Travel is still top of mind for so many of us now just for the sake of having places to go. But with so many incredible in-person events being back on in 2023, now we can set our sites on destinations where there are plenty of things to do. From sports tournaments to world-class parties to festivals showcasing the best of art and music, we are officially getting together again around the globe to celebrate those things that make the human experience so much richer. So buckle up, ensure your tray table is in the upright position and join me for a tour to some select destinations that have so much to offer for travellers this year, including special events that you won’t want to miss.
First up, Australia
There are so many reasons why Australia is a bucket-list destination: incredible natural beauty, a great food scene, the hottest beaches and cosmopolitan cities. But this year, there is so much happening Down Under, that makes it extra tempting to “come and say G’day”.
Firstly, what promises to be perhaps the biggest party of the year, World Pride takes place in Sydney from Feb 17th to March 5 of 2023. This is the first time ever that this event is being celebrated in the Southern Hemisphere, with over 500 000 people expected to attend. Australia’s own queen of pop Kylie Minogue will (of course) be headlining the festivities. Even if you can’t make it for everything happening in Sydney, all of Australia is making sure pride continues throughout the year with festivals and experiences celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.
Another incredibly exciting first that’s happening Down Under in 2023 is the FIFA Women’s World Cup of Soccer. Thirty-two nations will go head to head across Australia and New Zealand in July 2023 for one of the most coveted titles in soccer. Not only is this a chance to cheer on our incredible Canadian women’s team, but football fans can plan a once-in-a-lifetime Australian adventure across the five hosting Aussie cities and beyond. Catch some of the 64 FIFA matches, and in between, experience all that Australia has to offer – from surf lessons in Brisbane’s Sunshine State to treetop adventures and Adelaide, or visiting the iconic and sacred Uluru.
Next up, Genoa and the Italian Riviera
Delicious food and wine, fashionable cities and beautiful beaches – I’m sure you don’t need me to convince you that Italy should be on your travel to-do list. Rome, Venice and Sicily are popular choices. All great options, but I’m here to convince you that you should visit Genoa and the surrounding Italian Riviera in the Liguria region.
A well-established port city on the Mediterranean, Genoa provides an incredible trip back in history layered with present-day innovations. I loved walking the winding medieval alleyways (or carrugi) of the old downtown leading to the Porto Antico and seeing the gilded magnificence of the palaces of the Renaissance and Baroque eras.
There are an impressive 100 of these buildings, known as Palazzi dei Rolli, with 42 of them having been designated UNESCO world heritage sites. Once the pride of Genoa’s dukes and rich merchant class, some are still privately owned. However, twice a year, during the event known as Rolli Days, they are open to the public. For fans of architecture and art history, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
From Genoa, it’s a short trip to the beautiful and exclusive coastal village of Portofino. Take the ferry there from nearby Santa Margherita Ligure and marvel at the beauty of this once-quiet fishing village that has been a favourite hideaway for celebrities for decades. Have a seaside aperitivi or two, do some shopping, and take a short hike up to the beautiful Church of San Giorgio for a view of the village below.
Last but not least, Saint Lucia
It’s still winter in Canada, so obviously many of us have Caribbean getaways on our minds, but St. Lucia is a great spot all year round for so many reasons. Situated in the Windward Islands of the Eastern Caribbean, St. Lucia has all the things you want out of a tropical destination – beautiful beaches and resorts, lush natural beauty and great food.
Saint Lucia provides an abundance of options for active vacations – snorkelling, ziplining through the rainforest, gentle hikes to view the famous twin volcanic spires known as the Pitons, or for the truly ambitious – a challenging climb up Gros Piton itself, which takes about two hours. For a dose of culture and nightlife, there is plenty of that in Saint Lucia as well, from the Friday night fish fry at Anse La Reye to the party scene in Rodney Bay.
But this year, perhaps the biggest event on the island is back in 2023: The Saint (St.) Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival. Running from May 5-14 at the historic Pigeon Island National Park, artists from around the Caribbean and the world – including Sting, Shaggy, Buju Banton, and more. It’s a great opportunity to dance all night and lounge on the beach all day. Tickets are on sale for the festival on March 1st, so it’s time to start planning now.
