Wanderlust 2023: The Bucket-List Trips Our Editors Can't Wait to Take This Year
Wanderlust 2023: The Bucket-List Trips Our Editors Can't Wait to Take This Year - Ancient Ruins and Rainforests Await in Guatemala
With its mist-shrouded volcanoes, spectacular Mayan ruins, and pristine rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife, Guatemala is a destination that dazzles the senses. This compact country packs a powerful punch, offering intrepid travelers everything from adrenaline-pumping adventures to opportunities for cultural immersion.
One of the top draws is the chance to discover remnants of ancient Mayan civilization at sites like Tikal and Yaxhá. As you climb weathered stone temples steps and marvel at intricately carved stelae, it’s easy to imagine what life was like for the ancient Maya who once inhabited these impressive cities. Exploring places like Iximche and Zaculeu provides insight into how Mayan culture evolved after the Spanish conquest.
Guatemala’s natural wonders are equally impressive. Volcanoes dot the landscape, including the active Pacaya, which you can climb to peer into its fiery crater. Lush rainforests harbor over 300 species of orchids, as well as monkeys and other exotic creatures. Places like Semuc Champey feature turquoise pools perfect for swimming and diving amidst a dramatic natural limestone bridge.
The country’s mountainous interior is home to traditional indigenous villages where you can experience Maya culture firsthand. Witness ceremonies, shop at local markets, and learn traditional weaving techniques from the kindly elders eager to share their heritage. Near Quetzaltenango, you can even hike to Fuentes Georginas hot springs for a relaxing soak surrounded by impressive scenery.
With so much to see and do in Guatemala, many travelers opt to start in places like Antigua, with its Spanish colonial architecture and easy access to active volcanoes and Mayan sites. From there, most head to Flores, a picturesque base for visiting Tikal and the Peten region. Or explore villages around Lake Atitlan before continuing to the beaches along the Pacific Coast.
No matter which part of Guatemala you choose to explore, prepare to be awed by both the cultural and natural diversity. Rick Bayless, who hosts travel/cooking shows on PBS, calls Guatemala “the most colorful country in the world” and raves about the rich indigenous culture and flavors. Fellow chef Anthony Bourdain was also mesmerized during his travels here for Parts Unknown, especially by Chichicastenango market and Mayan religious ceremonies.
Wanderlust 2023: The Bucket-List Trips Our Editors Can't Wait to Take This Year - Island Hop Through Greece for Culture and Sunshine
With over 6,000 islands and islets scattered across crystal blue seas, Greece is a dream destination for island hoppers seeking stunning scenery, world-class ruins, and hedonistic beach vibes. From the cosmopolitan charms of Mykonos to the dramatic cliffs of Santorini, each island has its own unique character and culture waiting to be discovered.
One of the best ways to experience the diversity of the Greek islands is on an extended sailing trip. Chartering a boat allows you the freedom to explore secluded coves and make your own itinerary. Start by visiting the Cyclades, a group of islands famed for their white cubist architecture set against the Aegean's azure backdrop. Soak up Mykonos’ glamorous atmosphere and party the night away before heading south to paradisiacal Santorini. The island’s staggering sea cliffs and sunsets are unforgettable.
History buffs will delight in island-hopping the Dodecanese, where they can walk in the footsteps of Alexander the Great on Kos before exploring Crusader castles on Rhodes. Scuba divers can ply the crystal clear waters around Kastellorizo on the hunt for ancient amphorae, while kitesurfers can take advantage of the strong winds around Nisyros.
No island-hopping adventure would be complete without experiencing the cuisine and culture of Crete, Greece’s largest island. Beyond its postcard-worthy beaches are tranquil villages where life moves at a slow pace. Feast on fresh seafood, lamb dishes, and nutritious wild greens. Don’t miss Rethymnon’s beguiling blend of Venetian and Ottoman influences. End your trip on a spiritual note at the monasteries of Arkadi, Toplou, and Preveli, sites of great importance during Ottoman rule.
With flight prices at historic lows, 2023 is an ideal time to arrange a private sailing vacation or more economical scheduled inter-island ferry hopping. Avoid the crowds of high summer and aim for late September when the water is warm and the evenings balmy. Consulting locals helps uncover each island's hidden tavernas and beaches.
Wanderlust 2023: The Bucket-List Trips Our Editors Can't Wait to Take This Year - See the Northern Lights Dance Across Iceland's Skies
Few natural wonders can compete with the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights. This celestial spectacle is on many travelers' bucket lists, but Iceland is one of the best places in the world to catch the auroras in all their glory.
Crisscrossing the Land of Fire and Ice under the glowing night sky is an experience that defies description. The lights shimmer and swirl overhead in a mesmerizing dance, with colors morphing from emerald to violet through crimson. Witnessing this atmospheric phenomenon is sure to take your breath away and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Venturing into Iceland’s wilderness away from light pollution heightens the chance of seeing the lights in their full splendor. Many travelers opt for guided small group tours that provide transport out of Reykjavik and offer knowledgeable commentary about the science behind the auroras. Companies like Extreme Iceland lead expeditions that incorporate adventures like snowmobiling or glacier hiking along with Northern Lights viewing.
