The Top 10 Luxury Travel Package Destinations for Auction in 2023

The time of revenge travel is over, but that doesn’t mean donor trips are slowing down. As we head into 2023, a new trend is emerging – and it's all about authenticity. 

This year, we're taking donors to some of the most pristine and untouched places on earth, and uncovering old favorites in more meaningful ways. 

Read on to find out our top ten auction travel package destinations for 2023 and bring the best of the world to your benefit event. 

Why Choose an Auction Travel Package?

When it comes to charity events, nothing beats the sheer fundraising power of travel experiences. 

Averaging over $6,000 in proceeds per sale, this auction item idea is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to raise. And with travel booming in 2023, now is the perfect opportunity for nonprofits to take advantage of all the world has to offer. 

So where are your donors dying to go this year? 

After thousands of top-rated guest stays, we’ve narrowed down over 80 incredible destinations to one definitive list. So pack your bags and get ready to raise more with our top ten travel packages for auction in 2023.

10. Koh Samui, Thailand

Crowned the second best island in Asia by Travel + Leisure Magazine, Koh Samui's pristine, paradisical shores deserves a definitive spot on your donors’ bucket lists. 

Smaller and less developed than its counterpart, Phuket, donors can immerse themselves in the island’s unique cultural heritage and elysian natural beauty – from picturesque temples to lush emerald jungle and powder-white sands. 

Things to Do

• Explore Ang Thong National Marine Park, an archipelago of 42 limestone islands dotted with hidden lagoons and untouched beaches
• Snorkel the crystal-clear waters of Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, or Chaweng Beach, home to vibrant reefs, sea turtles, and tropical fish
• Discover the majestic Namuang waterfalls and take a dip in their cooling pools
• Stroll the vibrant markets and rustic wooden shophouses of Fisherman’s Village
• Experience traditional Thai culture at the Buddhist temples of Wat Phra Yai, Wat Ratchathammaram, and Wat Plai Laem.

Auction Item Idea

• Koh Samui Sunrise

9. Marrakesh, Morocco

A cultural crossroads and site of ancient Arab and Berber civilizations, Marrakesh has long been a haunt for the world’s wanderers and adventurous spirits.

History abounds here, from vast and vibrant souk markets to centuries-old palaces, gardens, and mosques. Balance this with world-class luxury, five-star restaurants, and glittering royal abodes for one of the world’s most enchanting and unique destinations.   

Things to Do

• Discover the ancient walled settlement of The Medina, whose mazelike markets overflow with artisanal wares, street food stalls, and colorful spices
• Cross the Agafay desert by camel and break bread at traditional Berber villages 
• Tour the 19th century Bahia palace with its 150 intricate rooms, marble courtyard, and lush gardens 
• Partake in ancient cleansing rituals at some of the city’s most famous hammams: Mouassine, Hammam de la Rose, Bains de Marrakech, and Royal Mansour 

Auction Item Idea

• Magnificent Marrakesh

8. Big Sky, Montana

Nothing captures the unending vastness of Montana quite like its moniker: Big Sky Country. From rugged mountains to grassy plains, the beauty of Big Sky is as varied as its dramatic landscapes.  

Home to the majestic Lone Mountain and gateway to Yellowstone National Park, this region is one of the last remaining outposts of American wild. 

Things to Do

• Tackle 6000 acres of ski terrain at Big Sky Resort, home to the highest vertical rise in Montana 
• Take a charming winter sleigh ride through towering cathedral forests blanketed with snow
• Whitewater raft in the rushing Gallatin river or cross the plains by horseback
• Hike the untouched wilderness of Yellowstone National Park, home to ancient geysers, rugged canyons, and Great American wildlife. 

Auction Item Idea

• Yellowstone Dreams

7. Paros, Greece

Featured in Condé Nast's top travel picks of the year, the small Cyclades island of Paros is having its Mediterranean moment. 

