9 March 2023

Booking.com’s 2023 Trending Destinations – Part 1

Booking.com, one of the leading players in the tourism industry, recently published an analysis on travel trends for 2023.

The aim of the research was to identify the most sought-after and trending destinations for the next year. To achieve this goal, Booking.com examined booking data from its users globally and identified some emerging destinations as well as some destinations that are maintaining their popularity.

Thanks to this analysis, travelers can get an idea of where to go for their next vacation and plan their trip in advance, ensuring that they book the best available accommodations and activities.

In this article, we present a list of must-see experiences in these destinations!

1. São Paulo, Brazil

São Paulo is a lively metropolis located in the southeastern region of Brazil and is the country’s largest city as well as one of the largest in Latin America. The city is famous for its culture, cuisine, nightlife, and skyline of skyscrapers.

There are numerous experiences that a tourist can have in São Paulo. For example, one can visit the São Paulo Museum of Art, one of the most important art museums in Brazil, or climb to the top of the Banespa skyscraper for a panoramic view of the city.

Football enthusiasts could opt for a visit to the Maracanã stadium, one of the most famous sports venues in the world, or attend a game of the local football team, Corinthians.

For those who love nature, an unmissable experience is represented by the Parque do Ibirapuera, a large city park with lakes, walking trails, and bike paths.

Another option is the São Paulo Zoo, which houses numerous species of animals, some of which are endangered.

2. Budva, Montenegro

Budva is a coastal city in Montenegro located along the Adriatic, famous for its sandy and pebble beaches and lively nightlife. The old town, surrounded by medieval walls, is a popular tourist attraction with its cobbled streets, squares, and ancient churches.

As for experiences for tourists, there are several interesting options in Budva. For example, one can opt for a boat trip to explore the coast and nearby islands, or participate in a food and wine tour to taste local products such as ham, cheese, and wine.

Furthermore, adventure lovers might be interested in activities such as paragliding or rafting on the Tara River, which crosses one of the deepest canyons in the world.

Finally, for those seeking relaxation and wellness, there are also numerous spas and wellness centers where one can relax and rejuvenate.

3. Pondicherry, India

Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, is a city located on the southeast coast of India and is famous for its French colonial architecture. The city is divided into two parts: the white town and the black town, where the former is characterized by white buildings with French influences, while the latter is mainly inhabited by Indians.

For tourists visiting Pondicherry, the main experiences include a visit to the Promenade Beach, a long walk along the sea with restaurants and bars. With a guided tour of the French Quarter, one can admire the French colonial architecture and shop at souvenir stores.

By visiting the Manakula Vinayagar Temple, one of the main Hindu shrines in Pondicherry, one can see numerous sacred elephants. A tour of the city of Auroville, a sustainable international community located a few kilometers from Pondicherry, allows one to admire its large golden temple.

4. Querétaro, Mexico

Querétaro is a city located in central Mexico, famous for its Spanish colonial architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The city is surrounded by imposing mountains and offers many outdoor activities for visitors.

The historic center of Querétaro has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the main attractions of the city. There are numerous guided tours available to explore the squares, palaces, and historic churches of the center.

Querétaro is known for its wine production and many of the main wineries offer paid tours and tastings. Visitors can experience Mexican wine culture and taste some of the best local wines.

The Sierra Gorda is a mountainous region near Querétaro, famous for its natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes. There are numerous paid excursions available to explore the region and go trekking, climbing, and rafting.

The Casa de la Zacatecana is a historic colonial residence that has been transformed into a museum. Visitors can explore the building and see period furnishings and objects.

5. Bolzano, Italy

Bolzano is a city located in northern Italy, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. t is known for its alpine beauty, Tyrolean culture, and medieval architecture. The city is surrounded by the majestic Dolomites, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The main experiences for a tourist in Bolzano include hiking in the Dolomites, with numerous tourist agencies organizing excursions to the surrounding mountains, with expert guides leading visitors through the spectacular landscapes of the Dolomites.

The Archaeological Museum of South Tyrol, on the other hand, displays archaeological finds from the area, such as the Similaun man, a 5,000-year-old mummy. The collection is organized in an innovative and interactive way.

Bolzano has a charming historic center, with narrow cobbled streets and medieval buildings. A guided tour allows discovering the history and culture of the city.

The Bolzano region is also famous for its wines, such as Chardonnay and Pinot Nero. Numerous wineries offer wine tastings and guided tours of their vineyards.

The Bolzano market, finally, is a lively place to buy local products such as fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and cold cuts. Visitors can also taste typical local specialties such as the panino with speck or Kaiserschmarrn, a Tyrolean dessert.