Booking.com has revealed its travel predictions research showing the top trending global destinations in 2023. According to the research, which was based on a review of global booking trends, several far-flung and exotic places are included in the top 10 list, along with some more traditional destinations. North and Central America, Europe, Asia, India, and Australia all are represented in the results.
10 São Paulo, Brazil
Travelers looking for a combination of sun and culture will head to Sao Paulo, a cosmopolitan city of 20 million people and one of the 10 most amazing cities in Brazil. Known for its skyscraper skyline and wide boulevards, the city is a gourmet's delight with no less than nine Michelin-starred restaurants. The city is a short distance from world-class beaches and offers major cultural attractions such as the São Paulo Museum of Art, the Museum of Ipiranga, and the Museum of the Portuguese Language.
9 Budva, Montenegro
Nestled into the coast of the crystal clear Adriatic Sea, Budva offers sun-soaked beach getaways along its 22-mile winding shoreline, south of Croatia. Swimmers and snorkelers can head to the famous Blue Cave while history buffs will enjoy Budva's medieval old town with its cobblestone streets and its ancient stone walls. Unique restaurants are plentiful, and the city has a robust nightlife, with many bars and clubs where visitors can dance the night away.
8 Pondicherry, India
The seaside city of Pondicherry hugs the southeast coast of India on the Bay of Bengal. It boasts a thriving French Quarter, preserved from its time as a French colonial settlement, with many boutiques and quaint villa homes. The city attracts spiritually minded travelers who visit its ashrams and wish to practice meditation and yoga, among other wellness activities. Popular Mahe Beach is known as the best place to catch sunrises, and the area offers many water sports and scuba diving.
7 Querétaro, Mexico
Querétaro's location in central Mexico means the destination is without beaches but has a wealth of ecosystems and geological wonders that make for fantastic touring. Visitors can explore the Sierra Gorda biosphere reserve, a destination of forests, deserts, and canyons spread across mountains and valleys. It's a UNESCO heritage site that attracts nature enthusiasts and hikers. Querétaro also is home to Peña de Bernal, one of the world’s largest monoliths, standing at 1421 feet.
6 Bolzano, Italy
Situated at the foot of the Italian Alps near the Austrian border, Bolzano is a medieval city with a gothic cathedral and charming pastel-painted houses set against the snow-capped mountains of the Italian Dolomites. While there's plenty to do in the Italian Alps, travelers headed to this destination can enjoy skiing, history, and an active nightlife scene. The Museum of Archaeology is located in Bolzano, as is the mountainside Roncolo Castle, dating to the 13th century.
5 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Tucked into the northwestern coast of the island of Borneo, Kota Kinabalu offers travelers many beaches for relaxing, particularly the ever-popular Tanjung Aru Beach, as well as an abundance of nature and wildlife in the surrounding lush rainforests. From Kinabalu National Park to Mount Kinabalu, travelers can take walking tours to see orangutans in the wild. In town, tourists can enjoy Malaysian cuisine at the Floating Seafood Market and find local artwork at the Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market.
4 Santa Fe, United States
Santa Fe's multicultural heritage invites visitors to explore rich art traditions at the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, plus adobe-style structures and pueblo communities. Other notable cultural sites in the city, which can be explored on a weekend if necessary, include the Museum of International Folk Art and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. Santa Fe National Forest is a prime skiing spot in winter and is embraced by hikers year-round. Travelers can venture into the mountains for rock climbing, paragliding, or white water rafting and enjoy lively nightclubs and colorful open-air markets in the city.
3 Hobart, Australia
Snuggled against the banks of the River Derwent in southern Tasmania, Hobart offers mountains and beaches, along with a robust nightlife with many clubs, bars, and restaurants to choose from. To the west of the Tasmania capital city, visitors find the 4170-elevation Mount Wellington, offering spectacular views across the region. Its bustling seaport, with ferries, fishing boats, and a floating pier, will delight travelers looking for natural charm in Tasmania, a destination that should be on every traveler's Australia itinerary.
2 Olomouc, Czech Republic
Many travelers visit the Czech Republic to experience Prague. But 235 miles away in Olomouc, they'll find stunning architecture, such as the 12th century St. Wenceslas Cathedral, and quaint streets lined with restaurants and cafes. Olomouc is a lesser-known European city with a well-preserved old town that is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The university city embraces its visitors, and its student population, with lively pubs and microbreweries.
1 Kalabaka, Greece
Nestled in a mountain valley, Kalabaka is a Greek destination steeped in religious history and culture. The monasteries of Saint Barbara Roussanou and Meteora, built in the 11th century at the top of towering rock formations, are don't-miss sights. Guided tours offer explorations of frescoes in the monasteries as well as their mysterious hermit caves. Travelers can indulge in local cuisine, such as Moussaka, in the town's restaurants and learn about the region at the Natural History Museum, the Geological Formation Museum, and the Hellenic Culture Museum.