Travel bloggers get around more than most folks. Not surprisingly they know all the good spots to go.
That’s why in trying to plan my travels for the upcoming year, I asked some of my favorite travel bloggers (and the industry’s finest) for their Top Travel Destinations for 2013:
Eduardo’s Top Travel Destination for 2013: Canada
Vancouver, Canada
Why ? Well, I’ve never been to Canada, and it is an intriguing country that really attracts me. In all the (American) TV shows they portrait Canada as this dull country where nobody shoots at each other and where people walk in the street, which makes it even more attractive. But seriously, Canada is a country with a great mixture of East and West, friendly people and a passion for nature and the wilderness that really should be an example to other countries. Vancouver and Toronto are top of my list. Fingers crossed …
(My note: As a Canadian I assure you that Canada is NOT a dull country and definitely worth of being on a “top” anything list).
Leigh’s Top Travel Destination for 2013: Sierra Nevada del Cocuy – a mountain range in Colombia
Hike Bike Travel @HikeBikeTravel
Lagoon, glacier & devil’s pulpit in the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy. Photo courtesy of aandres on Flickr.
One of my biggest adventures planned for 2013 includes a six day trek through the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy – a range of mountains in Colombia close to the Venezuela border. They have been called the most beautiful mountains in all of South America that no one has ever heard about. I don’t quite know what I’ve got myself into as it will just be my husband and I plus our guide.
(My note: Can I come with you? This is my idea of a dream trip!)
Andrea’s Top Travel Destination for 2013: Marseille, France
Rear View Mirror @destinationeu
Photo courtesy of Andrea – Rearview Mirror
Marseille is often an overlooked destination in France but the Mediterranean city has great weather, beautiful beaches and the historic Vieux Port. Marseille’s diverse culture influences the local food which is a mix of traditional French, North African and Mediterranean cuisines. In 2013, Marseille is the European Capital of Culture so you can expect to see many great events held throughout the year making it a great time to visit.
(My note: I love France, but haven’t been to Marseille yet, and with it being the European Capital of Culture this year, it’s a great time to visit).
Mariana’s Top Travel Destination for 2013: Denmark
Denmark photo courtesy of Mariana from TravelThirst
A country with a quite perfect scenario. As I road tripped Denmark this year, I only found good qualities all over the place. Culture, nature, landscapes (one of the most unusual and outstanding ones I have ever enjoyed). Not to mention every single taste from a simple yet rich diet of theirs; or its kind and educate people. Even sounds: from authentic local music up to the sound of silence, of wind, of a fresh sigh anywhere. Denmark really marked me within all 5 senses. Which to me is the clue to a top travel destination spot.
(My note: I’ve been there and would have to agree!)
Isabel’s Top Travel Destination for 2013: Uganda
Diaro de a bordo @Diarodeabordo
Gorilla photo taken in Uganda by Isabel from Diaro de a bordo
Forgotten by travelers by its political conflicts in the past decades, Uganda is rising as a brand new destination to visit in Africa. Although its National Parks can not offer the same amount of feline species as the ones in neighboring countries, Uganda can offer you a one in a lifetime experience: tracking the few mountain gorillas that remain in the planet. However, Uganda has much more to offer: the source of the river Nile, outstanding landscapes and charming people unspoiled by tourism.
(My note: If I had to choose just one trip, this would be it, hands down! I would chew off my right arm to see gorillas in the wild).
Marlys and Michael’s Top Travel Destination of 2013: Seville, Andlucia, Spain
In the gardens of Alcazar in Sevilla, photo courtesy of Marlys and Michael from easy hiker.
Seville, the capital city of Andalucia, may be a “second division” city compared to top drawers like Paris, London and Barcelona, but is definitely a must-visit destination for 2013. They say this is where tapas were first served. The influence of the Moors in the city’s architecture, as evidenced by the tile works everywhere, constantly provides visitors with delightful surprises – on the pavements, the walls and even on balconies.
(My note: After being to Catalonia four times in 2011, which I love, it’s time to check out a different part of Spain and Seville would be perfect!)
Sophie’s Top Travel Destination for 2013: Oslo, Norway
Frogner Park, Oslo, Norway. Photo by Sophie from Sophie’s World
I especially recommend the long, white nights of summer, when the sun is up until 11 pm and the temperature hovers around 20 – 25 °C – perfect! It’s reflected in people’s temperament as well: come May, locals throw away most of their inhibitions (and their clothes). Nature is Oslo’s main asset – and it’s almost free! 15 minutes by public transport takes you to the hills and forest surrounding town or to the many islands in the Oslofjord.
(My note: I know very little about Norway, but the islands sound especially intriguing and I’m used to the nakedness after living in Germany).
Mary’s Top Travel Destination for 2013: Southern California
The World is a Book @WorldBookTravel
Laguna Beach, California. Photo courtesy of Mary from The World is a Book
Southern California is large region that includes the popular cities of Los Angeles and San Diego and offers something for everyone of all ages satisfying varying interests. This top destination has beautiful scenery and blessed with mild, pleasant weather, miles of beaches and plenty of sunshine for year-round outdoor activities. The ethnically diverse area also features many cultural museums, neighborhoods, national parks and historical attractions. Known as the entertainment capital of the world and home to Hollywood and many theme parks including enchanting Disneyland also makes this a top destination whether traveling solo or with a family.
(My note: I haven’t spent nearly enough time in Southern California, but what’s not to love.)
Cathy’s Top Travel Destination of 2013: Hawaii
Traveling with Sweeney @TravelingwithS
Sunset in Hawaii photo courtesy of Cathy from Traveling with Sweeney
Visiting a tropical paradise is enticing to almost everyone and Hawaii certainly fits that description. The Hawaiian Islands also have sentimental value for us because we spent our honeymoon and 10th anniversary on Kauai and have enjoyed Maui and the Big Island on other trips. I love the first sensation of the balmy breezes and fragrant exotic flowers. It’s been several years since we’ve had a chance to go back, so we’re really looking forward to our 2013 trip to Maui and Molokai. Although we are planning on active outdoor activities, scenic drives, exploring sites and cultural experiences, Hawaii is also a perfect destination for getting away from computers and smartphones to “hang loose” for a while. Aloha!
(My note: I haven’t been to Hawaii since I was a kid, and that was only to Oahu. I would love to check out some of the other islands as Cathy did.)
A very special thank you to all of the above travel bloggers for taking time from your busy travel schedules to share your top travel picks for 2013 with us.
So there you have it, now you know where to go in 2013. The hard part is now deciding on which travel destination! I’m admittedly biased, but I’m leaning towards the two that have monkeys and mountains! Where do you plan to go?
This is a great list. Having lived in Toronto for the last 2 years I definitely agree its a great city worth visiting.
John recently posted..The Clock is Ticking
@John – I’m Canadian, and am embarrassed to admit that I’ve only been to the airport in Toronto. Now I’m really feeling like I should go.
Good list, I’m still planning my travel year so it’s nice to hear the experts weigh in.
Monique recently posted..Running the World: Foodies Jogging Tour of London
@Monique – I’m still planning my list as well, but I want to go to so many of these destinations, that it almost makes it even harder to plan
I’m planning a trip to Spain, France and Italy, but first I have to buy a new camera! Enjoyed reading everyone else’s top travel destinations.
Sonja @ The {Happy} Travel Bug recently posted..Wild West Road Trip: Grand Teton National Park
@Sonja – Sounds like a great year! I’m having a camera give-away later this week, as luck would have it!
Thanks for adding my contribution. I would love to hit up Oslo and though I haven’t seen the gorillas in Uganda I have spent a few weeks in the country and found it to be incredibly friendly. Seeing gorillas would be pretty darned awesome.
And Marseille has always sounded like an interesting city to visit.
Leigh recently posted..A Photo Journey Through the Magdalen Islands in Quebec
@Leigh – Thanks for participating. So many amazing places to visit.
There are so many places I haven’t been yet and there are 6 of them in this post! Loved getting some travel inspiration from my fellow travel bloggers and sharing here, too. Thanks for including me in your post.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..A Sweeney First: Zip-Lining in Mazatlan
@ Cathy – Thanks for participating. I felt very inspired, but confused after reading it. Now where do I go? There were some suggestions that I hadn’t thought of before, but sound amazing.
Great to see Toronto here. It’s one of my favorite cities and I’m planning to spend some time there (as well as Ottawa and Montreal) in 2013.
InsideJourneys recently posted..The Jamaica Visitors Rarely See, II
@InsideJourneys – Now I’m getting really curious about Toronto. I would love to visit Montreal as well.
I’ve always thought of Toronto as a cleaner, less frenetic version of NYC. You should definitely visit, Laurel!
InsideJourneys recently posted..Inauguration 2013: Barack Obama and MLK, United Today
@Inside Journeys – Toronto might even be on my list this year, lets see
. Would love to visit Montreal, I’ve heard nothing but great things about it. I have been to Quebec City and really enjoyed that.
Oh, and Montreal? Cosmopolitan and definitely French, though not as French as Quebec City.
InsideJourneys recently posted..Inauguration 2013: Barack Obama and MLK, United Today
What a great and diverse list for travel inspiration and ideas! Thanks for including me on this list. There are many places I have yet to visit here and Uganda sounds intriguing. We loved Denmark during our visit last summer and glad to say I’ll be visiting Toronto for the first time for TBEX. We’re so excited to visit Germany and hopefully meeting up with you in 2013
Mary {The World Is A Book} recently posted..Visiting the Viking Ship Museum in Denmark
@Mary, Thanks for participating. I always love hearing recommendations from other experience travellers, even if it means that my list gets longer and longer:) Would love to meet up with you when you’re in Germany.
I think Asia definitely needs more of a mention. No plans set in stone yet but possibly Korea, China and Vietnam on my agenda!
George recently posted..2012 in Destinations
@George – Good point, Asia wasn’t on anyone’s list. Having lived in S. Korea and Thailand for 2 1/2 years, I would agree with you!
