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• BEST OF THE WORLD

25 breathtaking places and experiences for 2023

Looking for your next adventure? You’ll find it on our annual list of the world’s best destinations for travelers.

Travel inspiration is everywhere you look. The question is where to go next. Here’s our annual list of superlative destinations for the year ahead—places filled with wonder, rewarding to travelers of all ages, and supportive of local communities and ecosystems. Reported by our global editors and framed by five categories ( Community , Nature , Culture , Family , and Adventure ), these 25 destinations for 2023 are under the radar, ahead of the curve, and ready for you to start exploring.

Community: Where conservation benefits everyone

Discover Karpathos, Greece, a surprising and sublime spot in the Dodecanese Islands , where women-led ventures are leading the charge in sustainable tourism. Spend a long weekend in Milwaukee, Wisconsin , a vibrant Great Lakes city that celebrates its cultural community as much as its breweries. Experience how long-held traditions and contemporary perspectives intersect, with Indigenous tourism outfitters in Alberta, Canada . Board a new high-speed train that makes lesser known regions of Laos accessible to tourists and brings economic opportunities to locals. Head to Ghana to explore Black heritage and hang out with a fashion-forward crowd in the capital, Accra. ( Learn more about how these Best of the World destinations support their communities. )

Nature: Escapes to wild, beautiful places

Marvel at the biodiversity of Botswana —as well as the programs to rehabilitate endangered species, create wildlife corridors, and develop community-owned tourism projects. Linger in the   Scottish Highlands , where a rewilding movement is aiming to restore the original landscape and native flora and fauna. In Slovenia , a longtime leader in sustainable tourism, set off on new gastrotourism biking routes that visit farms, vineyards, cheesemakers, and other food producers. Big Bend National Park   brings to life the frontier legend of Texas—but the landscape will also surprise you. In the Azores ,   applaud   award-winning sustainability programs that conserve the natural wonders of this volcanic archipelago known for whale watching and thermal springs.   ( Delve into our best destinations for nature lovers. )

Culture: Places where history and heritage rule

Visit King Tut’s new home in Egypt at Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum and see Luxor’s Avenue of the Sphinxes. Tap into the creative energy of Asia’s top film festival and sip craft beer in Busan, South Korea , the nation’s second largest city. Make a pilgrimage through history along Italy’s Appian Way , Europe’s ancient “superhighway.” Explore culture and history—with a side of Low Country cuisine—at the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Caroli na . See one of the world’s largest assemblages of stone statues at Longmen Grottoes , a UNESCO World Heritage site in Henan Province, China.   ( Here’s how to visit these Best of the World destinations .)

Family: Inspiring journeys for all ages

In Switzerland , ride the rails to quaint Alpine towns for chocolate, hiking, and skiing. Help save the turtles in Trinidad & Tobago , one of the most important leatherback turtle rookeries in the world. In San Francisco, California ,   gather around a campfire with Golden Gate views at Presidio Tunnel Tops and hike the urban Crosstown Trail.   Go birdwatching in the avian paradise that is Colombia , the enchanted land of Disney’s Encanto.   Visit the playing grounds of a storied soccer team in Manchester, England —and be inspired by the city’s art scene as well.   ( Explore more of these family-friendly destinations .)

Adventure: Adrenaline-pumping outdoor excursions  

Trek to Choquequirao, Peru ,   an isolated Inca site that’s under the radar—but soon to be more accessible. In New Zealand , the country that invented bungee jumping, rekindle your sense of adventure post-pandemic. Get your adrenaline rush in less visited areas of the popular adventure state of Utah . In Austria , hike the cross-country Bergsteigerdörfer network of mountaineering villages to sample local culture. Finally, add Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico , to your itinerary. Its protected waters, supported by National Geographic’s Pristine Seas initiative, hold one of the largest aggregations of sharks and manta rays in the world.   ( Dive deeper into these adventure trips. )

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ANNOUNCES ‘BEST OF THE WORLD 2023’ LIST, UNVEILS 25 EXTRAORDINARY PLACES AND COMMUNITIES TO INSPIRE YOUR NEXT TRIP

**Spokespeople and Visuals Available**

WASHINGTON (Oct. 26, 2022) – As travel continues to make a roaring return in 2022, National Geographic today unveils its annual list of the 25 inspiring destinations for the renewed travel landscape to help individuals get a jump on planning for the year ahead.

For 2023, Nat Geo’s “ Best of the World ” is themed around travel destinations and experiences that leverage the benefits of tourism to strengthen their local communities and environments, both natural and built.

Nat Geo’s “Best of the World” list for the year ahead celebrates destinations and travel experiences that illuminate our beautiful world and the diversity of communities and people within it, grouped by category: Family, Adventure, Culture, Nature.

New this year, however, is a Community category, designed to be inclusive of healing and heritage journeys, community-led conservation efforts, ways for travelers to give back, and locations doing groundbreaking work in eco-tourism, sustainability and inclusive travel. The goal is to spotlight destinations where people make places better for locals, the environment and visitors, and to showcase homegrown, rooted, locally relevant and engaged places to visit.

In total, the 2023 list honors educational journeys for all generations ( Family ); exciting activities in breathtaking places ( Adventure ); explorations of history and heritage ( Culture ); escapes to wild, beautiful places ( Nature ); and healing journeys, community conservation, giving back, sustainable places and more ( Community ).

“We have experienced so many changes and disruptions in the way we explore over the last few years, so with this year’s list, we really wanted to get back to identifying positive stories about destinations and communities,” said Amy Alipio, senior editor at National Geographic Travel. “With our team of travel experts and editors, we took a deeper dive into places all over the globe that are providing experiences that are unique and beneficial for both locals and travelers: locations where visitors ultimately sustain and support—not damage—the destination’s environment and community. We also worked hard to provide lesser-known gems on the list, equally inspiring alternatives to destinations that have become overcrowded (think Choquequirao vs. Machu Picchu in Peru).”

