YEAR OF THE RABBIT | Where to travel in 2023 according to your Chinese Zodiac

Maybe 2023 is off to an incredible start, and you’re celebrating all your wins. If so, congrats! Let’s keep them high vibes flowing. 

Or, maybe you haven’t had the freshest start to the new year (for me, both my car and my emotions broke down). But luckily for us, we have another chance for redemption – New Moon, New (Lunar) Year, New Me!

Dust yourself off, pick yourself up, and hop back on track. 
2023 will be a year to remember (and the year you finally check off a bunch of your travel goals!).

1. A Quick Guide to the Lunar Calendar and Zodiac Animals.png

The Lunar Calendar is based on a 60-year cycle, represented by the Zodiac Animals:

• Each animal rules 2 hours in each 24-hour day.
• Each animal is represented by a day in a 12-day cycle.
• Each animal rules a year in a 12-year cycle. 
• Each animal is governed by one of the Five Elements (Earth, Metal, Air, Fire, Water), which brings the unique properties of that element to the Zodiac Animal (and year).
• This is multiplied by the 12-year cycle, bringing it to a 60-year cycle.

This year is the year of the Water Rabbit!

*PS: The system is actually much more complex than this – with Celestial Stems and Earthly Branches adding nuance and intricacies – but we’re keeping it simplified for now, and leaving the complexities to someone much more qualified to explain.

2. So, What Will the Year of the Water Rabbit Bring.png

It’s said to be a year of hope.

The Rabbit is known as the gentlest and most tender of the Zodiac Animals, symbolising peace, luck, and success! 

Moving from the dynamic Year of the Tiger – which was ruled by strength, growth, vitality, and Yang energy – the Year of the Rabbit should be more subtle, nuanced, Yin, and peaceful; still brimming with success, but achieving it in a more calm and decisive manner. 

Bunnies are also known for their witty, ingenious, and socially affectionate nature, so this year is also set to be full of friendship, love, attractiveness, popularity, and is particularly auspicious for networking and partnerships!

Being governed by the Water Element only adds to this; with water gracing us all with fluidity and adaptability, creativity, intuition, diplomacy, strength, and subtle charm – all adding to your charisma, and helping speed negotiations along. 

All in all, luck is on your side, and it’s set to be a fantastic year ahead!

A word of advice: 

Even though professional success and advancement is yours, you’ll still need focus, hard work, and dedication. Pay attention to the big picture, and try not to be too distracted by less important tasks. You might also find that your dreams and goals from 2011 (the last Year of the Rabbit), start fruiting in 2023. Because relationships are important this year, business partnerships and mentors can be of great help, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Also, if you find yourself in a jam, remember that a gentle, steady stream of water can carve mountains. Go with the flow, but stay on course, and persevere!

4. 牛 Ox - Nepal.png

Birth years:  1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Travel destination: Nepal

Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR) 

The Ox is known for being kind, intelligent, hardworking, determined, and resolute – thriving in low-key vibes with an abundance of natural beauty, and with the endurance to embark on long journeys. Embrace slow travel with a trek through the Himalayas – and while you’re there, immerse yourself in Nepal’s rich history, spirituality, and cuisine.  

You’ll need to pre-order Nepalese Rupees (NPR) from your local Travel Money Oz store before your go – keep an eye on how both Nepal’s currency and the Indian Rupee is doing, as the two currencies are linked. Also, make sure to invest in travel insurance too.

6. 兔 Rabbit - Italy.png

Birth years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Travel destination: Italy

Currency: Euro (EUR)

It’s your year! According to Chinese legend, you should wear red underwear when it’s the year of your Zodiac Animal as it’s said to better your luck!

Rabbits are kind, artistic, sincere, compassionate, warm, and sociable creatures who love a laugh and have a great sense of humour. With your eye for detail and a love for all things beautiful, why not embrace the rich tapestry of art and culture that is Italy! From Michelangelo, to Raphael, to Da Vinci – Italy is the birthplace of some of the most renowned artists of all time. 

