Unleash your wanderlust: Where to go in 2023

Travel Trends 2023 trips from a travel blogger
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You’re looking for travel inspiration in 2023? And you were wondering which countries and regions are trending this year? Whether you’re a stay-at-home vacationer or a globetrotter, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered! I’ve curated a list of five thrilling and diverse destinations that you can visit this year, whether you prefer to stay close to home or venture to far-off countries. Are you ready for an adventure?

Many of us had to postpone their travels in recent years. But luckily, we can now pursue our greatest passion – that is travelling of course – almost unrestrictedly again. The options are numerous, and deciding on a destination this year can be tough.

The five destinations I present to you here hold a special place in my heart, and I have already visited them myself. Some of them are also on my travel list again this year.

Nature at its best in Baja California: Discovering Mexico’s Pacific coast

Mexico’s versatility knows no bounds. With a country 23 times larger than Austria, that’s not surprising. If you have already explored the Caribbean side of Mexico in Yucatan and followed the traces of the ancient ruins of the Maya and the dreamy beaches, you will undoubtedly want to see more of the rest of the country.

There are 2,000 kilometers as the crow flies between the Yucatan Peninsula and the state of Baja California Sur – that’s all of Mexico. A distance that is worth overcoming because what awaits you here is hard to put into words. Nature is unique and always full of surprises. The coastal city of Cabo San Lucas is located at the southernmost tip of the peninsula – here, the warm water of the Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean meet. Depending on the season, humpback whales, gray whales, dolphins, and orcas can be observed from the boat. With a little luck, you can even see the huge marine mammals from the beach. And this incomparable diversity is why I’m heading back there this year. I will be spending six weeks in Mexico, and there’s a lot on my itinerary!

Tip: Sustainable tour operators like Dive Ninjas Expeditions share their immense knowledge about their home and the sea with great enthusiasm.

Other highlights in Baja California

  • Explore street art in the city of La Paz
  • Take a road trip along the coast and find the perfect spot in the sun
  • Watch turtles hatch and release them into the sea in Todos Santos

Be active in Bregenzerwald: Discovering Vorarlberg’s gentle side.

What lies behind the Arlberg is a well-kept secret for many Austrians, and many don’t ever venture there to explore it. The longer journey may deter some, but don’t worry – it’s worth it! Because Austria’s westernmost state offers a wealth of opportunities for a great active holiday. Whether hiking, skiing, or mountain biking, whether culture or culinary delights, here you can find everything. And it’s especially beautiful in Bregenzerwald. The picturesque mountain landscape is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy their holiday gently and awaken their senses.

Bregenzerwald is known for its architecture and craftsmanship, which are visible everywhere. In many small villages such as Mellau, Bizau, or Egg, there are specially designed walking trails that pass interesting buildings. These walks are called “Umgang,” and you can discover this side of the Bregenzerwald on your own and spend time outside.

So how about a vacation within Austria that also carries the components of “distant” and “undiscovered”? Then, off to the Bregenzerwald to get to know Austria from a different perspective!

More highlights in the Bregenzerwald

  • At Werkraum in Andelsbuch, regional craftsmanship is exhibited and sold in the shop.
  • Seven bus stops in Krumbach were designed by international architects – and they are worth seeing! The project is called BUS: STOP.
  • In Margit’s farm shop in Au, there’s delicious mountain cheese and high-quality meat products.

Tip: During your summer vacation, with the guest card, you can access many mountain cable cars for free. By the way, public transportation is also included in the card.
Accommodation tip: Hotel Adler in Au not only impresses with its culinary skills, but also with its spacious wellness area, including an infinity pool in the heart of Bregenzerwald!

Sailing the Seychelles: Sail away to paradise in the Indian Ocean

Have you ever dreamed of visiting the Seychelles? Finding yourself in a paradise that can actually live up to the pictures we associate with these islands? The Seychelles have become a seemingly unattainable destination for many. So why not make this dream come true in 2023 and take a flight to the Indian Ocean?

