best travel destination 2024

The Path of Totality North America

Dance, gawk or run in the dark, but don’t look directly at the sun.

From the beaches of Mazatlán, Mexico, to the rugged coves of Maberly, Newfoundland, the sky will be the stage on April 8 as a total solar eclipse sweeps across North America. This year, the moon will be near its closest point to Earth, resulting in an unusually wide swath and long-lasting totality.

Mexico, Canada and 13 U.S. states will greet the darkness with celebrations. The Portal Eclipse Festival in Mazatlán promises “spiritual growth” through D.J.s, yoga and more. NASA will be broadcasting from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where $15 will get you admission to a festival and eclipse glasses called, fittingly, the Greatest Spectacles. On the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, Cosmologists Without Borders will offer space-themed programs. And if you’re game to run with a headlamp, consider a race in Millinocket, Maine.

You can find an interactive map at eclipse2024.org and a list of activities at nationaleclipse.com .

— Danielle Dowling

Paris France

Preparing for the olympics, and millions of sports lovers.

Already one of the most visited cities in the world, Paris is preparing to welcome millions of travelers this summer as host of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games . It will be the biggest sporting event in the city’s history, and to mark the occasion many well-known monuments are being transformed into sports and entertainment venues.

In a first, the Olympics opening ceremony will not be held in a stadium but outdoors, along the River Seine and near the Eiffel Tower. Outdoor swimming and the para-triathlon will be set against the backdrop of the Pont d’Iéna. The Grand Palais , renowned for its vast glass dome, is undergoing an extensive renovation to stage the fencing and taekwondo events. The grand gardens of the Château de Versailles, just outside Paris, will be transformed into a gallery and course for the equestrian events. La Concorde will stage the Olympic debut of break dancing and other sports like skateboarding and three-on-three basketball.

If that weren’t enough, Paris, along with Normandy, is also celebrating the 150th anniversary of the first Impressionist exhibition. “Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment” will feature 130 works at the Musée d’Orsay (March 26 to July 14), tracing the artistic movement and how it captured a changing city. The reconstructed Notre-Dame Cathedral, which was ravaged in a fire in 2019, is also scheduled to open to visitors on Dec. 8, 2024.

— Ceylan Yeginsu

Yamaguchi Japan

Savor the temples and the cuisine and skip the crowds.

Yamaguchi is often called the Kyoto of the West, though it’s much more interesting than that — and it suffers from considerably less “tourism pollution.” A compact city of about 190,000, it lies in a narrow valley between the Inland and Japan seas.

With its impeccable gardens and its stunning five-story pagoda , Rurikoji Temple is a national treasure. The city’s small winding lanes offer an assortment of experiences: pottery kilns like Mizunoue , situated on the grounds of Toshunji Temple; chic coffee shops like Log and Coffeeboy , and older-style options like Haraguchi ; and wonderful counter-only shops that serve oden, or one-pot dishes. Just a 15-minute walk south is the hot-springs village of Yuda Onsen.

Given the tourist crush in Kyoto, Yamaguchi has also been offering a smaller scale — but no less historic — alternative to Kyoto’s Gion summer festival for some 600 years. Yamaguchi’s Gion Festival, which features parades, costumes and dancing, also takes place in July; 2024 will be its first year operating again at full tilt since the pre-Covid era.

— Craig Mod

New Zealand by Train

Riding the rails through vineyards, volcanoes and snow-capped peaks.

Road-tripping across New Zealand via camper van is a free-spirited traveler’s dream. But a simpler and more sustainable way to go is by train. Opt for a 17-day journey on the Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine trains offered by Great Journeys , the tourism division of KiwiRail, New Zealand’s national rail operator.

The journey starts in Auckland and explores transcendent sites like the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park and Te Papa Tongarewa Museum . Guests ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island and board the Coastal Pacific for a ride through world-class vineyards and along the jagged coast, stopping to whale- and dolphin-watch before ending in Christchurch. The last leg on the TranzAlpine starts on the lush Canterbury Plains then climbs over the Southern Alps, with views to white-capped peaks, rushing rivers and alpine lakes. Accommodations are in four-star properties at stops along the way. Coming in spring: carriages with luxurious reclining seats, panoramic windows and partial glass ceilings.

— Stephanie Pearson

Maui Hawaii

A mindful resurgence of tourism after a catastrophic fire.

Maui, Hawaii’s second largest island and one of its most popular among visitors, was dealt a devastating blow last summer when wildfires blazed across its western shores , killing at least 100 people and razing the town of Lahaina . Nonessential travel to the affected areas was paused for two months; with such tragedy came concerns among travelers and residents about the resurgence of tourism, Maui’s top economic sector.