“Best of the World’ is Nat Geo’s annual love letter to the most incredible places in the world, both near and far,” said Nathan Lump, National Geographic’s Editor-in-Chief. “We couldn’t be prouder to shine a light on these 25 extraordinary places that most inspired us this year, and which we know will define travelers’ itineraries for years to come. From craft breweries and Asia’s top film festival in Busan, South Korea, to women-led Indigenous tourism in Alberta, Canada, and the densest leatherback turtle nesting ground in the world in Trinidad and Tobago, this year’s list reminds us that there is still so much out there to explore and experience.”  

The list was created, researched, reported and written in collaboration with National Geographic Traveler ’s international editorial teams, which serve millions of readers through their magazines and websites in more than a dozen offices around the world.

The “Best of the World 2023” list is available online now at NatGeo.com/BestOfTheWorld , where readers will be transported to each destination through spectacular photography and reporting.

National Geographic’s “Best of the World 2023” list:

Culture Appian Way, Italy Busan, South Korea Longmen Grottoes, Henan Province, China Egypt Charleston, South Carolina

Nature Scottish Highlands Botswana Slovenia Big Bend National Park, Texas Azores

Adventure  New Zealand Choquequirao, Peru Utah Austrian Alps Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico 

Community Dodecanese Islands, Greece Milwaukee, Wisconsin Alberta, Canada Laos Ghana

Family Trinidad and Tobago San Francisco, California Colombia Manchester, UK Switzerland

About National Geographic Media: Nat Geo Media is a worldwide digital, social and print publisher, operating in over 170 countries, with several print and digital products and over a half billion followers on social media. We inspire curious fans of all ages through bold and innovative storytelling about people, places and projects that shape our world, and enable our fans to connect, explore, engage with and care about the world. For more information, visit  nationalgeographic.com , find us on the National Geographic app or visit us on  Facebook ,  Twitter ,  Instagram ,  YouTube ,  LinkedIn ,   Pinterest  and  TikTok .

Media Contacts: Caitlin Holbrook, [email protected] , (716) 225-0502 Anna Kukelhaus, [email protected] , (202) 258-8020 Janean Ruttner, [email protected] , (909) 677-8989 Natalia Colon, [email protected] , (407) 484-1026

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Best places to travel in 2023: National Geographic unveils list of top 25 destinations for next year

From craft breweries in South Korea to turtle nesting grounds in Trinidad and Tobago, the list highlights adventures near and far.

Need inspiration for your next travel destination? National Geographic has you covered.

Its "Best of the World 2023" list, unveiled Wednesday, highlights 25 must-see destinations near and far, from craft breweries in Busan, South Korea, to the world's densest leatherback turtle nesting ground in Trinidad and Tobago.

Created in close collaboration with NatGeo's team of travel experts and international editors, "Best of the World" takes a "deeper dive into places all over the globe that are providing experiences that are unique and beneficial for both locals and travelers," Amy Alipio, senior editor at National Geographic Travel.

"We also worked hard to provide lesser-known gems on the list, equally inspiring alternatives to destinations that have become overcrowded (think Choquequirao vs. Machu Picchu in Peru)," Alipio said in a statement.

National Geographic groups the list into five categories: Family , educational journeys for all generations; Adventure , exciting activities in breathtaking places; Culture , explorations of history and heritage; Nature , escapes to wild, beautiful places; and the newly-added Community , healing journeys, community conservation, giving back, sustainable places and more.

Among domestic destinations, Utah is highlighted for its rugged landscape and Milwaukee is featured for its revitalized warehouse district, the Historic Third Ward.

Those jonesing for international adventure should consider The Greek island of Karpathos, a growing center of ecotourism, or Egypt, with its well preserved 4,300-year-old tomb of Khuwy.

National Geographic's "Best of the World 2023" list

• Appian Way, Italy
• Busan, South Korea
• Longmen Grottoes, Henan Province, China
• Charleston, South Carolina

• Scottish Highlands
• Big Bend National Park, Texas

• New Zealand
• Choquequirao, Peru
• Austrian Alps
• Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico

• Dodecanese Islands, Greece
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Alberta, Canada

• Trinidad and Tobago
• San Francisco, California
• Manchester, UK
• Switzerland

Find out more about the "Best of the World 2023" list online at NatGeo.com/BestOfTheWorld .

The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of National Geographic Partners and this ABC station.

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Best of the World: seven destinations for community tourism in 2023 and beyond

From epic landscapes and cultural reawakenings to conservation initiatives and family favourites, national geographic traveller’s best of the world list is back with the destinations that should be on your radar for 2023..

Kayakers explore Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes, Greece

1. Dodecanese Islands, Greece This Greek archipelago balances growing popularity with sustaining its ancient traditions

Off the Turkish coast, the Greek islands of the Dodecanese cast an alluring spell stemming from their rocky beauty and feisty history. A cast of conquerors — Romans, Ottomans and Italians — left their fingerprints on everything from the architecture to the food, but today’s invaders come not for fortune, but for selfies, at such better-known Dodecanese islands as Leros, Patmos or Kos.

But now less trafficked parts of the archipelago like Karpathos, located halfway between Crete and Rhodes, must balance between the economic need for tourism and the environmental stresses caused by it. In this arid, hilly land of milk and honey, many families keep bees and make their own butter and cheese. Karpathos’s lonely white churches, timeworn towns and ancient traditions may draw adventurous visitors fleeing the more crowded Cycladic islands of Mykonos and Santorini, but the island’s water scarcity and lack of recycling capacity pose challenges.

2. Milwaukee, Wisconsin A smaller, less expensive Great Lakes city you shouldn’t miss

Wisconsin’s biggest and liveliest city combines a blue-collar, back-thumping energy with a close-knit creative community that’s turning heads beyond the Great Lakes. (Having a winning NBA team, the Bucks, doesn’t hurt either.)

Like the 450 motorcycles displayed inside its Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee is revving its engines in 2023. Riverside promenades are being built along its three waterways (the Milwaukee, Kinnickinnic and Menomonee Rivers), and the buzzy Deer District rises from a former field of vacant lots, with hotels, concert venues and the Bucks arena. Meanwhile traditional neighbourhoods are getting fresh development projects, such as the planned arts and cultural centre in Bronzeville focused on African American art.

