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19 December 2022 by David Ward
Welcome to our 2023 hot list, our pick-of-the-bunch for the next 12 months in travel. From tried-and-tested favourites making a welcome return to bucket-list adventures and journeys slightly more off the beaten track, they all have one thing in common – incredible travel experiences.
Below we’ll take you on road trips through California, ride the rails in luxury to Venice, seek out wildlife in Costa Rica and explore the best of urban Vancouver and its surrounding natural world. We also showcase the essential highlights of Japan, and visit Queensland – an Australia in microcosm. As ever, these recommendations are just a hint of what we can offer. You’ll find a full range of itineraries on across the website, and our experts are on hand with expert advice and in-depth knowledge of all the destinations we feature.
1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
An absolute favourite among Wexas clients and specialists, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express brings more than a touch of glamour to the scenic railways of continental Europe. And, with new cabins and routes available for 2023 and 2024, there’s never been a better time to book what is one of the world’s true bucket-list travel experiences.
With routes taking in everywhere from the alpine landscapes of central Europe to the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera, you’ll have the chance to link some of Europe’s greatest cities in unmatched style, harking back to travel’s Golden Age with sophisticated service, fine dining and world-class wines as standard. What’s more, our specialists are on hand to tailor-make the ultimate short break, adding on luxury hotel stays and experiences in the likes of Florence, Rome, Amsterdam, Vienna, Prague and, of course, Venice itself.
Experience the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
2. California
It's hard to put into words the sheer variety of California’s offering. Whether it’s the urban icons of San Francisco and Los Angeles, the magnificent, otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley, the sheer drama of Yosemite National Park, or the New World-leading vineyards of Napa and Sonoma, this is a state that truly has something to suit all tastes. With this in mind, it’s perhaps no surprise that California finds its place on our 2023 hot list.
But, how best to take it all in? For us, there can be no finer way of exploring the state’s myriad highlights than a road trip. Perhaps you’ll choose the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, detailed to the left , tracing one of the world’s most spectacular driving routes to discover everything from boutique wineries to 1920s ranchland estates and Big Sur’s sweeping Pacific Ocean views.
Or, maybe you’ll head north from San Francisco to enjoy guided wine tastings, hikes among giant redwood forests and the wild wonders of the far-flung Mendocino coast. Whichever you decide, our USA experts will be on hand to plan your journey, using their unmatched expertise to curate a Californian adventure to remember.
3. Vancouver
Positioned at the meeting point of mountains and ocean, Vancouver is a city that wears its love of the great outdoors on its sleeve. No more is this true than on Grouse Mountain, found just 15 minutes from downtown. Not only does it afford stunning city views, but plenty of excitement whatever the season, from winter sports to epic chairlift s and wildlife refuges. For more fun at altitude, consider the Sea-to-Sky Gondola – a cable car that brings you deeper into British Columbia’s wilds.
Then, for something extra special, head out onto the water for a cruise along BC’s majestic coastline, or to spot orcas, humpbacks, sea lions and seals from a Zodiac. Alternatively, take to the skies in true bucket- list style on a seaplane ride, tracing the mail-run routes of yesteryear for epic city views and the chance to visit remote villages and green-carpeted bays.
At the end of it all, you’ll want to reward yourself with the city’s famed food scene. Think mouth-watering Chinatown delicacies and the fi nest just-caught seafood, best discovered on guided tasting tours and at Granville Island’s famed market.
4. Costa Rica
A land of mist-shrouded volcanoes and extraordinary wildlife, Costa Rica is a true Latin American gem. Consider that it accounts for just 0.03% of the Earth’s surface but contains almost 6% of its biodiversity, and you’ll begin to grasp just how multifarious this tiny country really is.
In this setting, luxury eco-lodges perch in jungle treetops and on rugged headlands as scarlet macaws feed on rainforest trees and pumas prowl the pristine jungle floor. Indeed, you’ll enjoy plenty of chances to get up close to the country’s myriad wildlife, including tapirs, and, luck depending, even the elusive jaguar.
Our tailor-made holidays take in the best of it, from exploring winding waterways on canoeing excursions to hiking among still-active volcanoes and along magical coastlines. Then there are the nocturnal snakes and colour-changing frogs you’ll spot on exploratory night- time treks, as well as sloths rising from their daytime slumber and the shrieks of howler monkeys as they peer down from treetop perches. Naturally, there are chances to unwind, too, whether that’s surfing on Cabo Matapalo’s swells or sunbathing on near-deserted shores.
5. Japan
There’s nowhere quite like Japan – an enigmatic Asian gem blessed with myriad ancient wonders and a spellbinding natural world. Of course, there’s its fascinating blend of old and new, best exemplified in cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, where ancient castles and multi-tiered temples sit side by side with glass-and- steel towers and bright, 21st-century neon. Then, there’s the sheer drama of its national parks, host to everything from snow-topped mountain ranges to subtropical islands creating a truly stunning tapestry. Pair that with Japan’s famed hospitality and you’ll have a holiday to truly remember. But, with so much to see and enjoy, where do you begin? To get you started, our specialists have picked out one of our most popular trips opposite – an ideal introduction to Japan’s essential highlights.
This is, however, just a taste of what's available. For a full range of options, visit our website where you’ll find itineraries taking in everything from tours of the majestic Japanese Alps and pretty Hokkaido to in-depth cultural explorations of the country by rail.Just remember, if you’re planning to visit during cherry blossom season (late-March to April), you’ll need to book several months in advance.
6. Queensland
From the buzzing streets of Brisbane and the scenic mountains of the Gold Coast Hinterland all the way up, past laid-back Noosa and the Whitsunday Islands, to Port Douglas, the ancient Daintree Rainforest and the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, Queensland encapsulates the very best of Australia.
Indeed, it really is a destination in its own right, perfect for a two-week trip and ideal for returning visitors who may have already ticked off the bucket-list delights of Sydney, rock and reef. In Queensland alone, you can explore hinterland and outback, get a taste of Aussie coastal life, stay in ultimate luxury on some of the world’s most idyllic islands and come face to face with the country’s iconic wildlife.
Best of all, the state is blessed with an extensive road and flight network linking all the major towns, cities and sights, making it ideal for a self-drive or an independent tour. Speak to our experts who’ll be on hand to plan a trip suited to your needs, helping you choose the best accommodation to fit your budget, booking transfers and car hire, and tracking down the best guides to help bring your Queensland experience to life.
