Most Popular Travel Guides of 2023
This year marked the first full year of Stay to Wander, after I started it in December 2022.
And I thought it would be fun to take a look back and see what the most popular travel guides on my website were. This will give you an insight into the top destinations people were planning for in 2023, and will hopefully inspire you to discover some new travel destinations for yourself going into 2024!
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Here’s a look at my top 10 most popular travel guides of the year:
1. Where to Stay in NYC at Christmas: 10 Most Festive Hotels
My guide on where to stay in NYC at Christmas was very popular this year, especially as people started to plan their Christmas trips to New York! As a native New Yorker, Christmas is truly my favorite time of year in the city, so I had a lot of fun putting this guide together with my top picks for festive NYC hotels.
2. Where to Stay in Lake Como Without a Car (5 Best Towns)
Lake Como in Italy is a beautiful destination, but it can be a little tricky to get around without a car, and requires figuring out trains, ferries, and buses. I wrote this guide after taking multiple trips to Lake Como only using public transportation, highlighting the best towns to base yourself in for a car-free trip.
3. Where to Stay in Cinque Terre, Italy (Best Towns & Hotels)
Another Italian destination that topped the charts this year was Cinque Terre. I’ve now been to Cinque Terre twice, and I’m obsessed with this collection of five colorful fishing villages along the Ligurian coast. This guide goes in-depth on where to stay in Cinque Terre, including choosing the right town and hotel.
4. 12 Best Hotels in Ischia, Italy: Top Places to Stay
Italy is always a good idea! My guide to the best hotels in Ischia was also popular this year. Ischia is an island off the coast of Naples, and it’s the perfect alternative to the crowded, expensive, and ultra-touristy Amalfi Coast. Ischia is a beautiful island with beaches, castles, gardens, hot springs, and more!
5. 10 Best Luxury Hotels in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is one of my favorite regions in the UK. Located just a couple of hours from London, you’ll find rolling hills and charming villages with picture-perfect views in the Cotswolds. This guide highlights my favorite luxury stays in the Cotswolds, perfect for a weekend getaway from London!
6. 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Curacao
Now we’re moving over to the Caribbean — the island of Curacao, to be exact! Although neighboring Aruba is more popular and receives about double the number of overnight visitors, I actually think Curacao is better! It’s more underrated and has stunning beaches, and these are my picks for the best hotels!
7. Where to Stay in Cartagena Walled City
Cartagena is a colorful, vibrant city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. The historic Walled City is definitely the best area of the city to stay in, with its charming cobblestone streets and brightly colored buildings. This guide highlights my favorite hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury splurges.
8. Where to Stay in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna is one of the best destinations in Costa Rica, offering volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, hanging bridges, adventure activities like ziplining, and more. This guide on where to stay in La Fortuna (with options for every budget) was popular with travelers looking to plan a fun and outdoorsy getaway.
9. 15 Best Luxury Hotels in Rome, Italy
After multiple trips to Rome, I feel like I’ve gotten to know different areas of the city pretty well. Rome is a must on any first-time Italian itinerary, with so much incredible history and things to do. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, this guide showcases the best luxury hotels in Rome for a memorable stay.
10. 11 Best Luxury Hotels in Oia, Santorini
Rounding out my most popular travel guides of 2023 is a guide to the best luxury hotels in Oia, Santorini. Oia is the most picturesque and romantic village on the iconic Greek island of Santorini, famous for its blue-domed, whitewashed buildings, dramatic cliffside location, and unrivaled sunset views.
Most Popular Travel Guides of 2023
These were my most popular travel guides of 2023.
There was definitely a lot of diversity in destinations this year — readers were interested in North America, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe (which is every region I cover!)
While I have a number of budget-focused hotel guides on my website, it’s also interesting to note that many people favored luxury stays, with three of my most popular guides focusing on luxury hotels.
As far as countries go, Italy was the most popular. Four of my most popular travel guides are focused on Italian destinations. That’s no surprise, as Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world.
It’s been a great year of running Stay to Wander, and I’m excited to see what 2024 brings!
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