3. Alberta, Canada In the Canadian Rockies, Indigenous voices connect travellers to undiscovered histories

Alberta is celebrated for its natural wonders like the Athabasca Glacier and Banff National Park, both high in the Rocky Mountains; its wide-open prairie vistas; and the glass-and-steel modernity of cities like Calgary and Edmonton. But there are different perspectives to consider in this Canadian province, part of a rethinking about how Indigenous stories are told across all of North America.

“[Travellers] who seek us out want to reconnect and refocus,” says Brenda Holder, a Cree/Iroquois guide who leads visitors on walks and workshops in the woods near Sundre, Alberta, to examine the medicinal plants her people rely upon.

Alberta’s Aboriginal sites offer touchstones into the province’s pre-European past. Visitors to Elk Island National Park, located just east of Edmonton, encounter cultural history dating back 8,000 years through guided hikes, hands-on interpretive programmes featuring prehistoric stone tools, and Cree crafting workshops.

4. Laos A new high-speed train is making more of Laos accessible

The Covid pandemic closed the borders of many tourism-dependent countries including Laos. But the Southeast Asian country known for its emerald-green vistas of the Upper Mekong got a boost in domestic travel with the December 2021 inauguration of a Chinese-financed and -constructed bullet train christened the Lane Xang, Laos’ ancient name meaning Kingdom of a Million Elephants. Originating in Kunming, China, the train’s 260-mile route within Laos starts at the border town of Boten and barrels through 75 tunnels and across 167 bridges, before terminating in the capital Vientiane.

The train’s promise: expanding tourism among the Lao themselves, who can now easily explore their country’s multifaceted heritage, including the old imperial capital, Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

5. Ghana The hottest destination for Black heritage travellers in West Africa is also a vibrant creative hub

With Covid restrictions relaxed, many travellers are once again taking up an invitation that Ghanaian president Nana Akufo-Addo had extended pre-pandemic to people with African heritage: to return to this West African country, explore their African roots and connect with its citizens. The journeys, popularised by celebrity travellers such as Danny Glover and Chance the Rapper, were often emotional ones as visitors confronted the physical remnants of the slave trade along Ghana’s coast.

“More than a return, it’s a remembering,” says  National Geographic  photo editor Melissa Bunni Elian, who journeyed to Ghana last spring. Elian notes that Ghana has a “strong pan-African spirit. You’ll hear afrobeats everywhere, from the taxis to the grocery store, but also reggae, Haitian zouk, American hip-hop.”

6. Nova Scotia, Canada Canada puts a spotlight on its unique Acadian culture

The parishes of southern Louisiana have long been associated with the Acadians, France’s settlers in the New World. But the first Acadia lay further north, centred in Canada’s Atlantic Maritime provinces like Nova Scotia. French immigrants first arrived in the 1630s, only to be routed 120 years later by Britain during the French and Indian Wars (1754-1763). Beginning in 1755, ‘le Grand Dérangement’ (The Great Expulsion) saw Acadians forcibly resettled in British colonies or repatriated to France, and then to Louisiana. Allowed to return to Nova Scotia in 1764, the Acadians have defended and retained their unique culture and French language into this century. The twice-a-decade World Congress of Acadians takes place in 2024 here in the rural municipalities of Clare and Argyle.

7. Aboriginal Australia Greater Aboriginal rights go hand-in-hand with a new wave of Indigenous experiences

This year Australians will cast their vote on whether to enshrine an Aboriginal voice in the country’s constitution. The historic referendum takes place against a backdrop of greater recognition of Aboriginal rights, with vast swathes of land handed back to Traditional Owners, and the country’s first truth-telling commission underway in Victoria.

As the cogs of government churn, a new wave of experiences owned and led by Aboriginal Australians are helping travellers delve deeper into history, culture and cuisine. Found at the end of the Great Ocean Road is Budj Bim Cultural Landscape —newly inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2019 and the first in Australia to be listed for its Aboriginal cultural value — where visitors can explore the world’s oldest eel farms with Gunditjmara guides.

Read more from  Best of the World: 35 incredible trips for 2023 and beyond

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This is where you should travel in 2023, according to National Geographic

From the American Great Lakes to swimming with sharks in Mexico, here’s some travel inspo for the next 12 months

It’s never too early to get thinking about next year’s big trip. But where should you go? Well, venerable mag  National Geographic has revealed its ‘Best of the World’ list for 2023, offering a few pointers as to the travel experiences that should be on your radar over the next 12 months or so.

This year’s Nat Geo list is split into five categories, with each one containing five experiences. Here’s the lowdown.

• Take a women-led sustainable tour in the Dodecanese Islands in Greece .
• Spend a long weekend on the Great Lakes in Milwaukee , USA .
• Try out indigenous outfitters in Alberta , Canada .
• Go on a new high-speed train in Laos .
• Explore Black heritage in Ghana .
• Explore the biodiversity of Botswana .
• Witness rewilding in the Scottish Highlands .
• Go on a foodie biking tour of  Slovenia .
• Visit Big Bend National Park in Texas , USA.
• Take part in sustainability programs in the Azores .
• Head to Egypt to visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
• Watch films and down craft beers in Busan , South Korea .
• Take a pilgrimage to the Appian Way in Italy .
• Visit the International African American Museum in Charleston , USA.
• See the Longmen Grottoes’ stone statues in Hunan , China .
• Go on an Alpine rail trip in Switzerland .
• Help conserve turtle populations in Trinidad and Tobago .
• Head to San Francisco , USA, for city-view campfires and urban hiking trails.
• Bird-watch in Colombia .
• Visit football stadiums in Manchester , UK.
• Trek to isolated Peruvian Inca site Choquequirao .
• Finally return to the outdoorsy paradise that is New Zealand .
• Venture into the lesser-visited bits of Utah , USA.
• Hike Austria ’s cross-country Bergsteigerdörfer network of mountaineering villages.
• Swim amongst sharks and manta rays at Revillagigedo National Park in Mexico .

Okay, so it might not all be up your street – but it’s undeniably a spectacular range of stuff. You can read more on National Geographic’s official page here – and get pumped for a year of life-changing travel experiences.

Looking for new year travels? These are the best places to visit in January 2023 .

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National Geographic reveals its top destinations for 2023

October 26, 2022, 6:01 AM

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It’s never too early to start planning for next year’s big trips.