An interesting list, but not a budget one for most of those destinations. Better get saving if I want to tick these off
Craig- flashpacking recently posted..Rajasthan Road Trip: Fatehpur Sikri
@Craig – Good point, that could be a whole new list! Thailand and Guatemala would both be on that list for my recommendations.
I studied English three weeks in Toronto and it is an interesting city for living. I also had the chance of visiting Quebec City and Montreal and both are pretty amazing. By the way, my parents have a house in Extremadura (South Spain) and Sevilla is only one hour and a half driving. You are invited whenever you like!
Thank you for including my recommendation!
Isabel recently posted..Día 13: Arequipa y el perturbador monasterio de Santa Catalina
@Isabel – You’ve been everywhere! And more places in Canada than I have been and I’m Canadian
. Thanks for the invite, that would be so much fun!
Love to look at lists like this. You’ve got a great random selection there. Of course, there is glaring omission in that Turkey isn’t in there.
We’ve got the mountains but no monkeys.
Julia
Turkey’s For Life recently posted..Turkish Food Focus: Tepsi Kebab
@Julia – Me too. For what it’s worth, Turkey is on my list of places to go this year
I love the windmills in the photo from Denmark. They remind me of Spain and the famous knight Don Quijote de La Mancha. Haha, I really want to go see them now!
@Eric – I love Mariana’s photo too, and I didn’t see any windmills when I was there, so want to go back now
@Laurel – Make sure to read the book before going back… it is hilarious!
I’m with Marly and Michael: I love Seville!
http://www.pointsandtravel.com/seville-spain-red-hot/
@Pointsandtravel – Now I REALLY want to go to Seville!
Choices choices! This is a great list of options. I still haven’t made any plans yet but enjoyed reading others suggestions.
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..Romance – European Style
@Debbie – It makes you realize what a big place our world is. My list keeps getting longer and longer instead of shorter.
What a great list! I’d love to see the gorillas in Uganda and Denmark has long been on our list of countries to visit.
Jennifer recently posted..Seven Romantic Getaways for Valentine’s Day
@Jennifer – The gorillas are at the top of my list as well. I would also highly recommend Denmark, although it is expensive.
Great destinations…I’m hoping to make it to Scotland in 2013. Fingers crossed…
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Check-In Florida
@D.J. – I loved Scotland when I was there a few years ago and would love to go back, so much to see!
Many of the places they mentioned! From now through June, I’ll be in NYC (twice), Chicago, Tanzania, Atlanta, Florida, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, England (twice), Norway, Sweden, Russia, Denmark, Latvia, Germany, Atlanta and maybe Charlotte.
Camels & Chocolate recently posted..Diving Dominica
@Camels & Chocolate – Wow, you’re going to be busy! Let me know if you make it to Munich, when you’re in Germany, it would be great to meet up. In the meantime, I look forward to reading about all of your adventures!
Nice post and great site – some unusual destinations this year. I’m heading to Sri Lanka and North Korea this year and seriously hoping to do Azerbaijan too. A friend of mine said Uganda for gorillas was awesome!!
Jonny Blair recently posted..Thirsty Thursdays: Upper House Hotel: Drinking in One of the World’s Top 5 Hotels!!
@Johnny – Thank you and look forward to reading about your destinations, especially North Korea since I lived in South Korea. Thanks for stopping by.
Uganda would be am awesome place to visit. I’ll have to make it out there sometime soon.
Wil recently posted..Make Money Traveling – Earn Anywhere
@Wil – Agreed, Uganda is very high on my list as well.
Some fabulous suggestions of places to go. Me…I’d like to visit Uganda. Seeing the gorillas has been on my wish list for a while now so hopefully it will happen in the not too distant future. I’m surprised no one wants to visit Australia!
jenny@atasteoftravel recently posted..Sunday Snapshot: Melbourne
Great compilation, Laurel. Uganda (and/or Rwanda) to see the gorillas is super-high on my list
Sophie recently posted..The Road to Gjógv
Nice list, I’m planning to India this year
Alid Abdul recently posted..Cara Baru dan Praktis Menghilangkan Bau Mulut Dengan Gofress
@Alid – I haven’t been to India yet, but would love to go! Let me know how you like it.
Hmmm, southern California looks very appealing indeed. I might do a road trip on the west coast this year, not sure whether to go north from Seattle into BC and AB, or south to Oregon and California.
Christina recently posted..Where to stay in Funchal: Hotel The Vine
@Christina – Sounds like fun. Can I come? I would like to explore more of the west coast as well.
Well, great list for 2013.
But Nepal also can be on your list for 2014 if love mountains and very natural scenery though it is small.
CJ Thapa recently posted..Great Himalayan Trail in Nepal
@CJ – Absolutely, I would love to go to go trekking in Nepal. It’s at the top of my list.
Then what are you waiting for?? You are welcome anytime.
CJ Thapa recently posted..Great Himalayan Trail in Nepal
Great list, looks really interesting!
I would also add to the list some eastern european countries li Czech Republic, Hungary or Poland. The are playing in a 2nd division league against western european metropolis such as Paris, Barcelona or London, but have really amazing and hidden spots and are full of beauty.
@Simon – Agreed, and I hope to explore more of eastern Europe this year.