Ready to get that wanderlust tongue wagging? We’ve had a weird few years and it finally feels like good old-fashioned travel is back on the table.
And that’s not just me saying it, either. The holiday lords over at Expedia, Wotif and Stayz have confirmed it. They did research into upcoming travel trends across 17 countries and found that everyone is basically gonna go ham next year. After being cooped up indoors, getting to travel locally, and then finally catching up with our international friends and family, it’s now time to be selfish again, baby!
That’s right, there is no more normal or one-size-fits-all. The research found over two-thirds of Aussies are keen to head to a destination after seeing it on a streaming service. And I can confirm I will absolutely be cosplaying as a guest at The White Lotus in Sicily next year. Sue me.
In our own backyard, Stayz found that demand for rural holidays is up by more than 90%, and views of lakes and rivers are up by 50%. When it comes to city-slicker holidays, Wotif found that the most anticipated hotel openings are The Ritz-Carlton in Melbourne and W in Sydney. Will be booking my own stay-cay toot suite!
As for the trending international destinations, apparently, everyone is hungry to head to the big smoke. After staying distanced by getting out into nature, there’s been an increase in demand for all culture-rich cities where festivities are finally getting back to full swing. What destinations are they, you might be wondering? Below are the top five culture capitals that research says we’ll be hitting up in 2023…
#1 Edinburgh, Scotland
Thanks to the institution that is Edinburgh Festival Fringe, it’s easy to see why this city topped Expedia’s culture capitals list. The Scots cannot be beaten when it comes to art and culture festivities. Over three weeks in August 2023, head to the city to get a fix of comedy, theatre, cabaret, music, exhibitions and musicals.
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#2 Lisbon, Portugal
Coming in hot in second place was Lisbon. In June next year the city will be chock-a-block for the month-long San Antonio Festival. With colourful decorations lining the streets and the smell of barbecued sardines everywhere, you can party and dance ’till your heart’s content. Also make sure to enjoy the concerts, puppetry, exhibitions and theatre happening all over the city.
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#3 Tokyo, Japan
A constant on these lists, Tokyo is brimming with arts and culture to soak up next year. Cherry Blossom season will kick off in March and last until the first week of April. Jean-Paul Gaultier’s international ‘Fashion Freak Show’ spectacle will also be hitting Tokyo in early 2023.
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#4 Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is dripping in culture. If you’re booking a trip in 2023, make sure to add the Irish Museum of Modern Art, National Gallery of Ireland and Hugh Lane Gallery to the itinerary.
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#5 New York, USA
Definitely not a surprise to see the big apple on this list! Go to a Broadway show, head to the Museaum of Modern Art (MoMA) and go see The American Museum of Natural History.
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To start planning your 2023 trip, head over to the Expedia, Wotif and Stayz
Anyway, bon voyage!