{"id":2273,"date":"2022-12-02T02:12:25","date_gmt":"2022-12-01T15:12:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/luxury-escapes-top-bucket-list-destinations-for-2023\/"},"modified":"2024-02-26T14:24:23","modified_gmt":"2024-02-26T03:24:23","slug":"luxury-escapes-top-bucket-list-destinations-for-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/luxury-escapes-top-bucket-list-destinations-for-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Luxury Escapes\u2019 Top Bucket-List Destinations for 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em><strong>From Maltese citadels to Cuban rum bars, tread the corners of the world less travelled at these top bucket-list destinations for 2023, as chosen by our travel insiders.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether it\u2019s Malta\u2019s sun-dappled streets or Mahabalipuram\u2019s World Heritage-listed wonders, there\u2019s no better way to see the world\u2019s most extraordinary destinations than with a guided tour. We\u2019ve asked Rod Vargas <em>\u2013<\/em> Luxury Escapes\u2019 Tours Product, Partnerships and Contracting Manager and resident tour guru \u2013 for the scoop on the top bucket-list destinations for 2023. From drinking sugarcane mojitos in Cuba, to walking under an infinite night sky in Wadi Rum and mingling with hummingbirds in Colombia\u2019s spectacular Cocora Valley, wherever your heart yearns to go, we\u2019ve got you covered.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"lux_UI lux_offer_carousel\">\n\t\n\t<h3>Discover Africa<\/h3>\t\n\t<section class=\"splide lux_offer_carousel_feed\" aria-label=\"Luxury Escapes: Discover Africa\">\n\t\n\t\t<div class=\"splide__arrows\">\n\t\t<button class=\"splide__arrow splide__arrow--prev\"><\/button>\n\t\t<button class=\"splide__arrow splide__arrow--next\"><\/button>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t<div class=\"splide__track\">\n\t\t<div class=\"splide__list\">\n\t\t\t\n<div id=\"offer_tour-8bc0b186-7f3c-4216-863d-8b12cc1c2ed0\" class=\"splide__slide offer_item type_tour cacheid_32c595f10533c4cf92acf3723fdd16d9\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/us\/tour\/tour-8bc0b186-7f3c-4216-863d-8b12cc1c2ed0\/egypt-jordan-14d-discovery-tour-nile-river-cruise-wadi-rum-petra-2027-base\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"tour carousel LuxPlus \" data-name=\"Deluxe 14-Day Egypt &#038; Jordan Discovery 2027 with Dead Sea, Petra &#038; Wadi Rum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"offer_link_wrap\">\t<div class=\"offer_preview\">\n\t\t<figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/7yarxenbjma0lbb7xoye\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_250\/7yarxenbjma0lbb7xoye 250w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_400\/7yarxenbjma0lbb7xoye 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_600\/7yarxenbjma0lbb7xoye 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_800\/7yarxenbjma0lbb7xoye 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/7yarxenbjma0lbb7xoye 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 250px, 250px\" alt=\"Deluxe 14-Day Egypt &amp; Jordan Discovery 2027 with Dead Sea, Petra &amp; Wadi Rum by \" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/figure>\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"offer_details\">\n\t\t<div class=\"tags\"><\/div><div class=\"location\"><span>Egypt, Jordan<\/span><\/div><div class=\"name\">Deluxe 14-Day Egypt &#038; Jordan Discovery 2027 with Dead Sea, Petra &#038; Wadi Rum<\/div><div class=\"meta\">14 days, Tour<\/div><div class=\"deal_info\"><div class=\"nights\">14 days from<\/div><div class=\"range luxplus\"><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$4,969<\/span><span class=\"with_luxplus\">\/person with <em><\/em><\/span><\/div><div class=\"range range_small\"><span class=\"label\">Non-member<\/span><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$5,071<\/span><\/div><div class=\"value_box\"><span class=\"value\">Valued up to US$8,635<\/span><span class=\"percentage\">-41%<\/span><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"offer_tour-30de98ab-53fc-4c8e-87da-3cf0acc93aaf\" class=\"splide__slide offer_item type_tour cacheid_32c595f10533c4cf92acf3723fdd16d9\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/us\/tour\/tour-30de98ab-53fc-4c8e-87da-3cf0acc93aaf\/morocco-12d-highlights-2027-relais-chateaux-riad-chefchaouen-sahara-desert-base\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"tour carousel LuxPlus \" data-name=\"Premium 12-Day Morocco Highlights 2027 with Relais &#038; Ch\u00e2teaux Riad Stay, Chefchaouen &#038; Sahara Desert\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"offer_link_wrap\">\t<div class=\"offer_preview\">\n\t\t<figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/334b8oshacuvy41rwrq\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_250\/334b8oshacuvy41rwrq 250w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_400\/334b8oshacuvy41rwrq 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_600\/334b8oshacuvy41rwrq 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_800\/334b8oshacuvy41rwrq 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/334b8oshacuvy41rwrq 