conde nast best travel 2023

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Condé Nast traveler reveals "The 23 Best Places to Go in 2023" list

Deputy global editorial director at Condé Nast Traveler, Jesse Ashlock, joins “CBS Mornings” to discuss their new "The 23 Best Places to Go in 2023" list. He shares their top travel destinations that offer something for every kind of traveler, from extraordinary excursions to music, rare art exhibits and food.

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Palm Beach resorts, hotels get nod in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards

The Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach and Manalapan’s Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa are among the best resorts in the world, according to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards announced Wednesday.

The two resorts also are the top two in Florida, according to the coveted awards.

More: Business Notes: Eau Palm Beach names new spa director

Other Palm Beach resorts and hotels — The Breakers, The Colony Hotel and Brazilian Court — also earned honors in the 2023 Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards.

The awards are based on 2023 surveys taken by 500,000-plus Condé Nast Traveler magazine readers who rated their travel experiences in many categories — from best hotels and resorts to best cruise lines.

Of the 50 global resort properties in the awards’ “Best Resorts in the World,” the Four Seasons Palm Beach came in at No. 20 and Eau Palm Beach was No. 44.

Both topped the awards’ Top 10 Resorts in Florida category.

The Four Seasons earned the No. 1 position in that category with Conde Nast noting that it’s a “six-acre spread that has it all,” while Eau Palm Beach was No. 2 with its “pampering” and “Capri-meets-Santorini-meets-Palm Beach vibe.”

The Four Seasons Palm Beach’s General Manager Mazen Saleh said, “Being the first place our guests think of when reflecting back on their fondest vacation memories — it symbolizes our purpose behind every stay so beautifully. We hold a recognition such as this very close to our hearts."

More: 15 beloved Palm Beach restaurants that have closed during the past 25 years

In the Ten Best Hotels in Florida category, The Breakers, which Conde Nast also called a “resort,” took the No. 3 hotel spot with kudos for being “luxurious.”

The Colony Hotel, noted as “the buzziest place to stay in Palm Beach,” came in at No. 6, and The Brazilian Court earned the No. 8 position. 

“By staying true to our mission, honoring the past while welcoming the future and leading with a people-first mentality, I believe we have accomplished much of what we set out to do,” the Colony’s president and CEO Sarah Wetenhall told the Daily News in an email, noting the hotel was “proud” to be recognized by the Conde Nast awards.

The Brazilian Court’s sales director, Stacy Lee, told the Daily News the hotel’s team was “honored” to be named among the best hotels in Florida.

“The service and comfort of our guests are our top priority and we continuously strive to surpass expectations,” Lee said. “We are grateful and humbled by their support.”

For more information about the Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards, visit www.cntraveler.com/inspiration/readers-choice-awards .

• Oct 19, 2023

Costa Rica's best resorts according to Conde Nast Readers' Choice Awards 2023.

Category: Top 20 Resorts in Central America

Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is a land of lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and a diverse array of wildlife. It's no wonder that this Central American gem has consistently been a favorite destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.

On the first week of October 2023, Conde Nast Readers' Choice Awards , on its 36th edition, recognized and celebrated excellence in the travel and hospitality industry based on the feedback and reviews provided by more than half million magazine's readers and travelers from around the world.

The surveys uncovered the crème de la crème of Costa Rica's resorts, promising visitors a luxurious and immersive experience. Join us on a journey through this tropical paradise as we unveil the nine Costa Rica winners among Conde Nast Readers' Choice Awards Top 20 Resorts in Central America.

Ranking No.1 with a score of 97.89

Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection

Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica

Hacienda AltaGracia Auberge Resorts Collection , located in the picturesque region of Pérez Zeledón in Costa Rica, is a haven of refined luxury, tranquility, and cultural richness. This exquisite resort captures the essence of Costa Rican hospitality and countryside charm, offering guests an immersive experience in a lush natural setting. The resort's architecture is a fusion of colonial and local design elements, providing a sense of historical and cultural connection. Accommodations range from elegant suites to private villas, each elegantly appointed with modern comforts and surrounded by the beauty of the country's landscape. Hacienda AltaGracia boasts high-end dining options, a world-class spa, and a wealth of outdoor activities, all set against the backdrop of rolling hills and vibrant forests. This idyllic retreat is a haven for travelers seeking both serenity and adventure in one of Costa Rica's enchanting settings.

Ranking No.2 with a score of 97.5

Nayara Springs

Arenal, Costa Rica

Nayara Springs is a secluded and exquisitely luxurious adults-only resort nestled in the breathtaking rainforests of Costa Rica, near the iconic Arenal Volcano. This intimate paradise offers discerning travelers an unmatched level of privacy and natural beauty. The resort's opulent accommodations include lavish villas, each with its own plunge pool fed by mineral hot springs. Guests can unwind in a romantic and tranquil setting, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and the soothing warmth of the springs. The resort's impeccable service, gourmet dining options, and an award-winning spa create an idyllic retreat for those seeking the ultimate in relaxation and romance amidst Costa Rica's wild and untouched landscape. Nayara Springs provides a genuinely immersive and unforgettable experience for those fortunate enough to visit.

Ranking No.3 with a score of 97.43

Nayara Tented Camp

Nayara Tented Camp is a true testament to the harmony between luxury and nature. This resort, located near the Arenal Volcano, has set new standards in eco-luxury. Guests can immerse themselves in the sounds of the jungle while enjoying the privacy of their sumptuous tented accommodations, complete with plunge pools and open-air showers. The resort's sustainable practices and breathtaking views have secured its place as a preferred choice for travelers in 2023.

Ranking No.7 with a score of 96.9

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa is a luxurious and enchanting property nestled in the heart of Costa Rica's lush rainforest, near the Arenal Volcano. It offers guests a unique and immersive experience, boasting a collection of natural hot springs and waterfalls that are heated by the volcano's geothermal activity. The resort features beautifully landscaped gardens, and accommodations range from elegant rooms and suites to private bungalows. Tabacón is renowned for its world-class spa, where guests can unwind with an array of therapeutic treatments.

Ranking No.8 with a score of 96.77

Nayara Gardens

Nayara Gardens , a luxurious retreat in the heart of Costa Rica's Arenal region, is a destination that perfectly balances natural beauty with upscale comfort. Surrounded by lush rainforests and stunning vistas of the iconic Arenal Volcano, the resort provides guests with an enchanting escape. The elegantly appointed accommodations, including beautifully designed suites and private bungalows, seamlessly blend with the pristine surroundings. At Nayara Gardens, travelers can relax in open-air hot tubs, savor gourmet cuisine, and rejuvenate with spa treatments that utilize locally sourced ingredients. The resort's commitment to sustainability and its proximity to the region's rich biodiversity make it a top choice for those seeking an authentic and eco-conscious Costa Rican experience in a lavish and romantic setting.

Ranking No.10 with a score of 96.59

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo continues to reign as a symbol of exclusivity and world-class service. Nestled on a remote Pacific peninsula, this stunning resort offers visitors a pristine tropical experience. Guests can indulge in championship golf, snorkeling, and spa treatments, all while enjoying the superior comforts of Four Seasons' impeccable service.

Ranking No.13 with a score of 95.8

Amor Arenal

Amor Arenal is a boutique hotel nestled in the breathtaking Arenal Volcano region of Costa Rica. Offering a serene and intimate escape, this eco-friendly resort harmoniously blends with the surrounding rainforests and natural beauty. The resort's accommodations feature elegant bungalows and villas, providing guests with the perfect mix of luxury and immersion in nature. With lush gardens, volcanic hot springs, and stunning views of the Arenal Volcano, Amor Arenal invites guests to connect with the environment while enjoying luxurious amenities. The resort emphasizes wellness with yoga and spa offerings.

Ranking No.18 with a score of 95.18

Lagarta Lodge

Nosara, Costa Rica

Lagarta Lodge , situated along Costa Rica's pristine Nicoya Peninsula, is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil and immersive nature experience. This boutique eco-lodge is a haven for nature enthusiasts, as it's tucked within a lush tropical forest and bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Nosara River. The resort features charming accommodations designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, and the surrounding natural beauty is a breathtaking spectacle. Guests can indulge in eco-adventures, bird-watching, and guided nature walks, all while enjoying the laid-back luxury and astonishing ocean views that define Lagarta Lodge.

Ranking No.20 with a score of 94.97

El Silencio Lodge & Spa

Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica

El Silencio Lodge is an enchanting eco-retreat nestled in the Costa Rican cloud forest of Bajos del Toro. This intimate resort invites guests to immerse themselves in nature's serenity and explore the region's lush biodiversity. The lodge's cozy, sustainable accommodations harmonize with the surroundings, offering comfort and style while minimizing environmental impact. Visitors can embark on guided nature walks, experience the mystique of the cloud forest, and rejuvenate with soothing spa treatments using local ingredients.

The Conde Nast Readers' Choice Awards are a valuable resource for travelers seeking recommendations from like-minded individuals who have experienced various travel destinations and services firsthand. They help travelers identify exceptional destinations and accommodations, ensuring that their travel experiences are both enjoyable and memorable.

Costa Rica's enchanting landscape has long captured the hearts of travelers, and the Conde Nast Readers' Choice Awards 2023 have revealed the top resorts that make this country a dream destination. From jungle tents to beachfront luxury, these award-winning resorts offer a range of experiences, blending nature with opulence, adventure with relaxation, and sustainability with extravagance. So, whether you're an eco-conscious traveler, an adventure seeker, or simply looking to unwind in style, Costa Rica's best resorts promise to fulfill your desires, creating lasting memories of a truly unforgettable escape.

The Conde Nast Readers' Choice Awards is an annual awards program organized by Conde Nast Traveler, a renowned travel and lifestyle magazine published by Conde Nast. Conde Nast Traveler sends out a survey to its readers and subscribers, asking them to share their travel experiences, opinions, and reviews of hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, cities, and various travel-related services they have used during the past year. Readers are encouraged to rate and provide comments on their experiences. They are asked to evaluate aspects such as service, accommodations, dining, activities, and overall satisfaction. The survey results are collected, analyzed, and used to create rankings and lists of the best travel destinations, hotels, resorts, airlines, and other travel-related categories. Then, Conde Nast Traveler publishes the results and rankings, recognizing the top performers in various travel and hospitality sectors. These awards are highly regarded in the industry and are often used by travelers to make informed decisions when planning their trips.

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Travel + Leisure Readers' 15 Favorite Resorts in Florida of 2023

Florida resorts with pristine beaches and a plentiful array of activities were reader favorites in our annual "World’s Best Awards" survey for 2023.

How Voting Works

What readers loved, the full list.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

The Sunshine State’s abundant sunshine, Instagram-perfect beaches, and something-for-everyone activities make it a popular year-round destination for Travel + Leisure readers, whose picks for their favorite Florida resorts showcase all the best the destination has to offer. From small boutique inns to mansion-like properties, this year’s winning hotels served as the backdrops for memorable vacations that World’s Best voters couldn’t stop raving about. 

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 T+L readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Rooms/facilities

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. 

Though all of T+L readers’ favorite Florida resorts for 2023 can be found on or near the water, the properties still represent an eclectic mix of hotel styles, from a historic boutique hotel near leafy parks and charming museums, to an ultraprivate oasis in the Keys with swaying palms and world-class dining, to a palatial golfer’s paradise that also happens to boast a family-friendly waterpark. 

Two golf-centric resorts were among this year’s honorees: The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón (No. 3) and LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort (No. 4). The former hosts three different pro tournaments each year, thanks in part to its two Greg Norman-designed courses, but non-LPGA fans will still find plenty to enjoy. “Great for couples, and we had beach access,” shared one voter whose husband did, indeed, spend time on the links. 

Other readers were looking for proximity to other types of fun. No. 5 Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, for example, was beloved by voters who wanted to bask in the sun and sea. “Love the beachfront rooms,” wrote one voter who stayed at the resort. “Walk two steps and you are there. Beach is beautiful. Pool on the beach.” Those who chose the No. 2 Marquesa Hotel , located in the Florida Keys, praised the property’s location as “ideal for someone who wants to be within walking or biking distance of restaurants, bars, and other Key West attractions but not right in the middle of tourist activity both day and night.”

But it was another hideaway in the Keys that earned this year’s No. 1 honor. Find out which Florida hotel was chosen by readers’ as their favorite resort in Florida. 

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa : Little Torch Key, Florida

Courtesy of Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

It doesn’t get much more secluded in Florida than this adults-only haven, which sits on its own four-acre islet accessed only by seaplane or the resort’s private boat. Rebuilt and reopened in 2020 after it was destroyed by Hurricane Irma, the luxurious property evokes the feel of a Caribbean hideaway with 30 suites housed inside 15 thatched-roof bungalows. The no-TVs policy remains intact (and cell phones are expected to be kept on silent), so guests can focus on relaxing in one of the beach hammocks, kayaking, sailing, or snorkeling. The resort’s Dining Room restaurant continues the barefoot luxury ethos, offering both indoor and beachfront dining, with menus that highlight seafood and produce from the region.

