Since Australia resumed domestic and international travel just over 12 months ago, it has been a shaky start. Unfortunately, there were teething problems, particularly with airlines, airport staffing and trying to decipher international Covid-19 requirements was a maze. I think if I’d had my time over again, I would have waited a little longer to fly overseas. So I’m looking forward to a better and easier travelling year in 2023 with some inspiration from Lonely Planet’s new publication “Best in Travel Destinations for 2023”.
For the first time, Lonely Planet’s must-have travel guide is re-imagined, including local perspectives and recommendations at the heart of each listed destination, that is sorted by the type of trip desired: eat, journey, connect, learn and unwind.
From my point of view this helps me immensely, since I generally like an adventure-filled holiday where I learn a lot about the history and culture of my destination. Whereas, at other times I enjoy a total relaxing and chilled out type of holiday.
Great news for Australia! It is listed twice in this travel guide with two very worthy destinations: Western Australia and the city of Sydney.
Included in the journey list, Western Australia’s wide-open spaces, city adventures, amazing reefs, beaches, gorges, lakes and monoliths provide a plethora of road trips.
In the connect category, travellers looking to connect with distinctive local scenes are directed to Sydney, highlighting Sydney’s WorldPride (Mardi Gras) that will bring the city alive from February 17- March 5, 2023.
In the “eat” category there are a couple of surprises, like Lima in Peru, South Africa and Montevideo in Uruguay. However, I fully understand that the top three listed locations would without a doubt make this list. After visiting these countries, I totally concur that they have some of the best cuisine in the world. In fact, last month I ate my way around Japan, and although I didn’t visit Fukuoka, I visited Kyushu, so I can vouch for Japanese food as being totally delicious.
There are also some interesting additions in the “journey” category, but Western Australia earns a deserved place here. Having spent some time in Turkey, I would also imagine that a train trip from Sofia, Bulgaria to Istanbul in Turkey would be an epic journey.
As far as “unwind” locations go, I could not think of any better places than those listed. The exotic underwater paradise of Raja Ampat archipelago in Indonesia; the amazing beaches and clear turquoise waters on the Halkidiki Peninsula of Greece; Jamaica and Dominica – Caribbean Islands in the sun; the magical Malta group of island in the Mediterranean; and the fascinating desert and Dead Sea in Jordan.
Locations listed to “connect” and “learn”, are an interesting mix of places and cultures. The cosmopolitan and avant-garde Australian city of Sydney has always been a firm favourite of mine in terms of connecting with ourselves and others. There are also some interesting inclusions in the “learn” category, with places like New Mexico in the US, the German city of Dresden, El Salvador in Central America, South Scotland, Marseille in France and Manchester in the UK.
If you’re like me, and already have started travel planning for 2023, then this guide would be perfect as an aid. My trips for 2023 include 6 weeks on a residential cruise departing from Italy and sailing around the coastlines of the French Riviera, Southern Spain, Gibraltar, Portugal, Northern Spain and Northern France. At each destination we get to spend at least 3 days in port enabling us to fully explore the location. So this will allow us to fully immerse ourselves in our travel experience throughout Spain, Portugal and Northern France.
Other trips that are in the woodwork include a family holiday skiing in Japan next winter, another cruise somewhere – possibly South Africa, Madagascar, Reunion Island and Mauritius. Otherwise we would also like to sail the Inside Passage in Alaska. We obviously still have loads of travel destinations all over the world that are on our bucket list.
Lonely Planet’s travel guides have always been a fantastic resource for us when it comes to travel planning. They are a comprehensive guide to where to go, where to stay, what to eat and what to do, at almost every destination in the world. However, if you’re looking for something a bit different to the norm, then this travel guide offers some incredible holiday experiences. The guide is brought to life through itineraries, features, videos, and more – all suggested by in-the-know experts who call these places home.
So re-discover your lust for travel and get motivated by this latest edition of “Best in Travel Destinations for 2023” from Lonely Planet. It is sure to spark some enthusiasm and sense of adventure. It has certainly planted a few seeds for me!
