12 under-the-radar destinations for 2023, according to experts

The journey awaits you contacted major tour operators to see which underrated tourist destinations should be on our radar for next year.

According to experts from G Adventures, Tauck, Intrepid Travel, EF Go Ahead Tours and Trafalgar, here are the under-the-radar destinations people need to put on their travel bucket list for 2023.

1. Bhutan, South Asia

“Bhutan is set to open the historic Trans Bhutan Trail later this year after a 60-year hiatus. This breathtaking little country offers beautiful landscapes and hikes, charming local villages and spirituality as the birthplace of the concept of Gross National Happiness. Bhutan is an unforgettable, low-key adventure for 2023.” — Marina Goodwin, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Brand Partnerships, EF Go Ahead Tours

2. The Azores, Portugal

“The Azores are such a hidden gem for American travelers. It’s not crowded, easy to get to, as spectacular as Iceland in terms of scenery, and it’s warmer. It offers some of the best and easiest hikes possible and some of the most magnificent views you can imagine. The food is great, the people are super friendly and the price is affordable. This should be on the to-do list for 2023-2024. —Yves Marceau, Vice President of Products, G Adventures

3. Tenerife, Spain

“Another destination that everyone should consider – and also little visited by Americans – is Tenerife. The climate in winter resembles that of Florida. United now offers a direct flight from New York, but it is also easily accessible via London, Madrid, Paris and Amsterdam. The cost is low and the island is spectacular. The hiking is accessible to most people, and the food and wine are world class. — Marceau, G Aventures

4. Croatia

“For those looking to explore a place in a new way, our Croatia and Greece sailing product is a perfect fit. Each night your small sailing group will dock in the city center on a different island or village/town perfect. You dine ashore, stroll through ancient cities during the day, and spend free time swimming or relaxing on deck. I was skeptical of a sailing adventure until I did my first (I’m not a sailor), but I got hooked. It’s a great way to disconnect while still being able to see and experience a variety of places in a unique way. — Marceau, G Adventures

5. Sorrento, Italy

“For those who don’t hike or sail: Try living like a local in Italy or Croatia. It is an experience of openness and depth. Travelers stay in one place (so you can unpack those bags!) but experience the area in much greater depth. Hosts make travelers feel like they are visiting old friends, as they share their homes, neighborhoods, and culture with travelers. The accommodations are comfortable and have private bathrooms, so even though it’s not a homestay, it still feels very intimate and immersive. These trips are also short enough that, if you wish, you can add a few days independently in the city of arrival. —Marceau, G Adventures

6. Egypt

Egyptian attractions, such as the Valley of the Kings, allow visitors to stroll through history, but Egypt isn’t just for history buffs. This unique destination is also for foodies, architecture enthusiasts, culture lovers, photographers and adventure travellers. Here are 7 reasons to put Egypt on your bucket list.

7. Jordan

Combine a visit to Egypt with a trip to Jordan on Tauck’s Jordan & Egypt: Petra to the Pyramids. Enjoy a three-night Nile cruise and 4×4 adventure through the moonscapes of Wadi Rum. Of course, no visit to Jordan is complete without a look at Petra and a dip in the Dead Sea. Tauck also allows you to combine a visit to Jordan with a visit to Israel.

8. Israel

Take a tour of Tauck of biblical proportions. The two-week tour of Israel and Jordan explores the “civilizations, cultures, history, traditions, religions and arts” of the Sea of ​​Galilee, Petra, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

9. Antarctica

If icebergs and penguins are your thing, check the southernmost continent off your bucket list and experience the icy wilderness of the Great White Continent on an Intrepid Travel tour of Antarctica.

10. Iceland

Home to icebergs and glaciers, geysers and other geothermal wonders, Iceland is full of natural beauty. Intrepid Travel offers several ways to experience Iceland. If you’re lucky, you might see the Northern Lights!

11. Costa Rica

Whether you’re a fan of outdoor adventure or lazing on the beach, Costa Rica is a stunning vacation destination in Central America. Here you can find amazing cloud forest, beautiful national parks, unique birds and other amazing wildlife. Costa Rican Intrepid Travel tours take visitors from the jungle to the coast.

12. Everest Base Camp

Boasting spectacular scenery, Intrepid Travel’s Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most spectacular and scenic in the Himalayas. The only problem? You must be between 18 and 29 years old for this adventure.

Related reading:

1. 17 most popular tourist destinations to visit in 2023, according to experts
2. 15 Lesser-Known Cities Around the World Our Writers Love
3. 9 best places to travel in 2022 according to experts