10 Trips of a Lifetime to Take in 2023

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

See recent posts by Caroline Morse Teel

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Let 2023 be the year that you stop dreaming about that bucket list trip and finally book it. From watching the sunrise atop Kilimanjaro to exploring secret slot canyons in Jordan, these are the trips you’ve been waiting for.

World Expeditions Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route

After hiking through Kilimanjaro’s varied terrain, your reward arrives on day eight—spectacular sunrise views atop the roof of Africa. World Expeditions’ Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route takes a leisurely pace up the mountain to help trekkers acclimatize to the altitude, a strategy that’s key in its high summit success rate.

Expert guides and porters will make this rugged hike as comfortable as possible, by cooking three gourmet meals a day, setting up spacious tents, and hauling your gear up the mountain.

Exodus Travels Desert to Dead Sea in Jordan

Edge of the Dead Sea in Jordan — Exodus Travels

Jordan earns a high spot on many travelers’ bucket lists due to Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. However, there’s so much more to this varied country than Petra, and it would be a shame to miss the stunning Wadi Rum desert or hidden gem of the Mujib Biosphere Reserve.

Exodus Travels’ Desert to Dead Sea trip showcases the best of the country—in just nine days—in this trip designed to maximize limited vacation time.

Ker & Downey Africa Cheetah Conservation LuxVenture

A boat on the water with red rock formations in background (left) and two cheetah cubs and parent playing on a rock in the savannah (right) — Key & Downey Africa

If you’re looking for a more meaningful safari experience than just snapping a photo, consider Ker & Downey Africa’s new Cheetah Conservation LuxVenture trip. This 13-day adventure takes place in South Africa, the only country in the world where this endangered animal population is significantly increasing in the wild.

The trip combines luxury (five-star hotels, wine tastings, etc.) and learning (with visits to the Ashia and Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Centers). You’ll also have the rare opportunity to track wild cheetahs on foot.

G Adventures Epic Japan: Speed Trains & Street Food

Tourists exploring several stop on the G Adventures Speed Trains & Street Food Tour — G Adventures

Japan has finally reopened to tourists post-pandemic, so there’s no better time to plan your dream trip here. If budget has always held you back from visiting this notoriously pricey destination, check out G Adventures’ Epic Japan: Speed Trains & Street Food tour.

This 11-day trip starts at just $1,874 yet covers a good deal of the country, with stops in Tokyo, Takayama, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka.

Intrepid Travel WWF Journey to the Circle and Giants of Antarctica

Scenes from Intrepid Travel's Antarctica WWF Journey to the Circle and Giants of Antarctica — Intrepid Travel

Antarctica is a dream trip for many. Whether you want to check off the last continent on your list or simply see one of the last pristine places left on earth, the Great White Continent beckons. Intrepid Travel has teamed up with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to create a trip to remember.

The Journey to the Circle and Giants of Antarctica cruise sails from Ushuaia, at the tip of Argentina, all the way to the Antarctic Circle. During the journey, experts from the WWF will be aboard to lead lectures and offer unique insight into the animals that call this region of the world home.

Sojrn Biodiversity in Cape Town

Aerial photo of Cape Town South Africa — Deyan | Adobe Stock

Missed your chance at studying abroad in college? Sojrn gives adults another opportunity for international learning (without the pressure of grades) with their month-long “modern study abroad” trips. Think of it as a sabbatical that doesn’t involve taking leave from your job—the trips are designed to accommodate remote workers.

Sojrn’s Biodiversity in Cape Town trip includes stylish accommodations in the heart of the city, access to coworking spaces with fast WiFi, and curated activities designed to help you learn more about this incredibly biodiverse region.

REI Adventures Pacific Crest Trail Backpacking

A dream trip can be achieved in a weekend—case in point, REI Adventures’ Pacific Crest Trail Backpacking tour. This trek gives you a taste of the 2,650 mile long Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in just three-days (possibly inspiring a future dream trip of completing the journey).

This short trip covers over 15 miles of the PCT’s most scenic terrain, stopping at Porcupine Lake, Deadfall Lake, and Mount Eddy. There’s minimal elevation gain on this trek, so it’s a great choice for hikers of all levels.

Wildland Trekking Everest Base Camp Trek

Simply making it to the base of majestic Mount Everest is an accomplishment in and of itself, even if you’re not attempting the summit. Wildland Trekking’s Everest Base Camp trip begins with a helicopter ride to Lukla, where the hiking will start.

Not a fan of camping? Don’t worry, this trek features stays at traditional tea houses along the route.

National Geographic Wildlife of the World by Private Jet

If you’re dreaming really big this year, bookmark National Geographic’s Wildlife of the World by Private Jet trip. This ultimate adventure spans eight countries over 24 days, whisking travelers effortlessly between destinations in a private jet.

A team of National Geographic wildlife experts will accompany you in search of orangutans, Bengal tigers, silverback gorillas, and other rare animals. The price tag is befitting of a private jet journey, with options starting from $99,995.

Trafalgar Contrasts of New Zealand

See the highlights of New Zealand’s north and south islands in just 10 days on Trafalgar’s Contrasts of New Zealand tour. This epic journey will take you through New Zealand’s bustling cities and dramatic landscapes.

The tour offers a good mix of solo time with group activities like a scenic Milford Sound Cruise and a guided stargazing experience at a Dark Sky Reserve.

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