8 brilliant holidays to book a year in advance
Give yourself an amazing trip to look forward to in 2023 with our fantastic book-ahead holiday ideas
One of our favourite ways to travel is planning a dream holiday we can look forward to in the future. Yes, it's fun to book a trip you can experience imminently but there's nothing like having something big to get excited about.
That's exactly why we've created some incredible journeys that you can book a year in advance. Our pick of 2023 trips are bigger and better than your average escape, making them worth the wait, too: think celebrity experts joining you and holidays that take in special events.
From exploring Japan during the picturesque cherry blossom season to riding through the Swiss Alps on the magical Glacier Express, these are the holidays to look forward to next year.
Whether you'd like to take your staycation in the UK to the next level, or embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a faraway land, these book-ahead holidays factor in the best of travel at home and abroad.
Why book a holiday in advance?
There are countless benefits to being an early bird. By booking your holiday in advance you'll give yourself something really exciting to look forward to, especially if you plan on travelling when a spectacular natural event takes place.
Trips to Japan during cherry blossom season are popular for a reason and, as you can imagine, they sell out fast. The same goes for Arctic adventure holidays, especially if you're hoping to travel at the right time of year to spot majestic wild polar bears.
Booking the year before you travel means you'll have the main cost of your holiday out of the way too, giving yourself plenty of time to save up for spending money, too. Plus, if you like a specific room or cabin type, securing your spot on a trip early means you're more likely to find availability.
Planning in advance also means you can be sure to book your trip for the perfect time, to coincide with exciting annual events, or to make sure you’re visiting a region at the best time of year.
A trip to Japan in the spring will allow you to soak in the beauty of its cherry blossom season, when the country is at its most beautiful. And visit Madeira next April and you’ll be wowed by its spectacular annual Flower Festival.
Check out our top ideas for holidays to book now to look forward to in 2023.
See Japan's magnificent cherry blossom
We can't think of a better trip than exploring the gardens, bright cities and majestic mountains of Japan. If you're looking for one big trip to take in 2023 let it be a discovery of this beautiful country.
There’s no better time to visit than during the Hanami festivities, which celebrate the beauty of the blooming cherry blossom, so it’s worth planning your trip well in advance to make sure you can travel in the prettiest of seasons. You can also spend time exploring the natural beauty of Hiroshima, the iconic Mount Fuji, and the neon lights of Tokyo during our fantastic 2023 tour.
Enjoy the wonders of Scotland from a luxurious yacht
With more of us appreciating what's right on our doorstep, holidays in the UK are still selling like hot cakes. You'll want to get in early if you want to experience Britain in the best way possible in 2023... on a Scottish Highlands adventure you'll never forget!
On this trip, you'll have sail the beautiful Caledonian Canal on board a luxury private yacht with an elegant bar and panoramic windows. This is an unforgettable way to explore the Highlands and islands, navigating hidden sea lochs and sailing past the many towering castles dotted along Scotland's western shore, spotting amazing wildlife along the way.
Glide through the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express
The bright red Glacier Express is what winter dreams are made of. This magical experience has been dubbed the world’s slowest express train (it is an eight-hour ride, after all!), and takes you over 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels and climbs to the top of the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres.
You'll want to pack your camera for this one!Good Housekeeping has a five-day holiday in Switzerland that takes in all the charms of winter in 2023, from riding the Glacier Express to cruising Lake Thun.
Experience Madeira’s fabulous Flower Festival
The Portuguese island of Madeira is a haven for any plant lover. Thanks to its rich volcanic soil, flowers from all over the world can grow on Madeira. The island is in full bloom every April, when the annual Flower Festival takes place. It’s no wonder many keen botanists plan trips far in advance just to visit the island at its most colourful.
During the festivities the streets of Madeira’s picturesque capital Funchal are filled with floral floats as locals and visitors celebrate the beauty of nature. Good Housekeeping’s eight-day tour in 2023 is timed to coincide with the festival, so you can make the most of the unmissable floral spectacle.
Travel from New Orleans to Memphis on the world’s largest authentic paddle wheel steamboat
The USA's southern states are a wonderful destination full of historical architecture, charming small-town culture and sprawling countryside. One of the highlights is New Orleans, with its a heady cultural mix of French, African and modern American influences. The city is world famous for its unique cuisine - from Cajun and Creole dishes to the hearty flavours of traditional Soul Food – and, of course, its effortlessly cool nightlife.
On Good Housekeeping’s 2023 tour of the Deep South you’ll sail up the mighty Mississippi on the American Queen, the world's largest authentic paddlewheel steamboat – a timeless way to enjoy a timeless destination.
Ride Canada's Rocky Mountaineer and cruise Alaska
In 2023 you can experience a train journey like no other, with the Rocky Mountaineer's spectacular route through Canada and Alaska. Glass-roofed carriages let you soak in the amazing views on the scenic journey as you enjoy the excellent service the Rocky Mountaineer is famous for.
During this unforgettable adventure with Good Housekeeping, you’ll experience the wonders of British Columbia, the stunning Alaskan coastline, and the wilds of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. You may even spot humpback whales, orca, bald eagles and bears while travelling through the mighty forests of this beautiful part of North America.
Experience the Midnight Sun in Svalbard on an Arctic expedition
A trip to the Arctic is on many travel bucket lists, and Norway's Svalbard archipelago is Arctic wilderness at its best, with its dramatic scenery and crystal glaciers. Of course, one of the most exciting parts of any trip to this wild part of the world is the chance to encounter majestic polar bears in their natural habitat.
The best time to view polar bears on the Svalbard Islands is from May to September, so it’s well worth planning a trip in advance to give yourself the best chance of spotting one of these incredible animals. On Good Housekeeping’s 2023 Arctic Adventure you’ll travel with a team of experts who’ll create your itinerary to give you the best chance of spotting the native wildlife.
Learn how to make aromatherapy candles in Scotland's Trossachs
Dream holidays aren't all about far-flung escapes and getting creative in a beautiful staycation destination can provide just as many memories. Creative holidays are a great way to get something more out of your break, allowing you to learn something new while exploring a new location. If you’d like to try your hand at a new activity on your holiday in 2023, aromatherapy could be for you – especially if you have an appreciation of gorgeous scents.
On Good Housekeeping’s creative break in the Scottish Highlands you can pick up all the skills you’ll need to become an expert aromatherapy candle-maker. And what’s more, the break will take place in at Gartmore House, a charming country manor set in 100 acres of private grounds close to the inspiring landscapes of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
Stay in George Michael's former Oxfordshire home
11 free bonfire night events around the UK
The destination Claudia Winkleman calls 'magic'
12 stress-free UK Christmas breaks
