These thrilling itineraries are among the most popular and most exciting trips avid travelers are booking with luxury tour operator Scott Dunn for 2023.
As travelers look ahead to their 2023 travel plans, it’s not just about where they go, but how they experience their destinations — and that’s exactly what bespoke luxury travel company Scott Dunn sees for the year ahead: travel with more intention.
The company expects to see a 140% growth in once-in-a-lifetime trips in 2023 as more far-flung destinations like Bhutan and Japan reopen to American travelers. Moreover, Scott Dunn is noticing a growing interest in lesser-visited countries like Slovenia and Malta, along with “the classics reimagined” such as private experiences in Italy and a surge in requests for countryside trips in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Conservation and community are driving deeper dives into African regions, especially in Zambia and Mozambique. At the same time, popular South American destinations like Peru and Patagonia remain favorites, with Colombia and Panama significantly growing in demand. As Asian countries continue to open, travelers seem eager to return in a more mindful fashion, whether it’s to witness the newly reopened Trans-Bhutan Trail in Bhutan or participate in a samurai sword-making class in Japan.
Furthermore, Scott Dunn anticipates a 16% increase in multigenerational travel next year, particularly in “skip-generational” travel, with grandparents embarking on adventures with grandchildren (sans parents). Consequently, there is also an expected rise in LGBTQ+ parents including biological parents on excursions, alongside solo travelers joining family trips, all of which have seen an uptick in inquiries recently.
And above all, travelers are seeking to genuinely experience the world with adventure travel. Therefore, here are five thrilling itineraries that are among the most popular trips avid travelers are booking with Scott Dunn for 2023.
Exciting Itineraries
Italian Dolomites Ski Safaris
“In recent months, we’ve seen a marked increase in interest in Dolomites ski safaris,” Livia Angelini, a Europe travel specialist for Scott Dunn said, noting that guests “light up” when this Italian Alps option is suggested. “Skiing from hut to little private hut is a unique and magical way to blend adventure, luxury, and authenticity. With all the stops at family-owned chalets and mesmerizing views, guests experience diverse locations and hearty meals.”
She particularly loves combining her two favorite elements: skiing and food tailored to each traveler. “The skiing here is sublime: pristine slopes flanked by towering granite pillars in one of the world’s largest interconnected ski areas. Then, there’s the cuisine: from authentic local dishes in typical rifugio (Italian mountain hut) to fine dining experiences at some of Italy’s highest-rated establishments.”
Solo Trekking to Machu Picchu
It is important to monitor current events in Peru prior to travel arrangements (due to ongoing protests preventing trains to Machu Picchu from running). However, senior Latin America travel specialist Simon Hunt is excited about a unique solo trek he’s planning for an adventurous traveler heading to Machu Picchu in 2023.
“Staying at comfortable and authentic lodges every night, [the traveler’s] days will be filled with challenging trails, stunning views, and rich Incan history,” Hunt explains. “The journey will take him through archaeological sites, around turquoise lakes, and up through misty cloud forests to reach stunning sights of Machu Picchu. A private sunrise tour is included, along with a scenic train ride to Cusco.”
Shore-to-shore Adventure in Costa Rica
“Costa Rica is full of surprises,” Renata Da Silva, senior Latin America travel specialist at Scott Dunn, shares. During her own visit, she was struck by the diverse experiences, cuisine, and the warm interactions with locals. “In such a small country, it’s astonishing how many different ways you can experience the beach, whether it’s a hike through a canyon to the ocean or walking through dense jungle that suddenly leads to shore. White sand, black sand, nesting turtles, the Caribbean, and the Pacific — all await you here on this small stretch of paradise.”
“Adventure is around every corner, and sometimes it’s non-optional,” she adds. “One remarkable hotel I visited, Pacuare Lodge, can only be accessed via a four-by-four vehicle, followed by rafting on level two and three currents, plus a short drive in a golf cart. The experience started with a candlelit yoga session at sunset along the banks of the Pacuare River, accompanied by a delicious passionfruit crème brûlée.”
Botswana & Zambia Mobile Safari
For senior Africa travel specialist Bjorn Behlert, one of the most unique itineraries designed was for a guest returning to Botswana and Zambia in 2023. He aimed to “level things up” with a three-week mobile safari in Botswana, concluding at Victoria Falls.
“They will embark on a riding safari around Botswana’s Okavango Delta, sleeping in pre-arranged bell tents along the way for an authentic experience,” he notes. “Next, they will fly east to the unique expanses of the Makgadikgadi salt plains before exploring the woodlands of the Kalahari plains. A private flight will take them to Zambia, where they will swap their mounts for canoes and fishing rods to enjoy the wonders along the mighty Zambezi River, observing wildlife such as bathing elephants and elusive leopards. They will conclude with a helicopter flight to capture the awe-inspiring sight of Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world.”
Expedition to Antarctica
“In Antarctica, your perspective completely shifts as you witness nature in one of its purest forms,” shares the company’s personal travel advisor Meg Shepro. “With steep mountains, dazzling icebergs, and unique wildlife encounters, this destination truly embodies the essence of untouched beauty.”
During her own expedition, she was particularly thrilled to see orcas in the wild, fulfilling a lifelong dream by following these magnificent creatures in the Gerlache Strait for two hours. What resonated with her the most were the words of one expedition guide, Ross, who advised: “In this moment, remember to capture it, but also look up from the camera and truly be present.”
For more travel inspiration in planning your 2023 adventure with Scott Dunn, visit their site.
