As the travel industry rebounds, some surprising destinations are emerging as favorites for summer 2023. According to industry experts, **Copenhagen**, **Athens**, and **Auckland** are experiencing significant booking increases compared to last year, with each city seeing double-digit growth. With its vibrant culinary scene and bike-friendly design, Copenhagen is enjoying a cultural resurgence. Athens, along with lesser-known gems like **Naxos** and **Rhodes**, benefits from improved airlift and its established role as a cruise hub. Meanwhile, Auckland is capturing the attention of Canadians seeking longer stays during the off-peak season, with many travelers taking advantage of layovers in nearby cities such as **Melbourne** and **Sydney**.
So, what is fueling this newfound interest in these destinations? “A few factors are at play,” explains Mosher, a travel industry analyst. “Increased connectivity, versatility in travel options, and a heightened awareness of responsible tourism are all contributing to this trend. A recent survey conducted by [Flight Centre-YouGov](https://www.flightcentre.ca) revealed that 71% of Canadians are concerned about overtourism, and 81% would opt for a less-crowded alternative when planning their trips.
There’s also been a noticeable shift in cruise bookings, moving from the Caribbean to **Europe** and the **South Pacific**. Travel Leaders Network highlights that even **Alaska cruises** are gaining traction, possibly due to their departure points from Canadian cities and travelers’ hesitance to head into the U.S. right now.
Preferred Destinations for Summer 2023
Travel agents are on the front lines of these trends, providing valuable insights into popular travel choices for this summer. Cheri Ozimac, Senior Travel Designer and cruise specialist with [Tully Luxury Travel](https://www.tullyluxurytravel.com), notes that given the current economic climate, many travelers appreciate the all-inclusiveness of cruises. “Clients are gravitating towards close-to-home options such as **Alaska**, the **Great Lakes**, **Mississippi river cruises**, and journeys through **Canada & New England**,” she reports. Promotions, including **Canada-at-par pricing**, are enticing Canadians to explore local destinations.
According to Marianna Vogel, owner of [Just for You Travel & Consulting](https://www.justforyoutravel.ca) in Dundas, Ontario, her clients are distinctly avoiding U.S. destinations. “Many are opting to experience Canada, especially by rail. The **Rocky Mountaineer** is enjoying a surge in bookings as travelers choose road trips within the country,” she shares. This shift is indicative of a growing preference among Canadians to support local businesses and tourism.
Scott Penney from [The Travel Agent Next Door](https://www.thetravelagentnextdoor.com) corroborates these observations, stating that more clients are choosing to explore **Europe** and **Canada** this summer. He mentions an increase in bookings for river cruises and rail travel, which is gaining popularity among clients looking for unique travel experiences. “Train travel offers many unique opportunities,” he adds, reflecting a broader theme of exploring diverse travel options.
Long-Distance Travels on the Rise
Despite the preference for nearby destinations, there is also a growing interest in far-flung locales. Gary Rams from [Crowfoot Travel Solutions](https://crowfoottravel.com) reports that Japan and Thailand are leading flight bookings as people become more adventurous in their travel choices. “Asia is making a strong comeback, aided by an increase in flight availability,” he notes. He also points out a notable rise in single travelers seeking opportunities across the globe—particularly outside the United States.
As summer 2023 approaches, a clear travel narrative emerges: global travelers are seeking diverse experiences, bridging the gap between local explorations and international adventures. With the travel landscape shifting dramatically, the demand for unique destinations continues to grow, leaving a trail of excitement and potential in its wake.
