Top Destinations Visited by Dinogo Staff in 2023

As you might imagine, Dinogo staffers are well-traveled. However, I was surprised to discover just how extensive our collective journeys were. Personally, I visited Cabo San Lucas, San Antonio, San Diego, Argentina, and Belize this year, while our team ventured everywhere from Estonia to Tasmania, including Mozambique, Svalbard, and more. Here are some of our most unforgettable trips from the year, listed in no particular order.

1. Estonia

In August, I spent a week in Estonia, and it wasn’t nearly long enough. We kicked off our adventure in Tallinn, the capital that attracts most Baltic cruise visitors and receives a majority of the country's tourism. Tallinn is indeed charming—its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. However, I was far more impressed by what lay beyond the city center: sleek modern architecture harmoniously juxtaposed with historical buildings, stunning old churches, an Astroturf beach bar called Mere Park’la adjacent to a former prison (Patarei Prison), Soviet-style block buildings, a repurposed factory adorned with murals transformed into art studios and bars, and a lovely harbor walk along Tallinn Bay offering excellent dining and scenic views (be sure to try the fresh seafood at Lore Bistro)!

The adventure became even more exhilarating once we departed from the city. Just two hours south, in Soomaa National Park, I trekked through a bog, giggling as I moved across a thick layer of rust-colored peat, my bare feet secured in adapted snowshoes that prevented me from sinking. It was one of the most surreal and awe-inspiring nature experiences I’ve ever encountered. Next, we traveled to Tartu, the main city in the southern region and one of Europe’s three Capitals of Culture for 2024. The central piazza felt reminiscent of southern France, with its cobblestone streets, elegant buildings, and outdoor cafés. The art scene here was vibrant, ranging from striking and edgy street art (book with Pseudo Tours) to a fantastic record store and local hangout, Psühhoteek (be sure to greet owner Ahto, he has an incredible collection), to the country’s oldest theater and opera house, along with pop-up galleries in Soviet-era “garage box” sheds behind private homes. The surrounding southern region near Tartu also offered unexpected treasures: its own lakes district, medieval towns with ancient ruins, and the unique 360-degree swings created by Estonians for a sport called kiiking. Trust me, you need to visit Estonia—and ensure you explore beyond Tallinn. —Billie Cohen, executive editor

2. Madison, Wisconsin

During my first visit to Madison, Wisconsin, last June, I was truly impressed by this forward-thinking Midwestern city. Living in California, which is known for its culinary scene, I found myself willing to relocate to Madison just for its food. There’s A Pig in a Fur Coat, the Garver Feed Mill (a bustling food hall), and Fromagination, a delightful shop specializing in cheese. To balance out all the delicious eating, there are numerous activities available: a spa day at Kosa, an Ayurvedic spa, a cycling tour with Madison Adventure Tours, kayaking on the lake, hiking through the arboretum, or wandering along the river trail. It’s the kind of city that makes you dream about uprooting your life and starting fresh. — Aislyn Greene, associate director of podcasts

3. Manchester, England

I tend to organize my travels around specific reasons. I went to Switzerland because I heard about free tours at the nuclear-research center CERN. I visited Halifax for its unique public library. This is how, in May 2023, I found myself on vacation in northern England. A group of friends and I decided to fly over to catch a beloved Britpop band, Pulp, as they kicked off their reunion tour in the quaint seaside town of Bridlington on the east coast.

We chose to enhance our trip focused on northern English music by adding a stay in Manchester, just a lovely train ride away. This city has gifted the world legendary bands such as New Order, Joy Division, the Smiths, the Stone Roses, Buzzcocks, the Chemical Brothers, Oasis, the Charlatans, James, and the 1975. I anticipated immersing myself in a week of musical nostalgia, but instead discovered a vibrant arts scene with its sights set on the future. The renowned Manchester International Festival was on the verge of launching a permanent venue for year-round events. Set to open in mid-2024, the Co-Op Live arena will become the U.K.'s largest entertainment facility, acoustically designed specifically for concerts. Even the historic Manchester Museum, which has stood for 150 years, is reevaluating its collection in light of the nation’s colonial legacy and has recently unveiled the impressive new South Asia Gallery, developed in partnership with local residents as part of its inclusive efforts.

