THE WORLD'S Greatest PLACES

The travel industry is back in full swing in 2023, but not without notable shifts in how and where we wander. Steeper costs and increased interest in sustainability and authenticity are reshaping the landscape. Explore these 15 and 35 more of the most exciting spots at time.com/worldsgreatestplaces

Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia

Preserving paradise

As French Polynesia moves toward more sustainable tourism a new five-year plan calls for one foreign visitor per local resident-visiting the remote Tuamotu Archipelago is one way to put your dollars more directly into the pockets of locals. Known for black-pearl farming, the Tuamotus sprawl over 76 islands and atolls across 700,000 sq. mi. of the South Pacific, and are just an hour's fly time from the capital of Papeete.

The Tuamotus are also known for world-class surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling, with plunging coral walls and current-washed passes filled with reef sharks on atolls like Fakarava and Rangiroa (the latter is the second largest atoll in the world and could fit the entire main island of Tahiti within its enormous lagoon).

Get off the grid at family-owned and operated spots like Cocoperle Lodge on Ahe, Les Relais de Joséphine on Rangiroa, and Le Relais Royal Tikehau, where you can go fishing with local fishermen.

In December, Delta launched a nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Papeete on Tahiti, and in February, Air Moana launched interisland flights from Papeete to Rangiroa to compete with Air Tahiti's historically pricey fares.

You can tour the Tuamotus on wind power too, with catamaran sailing adventures for up to 12 people with Herevai Charter. -Terry Ward

Ladakh, India

Adventures and eats

With its astonishing alpine landscapes and Tibetan Buddhist culture, Ladakh-in the farthest-flung part of North India-has enough wonders to warrant multiple visits.