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 250px, 250px\" alt=\"Premium 12-Day Morocco Highlights 2027 with Relais &amp; Ch\u00e2teaux Riad Stay, Chefchaouen &amp; Sahara Desert by \" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/figure>\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"offer_details\">\n\t\t<div class=\"tags\"><span class=\"new\">2026 Dates Added<\/span><\/div><div class=\"location\"><span>Morocco<\/span><\/div><div class=\"name\">Premium 12-Day Morocco Highlights 2027 with Relais &#038; Ch\u00e2teaux Riad Stay, Chefchaouen &#038; Sahara Desert<\/div><div class=\"meta\">12 days, Tour<\/div><div class=\"deal_info\"><div class=\"nights\">12 days from<\/div><div class=\"range luxplus\"><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$5,679<\/span><span class=\"with_luxplus\">\/person with <em><\/em><\/span><\/div><div class=\"range range_small\"><span class=\"label\">Non-member<\/span><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$5,795<\/span><\/div><div class=\"value_box\"><span class=\"value\">Valued up to US$8,494<\/span><span class=\"percentage\">-31%<\/span><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"offer_tour-f49b3073-0e62-4977-9ace-5ddbb4334405\" class=\"splide__slide offer_item type_tour cacheid_32c595f10533c4cf92acf3723fdd16d9\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/us\/tour\/tour-f49b3073-0e62-4977-9ace-5ddbb4334405\/12d-private-south-africa-zimbabwe-tour-five-star-safari-lodge-victoria-falls-chobe-extension-base\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"tour carousel LuxPlus \" data-name=\"Deluxe Private 12-Day South Africa &#038; Zimbabwe Tour with Five-Star Safari Lodge &#038; Victoria Falls \" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"offer_link_wrap\">\t<div class=\"offer_preview\">\n\t\t<figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/6z965xraa8zevqnt53e\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_250\/6z965xraa8zevqnt53e 250w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_400\/6z965xraa8zevqnt53e 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_600\/6z965xraa8zevqnt53e 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_800\/6z965xraa8zevqnt53e 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/6z965xraa8zevqnt53e 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 250px, 250px\" alt=\"Deluxe Private 12-Day South Africa &amp; Zimbabwe Tour with Five-Star Safari Lodge &amp; Victoria Falls  by \" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/figure>\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"offer_details\">\n\t\t<div class=\"tags\"><\/div><div class=\"location\"><span>South Africa, Zimbabwe<\/span><\/div><div class=\"name\">Deluxe Private 12-Day South Africa &#038; Zimbabwe Tour with Five-Star Safari Lodge &#038; Victoria Falls <\/div><div class=\"meta\">12 days, Tour<\/div><div class=\"deal_info\"><div class=\"nights\">12 days from<\/div><div class=\"range luxplus\"><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$5,218<\/span><span class=\"with_luxplus\">\/person with <em><\/em><\/span><\/div><div class=\"range range_small\"><span class=\"label\">Non-member<\/span><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$5,324<\/span><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"offer_tour-4df6d448-293e-458c-aad7-abb91808126b\" class=\"splide__slide offer_item type_tour cacheid_32c595f10533c4cf92acf3723fdd16d9\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/us\/tour\/tour-4df6d448-293e-458c-aad7-abb91808126b\/kenya-tanzania-13d-great-migration-safari-zanzibar-extension-2027-base\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"tour carousel LuxPlus \" data-name=\"Deluxe 13-Day Kenya &#038; Tanzania Great Migration Safari 2027 with Maasai Mara &#038; Serengeti National Parks \" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"offer_link_wrap\">\t<div class=\"offer_preview\">\n\t\t<figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/uvqrl8bxilyfohuqnhf\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_250\/uvqrl8bxilyfohuqnhf 250w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_400\/uvqrl8bxilyfohuqnhf 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_600\/uvqrl8bxilyfohuqnhf 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_800\/uvqrl8bxilyfohuqnhf 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/uvqrl8bxilyfohuqnhf 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 250px, 250px\" alt=\"Deluxe 13-Day Kenya &amp; Tanzania Great Migration Safari 2027 with Maasai Mara &amp; Serengeti National Parks  by \" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/figure>\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"offer_details\">\n\t\t<div class=\"tags\"><\/div><div class=\"location\"><span>Kenya, Tanzania<\/span><\/div><div class=\"name\">Deluxe 13-Day Kenya &#038; Tanzania Great Migration Safari 2027 with Maasai Mara &#038; Serengeti National Parks <\/div><div class=\"meta\">13 days, Tour<\/div><div class=\"deal_info\"><div class=\"nights\">13 days from<\/div><div class=\"range luxplus\"><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$9,940<\/span><span class=\"with_luxplus\">\/person with <em><\/em><\/span><\/div><div class=\"range range_small\"><span class=\"label\">Non-member<\/span><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$10,142<\/span><\/div><div class=\"value_box\"><span class=\"value\">Valued up to US$13,279<\/span><span class=\"percentage\">-23%<\/span><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"offer_tour-98ff7827-4a03-4a42-9e72-293e4cf5a047\" class=\"splide__slide offer_item type_tour cacheid_32c595f10533c4cf92acf3723fdd16d9\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/us\/tour\/tour-98ff7827-4a03-4a42-9e72-293e4cf5a047\/24d-northern-spain-portugal-morocco-2027-tour-with-basque-country-sahara-desert-camp-base\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"tour carousel LuxPlus \" data-name=\"Deluxe 24-Day Northern Spain, Portugal &#038; Morocco 2027 Discovery with San Sebastian, Lisbon &#038; Fes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"offer_link_wrap\">\t<div class=\"offer_preview\">\n\t\t<figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/y5sbnml0zihr4k3m4iqpj\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_250\/y5sbnml0zihr4k3m4iqpj 250w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_400\/y5sbnml0zihr4k3m4iqpj 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_600\/y5sbnml0zihr4k3m4iqpj 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_800\/y5sbnml0zihr4k3m4iqpj 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/y5sbnml0zihr4k3m4iqpj 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 250px, 250px\" alt=\"Deluxe 24-Day Northern Spain, Portugal &amp; Morocco 2027 Discovery with San Sebastian, Lisbon &amp; Fes by \" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/figure>\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"offer_details\">\n\t\t<div class=\"tags\"><\/div><div class=\"location\"><span>Spain, Portugal, Morocco<\/span><\/div><div class=\"name\">Deluxe 24-Day Northern Spain, Portugal &#038; Morocco 2027 Discovery with San Sebastian, Lisbon &#038; Fes<\/div><div class=\"meta\">24 days, Tour<\/div><div class=\"deal_info\"><div class=\"nights\">24 days from<\/div><div class=\"range luxplus\"><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$7,454<\/span><span class=\"with_luxplus\">\/person with <em><\/em><\/span><\/div><div class=\"range range_small\"><span class=\"label\">Non-member<\/span><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$7,606<\/span><\/div><div class=\"value_box\"><span class=\"value\">Valued up to US$10,945<\/span><span class=\"percentage\">-30%<\/span><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a><\/div>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"offer_x\" class=\"splide__slide offer_item type_cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/tours\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"carousel\" data-name=\"See more escapes \">\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"slide_cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"cta_tag\">Looking for something else?<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"btn_view_offer\">View all<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\t\t<div class=\"cta\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/tours\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"carousel\" data-name=\"See more escapes \">See more escapes <\/a>\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cuba<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/shutterstock_1109612015-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Colourful houses in Cube, one of the Top Bucket-List Destinations for 2023 - Luxury Escapes \" class=\"wp-image-9593\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cuba, Carribean. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cCuba is an extraordinary and enigmatic country that\u2019s strikingly different from its Caribbean neighbours,\u201d says Rod. Its beauty lies in its gleaming white beaches, classic American cars roaming the streets and music pouring out into the night from restaurants and bars.&nbsp;Cuba\u2019s imagery is as distinctive as&nbsp;cigar smoke on the wind \u2013 whether it\u2019s spectacular shorelines, revolutionary slogans splashed across tumbledown stone walls or majestic Baroque palaces standing alongside dilapidated colonial mansions, it\u2019s impossible not to become enchanted by the nation\u2019s past.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAfter authentic Cuba?\u201d asks Rod. \u201cHead to Vinales.\u201d Rolling green farmland, dramatic limestone outcrops and family-run tobacco plantations await. Or step back in time at Trinidad, where horse-led carts follow cobblestone streets and rum is poured with wild abandon.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">South Africa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/hotels\/country\/south-africa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/shutterstock_1452510470-1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"Road next to the beach in South Africa, one of the Top Bucket-List Destinations for 2023 - Luxury Escapes \" class=\"wp-image-9484\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">South Africa, Africa. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSouth Africa is the quintessential year-round destination, teeming with iconic wildlife and spectacular landscapes,\u201d says Rod. While each of South Africa\u2019s private game reserves are worth visiting, two must-sees are the former Zulu kings\u2019 hunting grounds Hluhluwe Game Reserve and Kruger National Park. Home to countless lions, leopards, rhinos and elephants, you\u2019re guaranteed an unforgettable safari experience.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Journey to Cape Town for wondrous coastal views backed by the sheer magnificence of the mighty Table Mountain and follow the iconic Garden Route, one of the world\u2019s most panorama-blessed drives, for the sunshine-filled African road trip of a lifetime.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join this <a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/tour\/tour-c0b48aaf-aa36-460e-991a-e1249fc761db\/8-day-southern-africa-tour-base-regular\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Africa: 8-Day Small-Group Luxury Safari Tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Malta<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/hotels\/country\/malta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/shutterstock_1904734573-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Colourful boats in Malta, one of the Top Bucket-List Destinations for 2023 - Luxury Escapes \" class=\"wp-image-9597\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Malta, Europe.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Malta\u2019s storied streets whirl with unmatched mystery, romance and history. \u201cMedieval citadels, secluded bays and a culture drawing from Arabic, English and Roman roots\u2026 there\u2019s nowhere else like Malta,\u201d says Rod. Walk the fortified walls of ancient Mdina, explore resplendent baroque churches and chivalric palaces and feast your way through the island\u2019s impeccable culinary scene, backed by a thousand years of rich agricultural tradition.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Malta\u2019s wild natural splendour has to be seen to be believed \u2013 the country\u2019s second-largest island, Gozo, boasts extraordinary diving at Blue Hole and the UM El Faroud shipwreck. Meanwhile, Malta\u2019s ancient temples (some dating back to 3600 BC) and hidden coves offer endless rewards to the modern adventurer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Looking for more inspiration?<\/strong> Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/6-reasons-to-visit-malta\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Six Reasons to Visit Malta<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Jordan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/hotels\/country\/jordan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/shutterstock_1030695895-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Ancient ruins in Jordan, one of the Top Bucket-List Destinations for 2023 - Luxury Escapes \" class=\"wp-image-9485\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jordan, West Asia. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Ruby-red sands, colossal ruins and a desert sky resplendent with stars \u2013 Jordan is a once-in-a-lifetime destination steeped in ancient history and culture. Float weightlessly in the world-famous buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, discover more than 6,000 years of continuous human culture in antique Roman city Jerash, and walk Amman\u2019s sun-bleached hills.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou can\u2019t miss Petra, Jordan\u2019s \u2018Rose City,\u201d says Rod. \u201cIt\u2019s a stunning collection of tombs and temples carved right into the pink sandstone over 2,000 years ago.\u201d After walking in ancient footsteps, head to the vastness of Wadi Rum \u2013 said to be the resting place of the lost city Iram of the Pillars. Relish a glimpse of the diamond-like brilliance of the desert by day while evenings are spent beneath star-filled skies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Colombia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/hotels\/country\/colombia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/shutterstock_1258073146-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Buildings in Colombia, one of the Top Bucket-List Destinations for 2023 - Luxury Escapes \" class=\"wp-image-9487\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Colombia, South America. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Colombia is a coffee-lover\u2019s dream, so don\u2019t miss the opportunity to visit a local coffee plantation. You can experience the process of planting, picking and pulping yourself, or simply begin each morning with a spectacular cup of the good stuff. Finish your journey with a visit to the Caribbean Coast, home to a vibrant tapestry of colourful cityscapes, monkey-filled national parks and the best beaches in the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cColombia\u2019s warmth and hospitality are legendary,\u201d says Rod. \u201cArchitectural wonders, stunning coastline and the lush swathes of Amazon jungle are just a few of its treasures.