(CNN) — It’s never too early to start planning for next year’s big trips.
National Geographic is getting an early start, too, releasing its Best of the World list in late October with 25 must-see destinations for 2023.
Respect — for the people and their cultures, for the land and its conservation — is an overarching theme of the list, which is divided into five official categories.
The hope is that 2023 will be not just a big return to travel but also to rediscovering wonder, said Amy Alipio, senior editor for National Geographic Travel.
“Because when you are awed by something, you treat it with respect. And that spirit is something we want to encourage with this list,” Alipio said.
The list focuses on destinations that have community-led conservation efforts, healing and heritage journeys and ways for travelers to give back as well as places that are doing important work in ecotourism, sustainability and inclusive travel.
A young nang keo dancer performs in Luang Prabang, Laos’ former imperial capital that is now reachable by bullet train.
Kike Calvo/Nat Geo Image Collection
Looking at community
National Geographic has introduced a new category in this year’s list, replacing “sustainability” with a broader “community” category.
“It’s about broadening the focus on the people striving for sustainable destinations and the various ways that manifests, from making travel more accessible to supporting local businesses,” Alipio said.
Sustainability has been woven into every category a bit more. The other four categories are nature, culture, adventure and family.
The five destinations listed under the “community” heading represent a diverse range of strengths.
Ghana is listed as an important destination for Black heritage travelers in West Africa.
Alberta, Canada also makes the list.
“They have been a leader in Indigenous tourism, basically getting travelers out there learning the stories and the ways of life of the First Nations here in North America,” and their vibrant, contemporary cultures, Alipio said.
In Laos, a new high-speed train is making the country more accessible to visitors and bringing economic opportunity to locals.
The Great Lakes city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is listed in part because it has been “really supportive of its creative community,” Alipio said, citing Bronzeville, which is opening a cultural center focused on African American art.
And in Greece’s Dodecanese Islands, Karpathos is a standout for sustainable tourism with female…
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