Here to kick start the 2023 year of travel, the world’s largest travel guidance site, Tripadvisor, has revealed its Travelers Choice, Best of the Best Destination Awards.
By taking into account the hundreds of millions of travelers’ reviews on its site, Tripadvisor’s list of the best places to visit in 2023 is based on both the quantity and quality of users’ ratings and reviews.
What makes this list unique compared to the numerous other “upcoming travel trends” rankings is the source. Instead of relying on tourism editors and industry insiders to predict the next travel hotspots, this list is straight from the source itself — travelers.
Based on the insights of millions of travelers who have visited these destinations, Tripadvisor uses real-life data to assemble these rankings. This results in destinations you might not find on some other lists and locations that offer affordable, tourist-friendly activities for guests of all ages.
The Top 10 Trending Destinations In The U.S.
Juneau, Alaska
As if you needed one more reason to add Alaska to your travel bucket list, Its state capital of Juneau claims the top spot on this list for 2023 destinations. Showcasing the United States’ largest areas of wilderness, Juneau offers visitors endless opportunities to get in touch with nature.
Located at the base of Mount Juneau, the city is the ideal stop for a getaway into the vast Alaskan wilderness. From whale watching to glacier spotting, travelers are spoiled for choice in Juneau.
Page, Arizona
Arizona has no shortage of stunning vacation ideas, and the small town of Page is no exception. Full of Native-American heritage, canyons, and iconic red rock formations, it’s easy to see why Page makes the list of best destinations of 2023.
The perfect base for exploring the American Southwest, Page is wildly regarded as one of Arizona’s most beautiful destinations. Exploring the stunning Antelope Canyon is a must, and activities and tours are also available for Lake Powell, Grand Staircase National Monument, and Horseshoe Bend.
Salem, Massachusetts
Next on the list is a spookier destination, the famous town of Salem, Massachusetts. In a city that’s bursting with history, the clear choice in Salem is a haunting tour. Choose a nighttime one, if you dare, for a guaranteed frightening experience.
Those here for the witching hour can also enjoy a tour of filming locations from the cult classic movie Hocus Pocus and visit the numerous witch museums and houses. Witching aside, Salem’s New England location makes the perfect place to peep the fall foliage in autumn.
Sonoma, California
It might not be a surprise to see Sonoma on this list of best destinations for 2023, as this California town is known for being a traveler favorite for many reasons. Located only an hour from San Francisco and considered to be a more laid-back version of Napa Valley, Sonoma is increasingly being favored for wine-country vacations.
It should come as no surprise that the most popular thing to do in Sonoma is wine tasting, although spas and shopping are not far behind. Those looking to head into nature favor Sonoma for its proximity to both the iconic Pacific coast as well as the famous redwoods.
Tierra Verde, Florida
Immerse yourself in the nature of beautiful South Florida at Tierra Verde. Located just past the tip of St. Petersburg, this little boating community is the perfect jumping-off point to some of the best wildlife in the area. Tierra Verde is a favorite with travelers for both nature and the small-town vibes. Spend your day touring the mangroves with a clear bottom kayak and your evening enjoying fresh seafood and cold drinks along the waterfront.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Some might be surprised to see Philadelphia on this list, but there is so much to see and do in the original capital of the USA. Family-friendly options such as walking tours include iconic and historic spots all around town, from the Liberty Bell to Little Italy. The Art Museum is a must-see, and of course, if you can’t help yourself, you can always run up the steps in homage to Rocky.
San Juan Islands, Washington
Located off the coast of Washington State, the San Juan Islands are nestled among the borders of Victoria and Vancouver. It’s easy to see why these islands are a fan favorite among travel destinations for 2023.
Whale watching from Friday Harbor is a must-do, especially since these islands are most known for their resident pods of Orcas that inhabit their waters. Other activities include hiking, biking, kayaking, and enjoying many of the area’s farm-to-table restaurants.
Camden, Maine
This idyllic seaside hamlet along the coast of Maine is a perfect place for a getaway, and the town’s many museums and galleries showcase its rich history. The mountains meet the sea here in Camden, and the small postcard-perfect town is only an hour and a half’s drive from Portland.
Camden is becoming more and more popular with people looking for a seaside escape away from the typical New England beach crowds of Nantucket or Bar Harbor.
Galena, Illinois
If you’ve never heard of Galena, don’t worry. This city seems to fly under the radar, with nearby Chicago taking the majority of the Illinois tourists. There is plenty to do in this 19th-century town, located just east of the Mississippi River. Voted as one of “America’s Best Main Streets”, what Galena lacks in chain restaurants, it makes up for with small boutiques and mom-and-pop diners.
This little historic gem is surrounded by farmlands and vineyards, offering a number of accommodations no matter what you are looking for.
Whitefish, Montana
Continuously ranked as one of the best ski towns in the US, Whitefish is growing in popularity with both US and Canadian travelers alike. Being the perfect base to explore Glacier National Park, Whitefish’s main street is lined with small independent galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, and offers something for even those who are not here to ski. Another thing that
Whitefish isn’t lacking is Montana charm, and visitors in the warmer weather can take advantage of the numerous hiking, cycling, and paddling activities that the area is known for.
