My Top 5 Recommendations are Diverse, Colorful, Cultural, and Fun:
Havana, Cuba; Venice, Italy; Asheville, SC; Keystone, CO; and Marrakech, Morocco
Are you looking for new and exciting places to visit in the coming year? 2023 is the perfect time to explore the world, and there are plenty of places to choose from. Whether you’re looking to explore a new city, experience a different culture, or take in a beautiful landscape, these five places are sure to provide a unique and memorable experience. From the vibrant colors of Havana, Cuba to the romantic canals of Venice, Italy to the breathtaking mountains of Keystone, Colorado, these five places will make the perfect destination for your next vacation.
Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba is an amazing city full of vibrant colors and culture. The streets of Havana are filled with music, art, and the smell of freshly-cooked Cuban cuisine. There’s something for everyone in Havana, from historical sites and museums to outdoor activities like snorkeling and sailing. The city is also home to many beautiful beaches, making it the perfect place to soak up some sun on your vacation. As you will read below, new and more relaxed travel restrictions make 2023 the perfect year to visit this amazing destination!
You can go…, just kidding no you can’t…well now it turns out that it’s become a little easier to visit! If this beautiful city, that is rich with color and culture, has been on your bucket list,the time has a NOW! In May 2022, the Biden administration made it a little easier to visit this location, as it relaxed some of the travel restrictions. Americans can now go as a part of a group, or visit individually on a “support for the Cuban people” license. This requires you (as a visitor) to have a full-time schedule of activities that support the Cuban people, which is easily fulfilled through buying services from Cuban entrepreneurs, staying in local homes, dining in private restaurants and booking cultural activities.
The architecture of Havana is also a sight to behold, with buildings of all shapes and sizes. The city is full of colonial-style buildings, as well as art deco structures, giving it a unique and eclectic feel. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, offering everything from traditional Cuban food to international dishes. With its vibrant culture and colorful buildings, Havana is the perfect place to get lost in the beauty of the Caribbean.
Havana also offers a unique nightlife experience. The city is home to a variety of bars and clubs, so you can dance the night away while sipping on a mojito. There are also plenty of live music venues, so you can enjoy the sounds of Cuban culture. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a night out with friends, Havana is the perfect place for a night you won’t forget.
If you are ready to visit the vibrant streets of Havana you will also need a visa, which travelers can handle on the day of travel, at the airport check-in desk or from a tour provider. The cost can vary, depending upon where it is purchased, but it will rarely exceed $100. While these hoops are unenjoyable, they may be worth jumping through in the year ahead if Cuba has been a Must Do destination on your list…who knows how long it might be before the rules change again?
Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy is one of the most romantic cities in the world. Known for its winding canals and beautiful architecture, Venice is an idyllic destination for couples and families alike. The city is full of historical sites and monuments, so you can explore the city’s rich culture and history. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy, so you can sample delicious Italian cuisine while taking in the breathtaking views.
The canals of Venice are also a must-see. You can take a gondola ride through the canals and get a unique view of the city. You can also explore the city on foot, as there are plenty of winding streets and alleyways to explore. And if you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, Venice has it all, from high-end designer stores to quaint boutiques.
I can speak from experience on this one, definitely add it to your plans! It honestly was not a part of our original itinerary during our last trip to Italy, but we had a chance to add a few days and decided to hop a plane to Venice and we are so glad we did! It will definitely be best to plan to spend at least one night, as the city made headlines when they decided to impose a “day-trip entrance fee”, taking effect in January. In my opinion, at least two nights in Venice would be perfect, if your itinerary can support it. It’s a very easy city to get to, with a quick flight or train ride.
This stunning floating city is one of the most gorgeous and safest places that we have ever been, not to mention, it was extremely clean too! When you consider what they have to fo through to get items into Venice and then to have them (and trash) removed, it’s remarkable! We found ourselves exploring a constant maze of small and beautiful alley ways, but oddly we never felt there was any reason to feel concern. A lot of people talk about how romantic Venice is, and, while we did not find that to be true (because it was quite crowded and a little touristy), I believe it we had planned this as part of our trip ahead of time, we definitely would have been able to experience a more local and less touristy trip. So that would be my biggest recommendation (other than staying at the @hoteldanieli ), is to make certain you know where you want to eat. There are a lot of touristy places and I always enjoy finding good local cuisine!
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, Venice should definitely be at the top of your list. The city is full of romantic restaurants and cafes, so you can enjoy a romantic dinner while taking in the incredible views. And if you’re looking for entertainment, Venice is home to a variety of theaters, so you can experience a unique show or performance. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a cultural experience, Venice is the perfect destination.
Asheville, SC
Asheville, SC is the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city is full of natural beauty, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The city is also home to a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to rafting and fishing.
Asheville is also a great place to explore culture. The city is home to a variety of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, so you can experience the city’s unique culture and art scene. There are also plenty of music venues and theaters, so you can enjoy a show or performance.
2023 is the perfect time to visit this amazing city in the Blue Ridge Mountains that checks all the boxes, with year-round outdoor activities, sophisticated dining, and easy access (whether you are flying or driving). In addition to all the fabulous things that Asheville has always had to offer (listed below), the year ahead offers more reasons to visit, including some awesome new places to stay!
