Travel Bucket List for 2023 • The Blonde Abroad /

Every year I like to put together a “travel bucket list” with inspiration for the coming year…a mood board for adventures, if you will. When reviewing Expedia’s travel trends for 2023, it was really nice to see that so many of our travel thoughts match.

“This year is about travelers doing what they want to do, not what everyone else is doing.”

I can stand behind that!

And with that in mind, most of these bucket list items aren’t destination specific, so I encourage you to use them as a launching pad for ideas, essentially a “choose your own adventure,” well, adventure!

While you’re planning your next vacation and scratching things off this list, use Expedia’s price tracking tool to find the best flight prices for your 2023 travels!

From jet-setting around the world to places where your favorite TV show or movie is set, to renting vacation homes and making memories under the stars, here’s my travel bucket list for 2023!

Visit a Capital of Culture

Do you want to immerse yourself in a completely different culture and learn about a different way of life? Open air markets, bustling pubs and museums as far as the eye can see await!

Data collected by Expedia.com indicates that these are the top 10 cultural capitals for 2023:

1. Edinburgh, Scotland
2. Lisbon, Portugal
3. Tokyo, Japan
4. Dublin, Ireland
5. New York, USA
6. Sydney, Australia
7. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
8. MontréalCanada
9. Munich, Germany
10. Bangkok, Thailand

Take a solo trip

Going on a solo trip is a rite of passage. iIt’s a unique way to travel and you get to experience a destination on your own terms and timeline.

You can see what you want, eat where you want and meet the locals along the way. It’s a great way to boost your confidence and see the world at the same time.

As a solo female traveler I have learned so much about myself and the world traveling to destinations alone.

If the idea of ​​going on an international trip alone is a bit daunting, start small! Check out a neighboring state or province and go on a date.

Travel to a destination from a movie or TV show

For the movie and TV buffs, have you ever considered traveling to the location of one of your favorite shows or movies?

• Harry Potter: As you may know, I’m a huge Harry Potter fan – and there are so many Harry Potter filming locations in the UK!
• Lord of the Rings: For those who prefer to spend days exploring The Shire, there is a whole New Zealand Lord of the Rings Tour.
• Game of Thrones: Game of Thrones lets you wander all over Europe, from Iceland to Scotland to Croatia.
• White Lotus: And, most recently, if you’ve been dreaming of staying at a White Lotus property (minus all the… horrible things), Four Seasons San Domenico Palace is the property where they filmed in Sicily!

Use points to fly for free

I’m a big believer in making credit card points work for you and using points to fly for free!

I have flown with Emirates First Class and I have booked economy sightseeing flights around the country and some business class flights around the world. I’ve even booked week-long rental cars for epic road trips.

And I didn’t pay anything for it. All these things were booked “free” with credit card points.

This is not to brag, it’s a wake-up call. If you don’t use travel rewards credit cards, it’s time to get started! Travel rewards credit card points are a GAME CHANGER.

While the points and miles game can seem extremely mysterious and almost too good to be true, I’ve created a few guides to help demystify the process, including examples of when I redeemed points, how I did it, and how much it has saved me. rescued.

Here’s how I travel the world for free with credit card points and here’s my beginner’s guide to using points and miles.

Visit a national park

The amount of beautiful national parks we have in North America is such a blessing.

By Rocky Mountain National Park Unpleasant Banff Unpleasant Yellowstoneand beyond, you could spend a lifetime exploring the most impressive national parks and still haven’t got around to seeing them all.

Not only are National Parks some of the most stunning and breathtaking natural wonders in the world, they also provide a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Whether you are an avid hiker, a nature lover or just someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, there is a national park for you.

Rent a holiday home

Traveling with the family or with a group of friends can be a wonderful and unforgettable experience, but finding the right accommodation can often be a challenge. That is why renting a holiday home is the perfect solution.

Renting a vacation home offers a number of advantages over staying in a hotel (don’t get me wrong, I love a good hotel stay…), but the “home away from home” vibe can be quite appealing!

A place where you and your travel companions can relax and feel comfortable in a space that is all yours.

With separate bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and living areas, you can cook meals together, have movie nights and spend quality time together without feeling cramped or cooped up.

