7 Trending Holiday Destinations You Should Add To Your 2023 Travel Bucket List
Let the wanderlust begin!
Itching to collect some stamps on your passport?
Travelling to a different country and experiencing the local culture, history, cuisine, and more is a luxury many of us dream of.
Whether it's an adventurous holiday filled with wildlife and nature, or the chance to explore ancient ruins and cities, there is always an inspiring place and destination we hope to cross off our bucket list.
If you still can't decide where to go on vacation, this list is for you!
Here are seven trending holiday destinations:
1. Denmark
Known for its happy people and sustainable, green cities, Denmark is quickly getting on every tourist's radar.
Copenhagen, its capital city, houses modern-day architecture designed with functional living and simplicity in mind, as well as culturally significant places like Amalienborg Palace.
Want a peek at one of the world's oldest monarchies? You can visit the latter to discover and learn everything behind the life of the Danish royal family, whose lineage traces back more than a thousand years ago.
Must-visit attractions: Nyhavn, Rosenborg Castle, and Amalienborg Palace
2. Nepal
Nepal is perfect for adventure seekers. The South Asian country is home to Mount Everest, but savvy travellers are quickly catching on to another attraction, the stunning Mustang Valley.
You can look forward to trekking through breathtaking mountain trails in the Upper Mustang region, which features an ancient trade route between Nepal and Tibet.
On top of that, Nepal is also home to beautiful flora and fauna, which you can experience through wildlife safaris in the country's national parks and conservation areas.
Must-visit attractions: Phewa Tal (Fewa Lake), Thamel neighbourhood, and Mustang Valley
3. Italy
Whether you want to take photos by the Trevi Fountain in Rome, stand in awe of beautiful Renaissance art and architecture in Florence, go on romantic gondola rides in Venice, or devour pizza and other delicious Neapolitan eats in Naples, the splendour of Italy beckons for a visit.
The country is certainly nothing short of gorgeous attractions and holiday experiences, and if you want to stray from the more usual tourist spots, you can include regions like Umbria and Basilicata to your itinerary for an unforgettable Italian trip.
You can go sightseeing in medieval hilltop towns, as well as wine tasting in Umbria. Meanwhile, Basilicata, located in the south of Italy, features ancient cities, stunning beaches, and breathtaking national parks.
Must-visit attractions: Castle of Melfi, Mount Etna, and Monti Sibillini National Park
4. Jordan
From Amman to Dana, Wadi Rum, and the ancient city of Petra, Jordan boasts experiences rich in culture, besides offering travellers a taste of Arab hospitality, cuisine, and mesmerising sights.
Dubbed Rose City due to the hue of the stone it is carved out of, Petra is one of the most popular attractions in Jordan and one of the world's most famous archeological sites. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where age-old Eastern traditions fuse with Greek-inspired architecture.
Besides that, whether you want to catch out-of-this-world sunsets or go stargazing, Jordan has many other unique things to see and do that makes it a worthy contender for your next holiday destination. Ever wanted to float in the Dead Sea? You can plan a natural spa experience in the country too.
5. Peru
If you have your eye on Machu Picchu as one of the places to visit in your lifetime, then let this be a sign to visit Peru! The South American country is expected to be a pretty popular destination this year, and with good reason too.
Featuring diverse landscapes that range from mountains and beaches to rainforests, and even deserts, Peru has so much to offer, in addition to its magnificent Incan-built ancient city of Machu Picchu in Cuzco.
In Lima, Peru's capital, you can indulge in some of the most delicious cuisines, be it at one of the country's handful of world-renowned restaurants or abundant street food stalls selling mouthwatering Peruvian delicacies like ceviche. Meanwhile, in the trendy and artsy district of Barranco, you can experience the local creative scene, where galleries and boutique shops can be found aplenty.
Must-visit attractions: Machu Picchu, Barranco district, and Cajamarca
6. Morocco
Morocco is a melting pot of cultures that exudes an energetic pulse. The country has a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Marrakesh, as well as other historic cities like Fez, Tetouan, and Essaouira.
A destination unlike others, the city of Marrakesh draws visitors with gorgeous riads (a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an indoor garden and courtyard), impressive desert stays, and more.At Marrakesh's medina quarter (old city) lies its main square, one of Africa's most famous, Djemaa El Fna. You can not only shop for things like food and spices at the bustling marketplace, but also spot an eclectic mix of people performing music, dance, poetry, and more.
Must-visit attractions: Djemaa El Fna, Fes el-Bali, and Tetouan Archaeological Museum
7. Kenya
From wildlife watching to lounging on one of its incredible beaches, you can add Kenya to your list of travel destinations.
Did you know that Nairobi is known for being the only capital city that has a national park? Nairobi National park is just a short drive from the city's central business district, where you'll be able to spot lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and more, backdropped by the skyline of the city.
Don't miss out on visiting Kenya's beaches too. Grab your sunscreen, a good book, a pair of sunglasses, and head to scenic and peaceful Kikambala beach, about 33km from Mombasa city. Best for water activities like kite surfing and paddle boarding, Diani and Galu beaches are popular for groups of friends or families.
Must-visit attractions: Giraffe Centre, Nairobi National Park, and Lamu Island
Did any (or all, hehe) of these destinations evoke your wanderlust? If you're going on holiday soon, CIMB Bank has something that will elevate your travel experience. ;)
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