The Seychelles can be easily explored on your own, hopping from island to island and taking all the time you need to explore each place. Another great option is a week-long cruise through the Inner Islands of the Seychelles with Silhouette Cruises. The journey starts comfortably at the port of the capital Victoria on the main island of Mahé. During the week, you will reach true paradise beaches like those on La Digue or Grande Soeur (Big Sister Island). You will be well taken care of in terms of culinary delights, and any wishes will be met on board. If you want to be active, you can rent one of the kayaks or stand-up paddle boards and enjoy the picturesque turquoise water. And what could be better than sipping a cocktail on a large sailing boat while watching the sunset over the sea?

Tip: Ethiopian Airlines flies daily from Vienna (and many other destinations) via Addis Ababa to the Seychelles. The flights are scheduled to arrive on Mahé is in the afternoon – a window seat is worth it! By the way, Ethiopian Airlines allows two checked bags as standard.

Tip: Silhouette Cruises offers vacation moments you will remember forever on three different ships.

A special road trip in Lower Silesia: Discover a unique region in Poland

Poland is not far away – just go through the Czech Republic and you are there! And what awaits you there is truly unique! Those planning a road trip in 2023 shouldn’t necessarily look for inspiration in the south. Because there is also plenty to discover north of our state border. The region of Lower Silesia can be reached by car from Vienna or Linz in just over five hours.

Castles, palaces, manors – there’s an abundance of them in Lower Silesia. And most of them are well-preserved and open for visitors. Over the years, some of them have been transformed into hotels or restaurants, so you can either dine or spend the night there, or at least take a walk outside. The Fürstenstein Castle (Zamek Książ) and the Tzschocha Castle (Zamek Czocha) are among the most impressive buildings in the region. But the Peace Churches in Jawor and Świdnica are also a must-see when visiting Lower Silesia.

Other highlights in the region

  • Tyrolean Houses (Dom Tyrolski) in Mysłakowice
  • Abandoned Uranium Mine in Kowary
  • Hiking in the mountain range called Giant Mountains

Tip: The Kwieci Guesthouse in Kwieciszowice is the perfect base for exploring the region. Every evening, fresh ingredients from the region are used to cook for the guests – don’t miss it!

Read this: My detailed blog post about our Lower Silesia road trip.

Island, but different! Exploring the Channel Island of Guernsey

If you’re looking for gentle landscapes, the sea, and British coziness, you’ll find a paradise on Guernsey. The island, located in the English Channel between Great Britain and France, is part of the Channel Islands. These also include Jersey, Alderney, Herm, and Sark. And while all of these islands are worth exploring, Guernsey is a particularly well-kept secret.

The small port town of St. Peter Port is also the capital of Guernsey. Victor Hugo lived in Hauteville House during his exile here. The impressive townhouse can now be visited as part of guided tours. From the top, you have a magnificent view over the town and the harbour. Candie Gardens are worth a visit in spring when everything is in bloom and you can sit on one of the wooden benches and read a book.

Tip: Le Nautique in St. Peter Port is the oldest restaurant in town and a paradise for fish lovers. On the first floor, you also have a brilliant view of Castle Cornet.

But don’t just stay in St. Peter Port: Lihou Island is a nature reserve and only accessible at low tide. Then a path in the west of Guernsey leads to the small island. Be sure to keep your eyes open: seaweed and barnacles are found alongside the path and are fascinating to observe.

Other recommendations for Guernsey

Overall, a trip to the island of Guernsey is a wonderful way to escape everyday life and enjoy a peaceful and natural environment. The island offers something for every taste and will surely be an unforgettable experience.

Tip: Flights to Guernsey usually go via London. So why not combine the two destinations?!

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Viktoria Urbanek Travel Blog Chronic Wanderlust

Grüß dich, I'm Viki!

At Chronic Wanderlust, I write about my two great passions: travelling and diving – and have been doing so since 2013.

I usually spend a solid majority of the year travelling to experience extraordinary underwater adventures, taking road trips through countries I don’t know (yet) or exploring my home country of Austria.

As a certified divemaster, passionate underwater & travel photographer, road trip enthusiast and individual traveller, I collect unique moments all over the world.

I don’t believe that severe cases of wanderlust – aka chronic wanderlust – can be cured, only treated. On this blog, I want to show you how this can best be realised.

Curious to get to know me better?