Travel And Leisure are no longer just about seeing new places; they’re about creating lasting memories, connecting with cultures, and finding rejuvenation. travels.edu.vn understands this shift, curating exceptional travel experiences tailored to your unique desires, so prepare to explore the globe and discover hidden gems. This article explores the best destinations and experiences for your next travel and leisure adventure, focusing on what makes each destination special, its highlights, and how to get there. Embark on a journey filled with discovery, relaxation, and unforgettable moments.
1. Alexandria, Virginia: Delving into Cultural Riches
Alexandria, Virginia, invites visitors to explore its historic charm and confront its past.
A City Confronting Its History
Founded as a tobacco port in 1749, Alexandria was a significant site in the domestic slave trade during the 19th century. Today, the Freedom House Museum presents new exhibitions honoring those forcibly brought to Alexandria. The African American Heritage Trail, established in 2020, traces nearly 200 years of history across 11 stops along the Potomac River. The Torpedo Factory, a stop on the trail, highlights the contributions of Black men and women during World War II.
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Exploring Historical Landmarks
The African American Heritage Trail expands in February 2023 with 20 new stops, including Waterfront Park, once a port for trafficking enslaved people to New Orleans. At Jones Point Park, learn about Benjamin Banneker, an African American mathematician and inventor who helped survey the border of Washington, D.C., in 1791. For an in-depth look at the city’s Black history, book a tour with Manumission Tours.
Luxurious Accommodations
Enjoy a luxurious stay at Morrison House Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection, recognized as one of the best city hotels in the continental U.S. by T+L’s 2022 World’s Best Awards. Alternatively, the new Hotel AKA, opening in Old Town in winter 2023, provides modern elegance.
2. Cairo and the Nile: Unveiling Ancient Wonders
Cairo and the Nile offer a blend of historical grandeur and modern luxury.
Grand Egyptian Museum
After over a decade of construction, the Grand Egyptian Museum is set to open near the Great Pyramids of Giza in spring 2024. This museum features over 1 million square feet of exhibition space, including a 40-foot statue of Ramses II and outdoor gardens.
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Luxurious Nile Cruises
Embark on a luxurious Nile cruise aboard the Viking Osiris, an all-veranda vessel for 82 passengers, or the opulent Sphinx from Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, featuring 42 marble-clad cabins and Egyptian cotton sheets.
Hotel Scene Refresh
The hotel scene in Cairo is getting a significant upgrade. The new Mandarin Oriental is scheduled to open in downtown Cairo in 2024, offering modern luxury and exceptional service. Additionally, the Four Seasons Hotel Luxor, with 200 rooms, is expected to debut in 2025, providing another option for luxurious accommodations near the ancient Valley of the Kings.
3. “City,” Nevada: Experiencing Monumental Art
“City” in Nevada presents a unique blend of art and nature in the vast desert landscape.
Basin and Range National Monument
Located about two hours north of Las Vegas, Basin and Range National Monument spans 704,000 acres and offers hiking, climbing, camping, and cycling.
Michael Heizer’s “City”
The main attraction is “City,” the world’s largest contemporary artwork, opened in September 2022. Crafted from dirt, rock, and concrete by artist Michael Heizer, this open-air sculpture features mounds, depressions, and stelae. Reservations are required for the 2023 season.
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4. Havana, Cuba: Exploring Vibrant Streets
Havana, Cuba, offers a vibrant cultural experience with its lively streets and rich history.
Relaxed Travel Restrictions
The Biden administration has eased travel restrictions to Cuba, allowing Americans to visit via group tours or individually under a “support for the Cuban people” license. This license requires a full-time schedule of activities that support Cuban entrepreneurs, such as staying in local homes, dining in private restaurants, and participating in cultural activities.
Navigating Travel Requirements
Travelers need a visa, obtainable at the airport check-in desk or from a tour provider for around $100. Despite the requirements, the vibrant streets of Havana are worth exploring.
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5. Tangier, Morocco: A Bohemian Paradise
Tangier, Morocco, combines bohemian charm with new luxury accommodations and cultural venues.
Bohemian Legacy
For decades, Tangier has attracted bohemian expats, including beat-generation writers like Paul Bowles and William S. Burroughs, cultivating a reputation as a place where foreigners live and visit.
New Luxury Properties
The opening of Villa Mabrouka, British designer Jasper Conran’s second Moroccan property, enhances Tangier’s appeal. This former residence of Yves Saint Laurent offers views over the Bay of Tangier. Other newcomers include the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier, set on a refurbished, century-old estate near the old city. The Waldorf Astoria, with 115 rooms and 21 villas, is set to open in 2025, adding to the city’s luxury offerings.