\u201d&nbsp;Bounce into Bogota, a high-altitude capital bursting with colonial charm, great nightlife and a killer art scene, or sidle over to World Heritage-listed Cartagena, whose enduring Spanish spirit, narrow streets and stunning beaches make it one of South America\u2019s most romantic cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Southern India<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/hotels\/country\/india\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/shutterstock_2048357774-1024x637.jpg\" alt=\"Rickshaws lined up in Southern India, one of the Top Bucket-List Destinations for 2023 - Luxury Escapes \" class=\"wp-image-9482\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Southern India, Asia.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The breathtaking splendour of Southern India strikes first-time travellers as a revelation. It\u2019s a swirling symphony of flavours, colours and diversity that dances joyously from Chennai\u2019s temple-and-skyscraper architecture to the shimmering golden sands of Kerala\u2019s serene coast.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mahabalipuram, tucked between Bay of Bengal and Tamil Nadu\u2019s Great Salt Lake, is an otherworldly town filled with ancient stone shrines. It\u2019s here you\u2019ll find the World Heritage-listed Shore Temple, one of the oldest in India, famed for its elegant carvings.&nbsp;&nbsp;\u201cI especially recommend Pondicherry&#8217;s French-style streets,\u201d says Rod, \u201cwhere Tamil and French architecture blend to form a unique cityscape that\u2019s absolutely gorgeous.\u201d &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Stay inspired with <a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/luxury-escapes-top-bucket-list-destinations-for-2024\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Luxury Escapes\u2019 Top Bucket-List Destinations for 2024<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From Maltese citadels to Cuban rum bars, tread the corners of the world less travelled at these top bucket-list destinations for 2023, as chosen by our travel insiders. Whether it\u2019s Malta\u2019s sun-dappled streets or Mahabalipuram\u2019s World Heritage-listed wonders, there\u2019s no better way to see the world\u2019s most extraordinary destinations than with a guided tour. We\u2019ve [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":686,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[12,26,13],"location":[],"customertype":[],"class_list":["post-2273","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-explore","tag-bucket-list","tag-islands","tag-outdoor-adventure"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_1319299538-scaled.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"lux_id":2273,"lux_link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/luxury-escapes-top-bucket-list-destinations-for-2023\/","lux_title":"Luxury Escapes\u2019 Top Bucket-List Destinations for 2023","lux_excerpt":"From Maltese citadels to Cuban rum bars, tread the corners of the world less travelled at these top bucket-list destinations for 2023, as chosen by our travel insiders. Whether it\u2019s Malta\u2019s sun-dappled streets or Mahabalipuram\u2019s World Heritage-listed wonders, there\u2019s no better way to see the world\u2019s most extraordinary destinations than with a guided tour. We\u2019ve [\u2026]","lux_excerpt_trimmed":"From Maltese citadels to Cuban rum bars, tread the corners of the world less travelled at these top bucket-list destinations for 2023, as chosen by our travel insiders. Whether it\u2019s","lux_image_url":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_1319299538-scaled.jpg","lux_image_url_medium":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_1319299538-scaled-350x234.jpg","lux_image_url_large":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_1319299538-scaled-1024x683.jpg","lux_image_url_square":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_1319299538-scaled-500x500.jpg","lux_categories":[{"label":"Explore","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/explore\/"}],"lux_tags":[{"label":"Bucket List","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/tag\/bucket-list\/"},{"label":"Islands","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/tag\/islands\/"},{"label":"Outdoor &amp; Adventure","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/tag\/outdoor-adventure\/"}],"lux_locations":[],"lux_customer_types":[],"lux_read_time":"5 min read","lux_read_time_minutes":5,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2273","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2273"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2273\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/686"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2273"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2273"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2273"},{"taxonomy":"location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/location?post=2273"},{"taxonomy":"customertype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/customertype?post=2273"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}