Moreover, wherever we roamed, I felt that indescribable energy from being amidst creative individuals: The city boasts five universities, numerous art and design galleries, a plethora of small music venues, and our walking tour guide even entertained us with songs and dances. We joined in the local pub scene to catch a football match between the rival hometown teams, Man City and Man United. And for my fellow travel enthusiasts: Do not overlook Manchester’s libraries. One of them is the oldest surviving public library in the English-speaking world, and guided tours are available for this and many others. Be sure to add this city to your 2024 itinerary—we did. (And just to confirm, the Pulp concert was absolutely phenomenal.) — BC

4. Argentina

I finally visited Argentina for the first time in October, and it was absolutely breathtaking. Accompanied by Journeys With Purpose, I explored the initiatives of Tompkins Conservation and Rewilding Argentina in two distinct national parks: El Impenetrable in the north and Patagonia Azul in the south. These regions are worlds apart: one features a remote dry forest teeming with peccaries, giant anteaters, and reintroduced jaguars, while the other boasts a windswept coastline where penguins and guanacos wander. Both areas are being developed as hubs for sustainable wildlife and wilderness tourism, complete with new campsites, glamping options, and other local infrastructure. Look out for a Travel Tales podcast and a digital story coming in the new year.

I also spent three nights in Buenos Aires, indulging in all the steak and malbec that one could reasonably enjoy. The Palacio Duhau, a Park Hyatt, was the most luxurious hotel during my stay, offering a delightful plant-based lunch at Gioia. With a series of 5 a.m. wake-up calls, I didn’t have the chance to fully dive into the city’s renowned nightlife and tango culture. But as always, there’s always a next time . . . — Tim Chester, deputy editor

5. Costa Rica

In March, I had the opportunity to visit the rain forest of Costa Rica for the annual Travel Weekly Editors’ Roundtable. I spent four delightful days at Nayara Tented Camp, hosted by owners Leo and Ruthy Ghitis. This camp is the latest addition to Nayara’s extensive luxury resorts, perched in the hills with stunning views of Arenal Volcano National Park in northern Costa Rica. The family-friendly Nayara Gardens opened its doors in 2008, followed by the adults-only Nayara Springs in 2013, which is a proud member of Relais & Châteaux. The tented camp, featuring 38 standalone tents each equipped with a hot springs-fed plunge pool, debuted at the end of 2019 and expanded last summer.

All three of these micro resorts provide guests with a close connection to nature and the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica: we were treated to vibrant birdsong everywhere we went, encountered sloths in their natural habitat, and marveled at the array of colorful butterflies, moths, and lizards flitting around us. Ghitis introduced us to William Rodriguez, Costa Rica’s minister of tourism, who emphasized that "sustainability in Costa Rica is a way of life." Rodriguez stated, "For us, there are three pillars: political, social, and environmental. In the future, we don’t want to attract 10 million visitors annually. Our goal is to inspire visitors who share our values, encouraging them to stay longer and spend more. We want to avoid overcrowding."

We also connected via Zoom with Franz Tattenbach, Costa Rica’s minister of environment and energy. According to the International Trade Administration, renewable energy accounted for 99.78 percent of the country’s energy output in 2020. Costa Rica also became the first tropical country globally to reverse deforestation. Listening to Tattenbach and reflecting on my discussions with Ghitis, I was impressed by their commitment to prioritizing principles first. It’s about starting with what is right and envisioning how things should be before creating a pragmatic plan to achieve that. In a follow-up email after I returned to California, Ghitis expressed, "Sustainability and luxury are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they must coexist." I wholeheartedly agree. —Julia Cosgrove, vice president and editor in chief

6. Minneapolis, Minnesota

When I was invited to participate in a panel discussing the future of sustainable travel at the annual Great Northern festival, I checked my January calendar and thought, bring on a chilly weekend in Minnesota. This festival annually celebrates "cold, creative winters" with 10 days of diverse programming throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul.

