TIME’s Top Travel Destinations for 2023

Get ready for a dose of fresh travel inspiration! TIME magazine has just unveiled its highly anticipated list of the World’s Greatest Places, and we’re here to break down where, why, and what makes these destinations so special.

The nominees were sourced from TIME’s global network of reporters and contributors, then reviewed by the magazine’s editorial team, who also scoured local news from across the globe, from the Arctic to Brisbane, to spot the most talked-about openings,” says Emma Barker Bonomo, senior editor at TIME, speaking to Dinogo Travel.

The list reflects two major travel trends: sustainability and authenticity. Many of the featured destinations are implementing ways for tourists to visit with minimal environmental impact, while also offering experiences led by indigenous communities or showcasing local culture through curated stays and tours.

Here’s a selection of their top picks – with the full list available at the end of the article.

Exploring the Americas

Vancouver, Canada, a city renowned for outdoor pursuits, is making waves this year with its indoor offerings. It's the first Canadian city after Toronto to receive a Michelin Guide, and this summer will see the opening of the Chinese Canadian Museum in the heart of Vancouver's historic Chinatown.

Bozeman, Montana, a small town quickly becoming a Rocky Mountain hotspot, is seeing rapid growth in its downtown area. New boutique fitness centers, yoga studios, alternative health businesses, and luxury beauty stores are making their mark in the town, which has become a post-pandemic relocation magnet.

Washington D.C. is earning accolades for its chic new hotels and thriving arts and culture scene, while Puerto Rico’s Rio Grande lets Americans explore the rainforest without leaving the U.S. Meanwhile, Guadalajara, Mexico, known for more than just mariachi and tequila, will make history this November as the first Latin American city to host the Gay Games.

Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is the ultimate spot for a puma safari, and Ollantaytambo in Peru’s Sacred Valley is being recognized as a must-visit destination in its own right, says TIME. Skip the crowds at Machu Picchu and explore this charming village for its peaceful ruins, eco-friendly accommodations, and authentic local cuisine.

Europe

Dijon, France, may be famous for mustard, but it’s earned a reputation as a culinary powerhouse beyond just condiments. In 2022, the city unveiled the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin, a sprawling 16-acre center dedicated to celebrating French gastronomy.

Pantelleria, Italy’s newest national park, opened in 2016 and has since transformed this tranquil island into a year-round destination for adventure. With new summer flights from Rome and Milan, it’s more accessible than ever.

Timisoara, Romania, is the European Capital of Culture in 2023, and the city is marking the occasion with a vibrant lineup of concerts, exhibitions, and festivals.

The town of Berat in Albania played a vital role during World War II as a refuge for the country’s Jewish population, which notably increased during the war. Today, exceptional hospitality remains a core aspect of the town’s culture, says TIME.

Asia-Pacific

Australia’s Kangaroo Island, ravaged by the bushfires of 2019-2020, is now witnessing a stunning recovery, with its lush landscapes and a hopeful resurgence of wildlife.

The Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia is renowned for its top-tier surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling experiences, all just an hour’s flight from Papeete, the capital.

Nagoya, Japan, is home to the newly opened Ghibli Park, a must-see theme park attraction, but it also offers a serene natural escape, especially during the cherry blossom season in April.

Jeju, South Korea’s resort island, has long been popular with locals, but the Netflix K-drama 'Our Blues' has brought it global attention. Now is the perfect time to visit before it gets crowded.

'Family thrills' are what TIME highlights in Phuket, Thailand, while Ladakh, India, has recently become home to the country’s first Dark Sky Reserve, located in the village of Hanle.

Middle East and Africa

Aqaba, Jordan’s sole coastal city, is famous for its stunning landscapes, which were featured as the desert planet Arrakis in the movie 'Dune.' The second installment of the film will be released this year.

Musanze, Rwanda, serves as the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, which has recently announced plans for expansion and is home to the rare and endangered mountain gorillas.

Sierra Leone is poised to become a major hotspot for adventure travel, with Freetown, the lively coastal capital, expected to be the heart of the action, says TIME.

TIME's selection of the World's Greatest Places for 2023

Tampa, Florida

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

Tucson, Arizona

Yosemite National Park, California

Bozeman, Montana

Washington, D.C.

Vancouver, Canada

Churchill, Manitoba

Dijon, France

Pantelleria, Italy

Naples, Italy

Aarhus, Denmark

St. Moritz, Switzerland

Barcelona, Spain

Timisoara, Romania

Sylt, Germany

Berat, Albania

The stunning city of Budapest, Hungary

Vienna, Austria, known for its imperial heritage

Brisbane, a vibrant city in Queensland, Australia

Kangaroo Island, an Australian wildlife sanctuary

Dominica, a lush Caribbean paradise

Mexico City, a bustling hub of culture and history

Guadalajara, a vibrant cultural center in Mexico

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, known for its breathtaking landscapes

Pantanal, Brazil, a wildlife-rich wetland like no other

Medellín, Colombia, a city of transformation and innovation

Ollantaytambo, a historical gem in Peru's Sacred Valley

Roatán, a tropical island paradise off the coast of Honduras

Ladakh, India, a stunning region of high-altitude desert landscapes

Mayurbhanj, India, an untouched haven of culture and wildlife

Kyoto, Japan, where traditional temples meet tranquil gardens

Nagoya, Japan, a city blending modern innovation with rich cultural history

Isan, Thailand, an undiscovered region filled with ancient traditions and natural beauty

Phuket, Thailand, renowned for its vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches

Jeju Island, South Korea, a serene escape known for its volcanic landscapes and lush greenery

Luang Prabang, Laos, a charming town where Buddhist temples meet colonial architecture

Giza and Saqqara, Egypt, home to iconic pyramids and ancient tombs, offering a glimpse into Egypt's glorious past

Chyulu Hills, Kenya, where vast savannahs meet the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro

Musanze, Rwanda, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park and its rare mountain gorillas

Rabat, Morocco, a vibrant coastal city blending rich history with modern charm

Dakar, Senegal, a lively cultural hub known for its music, art, and historical significance

Loango National Park, Gabon, a pristine wilderness known for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking coastal views

Freetown Peninsula, Sierra Leone, offering unspoiled beaches and vibrant culture on the edge of the Atlantic

The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, a diving paradise with vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life

Aqaba, Jordan, a unique coastal city with a rich history and access to both desert and sea adventures

Jerusalem, a city of profound historical and spiritual significance, blending ancient traditions with modern life

Sharjah, UAE, a cultural hub where modernity meets tradition, offering a rich blend of art, history, and innovation

Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia, an idyllic collection of atolls famous for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class diving