@wrongwaycampground they are now offering a collection of A-frame cabins along the French Broad River that are perfect for white water rafters. Starting in mid-2023, @autocampAsheville with offer a glamping style abode with Airstream campers. Opening in early 2023, @therestorationashevillehotel in downtown promises a properly plush stay. In addition to amazing places to stay, there is some fresh new vibes on the food scene with @swasheville (S&W Market), Asheville’s first food hall.
And you definitely can’t miss any of Asheville’s old standbys:
@sierranevada – if Asheville is the Napa Valley of beer, then this brewery in Asheville, Taproom, is Disneyland for beer lovers!
Asheville boasts a whooping 45 breweries in the downtown and surrounding areas, making Asheville a beer lovers delight!
@biltmoreestate – built by George Vanderbilt in 1895, this is a definite destination to check out if you haven’t been! Beautiful estate, amazing gardens, so much history and a lovely wine tasting room!
The Omni Grove Park Inn @omnihotels – another go-to destination that has been a mainstay in Asheville. Whether you want a beautiful place to stay, a spa day, a round of golf or dinner at their lovely alfresco terrace.
If you’re looking for some relaxation, Asheville is the perfect place. The city is home to a variety of spas and wellness centers, so you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are also plenty of parks and trails, so you can take a leisurely stroll and take in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure-filled getaway, Asheville is the perfect destination.
Keystone, CO
Keystone, Colorado is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the Rocky Mountains, the city is home to a variety of outdoor activities, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and biking. The city is also home to a variety of resorts, so you can enjoy the luxury of a ski resort without the crowds.
Keystone is also a great destination for adventure seekers. The city is home to a variety of adventure activities, from white water rafting and zip-lining to rock climbing and mountain biking. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or an adrenaline rush, Keystone has it all.
My family has spent several ski seasons in Keystone Resort and we find ourselves always wanting to return there! Here are some of our favorite things to do during a winter trip:
⛷️ Mountain Snow Tubing
⛷️ Ice Skating
⛷️ Stables Sleigh Rides
⛷️ Snow Mobiling
⛷️ And, of course, skiing is the main event!
Some of our favorite places to eat, drink and be merry:
⛷️ Sleigh Ride Dinners are pure magic
⛷️ Keystone Ranch Restaurant
⛷️ Bighorn Bistro
⛷️ Kickapoo Tavern
⛷️ Bistro North Dillion
If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, Keystone is the perfect destination. The city is home to a variety of stores and boutiques, so you can find unique souvenirs and gifts for your friends and family. And if you’re looking for some relaxation, the city is home to a variety of spas and wellness centers, so you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Keystone is the perfect destination.
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech, Morocco is a vibrant and colorful city full of culture and history. The city is home to a variety of historical sites and monuments, so you can explore the city’s rich culture and history. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to explore, offering everything from traditional Moroccan cuisine to international dishes. The bold colors and the mixture of texture and patterns is vibrant and everywhere you look. Its honestly a bit of sensory overload, in the best possible way! Known as the city of luxury, thanks to famous places, 5-star restaurants, luxury spas and hammams and charming riads (traditional houses)!
Marrakech is also home to a variety of markets and bazaars, so you can explore the city’s vibrant culture and find unique souvenirs and gifts for your friends and family. The city is also home to a variety of art galleries and shops, so you can experience the city’s unique art scene.
Top Places to Go, Eat & Stay include:
📍 Riad Zineb
📍 DarDar Rooftop Bar
📍 Bahia Palace
📍 El Badi Palace
📍 Medina
📍 Ben Youssef Madrasa
📍 Le Jardin Secret
📍 Jardin Majorelle
📍 Koutoubia Mosque
If you’re looking for a unique nightlife experience, Marrakech is the perfect destination. The city is home to a variety of bars and clubs, so you can dance the night away while sipping on a mint tea. There are also plenty of live music venues, so you can enjoy the sounds of Moroccan culture. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a night out with friends, Marrakech is the perfect place for a night you won’t forget.
Benefits of Visiting These Places
There are many benefits to visiting these five spectacular and unexpected places. First, you’ll get to experience different cultures and explore unique landscapes. From the vibrant colors of Havana to the romantic canals of Venice to the breathtaking mountains of Keystone, you’ll get to experience a variety of different cultures and see some of the world’s most beautiful sights.
You’ll also get to experience a variety of different cuisines. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Cuban meal or a delicious Italian pasta dish, you’ll get to experience the unique flavors of each city. And if you’re looking for some relaxation, each city is home to a variety of spas and wellness centers, so you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Diverse, Colorful, Cultural, and Fun!
If you’re looking for a unique and exciting vacation in 2023, these five places are sure to provide a memorable experience. From the vibrant colors of Havana to the romantic canals of Venice to the breathtaking mountains of Keystone, these five places are sure to provide a unique and diverse experience. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience or a relaxing getaway, these five places have it all. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore these five spectacular and unexpected places in 2023.
