2. Antarctica, Bhutan and the South Pacific – surprising new entries on your 2023 bucket list
While your top dream destinations aren't new to this survey (
New Zealand and
Japan bagged first and second place), some exceptional hot (and cold) spots have jumped onto your wish list. Antarctica,
Bhutan, and the South Pacific — we're looking at you.
In addition, a bunch of you expressed a desire to visit Australia and Argentina, with cool, cultured Cordoba cropping up as an excellent alternative to capital Buenos Aires.
Costa Rica also loomed large, thanks to its astounding diversity: incredible beaches, rewarding hikes, awe-inspiring waterfalls, and wildlife-rich national parks.
Rough Guides says
- “Costa Rica remains our top destination for honeymooners and families. It's one of the pioneering countries in responsible wildlife and nature observation," points out Franziska.
Paro Tsechu festival, Bhutan © mbrand85/Shutterstock
3. You can't get enough of Scotland and family staycations
When it came to our UK staycations survey, we were blown away by how much you adore
Scotland.
Almost half of you can't wait to explore the Scottish Highlands, while a quarter of you are keen to visit the Scottish islands.
Edinburgh and Glasgow — one of the world's friendliest cities, according to you — also rated high when we asked which UK city you'd most like to visit.
After Scotland's highlands and islands, Cornwall and Yorkshire are your next favoured UK regions.
Overall, London is the UK city you most want to visit, with return visitors keen to see its alternative attractions. And in good news for those on a budget (more on that later), there's plenty of fun free things to do in London.
The capital was closely followed by Manchester, which is gaining massive traction as a major cultural hotspot.
While 40% of you are planning a family beach break in a British seaside town, plenty of you want adventure from your UK staycation. Active types will be pleased to know that the UK isn't short of incredible day hikes.
Fancy taking to the open road? You're not alone. Almost of quarter of Rough Guides' readers plan to enjoy UK road trips in 2023.
Rough Guides says
- "While many of our UK-based readers have returned to visiting further-flung destinations, staycations are still hugely popular. So, we've expanded our guidebook coverage of UK regions, with the North Coast 500, Scottish Highlands, Lake District, Isle of Wight, and Isle of Skye proving particularly popular," says Vanessa Clarke, Rough Guides' Head of Sales.