The place do savvy vacationers go to flee the crowds and expertise true native tradition? We requested our A-list journey advisors to disclose their favourite hidden gem locations for 2023 — place which can be off the crushed path and brimming with allure.
Sardinia, Italy
“Sardinia stands out as a pearl of the Mediterranean. Due to its strategic location, Sardinia has been conquered by many civilizations over the centuries, forsaking traces of artwork and tradition that also enrich the realm in its archaeological websites, historic landmarks, and vibrant traditions. Sardinia captivates guests with its distinctive delicacies, high-quality wines, and real traditions.” — Matteo Della Grazia & Daniela Mencarelli, Fuoritinerario — Uncover Your Italy
Hong Kong
“Individuals want to speak about Hong Kong (once more). It’s been under the radar for numerous years, however the metropolis continues to impress with new vital museums and distinctive accommodations which can be an affordable worth in comparison with most in Europe.” — Rob Clabbers, Q Cruise + Journey
Poland
“Journey to Poland tanked after the invasion in Ukraine, nevertheless it’s again with a vengeance. There’s a lot historical past to uncover. The allure right here comes from the native people who find themselves heat and welcoming, permitting for numerous private experiences we are able to create … like assembly native artists or a home-based cooking expertise. It’s additionally not on the euro, so nonetheless a wonderful worth.” — Gwen Kozlowski, Exeter Worldwide
The Peloponnese, Greece
“This peninsula within the southwestern area of mainland Greece is usually missed by vacationers trying for the perfect Greece vacation. Nevertheless, the Peloponnese affords the biggest variety of UNESCO World Heritage Websites in Greece, the last word farm-to-table experiences, and top-notch properties. Luxurious accommodations embrace a Mandarin Oriental, Amanzoe, W, and Romanos. A Banyan Tree is opening in 2025. The Peloponnese additionally boasts among the finest seashores in Greece.” — Mina Agnos, Travelive
Madagascar
“Madagascar stays a little bit of a thriller to most individuals. After I first set foot in Madagascar almost 15 years in the past, I couldn’t wait to seek for lemurs, snorkel off the smaller islands of Nosy Be, and spot whales from Ile Sainte Marie. I additionally hugged many towering, historical baobab timber; they’ve a particular place within the island’s tradition. As we speak, normal enhancements in lodging requirements add a level of consolation to any off-the-beaten-track journey, whereas these in the hunt for world-class desert island luxurious won’t be disenchanted.” — Samantha Gordon, Crimson Savannah
Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe
“Lake Kariba in northern Zimbabwe affords all kinds of water actions, together with fishing and recreation viewing. It is also close to Matusadona Nationwide Park, the place you’ll be able to expertise exhilarating bush walks and recreation drives. On my final go to, we walked close to a big herd of buffalo and bumped into three elephants. Bumi Hills, a part of African Bush Camps, lately launched a sleepout on Lake Kariba when you keep a minimal of three nights.” — Candice Heckel, Africa Endeavours
Losinj, Croatia
“Losinj, which is tucked up within the northern Adriatic, is named ‘Vitality Island’ for a cause. It is protected by Italy on one facet, and the Croatian coast on the opposite. Retailers would cease right here for a protected haven to relaxation, commerce, and restock. And with its preferrred local weather, greater than 1,000 crops and an array of medicinal herbs can develop right here. It is consultant of how wellness can span a complete island.” — Kristin Chambers, D.A. Luxurious Journey & TravelLustre
Mgahinga Gorilla Nationwide Park, Uganda
“Within the southwest of Uganda, the tiny Mgahinga Gorilla Nationwide Park is residence to a single mountain gorilla group: the Nyakagezi household. A go to to Mgahinga, on the Ugandan facet of the Virunga volcanoes, provides you with a novel perception into the world of the endangered mountain gorillas, their habitats, and the communities that reside close by. It’s also possible to hike a volcano, see the uncommon golden monkey, and share within the historical tradition of the Batwa, one of many oldest inhabitants of the central African rain forest, on the Gahinga Batwa Village.” — Praveen Moman, Volcanoes Safaris
Khajuraho, India
“Khajuraho, a small city in the course of India, is well-known around the globe for its exquisitely carved temples, acknowledged by UNESCO amongst its checklist of World Heritage Websites. It is also close to the Panna Nationwide Park, the place you’ll be able to go on a tiger safari.” — Marion Miller, Micato Safaris
Ennedi Plateau, Chad
“The Ennedi Plateau, spanning Chad’s Sahelian and Saharan areas, affords vacationers a distant journey right into a desert panorama of historical rock artwork relationship again over 8,000 years, sandstone pinnacles, rock labyrinths, and hidden valleys the place the desert nomads of the Tubu, Zaghawa, and Bedeyat peoples have introduced their camels to water for hundreds of years. In Chad, it’s a privilege to see a bewitching and delightful desert, and on such a scale.” — Will Jones, Journeys by Design
Puglia, Italy
“Situated within the heel of Italy, Puglia is surrounded by beautiful seashores, sea arches, cliffs, and caves — but it is nonetheless below most vacationers’ radar. So many Instagram-worthy photographs of Italy have been taken right here. There are must-see UNESCO World Heritage Websites, together with the trulli of Alberobello and the cave dwellings in Matera, a few of which now home accommodations. My favourite cities embrace Lecce and Monopoli.” — Julie Jones, TopFlight Travels
Bahrain
“Bahrain is an island nation that has an excellent deal to supply any customer. Although not as widespread as its neighbors, it has an excellent meals scene, and English is extensively spoken. Bahrain additionally has world-class accommodations and delightful seashores, and is protected and straightforward to navigate.” — Mo Noubani, The Journey Field Worldwide
Southwest Wilderness, Tasmania
“Tasmania’s southwest wilderness is a pristine, UNESCO World Heritage-listed area that was solely lately made accessible to guests. In 2023, the introduction of Odalisque III, a luxurious, expedition-style cruising expertise, started offering guests [with] a privileged alternative to discover breathtaking surroundings and dramatic landscapes shared by 12 friends on board. Vacationers can additionally take pleasure in customized excursions — together with some superb hikes and wildlife recognizing — comfy lodging, and fabulous Tasmanian meals and wines.” — Stuart Rigg, Southern Crossings