Best places to travel in 2023: National Geographic unveils list of top 25 destinations for next year

From craft breweries in South Korea to turtle nesting grounds in Trinidad and Tobago, the list highlights adventures near and far.

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Exploring Scotland and its impact on fighting climate changeABC News Foreign Correspondent Maggie Rulli is in Sutherland, one of the places on National Geographic's annual "Best of the World" list.

Need inspiration for your next travel destination? National Geographic has you covered.

Its "Best of the World 2023" list, unveiled Wednesday, highlights 25 must-see destinations near and far, from craft breweries in Busan, South Korea, to the world's densest leatherback turtle nesting ground in Trinidad and Tobago.

The silhouettes of visitors are seen as they look at the city skyline at an observation deck in Busan, South Korea, on Aug. 1, 2015.
SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Created in close collaboration with NatGeo's team of travel experts and international editors, "Best of the World" takes a "deeper dive into places all over the globe that are providing experiences that are unique and beneficial for both locals and travelers," Amy Alipio, senior editor at National Geographic Travel.

"We also worked hard to provide lesser-known gems on the list, equally inspiring alternatives to destinations that have become overcrowded (think Choquequirao vs. Machu Picchu in Peru)," Alipio said in a statement.

Hidden in the Peruvian Andes, the Inca ruins of Choquequirao are reachable only on foot -- for now.
Victor Zea, National Geographic

National Geographic groups the list into five categories: Family, educational journeys for all generations; Adventure, exciting activities in breathtaking places; Culture, explorations of history and heritage; Nature, escapes to wild, beautiful places; and the newly-added Community, healing journeys, community conservation, giving back, sustainable places and more.

Among domestic destinations, Utah is highlighted for its rugged landscape and Milwaukee is featured for its revitalized warehouse district, the Historic Third Ward.

Twilight falls over Delicate Arch and other red rock formations in Arches National Park, one of Utah's five national parks.
Chad Copeland, Nat Geo Image Collection

Those jonesing for international adventure should consider The Greek island of Karpathos, a growing center of ecotourism, or Egypt, with its well preserved 4,300-year-old tomb of Khuwy.