10 Trending 2023 Vacation Destinations From the US

Dreaming of the perfect vacation in 2023? Somewhere where the daily worries of life slowly melt away. Whether that to you means an adventurous escape, a week of pampering, or something in between, there’s a lot of places in this big, wide world to choose from.

Choosing where to begin, especially if you’re chasing somewhere new can mean a lot of research and hours spent on Google searching and searching again to find that idyllic place. We’ve all been there before, where the more you try and find the vacation spot you’re dreaming of, the further out of grasp it seems to become. Or maybe, you’re more like me and you want to go anywhere and everywhere but can’t choose where to start.

After scouring Google’s Destination Insights, we’ve compiled a list of the top trending vacation destinations from the US for 2023. Here, you’re certain to find an easy or even direct flight, plenty of things to do, from natural to materialistic spoils, Family Villas, and a thriving tourism industry ready to welcome you. 

Let’s dive right into the 10 trending destinations for 2023 so you can find your perfect vacation spot, too.

1. London, England

London has long since been a favorite destination among American travelers. No matter how many times we’ve visited before, we never quite get over the kick of the British accent, obsession with tea, and quaint alleyways nestled within a thriving metropolis.

Since it’s nearly impossible to see all that London has to offer in a quick trip, it’s a great excuse to take advantage of any amount of vacation days you’ve accrued and extend your trip as long as you can get away with.

London really is one of those cities that has something for everyone. The expansive amount of things to do is just one of many reasons why everyone needs to visit London at least once. A few other top reasons to consider London as your 2023 destination includes:

• Visiting famous sites such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye. See them in true British fashion by hopping on the top decker of a red doubledecker bus.
• Embracing the lively nightlife at any of the neighborhood pubs.
• Getting lost in the wide variety of neighborhoods from trendy Camden Town to posh Notting Hill.
• Shopping nearly any brand you could possibly imagine. If you enjoy shopping in cities like New York or Los Angeles, London is the obvious choice for your next vacation.

2. Cancún, Mexico

It’s easy to understand why this Mexican gem is the 2nd trending destination for US travelers in 2023. Always one of our favorite places to visit, Cancún practically guarantees its guests warm weather, welcoming waters, flavorful food, and friendly locals. Situated in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, a stay in Cancún doesn’t just give you access to the city’s amenities but also to the entire thriving region. 

While there’s nothing underrated about planning a vacation to Cancún, that’s part of the reason it continues to be so popular year after year. Although in Mexico, many locals speak English and are more than accustomed to guiding foreigners through a vacation of a lifetime.

It’s well known that in Cancún you’ll have one of the world’s most beautiful beaches just outside your door. Here are a few more reasons to visit than just that: 

• Exploring rich Mayan history. With temples hidden in the rainforest and strewn along the coast, the Mayan roots remained strong here.
• Eating fresh and cheap Mexican food on any corner. 
• Inviting weather all year round. Famed as a snowbird destination, nearly anytime you decide to visit Cancún, you’ll get plenty of sunshine and warm weather.
• A bang for your buck that’s hard to beat. If you’re someone that loves opulent accommodation and high-end amenities (without having to break the bank), you’ll be spoiled for choice in where to stay in Cancún.

3. Paris, France

World-renowned as the City of Love, Paris is high on the bucket list for nearly everyone we know. If you haven’t yet strolled the streets of Paris in the evening with the gleaming lights of the Eiffel Tower in the distance as you sip a glass of wine, this is the year for you to do so.

While there’s nothing new about Paris’ popularity, it’s one of those cities you need to visit at least once in your lifetime. Although it gets a reputation for being expensive and pretentious, there’s far more to it than that. But, if that’s what’s drawing you into the city, that bubble certainly exists. 

For everyone else that wants to see Paris behind the scenes, there’s plenty of reasons to entice you to book your flights:

• Seeing some of the most famous architectural sites in the world, from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame.
• Having your choice of more Michelin starred restaurants than any other city has to offer. If high-end dining isn’t your scene, you’ll be more than happy with Paris’ bread and cheese selection. 
• Evaluating the incredible art scene. While you need to start at the Louvre, there are plenty of other museums and galleries for art fans.
• Strolling through the well-manicured parks and gardens. The parks in Paris really take it up a notch with their intricate landscaping. This is a city you’ll want to see on foot. 

