If you’re dusting off your passport in 2023 and thinking about heading overseas, we’ve got a few ideas for you.

International travel has slowly come back onto our radars after an enforced break, and for many of us, 2023 will be the year we get back up into the skies and jet off for a well-deserved break.

Has an enforced break from travelling changed our appetite somewhat? Maybe. It seems people want to get out of their comfort zone for travel in 2023 – but where to go and what to do?

Whether you’re after relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, here are a few ideas for European trips you may not have considered before.

Take a historic trip

Lithuania, situated in the Baltic – northeast of Poland and southwest of Latvia, is becoming a destination of choice for travellers seeking a good dose of history and a country that’s not a tourist trap. Its capital city, Vilnius, is paved with centuries of stories, and blends the old and the new – St Anne’s Church and Trakai Castle are musts, while the 98-km Curonian Spit – a UNESCO site – is well worth a visit for those wanting to escape city life.

Get on your bike!

The Amalfi Coast in Italy has been a popular destination for years – but have you ever experienced it on two wheels? There are a number of operators offering cycling holidays in different European countries, and this one is a favourite. Venturing just a few kilometres from the coast reveals a contrasting world, one that includes inland canyons, abandoned villages and stunning views across the bay.

Enjoy some Irish hospitality

A trip to Ireland is always ‘good craic’ and if you’re thinking of heading to the Emerald Isle, check out Sligo. Situated in the northwest of the country, this charming town has a great mix of history, scenery and a general good vibe. It’s also home to one of the country’s best-known mountains, Benbulben, formed by Ice Age glaciers.

Set sail

If you’re keen for something a little colder, how about an Arctic cruise? Cruises that last a couple of weeks can take you deep into the Arctic, taking in glaciers, fjords, polar bears and stunning cliffs. One to look at is an expedition around Spitsbergen, 600 miles south of the North Pole. Stop off to enjoy a hike or a guided nature walk and experience a part of the world that’s a stark contrast to home.

Cheese-lovers paradise

Food is a big, big reason for many of us to travel – the prospect of our tastebuds being tantalised by the very best Europe has to offer can get us reaching for our passports faster than you can say ‘baguette’. If you love your cheese, then a trip to Gruyères is for you. This picturesque, medieval Swiss mountain town has spas, is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is the home of cheese.

Take some time out

If you want your European break – or at least part of it – to be the ultimate in relaxation, then check out the quiet Slovenian town of Bled. Nestled at the bottom of the Slovenian Alps, Bled’s glacial Lake Bohinj, the Triglav National Park and Vintgar Gorge are all must-visits, and if you’re after a spot of activity, there are plenty of hiking routes to be found.

Travel tips

It’s been a while…

1. Tickets and itineraries – Many tickets and itineraries are digital now, but it’s always smart to keep a paper backup, just in case. Who knows how reliable the internet will be just south of the North Pole!
2. Get your packing on a roll – The pros recommend rolling your clothes to fit more in – but that can just mean you’re carrying more weight. Remember, leave space for purchases when you’re overseas – if this is your first trip in a while, you’ll have plenty of lost shopping opportunities to make up for.
3. Get your map back up – Your phone can be your main source of directions, but make sure you download maps before you leave home or when you’re on WiFi at your destination. Google and Apple Maps allow you to download maps, while Here Maps is another good option.
4. Check COVID policies – The reality is, COVID-19’s a fact of life now, so check your booking and travel insurance to confirm what provisions are in there should you catch it before or during your trip.
5. Make sure your passport is valid – If it’s been a while since you dusted off your passport, make sure it’s in date. The news and social media are full of stories of people encountering significant waiting times for passport renewals – understandable, particularly given the cybersecurity breaches that have been making the news recently – so if a trip is on your agenda for 2023, don’t let the final hurdle trip you up!

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