Take both cash and a prepaid travel money card when setting off on your romantic journey through Italy. And remember - if you pay with cash, you often get a better price! Read more tips for Italy on our Travel Guide.

8. 蛇 Snake - Cambodia.png

Birth years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

Travel destination: Cambodia

Currency: Cambodian Riel 

Introverted yet charming Snakes are a bit of an enigma – they love both peaceful natural environments as well as the more refined travelling style. Clever, curious and alluring, Snakes will enjoy travels that reflect these traits, so perhaps a gorgeous stay in Cambodia will satisfy your needs. There’s a rich culture and deep history to explore, which will quench the Snake’s thirst for knowledge, as well as quiet natural reserves for when Snakes start to crave solitude. On top of this, Cambodia is very budget-friendly for the Australian traveller, so you can stay in some luxurious accommodations without putting a dent in your wallet.

Most places in Cambodia accept both Cambodian Riel and USD, which means it’s common to receive your change in mixed currencies. Take both on your trip abroad – pre-order Cambodian Riel from your local Travel Money Oz, and load up a Currency Pass in USD.

10. 羊 Goat (or Sheep) - Thailand.png

Birth years:  1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

Travel destination: Thailand

Currency: Thai Baht (THB)  

The character for this Zodiac Animal,羊 yáng, translates to Caprinae – which is a family bovids (including goats, sheep, ram and ibex). Whichever animal you choose to represent you, all are strong and resilient yet kind and peace-loving. Goats (or Sheep) are loved for their easy-going, empathetic, cheerful nature, and as social creatures, travel best in a pack! So, why not explore Thailand with a group of your best friends? Whether you’re craving the bustling excitement of Bangkok, island-hopping in pristine waters, or an adventure to the lush north, Thailand is sure to please the crowd.

You’ll need Thai Baht for your adventures. We recommend taking both some cash for markets, rural areas, and smaller purchases, as well as loading up a Currency Pass travel card for when you’re in the bigger cities. Plus, with a Currency Pass, you can lock in your exchange rate!

12. 鸡 Rooster - Singapore.png

Birth years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

Travel destination: Singapore

Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD) 

Roosters are independent, hardworking, confident, observant, and brave (contrary to their names, this Zodiac Animal is not one to chicken out of an adventure!). They’re also practical and perfectionistic, and love to be efficient when travelling. Singapore will feel like home for these logical animals, with the Rooster making the most of slick, systematic and sparkling Singapore even before they step out of the world-renowned Changi Airport. 

Roosters also love to be practical and efficient with their money. Grab your Singapore Dollars (with our Rate Move Guarantee and Best Price Guarantee before you go, and also load up your Currency Pass prepaid travel card in Singapore Dollars (so you have more money to spend with less money to carry).

14. 豬 Pig (or Boar) - Switzerland.png

Birth years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Travel destination: Switzerland 

Currency: Swiss Francs (CHF)

Loving, generous, caring, and trustworthy, Pigs (or wild Boars) are the Zodiac Animal known most for their love of luxury. Pigs enjoy the finer things in life, are skilled at generating wealth, and enjoy sharing the beauty and indulgence that it can create with their loved ones. With all this in mind, why not take a luxury trip through the stunning Swiss Alps? While Swiss holidays tend to be on the expensive side, Pigs know how to save well and live abundantly, so enjoy all the chocolate, cheese, skiing, and glorious scenery to your heart’s content.

Fun Fact: Switzerland neighbours Italy, France and Germany, so different Swiss regions speak different languages! However, they all take the same currency. You’ll want your piggy bank filled with Swiss Francs before you go, so drop into your local Travel Money Oz store to grab the cash you need. You might also want a Currency Pass prepaid travel card loaded in Euros if you plan to explore the neighbouring countries! 

This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.  You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.  While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate, or is appropriate for you.  We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog.

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