2023 looks like the year for people to start heading off on vacation more often. Big one-in-a-lifetime vacations and plenty of short breaks away too. A shift in the work-life balance and the rise of remote working means it is more likely than ever for people to travel.
And, with each passing year, more routes open up too! So where you might not be able to get to tiny islands, you can head there by planes, trains, boats, and in some cases, even by car!
So, if you want to jet set and indulge in remote working or kick back and relax, here are a few places that offer incredible experiences.
The Jura, France
If you can think of nothing more delicious than sipping wine paired with strong cheese, then this tiny place is for you. It’s not one that is hugely popular with tourists, which makes it ideal for those who like to feel like they’ve found a place for the first time.
For wine buffs, The Jura produces some of the most delectable wines that have never made it across the waters to other places – meaning you can only find them here. Combine these exclusive wines and the cheese trail, and you have a recipe for one of the most indulgent and delicious trips you’ll ever take.
You can get to The Jura by train from Paris in about two hours. Bring a baguette and some coffee on the train, and you’ll be there before you know it.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Travellers seeking a few days in luxury’s lap will fall in love with Monte Carlo. The architecture is incredible, and at first glance, you will see the area’s wealth.
Monte Carlo’s citizens are considered rich and have a reputation for their luxury casinos, deluxe parties, and boutiques you just won’t find anywhere else. If you love to play bingo on Jackpotjoy and are ready to experience some real casino luxe – head to Monte Carlo! Many people don’t know that only tourists can enjoy the casinos here.
Monte Carlo is special in other ways, too – no matter which of the viewpoints you decide to head to, you will be met with blue skies and beautiful waters – and even if the weather is less than ideal, the views are still breathtaking.
What Monaco misses in terms of size, it more than makes up for in terms of luxury and personality; in fact, the only place smaller than Monaco is Vatican City – making it something quite special.
Athens, Greece
There isn’t much more delightful than walking through a city that looks like a postcard. The bright crystal blues seas, combined with the bright white buildings that are dripping in history, are quite an experience.
Many people only travel through Athens rather than staying there, but there are plenty of things to do here.
Much like France, Greece has a reputation for fine dining and delicious wine. Combine that with some of the places due to open in 2023, like the One&Only Aesthesis, with waterfront views and a luxury feel, and you’ve got something quite special.
And, to travel back in time, head to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, which first opened over 1,900 years ago for a show.
Aysen, Chile
Seekers of nature will quickly grab their hiking boots and head out in Aysen. It is situated between the Lake District and the Torres del Paine National Park – so no matter where you look, you’re surrounded by views that need to be seen to be believed.
It is a good idea to book a tour so that you can explore the clear lakes, glaciers, mountains, and more with relative safety. There are plenty of routes available, so you can go up the mountain or take one of the more gentle routes around.
Unsurprisingly the area is also great for biking and kayaking, so if nature and big sports are your things, there is nowhere finer.
Bermuda
Once you have been here for a few hours, you might start hoping that you are in the triangle and you won’t need to head home any time soon. The beaches of Bermuda are breathtaking, so settling down with a good book; hearing the waves lap the shore will be just about as peaceful as you can get.
There are plenty of villas and luxury resorts to choose from, and you can enjoy a cocktail from one of the many bars.
Bermuda tourism describes itself as pink sandy beaches, air that smells of spice and cedar, and a vibe unlike anywhere else on earth.
A melting pot of cultures including Africa, British, Native American, Caribbean, and Portuguese, the food is packed with flavor and rich in creole spice.
Bermuda is an ideal getaway for beaches, culture, and food – not to mention the luxury spots you can stay in.
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is filled with arts, food, culture, and incredible people. There are new wings of the Seoul Museum of Art coming in 2024; with the rise in the popularity of K-art, it is a scene that needs to be seen.
Head to Seoul between April and June or September to October – any other time, and the weather can be too cold or too humid for visitors. Walking is the number one way to travel around Seoul, so make sure you have a battery pack for your mobile phone, a spare battery for your camera, and some great walking shoes.
Although public transport is cheap, there is too much to see and do – and you won’t want to miss any of it.
Anywhere you choose to go on the list will need a couple of days to acclimate, and always remember to check out the restaurants and eateries recommended by locals for a real taste of the place.