I arrived late at night from California, headed straight to my lovely room at the new Four Seasons, and gazed in awe at the frozen Mississippi River below. After the panel discussion at the American Swedish Institute the following day, I ventured into the area's growing mobile sauna scene at the Market at Malcolm Yards, a bustling food hall housed in a brick and timber industrial site dating back to 1889. Yes, I braved negative 20-degree temperatures in just a bathing suit after stepping out of the sauna, and I lived to share my story. Later in the year, we showcased the rich diversity of the Twin Cities with a stunning feature story in the magazine. — JC

7. Kumano Kodo Trail, Japan

This year saw a surge of travelers heading to Japan, myself included. While the urban attractions were often bustling and crowded with tourists, the story was quite different outside the cities. On my third visit to the country, I spent four enchanting days hiking the Nakahechi Route of the Kumano Kodo Trail, and it was truly one of the most magical experiences I've had in Japan. The tranquility and breathtaking nature allowed me to discover an entirely different aspect of the country.

As an exciting bonus, the stunning landscapes in this area inspired famous anime such as My Neighbor Totoro and Mushishi. Being a fan of both, it was a delight to witness these beautiful settings in person. Our adventure concluded in Shingu with a stay at a unique Airbnb that the hosts had transformed into a living, interactive story. As a book lover, I was completely captivated by the entire experience. — Jessie Beck, associate director of SEO & video

8. The Sea Ranch, California

I've been visiting The Sea Ranch, a beautiful coastal community located about three hours north of San Francisco, since the early 1990s. I spent a significant portion of 2020 and 2021 living there, and I try to return as often as possible. To celebrate a friend's milestone birthday in September, we decided to take a loaner electric vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC SUV, on a test drive to see how well it would handle a long weekend trip with its 269-mile range.

We booked a rental house through Sea Ranch Escape, a local property management company, and kicked off our celebration with a refreshing cold plunge in the Pacific Ocean, followed by cocktails and dinner at the newly renovated Sea Ranch Lodge, which welcomed guests this spring. Our time was filled with hiking, making pesto, cooking salmon, foraging for wild blackberries, and swimming in the heated Moonraker pool. The car performed brilliantly, effortlessly navigating the winding stretches of Highway 1 and Highway 116. We charged it a couple of times at the Chargepoint station at the Lodge and returned to the Bay Area with plenty of range left and sea salt in our hair. — JC

9. Colorado

I had always dreamed of witnessing the stunning autumn colors in Colorado, especially the vibrant yellow aspens. So, in October, I embarked on a five-day road trip with close friends in a rented Tesla Model Y, traveling from Denver to Aspen, then visiting the charming towns of Salida and Buena Vista before heading back to Denver. The fall foliage exceeded my expectations—and thanks to Colorado's excellent EV charging infrastructure, we explored without any worries about range anxiety. In Aspen, we stayed at the centrally located Hotel Jerome, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection. Prior to our arrival, we signed the Aspen Pledge, committing to responsible exploration.

We meandered through the local farmers’ market, hiked in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, and visited the Aspen Art Museum, where we enjoyed a meal on the rooftop. Before departing, we indulged in a burger at the Woody Creek Tavern, a favorite spot of the late writer Hunter S. Thompson. The breathtaking mountain drive out of town took us up to the Continental Divide (elevation: 12,126 feet).

Inspired by Dinogo contributor Ashlea Halpern’s road trip, we made our way a few hours southeast to Salida, a riverside town brimming with art galleries, eclectic boutiques, family-run eateries, and endless outdoor recreation opportunities (hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing—you name it). We crafted jewelry for our kids at Riveting and spent the night at the Amigo Motor Lodge, a midcentury-modern motel recently updated with all the hipster charm one could desire. Next on our itinerary was the nearby town of Buena Vista, where the Surf Hotel has recently opened as part of a New Urbanist project aimed at revitalizing a former landfill beside the Arkansas River. After a hike in the hills behind the hotel, we savored excellent Manhattans and dined at the hotel's restaurant and lobby bar, Wesley & Rose. Aspens were aglow everywhere we traveled, even as we made our way back to Denver.