Though Lahaina remains closed, the island is once again welcoming visitors and still brimming with an abundance of activities and lush landscapes to enjoy: In the community of Kihei, Kamaole State Beach Park is ideal for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles. Farther north in Kapalua, a gentle walking trail meanders through lava fields and along the sea. And some of Maui’s most cherished natural attractions, like Haleakala National Park , are far removed from the fire zone. Travelers can also go a step further by volunteering to help people displaced by the wildfires.

— Christine Chung

Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Arizona

Honoring the sacred indigenous land around the grand canyon.

While Grand Canyon National Park is no stranger to travel bucket lists, there’s a new reason to visit the southwestern United States. The recently designated Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni , or Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, now conserves around 900,000 acres of plateaus, canyons and other land surrounding the Grand Canyon. Considered the ancestral homelands of more than a dozen Indigenous tribes, the monument also preserves more than 3,000 Native cultural and historic sites, reflecting the area’s deep spiritual and sacred significance.

Support the local Native American community by booking a Colorado River adventure with the Hualapai River Runners , a white-water rafting company led by Hualapai Tribe river guides. But whether above or below the rim, be sure to look up: The California condor, the largest bird in North America and once facing extinction, now has a population of more than 100, thanks to recent conservation efforts.

— Gina Rae La Cerva

New hotels and advanced biometric technology enhance visits

Singapore hasn’t stopped racing toward modernization since its independence in 1965. Now the cosmopolitan city-state, already known for its cuisine , architecture and world-class airport, is transforming itself with a luxury hotel boom. Edition recently opened a 204-room property in the downtown Orchard Road district, while the Standard will open later this year. Famed hotels such as the Mandarin Oriental and Grand Hyatt , which closed in recent years for major renovations, will also return.

Changi Airport has also undertaken a major expansion. In November, Terminal 2 fully reopened with new automated check-in kiosks, bag drops and immigration lanes, more than quadrupling the terminal’s capacity to 28 million passengers per year. And many passengers will be moving through Changi even more efficiently this year, as the airport plans to adopt the latest biometrics and facial recognition technology for passport-free departures.

O’Higgins Chile

Sample delectable local foods while connecting with rural farmers.

This overlooked region south of Santiago has been facing a changing climate, wildfires that are threatening hundred-year-old grapevines, frequent earthquakes and undervalued traditions. So a group of local cooks, winemakers and artisan growers have joined to preserve their campesino, or rural farmer, identity. In late 2023 their initiative, known as Ruta de los Abastos, began offering rural culinary experiences to connect visitors to local beekeepers, oyster farmers and other producers.

Markets and restaurants — like El Abasto in the city of Rancagua and the vineyard-based restaurants at Food and Wine Studio and Viña Vik — are highlighting regional ingredients like locally raised lamb, salt from the coast at Cáhuil and a rustic, low-alcohol wine called chacolí, produced by area growers. On the coast around Pichilemu and Punta de Lobos, amid minimalist beach lodges like Hotel Alaia , locavore seafood with natural wine lists — like those found at Mareal — dominates the scene.

— Nicholas Gill

Ladakh India

Trek to mountaintop monasteries and savor a stark and rugged landscape.

Ladakh, a mountainous region known as the Land of High Passes, is nestled between the Himalayas to the south and the Karakoram range to the north. This rugged land, with its stark beauty and remote villages, is a place where time seems to have stood still.

In recent years, though, administrative changes have greatly improved infrastructure and accessibility. The Atal Tunnel , a remarkable feat of engineering, allows visitors to sidestep the infamous Rohtang Pass , turning a treacherous ride — lasting several hours in the best of weather — into a brisk 20-minute one. That makes it easier than ever for visitors to experience the area’s stunning landscapes, pristine lakes, Buddhist monasteries and other cultural attractions, which in Leh (Ladakh’s largest city) include markets, several museums and an extraordinary nine-story palace . New hiking and trekking routes in Leh and the Zanskar Valley round out the options for those in search of adventure.

— Poras Chaudhary

Geneva Switzerland

Satisfy your curiosity about quantum physics, and your cravings for chocolate.

The tiniest bits of nature are the biggest attraction at the European Organization for Nuclear Research, or CERN, and its 17-mile-long particle accelerator on the outskirts of Geneva. But until recently, visitors had limited options for nerding out. Open since October, the family-friendly, Renzo Piano-designed CERN Science Gateway changes that with activities like quantum karaoke, quantum air hockey and miniature magnetic accelerators modeled after the Large Hadron Collider, where in 2012 physicists discovered the elusive Higgs boson , seen as a key to understanding the universe’s origins.