4. San Juan, Puerto Rico

While San Juan is a trending destination, it’s safe to assume that a vast majority of people flying into the city aren’t actually staying here. As the capital of Puerto Rico, it’s the easiest way to get onto the island and then spread out from there.

If you’re interested in pristine beaches, jaw dropping nature, and a small town feel, you should consider flying into San Juan but staying in Vieques, Playa Flamenco, Rincón, or La Parguera.

If though you’d like to have a wide array of things to do and a more bustling area to explore during your vacation to Puerto Rico, staying in San Juan is a great decision. A few reasons to book your 2023 trip to San Juan include:

• Exploring the rich history of one of the oldest cities in the Americas in Old San Juan.
• Enjoying a variety of restaurants boasting traditional dishes. The cuisine here mixes the island’s Spanish, Taino (indigenous Caribbeans), and African influences.
• Being able to get “abroad” without needing a passport. If you’re a US citizen, you can travel to Puerto Rico without a passport, making it the most accessible place in the Caribbean for all Americans.
• Taking advantage of the plethora of day trips available to you. Since there’s so much beauty to immerse yourself in in Puerto Rico, staying in San Juan is actually one of the best places to stay to take advantage of a number of different day trips.

5. Toronto, Canada

If you’re looking for an underrated gem of a city, Toronto is what you’ve been searching for. Even though it doesn’t get the same hype as other major cities like London, Paris, or New York, Toronto is an incredible destination with plenty to offer its guests.

Known as a diverse city, in Toronto you really can find anything you’re looking for. If you plan on shopping, you’ll find your style; if you’re craving a certain food, they’ll have plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Canadians are notoriously polite and friendly, so unlike other cities whose residents get lost in the hustle and bustle, Torontonians are far more welcoming to strangers, giving you an added pinch of sweetness to your vacation. On top of this, a few other reasons Toronto is a trending destination is:

• The city is a foodie haven. For any cuisine you can imagine, there will be a budget, mid-range, and high-end restaurant to choose from. Kensington Market is especially worth a visit.
• It offers a great mix of urban jungle and natural spaces. Like any great city, you’ll find plenty of green spaces in Toronto whenever you need a respite from the city buzz.
• There are cultural events held here all year round. Nearly anytime you visit, there’s likely a cultural event you can take part in, from film festivals to food festivals and everything in between.
• It serves as a great base for seeing more of Eastern Canada. While the city itself is worth spending your entire vacation in, if you’d like to see more of Canada while here, there’s a lot of day trips nearby to choose from.

6. Montego Bay, Jamaica

What country possibly epitomizes tranquility and a laid back mindset more than Jamaica? If you’re eager for a vacation to break free from cities and really get as far away from your daily life as possible, there’s no better place than Jamaica.

Montego Bay is one of the best places in Jamaica for tourists to visit. When flying into Montego Bay, you have the same options as you do when flying into San Juan, Puerto Rico. If you’re in Jamaica for tranquility and natural beauty opt to stay in nearby Negril instead.

But, if you crave more amenities and a bigger diversity of things to do, it’s best to stay in the city. A few reasons Montego Bay is one of the trending destinations in 2023 is because of:

• The plethora of international and Jamaica restaurants in Montego Bay. For the best restaurants in the city, head straight to the “Hip Strip”
• The high-end accommodations and amenities at a relatively low cost. Like a visit to Mexico, the dollar stretches farther here.
• The underwater activities you have to choose from. From snorkeling to scuba diving, the underwater ecosystem around Montego Bay is thriving.
• The easy going attitude of locals will rub off on you. We’re sure you’ll leave Montego Bay feeling fully refreshed.

7. Dubai, UAE

I’m sure you’ve heard the stories: tigers riding shotgun in their owners’ Lamborghinis, man-made islands made in the shape of palm trees, and an indoor ski park that produces snow all year round. Whether it’s simply out of curiosity or because you want to join in on the opulence, a trip to Dubai is certainly one for the books.

Located in the heart of the Middle East, Dubai is the dream destination of the rich and famous throughout the globe and those of us intrigued enough to see it. Don’t worry though, there’s plenty of budget-friendly and free activities to partake in, as well.

