The National Geographic Top 25 Must-Visit Locations for 2023
National Geographic explores the world through every possible lens. As consumers continue to favor travel experiences over material objects, people flock to the most Instagrammable spots to both create lasting memories and make social media followers gluttonous with envy.
This year, National Geographic released their top 25 destinations for 2023. These destinations are meant to be "under the radar, ahead of the curve, and ready for you to start exploring.
The global editors broke it down into five categories: Community, Nature, Culture, Family, and Adventure.
Let's take a look at the National Geographic top 25 for 2023.
Community Focus Creates Sustainable Tourism
The Dodecanese Islands inside of Karpathos, Greece showcase women-led ventures taking the lead on sustainable tourism.
Likewise, you could hit the vibrant Great Lakes city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and celebrate the cultural community as much as the popular brewries.
Indigenous Tourism in Alberta, Canada also offers insight into how long-held traditions and contemporary perspectives interconnect.
Those looking for something a little quieter could hop on the new high-speed train in Laos. Doing so makes tourism more accessible and also brings economic growth into the local community.
If you'd like something fashion-forward that provides an exploration of Black heritage, you'll want to head to Accra, Ghana and hang out with that crowd.
Travel Within Nature and Disconnect to Reconnect
There's no shortage of iconic landscapes and scenery within the world. However, if you'd like to check out some programs that rehabilitate endangered species, create wildlife corridors, and develop community-owned tourism projects, you'll want to head over to Botswana.
Likewise, a rewilding movement in the Scottish Highlands aims to restore the original landscape of native flora and faua.
If you're a fan of sustainable tourism, check out longtime leader Slovenia. You can take a gastrotourism bike route to visit farms, vineyards, cheesemakers, and other food producers.
On the United States side of things, surprising landscape meets frontier life in Big Bend National Park, Texas.
Fans of natural wonders can head to Azores, where award-winning sustainability programs conserve the natural wonders of the volcanic archipelago. Visitors can expect memorable experiences whale watching and visiting the thermal springs.
Historical Culture Brings the Past to Life
King Tut has a new home in Egypt. To see it, visit Cairo's Grant Egyptian Museum, where you can also see Luxor's Avenue of the Sphinxes.
Busan, South Korea, shows the creative energy of Asia's top film festival. The nation's second largest city also serves up some good craft beer.
Europe's ancient "superhighway" along Italy's Appian Way takes you along a historical pilgrimage.
The International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina also blends culture, history, and a side of Low Country cuisine.
The Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Henan Province, China, also boasts one of the world's largest assemblies of stone statues.
Take the Family on a Trip for All Ages
Take the family to Switzerland and ride the Train des Vignes as it takes you across the best places for chocolate, skiing, and hiking.
To help save the turtles, visit one of the most important leatherback turtle rookeries out in Trinidad & Tobago.
Visit the Iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, or gather around a campfire at the Presidio Tunnel Tops to have a stellar view. You can also consider taking a hike on the urban Crosstown Trail.
Columbia lets birdwatchers rejoice in its avian paradise. The country also played the backdrop for Disney's Encanto.
Manchester, England also has playing grounds of a certain storied soccer team. You can also find some inspiration in the city's art scene while you're there.
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping in These Adventurous Spots
2022 had some of the best adventurous countries to visit, but National Geographic has 2023 shaped up with some different places.
For one, you could venture out to Choquequirao, Peru to visit an isolated Inca site. It may be under the radar now, but it's soon to be more accessible.
New Zealand, of course, still sits on as a place to go for the ultimate adventure. From bungy jumping to skydiving to hiking to anything in between, there's nothing the adventure junkie can't find in this country. (*Note: If you're looking to book a New Zealand trip, please contact me.)
You can also get an adrenaline rush in the less popular but ultra-adventurous state of Utah.
Likewise, you could hit Austria and hike the cross-country Bergsteigerdörfer network. This exploration of mountaineering villages allows you to sample all the local culture.
And last up, National Geographic recommends Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico. The protected waters are supported by the National Geographic Pristine Seas initiative, and it's home to one of the largest formations of sharks and manta rays in the world.
