Ultimate 2023 Travel Bucket List
The end of a decade. Time to reminisce on past experiences and start planning new ones. I think I’ve travelled some pretty cool places this decade, and I’m sure the next will bring a whole lot more fun.
Here’s the ultimate 2023 travel bucket list – featuring not only some of my favorite places, but also new ones I’m dying to explore. It’s also about trying new things and getting out of your comfort zone. Let’s get into it! Are you looking for more ideas?
Admire the temples at Angkor Wat, Cambodia
If you haven’t been to Angkor Wat, what are you waiting for? Sitting just out of the famous city of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat sits on over 400 square kilometres, remaining one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia.
It is so impressive, that it has to be seen to be believed. Watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat Temple, admire the smiling faces at Bayon Temple, and relieve the Tomb Raider movies at Ta Prohm temple. Read my ultimate guide to Angkor Wat here.
Eat tapas while admiring Gaudi’s architecture in Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona features some of the most impressive architecture in the world, all thanks to the famous Gaudi. The La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and Casa Battlo to name a few, are all so impressive that they take a little while to absorb.
Sit back in one of the lively outdoor terraces of a tapas bar and admire the views. The good vibes and food are almost as good as the architecture itself. Here’s some of the other best things to do in Barcelona.
Trek through the mountains in Nepal
Why settle for admiring the famous Himalaya’s of Nepal from afar? Get up close and personal with some of the most impressive mountains in the world including Mt Everest by doing a trek in Nepal.
The views might be impressive, but what will impress you the most is the kind people, the simple beauty of staying in teahouses and the serenity. Choose from a huge range of popular treks including Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit, or opt for the Poon Hill trek for a shorter, more beginner friendly climb.
Eat at Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Beach, Sydney
One of Sydney’s most iconic locations, Bondi Beach, gets even better with a trip to Icebergs. Admire the view while you sip on cocktails and feast on the impressive selection of food.
Oh and of course, snap that oh so important iconic Instagram shot (yes, you know the one I’m talking about!). Head down to the beach after to cool off and finish off your very Aussie day.
Safari in the Serengeti, Tanzania
If you want to experience a safari, The Serengeti in Tanzania is the place to do it. Vast plains and more animals than you can ever imagine, get the camera ready as you come face to face with lions, rhinos and cheetahs, to name a few. While you are there stop by Ngorongoro Crater for an early morning crater drive. Read more about Tanzania here.
Visit Cappadocia, Turkey
If there’s one place that exploded in popularity this year, its Cappadocia in Turkey. The famous hot air balloons floating over the unique moon like landscape, which is beautiful both from the ground and in the air. The moonscape areas of Goreme and other towns is made up of caves, pinnacles and ‘fairy chimneys’ which have formed from erosion and sensuous folds in the volcanic rock.
Visit The Dead Sea in Jordan
Jordan is becoming a more popular place to visit by the day, and The Dead Sea is one of the many major attractions drawing crowds. At the lowest point of the earth, 430m below sea level, the landlocked Dead Sea is 10 times saltier than the ocean. The scary thing is that the Dead Sea is shrinking at an alarming rate – so now is the time to go.
Go paragliding in Pokhara, Nepal
Pokhara is a hub for adventure lovers, and is one of the safest and best places to paraglide in the world. Featuring stunning mountain and lake views during your paraglide, its also a budget destination for adventure activities that everyone is bound to love. While you are there, you can try bungee jumping, white water rafting or a yoga retreat.
Cruise through Halong Bay, Vietnam
Named one of the ‘new’ seven wonders of the world, Halong Bay is a unique paradise in the north of Vietnam, just out of Hanoi. Dotted with over 1600 limestone islands, the bay is extremely impressive.
You can opt to take an overnight luxury cruise, or kayak and explore the caves. Don’t stop there – Vietnam has so much to offer, making the whole country one of the top destinations to visit in 2023. Drink in a roof top bar in Ho Chi Minh City, hike in Sapa and shop in Hoi An. The opportunities are endless!
Travel Solo – atleast once!
Travelling solo is so freeing and liberating that I recommend that everyone try it, atleast once. You will learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible on a solo trip, and come home a different person. Not to mention you will meet incredible people and have awesome experiences.
Volunteer abroad
Whether you plan a trip purely around volunteering or simply spend a day helping out in a local school during your trip, make an effort to volunteer during your travels this year.
Find a volunteer based trip online, or simply chat to you hostel or guest house owner while you travel to find out about spending the day at a local school, hospital or organisation. Truly get a feel for the culture and connect with locals like never before, and come home knowing you have made a difference.
Try to travel a little more sustainably
We are coming in to 2023, and if you aren’t trying to be more sustainable already, enough is enough. It takes little effort to be more sustainable while travelling. It can be as simple as taking metal straws and a reusable coffee cup or using methods of water purification instead of buying bottled water.
Want more travel inspiration? Check out Lonely Planet’s Ultimate travel list book. I got it this Christmas and adore it!
I am so excited for what 2023 brings. Hopefully lots of travel and happy times. I am so excited to share more of my travels on this platform in 2023, and hopefully continue to grow into a better blogger. If you have followed along this year, thank you for the continued support! I hope I can continue to provide the best travel advice and inspiration next year.
What is on your travel bucket list for 2023? Let me know in the comments below!
