10 Most Exciting Tourist Destinations for Travel Photographers in 2023

The arrival of a new year always gives us a powerful boost of energy, and an eagerness to move forward and make plans. It’s also a time of great hopes and dreams. And what could be more inspiring than the exciting trips that await you in 2023? All the more so as tourism is gaining its former pre-pandemic popularity back.

We would like to motivate you to plan unforgettable trips, for it’s not only a great opportunity to recharge your batteries and find sources of inspiration, but also a chance to fill your portfolio with spectacular shots that will make you stand out from the competition. Since it can be quite difficult to choose one travel route among many, we decided to help you by creating a selection of the most exciting tourist destinations in the new year. Check them out to find the best option for your future photo journey!

What you will find in this article:

1. The Highlands, Scotland

The Highlands is a northwestern part of Scotland, also known as the Scottish Highlands. It’s a real gem for lovers of misty mountain views and atmospheric medieval castles. The land of highlanders and Nessie attracts travelers with its scenic nature, which is truly inspirational for many artists. We are sure that its mystical landscapes and rich historical heritage won’t leave you impartial. And cinephiles can use this opportunity to explore locations where scenes from Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and Braveheart were filmed.

2. Aruba

How about a vacation on an exotic island? In the winter, an idea like this seems especially tempting. If you’re dreaming of a place where summer reigns forever, you will definitely like Aruba. This Caribbean island country has the perfect weather conditions: it is sunny for more than 300 days of the year and hurricanes usually bypass it. In addition to the warm sea, white beaches, and coconut palms, Aruba attracts with its rich flora. And one of the island’s beauties are pink flamingos that walk freely among people. Underwater photography fans have an opportunity to not only explore the rich marine world, but also shoot sunken ships.

3. Zambia

This country in southern Africa has many unique natural attractions, including the popular Victoria Falls situated on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The waterfall is a narrow gorge with streams of water pouring into it. This spectacular location is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just imagine the eye-catching photos you could take here! Among other popular places are the Zambezi River; large lakes, the most famous of which is Tanganyika; and the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. It is the largest African wildlife sanctuary without any fences, and it is home to the continent’s most vivid wildlife: elephants, cheetahs, Nile crocodiles, lions, zebras, wildebeests, and many other species. The perfect location for a photo safari!

4. Bhutan

Bhutan is a small Asian kingdom situated in the southern foothills of the Himalayas, between China and India. This tourist destination is little known, as it was not until recently that the country became open to the outside world in 1974. Due to local culture preservation, the Bhutanese government restricted tourism. For this reason, the country is one of the least explored and hardest to reach, which makes it an even more interesting place to visit. Along with the fantastic mountain scenery and authentic culture, travelers are attracted by traditional Buddhist temples. The most famous of them is Paro Taktsang Monastery, which looks like it’s growing out of a rock. To top it off, last fall, after many years of reconstruction, the 430-kilometer-long Trans-Bhutan Trail was opened to tourists. This hiking route allows one to enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas and to see more than 400 cultural and historical sites.

5. Romania

Recently, Romania received unexpected popularity as a tourist destination, owing to the hit TV series Wednesday filmed in Bucharest and its surroundings. According to Expedia Group, after the premiere, interest in traveling to this country increased by 55%. The company’s experts claim TV tourism to be one of the traveling trends in 2023. In the case of Romania, travelers definitely won’t be disappointed. In addition to TV tourism, there’s a lot to see in Transylvania, with its majestic Carpathian Mountains, dense forests, and picturesque castles.

6. Antarctica

Antarctica is one of the unexplored, but very appealing destinations for many lovers of exotic vacations and primitive nature. The coldest and highest continent stuns with the stark beauty of its landscapes. It is almost entirely covered in ice, and high-mountain glaciers contain 70% of all fresh water reserves on Earth. Since Antarctica does not belong to any country of the world, you don’t need a visa to get there. However, it’s impossible to travel here directly. Most tourists get to the continent by taking Antarctic cruises. Consider this option if you want to have a truly unique experience, as well as film towering glaciers and local animals, including penguins, seals, and whales.

7. The Mekong Delta, Vietnam

The Mekong Delta is one of the most picturesque regions of Vietnam. It is the perfect place to explore local nature and charm. Here, travelers will find green rice terraces, coconut palm plantations, mangrove forests, and floating villages and markets. Boats are the main local transportation here; they are used by Vietnamese people to move around, trade, and even live in. Worthy of separate attention is Tra Vinh province with its intricate Khmer pagodas and numerous natural parks with monkeys, crocodiles, and other jungle inhabitants. You can find more interesting facts about traveling in Vietnam in our interview with a travel photographer and Depositphotos author Dmytro Gilitukha.

8. Patagonia, Chile

Patagonia is the land of glaciers, pampas, and the breath-taking Andes. And the Torres del Paine National Park is a real find for those who want to enjoy the beauty of local nature. After the pandemic, entry into Chile became possible for tourists in the fall of 2022. So, if you’ve been dreaming of traveling to Patagonia for a long time, now is the best time to do it. Hit one of the walking trails to feel like a pioneer and explore the picturesque mountains, fjords, forests, and lakes, as well as see local endangered species such as llamas, cougars, condors, and Andean deer. There’s no better scenery for your portfolio!

9. Morocco

Morocco grabbed international attention at the FIFA World Cup 2022. Due to such a surge in interest, tours to this North African country have risen by half compared to the previous year. A must-do in Morocco is definitely a trip to the Sahara, where sand dunes, camel rides, and stunning sunrises await you. But there’s more than this. Equally interesting and photogenic are the blue city of Shafshavan; authentic Fez with its unique medina and other important sights; the Majorelle Garden in Marrakech; and the majestic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.

10. Slovenia

Slovenia is among those countries that do not come to mind right away when choosing a tourist route. But most of those who have visited it stay impressed for a long time. Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana has the largest pedestrian zone in Europe, as well as many parks for walking. Besides, Slovenia is one of the leaders in sustainable tourism. 60% of the country’s area is covered by forests, and you can see wild animals right from a highway. Slovenia’s iconic landmark is Lake Bled, a picturesque island with a church and impressive mountain views. On a cliff above the lake, you can find one of the oldest castles in this Balkan country. If you want to feel like you’re on another planet, be sure to visit the Postojna Pit, a 20-kilometer-long karst cave complex with a built-in concert hall and even its own railroad.

To wrap up

Since pandemic restrictions have been lifted in most countries, we urge you to not miss out on travel opportunities this year. Discover new places and routes, and enjoy your one-on-one time with nature. Don’t be afraid of creative experiments, because even the most popular attractions and locations can be presented in a unique and bold way, it just requires some thought. We hope you have the most unforgettable and inspiring journeys in 2023!