For those keen on self-drive holidays, darkened areas like the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the remote west of Iceland offer excellent Aurora spotting opportunities. Park up on a hill or by the sea, then let your eyes adjust and wait patiently for the lights to start their magical performance. The time around the September equinox tends to offer peak visibility.
Don't forget to dress warmly in wind and waterproof layers, as Icelandic nights get cold fast. Thermal underwear, thick socks, and gloves are essential even if temperatures seem mild earlier in the evening. A thermos of hot chocolate adds comfort during long waits for the elusive lights.
Seeing the Northern Lights is often serendipitous and not guaranteed due to their ephemeral nature. But talking to locals helps identify recent sightings and best viewing spots. While camping or staying in remote mountain cabins maximizes viewing time, you can still see the lights from places like downtown Reykjavik if activity is high.
Wanderlust 2023: The Bucket-List Trips Our Editors Can't Wait to Take This Year - Marvel at the Mighty Himalayas While Trekking Nepal
With its jagged, snow-capped peaks piercing the sky, Nepal is home to the tallest mountains on the planet. Eight of the world's ten highest summits are located here, including the formidable Mt. Everest. Trekking through this breathtaking landscape of glaciers, Buddhist monasteries, and terraced hillsides is an experience that will reshape your sense of wonder.
The Annapurna Circuit has long attracted adventurers eager to challenge themselves against some of the most dramatic high-altitude scenery. Circling the Annapurna massif over 17 days, the trek reaches a maximum elevation of 17,769 feet while crossing the Thorong La mountain pass. Jaw-dropping views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges are your constant companions each step of the journey.
Those with less time can trek a short route like Poon Hill and be rewarded with Himalayan vistas featuring Dhaulagiri, the world’s seventh highest peak at 26,795 feet. Or make the popular hike to Everest Base Camp to stand in the shadow of the tallest mountain on Earth. A permit is required but no technical climbing skills are needed to reach an altitude of over 17,500 feet.
Beyond summit chasing, cultural encounters leave just as deep an impression. Stop at Buddhist monasteries and spin red prayer wheels with the locals, who will share puffed rice and salty tea with snowcapped peaks towering behind them. Spend a night at the Namche Bazaar Saturday market mingling with Sherpa from across the region who gathered to trade goods.
The Himalayan ranges have an energy that's palpable, making you feel somehow both insignificant yet connected to something larger than yourself. As climber Ed Viesturs described, "The mountains are calling and I must go.” While summiting Everest is an ambition left to elite mountaineers, trekking through the Nepal Himalayas is an adventure accessible to most reasonably fit travelers.
Wanderlust 2023: The Bucket-List Trips Our Editors Can't Wait to Take This Year - Get Lost in the Bustling Bazaars of Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is a city that assaults the senses, from the pungent aromas of spice markets to the hypnotic sounds of snake charmers’ flutes. Nowhere encapsulates the city’s chaotic energy more than the labyrinthine bazaars that form the heart of the medina. Wandering these crowded alleys offers an immersive glimpse into Moroccan trade and culture.
The largest and most famous market is Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakech’s main square that UNESCO declared a “Masterpiece of World Heritage.” By day, the space is packed with makeshift stalls hawking everything from fresh-squeezed orange juice to snails simmered in aromatic broth. You can barely walk two steps without being enticed to spend a few dirham. Keep small change on hand for impulse purchases like a cone of roasted nuts scented with ras el hanout.
As dusk falls, Jemaa El-Fnaa transforms into a huge open-air stage. Storytellers regale crowds with ancient folktales, musicians strike up rhythmic tunes, and acrobats perform gravity-defying stunts. Allow yourself to get lost in the controlled chaos—just keep an eye on your valuables in the crush. Afterwards, wander down to the main souks abutting the square.
Here you’ll find goods crammed in shoulder-to-shoulder stalls that stretch as far as the eye can see. The Souk Semmarine is devoted to a rainbow spectrum of babouche slippers and heavy-knotted Berber carpets, while Souk Cherratine sells cream-colored leather poufs perfect for lounging. In Souk des Teinturiers, wool scarves are dyed in brilliant saffron and indigo hues.
Don’t be shy about bargaining—it’s expected. The theatrical back-and-forth can feel intimidating at first, but shopkeepers appreciate when you haggle respectfully. Your opening bid of about a third of the asking price is often met with laughter or exaggerated dismay meant to extract a higher offer. Stick to your budget, and remember you can always walk away.
Wanderlust 2023: The Bucket-List Trips Our Editors Can't Wait to Take This Year - Road Trip Down Australia's Spectacular Great Ocean Road
Stunning limestone cliffs, roaring ocean waves, and kangaroos hopping across empty beaches are just a few of the wonders awaiting on an epic road trip down Australia’s Great Ocean Road. This 150 mile stretch along Victoria’s southern coast rewards intrepid explorers with nonstop natural eye candy and adventures limited only by your imagination.
