After a 2 year semi-hiatus, Frommer’s Best Places to Go list is back in full force and features some exciting destinations that travelers should consider exploring on their next adventure.
The list is compiled by staff and contributors of Frommer’s, one of the world’s most popular travel guides, and features places around the globe that have given their experts optimism for the future of travel given the current global climate and the challenges that they bring to travel and tourism.
Specifically, the chosen destinations were picked for “making milestones and heading in new directions, adding fresh attractions and gussying up old standbys, recovering from past challenges and emerging as formidable competitors for more established tourism epicenters.” The full list of destinations is below, and we’ve highlighted our favorite 3 destinations from the list that we think you should consider visiting in 2023.
Japan
After 2 years of very strict travel regulations, Japan finally let up on its remaining entry requirements on October 11. Now, visitors only need proof of three COVID-19 vaccines or a negative PCR test before arrival. Flights to Japan have resumed, and tourism is on track to return to normal.
Why You Should Go:
If you’ve ever dreamed of a visit to Japan, now is the time to go. The U.S. Dollar is at a high, and the Japanese Yen is at a low, which means your money will go further than it has in almost 25 years. Whether you want to welcome the sunrise from the top of Mount Fuji, eat your way through Tokyo’s famed sushi bars, or explore the ancient temples of Kyoto, a trip to Japan will reward you in many ways.
Best Time To Visit:
Japan’s climate is comparable to the East Coast of the U.S., meaning it can be a good destination to visit year-round, depending on your itinerary. Spring and Fall are two of the best times to visit, with spectacular foliage, cultural festivals, and favorable weather. Avoid visiting during New Year’s, the first week of May, and mid-August if you want to doge massive crowds and inflated prices due to the Japanese holidays.
Athens, Greece
The ancient city of Athens has so much to offer – world-class museums, mouth-watering cuisine, and fascinating historic sites, and it is the most economical big city to visit in Europe. According to a study by the Guardian, average prices in Athens have fallen more than 15% since 2021 – tourists can now expect to spend less than half of what they would in other European cities, including Paris, Dublin, and Amsterdam.
Why You Should Go:
Lovers of culture will have no shortage of things to do in Athens. From ancient ruins to new museums, Athens has so much history and culture to show off. But it is not a city stuck in the past – its modern developments and chic neighborhoods provide tourists with endless options to fulfill their travel desires.
Best Time To Visit:
Given its temperate Mediterranean climate, Athens is good for year-round travel, although it is advised to avoid the city during the often stifling month of August when temperatures soar, and the city’s smog is at its worst.
The Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands, comprised of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands, has invested big in recovery and shown admirable resilience over the past 5 years. In 2017 the islands suffered major damage from back-to-back category 5 hurricanes in 2017, and the economy, which is largely reliant on tourism, took a heavy hit during the pandemic when travel came to a sudden halt.
Now that the dust has largely settled, tourism is hitting record highs, and the Islands are making investments that will help tourists see the best of what they have to offer. Hotels and attractions have rebuilt, coming back stronger than ever, and St. Thomas in the USVI is due to spend $146 million on an impressive new waterfront district.
Why You Should Go:
The Virgin Islands really have something for everyone. The Islands each have their own character, so tourists can choose their destination based on the type of vacation they are looking for, or visit multiple islands for a truly varied getaway.
Nature enthusiasts will love exploring the beaches and hiking trails of Virgin Islands National Park in St. John, while those seeking out fantastic dining, nightlife, or shopping should visit bustling St. Thomas or St. Croix. The Islands collectively boast some of the best beaches in the world, and they are all open to the public – even those within private resorts, so no matter which island you choose, you’ll have plenty of options for sand and surf.
Best Time To Visit:
The most popular time to visit is from December – April, but the Islands typically have pleasant weather year-round because of favorable trade winds. Hurricane season officially runs from June – November, so if you plan on visiting then we recommend investing in travel insurance.