National Geographic is getting an early start, too, releasing its Best of the World list in late October with 25 must-see destinations for 2023.

Respect — for the people and their cultures, for the land and its conservation — is an overarching theme of the list, which is divided into five official categories.

The hope is that 2023 will be not just a big return to travel but also to rediscovering wonder, said Amy Alipio, senior editor for National Geographic Travel.

“Because when you are awed by something, you treat it with respect. And that spirit is something we want to encourage with this list,” Alipio said.

The list focuses on destinations that have community-led conservation efforts, healing and heritage journeys and ways for travelers to give back as well as places that are doing important work in ecotourism, sustainability and inclusive travel.

Looking at community

National Geographic has introduced a new category in this year’s list, replacing “sustainability” with a broader “community” category.

“It’s about broadening the focus on the people striving for sustainable destinations and the various ways that manifests, from making travel more accessible to supporting local businesses,” Alipio said.

Sustainability has been woven into every category a bit more. The other four categories are nature, culture, adventure and family.

The five destinations listed under the “community” heading represent a diverse range of strengths.

Ghana is listed as an important destination for Black heritage travelers in West Africa.

Alberta, Canada also makes the list.

“They have been a leader in Indigenous tourism, basically getting travelers out there learning the stories and the ways of life of the First Nations here in North America,” and their vibrant, contemporary cultures, Alipio said.

In Laos, a new high-speed train is making the country more accessible to visitors and bringing economic opportunity to locals.

The Great Lakes city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is listed in part because it has been “really supportive of its creative community,” Alipio said, citing Bronzeville, which is opening a cultural center focused on African American art.

And in Greece’s Dodecanese Islands, Karpathos is a standout for sustainable tourism with female leadership.

Big openings, small crowds

The list is not without big new attractions. The long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum outside of Cairo figures into Egypt’s appearance on the 2023 list in the “culture” category. And Charleston, South Carolina, will soon be home to the International African American Museum, which is set to open in January.

US wilderness features on the list in two categories, with an emphasis on getting away from the crowds.

Utah, where five national parks are a huge draw, appears in the “adventure” category in part for its efforts to direct tourists to some of its lesser-known areas to combat overtourism.

Visit Utah has a page dedicated to responsible travel where it asks visitors to consider their impact with questions including “Am I doing what I can to avoid crowded locations?” State parks including Dead Horse Point and Goblin Valley are located near one or more of Utah’s five spectacular national parks.

Big Bend National Park in Texas appears in the “nature” category. While Big Bend hosted a record 581,000 recreational visits in 2021, it was still far less visited than some of the United States’ most popular national parks. Yellowstone welcomed 4.9 million visitors and Great Smoky Mountains National Park hosted a whopping 14.1 million recreational visits in 2021.

Slovenia, “a longtime leader in sustainable tourism,” is pairing cycling trails with visits to vineyards, cheesemakers and other food producers in a way that earns it a slot in the “nature” category with a culinary bonus.

The Scottish Highlands, Portugal’s dazzling Azores volcanic archipelago and Botswana also make the “nature” list for their efforts toward conservation and sustainability.

Family, adventure and culture

Colombia has been in the spotlight with the Disney movie “Encanto,” making it a timely choice for the “family” category. In California, San Francisco’s Crosstown Trail is another spot perfect for family adventure.

Speaking of “adventure,” that category also includes Choquequirao, Peru, an Inca site to rival Machu Picchu that is becoming more accessible and spurring economic development.

And New Zealand, long an adventure capital, makes the list as excitement builds with travel’s resurgence.

The Austrian Alps also provide great opportunities for adventure within the Bergsteigerdörfer network of 29 mountaineering villages.

Asia, which has been slower to reopen from the pandemic, features prominently in the “culture” category. Busan, South Korea, appears in the category for offerings from craft brews to Asia’s top film festival.

While China remains closed to international tourism, its Longmen Grottoes in Henan Province also make the “culture” list as new technology brings attention to one of the largest collections of stone statues in the world.

For more of National Geographic’s Best of the World list, visit their website .

National Geographic’s Best of the World 2023 list:

Appian Way, Italy Busan, South Korea Longmen Grottoes, Henan Province, China Egypt Charleston, South Carolina

Scottish Highlands Botswana Slovenia Big Bend National Park, Texas Azores

New Zealand Choquequirao, Peru Utah Austrian Alps Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico

Dodecanese Islands, Greece Milwaukee, Wisconsin Alberta, Canada Laos Ghana

Trinidad & Tobago San Francisco Crosstown Trail, California Colombia Manchester, United Kingdom Switzerland

The-CNN-Wire ™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Travel | attorneys for condemned killer of 12-year-old polly klaas ask judge to reconsider death sentence, travel | national geographic reveals its top destinations for 2023.

It’s never too early to start planning for next year’s big trips.

National Geographic is getting an early start, too, releasing its Best of the World list in late October with 25 must-see destinations for 2023.

Respect — for the people and their cultures, for the land and its conservation — is an overarching theme of the list, which is divided into five official categories.

The hope is that 2023 will be not just a big return to travel but also to rediscovering wonder, said Amy Alipio, senior editor for National Geographic Travel.

“Because when you are awed by something, you treat it with respect. And that spirit is something we want to encourage with this list,” Alipio said.

The list focuses on destinations that have community-led conservation efforts, healing and heritage journeys and ways for travelers to give back as well as places that are doing important work in ecotourism, sustainability and inclusive travel.

Looking at community

National Geographic has introduced a new category in this year’s list, replacing “sustainability” with a broader “community” category.

“It’s about broadening the focus on the people striving for sustainable destinations and the various ways that manifests, from making travel more accessible to supporting local businesses,” Alipio said.

Sustainability has been woven into every category a bit more. The other four categories are nature, culture, adventure and family.

The five destinations listed under the “community” heading represent a diverse range of strengths.

Ghana is listed as an important destination for Black heritage travelers in West Africa.

Alberta, Canada also makes the list.

“They have been a leader in Indigenous tourism, basically getting travelers out there learning the stories and the ways of life of the First Nations here in North America,” and their vibrant, contemporary cultures, Alipio said.

In Laos, a new high-speed train is making the country more accessible to visitors and bringing economic opportunity to locals.