In addition, holiday homes are often more spacious and offer more privacy than hotel rooms. They often have outdoor areas for barbecuing, relaxing, and playing games, which can be a great way for everyone to bond and have fun together.

Find the perfect holiday home for you!

Take a girls trip

There’s no better way to bond with your best friends and recharge your batteries than by going on a girls trip. And in 2023, there’s no better time to plan one!

Going on a girls trip allows you to escape the daily routine and enjoy some much-needed down time with your besties. You will have the chance to catch up, make new memories and create a sense of sisterhood that will last a lifetime.

From discovering new destinations to trying new activities and enjoying pampering treatments, there’s something for everyone on a girls’ trip. It’s a chance to let loose, relax and have fun, without the distractions and responsibilities of everyday life.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both, a girls’ trip can provide a new perspective and help you gain a new appreciation for life.

Go on a wellness retreat

Taking a wellness trip is a great way to prioritize your physical and mental health and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. Why not make this year the year you prioritize yourself and invest in a wellness vacation?

A wellness trip can take many forms, from yoga retreats and spa vacations to fitness and adventure travel. The options are endless and can be tailored to your personal interests and needs.

Here are some great places to go on a wellness journey:

1. Bali, Indonesia: Known for its beautiful landscapes and rich culture, Bali is also a haven for wellness seekers. From yoga and meditation retreats to detox and spa treatments, Bali has everything you need to soothe your mind and body.
2. Costa Rica: This Central American paradise is the ultimate destination for adventure and wellness. With its lush rainforests, beautiful beaches and active volcanoes, Costa Rica is perfect for those who like to stay active while immersing themselves in nature.
3. Tulum, Mexico: Tulum is a beautiful and bohemian coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great destination for those looking to unplug, recharge, and enjoy a variety of wellness experiences, from yoga and meditation to spa treatments and healthy eating.

Want to find the ultimate relaxation spot for you? Find the perfect hotel to rest, reset and rejuvenate so you can come back refreshed.

Organizing your own wellness trip with friends is another option to consider.

This allows you to tailor your trip to your specific needs and create an itinerary that aligns with your group’s interests and goals. You can rent a vacation home, plan group activities, and even hire a wellness coach to guide you on your journey.

Go diving

Some of the best destinations in the world lie below sea level. Why not experience the beauty of the deep blue beyond with an adventure at sea?

If you’re ready to dig deeper, consider learning how to scuba dive. Admittedly I was a little nervous about taking the plunge myself, but it has been so worth it. get my diving certification a whole new world opened up for me.

Go on an African safari

I definitely think going on a safari in Africa is one of the top things for any bucket list! From exploring Gondwana Private Game Reserve with my TBA Escapes tour to go deep into the bush Botswana And Kenya– it’s an experience that never gets boring.

One of my favorite things about living in Cape Town was the opportunity to explore so many parts of Africa. From South Africa to Kenya and beyond, there’s nothing more captivating than experiencing wildlife in their natural habitat.

While safari is not known as a budget activity (read about what to budget for a safari here), it is an experience worth having. Check out this guide to going on an African safari for more insight!

If you’ve never been on safari in Africa, make this your goal for 2023!

Travel to a remote island

Traveling to remote islands can provide a unique experience that differs from more mainstream tourist destinations.

A few reasons to travel to a remote island:

1. Untouched Nature: Remote islands are often less developed and less populated, which can make them ideal destinations for nature lovers who want to experience pristine landscapes, beaches, and wildlife.
2. Adventure Opportunities: Think unique outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking, which can be more challenging and rewarding than what you’d find in a more touristy area. However, keep in mind that because a destination is remote, it may not have the infrastructure or typical tourist offices for booking (not a bad thing, but something to keep in mind!).
3. Cultural Experiences: Visiting these islands can give you the chance to learn about different customs, traditions and ways of life.
4. Peace and Solitude: Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape or a chance to reconnect with yourself, a secluded island can be the perfect destination to disconnect in serene solitude.

You might want to add these islands to your travel bucket list:

1. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
2. Fiji
3. Palawan, Philippines
4. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
5. Havelock Island, India

And there you have it, folks! My travel bucket list for 2023.

What’s on your travel bucket list for this year? Let me know in the comments below!