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6. Lakes Region, Turkey: Discovering Anatolian Beauty
The Lakes Region in Turkey offers a diverse experience with its stunning lakes, ancient sites, and lack of mass tourism.
Hidden Gem
Travel advisor Engin Kadaster predicts the Lakes Region will become increasingly popular. The region features Isparta, known for rose and lavender production, and the ancient hilltop city of Sagalassos.
Tectonic Lakes and Historical Sites
Created by ancient earthquakes, the region’s tectonic lakes sit in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, surrounded by Greek and Roman archaeological sites.
Cozy Accommodations
Eskiciler Konaği, near Lake Eğirdir, and Aliya Konak, a lavender farmstay in Isparta, provide warm and welcoming accommodations. Intrepid travelers can camp along the Pisidia Heritage Trail, a waymarked route connecting the Lakes Region’s nature and history through sites like Kremna and Yazılı Canyon.
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7. The United Kingdom: A Destination of Transition
The United Kingdom, designated as T+L’s Destination of the Year, blends historic cities with modern attractions.
Historic Cities and New Hotels
The U.K.’s historic cities provide a mix of grandeur and service. Gleneagles Townhouse, a chic outpost of the Gleneagles resort, opened in Edinburgh. London welcomes the Peninsula London, designed by Peter Marino.
Museum Upgrades
Glasgow’s Burrell Collection, featuring international art and artifacts, and the Manchester Museum, dedicated to natural sciences, have undergone recent upgrades. The Factory in Manchester pays tribute to the record label behind bands like the Happy Mondays and New Order.
Culinary Delights and Natural Beauty
London’s Arcade Food Hall at Battersea Power Station offers a range of culinary delights. Scotland’s first rewilding center, Dundreggan, plans to open a visitor’s center by the end of 2023. The new Two Toms Trail in Lancashire showcases England’s stunning scenery.
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8. Venice: Embracing Art and Luxury
Venice offers a blend of timeless charm and new cultural experiences.
Venice Architecture Biennale
The Venice Architecture Biennale runs from May 20 to Nov. 26, 2023, with exhibits curated by Lesley Lokko. Architecture enthusiasts will also want to visit the Procuratie Vecchie, recently opened to the public after a five-year refurbishment.
Luxurious Train Travel
For nostalgic luxury, plan a train trip on Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient Express, which will unveil two newly restored carriages from the 1920s and ‘30s in June, featuring opulent suites reflecting European landscapes.
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9. Athens: A Riviera Renaissance
Athens deserves a closer look with its revitalized Riviera and cultural offerings.
Athens Riviera Development
Not far from the Piraeus port, the Athens Riviera has seen significant development. Four Seasons Astir Palace features a private beach and dining spaces designed by Martin Brudnizki. One&Only Aesthesis is set to open in spring 2023, near the Experience Park, part of The Ellinikon waterfront green space.
Cosmopolitan Verve
In central Athens, the Xenodocheio Milos hotel brings cosmopolitan verve from the team behind Estiatorio Milos. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus on the Acropolis hosts a full schedule of shows after a pandemic slowdown.
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10. Central Florida: Family-Friendly Fun
Central Florida’s hospitality scene continues to grow, offering family-friendly attractions and culinary delights.
Michelin Accolades
Orlando and Tampa received 14 Michelin accolades in 2022, marking the guidebook publisher’s first-ever guide to Florida restaurants.
Disney’s Immersive Experiences
Disney’s Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser offers a two-night adventure that immerses guests in the Star Wars universe. Walt Disney World’s 50th-anniversary celebrations continue through March 2023.
New Hotels and Transportation
Tampa’s Edition Hotel features a rooftop pool club and restaurant from chef John Fraser. Orlando International Airport’s new Terminal C and Brightline rail service connect Orlando to South Florida destinations, including Miami and West Palm Beach.
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11. The Jura, France: Wine and Cheese Haven
The Jura, France, is a tiny region producing exceptional wines and cheeses, offering a unique culinary journey.
Hidden Wine Region
The Jura produces notable wines, particularly vin jaune, made from savagnin grapes and aged in the distinct sous voile style. Only a small fraction of these bottles reach the U.S., making a visit essential for wine enthusiasts.
Comté Cheese Trail
The Jura boasts a comté cheese trail, connecting 150 fromageries and dairy farms, offering a taste of French culinary heritage. Hiking in the Jura Mountains, through Baume-les-Messieurs village and to the Hérisson waterfalls, is equally enticing.
Accessibility
The Jura is accessible via a two-hour high-speed train ride from Paris’s Gare de Lyon.
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12. San Luis Obispo County, California: Coastal Charm
San Luis Obispo County (SLO), California, is a central coast destination known for its wineries, charming cities, and natural beauty.