The Great Lakes city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is listed in part because it has been “really supportive of its creative community,” Alipio said, citing Bronzeville, which is opening a cultural center focused on African American art.

And in Greece’s Dodecanese Islands, Karpathos is a standout for sustainable tourism with female leadership.

Big openings, small crowds

The list is not without big new attractions. The long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum outside of Cairo figures into Egypt’s appearance on the 2023 list in the “culture” category. And Charleston, South Carolina, will soon be home to the International African American Museum, which is set to open in January.

US wilderness features on the list in two categories, with an emphasis on getting away from the crowds.

Utah, where five national parks are a huge draw, appears in the “adventure” category in part for its efforts to direct tourists to some of its lesser-known areas to combat overtourism.

Visit Utah has a page dedicated to responsible travel where it asks visitors to consider their impact with questions including “Am I doing what I can to avoid crowded locations?” State parks including Dead Horse Point and Goblin Valley are located near one or more of Utah’s five spectacular national parks.

Big Bend National Park in Texas appears in the “nature” category. While Big Bend hosted a record 581,000 recreational visits in 2021, it was still far less visited than some of the United States’ most popular national parks. Yellowstone welcomed 4.9 million visitors and Great Smoky Mountains National Park hosted a whopping 14.1 million recreational visits in 2021.

Slovenia, “a longtime leader in sustainable tourism,” is pairing cycling trails with visits to vineyards, cheesemakers and other food producers in a way that earns it a slot in the “nature” category with a culinary bonus.

The Scottish Highlands, Portugal’s dazzling Azores volcanic archipelago and Botswana also make the “nature” list for their efforts toward conservation and sustainability.

Family, adventure and culture

Colombia has been in the spotlight with the Disney movie “Encanto,” making it a timely choice for the “family” category. In California, San Francisco’s Crosstown Trail is another spot perfect for family adventure.

Speaking of “adventure,” that category also includes Choquequirao, Peru, an Inca site to rival Machu Picchu that is becoming more accessible and spurring economic development.

And New Zealand, long an adventure capital, makes the list as excitement builds with travel’s resurgence.

The Austrian Alps also provide great opportunities for adventure within the Bergsteigerdörfer network of 29 mountaineering villages.

While China remains closed to international tourism, its Longmen Grottoes in Henan Province also make the “culture” list as new technology brings attention to one of the largest collections of stone statues in the world.

For more of National Geographic’s Best of the World list, visit their website .

National Geographic’s Best of the World 2023 list:

Appian Way, Italy Busan, South Korea Longmen Grottoes, Henan Province, China Egypt Charleston, South Carolina

Scottish Highlands Botswana Slovenia Big Bend National Park, Texas Azores

New Zealand Choquequirao, Peru Utah Austrian Alps Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico

Dodecanese Islands, Greece Milwaukee, Wisconsin Alberta, Canada Laos Ghana

Trinidad & Tobago San Francisco Crosstown Trail, California Colombia Manchester, United Kingdom Switzerland

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National Geographic reveals its top destinations for 2023

It's never too early to start planning for next year's big trips.

National Geographic is getting an early start, too, releasing its Best of the World list in late October with 25 must-see destinations for 2023.

Respect -- for the people and their cultures, for the land and its conservation -- is an overarching theme of the list, which is divided into five official categories.

The hope is that 2023 will be not just a big return to travel but also to rediscovering wonder, said Amy Alipio, senior editor for National Geographic Travel.

"Because when you are awed by something, you treat it with respect. And that spirit is something we want to encourage with this list," Alipio said.

The list focuses on destinations that have community-led conservation efforts, healing and heritage journeys and ways for travelers to give back as well as places that are doing important work in ecotourism, sustainability and inclusive travel.

LOOKING AT COMMUNITY

National Geographic has introduced a new category in this year's list, replacing "sustainability" with a broader "community" category.

"It's about broadening the focus on the people striving for sustainable destinations and the various ways that manifests, from making travel more accessible to supporting local businesses," Alipio said.

Sustainability has been woven into every category a bit more. The other four categories are nature, culture, adventure and family.

The five destinations listed under the "community" heading represent a diverse range of strengths.

Ghana is listed as an important destination for Black heritage travellers in West Africa.

Alberta, Canada also makes the list.

"They have been a leader in Indigenous tourism, basically getting travellers out there learning the stories and the ways of life of the First Nations here in North America," and their vibrant, contemporary cultures, Alipio said.

In Laos, a new high-speed train is making the country more accessible to visitors and bringing economic opportunity to locals.

The Great Lakes city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is listed in part because it has been "really supportive of its creative community," Alipio said, citing Bronzeville, which is opening a cultural centre focused on African American art.

And in Greece's Dodecanese Islands, Karpathos is a standout for sustainable tourism with female leadership.

BIG OPENINGS, SMALL CROWDS

The list is not without big new attractions. The long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum outside of Cairo figures into Egypt's appearance on the 2023 list in the "culture" category. And Charleston, South Carolina, will soon be home to the International African American Museum, which is set to open in January.

U.S. wilderness features on the list in two categories, with an emphasis on getting away from the crowds.

Utah, where five national parks are a huge draw, appears in the "adventure" category in part for its efforts to direct tourists to some of its lesser-known areas to combat overtourism.

Visit Utah has a page dedicated to responsible travel where it asks visitors to consider their impact with questions including "Am I doing what I can to avoid crowded locations?" State parks including Dead Horse Point and Goblin Valley are located near one or more of Utah's five spectacular national parks.

Big Bend National Park in Texas appears in the "nature" category. While Big Bend hosted a record 581,000 recreational visits in 2021, it was still far less visited than some of the United States' most popular national parks. Yellowstone welcomed 4.9 million visitors and Great Smoky Mountains National Park hosted a whopping 14.1 million recreational visits in 2021.

Slovenia, "a longtime leader in sustainable tourism," is pairing cycling trails with visits to vineyards, cheesemakers and other food producers in a way that earns it a slot in the "nature" category with a culinary bonus.

The Scottish Highlands, Portugal's dazzling Azores volcanic archipelago and Botswana also make the "nature" list for their efforts toward conservation and sustainability.

