Ten most beautiful places to travel in 2023

Antonio Cuellar is Travel photographer and hospitality photographer who specializes in capturing high-quality images of luxury hotels, resorts, and other high-end hospitality businesses. Travel is one of the main reasons Antonio finds his job very rewarding and after 20 years of doing just that he is in a unique position to discuss some of his favourite places. We came accross this video and selected our 5 best places to travel our of the ten described. Here they are.

Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are tropical islands located in the center of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. This is one place I have never been but as a Travel photographer, it is on my  bucket list. There are numerous reasons to visit the Whitsunday Islands, including:

1. Beautiful Beaches: The Whitsunday Islands are known for their stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and vibrant marine life. The most famous beach is Whitehaven Beach, which is regarded the one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
2. Great Barrier Reef: The Whitsunday Islands are situated in the center of the Barrier Reef, offering a unique opportunity to experience the world’s largest coral reef system. Visitors can snorkel or dive to see the diverse marine life, including turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish.
3. Sailing and Boating: The Whitsunday Islands are a popular destination for sailing and boating enthusiasts. Visitors can rent a yacht or join a guided tour to explore the islands and enjoy the breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding islands.
4. Island Hopping: The Whitsunday Islands offer a variety of activities and attractions, making it an ideal destination for island hopping. Visitors can explore the different islands, each with its own unique features and attractions, such as hiking trails, secluded bays, and stunning lookout points.
5. Wildlife: The Whitsunday Islands are home to a variety of wildlife, including wallabies, koalas, and numerous bird species. Visitors can take guided tours to see the animals up close and learn about the local ecosystem.

Overall, the Whitsunday Islands offer a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler to Australia. As allways, Here is my top recomendation stay for that location. Intercontinental Hayman Isalnd Resort. 

Morning at Giraffe Manor

Kenya is located in East Africa, and there are many reasons why it is a popular travel destination. These are some of the top reasons to visit Kenya:

1. Wildlife: Kenya is home to some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and zebras. Visitors can go on safaris to see these animals up close and experience the thrill of being in the wild.
2. Beautiful Landscapes: Kenya has a diverse range of landscapes, from savannahs and grasslands to forests, mountains, and beaches. The country’s natural beauty is breathtaking and provides a unique experience for travelers. It is hard to take a bad picture in Kenya. Even if you are not a very good Travel photographer, Getting up early in the morning will solve most of your challenges. 
3. Culture: Kenya has a rich cultural heritage with over 40 different ethnic groups, each with its own unique traditions, music, dance, and art. Visitors can learn about the country’s culture through visits to local villages, museums, and festivals.
4. Adventure: Kenya offers a wide range of adventure activities, including hiking, mountain climbing, white water rafting, and hot air balloon rides. Visitors can also go on camel safaris, bike tours, and horseback riding adventures.
5. Beaches: Kenya has a beautiful coastline along the Indian Ocean with stunning beaches, coral reefs, and marine life. Visitors can enjoy the beach, swim in the ocean, and enjoy water sports like surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
6. Food: Kenya has a diverse cuisine influenced by different ethnic groups and cultures. Visitors can enjoy local dishes like nyama choma (roasted meat), ugali (maize meal), and chapati (flatbread).

Overall, Kenya offers a unique and exciting travel experience with something for everyone, from wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers to culture and beach lovers. Here is my top recomendation stay for that location. Giraffe Manor

Doha is the capital city of Qatar, located on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. There are many reasons to visit Doha, including:

1. Culture and History: Doha has a rich cultural and historical heritage with many museums and landmarks, such as the Museum of Islamic Art, the Qatar National Museum, and the Souq Waqif. Visitors can learn about Qatar’s past and present through these cultural attractions. It is a very tricky situation traveling to Doha as a Travel photographer since placing a tripod requires a special permit. Most of the images taken were hand held. This is not the most appropriate way a Travel photographer shoots images. 
2. Architecture: Doha has a unique and modern architecture with many skyscrapers, including the iconic Burj Doha and the Doha Tower. 
3. Shopping: Doha is a shopper’s paradise, with many malls and souqs offering a wide range of goods, from traditional handicrafts and spices to luxury brands. The Villaggio Mall is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
4. Food: Doha has a diverse and vibrant food scene with many local and international restaurants. Visitors can enjoy traditional Qatari dishes like machboos (spiced rice with meat or seafood) and luqaimat (sweet dumplings), as well as cuisine from around the world.
5. Beaches: Doha has many beautiful beaches along its coastline, including the popular Katara Beach and the artificial beach at the Pearl-Qatar. Visitors can enjoy the beach, swim in the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf, and enjoy water sports like kayaking and jet skiing.
6. Sports: Doha hosts many international sporting events, including the Qatar Open Tennis tournament, the Qatar MotoGP, and the Qatar World Cup 2022. Visitors can experience the excitement of these events and enjoy the state-of-the-art sports facilities in the city.

Overall, Doha is a vibrant and dynamic city with many attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy, from cultural and historical landmarks to modern architecture, shopping, food, beaches, and sports. Raffles luxury Hotel in Doha is my top recommendation for this destination. 

Kyoto is a city located in the Kansai region of Japan, and it is one of the country’s most popular travel destinations. These are the top reasons to visit Kyoto:

1. Rich Cultural Heritage: Kyoto is famous for its rich cultural heritage, including over 2,000 temples, shrines, and historic sites. The city was the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years, and it is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji).
2. Traditional Architecture: Kyoto is known for its traditional architecture, with many buildings featuring wooden structures, tatami floors, and sliding doors. Visitors can experience the beauty and serenity of traditional Japanese architecture by visiting the city’s temples, shrines, and gardens. UNESCO Heritage sites are always great for Travel photographer portfolio.
3. Beautiful Nature: Kyoto is surrounded by beautiful nature, including mountains, forests, and rivers. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities in the city’s numerous parks and nature reserves, such as the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the Philosopher’s Path.
4. Food and Drink: Kyoto is renowned for its traditional cuisine and tea culture. Visitors can enjoy local dishes like kaiseki (multi-course meals) and matcha (powdered green tea), as well as visit tea houses and participate in tea ceremonies.
5. Festivals: Kyoto hosts many festivals throughout the year, such as the Gion Festival in July and the Aoi Festival in May. Visitors can experience the traditional Japanese culture and festivities during these events.
6. Shopping: Kyoto is a shopper’s paradise, with many traditional markets and shops offering local crafts, souvenirs, and food. Visitors can explore the Nishiki Market, which is known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” and the Gion district, which is famous for its traditional shops and restaurants.

Overall, Kyoto is a beautiful and culturally rich city with many attractions for travel photographer and activities for visitors to enjoy, from historic sites and traditional architecture to nature, food and drink, festivals, and shopping. Hoshynoya Hotel in Kyoto is my top recommendation for this destinatyon. 

Valletta, the capital city of Malta, a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. These are a few reasons to visit Valletta:

1. History and Culture: Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to many historic landmarks, including the St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master’s Palace, and the National Museum of Archaeology. This is heaven if you are an avid Travel photographer.
2. Architecture: Valletta is known for its unique architecture, with many buildings featuring ornate balconies, colorful shutters, and intricate facades. Visitors can enjoy the city’s beautiful architecture by walking through its narrow streets and exploring its many squares and plazas.
3. Beaches: Malta is known for its beautiful beaches, and Valletta is no exception. The city is surrounded by a coastline of rocky cliffs and secluded bays, with many beaches just a short drive away. Popular beaches near Valletta include St. George’s Bay and Mellieha Bay.
4. Food and Drink: Valletta is home to many traditional Maltese restaurants, serving local specialties like rabbit stew, pastizzi (flaky pastry with a savory filling), and ġbejniet (traditional Maltese cheese). Visitors can also enjoy the city’s many bars and cafes, offering coffee, pastries, and cocktails.
5. Festivals: Valletta hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the Malta Jazz Festival, the Malta International Arts Festival, and the Valletta Film Festival. Visitors can experience the city’s vibrant cultural scene during these events.
6. Shopping: Valletta is a shopper’s paradise, with many traditional markets and shops offering local crafts, souvenirs, and clothing. Visitors can explore the city’s many shopping streets, such as Republic Street and Merchant Street, and find unique gifts and souvenirs to bring home.

Overall, Valletta is a beautiful and historic city with many attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy, from historic landmarks and architecture to beaches, food and drink, festivals, and shopping. The Palazzo Consiglia is one of my top destinations for this location.