Last week I shared Five Amazing Destinations in the U.S. in 2023. This week let’s discuss five amazing worldwide destinations for 2023.
The Arctic
Last year the trend was Antarctica, and this year, the Arctic. More and more tour companies are offering trips to the Artic from places like Norway, Iceland, Greenland, and Canada. Most of these tours are a combination of land and sea tours. Here are five things to do in the Arctic.
Whale Watch
Seventeen types of whales inhabit the Arctic, but the three rare species that people want to see are narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales. Personally, seeing a Beluga would be top of my list.
Polar Bear Watching
Many of us have seen black bears or grizzly bears, but have you seen a polar bear in the wild? It is just another adventure you can do while visiting the Arctic.
Hiking
Explore the beautiful trails of places that very few people worldwide will ever see.
Kayaking
Experiencing the Arctic from a sea kayak allows you to get close to floating ice and a different perspective on wildlife.
Sail through the Fjords
Why not cruise through the northern fjords off the coast of mainland Norway and Svalbard, an island closest to the North Pole? It claims to be some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Douro Valley,Portugal
Douro Valley in Portugal is known as Portugal’s wine region. With its breathtaking landscape, starting with Porto, explore the entire area by car, boat, or train. There is a reason it is listed as a World Heritage site. Pick one of these activities or do all five. Whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed.
Wine Tour
This region of Portugal is known for its port and table wines and is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Why not visit one of the many wineries that line these hillsides and take a taste or two?
Explore by Car
Rent a car and drive along the river. Here you will see beautiful landscapes, attend a wine tasting, and visit lovely villages and towns that make this area unique. A great place to stop is O Carrascalinho Lookout. This is a half-hour drive south of Mogadouro, through the village of Fornos, to this remote yet spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Douro River in the Douro International Natural Park.
Douro Museum
The museum is a restored wine warehouse on the river. It is dedicated to the wine-making industry in the region. Learn the history of this region and see how hard the farmers and winemakers have to work to earn a livelihood. You will walk away with a greater appreciation of the area.
A Boat Ride
Another great activity is to take a boat ride on the Doura River. As you cruise along the river, stop for a tasting of port wine and olive oil at estates along the way, and perhaps enjoy a delicious locally sourced lunch and spin on a traditional wooden Rabelo boat.
Swim at Congida Beach
Congida River Beach is located within Duoro International Park, next to the border of Spain. In addition, the beach area includes swimming pools, a playground, a picnic area with barbecue grills, a bar, and several other facilities.
Yukon Territory, Canada
Yukon Wildlife Preserve
The wildlife preserve is a beautiful place to see animals making Yukon their home. The preserve consists of a three-mile viewing loop on foot, by ski, snowshoe, or on a guided bus. There are 150 animals spread out over 350 acres. It is the only wildlife rehabilitation center in the Yukon and has over a dozen iconic Yukon species in their natural habitat. This includes thinhorn sheep, wood bison, Arctic Fox, and more. You can find more information here.
Emerald Lake
Other than taking photos, there is not much to do here. It is not a place to go swimming (the water is freezing) or boating, but the view is fantastic! The lake is one of the most photographed destinations in the Yukon. We visited Emerald Lake in 2017, and I could not believe the color. Photos do not do this place justice.
Takhini Hot Springs
There’s nothing like a nice soak in steaming hot water to help you relax. Takhini Hot Spring is located outside Whitehorse and has existed for 100 years. Not only does it have hot springs, but it is also a campground. So if you are interested in camping in this area, it sounds like a great place to stay.
Tombstone Territorial Park
Tombstone Territorial Park is located only 177 miles from the Arctic Circle. The park has stunning arctic tundra landscapes and is a popular destination for hiking, car camping, backcountry camping, wildlife viewing, and winter recreation. Be sure to drop by the Tombstone Interpretive Center, open from mid-May to the third week of September. Fishing licenses, camping permits, and maps are for sale. There are some interpretive programs, a gift shop, and bathrooms. This area is rich in First Nations culture and home to Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in.
Kluane National Park
In the southwest part of the Yukon lies Kluane National Park. The world’s largest nonpolar ice fields are located here. One of the best ways to experience that is to fly in a biplane over the snow-capped mountains and glaciers; the views are astounding.
Cairo, Egypt
Visits to Egypt have been on the rise over the last few years. While there are so many places to see, visiting Egypt would not be the same without visiting its capital, Cairo. The city is most famous for being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids and the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence.
Great Sphinx of Giza
Among the world’s largest sculptures, this mythical part-human, part-lion creature was carved from a single piece of limestone and measures 240 feet long and 66 feet high.
Egyptian Museum & King Tut Collection Viewing
Take a tour of this esteemed museum, dedicated to preserving the past 7,000 years of Egyptian history.
Khan el-Khalili, a major souk or bazaar
This open-air bazaar was established in the 14th century and is the oldest marketplace in the middle east selling Egyptian gifts. The marketplace is full of colorful lanterns, musical instruments, and handicrafts. It is a great place to grab an Arabic coffee in one of the traditional coffee houses and shop for inexpensive finds.
Islamic Cairo
Islamic Cairo is the historic heart of Cairo. This area contains one of the largest collections of historic architecture in the Islamic world and a World Cultural Heritage Site. You can learn more here.
Wales
Wales is a country known for its warm heart. It is part of Great Britain but has a very district culture and way of life. When my grandparents toured England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, Wales was their favorite of all the countries. Here are five must-dos when in Wales.
Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia is the oldest park in Wales and home to Mount Snowdonia, the largest mountain in England and Wales. It is a pretty popular hike, but don’t worry; there’s a mountain railway if you don’t fancy the hike to the top.
Conwy Castle
I am always a sucker for a castle, and this particular one is stunning. At 736 years old, Conwy Castle does not disappoint those who visit. It is easily up there as one of the best things to do in Wales. It is no wonder the castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit a Quaint Fishing Village
Tenby is a quaint, historic fishing village that’s too beautiful to miss. Many have called Tenby their favorite seaside town and certainly one of the best things to do in Wales if you want to visit a charming little piece of the country.
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital of Wales, nestled on the northwest coast. Some things to do in Wales are tour Cardiff castle, visit Cardiff Bay, learn about Welsh history at the National Museum Cardiff, stroll through Roath park, or check out one of the many other castles in and around Cardiff.
Portmeirion
Portmeirion is a charming Italian/Welsh village that’s too beautiful to miss.
Have you been to any of these destinations? I would love to know.
All photos are courtesy of Dreamtimes.
