6 unusual travel ideas for 2023

With a brand new year comes a brand new opportunity to tick some new exciting destinations off that travel bucket list. If you’re not sure where to go, why not explore a few more unique options?

From surfing in the heart of one of Europe’s busiest cities, to trying a popular Japanese way to relax, here are six of our top unusual travel experiences to add to your list for 2023.

Vancouver: Camp near whales

Vancouver is the perfect base for unforgettable wildlife adventures on Canada's west coast. While whale-watching tours depart regularly from the city, those looking for a more immersive experience can head a little farther afield to camp along the coastline of Howe Sound or the Sunshine Coast. Surrounded by forests, mountains and the Pacific Ocean, you'll have the chance to wake up to spectacular scenery and, during the season, spot orcas, humpback whales and other marine wildlife from the shore or on nearby boat excursions.

Tokyo: Try forest bathing

The Japanese term shinrin-yoku translates as forest bathing — something that is becoming popular around the world. No, it doesn’t involve showering in the woods; it means to spend time being still and present in nature. Simply lay peacefully on the forest floor, gaze up at the swaying branches, and listen to the sounds of the outdoors.

Science tells us that this kind of nature immersion can improve our wellbeing, and helps forest-bathers to relax and feel re-energized. (A bit like taking a bath!) One of the best places to forest bathe within easy reach of Tokyo is the Akigawa Valley, a beautiful woodland landscape popular with hikers and campers.

Munich: Go surfing in the city

Munich in Southern Germany boasts one of the most unusual spots to surf in Europe — especially since the city has no coastline. A break in the Eisbach River, where it flows through the southern end of Englischer Garten, creates a reliable 12-meter-wide wave known as the Eisbach Wave. And this isn’t the only place to river surf in Munich. A few hundred meters downstream, the slightly gentler E2 Wave is also popular, and between May and September a spot known as Floßlände on the Isar River is also surfable.

Reykjavik: Snorkel between tectonic plates

Often called The Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland’s volcano, hot spring and glacier-dominated landscape offers heaps of unusual experiences for travelers. But, there’s one otherworldly activity here that’s completely unique — swimming through a crack in the Earth’s actual surface between two continents. Here, the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart. In Thingvellir National Park, not far from Reykjavik, this tectonic fissure has filled up with freshwater from the Langjökull Glacier, and you can snorkel or scuba dive in it.

Brighton: Street art neighborhoods

Brighton has become one of the UK's most exciting destinations for street art, with colorful murals and creative public art decorating streets throughout the city. One of the best places to explore is North Laine, where independent shops, cafés and vibrant artwork create an open-air gallery full of character. Throughout the year, local and international artists continue to add new murals, making every visit a little different. Wander through the surrounding streets to discover hidden artworks, bold graffiti and some of Brighton's most photogenic corners.

Sydney: Go open air swimming

We all know about Sydney’s iconic beaches and if you’ve been to the capital of New South Wales, you’ll know that both residents and visitors love the ‘Manly or Bondi; Which beach is better?’ argument. So, this year when visiting Sydney, take your trunks, cossies and thongs (aka: flip-flops) to one of the city’s epic open-air pools instead.

Many public parks like Victoria Park, Petersham Park and Prince Alfred Park have great freshwater pools, while the harbor-fed MacCallum Pool at Cremorne Point boasts epic city skyline views. Or, if you really must go to the beach, swap the sand and surf for the sea pools at Bondi and Bronte beaches.