Book the trip. Leave your comfort zone. Change your life.
Top Places to Travel in 2023
From historical ancient ruins and awe-inspiring natural beauty, to unbeatable cuisine and culture, this year's list has somewhere for everyone.
Bucket List Inspiration
Looking for a once in a lifetime trip or experience but not sure where to begin? Let this list of ideas around the globe be an inspiration for you to just book the trip and go!
Miles, Points & Hacking
The world of points and miles can be vast and intimidating. Let us help guide you through the basics and the tried and true tools of the pros.
Packing Lists
Overpacking is easy to do. Check out these sample packing lists for ideas on traveling lighter more efficiently.
Recommendations & Reviews
An ever-growing section dedicated to personal experiences with various hotels, restaurants and other attractions/events related to traveling.
Plan Your Trip
Logistics can be overwhelming when you're planning a trip to somewhere you've never been. Use our sample itineraries as a guide to maximizing your time and money while traveling.
Travel Tips
Traveling can be an incredible and life-changing experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your journey.
Long Flight Must Have's
A compilation of some of our favorite travel products for 2023 that will completely transform the way you fly.
Where to Travel in 2023
Pretty much everything is open now since the covid 19 pandemic. Here is our list of top destinations in 2023.
Kenya
Kenya is far more than just safaris, but if you go just for a safari, you chose wisely. The Masai Mara Game Reserve is host every year to the Great Migration, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. This jaw-dropping spectacle of nature is the main event when traveling to Kenya, but definitely don't miss the bustling capital of Nairobi or the vibrant beach town of Mombasa.
Japan
Japan is a never-ending story of idyllic destinations. Extremely clean, safe and easy to navigate Japan should be near the top of every traveler's bucket list. Whether you are a solo backpacker or a family with young children, Japan will provide unforgettable memories. Culture, cuisine, reliable public transportation; Japan has it all and will make you feel like you're visiting the future.
Turkey
Far more than just Istanbul and Instagram pictures of hot air balloons. Every region of Turkey has something spectacular to offer. From centuries old bazaars, to food so flavorful that you will think you're dreaming. And don't think about leaving without experiencing a Turkish bath.
Cuba
From the bustling capital of Nairobi great migration on the Masai Mara to the beaches of Mombasa.
Rwanda
Less than 3 decades removed from one of the worst tragedies to ever occur, this central African country has bounced back in a big way. Simply put, Kigali might be the cleanest capital city on the continent, and everyone needs to go gorilla trekking at least once in their lifetime. Rwanda and Volcanoes National Park will completely change your life.
Mexico
Mexico is bursting with culture that includes some of the best cuisine on planet Earth, and of course, Mezcal. Skip Tulum and the typical spring break spots (unless you're going for the cenotes) and opt for long weekends in Mexico City, Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende. You will not regret it!
Laos
From the bustling capital of Nairobi great migration on the Masai Mara to the beaches of Mombasa.
Egypt
Is there a more recognizable sight than the Pyramids of Giza? Egypt has so much history and culture that it would take months to experience everything, and you'll want to experience everything! Don't miss the opportunity to take a boat cruise down the enchanting Nile River. It's hard not to picture what life was like as a Pharaoh, thousands of years ago.
Portugal
From the bustling capital of Nairobi great migration on the Masai Mara to the beaches of Mombasa.
Namibia
From the bustling capital of Nairobi great migration on the Masai Mara to the beaches of Mombasa.
Mozambique
From the bustling capital of Nairobi great migration on the Masai Mara to the beaches of Mombasa.
Best Travel Tips
Traveling can be an incredible and life-changing experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your journey:1. Research and plan ahead: Take the time to research your destinations and plan your trip in advance. This will help you to make the most of your time, see the things you're interested in, and avoid any disappointments. Be sure to check travel advisories, visa requirements, and local customs.2. Stay flexible: While it's important to have a plan, it's also important to remain flexible. Unexpected things can happen when traveling, and being able to adapt to changes will help you to make the most of your journey.3. Pack light: It's easy to overpack when traveling, but carrying a lot of heavy luggage can be a burden. Pack only what you need and consider investing in lightweight and versatile clothing.4.Embrace the local culture: Travel is an opportunity to experience new cultures and ways of life. Embrace local customs, try new foods, and learn a few phrases in the local language. It can make a big difference in how you are received by locals and how much you enjoy your trip.5. Stay safe: Safety should always be a top priority when traveling. Be aware of your surroundings, take precautions to protect your valuables, and stay up to date on any potential risks or dangers in your destinations.6. Meet new people: Traveling is a great opportunity to meet new people from all over the world. Be open to making new friends and connections, and consider staying in hostels or joining group tours to meet other travelers.7. Take care of yourself: Travel can be tiring and stressful, so be sure to take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and take breaks when you need them.
Miles, Points & Hacking
We are a big believer in the power of miles and points and the impact they can have on not only the amount of traveling you do but also the type of traveling. The cash prices for some hotel rooms or flight tickets is insane, and plan on forking over half your yearly salary if you want to experience the luxury of business/first class flying or concierge level accommodations. "Hacking", as many in the industry say, is a way to accumulate enough points in your everyday life to regularly cash in for unforgettable experiences and memories that last forever. Here are some of our best tips when it comes to points hacking and also our recommendations for the best travel credit cards in 2023.
Bucket List Inspiration
If your travel bucket list is anything like ours then it always seems to be getting longer. Let this list not only inspire you to add to your travel bucket list but also check off some of these adventures. Book the trip, leave your comfort zone and you will change your life. Also use the form below the list to help us add to our travel bucket list. It's those specific tours, activities and destinations that even if you see them 100 times on social media you still want to go, see, taste, do and experience.
