2023 is officially here! Traveling is back and it’s better than ever! The travel industry has been through a lot, but people are always going to want to see the world. In terms of travel, this year is looking to be much better than 2020 and 2021.

The beginning of the year is an awesome time to plan a vacation because it really can help you set the pace for the rest of the year. Planning a major trip can take a lot of time (or none at all when using a travel agent 😉) so I always start to plan as early as possible. Plus, I like to plan my own vacations early in the year because it gives me something to look forward to. As I work each day, I feel like I am working for and toward something special, which always seems to drive my workforce as well!

I’ve rounded up my Top Places to visit in 2023 to help you get a jump start on thinking about or planning your vacation for this year!

1. Walt Disney World

Now more than ever is the time to visit Walt Disney World! There have been so many new and exciting changes to all the parks! Epcot is undergoing a major overhaul and new rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind have opened. Toy Story Land will be opening Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Hollywood Studios this year and Rise of the Resistance is still as popular as ever! Disney is currently celebrating their 50th-anniversary celebration. This 18-month celebration started in October 2021 and celebrates 50 years of magic, which will come to an end in March 2023. Disney Genie + Services also launched, giving guests more of an interactive way to be in the parks and maximize their vacation. There really is something for everyone when visiting Walt Disney World. Whether it’s a family vacation, an adult-only trip, or a quick getaway, Walt Disney World has it all and makes it a great destination to visit in 2023. Check out this blog post to learn all about Disney’s 50th-anniversary celebration if you’re planning to visit before March of this year! Even better: Disney only requires a $200 deposit to book your Disney vacation. At this great price for a deposit, it gives you plenty of time to pay your deposit and then make payments at any time until your final payment is due (which is 30 days prior to check in). Planning a 2024 Disney vacation? 2024 has not opened for booking at this time, but you do have the option to book for the end of the year to start making payments toward your trip. Then, when your dates opens for 2024, I can move you to the following year. It’s a great way to pay off your trip over a longer period of time. Contact me for more information about that!

2. Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando is your one-stop for all things Harry Potter. It is also one of my favorite places to visit in Orlando! Visit Diagon Alley at Universal Studios or Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure, and be fully immersed into a totally different world. With their park-to-park tickets, you can travel between the parks via Hogwarts Express and visit 2 great theme parks in one day. Universal Orlando is known for some great attractions including Rip Ride Rockit, The Hulk, The Revenge of the Mummy, and classic favorites like E.T. These 2 theme parks sit next to Universal’s Volcano Bay: The only water park with an “active” volcano and water rides that can be utilized with a Tapu Tapu wait system allowing you to enjoy your day without having to wait in line. Universal Resorts are close to the parks and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort rounds out the newest list of Universal parks to have opened, making visiting on a budget an easy way to enjoy Universal Orlando. Universal recently opened Jurassic World VelociCoaster and it is amazing. This high-speed rollercoaster is located at Islands of Adventure and is amazing!! Not only can you ride this new attraction, but Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is still a fan favorite (and my all-time favorite theme park ride!) In order to book a Universal vacation, the deposit is $50 per person and the final payment is due 45 days prior to check in. You can also make small payments until your final payment is due!

Check out this blog post to see purchase your Marvelous Guide to Universal Orlando as well as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter guide!  (PS you may just see a friendly face on the author page! 😉)

3. All-Inclusive Resorts: Featuring Sandals & Beaches Resorts

Looking for 5 Star service? Look no further. Sandals Resorts has everything you need to really experience everything you need for a luxury all-inclusive vacation for adults only. Visit gorgeous beaches in Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua, the Bahamas, Grenada, and Barbados. All-inclusive service includes gourmet dining, bars serving premium liquor and wine, land and water sports, golfing, and PADI-certified scuba diving at most resorts. If you’re looking for a destination wedding or honeymoon, Sandals is the leader in Caribbean destinations, and I definitely see why! If an all-inclusive vacation is on your list along with top-notch service, this is the resort for you! With an easy $98 deposit for Sandals resorts, it’s a great way to book your vacation to the Caribbean.

I just got back from Sandals Ochi. Read my review about that resort here!

4. All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico (Hello Palace & Le Blanc Resorts!) offer affordable luxury for their guests. Some all-inclusive resorts are adult-only, making them a great place to spend time relaxing and enjoying one another. Most all-inclusive resorts include meals, drinks, airport transfers, entertainment, and activities. Some all-inclusive resorts will include spa treatments, excursions, and activities.

Some of my favorite resorts in Cancun and Cabo are the Palace and Le Blanc all-inclusive resorts.  Stay 4 nights at any of these resorts and you will also receive complimentary round-trip airport transportation. At a $50 deposit, this is an awesome deal for you when looking for a low deposit rate. The best thing about all-inclusive resorts in Mexico is that there is really something for everyone, no matter what you are looking for!

5. National Parks

Dan and I started a new goal to try and visit one new park a year. In 2020, we visited the Grand Canyon and in 2021 we visited Zion (MY FAVORITE) and Bryce National Canyon. In 202,2, we crossed Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park in Moab, Utah off our list. We are working on our plans for 2023 but know we plan to visit a few this year! The United States has 63 national parks, all operated by the National Park Service. The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion National Park are just some of the popular parks that are worth a visit. There is so much to see and do right here in America’s backyard.

Visit my Grand Canyon travel guide here!

Visit my Bryce Canyon National Park travel guide here!

Visit my Moab travel guide here!

6. Cruises

It has been a very tough time for the cruise industry battling all of the safety protocols and guidelines that they have to follow. I have had many clients sail to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Alaska since cruising has returned and they have all had great reviews based on the cruise line and how they have been operating. Each cruise line is following very specific and safe protocols in order to sail. I sailed with Disney Cruise lines last August and it was one of the best cruises I have been on! With cruises making a comeback, pricing is great and availability is limited, so if you’re considering it, you may want to start planning sooner than later. A lot of cruise lines have removed their testing and vax requirements in order to sail.

Read all about my experience with Disney Cruise Lines here!

Read all about my experience on Royal Caribbean as well as their private island!

7. Europe

Many cruise lines have returned to sailing through Europe! Have you ever been on a river cruise and want to experience great cities through some amazing countries? I work with great vendors that provide great itineraries for river cruises or tours throughout Europe! I have traveled pretty extensively through Europe: Ireland, England, Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Italy, and even Russia. I have so much knowledge that I can share with you when traveling abroad.

8. Disneyland

Beginning January 27, 2023, come experience the Disney100 Celebration at Disneyland Resort—Where Wonder Comes to Life! You’ll get to see the brand new nighttime spectacular at Disneyland Park. You’ll definitely want to see the “Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland beginning February 24th, 2023. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will also open on January 27th! This 100-year celebration is not to be missed. 2023 will be a great year to visit Disneyland!

9.  Aulani – A Disney Resort in Hawaii

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, is the place to stay for a Hawaii family vacation that immerses you in local culture with Disney magic. You’ll get to enjoy a beachside resort on the island of Oahu, with the Disney flare. It’s a great resort choice for families when visiting Hawaii in 2023.

What is on your travel list for 2023? There are so many destinations and your opportunities are endless! Travel more, and worry less. This can still be the year for you! I’d love to help you plan your next vacation!

Love and Travel Dust,

Molly