We wrapped up our trip with a night at the Thompson Denver and celebrated by ordering everything on the menu at Alon Shaya’s fantastic Israeli restaurant, Safta. The following day, before our flight, we enjoyed breakfast at Fox and the Hen and visited the Clyfford Still Museum, which houses one of my favorite single-artist collections in the United States. With just an hour to spare, we strolled through the Denver Botanic Gardens. On our way to the airport, we caught a final glimpse of those bright yellow aspens. — JC

10. Maria Island, Tasmania

During my week in Tasmania in May, I was captivated by the wildlife—platypus, white wallabies, and the extremely rare 40-spotted pardalotes—but the highlight was undoubtedly a three-day trek with Great Walks of Australia in Maria Island National Park. This mountainous island—known as wukaluwikiwayna (yes, it’s meant to be lowercase!) in the local dialect—was once a whaling and sealing port, as well as a convict settlement. We stayed in the heritage-listed home from 1880 that belonged to an Italian entrepreneur who attempted to transform the island into a silkworm farm, a winery, and a limestone quarry/cement factory.

Nowadays, the island is teeming with wombats, prompting visitors to sign a humorous pledge not to pick them up or snap selfies with these teddy bear-like marsupials. The truth is, you easily could—they’re remarkably docile and unafraid. I spent hours trailing them through fields, watching little joeys peek out from their mothers’ backward-facing pouches and observing them mingle with the island’s other notable inhabitants, the Cape Barren geese, which sport bubblegum-pink legs and bright yellow skin around their nostrils. On my final day, I sat cross-legged on the porch of a historic convict building, allowing a wombat to approach me as it grazed just feet away. It was so serene that I could hear its teeth snipping at the grass. — Nicholas DeRenzo, contributing editor

11. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

I have a particular affection for overlooked destinations, which has turned me into an advocate for the Canadian Prairie Provinces: Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. This year, I completed the trifecta by attending a conference in Saskatchewan’s largest city, Saskatoon. Prior to my visit, my only connection to the city was knowing it as the place where Joni Mitchell began her music career. I was thoroughly impressed by the Remai Modern museum, especially the atrium installation by Nick Cave, adorned with thousands of shimmering wind spinners; Black Fox Farm and Distillery, where many of the ingredients for their award-winning gins and whiskeys are cultivated; and POP Wine Bar, which demonstrated two things: Yes, you can enjoy excellent oysters even when the nearest ocean is 900 miles away, and horseradish does indeed belong in cocktails.

The highlight of my visit was Wanuskewin Heritage Park, an archaeological site where Northern Plains peoples have gathered for approximately 6,400 years to hunt bison. The cultural center is situated on a cliff that served as a buffalo jump, where Indigenous peoples historically drove herds over the edge to hunt. The park has made efforts to reintroduce bison, and some of these magnificent animals even played a role in archaeological discoveries: as they wallowed in a dust pit, they uncovered petroglyphs estimated to be around 1,000 years old. It’s no wonder the park is well on its way to achieving UNESCO World Heritage status. — ND

12. Cleveland, Ohio

During my first visit to my in-laws in Cleveland, Ohio, I was pleasantly taken aback. With a nickname like “Mistake on the Lake,” I had low expectations. However, my perspective shifted during my recent summer visit from, “No, really, it’s not as boring as you might think,” to, “This city has something truly special.” Cleveland's arts and culture scene is thriving. At Playhouse Square, home to 11 performance spaces from the 1920s, we enjoyed Six, a lively retelling of English history from the viewpoint of Henry VIII’s wives. That weekend, we spread picnic blankets and packed snacks for a concert at Blossom Music Center, the summer venue for the esteemed Cleveland Orchestra. The legendary Audra McDonald delivered a revue of Broadway songs to a crowd of around 20,000 on a perfect August night. We also savored delicious meals, with new favorites like the Mediterranean-style Zhug (the za’atar roasted carrots are a must) and Poppy, which offers flavorful small plates (I loved the white bean puree with grilled bread) alongside a refreshing herbaceous gin and tonic. We always make it a point to visit Little Italy for comforting pasta at Mia Bella and indulge in sweets at Presti’s Bakery. — Sarika Bansal, editorial director

13. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

I visited Cape Town in May and opted for a flight to the quaint Mozambican beach town of Vilankulo, followed by a helicopter ride over the Indian Ocean's stunning turquoise waters to stay at Kisawa Sanctuary. Nestled on Benguerra, one of the six islands in the Bazaruto Archipelago, the hotel’s thatched-roof accommodations harmoniously blend with the sand dunes, pristine beaches, and lush jungle. The hotel collaborates with the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, focusing on marine conservation. While the region's natural beauty and wildlife (including humpback whales, dolphins, and dugongs) are major attractions, the highlight of the trip was the incredible people we encountered.

On our first day, we met our guide, Querino, or Q, a charismatic young man born and raised on Benguerra Island. He was thrilled to share his world with us. The island's population is about 1,000, primarily engaged in tourism or fishing. Q took us onto the water and introduced us to members of his local community as we boarded one of their traditional wooden dhows to learn fishing techniques. On land, Q led us to neighboring Bazaruto Island, where we hiked the towering sand dunes. We sank into the soft, untouched sand, hiking a steep few hundred feet to the summit for breathtaking 360-degree views of the ocean. Back at the hotel, chefs are available to prepare meals in your bungalow, but I preferred dining at their laid-back Mozambican-style restaurant, Barraca. The bartenders crafted their signature palomas and invited us to join them for a game of ntchuva, a beloved board game on the island. —Michelle Heimerman, photo editor

14. Svalbard

I could tell you about a dreamy island getaway in 2023, but you might get the wrong impression. Svalbard is an archipelago situated over 500 miles north of mainland Norway. Longyearbyen lies approximately 800 miles from the North Pole, making it the world’s northernmost settlement with over 1,000 residents. Upon arrival, I quickly understood that the more woolen socks, the better, as synthetic materials just didn’t cut it in those frigid temperatures. I was there with a delegation from Tourism Cares to explore the potential of climate-conscious tourism. Over the following days, we toured a cave beneath a glacier, marveling at the ice stalagmites and our echoing voices; snowmobiled through the Arctic Desert, surrounded by wind-sculpted snow mountains; and visited the Svalbard Seed Vault, housing 1.2 million seeds as a safeguard against global catastrophe. The sun never set during our stay, as we arrived at the beginning of the four-month “midnight sun” period. Gazing at a pink-hued sky at 1 a.m. from the glass-enclosed dining area of Funken Lodge, a cozy boutique hotel, I couldn't help but think about the fragility of Svalbard and the importance of protecting such places. —SB

15. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

One of the most unforgettable experiences of 2023—no, of my entire life—was encountering the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Early one November morning, I departed from Virunga Inn Hotel & Spa, my fingers and toes crossed in anticipation of meeting our distant relatives. After a few hours of hiking, our amazing guide, Epa, informed us that we were close (he had been in communication with the trackers accompanying the gorillas). He shared essential gorilla sounds and behaviors to ensure our safety, most importantly teaching us the deep call that indicates contentment. He also handed out face masks, as we share 98 percent of our DNA, making it possible to transmit diseases between us and the gorillas.

After a few more minutes of walking, we were rewarded with an hour spent with nearly a dozen members of the Susa family, first habituated by Dian Fossey in 1974. I will forever remember the moment I saw a gorilla’s hands, which looked remarkably like human hands in oversized gardening gloves. Witnessing a mother gorilla cuddle her baby in the same way I snuggle my daughter was heartwarming. Observing a silverback crossing his arms reminded me of my father when he's deep in thought. The gorillas displayed such gentleness and sweet camaraderie, radiating quiet strength; it was hard to believe anyone would ever want to harm them. At their lowest in the 1990s, there were fewer than 200 gorillas left in the mountains of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Today, thanks to extensive conservation efforts across these nations, nearly 1,600 of these magnificent creatures are flourishing in the hills. They operate on a “high value, low volume” tourism model—meaning the fee to observe the gorillas is significant (in Rwanda, it costs $1,500 per person), and the number of tourists allowed to see them is tightly regulated. —SB

