car under the supervision of its experts. Why don't you gain a new experience when you are already there?
But there are some other beautiful places on this Earth as well. Let's move from fine Mrs.Europe to wilder parts of our Gaia. Precisely to El-Salvador, the smallest country in South America also called the "Land of vulcanos" with its collections of more than 100 of them. More than 20 are potentially still active. What do you think? Would it be worth visiting this rich culture and natural beauty country to learn about its history, stunning nature, and cultural sights?
There is one more rich culture country worthy to explore on this list- New Mexico/USA with its ancient culture and native American communities. The Taos Pueblo one is included in UNESCO World Heritage List with only 100 residents. New Mexico is extreme and unique. It reflects the diversity of culture and the rich history of the state. Put it on your bucket list when you find yourself in this part of the world.
Ultimately, whether you hit the road in search of a perfect travel destination or a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere with superb local cuisine - travel is just as much about exploring along the way as what’s on your planned itinerary.
The journey is the destination
Have a safe trip!
Susanne S.Haart
Travel & Business Correspondent
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