Official AVA Recognition
SLO earned official American Viticulture Area (AVA) recognition in 2022, boasting over 200 wineries, many of which are family-owned.
New Accommodations
Nomada Hotel Group is opening two new properties in 2023: Farmhouse, a collection of rustic-chic cottages, and River Lodge, near the Paso Robles wine trail. The Gold Rush–era Pozo Saloon is reopening in Santa Margarita with outdoor soaking tubs, live music, and a glamping site.
Michelin Star and Natural Attractions
Paso Robles has its first Michelin star (Six Test Kitchen), while San Luis Obispo’s SLO Public Market is welcoming new restaurants. The Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove draws over 10,000 butterflies annually.
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13. Victoria, Australia: Wine and Wellness
Victoria, Australia, is a destination combining wine regions with hot springs resorts.
Hot Springs Resorts
Hot springs resorts like Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, Metung Hot Springs, and Phillip Island Hot Springs are transforming Victoria into a wine-and-wellness destination.
New Hotels
On the Mornington Peninsula, the InterContinental Sorrento began accepting reservations in August 2022. Melbourne is expecting new openings, including the Hotel Vera Ballarat and the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, set to open in 2023.
Direct Flights
Qantas offers four nonstop flights a week connecting Dallas and Melbourne, bridging Victoria and the U.S.
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14. Copenhagen: UNESCO World Capital of Architecture
Copenhagen will highlight its design prowess as the official UNESCO World Capital of Architecture in 2023.
Architectural Venues
Venues across Copenhagen, including parks and skyscrapers, will host events showcasing the future of urban environments. The Copenhill Power Plant, the cleanest waste-to-energy plant with an artificial ski slope, is a highlight.
Open-House Events
Copenhagen’s city architect Camilla van Deurs mentioned open-house events at 50 different venues, including churches, bridges, and the Danmarks Nationalbank.
New Hotels
The single-suite Kaj Hotel floats on a canal near the Copenhagen Opera House, and the colorful 25 Hours Hotel Copenhagen offers a blend of modernism and hygge.
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15. Houston: Expanding Arts and Culture
Houston is solidifying its spot as an international arts destination with new ventures.
Museum Additions
The 2020 opening of the Kinder Building at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston enhanced the city’s arts scene. The Rothko Chapel’s reopening after a $35-million renovation reinforces this reputation.
New Venues
Opening soon, the JMK5 Arena will transform a racetrack into a 12,500-seat concert stadium. The Houston Zoo is undergoing an expansion that includes a Galápagos Islands–themed exhibit, and the Houston Botanic Gardens features 132 acres of ecosystems.
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16. Madrid: A Capital Refresh
Madrid is shaking off its reputation as a business hub with a flurry of hotel openings.
Luxury Hotels
Hotel openings like the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Rosewood Villa Magna, and Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel, have enhanced the city’s hospitality scene. The Edition, opened in April 2022, offers 177 rooms, 21 suites, and two penthouses, plus restaurants with food from chef Enrique Olvera.
Food Scene
Madrid’s food scene has improved, particularly in the Salamanca neighborhood and Chamberi district, with offerings ranging from Middle Eastern falafel to Spanish-Indian fusion.
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17. Nashville: The New Music City
Nashville’s tourism renaissance is fueled by new hotels and culinary hotspots.
New Hotels
New hotels, including a Conrad, 1 Hotel, and Soho House, enhance Nashville’s appeal. The Hermitage Hotel now has the first Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant in the South.
Dining and Entertainment
The Fifth + Broadway complex features old favorites like Hattie B’s, and Assembly Food Hall offers dozens of choices. Broadway maintains its energy, while live events like CMA Fest celebrate Nashville’s music scene.
Easy Access
Low-cost carriers like Breeze Airways and Southwest have added more flights from both coasts and other destinations.
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18. Pittsburgh: A Steel City Transformation
Pittsburgh is working on new cultural destinations and attracting crowds with hotels and bars.
Cultural Destinations
The Moonshot Museum, which opened in October 2022, showcases mankind’s history of lunar exploration. The Carnegie Museum of Art hosts the 58th Carnegie International Exhibition. The childhood home of playwright August Wilson has been restored into a museum.
New Hotels and Bars
The Joinery Hotel Pittsburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton, and The Industrialist, Autograph Collection, are attracting crowds. Bottlerocket Social Hall in Allentown is a local hangout.
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19. San Francisco: Reimagining the City
San Francisco is working to improve its city with new infrastructure and cultural projects.
New Institutions
The Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco is free and directs more funds to artists and staff. The Presidio of San Francisco gained 14 acres with the opening of the Presidio Tunnel Tops, a green space designed with input from residents.
