Plan Your 2023 Adventures with iBestTravel
Want to start planning for the year ahead? Here are more than 20 reasons to consider a once-in-a-lifetime trip in 2023.
Festivals
WorldPride Crosses the Equator
Since its inaugural event in Rome over two decades ago, this semiannual global celebration of LGBTIQ+ pride has never been held in the Southern Hemisphere until 2023. The festivities touch down in Sydney for 17 days of parades, parties, exhibits, immersive art installations, sporting events, and more.
Key dates: Though the extravaganza runs from February 17 to March 5, things really kick off with an opening concert on February 24 featuring Kylie Minogue, celebrated as the highest selling Australian-born solo artist of all time. The Bondi Beach Party on March 4 is another hot ticket, with Nicole Scherzinger set to headline.
Dominica Parties Hard
One of iBestTravel’s Best in Travel picks for 2023, the Caribbean island of Dominica has a big year planned. Its three main festivals are back in business: following successful runs in 2022, Jazz N’ Creole and Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival are returning, along with Mas Domnik for Carnival, marking its return since the pandemic.
Key dates: Mas Domnik, February 20 to 21; Jazz ‘N Creole, April 30; World Creole Music Festival, October 27 to 29.
Burning Man Explores Its Animal Instincts
Welcoming over 75,000 participants at its peak in 2022, Nevada’s artsy, week-long gathering returns in 2023 with the theme Animalia.
This year’s Burning Man theme celebrates the animal world and our place in it—real and imagined—exploring the mental constructs that allow us to believe that imagined animals are real, and real animals are imagined.
Key dates: The event is scheduled for August 27 to September 4. Ticket on-sale dates have yet to be announced but early passes typically go on sale in February, the main sale in late March, and last-minute tickets at the beginning of August.
Sporting and Cultural Events
Super Bowl LVII
The NFL season will culminate with the Super Bowl, featuring halftime entertainment from Rihanna. The event takes place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
Key date: Super Bowl LVII will occur on Sunday, February 12.
2023 FIA Formula One World Championship
The excitement ramps up in Bahrain in early March, with three days of testing leading up to the first race of the F1 season at Sakhir.
Key dates: Testing begins on March 3, followed by the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 5.
Sakura Season
Japan has reopened to individual travelers, making it an opportune time to catch the cherry blossoms. It’s worth checking the bloom forecast before finalizing your plans, as trees bloom at staggered times throughout the country.
Key dates: The specific dates vary, but it historically begins in mid-March and peaks a couple of weeks later.
Eurovision Song Contest
In a unique turn of events, Liverpool has been chosen to host the Eurovision finals on behalf of Ukraine.
Key dates: The Eurovision semifinals are set for May 9 and 11, with the final on May 13.
Coronation of Charles and Camilla
This spring, King Charles III and the Queen Consort Camilla will be crowned at Westminster Abbey, continuing a 900-year tradition. The ceremony will be a more modest affair than historically noted.
Key dates: The coronation is scheduled for May 6.
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
The Women’s World Cup returns to its usual season in 2023, hosted by Australia and New Zealand, featuring teams from 32 countries.
Key dates: The group stage begins on July 20, with the final match on August 20.
Rugby World Cup 2023
South Africa will defend its title during the Rugby World Cup in France. This event promises exciting matches across various stadiums in the country.
Key dates: Opening match kicks off on September 8, leading to the final on October 28.
Museum Openings
International African American Museum
After over 20 years in development, the International African American Museum opens in 2023 in Charleston, South Carolina. It spans 150,000 sq ft, featuring galleries that focus on the experiences of African Americans throughout history.
Key dates: The museum was set to open in late January but has faced delays; updates can be found on its official site and social media.
Grand Egyptian Museum
After years of delays, the much-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza is expected to open soon, housing over 100,000 artifacts including treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Key dates: The museum will begin welcoming visitors any day now.
Robot Science Museum
The new Robot Science Museum in Seoul, designed by leading architects, is expected to open soon, showcasing innovations in robotics.
Key dates: To be announced.
Istanbul Modern
Set to reopen in spring 2023, Istanbul Modern returns to its original location, featuring designs by Renzo Piano with ample exhibition space and amenities.
Key dates: The grand opening is on May 4.
Outdoor Adventures
Catch the Yosemite Firefall
This natural spectacle occurs when Yosemite National Park’s Horsetail Fall glows orange at sunset, typically seen in February. Planning is essential to witness this breathtaking event.
Key dates: Conditions vary, but it generally happens in February, with reservations needed on select weekends.
See the Northern Lights
As the solar maximum approaches, 2023 presents a wonderful opportunity to hunt for the aurora borealis. Ideal locations include Iceland, Norway, and parts of Canada.
Key dates: Optimal viewing often occurs during winter months, particularly in northern regions.
Adventure in US National Parks
Many US national parks have relaxed their timed entry systems, making 2023 a fantastic year to explore these natural wonders. Some areas still require permits for specific activities.
Key dates: Reservations for many parks open a few months in advance; monitor park announcements for updates.
Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
As travel bounces back, the iconic Inca Trail is open once again. Only a limited number of permits are available daily, making early planning critical.
Key dates: High season typically runs from June to September, so book well in advance.
Schedule a Safari
Book your unforgettable African safari between June and September to witness the Great Migration or seek out wildlife across various countries.
Key dates: Specific peaks vary by region; extensive planning is advised for the best experiences.
Watch the Solar Eclipse
On October 14, an annular solar eclipse will cast shadows across parts of the Western Hemisphere, providing a magnificent spectacle to witness.
Key date: October 14.