Book Now: Hotels.com | Expedia | Tripadvisor

1. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa : Little Torch Key, Florida

Reader Score: 95.09

2. Marquesa Hotel : Key West, Florida

Reader Score: 94.67

3. The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón : Naples, Florida

Reader Score: 94.31

4. LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort : Naples, Florida

Reader Score:  93.81

5. Ponte Vedra Inn & Club : Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

Reader Score: 93.33

6. The Alfond Inn : Winter Park, Florida

Reader Score: 93.26

7. The Breakers : Palm Beach, Florida

Reader Score: 92.71

8. Ocean Key Resort & Spa : Key West, Florida

9. Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection : Key Largo, Florida

Reader Score: 92.53

Book Now: Marriot | Hotels.com | Tripadvisor

10. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort: Orlando, Florida

Reader Score: 92.50

11. The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens : St. Augustine, Florida

Reader Score: 92.41

Book Now: Expedia | Tripadvisor

12. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes : Orlando, Florida

Reader Score: 92.35

13. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island: Amelia Island, Florida

Reader Score: 92.16

14. Inn on Fifth : Naples, Florida

Reader Score: 92.14

15. Hotel Effie : Miramar Beach, Florida

Reader Score: 91.60

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Miami's Best New Restaurant Serves a Peruvian Grandma’s Recipes

Released on 04/30/2024

[upbeat music]

Ever since we started a year ago with Maty's,

the restaurant just blew up.

We enter the Michelin Guide.

Over 10 publications have written about us.

I oversee the prep kitchen.

My team preps for the entire week, not only for one day.

We are ready for war.

We are ready to keep crushing

and we use traditional Peruvian techniques,

but elevated with influences from Miami.

Maty is actually Chef Val's grandmother.

Most of the recipes have been passed down for generations.

Learning these recipes from a family

that I didn't come from is very special.

I will forever be grateful.

[upbeat music continues]

[Giuli laughs]

Hi, how are you?

Good morning.

I'm Giuli.

I'm the prep chef here at Maty's.

I just got 200 pounds of oxtail.

Let's get to work.

Come on in.

I do this probably once a week, twice,

depending on how busy we are.

This is our dining room.

Follow me, I'm taking you through the kitchen

where magic happens every day.

This is the first thing we should do in the morning

since it takes six hours to break.

We're just gonna do 25 pounds this morning.

I'm gonna put this away.

I'm gonna change.

No one has come yet.

I'm the first one here.

[pleasant music]

Oxtail is the tail of the ox.

This is the bone and it is surrounded by a lot of tendons

and meat and fat.

So that's what we're gonna sear first

so we get all the caramelization from the fat and the meat.

We stir-fry it during service with onions, scallions,

tomatoes, and crispy potatoes coming all the way from Peru.

This is a hot skillet.

Big quantities, this is where we do it.

We're gonna start putting some oil.

We're using oxtail just to make honor

of the Caribbean culture.

My bosses [indistinct] here in Miami

eating Caribbean foods.

But the braise and the sauce we're making

is from Maty's recipe.

See the color?

That's what we want.

Every single piece, every side.

And this is very hot.

Everything is good when we cook it slow.

I am a very patient person, honestly.

I think you have to have a lot of patience

to be a chef if you're gonna deal with people,

if you're gonna, you kind of act

like a psychologist also with working

and leading the kitchen, you know, so this, all of that

is left right here in the skillet is the caramelization

of the oxtail, the fat,

and that's where we wanna cook all the vegetables

so they get all the flavor from the meat.

200 pounds makes like 50 portions.

We just started doing like 300 covers a night and maybe

before when we started, we started cooking only 25 pounds.

This is nonstop, nonstop, nonstop, and it's pretty fun.

Not even in our wildest dreams

we thought we were gonna be where we're at right now,

but like right around September,

we just got three nominations like in the same week

and it just popped.

These are Scotch bonnet peppers.

Can you feel that? [laughs]

We're just trying to sweat all the vegetables.

A little bit of soy sauce

so everything can come out from the bottom.

Oyster sauce.

This is a very Asian ingredient.

There's a lot of Asian culture in the Peruvian cuisine.

Hoisin sauce.

Okay, good morning. Hi.

What's up? [laughs]

Where's the Asian influence come from?

You see it right here, you know?

My grandmother and my grandparents,

my great-grandparents immigrated from China

to Peru in the late 1800s, and then here we are.

I think our menu is a mix of all the Peruvian traditions

with somebody who's already left Peru 20 years ago.

So we have to work with a product we have here.

My grandmother did write a lot of recipes,

but also we were just born in a house that cooked.

Food was so important

that we just grew up eating really good food

and watching our grandparents cook really good food

and our great grandparents cook really good food.

We are very much...

[Coworker] We're besties.

We're besties. [laughs]

This is sauce from the previous oxtail,

so that's why we're not adding salt.

We're not adding any chicken stock

since this has already a lot

of flavor from the six hours that it cooked last time.

It's like it mothers us.

Oh my God, hold up.

There you go.

There is a lot of heavy lifting

and we are pretty much all women here.

Working with a lot of women feels very powerful.

It's a women-dominated kitchen, so it feels great.

We're gonna add the water, oxtail, mushrooms,

and then that's it.

Now this is gonna go for about 45 hours,

so now it's 9:15.

I'm gonna go to the prep kitchen in the back.

Let's go check on the list

and see what we're gonna do for the day

and assign tasks to everyone.

This is Mama D.

She's the mama from everyone.

This is our fish counts for the day.

This is what we have from the night before.

Normally I get the counts of what we did in the week

to have an idea of how much I can prep for the day.

We're missing three other people.

They're late.

They're gonna make family meal.

When they're late they make family meal. [laughs]

So we're gonna do six cases of lime today.

Mama, leche.

The leche did it.

We squeeze every lime with the hand squeezer,

so it's very painful.

If we over-squeeze the limes,

we get the oil from the limes, the [indistinct].

We don't want the bitterness in our leche tigre,

which is the main thing probably for every dish.

I'm responsible of overseeing the prep

and making sure everything is ready for service.

And I also think I'm very organized.

One of the most organized. Yeah. [laughs]

I am gonna work on geoduck.

This board is only for fish.

For today we're gonna do 30 mixtos.

I want 100 oysters pre-shucked.

I want 60 portions of scallops, 25 tunas,

and 25 Kanpachis.

By 3:00 PM I want this ready.

[Coworker] Okay.

I'm gonna put this where I want for everyone to see

and then we have some geoduck that we're gonna clean.

This is heavy.

We just got this geoduck from Washington.

Geoduck is one of the largest clams

that we get from shellfish farms.

It's part of our cebiche mixto.

In our cebiche mixto

right now we are working with black grouper.

We have surf clams, shrimp, and octopus.

We make it with our rocoto leche de tigre,

which is very spicy.

It's one of the hottest peppers in Peru.

I love ceviche.

I can eat that every day.

Look at the reflexes of the geoduck.

They're still moving.

This means it's very fresh.

Water is ready

so we're gonna put and cook the geoduck

to change the texture of the geoduck a little bit.

We're gonna put three first.

We're gonna count one minute

just to not to lower the temperature of the water

and make sure that it's cooked properly.

We don't wanna overcook the geoduck

so that's why we put it right away into ice bath.

It helps to remove everything from the geoduck.

Oh! [laughs]

It's like I don't wanna get cooked, probably.

So Papa Chang, who is the dad of the family,

he's the master, migrated to the US years

and years ago to provide for his family, of course.

After he arrived, his first job here

was as a sushi chef.

That's why we work with a lot of seafood here.

They pretty much, that's what they did their entire lives.

It is crazy 'cause out of this whole thing,

we just get this part to actually use it for the ceviche.

The other part that we don't slice for ceviche,

we use it to make stocks.

I'm gonna take out the shell first.

I'm taking out the membrane, the first membrane.

Geoduck is probably the sweetest clam from all the clams.

This is the inside of the shell.

Look at that. [laughs]

I wonder who dig in the sand

and thought, Oh, let's try this.

Let's eat this.

Who thought?

But here we are.

Okay, so we're gonna cut it in half.

This is how it looks.

I'm gonna let it air dry in the walk-in cooler.

It's already 10:30.

Let's go make some Huacatay oil for scallop cebiche.

This is our service kitchen, actually.

This is our Huacatay.

We get it frozen from our purveyor

just because we want big quantities.

I wish you can smell this, but it is delicious. Delicious.

It tastes like licorice.

Like peso is a mix of tarragon limes.

Very powerful.

I know Peruvians use it for a lot of dishes,

especially like stews and soups.

So we're just gonna pass it through boiling water,

just like shock the Huacatay and sear that green color.

And then we're just gonna stop the cooking in ice.

Just a super fast procedure.

I do this to help oxidation.

So if we don't do this, it will turn very dark super fast

and it won't last for our last purpose, you know?

So for the shelf life.

These Huacatay oil, mainly we use it

for the scallop cebiche, which is also one

of our biggest sales here at Maty's.

The scallop cebiche has the Hokkaido scallop

that we get from Japan.

We cover the scallop cebiche with some green grapes.

Normally the person in charge of that station

of the ceviche station has to shave the grapes

every day for that dish.

Probably like four to five cases on a busy Saturday.

The dish actually is very beautiful.

It's green.

It's just a mix of sweet and spicy and limey.

It's perfect.

This is ready.

I like being a prep chef.

I am a morning person.

I like my routines.

I like waking up early,

get here, like I need like to master things

and to know what we're doing during the day.

I'm just gonna squeeze.

I like to do it in small parts.

I'm just taking out the water

so we make sure we separate the water from the oil.

So what we're gonna do right now is we're gonna weigh

what we got after squeezing the Huacatay

and adding double of the amount of olive oil and canola oil.

We're gonna blend until the base is very hot.

It emulsifies better because of the heat.

It's very dense.

It's gonna take a day to actually get the oil from this.

We don't squeeze it by hand

because we don't want the sediments in our oil.

We want it as clean, as green as possible.

Okay, so I'm gonna leave this here.

It will be ready tomorrow.

I have to go and break some dorades that just arrived.

So let's go.

Follow me for my next task.

[rhythmic music]

We're gonna start breaking down the fish the way we cook it.

Normally we do like 60 dorades a day.

On a busy Saturday we've done 80.

It comes with a beurre blanc sauce,

which is a very French cheese sauce based of white wine

and shallots and garlic.

And we make it Peruvian, adding aji amarillo crema,

which is another pepper that Peruvians use.

We open roast it with the skin side up

so we can protect the meat.

The skin gets crispy, crunchy, you can eat it.

It's probably one of the most delicious fish in Peru

due to their fat content.

It's like very hearty and tasty.

So we're gonna open it through the head,

slice it very tight to the bone,

and very careful.

We go all the way down

without making a hole on the other side.

What I like to do here is to open with my scissors.

We use a lot of scissors for precision,

and you will see why.

I'm just taking apart the spine from the meat.

I am butterflying this fish from the head.

We do the same on the other side, like a little bag.

You always have to wipe your knives

before doing another transition.

Not to get the meat dirty with blood, you know?

Here comes the fun part.

Before taking the spine,

I like to open it through the mouth.

So my dad used to be a shrimp farmer

and I remember him waking us up at 4:00 AM

in the morning to go fish.

And I remember seeing all of these.

I never thought I would actually live by doing this.

Not even in my wildest dreams, like I always said.

Definitely cooking is my lifestyle right now.

Now I think, what would I do if I'm not doing this?

Like I have no idea.

I thought I wanted to be like a professional gymnast,

and I'm here breaking down a lot of fish. [laughs]

I moved from my house when I was 18 and I started traveling.

I went to Argentina, I studied in Argentina,

and then I went to Colombia.

After that, I ended up in Mexico

and then I ended up here six years ago.

I miss home.

One day I'll be back.

We're just gonna cover it with our maguro.

This is bamboo paper, which will preserve better

than meat of the fish.

So now I have to finish 30 dorades for today.

So let's keep working before service starts at four.

We're ready to go eat.

After we have family meal, we're gonna give the counts

for today's service.

So let's do it.

As the morning sous chef, I have to make sure

everything is ready for service

and making sure that I'm giving all the counts to my team

that's gonna take on for the rest of the night

and they cannot leave until they're done.

This is Chef Luci.

So basically we have two lists.

We have our opening list and our closing list.

At the end of the night, I leave Chef Giuli our accounts

of what was our remaining inventory and then she tells me

what the pars are for the rest of the night

and then I delegate that to my team over here.

For today, oysters,

we have pink moon for the mixtos we're gonna do.

All the tartare has been cut?

Everything has been cut.

So Luci, I'm out.

I am done now for the day.

I hope you had a glimpse of my life here at Maty's.

I'm done and I'm out.

I'm going to the beach.