One of the most popular activities is simply pulling over whenever the scenery compels you. The Twelve Apostles are the main attraction – weather-sculpted limestone pillars jutting out of the sea that never fail to elicit gasps. Loch Ard Gorge reveals a secluded cove and island archway accessible via staircases winding down sheer cliffs. For a unique perspective, book a helicopter ride soaring over the rocky formations and churning Southern Ocean swells.
Active travelers will delight in the chance to kayak, surf, and hike amid such stunning backdrops. Take to the waves at Bells Beach, legendary in the surfing community for its powerful breaks. Or walk a section of the Great Ocean Walk through temperate rainforest abundant with gum trees and wildlife. Keep eyes peeled for koalas dozing in eucalyptus branches as you meander past mossy gullies and booming waterfalls.
No road trip is complete without sampling local cuisine, and the Great Ocean Road offers plenty of tasty opportunities. In seaside towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay, you’ll find bohemian cafes and fish and chip shops供应新鲜 fried fish often plucked straight from the ocean that morning. Look out for roadside produce stands touting juicy berries, stone fruit, and other regional specialties.
Wanderlust 2023: The Bucket-List Trips Our Editors Can't Wait to Take This Year - Dive Into the Crystal Clear Waters of Palawan, Philippines
With over 1,700 islands fringed by white sand beaches and bathed in sapphire seas, the Philippines is a diver’s paradise. But of all the country’s spectacular dive sites, Palawan stands out for its unrivaled beauty both above and below the waves. Home to a UNESCO biosphere reserve and marine sanctuary, Palawan dazzles with jewel-toned waters so crystal clear you can see over 100 feet to the reefs teeming with exotic sealife.
Most divers flock to Coron due to its world-class wreck diving. Over two dozen intact WWII-era ships and planes rest beneath the smooth surface, making you feel like a real-life underwater explorer. Glide through rusting hulls and peer into dark interiors for a spooky thrill before emerging to schools of barracuda swirling around the relics. Currents can be strong, so Coron appeals most to experienced divers.
Newbies are better off starting at Puerto Princesa’s dive sites like Barracuda Lake with its strange layers of saline and fresh water at different depths. Or snorkel through the towering limestone cliffs surrounding the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Underground River, keeping eyes peeled for monitor lizards lounging in the sun. Divers who time it right from March to May can swim with whale sharks feeding on plankton off Donsol.
No trip to Palawan is complete without island hopping by boat with new coves around every bend. Find your own secluded beach on Miniloc Island ringed by jungle or explore hidden lagoons on enchanting Secret Beach. Stop for a seafood barbecue lunch prepared right on the powdery sand. At night, camp under the stars on deserted Cadlao Island.
Beyond diving, Sabang Beach near Puerto Princesa offers fun ziplining and 4x4 adventures through the mountainous countryside. Or just relax in a beachfront hut practicing your Tagalog phrases as friendly locals wave hello.
Wanderlust 2023: The Bucket-List Trips Our Editors Can't Wait to Take This Year - Savor the Savory Foods and Scenic Views of Tuscany, Italy
With its undulating hills blanketed in vineyards, ancient walled hill towns perched high above the landscape, and languid meals enjoyed al fresco, Tuscany embodies the romantic essence of Italy. Exploring this captivating region is like stepping into an oil painting, from the cypress-lined country roads to the sunflower fields blazing yellow under the summer sun.
Of course, no discussion of Tuscany is complete without highlighting the cuisine. This is a passionate place that celebrates the Slow Food movement, where meals are meant to be savored over many hours in the company of friends and family. Local delicacies utilize ingredients sourced from the surrounding countryside and seas. In coastal areas, seafood reigns supreme. Feast on bowls of mussels drizzled with fruity olive oil and mop up the juices with crusty homemade bread.
Farther inland, hearty meat and cheese dishes are the order of the day. Tuck into tender florentine steaks embellished with porcini mushrooms, or sample pecorino cheese aged in underground cellars. Don't forget to save room for the crowning glory of any Tuscan meal - dessert. Indulge your sweet tooth with slices of panforte cake studded with nuts and candied fruit or creamy gelato made from the farm's milk and figs. Complete your food coma by sipping a smooth red Brunello di Montalcino from the nearby vineyards.
You'll work up more than an appetite wandering through storybook towns like San Gimignano, where medieval towers form a dramatic skyline. Meander cobblestone streets while snacking on chocolate-dipped ricciarelli almond cookies, then climb the UNESCO-listed Torre Grossa for sublime views over the patchwork valleys. Nearby Volterra charms with an intact Roman theater and Etruscan ruins - a testament to the region's ancient roots.
For many travelers, however, the quintessential Tuscan scene unfolds in Val d'Orcia. This slice of pastoral paradise resembles a living Renaissance painting, with little changing over the centuries. Linger over a long lunch in Pienza, surveying the undulating landscape from your table. Tour the vineyards producing the Brunello and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano the area is famed for. Then watch the sunset gild rolling fields and distant castles into something magical.