EXPERTS & INSIDERS
Travel trends for 2023: hot destinations and top travel styles
By Kensington
EXPERTS & INSIDERS
By Kensington
This year we saw the return of travel come back fast and furiously, with an immense uptick in trips around the world to countries whose borders opened to our anticipative travelers. Looking ahead at 2023, we’ve talked to our experts here at Kensington to understand a little more about what’s in store for the upcoming year, gaining insight into their top predictions for hot destinations and top travel styles. “Our top picks are based on destinations that are unveiling new attractions as well as those that only recently reopened following the pandemic. Not surprisingly, we are seeing strong demand for those destinations – particularly in Asia and Australia – as well as increased demand for more private and luxurious accommodations and touring options, multi-generational and heritage travel (including our very own Personal Heritage Journeys), and opportunities for immersive cultural experiences.” –Helen Giontsis, President of Kensington
While this Nordic country was one of the latter to open their borders, this means there will be some wonderful surprises waiting for travelers. For example, the much-anticipated Munchmuseet (Munch Museum) in Oslo is architecturally stunning, and one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to a single artist. It hosts frequent musical performances, film screenings, art talks, and a top floor cocktail bar which affords unbeatable views of the city. If you’re looking to go off (and in this case under) the beaten track, you’ll certainly want to visit “Under,” the first-of-its-kind restaurant in Europe that lives 18-ft beneath the ocean surface, opened in 2019. Our experts also recommend heading north above the Arctic Circle to the newly opened Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge – with 24 premium rooms and suites and two dining rooms, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the landscape, traditions, and tastes of the Arctic. And, since this upcoming winter season in Lapland is already reaching capacity, we recommend booking early for winter of 2023.
While Egypt saw a boom in travel this year, our experts predict that the home to the Nile River will be even more popular in 2023, particularly with the buzz around the anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. As more and more major cruise lines enter the Egyptian market, we anticipate an even greater demand for private charters of Nile boats and traditional dahabeyas. > “With increased tourism, it will be more important than ever to experience the destinations with private guides, after hours museum access, and fast-track customs – all of which we provide to our clients.” –Egypt Destination Expert Jasmine Padda
Already a popular destination, travel to the UK is expected to be even more prevalent in 2023 with interest in the Royal Family as a major draw – including the Coronation of King Charles III in May 2023, the release of the latest season of the hit Netflix series The Crown, and the pending release of Prince Harry’s book, “Spare.” “This year more than ever, it is important to work with a travel professional who has a keen understanding of the events that will draw millions of visitors, but who can also balance the challenges impacting life in the UK right now and plan a trip accordingly.” –Chantal Gouveia, Product Managers for the UK
Having just reopened to tourists on October 22, Japan is already on the rebound as visitors who had previously planned to visit are now taking that long-awaited trip. Among the most popular activities include the return of Japan's Cherry Blossom festival in Kyoto and Osaka, as well as the 850th Anniversary and Special Exhibition of Shinran at the Kyoto National Museum, celebrating The Life & Legacy of the Founder of Shin Buddhism. And, in Tokyo, teamLab Borderless will reopen in a new location as part of a massive urban transformation project. This immersive art attraction has been so popular that it broke a record for being the world’s most visited museum.
Whether it's your first visit to the French capital or your fifth, as they say, Paris is always a good idea. Having a Destination Expert who knows the city's neighborhoods and districts (or arrondissements) is essential in making the most of your stay. Our travelers are looking to take a deeper dive into the city they thought they knew, and there are countless ways to do so. Beyond the Champs-Elysees and Arc de Triomphe is the 16th arrondissement, tucked away between the Seine and the city's largest park – Bois de Boulogne. Here travelers will find Paris' only Chateau hotel, Hotel Saint James, an opulent retreat and home to a 1-Michelin star restaurant. Nearby is Marmottan Monet Museum, often overlooked for the Musee d'Orsay and Musee de l'Orangerie, and while you’re there, you're just a short hop away from the Eiffel Tower.
After nearly two years of closures, Australia and New Zealand are gracing the world with their open arms. Because they are both major bucket-list destinations, the appeal of these countries remains as strong as it ever was, and our travelers are now booking trips to experience the very best of the region’s unique wildlife, vibrant cities, and culinary culture.
An increase in Private Yacht Charter bookings has already made its way into 2022, and we predict that 2023 will be no different. That’s because our travelers are looking to travel in style and away from the crowds, and there’s no better way to do so than on a motor yacht or catamaran. Chartering a yacht with Kensington is a seamless experience – even if it’s your very first time chartering a vessel. That’s because at Kensington, we provide a seamless, consultative approach for first-time yacht charters and yacht veterans alike. Taking care of every detail, we’ll plan an end-to-end journey complete with white-glove treatment – both on the water and in every port. It’s just that simple.
Cruising is also set to make a big return in 2023, and our fully customizable Voyages itineraries allow you to pair your ideal cruise routing and itinerary with the destinations of your choosing both before and after your cruise. We'll work with you to design a seamless itinerary that pairs our signature, custom private-guided experiences with the ideal cruise routing, ship, and suite for your taste. Most importantly, we’ll personalize every element of your voyage, from your days on land to your evenings on the water. From finding the perfect guide to help you explore an amazing new city, to selecting the ultimate hotel where you can let it all soak in, the result is an elevated and refined cruising experience – whether it’s a river cruise or an ocean cruise.
We’ve learned that travelers are interested in trips that are truly meaningful – journeys that provide a profound sense of connection to the lands that they traverse. And in 2023, travelers who are returning to travel for the very first time are certainly seeking out these trips now more than ever. That’s why we partnered with Ancestry® on our Personal Heritage Journeys, offering the most personalized journey possible. After thorough research by your AncestryProgenealogist®, your Destination Expert will create a customized travel experience around the most meaningful places and moments in your family’s past. You can touch the same stones as your ancestors once did, walk the same streets, and hear their stories. You’ll feel a profound and deeply personal sense of connection.
Experience authentic travel. Request a custom quote today and get one step closer to your personalized trip.
Speak to one of our Destination Experts at 1-888-903-2001