Less mind-blowing but still satisfying to hungry scientists and laypeople alike, the Choco Pass , a self-guided chocolate tour that debuted in 2022, lets visitors sample Geneva’s famous truffles, bonbons and pralines. And if you want to explore the nature of time — or timepieces — book a table at Breitling Kitchen , the Swiss watch brand’s fourth crossover restaurant, which features menus designed by Juan Arbelaez of “Top Chef.”

— Adam H. Graham

Dominica The Caribbean

A bird’s-eye view of rainforests, reefs and a boiling lake.

A patchwork of volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls and hot springs has earned Dominica, a 290-square-mile independent nation in the West Indies, the nickname the Nature Island. Later this year, visitors will be able to get a bird’s-eye view of the wild landscape thanks to a $54 million, 4.1-mile cable car line that will whisk passengers from the lush Roseau Valley up to Boiling Lake , a roughly 200-foot-wide fumarole flooded with nearly 200-degree water, which currently requires a demanding hike to reach.

The island is also a playground for eco-adventurers: Hiking trails crisscross its three national parks , its crystal cascades make for ideal waterfall rappelling , pristine coral reefs offer some of the best diving in the world, and more than 20 species of whales and dolphins abound along the island’s west coast — including a resident population of sperm whales, which will get their own dedicated sanctuary this year.

— Nora Walsh

Manchester England

New concert venues open in a music-mad city.

Music has long been at the core of Manchester’s gritty soul, from Joy Division and the Stone Roses to Oasis and, now, Harry Styles, who is backing Britain’s largest new music arena, Co-op Live , set to open in April. Stars like Liam Gallagher, Eric Clapton and Barry Manilow are booked to inaugurate the 23,500-capacity space, which will complement the reopening of concert halls like the post-punk incubator Band on the Wall and New Century , where the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Tina Turner have all graced the stage.

For those interested in emerging talent, the city will host two major music conferences this year, including Worldwide Music Expo , a behemoth packed with concerts, speakers, films and an awards ceremony, and Beyond the Music , a smorgasbord of performances, parties, workshops and more. In November, Laurie Anderson will headline the Factory International arts center with “ARK,” a multimedia “dark comedy for the end of the world.”

Craters of the Moon Idaho

Celebrate a centennial amid cinder cones and star parties.

Between 15,000 and 2,000 years ago, outpourings of lava blanketed what would become eastern Snake River Plain in Idaho, creating a surreal landscape with gaping craters, steep-sided cinder cones and underground lava tubes. President Calvin Coolidge established the area as a national monument in 1924; for its centennial, Craters of the Moon will unveil new and rehabilitated trails, wayside exhibits developed in partnership with Shoshone-Bannock tribal elders, and a packed calendar of events.

Marvel at this Dark Sky Park at a centennial Star Party with telescopes from the Idaho Falls Astronomical Society, or camp out under one of the largest remaining “pools” of natural nighttime darkness in the United States. And enjoy it all in relative solitude. Expanded to 750,000 acres to cover the Great Rift, a 52-mile-long crack in the Earth’s crust, Craters of the Moon is about the size of Yosemite National Park but receives just 6 percent of the visitors.

— Ratha Tep

Baltimore Maryland

Explore urban waterways and an array of native artwork.

It’s an enormous year for Charm City. The 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act is bringing in a new Justice Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center ; the Baltimore Museum of Art is increasing the presence of Native artists with solo shows, thematic exhibitions and changes to displays and labels across the museum; and Baltimore Peninsula , a place for visitors and locals to shop, dine and play, will breathe new life into a long-neglected port area.

For outdoor enthusiasts, a network of waterways called the Baltimore Blueway — open to kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and rowboats — will connect visitors throughout the waterfront to cultural, historic and natural sites. And movie buffs take note: The director John Waters will be in his hometown shooting a film based on his first novel, “Liarmouth.”

— Daniel Scheffler

Salar de Uyuni Bolivia

Crunching or splashing across the world’s largest salt flat, under starry nights and mirrored skies.

