Jump directly to the content
GLOBE TROTTING

World’s best places to visit on holiday revealed – how many have you been to?

THE world's best places to visit on holiday in 2023 have been revealed - but how many have you already been to?

Travel experts at have whittled down the 'must-visit' destinations for globe trotters to explore next year.

New Mexico earned a spot on Lonely Planet's list thanks to its rich culture, art and music
11
New Mexico earned a spot on Lonely Planet's list thanks to its rich culture, art and musicCredit: Alamy
Manchester was recommended as the best city to learn - and there is 'something for everyone'
11
Manchester was recommended as the best city to learn - and there is 'something for everyone'Credit: Alamy
Those brave enough to brace the cold should explore Alaska to connect with locals
11
Those brave enough to brace the cold should explore Alaska to connect with localsCredit: Alamy
Travellers have a lot to learn in South Scotland, according to Lonely Planet
11
Travellers have a lot to learn in South Scotland, according to Lonely PlanetCredit: Alamy

They sorted the best getaways into five categories based on the experiences they offer; Eat, Journey, Connect, Learn and Unwind.

The organisation hopes to encourage holidaymakers to embark on an extraordinary adventure armed with the knowledge of locals.

In Lonely Planet's 'Eat' category, the capital of Peru came up trumps thanks to its wealth of "diverse dining options."

The travel boffins paid tribute to Lima's "culinary genius" that is part of a gastronomic revolution more than 400 years in the making.

READ MORE ON TRAVEL

"Shrouded in history (and sometimes fog), gloriously messy and full of aesthetic delights. Don’t even think of missing it," they said.

It was closely followed by Umbria, Italy, which boasts an authentic menu for tourists who want to treat their tastebuds.

You can take advantage of their stockpile of black truffles, fine cured meats and full-bodied local wines from expert locals.

Lonely Planet said: "Travel here and you’ll still see grandmothers in aprons making pasta by hand and front doors that haven't been locked in centuries."

The sprawling Japanese city of Fukuoka also made the list for their traditional cuisine, alongside the famed "street feasts" in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Montevideo in Uruguay and South Africa completed the 'Eat' category for travel-loving foodies.

JOURNEY

Travellers who enjoy the journey should take heed of the list before booking their next holiday
11
Travellers who enjoy the journey should take heed of the list before booking their next holidayCredit: Alamy

For those who appreciate the 'Journey', Lonely Planet suggests visiting the idyllic location of Nova Scotia, Canada.

You can enjoy a hike, lounge on beaches, tuck into gigantic lobster suppers and celebrate their Celtic roots with lively parties.

They recommend beginning in seaside Halifax, followed by a jaunt to postcard-perfect Peggy's Cove and Unesco-listed Lunenburg.

Bhutan - the last great Himalayan kingdom - is their next recommendation for travellers who like to stretch their legs.

When exploring the deep Buddhist land, you can witness the beauty of the pristine eastern Himalayan landscape and traditional villages.

Why not take a stunning forest hike to try and spot the superb range of birds who flock to the picturesque region.

The travel experts also advised visiting the diverse landscapes of the Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia or hopping on the reinstated night train between Istanbul and Sofia.

Western Australia also earned a nomination in the Journey list, as well as Zambia thanks to its "mesmerising wilderness".

UNWIND

Dominica earned a spot in the 'Unwind' category
11
Dominica earned a spot in the 'Unwind' categoryCredit: Alamy

Holidaymakers looking to 'Unwind' are advised to head to Halkidiki, Greece, to soak up the culture while relaxing.

Lonely Planet suggested exploring Thessaloniki Roman fora and palaces, masterpieces of the Byzantine church-building and extravagant bath houses.

They continued: "Add beaches, wineries, lakes and the ebullient culture of today, and you have a place not to be missed."

Jamaica was also listed as a must-see destination, thanks to the ample activities, adventures and culture on offer.

The travel experts recommended scuba diving, snorkelling or floating on the water in a lazy bamboo raft to completely relax in paradise.

The adventurous can go caving, or get their hiking boots on to explore the remote crags and forests of this crumpled landscape.

Dominica, Jordan, Malta and Raja Ampat in Indonesia also made the coveted list of breathtaking destinations to visit to 'Unwind'.

CONNECT

Head Down Under to Sydney to connect with the glorious culture
11
Head Down Under to Sydney to connect with the glorious culture

People who are looking to 'Connect' with unique local scenes were ushered to Accra, Ghana, for its "buzzing art-centric."

"The capital's hot, sticky streets are perfumed with sweat, fumes and yesterday's cooking oil," Lonely Planet say.

You can get to know the story behind the city by conversing with residents and immersing yourself in the culture.

Sydney, Australia, also came highly recommended - but not just for its spectacular views of the glorious harbour and lush beaches.

Lonely Planet says it is "back on the map after the enforced separation of the past few years" with even more to offer.

Bond with Aussies in the bush or revel in the revolutionary structures of the skyscrapers and suburbs that adorn the skyline.

Albania, Guyana, as well as Boise and Alaska in the US also earned a spot in the 'Connect' category.

LEARN

Soak up the sun - and some knowledge - while relaxing in Marseille, France
11
Soak up the sun - and some knowledge - while relaxing in Marseille, FranceCredit: Alamy

Lonely Planet wrapped up their top 30 list with recommendations for travellers who like to 'Learn'.

The UK city of Manchester was credited as "an accessibility-friendly destination that's also doing a lot for sustainability".

With heaps of "ironclad self-confidence", Mancunians have made the city a powerhouse of revolution throughout history.

"Invention, discovery and progress remain the driving forces of this remarkable place," making it one of the best cities in the world.

Marseille, France, also offers an education for travellers thanks to its rich history, vibrant ports and diverse neighbourhoods.

Although you may go for the beach, holidaymakers are soon drawn into its swanky new museums to absorb the city's colourful past.

As it's both "beachy and urban", there is something for everyone in this stunning French region.

New Mexico, El Salvador, Southern Scotland, and Dresden in Germany also ranked in Lonely Planet's 'Learn' list for 2023.

Travel expert Tom Hall said: "Next year is shaping up to be the year to get out and explore.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Read More on The Sun

"With much of the world firmly on the road to recovery, travellers are looking for different locations and experiences.

"The list celebrates the world in all its wonderful enticing variety. Each of the itineraries in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2023 shows how to leave the crowds behind and truly get the heart of a destination."

Western Australia was also dubbed a must-see spot for 2023
11
Western Australia was also dubbed a must-see spot for 2023Credit: Alamy
The Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia boasts breathtaking views
11
The Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia boasts breathtaking viewsCredit: Corbis
Halkidiki, Greece, was described as a perfect destination to unwind in
11
Halkidiki, Greece, was described as a perfect destination to unwind inCredit: Alamy

LONELY PLANET'S 30 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN 2023

EAT 

Lima, Peru 

Umbria, Italy

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Fukuoka, Japan

South Africa 

Montevideo, Uruguay

JOURNEY 

Nova Scotia, Canada 

Bhutan 

Zambia 

Western Australia 

Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia 

Istanbul to Sofia Train 

UNWIND 

Jordan 

Halkidiki, Greece

Jamaica 

Dominica 

Raja Ampat, Indonesia 

Malta

CONNECT 

Accra, Ghana

Albania

Sydney

Guyana

Alaska

Boise 

LEARN 

New Mexico, USA 

Marseille 

Manchester

Dresden, Germany

El Salvador 

South Scotland

Topics