Quieter and less traveled than its sister islands, Mykonos and Santorini, this off-the-beaten-track destination has managed to retain its authentic Greek feel. Donors will be charmed by winding cobblestone streets, whitewashed walls, and picturesque coastal villages. 

Things to Do

• Stroll Lefkes, a quintessentially Greek village boasting narrow whitewashed alleys, bright bougainvillea, and surrounding olive groves
• Savor Greece's UNESCO-endorsed culinary scene at Naoussa's twinkling harbor-front restaurants 
• Explore archaeological ruins dating back to the 5th century BC
• Snorkel the sunken Mariana shipwreck teeming with rich marine life
• Sail the hidden coves and sun-kissed golden beaches dotting the island, from Mini Santa Maria to Kolymbithres, Faragas, and Kalogeros

For travellers willing to part with the familiar streets of Santorini or the mecca of the masses, Mykonos, the rewards are sweet, the beaches golden and the hospitality second to none.

FREELANCE DIGITAL EDITOR AND JOURNALIST - CONDE NAST TRAVELLER

Auction Item Idea

• Picturesque Paros

6. Turks and Caicos Islands

The most searched travel destination of Fall 2022, Turks and Caicos is the Caribbean's unapologetic answer to the Maldives. 

Famed for its heavenly turquoise waters and paradisical beaches, this seaside paradise is much more than its white sands. Made up of 40 alluring islands and glittering cays, TCI leaves plenty of untouched natural beauty for travelers to discover. 

Things to Do

• Snorkel one of the world’s greatest barrier reefs, whose crystal-clear waters are home to wild turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish
• Explore the vast sandy stretches of Iguana Island and Half Moon Bay, accessible only by boat and home to wild Iguanas
• Discover the rustic charm of Grand Turk, with its colonial architecture, historic Lighthouse, and 19th century prison 
• Beach hop the sugar-white sands of Grace Bay, Taylor Bay, or Sapodilla Bay, or escape to highly secluded Parrot Cay

“Each individual island is so distinct and unique when it comes to the feel, authenticity, cuisine, activities, and history, which makes the destination very special.”

MARY LIGHTBOURNE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TOURISM, TURKS AND CAICOS

Auction Item Ideas

• Provo Paradise
• Grace Bay Breeze
• Turtle Cove Romance
• Postcards from Provo
• Island Romance

5. Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Winner of 6 Travvy Awards in 2022 alone, this nearly 200-mile stretch of Pacific coastline encompasses the charming colonial city of Puerto Vallarta and the exclusive gated community of Punta Mita. 

Nestled between the lush Sierra Madre and some of the world’s most pristine waters, visitors to this region will want to venture beyond the resorts to discover the area's breathtaking natural beauty and unique cultural expression.

Things to Do

• Snorkel the Los Arcos National Marine Reserve, five striking islets jutting out of the ocean and home to the rare blue-footed booby
• Sail the pristine islands of Islas Marietas, site of the magical hidden beach and a UNESCO-protected reserve for dolphins, humpbacks, and rays
• Get a taste of authentic Mexican culture with an intimate street food tour in Puerto Vallarta or Sayulita 
• Uncover Nayarit’s hidden beach gems: Playa Las Animas, Playa Las Caletas, and San Pancho

Discover more in our exclusive Guide To Luxury Auction Packages in Puerto Vallarta

Auction Item Ideas

• Los Arcos Sights
• Punta Mita Paradise
• Puerto Vallarta Postcards
• Azure Vistas
• Mismaloya Magic

4. Dordogne, France

Beyond the glittering galleries and grand avenues of Paris, France's timeless charm is perhaps best captured in the idyllic countryside of Dordogne.

Nestled between the majestic Pyrenees and Loire Valley, this centuries-old region is rich with history and unparalleled gastronomic heritage.

Donors seeking an authentic French experience will be well-rewarded with endless sun-kissed vineyards, breathtaking medieval hilltop villages, ornate chateaux, and some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. 