FAMILY, ADVENTURE AND CULTURE

Colombia has been in the spotlight with the Disney movie "Encanto," making it a timely choice for the "family" category. In California, San Francisco's Crosstown Trail is another spot perfect for family adventure.

Speaking of "adventure," that category also includes Choquequirao, Peru, an Inca site to rival Machu Picchu that is becoming more accessible and spurring economic development.

And New Zealand, long an adventure capital, makes the list as excitement builds with travel's resurgence.

The Austrian Alps also provide great opportunities for adventure within the Bergsteigerdörfer network of 29 mountaineering villages.

Asia, which has been slower to reopen from the pandemic, features prominently in the "culture" category. Busan, South Korea, appears in the category for offerings from craft brews to Asia's top film festival.

While China remains closed to international tourism, its Longmen Grottoes in Henan Province also make the "culture" list as new technology brings attention to one of the largest collections of stone statues in the world.

For more of National Geographic's Best of the World list, visit their website .

National Geographic's Best of the World 2023 list:

Appian Way, Italy

Busan, South Korea

Longmen Grottoes, Henan Province, China

Charleston, South Carolina

Scottish Highlands

Big Bend National Park, Texas

New Zealand

Choquequirao, Peru

Austrian Alps

Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico

Dodecanese Islands, Greece

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Alberta, Canada

Trinidad & Tobago

San Francisco Crosstown Trail, California

Manchester, United Kingdom

Switzerland

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Top 30 travel destinations worldwide for 2024 revealed by National Geographic

From “wildlife havens and urban escapes to off-grid locales and cultural gems,” National Geographic Traveller’s Cool List 2023 reveals destinations that are “set to make the news” next year, a company press release said.

National Geographic Traveller (UK) announced a list of thirty locations which span five continents that were chosen by editors as the “top places and spaces around the world where tourism benefits communities and the environment as much as the visitors and locals themselves.”

“The 30 entries reflect an incredible range, featuring everything from exciting immersive journeys to inspirational visits that could take just a few hours,” the statement says. 

“Whether it’s culinary excellence, solar eclipses, night trains, new national parks, rewilding initiatives, ancient wonders revisited or cultural landmarks, we’ve curated some of the best travel destinations for the next 12 months,” Pat Riddell, editor of National Geographic Traveller (UK), was quoted as saying in the statement. “From Canada, the US and Argentina to Sierra Leone, Sikkim, Australia and beyond, the world is represented in all its full glory.”

National Geographic's top 30 travel destinations for 2024 

• Albanian Alps, Albania
• Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Emilia-Romagna, Italy
• Europe by train
• Galloway & Southern Ayrshire, Scotland
• Nordland, Norway
• North Yorkshire, England
• Pompeii, Italy

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• Saimaa, Finland
• Tartu, Estonia
• The Euros, Germany
• Valletta, Malta
• Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

North America

• Dominican Republic
• Nova Scotia, Canada
• Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

South America

• Atacama Desert, Chile
• Iberá Wetlands, Argentina
• Akagera, Rwanda
• Andrefana Dry Forests, Madagascar
• Sierra Leone

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• Sikkim, India
• Tainan, Taiwan
• Xi’an, China

Australasia

• Victoria, Australia

To see the full list online, visit: nationalgeographic.com.

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Steelers country, let’s ride !

Pittsburgh, the western Pennsylvania home to steel, sports and sandwiches with french fries and cole slaw packed within the bread , is supposedly a top travel destination, says one National Geographic writer.

The newly released “Here Not There” by Andrew Nelson  lauds the Rust Belt city of three rivers as an excellent alternative to fecal matter-filled San Francisco — a so-called destination dupe not worth the money or hassle, according to Nelson.

The author also boasted Detroit’s beach scene being comparable to Miami and that seeing a play in Cleveland, Ohio does “match the levels of New York City’s Broadway.”

“For those that haven’t been, Pittsburgh is a revelation — like San Francisco, it’s a mix of forward-thinking technology sectors mixed with some of the most historic and community-minded 19th Century neighborhoods found anywhere. And, of course, hills,” Nelson said, according to KDKA News .

Along with gorgeous views of the city’s promontories showcased on the Duquesne Incline cable car, Pittsburgh is also home to the nation’s steepest street — cobblestoned Canton Avenue .

After all, who needs the serpentine of Lombard Street when you can challenge gravity head to head?

Nelson also praised cultural institutions like the Carnegie Museums and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Pittsburgh also relishes in the honor of being home to the second-best-ranked food festival across the states thanks to Picklesburgh .

Although that’s a big dill in the black and yellow town, locals may suggest hitting the Italian or many other international, renowned markets in the Strip District . The city’s Andy Warhol Museum is another hit as well.

“We have worked hard to position Pittsburgh as a travel destination that will surprise and delight visitors, and this designation showcases our destination’s ability to do just that,” said tourism council VisitPittsburgh’s president and CEO Jerad Bachar.

“Tucked away in the heart of the East Coast, Pittsburgh is a place where tech meets rec, Warhol meets whiskey and unexpected adventures abound.”

Still, for years the steel town has been a sports lovers’ destination beyond seeing the six-time Super Bowl champ Steelers. After all, it raked in $6.4B in tourism bucks during 2023, the TV channel reported .

From April to September, ballpark chasers routinely trek to see one of baseball’s most beloved at the riverfront and skyline displaying PNC Park, home of Roberto Clemente’s Pirates.

Though, unlike outside the Giants’ home of Oracle Park in San Fran, it takes more bravery to kayak in the Allegheny River to try and hawk a home run ball.

Even without Jaromir Jagr bobbleheads to show for it , hockey diehards also get their fill in watching the dynamic duo of Stanley Cup winners Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin with the Penguins. They just haven’t beaten the New York Islanders in a playoff series for over a decade.

Add Duquesne men’s basketball to that citywide hype after they won the school’s first March Madness game since 1969 last month, too.

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Pittsburgh named top global travel destination in National Geographic publication

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh has been named a top global travel destination in a new National Geographic publication.

"Here Not There" by Andrew Nelson  explores 100 unexpected travel destinations, including Pittsburgh. VisitPittsburgh, the region's tourism agency, says the book plays off the growing trend of "destination dupes," giving travelers alternatives to overcrowded, expensive and predictable hot spots. 