Bye. [laughs]

[mellow music]

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The 23 Best Places to Go in 2023

By CNT Editors

This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2023—find more travel inspiration here .

In any given year, the exercise of assembling a definitive list of the best places to travel is both exciting and daunting. After all, we’re never short on inspiring places and experiences we hope to cross off. And so, every fall, when we convene to start the process of creating this list, we do so with great care, enlisting our extensively travelled network of writers from around the world—and for the first time this year, editors from other  Condé Nast Traveler markets—to pitch, endorse, defend, and eventually align on the places we believe that you, as our readers, will most want to travel to over the next 12 months.

Our 23 best places to travel in 2023 is a mix of old favourites worth visiting anew, and lesser-trammelled, even once-forbidden, regions ready to welcome travellers—yet they are all unified by highly anticipated new offerings and evolutions. There’s something here for every kind of traveller, whether you seek extraordinary excursions through ancient rainforests, a blossoming terroir-driven culinary scene, or dazzling cultural calendars packed with world-class music and rare art exhibits. We also believe that there’s more that binds than separates these places: an opportunity for richer engagement with local communities, slower travel, and more meaningful—and joyful—human connection. What could better speak to what we hope for in the year ahead?

Here are the 23 destinations—vetted by  Condé Nast Traveler editors from the U.S. U.K., Spain, and India —to plan your 2023 travels around. Let them guide your next adventure. —Arati Menon and Megan Spurrell

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Places to Go in 2023

Auckland, new zealand.

Go for: Cultural and sporting events, new hotels, improved flight connectivity

Auckland will be one of nine cities to host the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023. 

In June 2023, Qantas will begin running non-stop flights from New York City to Auckland. 

Widely praised for its containment of COVID-19, New Zealand held out until September of this year to finally eliminate travel restrictions introduced during the pandemic. Needless to say, the island nation is mightily gearing up for the throngs of foreign visitors anticipated in the coming year, especially in the city of Auckland .

Air connectivity with the U.S. has never been stronger. Nonstop flights are currently running from six American cities; the world’s fourth-longest leg, Air New Zealand’s nearly-17-hour flagship from New York City, debuted in September. Australian carrier Qantas has also announced its own direct flight to New York City, coming in June 2023.

Meanwhile, Auckland’s jam-packed events calendar seems to be making up for lost time. After a three-year hiatus, the popular Lantern Festival will be held in February 2023 to celebrate Chinese New Year. Pasifika , the largest Pacific Island cultural festival in the world, is returning in March 2023 after a two-year pause. And, in July, the quadrennial FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will swing down under to nine host cities across New Zealand and Australia, with Auckland’s games held in Eden Park.

Aside from Auckland’s newest attractions that outsiders have yet to experience—like the $350M eco-sensitive Te Wānanga waterfront development on Quay Street—three years’ worth of flashy hotel openings also await. There’s the Park Hyatt , QT Auckland , the charming Hotel Fitzroy , and Hotel Britomart , New Zealand’s only 5-Green-Star certified hotel. Stays in the city pair perfectly with newcomers in Auckland’s rural periphery, like the Scandi-inspired Parohe Island Retreat and golf-centric Te Arai . Should you journey further into Aotearoa, new multi-day tours by luxury rail operator Great Journeys depart from Auckland Rail Station. From the looks of it, 2023 will—finally—give Auckland its time to shine. —Paul Jebara

British Columbia, Canada

Go for: New Indigenous-led experiences and wilderness lodges

The newly opened Klahoose Wilderness Resort invites guests to learn about Klahoose First Nation Culture—and experience fantastic wildlife viewing—in British Columbia's remote Desolation Sound. 

The province of British Columbia is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, from the Rockies to the storm-battered islands of Haida Gwaii , and new Indigenous-led experiences are connecting travellers to the cultures most closely tied to the land. At Haida-owned and -operated Haida House —which launched its new longhouse-style oceanfront cabins in May 2022—guests will explore Haida Gwaii while learning about the Haida worldview of Yah’guudang, meaning “respect for all living things and the interdependence that binds us.” Haida House guests will visit the islands’ ancestral village sites—including The Village of Queen Charlotte, which was recently restored to its Indigenous name of Daajing Giids, in an unprecedented move.

Further east, in the interior Chilcotin region of B.C., Indigenous-owned and -operated Nemiah Valley Lodge will open for its first full season next June. The lodge marks the first tourism venture on Tsilhqot’in title lands after a landmark ruling awarded the First Nation rights to their traditional territory. In 2023, they’re adding a sweat lodge experience and kayaking on Chilko Lake—Canada’s highest-elevation freshwater lake—led by Tsilhqot’in cultural ambassadors from the local Xeni Gwet’in community.

Back on the coast, Klahoose Wilderness Resort is also new on the scene, with a focus on Klahoose First Nation culture and wildlife viewing in remote Desolation Sound. There’s also Tofino Wilderness Resort  in Quait Bay on Vancouver Island , which will open under Ahousaht First Nation ownership in 2023. But Indigenous culture will also make its mark in the bustling heart of British Columbia: Salmon n’ Bannock , Vancouver’s only Indigenous restaurant, is opening Salmon n’ Bannock on the Fly at the Vancouver airport, the first Indigenous restaurant in a Canadian airport—and a welcome way to bookend a trip to the region. —Chloe Berge

Central California Coast, U.S.A.

Go for: New wine country stays, standout tasting rooms and restaurants

New accommodations like The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection, are making the central California coast one of the state's hippest food-and-wine-focused getaways—and there's even more to come in 2023. 

A patchwork of laid-back beach towns , trail-laced redwood forests, and vineyards producing standout Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, the Central Coast has been on our radar for a while now. Yet, all at once, it seems the region’s lesser-known destinations are taking on cooler second lives. In the Santa Ynez Valley , cowboy towns like Los Alamos and Los Olivos float on the same intriguing whispers that Joshua Tree did a decade ago (known, but not too known). The valley has emerged as the hippest new getaway for Angelinos, with its mix of funky tasting rooms like disco ball-decorated Future Perfect Wines , casually chic restaurants such as seafood tavern Bar Le Côte , and new accommodations, most notably the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern . Auberge Resorts Collection recently resurrected the latter, a beloved 19th-century landmark with a cabana-lined pool, a spa curated by New York City’s cult outfit The Well , and four restaurants, including a smokehouse that juxtaposes open-fire cooking and Shanghainese flavours. One hour north, Paso Robles , has finally shed its serious oenophiles-only image. Tin City , an approachable collection of wineries and breweries set within an industrial market, feels reminiscent of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone , and boasts San Luis Obispo County’s only Michelin-decorated restaurant, Six Test Kitchen . Next year, the revival whizzes at Nomada Group will reopen two historic hotels—Farmhouse Motel, a 1940s spot downtown, and River Lodge, set at the entrance of Route 46 minutes from top wineries. They’ve even made the unassuming frontier town of Pozo, 30 minutes from downtown, Insta-cool by recently reviving the Saloon , where Willie Nelson once played, and adding airstreams and glamping tents as crash pads. —Jen Murphy

Go for: One-of-a-kind archaeological museums, waterfront resorts, cruises

The much-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, pegged to be the world's largest archaeological museum, is set to finally open in 2023 with all objects excavated from Tutankhamun’s tomb.

A far more hopeful period is afoot in Egypt after a decade of upheaval catalyzed by the Arab Spring. This year marked the centennial of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb—and in November 2022, Egypt hosted the United Nations Climate Summit, COP 27.

Long-laid plans will finally come to fruition in the year ahead, with many high-profile projects, including the much-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, set to open at last. Pegged to be the world’s largest archaeological museum, the space—slated for a 2023 opening—will contain priceless items, including all objects excavated from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Further touristic draws, Egyptology-wise, stem from the exciting return of certain artefacts from the Metropolitan Museum of Art , as well as the relocation of the nation’s vast collection of royal mummies to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo .

Jahnavi Bhatt

Condé Nast Traveller

Poorvi Singhal

Julian Manning

Grander transformations are afoot, with new infrastructure—and a new capital—rapidly taking shape. A development not without its controversies, Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, to the east of Cairo, will replace the current one as the country's governmental centre, boasting Africa’s tallest tower and the 22-mile-long Green River Park, designed to look like the Nile River . On that note: Viking River Cruises have expanded their fleet yet again, with the Viking Aton due to launch in August 2023, sailing their popular  Pharaohs & Pyramids  itinerary. Meanwhile, the opening of eco-resort The Chedi El Gouna on the Red Sea is pencilled in for December 2022—yet another reason for a multi-stop journey through Egypt. —Gilly Hopper

Galilee, Israel

Go for: Charming boutique hotels, vineyards, improved connectivity

Pereh Mountain Resort is one of several new boutique hotels to have recently opened in this part of Israel, drawing international tourists to the rural food and wine destination. 

Perched atop a hill and surrounded by olive groves and orchards, the Pereh Mountain Resort underscores why Galilee has earned its nickname as the Tuscany of Israel. 

For decades, food and wine aficionados from Tel Aviv have been making the windy drive north to Israel’s Galilee region, where the landscape unfolds into lush green hills and valleys. For locals, this fertile corner filled with fruit farms, organic dairies, and family-run wineries, has long been revered as Israel’s own Tuscany.

And now, international tourists are discovering the region’s bounty as well: A flurry of new boutique hotels have opened over the past year, including the Pereh Mountain Resort , perched atop a hill and surrounded by olive groves and orchards; and the Galei Kinneret , reborn with a kitchen led by celebrity chef Assaf Granit. At The Farmhouse , which also opened in 2021, guests sleep among vineyards, and after Watsu pool therapy and jeep tours, are invited to pair local wines with artisanal cheeses and local produce. Tiberias, the Galilee’s largest city, is also set for a facelift with a new promenade along the same shores where Jesus is said to have walked on water—and new direct flights to Israel from Atlanta (Delta; starting in May) and Miami (American; beginning in October) will make access in 2023 easier than ever. —Debra Kamin

Go for: City hotspots, island getaways, and dazzling safari lodges

Take advantage of new openings in Nairobi and the Lamu archipelago, then check in to Angama Mara, a new lodge in Amboseli National Park opening in November 2023. 

​​ Kenya has long been a big draw for safari travellers, but there’s much more to see beyond the Masai Mara—and there are compelling new reasons to crisscross the country. While Nairobi was often relegated to one-night layovers en route to the bush, innovative new hotel concepts like The Social House Nairobi , which opened just before the pandemic, are beckoning visitors to linger awhile. The 83 sleek rooms are brimming with local products, like Kenyan coffee and toiletries, and the four restaurants and café are hot spots for Nairobi’s creative set to converge. Nairobi’s restaurant scene is also thriving, with creative kitchens like the farm-to-table Cultiva , the brainchild of Ecuadorian chef Ariel Moscardi, who fell in love with Nairobi during a short visit; he’s now at work on an experimental chef’s-table offshoot called Aya set to open next year. Plus, on the heels of opening her home to guests as the art-filled Eden Nairobi in 2021, designer Anna Trzebinski has now set her sights on the coast. She’s taken over three apartments in the beguiling island archipelago of Lamu , filled them with furniture and decor she designed, and will unveil them as Jannah Shela in 2023. With gorgeous indoor-outdoor spaces and a rooftop bar with the best views in Lamu, this is a chic hideaway for a new wave of travellers—both Kenyan and international. For those who can’t get enough of Angama Mara ’s dazzling details, the November 2023 opening of Angama Amboseli brings its contemporary African design to Amboseli National Park further south, where 10 tented suites come with sweeping views of Mount Kilimanjaro . — Sarah Khan

Loire Valley, France

Go for: New hotels and restaurants in historic châteaux, luxury train journeys

Gatronomic getaways like Fleur de Loire, opened last July, are proving that the Loire Valley has more to offer than historical châteaux (though there are plenty of those). 

Fleur de Loire from Michelin-star chef Christophe Hay has two restaurants, a pastry shop, and a 2.5-acre garden from which his ingredients are sourced. 

The Loire Valley has always banked on its abundance of royal châteaux and lush landscapes to draw in travellers. But it wasn’t until very recently, thanks to the initiative of hoteliers, creatives, and chefs, that the region sought to go beyond its picturesque historical marvels to establish new reasons to visit.

That effort began in 2020, with the gastronomic and nature-inspired getaways offered at Loire Valley Lodges and Les Sources de Cheverny , and has shown no signs of stopping. Raising the bar in a big way has been Fleur de Loire , double Michelin-star chef Christophe Hay’s fine-dining-led hotel in Blois, overlooking the Loire River, which opened last July. Hay restored a former 17th-century hospice to set up two restaurants, a pastry shop, a Sisley spa, 44 elegantly appointed rooms, and a 2.5-acre garden which supplies all of the produce for his cooking.

