Every single day on the news there seems to be a story about how travel is increasing and it’s time to book your trip like yesterday. It also seems like everyone in my Instagram feed is always, and I mean always, on vacation. That got me thinking about where I’d like to go. If money was no object and time was infinite, where would I choose to go? The more I thought about the more I started to look up and browse places that weren’t necessarily the usual suspects. Some were off the beaten path and others may be a typical or hot travel choice, but the recommendations I read were anything but ordinary. So here are 7 places I’m thinking about stamping my empty passport for in 2023.

TANGIER

Tangier is a port city on the Strait of Gibraltar in Morocco. It has been a gateway between Europe and Africa since the Phoenician times. There are gorgeous hotels, beaches, and plenty of museums, religious, and historical sites. It looks like an incredible place to see and learn. I personally would love to see Jasper Conran’s new property, Villa Mabrouka, which is hopefully opening up soon. It is located in the former private residence of Yves Saint Laurent! I’ve also read about the Nord-Pinus which has incredible architecture, design, and a great view.

GREECE

When people hear you want to visit Greece, they immediately think you want to visit the incredible islands and shoreline. While that is true and I am certainly in that boat, I think my trip to Greece would also venture a little bit more toward the nerdy side. I absolutely would love to visit ruins and ancient landmarks. Along with wanting to visit the gorgeous seaside towns and eating until my heart is content, I definitely would be one to visit museums and explore iconic sites in Athens.

ITALY

Another cliché choice, but since my family is from Italy I’d love to go personally explore our family history. Not to mention knock a few very specific things off my bucket list. Sure I’d love to visit the stunning beaches from Sardinia to Sicily, but honestly, who's down to visit a beach when eating pounds and pounds of delicious food?

SEDONA

This one doesn’t require a passport and I have been there before, but while reading Architectural Digest, I stumbled upon an article about this year’s best new hotels and the Mii Amo caught my eye. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since so naturally made it to my list of places to go. The hotel has been under a two-year update that is fresh, new, and celebrating the landscape around it. There are seven new casitas with private courtyards and fireplaces, new dining spaces, and the woo-woo stuff that makes Sedona so great. Sign me up.

CAIRO

Everyone knows I’m kind of an Ancient Egyptian nerd. If there is a documentary, I’m watching it. And after a decade it seems the Grand Egyptian Museum may FINALLY open! It is located near the Great Pyramids of Giza and has more than a million square feet of space featuring treasures, outdoor gardens, and a plaza where guests can enjoy their desert surroundings. There are even new luxury ships that have started traveling the Nile. All of which seem opulent and very, very Egyptian. In the next few years many more luxury hotels will be opening up giving many more options and design styles for me to check out. And yes, I’m gonna hit up those pyramids.

RIVIERA NAYARIT, MEXICO

I had never heard of this area in Mexico until reading about it. It’s nestled between Puerto Vallarta and San Blas. It too has many new resorts and hotels opening up this year. It looks like an incredible place to be and even has a lesser-known agave spirit called raicilla to try. I hear there is a nice tented camp area that is wellness-focused where guests can unwind with a temescal ceremony and nighttime forest bathing. Sounds pretty darn interesting to me…not that I’m the camping sort.

BELIZE

Belize seems to be having a big moment right now. It is known for its diverse environments offering two different ones in one visit. There are classic Caribbean getaways and intense tropical jungle excursions. Sometimes I just wish I could stay on an island free of chaos, work, and stress and Belize seems just like that kind of place. There is swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, exploring ancient ruins, cave tubing, and, of course, enjoying all of the beauty and fresh food Belize has to offer.