Hospitality Scene
1 Hotel San Francisco, The Line SF, and Beacon Grand have all opened recently, and Auberge Resorts Collection is slated to debut a new hotel in the Hearst Building in 2023.
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20. Seoul: The Next K-Wave
Seoul’s arts scene is buzzing, thanks to new venues and the city hosting its first edition of Frieze.
Arts Scene
New venues such as Konig Gallery and the announcement from Seoul Museum of Art of three new wings by 2024 enhance the city’s arts scene.
New Hotels
The trendy Fairmont Ambassador Seoul and Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam, with views of the famous district, have recently opened.
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21. Cape Verde, the Gambia, Ghana, and Guinea-Bissau: West African Archipelago Cruises
These West African countries offer a unique cruise experience with Hurtigruten Expeditions.
West Africa Archipelago Cruises
Hurtigruten Expeditions plans to launch West Africa Archipelago cruises in November 2023. These two-week trips aboard the Spitsbergen will stop in ports in four countries, offering visits to historical sites like Gorée Island and wildlife-watching forays.
Passenger Demand
These islands are teeming with unique wildlife and different cultures. Hurtigruten’s focus on the region is driven by passenger demand, offering different experiences than traditional cruise destinations.
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22. Coastal Ecuador: Pacific Coast Adventures
Coastal Ecuador presents outdoor adventures and scenery.
Kontiki Expeditions
Kontiki Expeditions unlocks the region with eight-day yacht cruises visiting five of the country’s 24 provinces, including Isla de la Plata and Salinas.
Intimate Ship
Kontiki Expeditions operates an intimate ship with nine staterooms, refined spaces, and a crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:1.
Easier Access
U.S. airlines like American, JetBlue, and Spirit now offer direct flights to Guayaquil, where Kontiki Expeditions trips depart.
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23. The Explora I: Ocean Journeys
Explora Journeys describes its itineraries as “ocean journeys” aboard the newly built Explora I.
Mediterranean Trips
The vessel will hit the water in July 2023, with Mediterranean trips visiting destinations such as Barcelona and Civitavecchia, as well as Patmos and St.-Tropez.
Luxury Environment
Explora CEO Michael Ungerer emphasizes authentic connections and new learning experiences within a luxury environment. Explora I will have 18 restaurants and bars and a spa.
Private Verandas
Guests can retreat to their suites, all of which have private verandas. Explora I will have the most space per passenger of any vessel.
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24. Greenland: Breathtaking Landscapes
Greenland promises landscapes and horizons.
Expedition Cruises
The newly christened National Geographic Resolution will sail the Eastern shore of Greenland in June 2023. Ponant has a dozen itineraries scheduled for 2023, including round trips from Kangerlussuaq.
Seabourn Venture
The brand-new Seabourn Venture will also be there in 2023. A compelling August itinerary starts in Iceland, spends nearly three weeks along Greenland’s coast, and continues through the Northwest Passage before wrapping in Anchorage, Alaska.
Conventional Operators
Regent Seven Seas Cruises will visit Prince Christian Sound and make calls in Nuuk and Paamiut on a June 2023 sailing between New York City and Reykjavik.
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25. Hvar, Croatia: Sun-Drenched Delights
Hvar, Croatia, offers sunshine, cycling, and stargazing.
Sunny Island
Hvar calls itself the sunniest island in Croatia. You’ll find cycling, kayak trips to secluded beaches, and stargazing at night.
International Dark Sky Community
Jesla was named the first International Dark Sky Community in Southern Europe in 2022. Moeesy, the island’s newest luxury hotel, has a room with an over-the-bed skylight.
Lavender Festival
The town of Velo Grablje’s 14th-century charm peaks in July, with the lavender festival offering food, drink, and family-friendly activities. In Hvar proper, the Riva Marina hotel reopened with waterfront terrace suites and a new restaurant. The island’s first sustainable hotel, Beach Bay, opened with an off-grid solar power system.
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26. The Path of Totality: Chasing the Eclipse
The path of totality offers a unique opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse.
Total Solar Eclipse
The upcoming path of totality will cross the Indian Ocean, graze Western Australia, then sweep across Indonesia and East Timor into the Pacific on April 20, 2023.
Cruise Options
The best way to catch the show will be to board a ship, such as the 188-passenger Le Lapérouse for a Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys cruise from Bali, Indonesia, to Broome, Australia. The new Indonesia-based charter yacht Celestia will also sail around the edges of totality.
Western Australia
The best odds for viewing will be in Western Australia, where the Exmouth Peninsula and Barrow Island should have clear skies. Tropical Sails Corp’s Pacific Explorer can take you there from Perth.
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27. Andorra: A Ski Destination Rising
Andorra is becoming a major ski destination.
Ikon Pass
Three Andorra ski areas have been added to the Ikon Pass
