I’ve traveled a lot in 29 years, and these are some of my favorite places to visit in 2023. My travels this year took me to historic sites and heights that everyone should experience.

As a result of the pandemic, traveling further and farther has become increasingly difficult. So, I’ve found some fun places over the last year that aren’t across the world and don’t cost an arm and a leg. Most of these attractions are close to us in North Carolina, so you can plan a nice little weekend getaway to visit them in 2023. You may have to travel a little farther to reach some of them, depending on where you live. Here are my top 6 places you should visit in 2023 on your travel bucket list.

• 1. Tree Top Soak in North Carolina

  This is my number one because no doubt, this was my favorite adventure in North Carolina this year. The treetop soaking tub and cabana are really what make Lakeview at Fontana unique. The cabana is located at the very top of the resort; it is completely private and secluded. The resort hosts two treetop cabanas (A & B) and both are easy to get to. After walking up a short path through the woods and a few stairs, you’ll land at your magical destination.

• 2. Baskins Creek Falls in Tennessee

  I love nature and I love hiking Baskins Creek Falls. This is in the Great Smoky Mountains. Let me just start by saying…this is a DIFFICULT HIKE. Especially if you just hiked a good six or so miles the day before, man this trail is a workout. You go up to go down, so the hike back is a bit harder than others. During the hike, my boyfriend and I only passed around 6 other hikers which was great because I love being alone on a trail. It’s always much more peaceful and I recommend this trail if you are aiming to avoid the crowds. Oh and the end result…TOTALLY WORTH IT!

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• 3. Dinosaur Museum in Colorado Springs

  If you love dinosaurs this trip is a must. Its right at the start of Colorado Springs in Colorado and full of dinosaur artifacts. One of the coolest things about this place is that you can actually see some of the employees working on historic items at the end of your tour. If you are a dinosaur lover, this is 100% a must-see.

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• 4. Hanging Rock State Park in North Carolina

  This is an easy one and could be a day-trip visit in North Carolina. My campy and I took a camping trip this year in October to the Hanging Rock campground and I highly recommend. It is a beautiful state park, affordable to camp and the views are some of the best in North Carolina. You can even take the big hike to the top of Hanging Rock which is 2,579 feet above sea level.

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• 5. The Troll in Breckenridge, Colorado

  If you love seeing weird things when you travel, the Troll in Breckenridge should be on your travel bucket list. Its a super short hike and you get to see this giant wooden Troll hidden in the woods.

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• 6. Bryson City in North Carolina

  If you love waterfalls like I do than you need to plan a weekend trip to Bryson City. Within thirty minutes of one another, you can see three different waterfalls located in the Great Smoky Mountains. If you visit during the summer months, you can even tub down the river and float past some of the waterfalls. I watched everyone float by, even in pouring rain, and it looked pretty cool. I 100% plan on doing it once.

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• BONUS: Travel Sites That Help You Book & Save

  Planning a trip can be stressful. There are so many things to research before making your getaway plans set in stone and after a while, it can make you a little fog minded. I have spent countless hours comparing flights, hotels and things to do for my various travel ideas, so trust me, I get the hassle.

  But during my wandering trips on the internet, I’ve happened to stumble upon some fantastic travel planning sites that make finalizing a trip a MILLION times easier. Some are specific to certain destinations and others are general travel package sites, but whether you are just looking for inspiration or trying to seal your travel deal, these are bound to help.

  • Gate 1 Travel
  • Go Away
  • Go-today Vacation Packages
  • Trip Hobo
  • Travel Zoo
  • Great Value Vacations

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