Africa & The Middle East | Inspiration

New year, new you: Where to travel each month in 2023

Recently updated on August 14th, 2023 at 04:33 pm

With the new year comes endless opportunities – including 12 exciting months of travel. If you’re wondering where to travel in 2023 we’re here to inspire you with our roundup of the best destinations to visit in each month. There’s something for everyone, whether you love sunshine and beaches, spring blooms and ancient sites, or spectacular festivals and cultural events. Read on to discover where to travel in each month in 2023 – and start ticking off your bucket list!

RELATED BLOG: 10 off-the-beaten track destinations you should add to your bucket list in 2023

January – Australia

Kickstart your 2023 travel with a bang by taking a trip to sunny Australia. Start in Sydney and watch the brilliant New Year’s Eve fireworks show over the harbour. You can also catch the Sydney Festival starting 5 January, or explore more of the country in this glorious summer month. From Uluru to the Great Barrier Reef to the artistic streets of Melbourne, there are endless adventures in Australia. 

GET INSPIRED BY: Australian Highlights

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February – Thailand

February is the dry warm season in Thailand – perfect for exploring the stunning islands, mountains, temples and waterfalls. Not only is the weather fantastic, but you’ll also miss the bigger tourist crowds that arrive in December and January. From Phuket and Koh Samui to Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand has endless treasures to explore.

GET INSPIRED BY: Treasures of Thailand

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March – Jordan

March is spring in Jordan, meaning lots of sunshine, little rain, gorgeous wildflowers, lush valleys, and milder temperatures for exploring the desert. Whether you want to explore the engineering marvel that is the Rose City of Petra or float your days away in the salty Dead Sea, Jordan is the ultimate travel destination in March in 2023. 

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Israel and Jordan

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April – Japan

Japan’s sakura (cherry blossom) season is one of the most sought-after travel experiences and the best time to see it is from the end of March to the first half of April. This does change every year so be sure to watch the forecasts. Beyond the gorgeous spring scenery, April is a great time to visit Japan for exciting festivals. In 2023, travel to the charming village of Takayama on 14 and 15 April, and you’ll catch the annual festival of the Hie Shrine with fantastic parades, floats, performances and traditions.

GET INSPIRED BY: Spendours of Japan

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May – Peru

Peru is a dream destination for many and May is one of the best times to tick this travel goal off your bucket list. This autumn month falls perfectly between the rainy season and the busy tourist season which starts in June. So you get to see the best of Peru with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Win-win!

GET INSPIRED BY: In the Footsteps of the Incas

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June – The Balkans

When you think of June, you probably imagine a balmy Mediterranean holiday. But if you don’t want to face the crowds that usually flock to popular destinations like Greece and Italy, consider the Balkans for your summer travel in 2023. Take your pick of Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Romania, and Bulgaria – or combine a few countries into one incredible trip. With golden beaches, pristine forests, soaring mountains, and a rich tapestry of cultures and history, the Balkans is the best emerging destination for 2023. Get in now before the secret is well and truly out.

GET INSPIRED BY: Balkan Adventure

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July – Kenya

If you want to travel to the Greatest Show on Earth in 2023, Kenya is the place to be in July. The Great Migration kicks off this month with millions of wildebeest making their thundering journey from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. The animals stay here until October when they make their spectacular return journey. Beyond the iconic Maasai Mara, there are plenty of other remarkable places to spot wildlife from Samburu to Aberdare to Lake Nakuru. 

GET INSPIRED BY: Wonders of Kenya

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August – Scotland

If you love a good cultural experience, you’ve got to put Scotland on your list for August. You’ve got plenty of choices for events as the legendary Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival both happen in August. It’s also a great summer month to visit the Scottish Highlands with warmer weather and less rain.

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Scotland

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September – Italy

Italy is a true year-round destination but it’s also one of the most popular countries to visit. If you want to avoid the crowds and sweltering heat of summer but still score lovely mild weather, travel to Italy in September in 2023. It will still be warm enough to swim at the beaches, plus you’ll score the stunning autumn landscapes and harvest festivals.

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Italy

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October – United States

October is a blockbuster month in the United States, with something for everyone. Nature lovers won’t be able to resist the magnificent autumn leaves of New England. From Vermont and New Hampshire to Connecticut and Maine, you’ll marvel at the vibrant gold, red, and orange scenery of the leaf-peeping season. 

GET INSPIRED BY: Autumn Colours

If you’re after some cultural experiences, head to New Mexico. It’s one of the best states to learn about indigenous cultures and visit ancient sites, plus it’s far more pleasant in autumn. You can also catch the spectacular Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in October. And if you love all things spooky, be sure to catch the extravagant Halloween celebrations at the end of the month.

GET INSPIRED BY: Colourful Trails of the Southwest

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November – Argentina

Argentina is glorious in the spring month of November. You’ll find lavender and jacaranda trees blooming across Buenos Aires. Head further south in Patagonia and you’ll see wildflowers popping across the extraordinary national parks, in between glaciers and soaring peaks. It’s also a great time to travel there in 2023 before the summer crowds arrive.

GET INSPIRED BY: Wonders of Patagonia

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December – South Africa & Europe Christmas markets

December is the first month of summer in South Africa. You’ll get to soak up the sunny weather while sipping vino in the Cape Winelands or spotting wildlife on game drives in Kruger National Park. It’s also the last good month of the year to spot whales along the coast or head to Boulder Beach to see the adorable resident penguins.

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of South Africa

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Europe Christmas markets

Bonus destination: If you love Christmas festivities, you’ve got to head to Europe for the most enchanting Christmas markets. Whether you visit Germany, Austria, Switzerland or France, you can’t go wrong. Enjoy the magic of twinkling lights, fluffy snow, market stalls, stollen, mulled wine, and old-world traditions.

GET INSPIRED BY: Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland

Where are you planning to travel in 2023? Let us know in the comments below!

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