Ready and raring to make 2023 the best year yet? Sure you are! Check out some of our favourite bucket list travel experiences and fill your diary with wonder, adventure and endless fun in the sun…
1. Explore Mexico’s Cenotes
First up, magical Mexico! Jet off to the spotless, sandy shores of Tulum or the fascinating Yucatan Peninsula and spend a glorious afternoon making a splash in one of Mexico’s many breathtaking cenotes. Swimming through these incredible cave-like sinkholes is the perfect way to cool down in the sizzling Mexican sun, and it certainly makes for an experience you’ll never forget!
2. Cruise The Mediterranean Sea
One thing we’re longing to do this year is treat ourselves to a cruise. Marella Cruises are just incredible – they’re luxurious, comfortable and the perfect way to see multiple fabulous destinations all in one trip. Our top pick for 2023 would be a tour of the Med, with stops at dreamy destinations such as Majorca, Italy and France. With All Inclusive refreshments and wonderful on-board entertainment, your trip will be total bliss!
3. Go to Mardi-Gras in New Orleans
Fancy living it up at one of the biggest, most flamboyant parties on the planet? Bring Mardi-Gras in New Orleans to the top of your bucket list! This Christian celebration sees parades float through the streets among crowds of people dancing, singing and indulging in delicious food. The city of New Orleans is just spectacular whatever time of year, but your trip will be that bit more special if you visit for Mardi-Gras.
4. Watch for Turtles in Cape Verde
Cape Verde is one of our favourite destinations for total tranquility and relaxation in the most stunning surroundings. The beaches are unrivalled, with sugary white sands and bright turquoise waves. It’s also one of the best places in the world for spotting turtles! You could go snorkelling and hope one passes you by or even take an evening tour to see these beautiful creatures nesting on the beach.
5. See a Santorini Sunset
Watching the sun go down with a glass of your favourite tipple is a holiday staple, and you won’t find a sunset in the world quite as dazzling as Santorini’s. Perch yourself on the heavenly hillside of Oia and see the mish-mash of whitewashed buildings and blue domes glowing in the last remaining rays of the day. It’s possibly one of the most romantic spots in the world!
6. Go Scuba diving in Egypt
Do you have a thirst for adventure in 2023? Dive into a tropical underwater world at one of the best destinations for scuba diving trips – Egypt! You’ll be blown away by the colourful creatures beneath the waves, and when you’re not enjoying exploring in the water, you’ll be able to get some well-earned rest under the baking hot African sun. Sounds like a total dream to us!
7. Stargaze in Tenerife
The Canary Islands have long been one of our most popular destinations, and it’s not hard to see why. They have year-round fabulous weather, incredible hotels and so much to explore. One of our favourite experiences to have in the Canaries is on the island of Tenerife. You can hike to the top of the famous Mount Teide and spend some time gazing at the stars above for a night you’ll remember forever.
8. Go Skiing in the French Alps
Extraordinary mountain views, adrenaline pumping through your body, warming mulled wine and laughs that never end… These are just some of the things that make ski holidays so spectacular! Head to the French Alps this year and discover the biggest ski lift and piste network in the world. Whether you’re chilling in your chalet or meandering on fresh powder, you’ll have the time of your life.
9. Visit Pamukkale in Turkey
Grab your camera, because this stunning spot in Turkey is unlike anywhere else you’ll have ever seen. Pamukkale, literally translating to mean ‘cotton castle’, is a striking town where swirling blue mineral-rich water flows through white hillside terraces to create the most magical vision. It’s a geological phenomenon that people flock to from all over the world, and it’s certainly worthy of a spot on your 2023 bucket list!
10. Party in Budapest’s Ruin Bars
Budapest is a city that has it all – you can visit thermal spas, marvel at Buda Castle, cycle around Margaret Island and, most importantly, enjoy a drink (or three!) at the famous ‘ruin bars’. These quirky, cool bars are in the remnants of derelict buildings, hence their name. They’ve got great music, eccentric decoration, tasty drinks and best of all, amazing prices. If you like to party, this one’s a must!
11. Spot the Northern Lights in Iceland
Catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is on many people’s bucket lists. The skies illuminated with a dancing greeny-yellow glow makes for a magical experience, especially when you’re in a country as incredible as Iceland. While you’re not totally guaranteed to see the aurora borealis on your trip, there are plenty of organised tours you can hop on to heighten your chances. We’d say, go for it!
12. Have a Gondola Ride in Venice
Ah, Venice – the ‘Floating City’! We just love this charming and beautiful place in the north east of Italy. There’s nothing quite as relaxing and romantic as taking a gondola ride through winding Venetian canals, under bridges and by old gothic buildings. It’s simply the best way to see the sights. Particularly when you visit in summer, this bucket list experience will not disappoint!