Road Trip the Entire Pan American Highway
Go on Safari in Krueger National Park South Africa to see the Big Five
Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
Trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal
Run with the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain
Take a Visit to the Great Wall of China
Scuba Dive the Great Barrier Reef in Australia
Witness the Great Migration in the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Go on an Airboat Ride in the Florida Everglades
Experience a Holi Festival in India
Drive on the Autobahn in Germany
Travel on the Trans Siberian Railway
Sail the French Riviera
Explore the Earliest Civilizations in Babylon, Iraq
Take Field Notes in the Galapagos Islands
Dive with Great White Sharks in Cape Town, South Africa
Attend a World Cup
Attend a Summer Olympics
Go Trekking for Silverback Gorillas in Central Africa
Dance the night away at Carnival in Brazil
Eat your way through Italy
Walk Amongst Giants on the Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
Tour the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Learn History in Cairo at the Pyramids, and throughout Egypt
Hike to the Ancient City of Machu Picchu
Take a Junk Boat Cruise in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Visit and Learn About Indigenous Tribes in East Africa
Go Fly Fishing in Patagonia
Explore the Ancient City of Petra, Jordan
Kiss Your Special Someone Under the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France
Brave the Drake Passage to Vibe with Penguins in Antartica
Go Snorkeling in the Maldives
Backpack through Southeast Asia
Attend a Full Moon Party in Thailand
Go Off the Grid in Socotra, Yemen
Road Trip around Iceland
Experience an Authentic Ayahuasca Ceremony in Peru
Use Falconry to Procure Food in Central Asia
Drive a Super Car in Dubai, UAE
Take a Selfie in Times Square, New York City, USA
Go Island Hopping in Greece
Ride a Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia, Turkey
See Angel Falls in Venezuela
Check out the Northern Lights in Svalbard, Norway
Swim in a Cenote in Mexico
Ride a Motor Bike from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, or vice versa
Enjoy a Pint, or several, at Oktoberfest in Munich
Ride the Iron Ore Train in Mauritania
Bungie Jumping in Switzerland, New Zealand, or both
Learn How to Dance the Tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Go to Burning Man Festival in Nevada, USA
Ski the Alps
We want to know what's on YOUR bucket list! Tell us about the activity and where we can participate!
Plan Your Trip
Planning a trip to the other side of the world can be super intimidating, to say the least.
Recommendations & Reviews
Filming reviews is something new we are trying this year. Please use the form below and let us know if you have any recommendations for hotels, foods to try, restaurants, tours, etc. We have upcoming trips planned to the following destinations with more on the way.March 2023 - Chicago, Illinois, USAMay 2023 - Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamMay 2023 - Tokyo, JapanJuly 2023 - Grand Rapids, Michigan, USAJuly 2023 - Nairobi, KenyaJuly 2023 - Masai Mara National Reserve, KenyaJuly 2023 - Zanzibar, TanzaniaJuly 2023 - Istanbul, TurkeyOctober 2023 - Orlando, Florida, USA
Long Flight Must Have's
Your in-flight experience depends on a variety of factors, some of which are not in your control as a passenger. The best any traveler can do is be prepared for the delays, jet lag and overall anxiety associated with long flights. The following is our go-to list of game changing carryon items when it comers to crossing oceans.
Twelve South AirFly Pro
One of those little gadgets that can make or break your experience on a long flight. This tool allows you to connect your wireless headphones to the aircraft's entertainment system via Bluetooth. No more having to use the free pair they give you, just to watch a movie. Simply plug this into the outlet and connect your wireless headphones.
TRTL Travel Pillow
Unless you're in a lay flat seat then catching some zzz's on a plane can be frustrating. Arriving to your destination with minimal to no jet lag is a huge flex and the TRTL travel pillow will allow you to do just that. Its revolutionary design cradles your head no matter what angle it's at, allowing you to get actual rest during your flight. Best of all it takes up very little space!
DJI Pocket 2
Documenting your travels can be tedious at times with all the camera gear required. Not so with this nifty little device from the famed drone company DJI. So small and easy to use with powerful features. Get the "creator combo" package and you're ready to make your life a movie.
Compression Socks
After months of planning and absurd amounts of money invested the last thing you want to have happen is for jet lag to ruin your trip. There is no 1 thing that will prevent jet lag but there are several ways to help you land feeling refreshed and compression socks make a big difference. Ensuring proper circulation stretching your legs often is a small way to make a big impact on the quality of your trip.
Apple AirTag
Everyone remember's those horrific pictures of hundreds of suitcases lined up in random rooms at airports, maybe you personally lost a bag during the post covid melee. Either way an AirTag is a no brainer when it comes to checked luggage. Doesn't hurt to keep one in your carryon either, just in case you encounter the dreaded "gate check". Easily track the location on an app so you know where your belongings are at all times. Get them individually or save a few bucks by picking up a 4 pack. Money well spent!
Portable Power Bank
There is nothing worse than being in the middle of something and your device dies. Portable power banks, like this one you can find on Amazon, are inexpensive, don't take up much room and pack a punch when it comes to charging your electronics on the go. Look for one with 10,000mAh or higher, that will give you at least 2-3 phone charges.
Packing Lists
Sample Lists
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Affiliate Disclosure
Disclosure: This travel blog contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. As an affiliate, I promote different travel products and services from various websites, including hotel bookings, flight tickets, travel insurance, and other travel-related items. These affiliate links help me to maintain this blog and provide you with valuable information, tips, and reviews. I only recommend products and services that I have personally used and believe in, and I appreciate your support if you decide to use any of the affiliate links on this website.Please note that the prices of the products and services I recommend may change at any time, and I am not responsible for any purchases you make through these links. As always, please do your own research before making any purchases, and only purchase products and services that are suitable for your needs and budget.Thank you for your support and for reading this travel blog!