Yet there is also a novelty for those who can’t shake the urge to sleep within the majestic confines of a castle. The Château Louise de La Vallière is a new 5-star Relais & Châteaux offering in forestland tucked between Tours and Amboise, open as of October 2022. Occupying a 16th-century château set within a 47-acre park that served as the first-holiday residence of Louise de la Vallière, the first official mistress of Louis XIV, the 20-room property has been restored and redesigned by Jacques Garcia to its centuries-old glory: it approximates the style and customs of the era, down to the period dress sported by staff, in addition to original paintings, tapestries, decorative pieces, and even mealtime rituals.

It makes for a suitable home base to visit the Royal Château of Amboise in 2023 when the Saint-Hubert chapel, the resting place of Leonardo De Vinci, reopens after nearly two years of renovations. The Château will also host a new, year-long exhibition dedicated to Louis XI on the 600th anniversary of his birth.

But the newest way to make a stopover arrives next summer with the inaugural Le Grand Tour experience from Puy du Fou. The six-day luxury train journey spans a more than 2,000-mile tour of France in a Belle Epoque carriage, bringing guests to Chenonceau for a night, with private visits to the namesake château. —Lindsey Tramuta

Marrakech, Morocco

Go for: New riads in the city, desert stays, art and design exhibits

In addition to buzzy new hotel openings in central Marrakech, the Burning Man–inspired Habitas Agafay has just begun welcoming visitors to the Agafay Desert, a mere 45-minute drive from the city's medina. 

Marrakech has a dizzying energy that pulls you in, spins you around, and leaves you wanting more. All good reasons to make sure you have a soothing home for the night—and you will, thanks to a handful of exciting openings. Dreamy riad El Fenn has just added ten new rooms in the hotel’s signature style, mixing intricate artisanal details, bold colours, and striking contemporary art. On the other side of the medina, two new spots are coming this spring. Firstly, Rosemary , a bijou new riad with a calming courtyard and sunny rooftop, from Laurence Leenaert, the designer behind the LRNCE brand of ceramics and textiles. In the leafy Hivernage neighbourhood, home to some of the city’s best nightlife, a new Nobu hotel will breathe new life into the former Pearl Hotel. Out in the Agafay Desert, a 45-minute drive from the medina, Habitas has just opened the Burning Man–inspired Caravan Agafay . Don’t go expecting rolling Sahara-style dunes—the stone desert here looks more lunar than sandy—but do expect boho tents, swimming pools, moon gazing, and plenty more. 

Marrakech itself continues to be a magnet for artists and designers: The new Monde des Arts de la Parure showcases 3,000 pieces of jewellery, ornaments, and textiles from more than 50 countries in a three-story wood-and-brick space lit by a dramatic octagonal skylight. At the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL), Malagasy artist Joël Andrianomearisoa’s “Our Land Just Like A Dream” explores traditional Moroccan creative knowledge, filling the museum’s spaces with works made exclusively in Marrakech through July 2023. —Nicola Chilton

Melides, Portugal

Go for: Lesser-known beaches, design-forward stays

The Manuel Aires Mateus-designed Pa.te.os has just opened in Melides, with four discreet houses that blend into 80 acres of the Mediterranean landscape. 

Comporta’s lesser-known sister has been quietly simmering for some time now, but 2023 is set to become the year Melides emerges as the Portuguese beach spot to know. Its alluring landscape of white-sand beaches, pine forests, and rice fields will soon welcome exciting new properties, including Christian Louboutin’s much-awaited Vermelho this coming spring. The designer discovered the charm of Melides early—he’s been visiting for 10 years to design his winter collections, even naming one of his shoe lines Melides—and the boutique property will celebrate Portuguese artisanship and design traditions.

And there are others: Spatia —the Comporta resort frequented by travellers looking for minimalist design and quiet respite—will open a second hotel in Melides in 2023, while Umay’s otherworldly villas, inspired by the geometry of seashells, will follow in 2024. Also new to the area is the recently opened Pa. te .os , consisting of four discreet houses on 80 hectares of land, designed by famed Portuguese architect Manuel Aires Mateus to blend into the Mediterranean landscape.

Hotels aside, other 2022 openings like the Melides Pottery Museum, which celebrates Portugal’s rich ceramic history, and beach-front restaurants like À Toa on Praia de Melides , add to the excitement around this buzzy destination. —Abigail Malbon

Memphis, Tennessee

Go for: New public spaces, restaurants and hotels that highlight the city's heritage

The Memphian Hotel is an eye-catching marker of the city's hotel boom—it's just one of eight new properties opened in 2022. 

The Memphian Hotel shines a light on the city's heritage through design and cuisine, much like the city's coolest new restaurants.

Nashville claims a lot of national buzz, but the city of Memphis has been quietly reshaping itself to be the hottest destination in Tennessee. Over the past decade, its downtown has invested billions in revitalization projects—and now, visitors can begin reaping the benefits.

An upgraded Tom Lee Park will open downtown in 2023, and in time for Memphis in May , a month-long festival celebrating the city’s culture with the famed Beale Street Music Festival and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. The $60 million transformation will add new pavilions, meditative paths, riverfront seating, sound gardens, and the Canopy Walk connecting the park to downtown—all a fitting tribute to the park’s heroic namesake, a Black Memphian who, nearly a century ago, rescued passengers from a sinking steamboat on the Mississippi River. Next up: The Walk on Union , said to be the largest new mixed-use development in the Southeast, will play host to retail businesses, green spaces, and two new Hilton hotels as it opens in phases over the next few years.

Memphis is experiencing a hotel boom, with eight new properties in 2022 and more on the way. Recently opened are the funky  The Memphian and Hyatt's first  Caption concept, both of which shine a light on the city’s heritage through design and cuisine, much like the latest crop of Memphis restaurants. Barbecue still reigns, but the city’s trendiest spots are lightening things up: Raw Girls now has two brick-and-mortar smoothie and juice bars, Food Network star chef Tamra Patterson will open a new vegetarian spot in 2023, and craft cocktail bar Cameo , opened this year, serves up sophisticated mocktails. —Kelsey Ogletree

Mendoza, Argentina

Go for: Women-led food experiences, new lodges on iconic vineyards

At the foot of the majestic Andes, a crop of stylish new restaurants and hotels—many spearheaded by women—are giving travelers a new reason to raise a glass in Argentina's wine capital. 

Toasting with Malbec in front of the majestic Andes is how people celebrate in Mendoza , and a slew of stylish restaurant and hotel openings—many of which are spearheaded by women—provides ever more reason to raise a glass in Argentina’s Great Wine Capital (it is just 90 minutes by plane from Buenos Aires , after all).

Mendoza’s new bodega wining and dining experiences are many. There’s chef Patricia Courtois’s 5 Suelos at Durigutti Family Winemakers (opened April 2022), sommelier Camila Cerezo Pawlak’s Ruda restaurant in Tupungato Winelands (January 2022), and Catena Zapata’s opulent Angélica named for the family matriarch (November 2022).

Zonda at Bodega Lagarde—an organic, B-Corp certified winery that marks its 125th anniversary in 2023—stands out, however, for showcasing the best of Mendoza, from fantastic vintages down to its hard-carved teaspoons. Owner Sofia Pescarmona shares her family’s terroir with guests, who gather herbs and veggies and get a little messy making empanadas during Zonda’s immersive garden-to-table experience. Efforts are rewarded with a nine-course regional tasting menu paired with Lagarde wines, including the refreshing Proyecto Hermanas White Blend that Sofia makes with sister Lucila.

Plus, the latest venture of Susana Balbo—Argentina’s trailblazing female oenologist who helms her namesake winery—saw her lovingly refurbish a mansion with daughter Ana Lovaglio, unveiling it as the seven-suite SB Winemaker’s Lodge & Spa in April 2022; chef Flavia Amad Di Leo runs both the bodega and the hotel’s restaurants. Invigorated by in-room massages and asado by the pool, adventurous guests can then hire the lodge’s VisionAir seaplane, Argentina’s only such aircraft, and explore hidden corners of the world’s eighth-largest country. —Sorrel Moseley-Williams

Mustang, Nepal

Go for: Luxury mountain retreats, rare experiences in a remote destination

From design virtuoso Bill Bensley, the all-inclusive Shinta Mani, set in the remote, once-forbidden region of Mustang, is arguably Asia's most anticipated hotel opening of 2023. 

For decades, Nepal has been the Himalayan destination of choice for backpackers and trekkers drawn to its deep-rooted spirituality, endless adventure offerings, and those sky-piercing peaks. This hasn’t been the case for many luxury-minded travellers, though, who often chose to neighbor Bhutan for its superior clutch of upscale mountain lodges. That will change in 2023 as Nepal unveils a wave of first-rate boutique accommodations and experiences.

Much of this shift is courtesy the recent update of Mountain Lodges of Nepal , a family-owned collection of deluxe accommodations scattered around the ultra-scenic Annapurna and Everest regions. By the end of 2023, they will introduce 15 premium, intimate lodges—a mixture of refurbished sites and new builds combining tradition (stone walls and colourful cultural motifs) with modernity (like dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass windows)—while offering multi-day treks, wild honey hunting, and helicopter rides to a Mount Everest-facing Champagne breakfast.

Come 2023, the 29-suite Shinta Mani Mustang, a Bensley Collection , arguably Asia’s most anticipated hotel opening, will open in the remote, once-forbidden ancient kingdom region of Mustang. Spearheaded by design virtuoso Bill Bensley, the all-inclusive mountain retreat brings together Tibetan design (incorporating upcycled materials), traditional wellness programs, unique experiences—like guided explorations of the mysterious, ancient “sky caves”—and unparalleled access to one of the Himalaya’s last frontiers. —Travis Levius

Ollantaytambo, Peru

Go for: Old-meets-new food and drink experiences, eco-stays

Ancestral earthen oven cooking known as pachamanca is offered to guests at El Albergue Ollantaytambo, part of the region's growing effort to showcase Andean food and drink traditions to a wider audience. 

The 100-year-old El Albergue Ollantaytambo also functions as a quintessential home base for travelers in the Sacred Valley, proving the village of Ollantaytambo is more than a pit stop en route to Machu Picchu.

Ollantaytambo is best known for its archaeological site, a hillside Incan fortress that draws travellers off the train to Machu Picchu. But of late, the village has also become a terroir-driven culinary epicentre in the Sacred Valley, with local entrepreneurs placing a new era of the Andean food and drink traditions on the world stage. Taste herbaceous high-elevation rums, or infuse your own, at Destilería Andina ; sip Andean coffee, or roast souvenir beans, at Cafe Mayu ; and sample craft beer flavoured with local fruit at Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado . Old and new continue to meet, through farm-to-table fare paired with creative cocktails at Chuncho ; meanwhile, tradition takes precedence with ancestral earthen oven pachamanca cooking in El Albergue Ollantaytambo ’s farm tour meals. And look for Destilería Andina’s new location with a full-service bar, opening in mid-2023, near Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado.

Don’t make the mistake of hopping on the train after a meal, either—unique hotels further the case for staying the night. The 100-year-old El Albergue Ollantaytambo is a classic home base, but you can also pamper yourself at the Qolqas Eco Lodge (spa included), or sleep perched in a mountainside capsule with valley views at Skylodge Adventure Suites . The latter opened in 2013, but the brand’s new Starlodge Adventure Suites and onsen are 2022 additions.

Plan your trip around cultural moments for the full experience: The Señor de Choquekillka festival, 50 days after Easter, honours the village’s patron saint with food, music, and dance; locals celebrate the winter solstice in June, and the entire village revels during Ollantaytambo’s anniversary every October. —Nico Vera

Queensland, Australia

Go for: Indigenous-led experiences, swanky new hotels

Queensland has returned thousands of acres to Indigenous groups over the last two years, a shift that has yielded special new experiences for travelers. 

New Indigenous-owned and -run experiences include moonlit spearfishing in Daintree National Park, alongside Eastern Kuku Yalanji guides, and Torres Strait Islander-led day trips from Cairns.

Australia is making an effort to return the land to its native people, and Queensland has been leading the way, with thousands of acres going back to Indigenous groups over the last two years. For travellers, this shift is yielding new experiences guided by the insight of the original stewards of the land.

The ancient rainforest of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park was part of a parcel returned in 2021, and now the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people are managing the national park alongside the state government. At the newly opened Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre , an ecotourism hub operated by mostly Indigenous staff, visitors walk the land with traditional custodians as guides; Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tours include night walking, crabbing, and spearfishing under the moon; and on Walkabout Cultural Adventures , Indigenous plants and medicines are highlighted on guided rainforest excursions.

Further north, lands near the Torres Strait Islands—there are at least 274 in the strait between Australia and New Guinea—were returned to Torres Strait Islanders of Aboriginal, Melanesian, and Australian background last year. Now, local Indigenous entrepreneurs have launched companies like Strait Experience , which offers a first-of-its-kind day trip to the islands from Cairns, making the destination more accessible than ever.

Bookend your adventures with a night in any of the chic hotels and resorts set to call Queensland home in 2023, including the Mondrian Gold Coast and the Ritz-Carlton Brisbane, part of the Queens’ Wharf project that is transforming the river’s edge. These join a new luxury hotel faction including The Langham Gold Coast and Dorsett Gold Coast , both of which opened last summer.

Lastly, don’t skip a visit to Queensland’s capital: Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will host eight games in July and August for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Good thing getting to Queensland is easier than ever, thanks to three weekly nonstop flights between San Francisco and Brisbane, added by United Airlines in October 2022. —Devorah Lev-Tov

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Go for: Landmark art and architecture events, atmospheric new hotels

The Sharjah Biennial opens in February to celebrate its 30th anniversary, with works from more than 150 artists from 70 countries (above, an installation at the 2017 event, by Joe Namy).

While it might seem like Dubai continues to monopolize much of the U.A.E.’s glitz and buzz, neighbouring Sharjah has been quietly asserting itself as the cultural capital of the Emirates. On the heels of striking new galleries from the Sharjah Arts Foundation and architectural marvels like the Foster + Partners–designed House of Wisdom library, the Sharjah Biennial opens in February, on its 30th anniversary, with works from more than 150 artists from 70 countries. Also on deck is the Sharjah Architecture Triennial, curated by Nigerian architect Tosin Oshinowo in collaboration with visionaries like India’s Rahul Mehrotra and Brazil’s Paulo Tavares. The most atmospheric place to stay in Sharjah is the Chedi Al Bait , a tangle of 53 rooms and eight suites spread across a series of ochre courtyards in the historic district. This year, it gets a refresh with the addition of a 12-room boutique wing built in a 100-year-old family home. There are plush new ways to explore the less-explored emirate’s natural splendours as well. Lux Resorts and Hotels, known for its swanky digs in Mauritius , the Maldives , and China , is making its Middle Eastern debut with two new retreats in Sharjah coming in 2023: Lux Al Jabal is a beach escape overlooking an untouched stretch of the Gulf of Oman, while Lux Al Bridi will be a safari camp brimming with wildlife in the sprawling Al Bridi Nature Reserve. —Sarah Khan

Srinagar, India

Go for: New infrastructure for easier road tripping, elevated nature retreats

Srinagar, an alluring and once hard-to-visit destination in the Kashmir Valley, is opening up to travellers in a big way in 2023, with new roadways making it easier than ever to get in and around. 

In the heart of the Kashmir Valley, the gem of Srinagar—with its winding waterways and colourful houseboats—is equally alluring and challenging to plan a visit to. Yet the destination seems to be shifting gears, with the government greenlighting development projects that will benefit travellers.

Srinagar has some vibrant new openings:  Karan Mahal , a swanky, intimate stay in the historic residence of Kashmir’s former rulers and amid nearly 60 acres of orchards and woods, launched last year, while  Qayaam Gah , a stylish, Sufi-inspired nature retreat in the Zabarwan Hills, with unfettered bird’s-eye views of Dal Lake, opened this summer. Additionally, Indian Hotels Company Limited (also behind the Taj Hotels) will bring its affordable brand, Ginger Hotels , to Srinagar in the first half of 2023.

The capital is also about to get a boost in accessibility, with a spate of highways and tunnels planned to open in 2023 that will, among other connections, make it easier to drive from Kashmir—across breathtaking landscapes—to neighbouring Ladakh, even in winter. Other side trips that will be easier to reach, thanks to the new infrastructure: Sonamarg (which translates to “golden meadow”), a stunning hill station that is poised for substantial tourism development in the years to come, and Pahalgam, an idyllic getaway that has long drawn travellers to its pastoral charms. The latter will see, in early 2023, the opening of  Shepherd’s Barn , a cottage stay by Ramneek Kaur (whose family owns the Bollywood-favorite  Pahalgam Hotel ), which will add rooms to an existing program of craft tours and local activities under the auspices of the Shepherd Crafts Cultural Centre. With so much change underfoot, there is no better time to experience the area— and before everyone else starts to do the same. —Saumya Ancheri

Go for: The performing arts center, two years' worth of hotel and restaurant openings

After a decade of construction, the Taipei Performing Arts Center has finally opened—just as the country has begun welcoming international visitors again. 

Elegant towering teahouses, otherworldly landscapes, and culinary excellence have long tempted travellers to Taiwan . Now, after more than two years, the island nation has reopened its borders to international visitors—and there’s quite a bit to catch up on.

One decade of construction later, the Taipei Performing Arts Center is finally open, with three performance spaces housed within sleek geometric buildings. A few kilometres south, the stylish Hotel Resonance Taipei recently unbolted its doors with 175 fresh guest rooms, offering sweeping city views and sleek modern interiors. Just before borders closed, the Taipei location of The Place hotel—equal parts polished and relaxing, with a teahouse in its lobby—opened in Nangang, and a design-forward branch of the Kimpton set down roots in the Da’An District. There’s even more to come, with the Sotetsu Grand Fresa Taipei Ximen slated to open in 2023 in the bustling Ximending, which was just named one of the “51 Coolest Neighborhoods In The World” by Time Out. Plan your meals around any of the five restaurants that earned Michelin stars in 2022: Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature, Holt, Yu Kapo, Paris 1930 de Hideki Takayama, and Sushiyoshi.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s oldest city, Tainan, has been attracting travellers who hop on the high-speed rail, headed for one of the 44 restaurants that earned Tainan its addition to the 2022 Michelin Guide . Also making it worth the trip: Anping Tree House, an abandoned warehouse that has been swallowed by banyan trees; the colourful and artsy Shennong Street; and when you’re ready for a nap, Mao House , a chic bed and breakfast that stands in stark contrast to its architecturally staid neighbours. —Ella Quittner

Turks and Caicos

Go for: Easier access to remote islands, cruise upgrades, sleek resorts

Big-deal infrastructure enhancements are making it easier to reach Turks and Caicos’ less frequented outer islands, changing what it means to have an exclusive experience in the archipelago.

The exquisite white sands and blue waters of Grace Bay Beach have long been the coveted endgame for visitors to Turks and Caicos . Lately, though, a wave of new hotels and developments in more remote parts of the island chain are changing what it means to have an exclusive experience here. 

Leading the way, the 46-unit Rock House opened this past May, with its sleek Mediterranean style (a departure from the archipelago’s traditional colonial aesthetic), private plunge pools, and sustainability efforts that preserve native foliage and limestone. But Rock House’s real magic is undeniably in its location: a clifftop perch above a secluded beach on Grace Bay’s north shore, where you can while away your days snorkelling in a protected marine sanctuary. More properties slated to come in 2023 include the 31-acre South Bank Turks & Caicos , a residential resort and marina, opening in March, at the top of Long Bay Beach with 18 waterfront villas and a five-acre swimming lagoon. The Strand Turks & Caicos will follow later in 2023, 20 minutes south of Grace Bay, with oceanfront residences and what feels like its own peninsula on Cooper Jack Bay.

Big-deal infrastructure enhancements are also making it easier to reach Turks and Caicos’ less frequented outer islands. On Grand Turks, a $25 million dock extension is set to welcome larger cruise ships in 2023. And on tiny South Caicos, a significant upgrade to the single-runway South Caicos Airport is scheduled for completion in June, meaning improved access to the least populated of the islands—like the uber-luxe Sailrock Resort , a favourite of celebs like Justin Bieber and Regina King. —Nina Kokotas Hahn

Go for: A revived cultural calendar, dazzling new hotels

In 2023, Vienna will welcome the return of the Viennese ball season after a two-year hiatus. 

Vienna has long been a European capital of groundbreaking art and music, and in 2023 the city has several landmark anniversaries on its cultural calendar.

After a two-year hiatus, the 2023 Viennese ball season promises lush nights of live orchestral music and dancing in black-tie. Two of the year’s sparkliest, the Vienna Opera Ball and the Vienna Philharmonic Ball, are also marking their 65th and 80th anniversaries, respectively. The latter is returning  on January 19 with performances by the legendary orchestra. Meanwhile, the Opera Ball, to be held  on February 16 , will host dancing “Under the Sign of Solidarity”—the night’s theme—in collaboration with  Österreich hilft Österreich (Austria Helps Austria) to fundraise for those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Belvedere, home to Gustav Klimt’s famous  The Kiss , is celebrating 300 years since its completion with a year-long exhibition, “ The Belvedere: 300 Years a Place of Art ,” paying homage to the museum’s impact on Viennese art history. Also not to be missed in 2023: “ Klimt. Inspired by Van Gogh, Rodin, Matisse… ,” a collaborative exhibit by the Belvedere and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, showcasing the prominent artists who influenced the master of Viennese Modernism.

Kick your feet up at Vienna’s chic new hotels. The  Rosewood Vienna , which opened in 2022, will welcome its first full year of guests with the new Asaya Spa. Then, in late 2023, The Hoxton is set to open a 196-room hotel featuring an events auditorium (a first for the hotel brand) honouring Vienna’s legacy as a hub for live entertainment and culture. —Matt Ortile

Go for: Locavore food experiences, forest hotels and saunas

In lush Wales, a foodie renaissance is taking place—drawing travelers to terroir-driven restaurants, distilleries, and revived pubs in untrammeled areas. 

A Welsh foodie renaissance has, admittedly, taken a while to arrive. But a new generation of chefs are digging into their terroir and emerging with handfuls of truffles, scallops, and cheeses, from James Sommerin’s Home restaurant in Penarth, to SY23 in seaside Aberystwyth, headed by Great British Menu finalist Nathan Davies. There’s also been the rise of hard-to-reach destination restaurants determinedly doing their own thing, such as Annwn in deepest Pembrokeshire, where Matt Powell forages most of his ingredients from the shoreline, and Gareth Ward’s Ynyshir in the Dyfi Valley , which was just awarded a second Michelin star. Ward’s empire will grow in 2023 with the opening of eight-seat Gwen—named after his mother—with sourdough pizzas on the menu. Paternoster Farm , meanwhile, set in a former Pembroke cowshed, is doing wondrous things with Porthilly oysters, Welsh Mountain lamb, and sea beet—with its Five Mile Feasts, a special menu, gathering up all sorts of local treasures. 

In Cardigan, the Albion Aberteifi —certainly the coolest hotel to arrive in Wales in years—is set to open a Scandi-Japanese restaurant on the river bank in 2023, along with a woodland onsen and spa. Wales seems to be turning into a hub for the UK’s thriving outdoor sauna scene: Snowdonia-based Heartwood Saunas is launching a new forest project this December, where groups of up to 10 can use a wood-fired sauna before jumping in the pools of the River Dulas (or head to the yoga deck), all while surrounded by old oak trees and natural pools. In Carmarthenshire, the seven-mile stretch of Pendine Sands is enjoying a revival. Caban hotel is opening in the spring alongside the Museum of Speed , which celebrates the many land-speed records made on the beach—including one by actor Idris Elba in a Bentley Continental GT. Reducing the speed a notch, a new slow-travel route of roads and walking paths, The Wild Drovers’ Way , unfurls over 180 miles from the foothills of the Cambrians into the Brecon Beacons—a lovely way to appreciate some of Wales’ rural highlights.

If you need somewhere to toast all this, you could head to Swansea, where Penderyn will open its new whisky-distillery experience in March; or to Ynyshir, where Gareth Ward opened The Legless Thatch next to his restaurant last summer. The fun continues in Cardiff, where the St Fagans Museum of National History has been rebuilding the iconic Vulcan pub (beloved of Manic Street Preachers) on its grounds, set to open in 2024. Lechyd da! —Rick Jordan

Western Japan

Go for: Expedition cruises in the Seto Inland Sea, new onsen experiences

Luxury small ship company Ponant will launch a first-ever expedition cruise from Osaka in 2023, exploring old feudal towns and traditional fishing villages on Japan's oldest sea route. 

New luxury openings and a world’s-first expedition cruise are among a plethora of reasons to head for western Japan in 2023. In the Seto Inland Sea, which separates Japan’s main island of Honshu from the islands of Shikoku and Kyushu, luxury small-ship company Ponant has announced a first-ever expedition cruise from Osaka in 2023, which will sail along Japan’s oldest sea route. Exploring old feudal towns and traditional fishing villages on the coast of Honshu, as well as Inland Sea islands such as Inujima—once a copper mining hub and now one of the famous contemporary “Art Islands”—the 264-guest Le Soléal will chart a seven-night course towards the Sea of Japan, starting in May 2023. Also in the Seto Inland Sea, in a forest on Awaji Island, wellness retreat Zenbo Seinei just opened its doors. Designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Shigeru Ban, it features a 21-meter-long gallery for zazen meditation and a restaurant celebrating Japan’s culture of fermented foods.

