Lonely Planet names its top 30 places to visit in 2023 — with a twist

Lonely Planet has long been a go-to site for travel guides and tips and they’ve just dropped their Best in Travel list for 2023.

While the list includes their top 30 destinations, each with a curated itinerary, this year also comes with a unique twist. For the first time, they’re not ranking destinations but telling you the best type of trip to have there. The list is broken into 5 trip types: eat, journey, connect, learn, or unwind.

Here are some highlights:

Eat: Lima’s expansive culinary scene, including its cevicherías and knack for crafting fresh seafood dishes, make it the perfect destination for the travel foodie. With 2 of our writers having visited on their way to the Inca Trail this year, we can confirm Lima is a culinary gem.

Journey: For a trip that moves you, book a trip to Bhutan. There, you’ll experience traditional Buddhist culture, protected forests, and the scenic Trans Bhutan footpath, all the while having the snow-capped Himalayan mountain peaks as your view. 

Connect: Bustling markets, a buzzing nightlife, and dedicated community and artist spaces landed Accra, Ghana a featured spot on the Connect portion of Lonely Planet’s list. 

Learn: France’s beachy yet urban port city, Marseille, garnered a spot on the Learn list for its cultural diversity and rich history, creating a city that is equal parts French and Mediterranean.

Unwind: For a relaxing trip, skip Bali and consider unwinding on the idyllic island of Raja Ampat in Indonesia. The lesser-known island has unbelievably brilliant coral reefs and an abundance of wildlife.