Azores: An autonomous region of Portugal, the volcanic Azores islands appear on National Geographic's Best of the World list for 2023. See more destinations on the list:
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Laos: Candles surround a young nang keo dancer in Luang Prabang, Laos's former imperial capital that is now reachable by bullet train. The train is making Laos more accessible to tourists and bringing economic opportunities to locals.
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Manchester, United Kingdom: The English city of Manchester is listed in the "family" category. It's a magnet for soccer fans and a growing arts and culture hub.
A.P.S. (UK)/Alamy Stock Photo
Choquequirao, Peru: These Inca ruins are a less-visited alternative to Machu Picchu. The site is becoming more accessible to visitors and spurring economic development.
erick/Adobe Stock
Busan, South Korea: This South Korean city appears in the "culture" category. National Geographic mentions craft brewers and Asia's top film festival as elements of its allure.
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Botswana: Elephants graze among the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. The country is listed in the "nature" category for its efforts to restore endangered species, protect wildlife and foster community-owned tourism projects.
Beverly Joubert/Nat Geo Image Collection
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Milwaukee's supportive arts scene and growing emphasis on its riverfront helped earn the city a spot in the "community" category.