On Kyushu island , the new Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen now conveniently connects cosmopolitan Nagasaki to Japan’s vast bullet train network. Good thing, as there’s a new Ritz-Carlton coming in the summer of 2023 to the vibrant, gateway city of Fukuoka; and in the hot-spring town of Yufuin, Kengo Kuma—the architect behind the Japan National Stadium for the Tokyo 2020 games—has completed a new gallery at Comico Art Museum to house works by Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami, and Hiroshi Sugimoto, among others, as well as two exclusive-use “Art Houses” with private onsen baths. Nearby, Kuma has also created the gorgeous KAI Yufuin , a contemporary onsen ryokan with views of Mount Yufu and enveloped in rice terraces whose beauty changes with the seasons. —Kate Crockett

Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Go for: Design-forward boutique hotels amid the region's jungle and waterways

The Yucatán Peninsula is already an easy-to-love destination—its food heritage just one of the reasons to visit—but a boom of design-forward stays are upping the ante. 

Just outside of Mérida, above, travellers will find the new Galopina, a five-bedroom, family-run guesthouse from Mexican owners Elisa Navarrete and Guillaume Galopin.

With a boom of design-forward stays opening their doors—in an already easy-to-love destination marked by verdant jungle and brilliant waterways—the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico’s southeastern bounds is poised to be one of the most enticing areas to visit this year.

The 22-bungalow Boca de Agua is set to open in April in Bacalar , with suites designed by architect Frida Escobedo, who was recently tapped for the forthcoming contemporary art wing at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City . North of Bacalar, tucked within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is Casa Chablé , which will open in December 2022 with 10 rooms and bungalows. Guests take a 40-minute boat ride through lush mangrove forests, to arrive at the resort’s 12 acres of tropical jungle fronted by white-sand beaches. Plus, situated in the tranquil Xpu-ha cove, between the two bustling towns of Tulum and Playa del Carmen, the ultra-luxurious boutique property Hotel Esencia opened in November as one of the most refined offerings in Riviera Maya: the Esencia Mansion, a four-bedroom private hideaway with its own speakeasy, cinema, and rooftop infinity pool. And just outside of Mérida is the new Galopina , a five-bedroom, family-run guesthouse from Mexican owners Elisa Navarrete and Guillaume Galopin. After a stint in Paris , they returned to their home country and created their dream homestead in the jungle with miles of trails, organic gardens, and guest rooms offering meditative terraces. —Michaela Trimble

Zamora, Spain

Go for: Romanesque architecture, dazzling lakes, and improved access from Madrid

Zamora, which is known for having the most Romanesque architecture in Europe, is becoming a European World Heritage Site in 2023—perfect timing, as a new high-speed train from Madrid makes it easier to reach than ever. 

Few know—even in Spain —that Zamora is the city with the most Romanesque architecture in Europe, but it was reason enough for UNESCO to make Zamora a European World Heritage Site for 2023. Additionally, its proximity to Madrid —an hour away thanks to a new high-speed AVE train, inaugurated just a year ago—put this underrated town high on our must-visit list.

But there is more to Zamora, such as its enormous modernist legacy and its Lagunas de Villafáfila, a collection of lakes that are home to thousands of migratory birds each season. There’s even more to see, scattered throughout the province: Lake Sanabria is the largest glacial lake in the Iberian Peninsula, and just a few miles away, Puebla de Sanabria is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Towards the east you will find Toro, the epicentre of bold red wines—and home to critically acclaimed winery Numanthia that’s credited with putting the wine region on the map. Not far away, in the heart of Tierra de Campos, snag a table at Lera , which got its Michelin star in 2022, and is a favourite among wild game enthusiasts.

Finally, to the south, Arribes del Duero shows that Zamora province has it all—even fjords. Beautiful crags and cliffs mark the border with Portugal in a natural park that has become a centre for viticulture and attracts reputed international winemakers. Olive, citrus, and other fruit trees, artisanal ceramics, and stunning natural beauty turn this secluded corner into a Mediterranean paradise. Consider the luxurious Hacienda Zorita Natural Reserve , and the Castillo de Buen Amor (refurbished in 2021) in Salamanca, just a 30-minute drive away, the perfect setting for your quaint Zamora escape. —David Moralejo

First published on Condé Nast Traveler US

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24 April 2024

IHG’s Upper Luxury Portfolio Recognized By Top Travel Editors

Nine top titles awarded to IHG properties – A total of four Six Senses and two Regent hotels are featured in Condé Nast Traveler Hot List, Travel + Leisure’s It List and AFAR’s Best New Hotels.

24 APRIL 2024, LONDON: IHG Hotels & Resorts is celebrating the significant achievements of its upper luxury portfolio today following the announcement of three of the industry’s most coveted awards selected by leading travel editors. A collective showcase of the crème de la crème of the global hospitality industry, Condé Nast Traveler Hot List , AFAR’s Best New Hotels of 2024 and the Travel + Leisure ‘It List’ have awarded nine notable titles to properties within IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, now the second largest in the world.

A summary of the inclusions are as follows:

Since 2015, IHG Hotels & Resorts has doubled its Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio to become recognised as one of the industry’s most innovative players. Strategic acquisitions and new brand launches over the past five years have transformed IHG’s portfolio from 1 to 6 brands, spanning 499 properties and some 114,570 rooms in 80 countries. IHG is now the second largest in the sector by number of rooms and hotels, whilst continuing to drive high-value growth at an impressive pace.

Since its acquisition in 2018, IHG has embarked on a carefully curated reimagining of Regent to reclaim its place in the hearts of the modern luxury travellers. A legendary innovative luxury brand since 1971, Regent reimagines modern hospitality by sparking fresh perspectives across its growing number of hand-selected hotels and resorts. Several flagship openings in 2023 ushered in a new era for the brand with the grand return of Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel in March following a two-year redevelopment, closely followed by Regent Hong Kong’s return to Victoria Harbour in June that year. Both properties received recognition within this year’s awards announcement.

Six Senses is world-renowned for providing the ultimate luxury wellness and sustainable experience. The brand is experiencing exciting growth with some 42 hotels in the pipeline which will almost double today’s existing portfolio. Part of IHG since 2019, last year saw the opening of Six Senses Rome, its first urban expression of the brand and Six Senses Crans-Montana and Six Senses Southern Dunes. All three properties proudly receive recognition by the top global editors overseeing this year’s lists.

The spotlight now turns to the 37 th annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards with more than 200 IHG properties shortlisted and gathering votes. The longest running recognition in the travel industry, Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards is voted for by global readers of the magazine worldwide. To vote, visit: UK voting site | US voting site .

For further information please contact:

Ellie Mainwaring Global Senior Communications Manager Luxury & Lifestyle Brands [email protected] +44 (0) 7823 372 559

About IHG ®

IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.

With a family of 19 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards , one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,300 open hotels in more than 100 countries, and a development pipeline of over 2,000 properties.

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The best solo travel destinations

By Anna Prendergast and Anna Hart

2024 is set to be huge for travellers who want to break away from the beaten path, or simply explore it on their own terms. Typically thought of as a student’s game, studies suggest that senior travellers are starting to take up more space in the  solo travel  sector. Whatever age, stage or vintage, solo travellers tend to take their time and embrace slow travel and research suggests that holidays are deemed more essential than ever for mental health, marking a shift towards carefully curated trips that have a big personal impact and a smaller environmental one. Solo travel is also increasingly accessible, with innovative tour operators such as  Planet Abled  and  Halal Tours  providing tailor-made trips to under-served communities. According to  Skyscanner , over 50 percent of travellers chose to book trips alone in 2023 if their travel interests didn't align with those of their friends – and why compromise? Whether you want to pick up a new skill, immerse yourself in a new culture, take the scenic route or make new friends on a group tour, these are the best solo travel destinations for 2024.

The French Alps

Best for: nature-first escapes

Ski holidays have long been known as group events, with rowdy aprés and jam-packed chalets, but going on a solo trip to the Alps can reap a whole host of rewards. Rise with the sun to be the first to carve through pristine blankets of snow without having to wait for anyone else, avoid boisterous bars in lieu of elegant eateries with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the slopes, and retreat to your serene hotel to cosy up by a roaring fire with a good book. For serious sophistication in Les Trois Vallées, book into Six Senses Residences Courchevel for the ultimate sleek ski experience, while Aman Le Mélézin has a cosseting spa (the deep tissue is guaranteed to re-energize tired legs). If you'd rather travel in the summer months, there are plenty of hiking tours with routes all across the French Alps offering community-led holidays for solo travellers.

Seoul, South Korea

Best for: fashion-forward travellers

There are few things quite as gratifying as a solo shopping trip, and where better to embark on a sartorial adventure than Asia’s most stylish city ? The South Korean capital is known as the home of some of the world’s best-dressed people – and Seoul ’s recent pop culture boom has had a helping hand in highlighting exactly that. Behind the glitz and glamour of Seoul’s sky scraping buildings and futuristic stores, delve into the neighbourhoods that provide the backbone to the city’s fashion-forward reputation. You’ll find artisanal havens that have been operating for generations, from shops dedicated to the ancient craft of ceramics to all-natural skincare brands pairing centuries-old traditions with the latest research. You’ll return home with a suitcase full of secrets.

Best for: safety-first solo travellers

With low crime rates and a harmonious Buddhist culture,  Bhutan  has long held a reputation as a super-safe destination for solo travellers, which is understandably a priority for many, particularly women, Black people, LGBTQ+ or minority communities. In 2022, the Trans Bhutan Trail reopened after 60 years, making this year the perfect time to follow in the footsteps of monks, traders and pilgrims on the 250-mile route. Pass through the folklore-filled Dochula Pass, visit Trongsa’s high-altitude dzongs, and hike up to the sacred cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro Taktsang – the route offers direct access to  Bhutan’s  culture and cuisine, with homestays dotted along the way and local life at every turn, with profits being redirected back into the trail and the communities that support it. The country’s spiritual heritage is somewhat infectious, with outlooks that are grounded in gratitude and see nature as a blessing – the dramatic Himalayan mountainscape, deep green valleys and pristine lakes, rivers and glaciers make it impossible to disagree.

The Galapagos, Ecuador

Best for: upmarket adventure

Few  bucket-list destinations  provide the chance to see quite so much extraordinary wildlife all in one go, but this archipelago of volcanic islands off the coast of  Ecuador  has an awe-inspiring, goosebump-giving roster of blue-footed boobies, Galápagos tortoises, sea lions, and flamingos to see in their natural, protected habitat. And that’s just above ground: scuba divers will find white-tip reef sharks, bottlenose dolphins, scalloped hammerheads, black-nosed butterflyfish, king angelfish and manta rays under the surface, especially around Darwin’s Arch and Gordon’s Rock. Liveaboards and dive boats are a super social way for solo travellers to experience somewhere like the Galapagos, which is usually pigeon-holed for large groups, but forward-thinking tour operators are starting to identify a gap in the market for those that want the option of drinks on the deck or a quiet in-room cocktail. Small charters are targeting a more upmarket crowd, such as G Adventures’ new Reina Silva Voyager, which took to the waters in April 2022 with two solo cabins, saving customers money and preserving their privacy.

Bavaria, Germany

Best for: fly-and-flop (face down on a massage table, preferably)

With health – both physical and mental – at the forefront of our consciousness more than ever before,  wellness retreats , spa holidays and treatment-focused trips are no passing trend. And whilst a couples massage sounds lovely in theory, self-care is one of the few spaces in which you’re meant to be entirely self-focused, without anyone else’s expectations, time restraints or itineraries being imposed upon you. But it needn’t feel clinical, either – Bavaria’s many baths are drawn from naturally medicinal hot springs and are often surrounded by glassy lakes, snow-topped mountains and fairytale forests deep in  Germany’s countryside . Traditional spa towns such as Bad Tölz (whose mineral-packed mud baths are credited with relieving back pain and rheumatoid arthritis) are just under an hour from Munich, whilst results-driven Alpine retreats like  Schloss Elmau are 45 minutes from Innsbruck. Flights to both are extremely affordable and take less than two hours from the UK.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Best for: once-in-a-lifetime wildlife

Sustainable  tour operator Intrepid Travel launched its Premium range this year, and it quickly became their most popular product, particularly with the 50+ solo age group seeking out high-end experiences that both step outside their comfort zone and support local communities along the way. According to both Journey Woman and Overseas Adventure Travel, demand has never been higher for women in their 50s, with  safari trips  to destinations such as  Kenya , Tanzania and Botswana leading the trend, indicating that a bucket-list approach to travel in later life is on the rise once again. Botswana brims with breathtaking sights and sounds, as well as being a ‘big five’ destination: herds of elephants gather at waterholes; the great zebra migration takes place cross-country; lions, hippos and giraffes all call the Okavango Delta home. With blue waxbills and woodland kingfishers, it’s a birdwatcher's paradise, too. Depending on whether you’d rather see baby antelopes or take a mokoro canoe trip (for example), be sure to book the right time of year so you don’t miss out. For younguns, EcoTraining runs a variety of courses in Mashatu Game Reserve where you can learn to track animals, navigate the bush, identify species and more – from week-long workshops to year-long qualifications.