13. See the Seven Coloured Earths in Mauritius
Heading to more tropical climes, our next thing to add to your 2023 bucket list is a visit to the Seven Coloured Earths in Mauritius. This phenomenal natural formation, as the name suggests, is made up of seven colours: red, brown, violet, blue, green, purple and yellow. The rolling sand dunes are formed by rare volcanic activity, and settle spontaneously in different layers, giving a psychedelic vision for the thousands of tourists who visit each year!
14. Stay in an Overwater Bungalow in the Maldives
Let’s face it – luxury holidays don’t come much more extravagant than your own overwater bungalow in the Maldives! If you really want to live the high life in 2023, treating yourself to some downtime in paradise is just the ticket. There are so many beautiful places to stay on these tropical islands, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Think beach cabanas, balcony hammocks, private pools and slides into the sea… What could be better?
15. Go to Oktoberfest in Munich
Those who love fresh, crisp beers and having a laugh a minute with their pals will fall in love with Munich. It’s a city with so many pubs just brimming with tasty local drinks and buzzing with a lively atmosphere. The annual Oktoberfest will have you swinging your beer tankard and singing with strangers (possibly donning a traditional Lederhosen or Dirndl!) from the afternoon, deep into the night. The fun never ends at Oktoberfest!
16. Visit James Bond Island in Thailand
Want to escape to total paradise this year? Thailand has so many treasures to discover, one of our favourites being the iconic Khao Phing Kan, better known as James Bond Island. It’s one of the most famous filming locations for the 007 films, giving the perfect backdrop for exciting scenes from The Man With The Golden Gun. The luscious green surroundings and twinkling blue water make it feel like heaven on Earth!
17. Go on Safari in Senegal
A safari trip is another thing that tops many a bucket list. What could be more amazing than cruising through vast African plains and spotting beautiful animals in their natural habitat? Senegal is a hidden gem of holiday destinations, and a great one for safari. You can expect to see the likes of lions, giraffes, elephants, warthogs, rhinos, buffalos… the list goes on! You’ll feel like you’ve been thrown into a scene from the Lion King.
18. Take a Christmas Trip to Lapland
Fancy having something magical to look forward to at the end of the year? Whisk yourself away to the ultimate winter wonderland and the home of Saint Nick himself – Lapland! With snow-dusted trees and husky rides, it’s like a painting from a Christmas card. You can visit Lapland for the day or have a few nights of festive bliss. Either way, you’re guaranteed to be in the Christmas spirit by the time you return home!
19. Go Island Hopping in Croatia
This next bucket list experience takes you to much sunnier scenes in captivating Croatia. Did you know that Croatia has more than 1,000 islands? Take a day or two and hop from one to the next for an experience like no other. You’ll come across secluded beaches and quaint coastal towns, probably passing by swanky yachts along the way. An island hopping tour is the perfect way to add something different to your Croatia holiday!
20. Have Tapas and Sangria in Barcelona
If you’re into delicious food and drink, a city break to Barcelona will tick all your boxes. As well as being one of the art capitals of the world and having marvellous architecture, Barcelona is the perfect place to relax and enjoy time with loved ones. There’s no better way to spend an afternoon than sipping sangria and sampling tasty tapas under the sizzling Spanish sunshine. Your worries will simply melt away!
21. Climb Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica
Love rum, reggae, jerk chicken and chilled-out vibes? Jamaica is your perfect destination for 2023! One of the most popular places in this colourful Caribbean country is the incredible Dunn’s River Falls. A trip to this gorgeous spot in Ocho Rios will see you climb tumbling waterfalls, swim in jungle lagoons and really get to soak in the beauty of the island. It’s an adventure from start to finish!
22. See The Rockefeller Tree in NYC
Heading over to the city that never sleeps, this festive bucket list experience is one you won’t want to miss. Winter in New York is a total dream! You’ll recognise the bright lights of the NYC skyline and the charm of Central Park from many classic Christmas films. One spot in particular that will give you a real pinch-me moment is the huge Rockefeller Center Christmas tree perched above the glowing ice rink below. It’s a sight you’d never tire of!
23. Make a Wish at the Trevi Fountain in Rome
Rome is full of wonders, from the ancient Colosseum to the magnificent Vatican City. You know you’ve really experienced Rome when you’ve tossed a coin into the Trevi Fountain and made a wish. This bucket list experience is one of our favourites because once you’ve admired the beautiful Trevi Fountain, you can take yourself off for an evening of pizza, pasta and Italian vino. Perfection!
Ready to get started?
Now we’ve inspired you, it’s time to get working on your own 2023 bucket list! We have hundreds of amazing deals to destinations all over the world to help you tick off some of the experiences you’d love the most. Search for your perfect getaway, and don’t forget to sign up to our mailing list below to get all our best deals dropped straight to your inbox. You’ll be jetting off in no time at all!
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