A few of the top reasons Dubai is a trending vacation destination from the US is: 

• A handful of US airports now offer direct flights to Dubai, making it more accessible than ever to US residents.
• It’s a chance to enjoy a region that not many Americans have decided to visit yet. The Middle East has a shaky reputation on US soil but a visit to Dubai is the perfect chance to toss those stereotypes aside and see the true vibrancy of the region.
• You’ll never run out of things to do. If you’re a traveler that tends to bore easily, you’ll love your vacation to Dubai. With a never ending list of things to do, no two days of your vacation will feel the same. 

You can reach new heights by heading to the top of the highest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa skyscraper.

8. Rome, Italy

Did someone say Italy? Close your eyes and think about a trip to Italy. You’re most likely imagining piles of fresh food (and gelato to top it off), impressive landscapes, and a vibrant culture and long lasting history. 

At the heart of that is Rome. As the capital of Italy, you’ll get all of the best aspects of Italian life rolled up into one location. Even great beaches aren’t a far drive from the inland city, making this the perfect destination for those that want to experience a little bit of everything, Italian style.

While there’s hardly a bad place to visit in Italy, it’s no surprise that Rome is a trending choice given:

• It’s fascinating history. That history shows itself in art, architecture, and gleaming fountains. Everywhere you look, there’s a famous sight to ogle at.
• You can visit two countries in one go. Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, is in the heart of Rome so you can see two countries for the price of one!
• Plenty of day trips are accessible from Rome. You can easily visit Florence, Pompeii, and small Italian towns only a short drive from the city.
• Nowhere does food quite like the capital. For the best of Italian delicacies, you have to visit Rome. Trust us, you won’t go hungry on this trip!

9. San José, Costa Rica

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is most likely not the ending destination for Americans flying into the city. Instead, it’s the easiest way to get into stunning Costa Rica and then spread out from there.

If you love visiting underrated cities that don’t get too much attention from tourists, consider staying a night or two in San José before heading onto your final destination. While in San José, you can visit a variety of museums, stroll down Avenida Central (Central Avenue), and get a sense of an authentic side of Costa Rica.

Once you’ve seen the capital city, the whole country of Costa Rica opens up in front of you. Regardless of the exact location you choose for your vacation, Costa Rica is a top trending choice because of its:

• Incredible biodiversity. From thick jungles to expansive beaches, this country is seriously green and teeming with wildlife.
• Ease of domestic travel. Americans have been flocking to Costa Rica for decades which means the locals are incredibly accustomed to tourists. While their national language is Spanish, many people speak English.
• Amount of adventurous activities. From surfing to zip ling, Costa Rica is an adventurer’s dream destination. There’s more activities and excursions you could do in just one vacation, making it a tempting place to go back to year after year.
• Direct flights from almost anywhere in the US. Given its popularity, it’s incredibly easy to travel to Costa Rica. Most major cities have direct flights into San José making it even more attractive to travelers.

10. Denpasar, Indonesia

I’ll take a guess that you haven’t yet heard of Denpasar but if instead I say Bali, I’m sure your ears will perk up. Denpasar is the capital city of the island of Bali and will be your starting point to this magical land. 

Bali has boomed in popularity in the past few years. Made famous by the digital nomads who traveled to the island and never left, it’s a fantastic destination if you can handle the long flight. Nearly as far away from the US as you can get, the travel there isn’t for the faint of heart. Once you’re on the island though, it’ll all be worth it.

While we’re sure you’ve heard Bali mentioned time and time again, you might not know exactly why this magical island continues to trap visitors in its web. Denpasar, or Bali, is our 10th trending destination because:

• It’s a haven for holistic practitioners. If you’re looking for a space where people believe in meditation, holistic medicine, and the power of manifestation, you’ll find your tribe in Bali.
• Its natural beauty is rivaled by few. Although a small island, Bali’s coastline is full of beautiful beaches and its interior is all about lush jungles and thriving mountains.
• The local Balinese people are extremely welcoming. Part of the reason people love Bali so much is due to the friendly Balinese people.
• Traveling within the island is easy, so long as you’re OK with tuk-tuks or scooters as your main means of transportation. 

Will You Visit One of the 2023 Trending Destinations?

The biggest thing that surprised us when gathering data and compiling this list is just how diverse the trending destinations from the US are for 2023. It seems as though this year will be one where Americans are eager to spread their wings and travel near and far.

Will you be joining them?

Hero Photo by Shutterstock.com/Martin Wheeler III