Here are the best places to visit in 2023 before they get too popular and the crowds start pouring in again. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to experience these amazing destinations in all their untouched glory.
Hi there! My name is Stacey Wittig, and I’m a travel blogger and avid adventurer. I’m always on the lookout for the next hidden gem, the undiscovered paradise that’s just waiting to be explored. And I’ve got a hot tip for you: there are certain places on this planet that are just starting to catch on with tourists, or were half-forgotten over COVID. Some are still relatively unknown.
These are the types of places that you want to visit now in 2023 before they get too crowded.
So pack your bags because we’re going on a journey to discover the top places you should visit in 2023 before they get too popular. Are you ready to join me? Let’s go!
Table of Contents
Astonishing Andalusia, Spain
Andalusia figured high on many “Places to go in 2023,” lists with Vogue naming Málaga, Spain, in their “10 Best Places To Travel In 2023.”
The fashion publication cited the Pompidou Center, a modern art treasure in a multicolored glass cube, as one of the reasons for the vibrant cultural resurgence of the city on Costa del Sol. And why this is one of the best places to visit in 2023.
I go for the culture (read between the lines: food!) and hiking opportunities.
RELATED: Most Beautiful Places in Andalucia, Spain
Alluring Egypt: Cairo and the Nile is one of the best places to visit in 2023
So many of my friends jetted off to Egypt last year—way more than I remember during the pre-COVID years. That makes me think the alluring destination will continue to draw more crowds as the years go on, so mark my words: get there now!
Scott’s Cheap Flights, one of my favorite travel hacks, named Egypt to its “Where to Go in 2023” list because of the estimated 2023 opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum near the famed Sphinx and pyramids.
But heads-up! My friends at Scott’s warn, “the projected opening has already been pushed back twice. When the GEM, as it’s being called, finally opens its doors, however, it will be the world’s largest archaeological museum, with some 50,000 items on display—including all 5,000 treasures removed from Tutankhamun’s tomb.”
On my Egypt adventure in the 90s, I had to buck up during a pulse-pounding taxi ride into Cairo to view Tutankhamun (King Tut) in the Egyptian Museum. Avoiding a trip to downtown Cairo speeding in and out of four lanes with five lanes of vehicles squished into them will be worth a second trip to Egypt. I’m looking forward to cruising the Nile one more time before these best places to visit in 2023 start catching on again.
RELATED: Journey through Jordan published by Lake Erie Lifestyle magazine
Maya Bay, Thailand, most beautiful place on Earth that I've ever been
In 2018, the Thai government shuttered the mystical Maya Bay after overtourism stressed its fragile marine environment. At times, 5,000 tourists per day crowded its once pristine beach, and boats dropped anchors pulverizing the coral reef below. However, the national park recently reopened Maya Bay with a cap on the number of tourists that once flooded the idyllic paradise.
My one hour in paradise (visit times are limited) blew me away. Still, the adventure of getting to the remote island halfway between Phuket and Krabi made the destination all that more rewarding. It’s good to know that swimming in Maya Bay is forbidden because of pollution from sunscreens. Still, replanted corals are reviving, and black-fin sharks are returning to their natural habitat.
So get to Maya Bay, one of the best places to visit in 2023, before the others get there!
RELATED: The Best Island Hopping Phuket: How to Do It Right
Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument, in the heart of the Rockies
The nation’s newest national monument is on my 2023 bucket list, and I think it should be on yours, too! We need to get there before the word gets out.
Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument, in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, commemorates the 10th Mountain Division, who trained there for winter warfare during WWII. Many fought against the Germans in the rugged Italian mountains and founded or managed US ski resorts upon returning from war.
The newest national monument is not only situated in one of the most picturesque alpine settings the world has to offer, but it’s also rich in history and native culture. Once you visit, let me know what you think about this pick for best places to visit in 2023.
Tangier, Morocco or Marrakech, Morocco
Travel+Leisure named Morocco to their list of places to go in 2023. The exotic yet affordable destination was already on my 2023 travel list. Stay tuned to hear about my upcoming April-May 2023 adventures with Get Fit with Witt by subscribing to my travel blog now.
Magical Central Florida: the frosting on the croissant!
Couple inexpensive airfare with an over-the-top hospitality scene, and you can’t find a more affordable and welcoming destination than Central Florida. Of course, for us foodies, the frosting on the croissant is the prestigious Michelin ranking on over a dozen Orlando and Tampa restaurants.
Also named on the Travel+Leisure best places to visit in 2023 list, Central Florida and its culinary scene was not too busy when I visited in September, but get there soon before school is out to avoid the crowds.
RELATED: The Best Breakfast in Florida Worth Waking Up For
Princess Cruises: Discovery Princess for the VIP 360 Culinary Experience
Cruising is back in 2023, with many cruise lines offering new and unique features to make guests feel safe and special.
Recently, I checked out Princess Cruises’ 360 Experience, which launched me on a foodie Fantasia. Read more about the VIP invite-only culinary experience and why I chose it as one of the best places to visit in 2023 in my upcoming blog post.
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Best place to visit in 2023: The Great Lakes, USA
Afar magazine reported that the Great Lakes were home to the largest freshwater ecosystem on the planet when they named my favorite lake system to their “Best Places to Travel in 2023.”
I once raced around Lake Superior against other Arrowhead Sports Car Club members, but driving around the ENTIRE Great Lakes is on my bucket list for retirement. So no, this time, I won’t be racing. Heck no, I’ll stop to hike, canoe and camp along the way. This is one of the best places to visit in 2023!
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Hi, I’m Stacey
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel is a travel blog focused on immersive travel that highlights food, wine and the spirituality of place. I also occasionally write about life as a Camino de Santiago pilgrim. I hope you enjoy what I post here. Feel free to leave comments! Read more…
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4 thoughts on “Best Places to Visit in 2023 Before They Get Too Popular”
Love all of your stuff! I am regularly leading group tours now to places, and some of your favorites are on my short list, including Morocco, Egypt, Thailand, and Florida. My list also includes a couple of places in Mexico, Honduras, and, hopefully someday soon India! Great memories of traveling with you in India, Stacey!
Your group tours sound fascinating! And it looks like we are tracking on the “Best Places to Go in 2023”! Stay in touch, my friend! Stacey
Great article Stacey!
Thanks Diane! Are any of these places on YOUR list for 2023?