Lonely Planet's best travel destinations for 2023

Collage of a hand giving a thumbs up to a smartphone containing a backpack.

The new year approaches fast, and with it comes annual leave, holidays, and wanderlust. So if you’re looking for inspiration for destinations to visit in 2023, here are some hot recommendations from Lonely Planet’s best-in-travel list

Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!

What is Lonely Planet’s best in travel list?

Image courtesy of Lonely Planet "Best in Travel".

Every year, travel website Lonely Planet unveils its top thirty picks for unique destinations to check out over the year. These holiday hotspots are grouped by what you want to do, whether it’s eating, journeying, unwinding, connecting, or learning. 

Here are the winners for 2023.

If you want to eat fascinating world cuisines

A bowl of eggy noodles in Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Image courtesy of Getty.

According to Lonely Planet, travelling foodies will do well to check out:

  • Lima, Peru
  • Umbria, Italy
  • Fukuoka, Japan
  • Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Montevideo, Uruguay
  • South Africa

If you want to go on a journey

Tents by a sunset sea in Nova Scotia.
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. Image courtesy of Getty.

Lonely Planet reckons travellers with road trips and adventures in mind will be fascinated by:

  • Nova Scotia, Canada
  • Bhutan
  • Parques Nacionales Naturales, Colombia
  • The Istanbul to Sofia train in Turkiye
  • Western Australia
  • Zambia

If you just want to unwind

Sapphire coast in Greece.
Halkidiki, Greece. Image courtesy of Getty.

Relaxation is a fantastic way to make the most of your holiday. Lonely Planet recommends these destinations for chill travellers:

  • Dominica
  • Halkidiki, Greece
  • Jamaica
  • Jordan
  • Malta
  • Raja Ampat, Indonesia

If you want to connect with communities

Mountain goats in Denali National Park, Alaska.
Denali National Park, Alaska, USA. Image courtesy of Getty.

Meeting fascinating new people can be a great perk of travelling. If you want to connect and immerse yourself, Lonely Planet suggests checking out:

  • Accra, Ghana
  • Albania
  • Sydney, Australia
  • Guyana
  • Boise, USA
  • Alaska, USA

And yep, domestic travel insurance for Australia is a thing!

If you want to learn new things

Cerro Verde, Santa Ana, El Salvador. Image courtesy of Getty.

Travelling the world can introduce you to new cultures, knowledge, and experiences you simply can’t get at home. So if you’re keen to expand your horizons, Lonely Planet recommends learning from the locals in:

  • New Mexico, USA
  • El Salvador
  • Dresden, Germany
  • Marseille, France
  • Manchester, United Kingdom
  • Southern Scotland

Jetsetting soon? Compare international travel insurance policies below, or head to our best travel insurance page for award-winning picks.

Compare international travel insurance policies

Mozo may receive payment if you click to the website of one of the products below. Mozo does not compare the entire market.
Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits.
Last updated 5 October 2024 Important disclosures
  • International Travel Insurance
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    $5,000 limit per policy with option to increase limit

    Get protection in a few simple steps with Freely travel insurance all in the palm of your hand. Freely Travel offers 24/7 emergency and medical support, 24/7 customer service. Plus, you can tailor your policy so you only pay for what you need, and adapt your cover in near real time. Add-ons such as car rental excess, snow sports or other activities also available. Receive 10% off your travel insurance policy with promo code: MOZO10. T&Cs apply, go to site for full detail.

    Details
  • Comprehensive
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    No
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Unlimited

    Enjoy unlimited medical cover and 24/7 emergency assistance services when you travel. Get unlimited cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses. Cover for luggage and travel documents. $5,000,000 personal liability cover.

    Details
  • Comprehensive
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose $10,000 to Unlimited

    Backed by the NIB, one of Australia’s largest travel insurance providers, Travel Insurance Saver brings you peace of mind on your travels. Compare three tiers of insurance cover, featuring benefits like 24 hour emergency assistance, emergency medical cover, luggage cover, cancellation cover and more.

    Details
  • International Comprehensive Single
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Choose $2,500 to Unlimited

    Enjoy the security of single trip cover on your next holiday with Southern Cross Travel Insurance. Get 24 hour emergency assistance, cover for cancelling or changing your journey before you leave, protection for lost, stolen or damaged goods as well as cover to replace lost or stolen cash, banks or travel documents. Be in to win 1 of 5 $1,000 cash prizes! T&Cs Apply. Offer ends 30 September 2023.

    Details
  • Top
    covid medical cover
    Yes
    covid cancellation cover
    Yes
    overseas hospital
    Unlimited
    cancellation cover
    Unlimited

    Be covered for international overseas and medical expenses. Emergency medical assistance 24 hours/365 days a year. Cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits. Cover for luggage and personal money. Dependents covered free of charge (conditions apply). Limited COVID cover available. Cancellation cover for COVID claims limited to $3,500.

    Details

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Travel Insurance Awards

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.