As a "hilly tech town" with steep neighborhoods, water views and tech start-ups, Pittsburgh is presented as an alternative to San Francisco. The 'Burgh even has its own Oakland. 

"For those that haven't been, Pittsburgh is a revelation—like San Francisco it's a mix of forward-thinking technology sectors mixed with some of the most historic and community-minded 19th Century neighborhoods found anywhere. And, of course, hills," Nelson said in a press release from VisitPittsburgh.

San Francisco is known for its steep streets, but with a 37% grade, Canton Avenue in Pittsburgh's Beechview neighborhood actually holds the title for the steepest street in the country. But there's more than just hills -- the article also showcases must-see attractions like the Carnegie Museums and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. 

VisitPittsburgh said the accolade speaks to the "exciting energy" around travel in the Steel City. 

"What an incredible honor to have Pittsburgh featured in such an esteemed travel publication," said VisitPittsburgh president and CEO Jerad Bachar. "We have worked hard to position Pittsburgh as a travel destination that will surprise and delight visitors, and this designation showcases our destination's ability to do just that. Tucked away in the heart of the East Coast, Pittsburgh is a place where tech meets rec, Warhol meets whiskey and unexpected adventures abound."

At VisitPittsburgh's annual meeting last week, the agency said the area raked in more than $6.4 billion  in 2023.

7 Best Cruises to Alaska, According to Travel Experts

Book a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see glaciers, national parks and wildlife!

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While some travelers dream of lounging on a beach in the Caribbean, others might be itching to put on hiking shoes and explore the great outdoors. If glaciers, wildlife and picturesque coastline have long been on your bucket list, consider booking a cruise to Alaska. The northernmost American state offers an activity for everyone's interest and level of adventure. You can take a thrilling helicopter flight to explore a glacier on foot or observe miles of Alaska’s lush scenery and spy whales from a comfortable seat on a boat.

Princess Cruises

A top choice for multi-generational families and larger groups seeking on-board experiences for a wide age range, Princess will sail seven ships to Alaska in 2024 — more than any other line. Princess also offers the most departure cities , potentially saving you money on airfare. Alaska sailings range from 4 to 22 days, though a week is the sweet spot. The line is also only one of seven permitted to enter the magnificent Glacier Bay National Park (shown); check out the tips at the end of the story for details.

Good Housekeeping Contributing Travel Editor Karen Cicero and her daughter recently sailed on Majestic Princess, a Family Travel Awards Winner , and raved about the ship's amenities, especially the Hollywood Pool Club. She described it as “an indoor space with a heated pool, plush loungers, and cabana-like spots that are free for all guests to use.” Cicero was also impressed with the entertainment and activities suitable for all ages, the excellent dining options and a supervised kids’ club for ages 3 to 12. "We saw grandparents and grandkids on the dance floor, at the shows, on the excursions — bonding moments were everywhere," Cicero said.

In 2024, Majestic Princess and Discovery Princess, the line's newest Alaska ship, will both sail roundtrip from Seattle. "You can't beat Princess if you're looking for an experience that will please all ages," said Cicero.

Departure Cities: Los Angeles; San Francisco; Seattle; Vancouver; Whittier, Alaska Cruise Ships: Crown Princess (2024 only); Grand Princess, Caribbean Princess (2025 only), Royal Princess, Sapphire Princess, Discovery Princess, Majestic Princess (2024 only), Crown Princess, Coral Princess (2025 only)

Norwegian Cruise Line

Passengers are loyal to Norwegian for its beautiful ships, top-notch service and innovative amenities. The cruise line pioneered the concept of “freestyle cruising," which includes a flexible dining time. Flexible cruising continues to be a major selling point , according to our testers who recently sailed roundtrip from Seattle to Alaska on the Norwegian Encore (pictured). "We enjoyed not having to rush back to the ship after an excursion because we had a dinner reservation," said our tester who sailed with her spouse.

They also frequented the Encore’s Observation Lounge, where they were able to cozy up and spend hours searching for marine life from floor-to-ceiling windows. Activities and entertainment, like go-karting, slides and laser tag, are abundant. For a premium experience, consider booking a stateroom in The Haven. The Encore's most luxurious accommodations feature spacious rooms — the bathrooms are nearly double the size of those in standard staterooms — a private sundeck and a concierge.

The variety of sailings to Alaska is also another reason to choose Norwegian. "If Hawaii is also on your bucket list, Norwegian is one of the only cruise lines to offer a 16-day cruise departing from Honolulu that sails through both Hawaii and Alaska so you explore two dreamy destinations on one vacation," said Cicero. She added that Norwegian sails to Alaska until late October — about a month longer than most cruise lines.

Departure Cities: Honolulu; Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver; Whittier, Alaska (2025) Cruise Ships: Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Jewel (only in 2024), Norwegian Spirit (only in May 2024), Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Jade (only in 2025), Norwegian Joy (only in 2025)

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Disney Cruise Line

Disney lovers will have the time of their lives sailing roundtrip from Vancouver to Alaska aboard the Disney Wonder. "It was the best experience ever," said a mom of two young adults who sailed on the ship in May 2023. "We felt like it was a great combination of Disney and Alaska."

On-board experiences brilliantly align with the destination. For instance, Disney characters are dressed in special outfits for Alaska and are on deck during the days at sea. "We were able to get incredible photos with the glaciers behind the characters," said the mom, who also noted that you can order Mickey Mouse ice cream bars from room service. Cicero added, "Disney has the best kids' and teen clubs of any cruise line. They're enormous, filled with epic activities like superhero training and are a great place for kids and teens to make friends."

If you want an equal dose of Disney and Alaska, this is the cruise for your crew. Sailings range from five to nine nights. All routes head to Stikine Icecap so guests can observe stunning glaciers, cliffs, waterfalls and wildlife.

Departure City: Vancouver Cruise Ship: Disney Wonder

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean doesn’t only sail to the Caribbean. This global cruise line whisks passengers to Alaska from popular ports such as Seattle and Vancouver. You can choose a classic seven-night itinerary or a 13-night land-and-sea getaway.

