The world has seen a massive shift in the way people travel in the wake of the pandemic, with a renewed focus on sustainability, authenticity and unique experiences. TIME Magazine has compiled a list of the ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2023’, featuring 50 extraordinary destinations from around the world that offer these coveted qualities.
Among the list, two destinations from India have found a place - Mayurbhanj district in the eastern state of Odisha and the Union Territory of Ladakh. Mayurbhanj district is known for its natural beauty, dense forests, and diverse wildlife, while Ladakh offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and spiritualism. The inclusion of these two destinations on the list is a testament to the growing interest in offbeat travel experiences and the desire to explore lesser-known destinations.
The other destinations on the list offer a diverse range of experiences, from exploring the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park in California to savoring the gastronomic delights of Dijon, France. Some destinations are enforcing sustainable tourism practices to protect their natural beauty, such as the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia, which is moving towards allowing only one foreign visitor per local resident. Others, like Medellín, Colombia, have blossomed into culturally vibrant metropolises in the years since Pablo Escobar's death.
The magazine's list is a culmination of nominations from its international network of correspondents and contributors, who have recommended destinations offering new and exciting experiences. The travel industry is back in full swing in 2023, with travelers seeking out unique, local experiences and a more limited environmental impact.
The trend of sustainable tourism is visible in many destinations on the list, with initiatives such as indigenous-led tours and curated homestays gaining popularity. These initiatives offer tourists a chance to experience local cultures and traditions while promoting sustainable tourism practices.
The inclusion of Ladakh and Mayurbhanj district on the list highlights the growing interest in offbeat destinations and the desire to explore lesser-known parts of the world. It is a reminder that the world is full of extraordinary places waiting to be discovered and experienced.
Here's the complete list of the World's Greatest Places of 2023, as mentioned in the article:
Tampa, Florida
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Rio Grande, P. R.
Tucson, Arizona
Yosemite National Park, California
Bozeman, Montana
Washington, D.C.
Vancouver
Churchill, Manitoba
Dijon, France
Pantelleria, Italy
Naples, Italy
Aarhus, Denmark
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Barcelona
Timisoara, Romania
Sylt, Germany
Berat, Albania
Budapest
Vienna
Brisbane, Australia
Kangaroo Island, Australia
Dominica
Mexico City
Guadalajara, Mexico
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Pantanal, Brazil
Medellín, Colombia
Ollantaytambo, Peru
Roatán, Honduras
Ladakh, India
Mayurbhanj, India
Kyoto
Nagoya, Japan
Isan, Thailand
Phuket, Thailand
Jeju Island, South Korea
Luang Prabang, Laos
Giza and Saqqara, Egypt
Chyulu Hills, Kenya
Musanze, Rwanda
Rabat, Morocco
Dakar, Senegal
Loango National Park, Gabon
Freetown Peninsula, Sierra Leone
The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
Aqaba, Jordan
Jerusalem
Sharjah, UAE
Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia