Making travel plans for 2023? If you’re still lost as a lamb, we asked our lovely LUXE resident editors to share their favourite trips of 2022 and where they’ll be jetting off next – may their bucket lists inspire yours!
Marissa Carruthers, Cambodia Resident Editor
What was your best travel memory of 2022 and why?
Finally being able to cross the border to Vietnam after an almost three-year hiatus. This time, I got to hang out with the Cotu mountain people who live off the land deep in the Truong San mountain range in Central Vietnam’s Quang Nam province. It was pretty special experiencing the indigenous tribe’s traditional way of life and the perfect re-introduction to the country I spent so much time in pre-pandemic.
Where are you headed to in 2023?
I’m headed to the Philippines to the shores of Bohol. While it’s a short work trip, I’m hoping to have a bit of time to myself to explore the island and its offerings. In February, I’m heading back to Vietnam to meet some friends in Mui Ne for a bit of beach time.
March sees me jet off to Europe to attend a conference in Berlin. I’ve never been to Germany before, so I’m extending my stay to discover the city. Then I’m excited to see what overseas adventures the rest of the year brings.
Follow Marissa on Instagram @marisjc
Lou Stokes, Madrid Resident Editor
What was your best travel memory of 2022 and why?
That’s a hard one! I took lots of short trips this year, but I think Matosinhos, Portugal was my favourite. I didn’t have any expectations of this place and was pleasantly surprised. It’s a major port and fishing town in the north of Portugal close to Oporto. It has such a buzzy vibe, beautiful beaches and wonderful places to eat grilled sardines and local delicacies.
Jerez, Andalusia, Spain was also a genuine surprise. Famous for its Sherry, Horses and Flamenco, this wonderful southern Spanish city is often overlooked by other Andalusian cities. It’s thriving with history and culture, plus incredible food and weather.
Where are you headed to in 2023?
Naples – I love Italy, its people and food, and this is one of the Italian cities I haven’t been to yet.
India is on my bucket list too for later this year, most likely in the fall. I really want to go on an Ayurveda retreat (Panchakarma, a five-stage treatment for the mind, body and consciousness).
Tangier in Morocco is another city I want to visit for a weekend sometime in the first part of the year before it gets too hot! I love Moroccan food and aesthetics, and I’ve heard it is one of the most delightful, unexpected cosmopolitan hot spots on the planet.
Follow Lou on Instagram @byloustokes
Erica Firpo, LUXE Rome Resident Editor
What was your best travel memory of 2022 and why?
An end of the year adventure in Egypt. For 10 days, we explored as much ancient history and archaeological sites as possible, including Abu Simbel, Temples of Karnak and Luxor, Philae, the Great Pyramids… it was everything my childhood self ever dreamed of and more.
Where are you headed to in 2023?
This year is a bit TBD, but it will most likely include trips to:
-Ischia in the late spring. Dickie Greenleaf and Tom Ripley loved Ischia, and so do I. When I need a little R&R, i love taking time out in Ischia at Regina Isabella, a kind of lost in the ’60s hotel in Lacco Ameno, enjoying the local thermal springs and then boating around the island.
-Trieste in the late spring. It’s about time I visited Italy’s northeastern gateway port.
-Reggio Emilia in July. Not the ideal time, but we’re going to the Harry Styles concert, so I’ll take the kids to see some great contemporary art at Collezione Maramotti.
-the Dolomites in the winter, where the landscape is amazing. This winter, I plan on visiting Cortina for the first time, where it becomes a Roman ski destination that brings to mind cheesy Christmas destination comedy films.
Follow Erica on Instagram @ericafirpo