Western Australia

Best for: slow travel on your terms

Whether you’re breaking in a new driver’s license or breaking away from the nine-to-five,  Australia’s  appeal is ageless and enduring (and there’s no language barrier for those that speak English). Movements embracing travel by road and rail show no signs of slowing down, and this country’s vast open road and impressive landscape are ideal for both. Being behind the wheel provides total freedom and means you’re in control of your itinerary – if you like a place, stay a while – whilst moving around by train can take the stress out of a solo trip: your route is pre-planned and you can sit back and enjoy the ride. The Ghan is one of Australia’s – and the world’s – most iconic trains, but the transcontinental route from  Sydney  to Perth on the Indian Pacific is a great alternative. Many Aussies use the service, so it’s a fun way to eavesdrop on – and meet – the locals, and the three-day sleeper train means you can gaze out the window at the rugged Blue Mountains and endless expanse of the Nullarbor Plain.

The Dolomites, Italy

Best for: high-energy hikers

A 10-day hut-to-hut stomp through  Italy’s  stunning limestone landscape provides solitude scenery and a sense of achievement in spades – perfect for restless adventurers and those that want a physical challenge that reaps major rewards. Alta Via 1 is around 75 miles and takes about 10 days to complete, and whilst some solo travellers book a mountain leader or group trek, it’s perfectly manageable if you invest in a good guidebook and pack appropriate supplies. Depending on the route you take, there are campsites available, so many take a one-man tent (and lots of layers), but the most immersive experience comes from the traditional rifugios, simple mountainside huts with running water and shared bedrooms set among the wildflowers and evergreens. Since everyone you meet here will be on roughly the same adventure, it’s a lovely way to share stories, trade tips, reflect on the experience and even make friends.

Lauren Burvill

Shannon McMahon

Connor Sturges

Corinne Brooking

Best for: beaches

It’s hard to imagine a coastline more abundantly blessed than Costa Rica ’s, and nature’s generosity is warmly extended to travellers. The hubs of Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Puerto Viejo, La Fortuna and Nosara are particularly solo-traveller friendly places to start, and at friendly hostels such as Tamarindo Backpackers , lone travellers land here and immediately place themselves within a tribe of other yogis or surfers, or simply find their crew while clambering through bat-bedecked caves or scaling volcanic peaks.

One of the world’s most biodiverse nations, Costa Rica prioritises wildlife preservation with a string of outdoor adventures on the menu and development balanced by green energy such as hydro and wind power. This makes it a mecca for a particular breed of eco-minded adventurer, a true feel-good destination.

Whether you fancy hiking, mountain-biking, kayaking or even jungle ziplining your way around the country, navigating Costa Rica is made easy for you, a real bonus when you’re doing the schlep solo. Expect to rub up against reassuringly familiar trends from home including farm-to-table dining, an emphasis on sustainable travel, and achingly hip cafés – but Costa Rica remains both tantalisingly exotic and tirelessly surprising.

Stockholm, Sweden

Best for: Scandi cool

Spread across 14 islands connected by bridges, with a cobblestoned old town ( Gamla Stan ) and a smattering of elegant parks, Stockholm combines fairytale good-looks with the functionality of a Scandinavian metropolis, and the safety and slickness of this city makes it a particularly great city option for solo females.

Culture comes easy in Stockholm, so start at the Moderna Museet on the central island of Skeppsholmen, or take things shamelessly pop at the ABBA Museum Hall of Fame . Berns Hotel is the chandelier-draped grand dame with a legendary bar and restaurant, at the geographical and figurative heart of Stockholm, but the stylish young upstart is Miss Clara . This sleek 92-room Nobis hotel is housed in the former Ateneum girls school, with original art nouveau decor and herringbone parquet flooring, swirly bentwood bedheads and arched windows that overlook Sveavägen Boulevard.

Stockholm won’t snatch the crown for cutting-edge-cuisine off Copenhagen’s head anytime soon (the Danish capital has 15 Michelin stars against Stockholm’s nine), but at Mathias Dahlgren's airy, informal Matbaren brasserie on the waterfront you can pick up a Michelin starred lunch for £24.

You haven’t been to Stockholm until you’ve been on the water. Get a break from the city by taking the boat out to the idyllic harbour town of Vaxholm for lunch at the Waxholms Hotel.

Best for: adventure

Canada ’s cities are famously civilised, cultured and classy, but it’s the outdoorsy assets within easy reach of Toronto , Montreal, Vancouver or Ontario that make Canada such a mecca for solo travellers. As the globe's second-biggest country, Canada offers a vast menu of landscapes, from soaring mountains, remote beaches and wild tundra to lush rainforest, all spread across six timezones.

Adventure highlights include kayaking or rafting the South Nahanni River in the Northwest Territories or navigating the swells and surf of Nova Scotia, but the outdoors is also stamped firmly on Canadian cities, so for outdoors-obsessed solo travellers, even the cities deliver. Vancouver’s Stanley Park is that rare thing, a city park that really does feel a little rugged, but spits you out a short cycle from one of the world’s greatest food markets and streetfood scenes at Granville Island .

Heading north out of Vancouver, the quirky town of Dawson in the Yukon Territory offer a rich taste of Canadian smalltown culture, with a music festival that should belong on the list of any culture-craving solo traveller. Dawson is also the launchpad for snow-based activities in the winter months, and hiking and biking in the summertime.

New York, USA

Best for: a city break

If there is a solo travel equivalent to grabbing the bull by the horns, it is this: jetting off to the world’s most high-octane city alone. But you’re never alone in this big anonymous city, you’re never bored, and you’re never conspicuous. New York doesn’t give a damn who you’re with; and such insouciance is infectious.

Every traveller lands in New York clutching a lengthy do-do list, and solo travellers make better progress, so go eat that pretzel in Central Park, wander the art-lined walls of the Metropolitan Museum, stroll wide-eyed along Broadway, catch a world-class show, shop the big brands of Fifth Avenue and the vintage boutiques of Williamsburg and soak in a swish urban spa such as Aire Ancient Baths in Tribeca.

The city’s long-established bartop dining scene makes dining solo a relaxed affair, and with urban wineries in Brooklyn, classic Jewish delis in Manhattan and virtually every national cuisine represented in some corner of the city, your tastebuds are in for an adventure. One of the joys of Manhattan is that so many of the city’s prime cultural and artistic attractions are moments away from each other, but it’s also just a breezy subway ride to any other neighbourhood. Perhaps make a music pilgrimage to the iconic jazz joint Minton’s , where Southern-style soul food like smoked praline pork chops and bourbon-loaded cocktails is served to a soundtrack of former Minton’s players like Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Charlie Parker.

Best for: responsible travel

The Caribbean might not seem like an obvious choice for solo adventurers, but Dominica is a world away from the pricey honeymoon resorts on neighbouring islands. A ferociously geothermal island around the same size as Anglesey in Wales , Dominica’s volcanic craggy coastline and lack of white-sand beaches has deterred swanky multinational hotels and package tourists for decades – and Dominica is so much richer for it. With a thrilling menu of adventures on offer – treks to bubbling lakes, caving through gushing gorges, rafting up mangrove swamps – and the promise of genuinely affordable accommodation alongside stylish splurges, it’s a genuinely backpackable island, with a fascinating British colonial heritage, vibrant cultural scene and disarmingly caring local community.

2017’s Hurricane Maria took its toll on the island’s infrastructure and the island is keen to welcome back travellers, so this is a genuinely responsible way to spend your tourist dollar and help rebuild the island. The smart way to experience the island is to veer between affordable quirky B&Bs such as Cocoa Cottage and swanky eco-lodges including Secret Bay . An unspoiled, unknown gem, Dominica is set to re-emerge as a destination for eco-minded adventure travellers.

Best for: learning new skills

Thailand is where it all started for travellers the world over, but this South-east Asian idyll is still hard to beat when it comes to transformational solo travel, with courses in everything from Thai cookery to massage to yoga to scuba-diving, and a well-trodden route that makes Thailand particularly safe for solo female travellers.

Chiang Mai makes for a more chilled urban Thai experience than Bangkok , as well as being a springboard to Thailand’s waterfall-studded, rainforested north, and hippy hubs such as Pai. For a treat, book into 137 Pillars for 1880s Lanna architecture, but the warm Thai welcome extends to quirky, charming and more budget-friendly flashpacker joints like Mo Rooms .

Then head south to match with your own dream beach, whether it’s diving with whale sharks off Ko Tao, combining health with hedonism on Ko Phang Nguan, or kiteboarding and kicking back in Hua Hin. The serene spirituality of Thailand as well as the fact that dining well is a gloriously democratic and informal pleasure only adds to the country’s charms for solo adventurers; it’s genuinely hard to feel stressed in Thailand.

Austin, Texas

Best for: eating and drinking

Texans are famously, some would say notoriously, friendly, and Austin is a city where you’ll never be short of a smile, whether it’s across a shared plate of streetfood, across a grimy dancefloor, or across the water of one of the steamy city’s cherished swimming holes. Dining out is a thoroughly relaxed affair in Austin, as much of the best eating in town is dished out of food trucks – where solo travellers join other diners at bar-style seating and never really eat alone. There are over 1,000 food trucks rolling around town, but Gourdough’s doughnuts are cult dishes in Austin, served out of a vintage Airstream; go big and go for grilled banana and bacon.

Hip hotelier Liz Lambert runs the sleek Hotel Saint Cecilia and the more affordable San Jose Hotel around the corner on South Congress, which teems with organic grocery stores, vintage stores, coffeeshops, taco shacks and music venues like the legendary Continental Club .

If South Congress is the city’s hipster thoroughfare, the up-and-coming creative neighbourhood is the East Side, best seen after an afternoon touring and tasting the local brewery, Hops & Grain Brewing . Make pilgrimage to Rainey Street , a residential street turned urban phenomenon, where bars and cafes are housed in converted bungalows. In the morning, leap out of bed early to cycle the steamy 10-mile circuit of Ladybird Lake along the new hike and bike track’, perhaps cooling off at beautiful Barton Springs pool (free before 8am; £2 after), a vast spring-fed swimming pool hewn out of rock.

An expert's guide to Austin

Belfast, Ireland

Best for: making friends

Shunned by travellers for decades because of sectarian violence, in recent years Belfast has emerged as one of the most culturally vibrant and friendly city break destinations in Europe . This a big-hearted town where a lone traveller can turn up alone at a Cathedral Quarter bar like The Spaniard and find a few new friends before they’re halfway through that pint of Guinness. The Merchant remains the city’s smartest hotel, but there are a smattering of stylish and oddly affordable boutique joints, of which the Bullitt Hotel is an exemplar. Meanwhile, on the food scene, mainstays like Mourne Seafood rub up against innovative upstarts like the Muddlers Club .

The newly-minted Titanic Quarter is the city's number-one tourist draw, and the museum centrepiece is well worth a visit, as is the MAC Belfast and the Ulster Museum, which sits in the beautiful Botanical Gardens. Before the Troubles, Belfast was a relatively wealthy Victorian centre of shipbuilding, and leafy parks like Lady Dixon and Lagan Meadows provide a reminder of the city’s gentile past, all too often overlooked by visitors

Best for: surfing

In need of a short-haul sunny destination where you won’t be surrounded by families and couples? Portugal’ s enviable surf camp scene gives its coastline an altogether different vibe, where solo travellers can easily turn up alone and be clinking bottles of Sagres with new friend that evening.

With over 800km of coast, you can choose between melodramatic cliffs, stellar surf breaks, dune-covered beaches and serene sandy islets; Portugal can afford to be generous with its coastline, so no stretch feels entirely dominated by families, or couples, but a healthy mixture. Beyond the beaches, solo travellers hike the granite peaks of Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês or explore the traditional villages in the lesser-explored Beiras, increasingly on the map for wine-loving or retreat-craving travellers.

On top of the natural scenery, Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Porto are fiercely unconventional and informal compared to their Spanish, French or Italian counterparts. And festivals dominate Portugal ’s calendar, so consider planning a solo jaunt around Lisbon’s Festa de Santo António or Porto’s Festa de São João, or find a smaller jazz or rock festival down the coast.

But at any time of year you can hit the bars to hear the mournful strains of fado music, and in Portugal you’ll never dance alone.

Surfing holidays for women | How surf school can change your life

Best for: culture

It used to be fashionable to dismiss Singapore as a sterile stopover city, but frankly, those travellers weren’t trying hard enough. 21st-century Singapore is a cultural and culinary melting pot, with world-class cultural institutions, space-age green spaces and a thrillingly diverse hotel and restaurant scene. What travellers invariably love most about Singapore are the dramatic contrasts; historic Hindu temples sit at the feet of soaring skyscrapers, world-class museums have rainforest as their back garden, and crumbling 19th century shophouses now house vintage boutiques and speakeasy-style cocktail dens. Thanks to a long history of migration, Singapore is one of Asia ’s most ethnically diverse, and racially integrated, cities, with significant Malay, Indian and Eurasian minorities alongside the 74% Chinese Singaporean majority. This enables travellers to explore countless colourful cultures and cuisines without leaving the island. And one major bonus: English is the principal spoken language, so there is zero language barriers, adding to the friendliness and security of an already welcoming and ultra-safe city destination.

