Turning a fresh page on the calendar as we enter 2023, it’s time to look ahead at adventures for the year to come.
From short, flight-free breaks to longer-haul endeavours, there are plenty of destinations deserving our attention.
Los Angeles, USA: The Hollywood sign in LA
We may never see our handprints cemented into the Walk Of Fame, but we can all pose for a selfie with the iconic Hollywood sign.
The 100-metre-long letters were created in 1923 as an advertisement for a housing development but, a century on, are still standing (although it was replaced in 1978 with a sturdier steel structure).
Another reason to visit the sunshine state is the opening of the new Super Nintendo World on February 17, at Universal Studios Hollywood. Rides will include Mario Kart and Bowser’s Challenge.
How: Thomas Cook (thomascook.com) offers a seven-night holiday to LA at the Best Western Plus South bay hotel from £999pp (two sharing), including B&B accommodation and flights.
Normandy, France: Mont Saint-Michel
Set on a tidal island in Normandy, Unesco-protected Mont Saint-Michel Abbey has been photographed millions of times – yet nothing beats seeing it for real. Construction of the Benedictine abbey – dedicated to the archangel St Michael – started in 1023 and took almost 500 years. Access the island by foot or shuttle bus, but purchase tickets for the abbey in advance (£10; tiqets.com).
How: Brittany Ferries (brittany-ferries.co.uk) offers three nights’ B&B at Le Moulin de Ducey from £250pp (two sharing), including ferry crossings with a standard car.
Malopolska, Poland: Morskie Oko lake in the Tatra Mountains
Next June the European Games take place in Poland’s Malopolska region and capital city Krakow. And, from the snowy peaks of the Tatra Mountains to the limestone cliffs of Kraków-Czestochowa Upland, the scenery is superb. Unesco World Heritage sites include the underworld of the salt mine in Wieliczka and the Bernardine Monastery in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, with its churches and chapels throughout the nearby hills.
How: Baltic Travel Company (baltictravelcompany.com) offers an eight-day Krakow and Tatra Mountains trip from £695pp (two sharing), including flights, car hire and B&B accommodation. Available April to October.
© PAUtah, USA: Bryce Canyon National Park
An annular solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. Next year, it will be visible in North America, and Utah – which has the most International Dark Sky Parks in the world – is No 1 choice for viewings.
The path of the eclipse passes through Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon, Glen Canyon and the world’s first-ever Dark Sky Park, Natural Bridges national monument, on October 14.
Bryce Canyon, famous for its red rock hoodoos, spires and sandstone fins, will also be celebrating it centenary.
How: America As You Like It (americaasyoulikeit.com) offers a 12-night Dark Skies and Red Rocks by RV tour from £1,712pp (two sharing), including flights, accommodation and car hire.
Kyushu, Japan: Kagoshima and the Sakurajima volcano
The yen has dropped, making now one of the most affordable times to book a trip to Japan.
Tokyo’s Shimokitazawa district is packed with independent shops and cafes. A new Shinkansen service to the bay-side city of Nagasaki, launched in September 2022, will also see the island of Kyushu grow in popularity. Visit active volcanoes, fertile hot springs and emerald gorges.
How: InsideJapan (insidejapantours.com) offers a 13-night self-guided Kyushu Adventure from £4,325pp (two sharing), including B&B accommodation. Flights extra.
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