In 2023, we’ll see a slate of big cultural happenings and events, from the new International African-American Museum that will open in the US to the expected arrival of the Grand Egyptian Museum right next to the pyramids.

With these references as inspiration, read on for our recommendations for the best places to travel to around the world in 2023, no matter your style.

1. Western Australia will be the site of a spectacular celestial event

On April 20, 2023, a total solar eclipse will be visible just off Western Australia’s coast in Exmouth.

This special lunar event – when the moon obscures the face of the sun – usually happens out at sea, so spring will bring a rare opportunity to see this natural phenomenon by land.

The World Heritage-listed Ningaloo region is the most accessible land-based place on earth to view the spectacle. Plus, this lunar event will coincide with the start of whale shark season, and swimming with the gorgeous creatures should be a dream.

2. For an indulgent escape, Loire Valley, France, beckons with five-star chateaux

The new year marks the 600th anniversary of the birth of Louis XI, and many of the historic landmark chateaux across this Unesco World Heritage site region will commemorate it with special exhibitions and activities.

3. Japan is finally open after two years of pandemic closure

After two years of border closure amid the pandemic, Japan reopened to travellers in late 2022.

One that has yet to open – but is expected to be Japan’s largest hotel and entertainment complex – is the massive Tokyo Kabukicho Tower. It will have a cinema, two luxury hotels, a concert venue, an entertainment food hall and more when it opens in 2023.

4. Big events will take place in Las Vegas

Boasting round-the-clock energy, great pools and readily available craps and roulette, Las Vegas always dazzles with a new schedule of spectacles every year.

5. Plan a visit to Istanbul when Türkiye celebrates a major milestone

Istanbul, Türkiye is home to heavily spiced vegetarian food as well as markets and shops where you can lose yourself for hours.

Türkiye saw record tourism in 2022, and 2023 is gearing up to be even bigger as the country will celebrate its 100th anniversary of becoming a republic.

Istanbul is also the only city to span two continents, and the month-long Istanbul Tulip Festival will take place in April across parks, events and exhibitions. Just in time for the country’s centennial, Istanbul’s Maiden Tower – once a watchtower on a tiny Bosphorus island on the Asian side – is undergoing renovation and conversion as a museum with a 2023 opening.

6. Thailand is finally reopen, with a schedule of cool festivals coming up

All Covid-19 border restrictions were lifted in Thailand as of October 2022.

Coming to Thailand for the first time in 2023 is America’s hip-hop music festival, Rolling Loud, which will be held at the Legend Siam Amusement Park in Pattaya in April. At the same time is Songkranm, the festival of water that symbolises the cleansing of spirit and body.

7. Digital nomads looking to make a move should consider Portugal

Go for an extended visit in 2023 and stay at the residential-like Martinhal luxury flats in Lisbon, or look into Rentyl Resorts, which offers the long-term comfort of a holiday home, such as kitchens and dining areas, with the services and amenities of a resort, like housekeeping service.

8. New trains and cable cars in Switzerland will bring incredible, must-see views

Several events are expected to take place in Switzerland in 2023, which make it worth a visit.

For example, the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing is due to be completed in early 2023; a cable car crossing with incredible views from 4,000 metres of altitude. The new Matterhorn Glacier Ride II will form the last section of the crossing, connecting Zermatt and the Italian resort of Cervinia, and will operate year-round – not just in the ski resorts’ popular snow seasons.

Also just opened is the GoldenPass Express, the realisation of a 150-year-old idea to link Lake Geneva and the lakes of Thun and Brienz. It marks the first nonstop train route between Interlaken and Montreux. In the most elevated seating class, travellers sit in rotating seats for 360-degree views.

9. Egypt’s new, long-delayed museum is expected to open at last

Visitors will not only be able to see the pyramids, but learn about their history in this museum. With an estimated 100,000 artefacts and jaw-dropping spectacles such as the 83-ton, 3,200-year-old statue of Ramses II, the museum alone is worthy of a trip across the globe.

10. Paris is good value for Americans right now

Paris is always a good idea … but especially now that the euro is at parity with the US dollar.

But that’s not the only reason it’s worth a visit soon. In 2023, Paris will allow visitors the chance to stay at hotels such as The Hôtel de la Marine on Place de la Concorde, which opened to the public for the first time since The Revolution. It also served as the headquarters of France’s navy ministry for over 200 years, and now its stately reception rooms and restaurant take over fully restored spaces.