Step into Hong Kong in Chinatown, where the smell of sweet cured pork intermingles with the smoke from the Hindu temples at neighbouring Little India , whose Tekka Market is one of the most vibrant and colourful (and frequently Instagrammed) sights on the island. Meanwhile, in Kampong Glam, the Arab quarter, Haji Lane is lined with independent boutiques, retro barbershops and - the ultimate badge of hipster pride - a Tokyobike store, positioning Singapore alongside Copenhagen , Berlin , Melbourne and Shoreditch . Singapore is a place where European influences comfortably rub up against Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions; no other destination so successfully celebrates the marriage between East and West.

Condé Nast Traveler

16 Best Travel Backpacks for Day Trips, Outdoor Adventures, Commuting, and More

Posted: September 27, 2023 | Last updated: September 28, 2023

Whether you're hopping on a bike, trekking across rugged terrain, sightseeing, shopping, or jetting off to a business meeting, the best travel backpacks give you the freedom to explore hands-free. With so many options to choose from, we've rounded up 15 of the best bags to throw over your shoulders, from chic carry-ons to super durable options, all of which prove there really is a backpack for every occasion. Our editors and contributors road tested dozens of backpacks for months to determine the best of the best for our readers. We considered each backpack's weight, capacity, price, comfortability, style, and how well its held up.

Ahead, discover our editors' and contributors' recommendations for the weather-resistant carry-on bags, ultralight hiking backpacks, and sleek business-friendly options to bring on your next adventure.

Our top picks:

Best for weekend trips: Quince Revive Nylon backpack Best for long vacations: Roam The Continental backpack Best for business travel: Monos Metro backpack Best for everyday use: Lo & Sons The Rowledge backpack Best splurge option: Peugeot Voyages Laptop backpack tote

This gallery is part of Condé Nast Traveler’s first-ever Luggage Week , for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors.

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Calpak Luka Laptop Backpack

Calpak's Luka collection is made of scratch-resistant material, so you can rest assured that this backpack will hold up for years. “I love this backpack's material because of how durable it is for travel. I’ve spilt coffee, food, and makeup on this bag and it's so easy to clean with a disinfectant wipe,” says associate commerce editor Meaghan Kenny . It's her go-to backpack because of its many pockets, roomy compartments, and ultra-soft material. Inside, there's a large zippered compartment, a small mesh pocket, and three compartments for keeping items like socks, beauty products, or tech essentials separate. “One of my favorite features is the shoe compartment on the bottom of the bag that fits a pair of slippers or sandals,” says Kenny. The Luka backpack can hold up to 22 liters of essentials, but it still feels so lightweight.

Pros:  Laptop compartment, trolley sleeve, water bottle pocket, soft adjustable straps Cons: Very narrow luggage trolley sleeve

Quince Revive Nylon backpack

Made from 15 plastic bottles, the sleek recycled nylon on the Quince backpack is smooth to the touch, water-repellent, and lightweight. The nylon material is a selling point for senior commerce editor at Architectural Digest , Rachel Fletcher . “I love the black nylon because it’s basically invincible when it comes to stains and —two things I’m very prone to," she says. Though compact, it can still fit quite a bit—Fletcher has used it for commutes to the office as well as a weekend to Connecticut . She says "it fits an East Coast summer weekend’s worth of clothing pretty comfortably. It's best to bring on an airplane as your personal item, but if you’re a light traveler, it would definitely fit the bill for a quick trip."

Pros:  Thoughtful laptop sleeve, water-repellent material, accessible price point Cons: A little bulky

eBags Mother Lode Jr. backpack

Traveler contributor Tori Harstein says the eBags Mother Lode Jr. backpack is “perfect for weekend trips and can save a buck for thrifty travelers limited to personal items. For longer vacations, it’s probably best to supplement it with an additional carry-on .” It's compact enough to fit under the seat in front of you on an airplane and comes with backpack straps that are easy to stow. It you need some extra room, you can use the 1.5-inch zipper expansion. Choose from a few different ways to wear it: enjoy hands-free travel on your back, tuck the traps away and carry it as a briefcase, or throw the bag over one shoulder with a convenient duffel strap.

Pros:  Many separate compartments, opens like a suitcase which makes packing easier Cons: Can feel heavy on your back

Tumi Alpha Bravo Navigation backpack

With five colors and patterns to choose from, the customization is great for this Tumi backpack. The small, compact design hides the sheer capacity of the Navigator backpack—and it can be expanded for more space. Global director of audience development Lara Kramer says she can easily fit a weekend's worth of clothes and toiletries inside (and an extra pair of flats or sandals in the summer). “Tumi’s backpacks are the perfect combination of functional and comfort. The shoulder straps are well-padded and easily adjustable, and the bag also features a padded mesh back panel for additional support. For easy lifting, there is also a leather top carry handle that adds to its versatility,” says Kramer. Plus, it's made from recycled ballistic nylon, so you can feel good about your purchase.

Pros:  Many pockets (both inside and outside), padded mesh back panel, recycled material Cons: Hefty price tag

Monos Metro Backpack

This design-forward vegan leather bag is just the thing for travelers looking for a more elevated backpack. According to senior commerce editor Madison Flager , “it’s a comfortable bag to wear, and fits a lot—I’ve used it as an overnight bag. I do think it’s a great backpack, especially for commuters or for work trips where you want the practicality of a backpack while also looking polished." Whether you're headed on a weekend trip, carrying necessities on your daily commute, or using it as a carry-on bag, the Monos Metro backpack is a smart choice. The inner laptop compartment fits a 15" laptop, and there's a built-in trolley sleeve, top carry handle, and adjustable shoulder straps. The bag also comes with a Metro Kit, a modular pouch that snaps securely onto the front of the backpack, so you can keep essentials like a phone, earbuds, and hand sanitizer nearby.

Pros:  Multiple pockets, trolley sleeve, and comes with a removable pouch Cons: Not very lightweight and can feel bulky

Herschel Kaslo Daypack Tech

Although labeled as a tech bag, the simple and sleek design makes it versatile enough to wear just about anywhere. There’s two main compartments that give you plenty of room to pack clothes, toiletries, a laptop, iPad, and large over-the-ear headphones. There’s also multiple interior pockets that keep small essentials secure. Kenny was able to fit two days worth of clothing inside and says it's a great personal item for long-haul flights . “It’s so easy to carry, thanks to its buckle that connects the two straps which helps better distribute the weight and keep the backpack secure,” she says.

Pros:  Luggage sleeve, made from recycled materials, water bottle pocket Cons: Earbuds pocket is only compatible with Apple products or others that are similarly shaped

Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

Former Traveler editor Alex Erdekian has traveled with the Dagne Dover backpack to Mexico, Italy , France, New Hampshire , and Boston to name a few. There are several pockets inside and it expands enough to fit a weekend’s worth of clothing. It’s extremely light when unpacked and the foamy exterior straps don’t dig into your shoulders and evenly distributes the weight of the backpack. It's made from neoprene and Performance Air Mesh which was a selling point for Erdekian. "The look of this backpack is a major part of why I use it so much. Something about the neoprene foam look feels really modern and fresh. It also looks so simple and free of distractions, whilst being tricked out with all these hidden bells and whistles on the inside,” she says.

Pros:  Spacious, comfortable, chic design Cons: There are almost too many pockets inside and the black neoprene can get a little scuffed

Lo & Sons The Rowledge

Traveler Contributor Lydia Mansel loves this sleek, convertible backpack for carrying all of her work essentials. It features a 13" laptop compartment and can easily transition into a tote, thanks to backpack straps that tuck into a back pocket. It has plenty of pockets for organization—including a hidden one at the top for slipping your passport and boarding pass into while at the airport—and a trolley sleeve. It's made of a mix of nylon and leather, and has memory foam straps for extra comfort.

Pros:  It can carry two laptops, plenty of pockets, luggage sleeve Cons: Offered in two sizes, but the smaller version is a little too small to store a day's worth of essentials

Read a full review of this backpack here .

Pond LA Transform tote

Kenny has deemed it the most functional tote that she's ever used. You might be wondering why a tote deserves a spot on our best backpacks list—it transforms into a backpack with its adjustable straps. It's made from lightweight oxford fabric that's known to be durable and water-resistant. It can fit easily fit a 15"laptop and slides over your carry-on with its luggage trolley sleeve.

Pros: Can be worn as a backpack or tote, multiple pockets inside, large water bottle pocket Cons: The straps can feel a bit awkward

Read a full review of this bag here.

Roam The Continental backpack

Each time Flager takes this backpack on vacation she's complimented on its aesthetic. The bag is fully customizable, so each customer can choose the colors used for the front, back, sides, and straps. The wide, deep side pockets are a highlight for Flager, who says “there’s a place for everything—I like to put my important documents, ID, phone, and AirPods in the top zippered pocket for easy access, my Kindle or a book in the largest exterior pocket, and my keys in the smallest exterior pocket. I like that there are two side pockets for a water bottle and an umbrella or other small item."

Pros:  Lightweight, many color options Cons: A water bottle sometimes slips out of the pocket

Bagallini Soho backpack

This is has long been a go-to work bag for commerce producer Paris Wilson , “I've carried this non-stop since I got it. I just love how lightweight it is. It has a lot of storage space and a dedicated laptop sleeve," she says. It has one main compartment with a laptop sleeve and interior pockets that have hard inserts and pen holders. It's impossible to overpack with this bag which means that you don't have to worry about the weight straining your shoulders. Wilson notes that one of her favorite features of the backpack is the design: “it has a study build where it stands up on its own while I organize my things. The reinforced structure makes me feel put together when I wear it.”

Pros:  Multiple pockets, can stand on it sown Cons: Limited colors available

Troubadour Apex backpack 2.0

If you're looking for a sleek yet functional bag that's polished enough for the office, look no further than Troubadour's Apex backpack. Made of waterproof fabric, Kenny says this lightweight backpack is perfect for busy commuters. It fits up to a 17" laptop and has multiple pockets for small essentials like AirPods, glasses, or a wallet. This stylish backpack also features a breathable back panel and ergonomic padded shoulder straps for added comfort. “This would be a great bag for business trip and thanks to its trolley sleeve, it fits nicely on your carry-on," says Kenny.

Pros:  Padded laptop compartment, waterproof material, trolley sleeve Cons: Not ideal for active days outdoors due to its sophisticated look

Cotopaxi Tarak 20L Backpack

Contributor Rekaya Gibson raves about the amount of space that this backpack offers. “It includes dedicated space to carry heavy-duty gear like ropes and an ice axe with ease, and two exterior pockets to keep smaller items organized,” she says. The top of the bag has a convenient drawstring that secures your items on the top before covering it with the flap. Each bag comes from repurposed materials which vary slightly—this helps reduce waste, making it a more environmentally friendly pick, too.

Pros:  Has a lot of security elements (which is great for hikes) Cons: Shows wear quickly depending on your trek

Lululemon City Adventurer backpack 20L

Although deemed a gym bag, the City Adventurer backpack takes characteristics from it's name and can be the perfect companion for days spent exploring. The water-repellent fabric makes it an easy choice when commuting on rainy days or when you are packing it into a suitcase with toiletries (don't worry we have you covered ). Flager likes using this backpack for days when she heads to the gym after work. The backpack has thick padded straps, a trolley sleeve, and an expandable laptop sleeve.

Pros:  Separate shoe compartment, trolley sleeve, padded laptop pocket Cons: When filled with shoes, your main compartment room is limited; no exterior water bottle pocket

Peugeot Voyages Laptop backpack tote

Elegant and versatile, the Peugeot Voyages is an elevated option for travelers. The bag's exterior is made from leather and weather-resistant canvas and the interior comes from recycled plastic bottles. Travelers can carry the bag as a backpack or a tote. Plus, the shoulder straps and the back panel are padded for extra comfort. Associate social media manager Kayla Brock was on the hunt for the ideal laptop bag when she came across this. “I found exactly what I was looking for. A backpack that could hold my laptop as well as be an easy travel bag with several pockets for storage to get me through a week or two on the road without the back pain. With its price point, it's definitely worth the investment,” she says.

Pros:  Made from recycled materials, padded straps and back panel Cons: Can easily become bulky

Radley London Dukes Place zip around backpack

This stylish leather bag is ideal for travelers looking for a chic backpack that's equally functional and comfortable. There are two large compartments inside, with two small open pockets in the front compartment and a pocket in the back compartment that zip closed. The double-button clasp over the top handles adds an extra layer of security. Contributor DeAnna Taylor says "it's large enough to fit a light jacket , a pair of flats or sandals, plus any other small items you’ll need for the day’s adventure including lip balm, hand sanitizer, sunscreen , and more."

Pros:  Lightweight, versatile, and durable Cons: Limited colors available

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