16. California’s Central Coast

Nestled between the bustling cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Central Coast stretches over 350 miles of stunning coastline. As a Californian who relocated from Texas, I found it to perfectly embody the quintessential beauty I had always imagined. Prior to 2023, I had only made one visit, wandering through Big Sur and marveling at the enchanting redwoods in Big Sur State Park and the breathtaking waterfall cascading into the ocean at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. However, this year, I had the chance to delve deeper into the region on several trips.

While there are countless things to appreciate about the Central Coast, it's the small towns that truly captivate me. For ocean and surf lovers like myself, the town of Cayucos delivers a nostalgic California beach experience reminiscent of a Beach Boys melody. The newly renovated Pacific Motel is just a few blocks from Cayucos’s “downtown” area and only a short stroll from the beach. Just under six miles south lies Morro Bay, famous for its iconic landmark, Morro Rock.

One of my personal favorites in the region is San Luis Obispo, a charming and unpretentious college town that hosts California Polytechnic State University and boasts a thriving winery scene. I made Hotel San Luis Obispo my home base and set out to explore. Highlights included the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, the fifth established by the Spanish, and the vibrant San Luis Obispo Farmers Market, featuring over 100 vendors every Thursday evening. With over 280 wineries in the county, wine enthusiasts should plan ample time to savor the local offerings. One standout was Chamisal Vineyards, known for its sustainably produced wines, particularly its pinot noir, along with delightful chardonnays and sparkling options.

Julia Cosgrove, our editor-in-chief, also raves about the Central Coast and suggests a stay at the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, a newly opened luxury property in Los Olivos from the Auberge Resorts Collection. This charming resort is housed in a renovated stagecoach stop and tavern, nestled in the heart of wine country. Don’t miss dinner at Bell’s, a bistro that beautifully blends California flavors with French influences in nearby Los Alamos.

So, the next time you find yourself traveling between San Francisco and Los Angeles, make sure to take a moment to explore the beautiful stretch of land in between. You’ll discover breathtaking landscapes, delightful boutique hotels, and fine wines along California’s Central Coast. —Mae Hamilton, associate editor, and JC

17. Ireland

I spent part of my life in Ireland during the time of the Celtic Tiger, and while I’ve returned since, my stays have never been long enough. So this spring, when I got the chance to take part in the Travel Classics Conference at Ashford Castle, I decided to extend my visit, reconnect with familiar places, and discover some new ones. After flying into Dublin from San Francisco, I settled into the Merrion, the city's most luxurious classic hotel and a proud member of the Leading Hotels of the World. I took the time to wander its grounds and admire its impressive art collection. During my student days at Trinity College Dublin, I lived nearby on Windmill Lane, a street famous for being home to U2’s recording studio and a popular spot for graffiti artists. Today, that area has transformed, now filled with upscale condos and tech company offices. That evening, I enjoyed a delightful fish dish across the River Liffey at the Winding Stair, a place I fondly remembered from my student days spent browsing books.

The Irish feel like my true kin, and I theirs—my family names include Gormley, Sullivan, King, Mooney, Cavanaugh, and Cosgrove. There's nowhere in the world where I fit in as effortlessly as I do here. The next day, I headed west, reminding myself that even in my middle age, I can tackle challenges: I drove a rental car on the correct (but opposite) side of the road. Highlights of the trip included the stunning Ashford Castle, where I stayed in the Kennedy Suite, mingled with fellow travel writers, and learned about the Púca Festival, a celebration near Halloween that showcases music, fire arts, and storytelling. I rented an e-bike on my visit to Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands off the coast of County Galway, hiked through the rain across the Burren in County Clare, and soaked in traditional music in Doolin. The time felt too brief; next summer, I'm bringing my family back and heading to County Donegal. —JC