Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! I don’t know about you, but my inboxes have been flooded with shopping emails – holiday sales, Black Friday, Cyber Monday… Understandably, you may have missed my newsletter from last week (sent Friday since Thursday was the holiday). If that’s the case, you can read it on my website under the ‘blog’ tab. Or you’ll find it in your inbox from Friday, November 25th at 11:15am EST. The topic was the second part of my recent safari trip to Tanzania – good stuff!
For the next couple of weeks, I’ll keep it shorter than usual knowing how busy you all are with holiday shopping and prep. To that end, I encourage you to consider gifting memories and what better way to do that than plan a bucket list vacation next year? There are so many incredible experiences that you can have with your loved ones, friends, and friend/interest groups. I hope my newsletters have given you an idea of the breadth of options. After all, I’ve published 145 of them and am still going strong!
Memories last a lifetime while things provide momentary excitement then sooner ore later wear out, get lost, or donated. If you’re interested in making unforgettable memories, read on for the scoop about trending destinations for 2023…



2023 Top Trending Destinations
According to a recent AMEX survey, the top trending international travel destinations for 2023 are…
- Copenhagen, Denmark (I adore Copenhagen and studied there back in my college days!)
- Istanbul, Turkey (Turkey is on the top of my list for next year)
- Lisbon, Portugal (Portugal is dreamy with gorgeous weather and culture)
- Mexico City, Mexico (I’ll add charming San Miguel de Allende which is 266km from Mexico City).
- Montenegro (I was there in 2022 – magical hidden gem near Croatia and Greece)
- Paris, France (Always a winner; Paris saw record crowds in 2022 so plan wisely next year)
- Sydney, Australia (I’ve been twice and am well versed with everything Australia as a destination specialist)
- Yakuve Island, Fiji (an ultimate romance destination)
Interestingly, I’m seeing a trend with new trip inquiries where people want my help narrowing down their ultimate destination. This type of first call is extra fun since I love to suggest ideas they may not have considered. Thanks to my professional network, I keep my finger on the pulse of the best in travel and cut through the internet noise.
💎Hidden Gem Tip: Email me or schedule a consultation to get more information on these and other vacation destinations. The United Kingdom is also hot for 2023 (England, Scotland, No. Ireland)!

December 2023 – Plan Now
If you love the holiday season, you’ll want to keep your eyes on the Hidden Gem Travel Facebook and Instagram pages this December (scroll down for links). Mid-month, I’ll be heading to Vienna, Austria to explore this gorgeous, festive city and then hopping on a Christmas Market river cruise through Austria and Germany. I’ll end my trip in Munich before heading back to the US for Christmas. Of course, I’ll be writing up my experience in this newsletter but will also share some photos and video on my social channels while there. Can’t wait to have you follow along!
Make your own Wanderlist for 2023! As a reminder, Wanderlist is an online portal where you can research, explore, and create shareable lists of destinations and experiences. Share your list with me so I can make it happen for you. Check it out here!
Inspired? Reach out to me now for 2023!
Follow my Facebook and Instagram pages this week for more travel inspiration!
Wishing you and your family continued good health,
Susan