Cruise enthusiasts at the Good Housekeeping Institute are fans of Royal Caribbean for its state-of-the-art ships, exceptional service and high-quality entertainment. "Royal Caribbean had the first rock-climbing wall and ice-skating rink on a cruise ship," said Cicero. "Since then, they've brought so many other epic activities to sea." For instance, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class, which includes Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, offers skydiving, a surf simulator and a robot bar. "This line is an especially good fit for families with tweens, teens and young adults ," said Cicero, who sailed on Royal Caribbean with her teen daughter.

Departure Cities: Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver Cruise Ships: Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas (only in 2024), Ovation of the Seas (only in 2024), Serenade of the Seas (only in 2025)

National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions

For an incredible small-ship experience, look no further than the Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic team-up. The largest of its ships that sail to Alaska can accommodate no more than 138 passengers — just a sliver of the 4,900 or so that Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas can hold. " Being on a smaller vessel means that you’ll be able to sail right up to less frequented glaciers, waterfalls and fjords, " said Cicero.

Of course, an intimate experience comes at a higher price tag — its eight-day Alaskan adventure starts at about $6,200 per person, though you won't need to pay extra for excursions. "Voyages tend to be themed and stress the educational component," said Cicero. For instance, one focuses on coastal wildlife while another explores native cultures. A Good Housekeeping staff member who sailed the line to the Galápagos Islands (a providence of Ecuador) raved, "The ship was beautiful! I was super impressed with the staff and the service felt above and beyond.”

Departure Cities: Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Seattle; Sitka, Alaska Cruise Ships: National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Resolution

Holland America Line

Holland America has a well-earned reputation for bringing guests to new destinations for more than 150 years. Its ships tend to be mid-sized — larger than Lindblad's offerings but smaller than the Quantum ships from Royal Caribbean. While Holland attracts an older demographic, its Alaskan cruises are often filled with multi-generational families.

One of the cruise line’s most popular itineraries is the Seven-Day Inside Passage, which takes you through Glacier Bay National Park, the Inside Passage, Tracy Arm Inlet and several must-visit port towns. But for adventure seekers curious to see as much of Alaska as possible, you’ll find tons of extended itineraries including a robust 28-day voyage that crosses the Arctic Circle.

Holland America is the only cruise line permitted to serve glacier ice, using it for cocktails like the Blue Iceberg and Juneau Gin & Tonic. The line also launched a new Alaskan-themed brunch menu offered once per cruise.

Departure Cities: Anchorage, Alaska (for land-sea tours only); Fairbanks, Alaska; Seattle; Vancouver, Whittier, Alaska Cruise Ships: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Zuiderdam, Zaandam

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is popular with adults and couples looking for a premium onboard experience, including delicious cuisine, luxurious staterooms and a high-end spa . We can’t imagine a better way to rest and relax after spending a day exploring the Alaskan wilderness. Our travel experts suggest choosing one of Celebrity's many Alaska itineraries that sail through the Inside Passage and up to Dawes Glacier or Hubbard Glacier, two of the state’s gems.

Of the three Celebrity ships that sail to Alaska, we recommend the Celebrity Edge for those new to cruising or seeking a more contemporary experience. Launched in 2018, the ship features standout innovations like Eden, a multi-level bar with panoramic views, and the Magic Carpet, a multi-purpose floating space suspended directly above the sea.

Departure Cities: Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver Cruise Ships: Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Edge

Tips for booking your cruise to Alaska

✔️ Check your itinerary. The itinerary you choose is key on an Alaskan cruise. If you have your heart set on visiting Glacier Bay National Park, make sure that your cruise line has it listed on the schedule. "Only seven lines were awarded the Glacier Bay contract by the National Park Service ," Cicero said. If you're not sure whether the cruise you have in mind will go through Glacier Bay, double-check with the cruise line or your travel agent.

✔️ Book shore excursions well in advance. Alaskan cruises generally sail from April to October. Because of the shorter season, your ship will likely be close to capacity and several ships may overlap in ports. Excursions will book up quickly. To secure your spot, book excursions well in advance or as soon as they're available.

✔️ Focus on family. Alaskan cruises are best for kids who are at least 5 years old. "Keep in mind that cruise lines don't allow kids who aren't potty-trained to be in pools, even if they're wearing a swim diaper," Cicero said. It's also worth noting that most cruise lines don't permit babies under 6 months or pregnant passengers who are 24 or more weeks along. Cicero advises families with school-age children to look for on-ship amenities, such as an indoor heated pool, a supervised kids' club and a variety of family-friendly nighttime entertainment. "Before you sail, you should also find out which non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary," Cicero said. "Many cruise lines charge extra for soft drinks, but milk and juice are usually included." Free room service is another big perk for families, she notes, so see if that's offered on the line you're considering.

✔️ Check your passport. Even if your cruise starts and stops in a U.S. port like Seattle, there's a high chance your ship will dock in Canada at some point throughout your trip. Also, " some of the excursions in Alaskan ports venture into Canada and will require a passport," explained Cicero. For instance, you may take the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway from Skagway into Yukon, a Canadian territory. Your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months following the cruise.

✔️ Pack layers. This is especially crucial if you're traveling in Alaska's shoulder season — May and September. While May tends to be drier, temperatures remain relatively chilly. Likewise, September marks the end of the summer season and welcomes cooler temperatures and more rainfall. Because you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, it's important to prepare for all weather scenarios, including windy conditions common to sailing cruise ships.

✔️ Book next summer's cruise soon. To get the best staterooms and excursions, start looking for a 2025 cruise in 2024, Cicero said, noting that many ships start to fill up at least 6 months in advance. And don't forget about major sale days. "Last year, cruise lines had fantastic Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals," she said.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Good Housekeeping Institute Writer and Product Analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from tech to travel, fitness, outdoor, home and more. Not only does she have years of product review experience under her belt, but she’s also a travel enthusiast who has been on more than 20 cruises (and counting)!

The former travel editor at Parents magazine, Karen Cicero specializes in travel, children's book, lifestyle and food coverage. She manages the experience portion of the Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards. She has sailed on four cruise lines with her family and toured several others. She recently was a featured speaker at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA, Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance and the Family Travel Association.

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