Things to Do

• Wander the world-famous Bordeaux Wine Route and sample 20 centuries of winemaking tradition
• Discover the 12th-century pilgrim village of Rocamadour, a breathtaking UNESCO heritage site perched on the cliffs of the Alzou canyon
• Explore the majestic fortress of Chateau de Castelnaud with panoramic views of the Dordogne river and Périgourdine countryside
• Stroll the local markets and savor the region's finest exports, from Rocamadour cheese to strawberries, caviar, and truffles
• Marvel at prehistoric cave art at the meticulously replicated Lascaux IV caves

Auction Item Idea

• Dordogne Dreaming

3. Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

One of 60 tantalizing islands, this British Overseas territory has remained a hidden gem of the Caribbean, beloved by off-the-beaten-path travelers and the world's wealthy discreet. 

Small and unspoiled, it’s not uncommon to find its vast stretches of white sand empty of travelers and its pristine azure waters frequented only by tropical fish. Here donors will find a balance between laid-back island culture and understated yacht living.

Things to Do

• Explore the Baths, an enchanting labyrinth of sun-dappled grottoes and crystal-clear pools on spectacular white sand beaches
• Hike the mountainous Gorda Peak Nature Reserve for breathtaking 360° views of the surrounding islands
• Discover the area’s history, from the sunken Chikuzen shipwreck to the ruins of the 19th-century copper mine
• Snorkel the semi-submerged caves of Treasure Point, once the hiding place of 18th-century pirate treasure

Auction Item Idea

• Blissful BVI

2. Tuscany, Italy

A powerhouse of culture, history, and culinary arts, Tuscany is one familiar destination experiencing a true travel renaissance in 2023. 

While Florence is a must, donors will want to stray beyond the region's famed museums and piazzas to discover authentic Italian dolce vita and varied natural beauty - from sun-drenched vineyards and medieval villages to the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean. 

Things to Do

• Venture to locally owned vineyards where the region’s famed exports of Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino are lovingly made
• Share in the connection between culture, food, and place with an authentic Italian cooking class
• Hike the breathtaking cliffside trails of Cinque Terre, connecting the colorful seaside villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore 
• Uncover authentic medieval architecture and rich history in the hilltop towns of San Gimignano and Cortona, dating back to the 12th century. 

Discover more in our exclusive Guide to Luxury Auction Travel Packages in Tuscany, Italy

Auction Item Ideas

• Timeless Tuscany
• Tuscan Treasures
• Tuscan Beauty

1. Patagonia, Chile

At the far-flung corners of the globe, you’ll find one of the last true wildernesses on earth, and our number-one travel destination of 2023 – Chilean Patagonia.

More remote than its Argentinian neighbor, this untamed region boasts 750,000 acres of ruggedly breathtaking landscapes, glittering fjords, and majestic snow-capped mountains. 

With Kawesqar-inspired stargazing domes and eco-conscious lodges now inviting the adventurous traveler, donors can be one of the first to experience this utterly pristine and protected paradise. 

Things to Do

• Ride horseback through the wild Torres del Paine steppes 
• Set off on a guided wildlife safari and discover rare and exotic guanacos, puma, and nandu
• Hike the “W” trail, from the azure waters of Laguna Azul to the three towering peaks of Paine Massif
• Sail or kayak past massive icebergs to the edge of the imposing Glacier Grey
• Rejuvenate body and soul at a wellness spa in the heart of nature

"Its rugged wilds, dense forests, and turquoise-tinted lakes will leave you breathless – in the best possible way. Put simply, this is one of the best destinations to leave you utterly spellbound."

TOM MARCHANT, CO-FOUNDER OF BLACK TOMATO LUXURY TRAVEL GROUP

Auction Item Idea

• Patagonia Wonder

Discover More Travel Experiences

The world is a vast and wonderous place, and we want your donors to discover it all. Explore more awe-inspiring travel experiences or speak with a consultant today to start your fundraising journey.