Like all the best places, Salar de Uyuni, 12,000 feet high in the Andes, can be demanding. Getting there means a rough overland journey, nights in dusty hotels and the threat of altitude sickness, but when you walk on the world’s largest salt flat, your crunching footsteps are often the only sound on this blanched, 4,000 square miles of salt crust, left behind when prehistoric lakes evaporated. Geometric striations lace the crystalline surface, while the rainy season only amps up the wonder, turning the salt flat into a liquid mirror that reflects otherworldly cloud formations, sunsets and starry nights.

There’s also an appetite for what lies beneath it: Earth’s second-largest stash of lithium. Demand for the “white gold” — used in electric-car and smartphone batteries — is surging. Last year Bolivia authorized two Chinese companies to begin extracting about 50,000 tons annually from the Uyuni salt flats. The mining efforts could affect the area’s beauty and ecosystem. Better go to the Salar soon.

— Lucinda Hahn

Negombo Sri Lanka

A fishing village with stunning temples and plenty of seaside delights.

Tourism in Sri Lanka has long focused on Dambulla’s astonishing cave temple and the beaches of the southern coast. But travelers in search of less-trafficked destinations are paying newfound attention to Negombo, a fishing village. Less than 25 miles up the western coast from the capital, Colombo, the village of Negombo offers a nearby international airport, hiking and plenty of beaches.

Had enough sun? Visit stunning temples and landmark cathedrals then unwind in one of the dozens of seafood restaurants — chefs here make good use of local prawns and crabs — in the charming downtown, known for its colonial-style buildings and Dutch canals.

Sustainability is a focus for businesses, especially the just-opened Uga Riva , a luxe hotel in a refurbished manor house that once welcomed Mohandas K. Gandhi and diplomats from around Asia. Tourism in Sri Lanka took a hit in recent years because of political unrest, followed by the coronavirus pandemic — but the country is back on track, and your money goes a long way.

— Liza Weisstuch

Massa-Carrara Italy

See the home of the marble that makes the masterpieces.

In an effort to reduce the crowds that fill the galleries of the Uffizi in Florence , the renowned museum has been transferring some of its masterpieces to lesser-known locales across Tuscany. As part of the latest initiative in the ever-expanding program known as Uffizi Diffusi , a collection of works, including paintings from the studio of the Italian Baroque painter Carlo Dolci, will be exhibited this spring in the town of Massa, at the Palazzo Ducale , which also houses the government offices of the Massa-Carrara province in northwestern Tuscany.

Art enthusiasts can also explore the surrounding Apuan Alps from which the marble for so many masterpieces — including Michelangelo’s David — was sourced, tour marble quarries and maybe even meet a working sculptor carving on the side of the road.

— Ingrid K. Williams

Bannau Brycheiniog Wales

Conserving welsh culture among scenic mountains.

Reclaiming the name Bannau Brycheiniog for a beloved national park in Wales last year was more than a linguistic change to Welsh from English ; it was a shift to spotlight the Welsh culture of the 520-square-mile park, formerly known as Brecon Beacons. The park’s emphasis on the relationship between nature and local culture is also shown in a new logo. Instead of the burning brazier of Brecon Beacons, the logo now has an ancient Welsh crown set within a green forest under stars, a reflection of the park’s commitment to a future where planting native trees restores temperate rainforest, the revegetation of peatland captures carbon and the dark sky is protected from light pollution.

While visiting Bannau Brycheiniog, “the peaks of Brychan’s kingdom,” make use of the park’s public transport and bike rentals, including the Explore Wales Pass for trains and buses, or take in the views by hiking through waterfall country from the village of Pontneddfechan.

— Susanne Masters

Support local recovery in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake

Before the earthquake that killed almost 3,000 people in September, the Ourika Valley in Morocco seemed like the dreamiest of escapes: silvery-green olive groves that give way to the dramatic reddish ridges of the Atlas Mountains, simple guesthouses and luxurious boutique hotels, farm-fresh cuisine, hiking, horseback riding — and all just an hour’s drive from Marrakesh.

Those retreats are staffed almost entirely by people who live in the valley’s villages, which have long experienced government neglect. The earthquake pulverized mud-brick homes around Ourika, killing many residents. Nearly all hospitality workers were forced to move into makeshift tents, yet within days they were back on the job at several lightly damaged hotels.

That’s because the whole region depends on tourism, and it — along with Marrakesh and Morocco as a whole — needs visitors now more than ever. But locals hope visitors will understand that there’s more to Morocco than its glossy surface. Khalid Ait Abdelkarim, a hotel worker whose home was destroyed, said Ourika welcomed tourists because “that’s what Moroccan people do.” But, he added, “We also deserve good lives.”

— Vivian Yee

Valencia Spain

Contemporary art with a side of paella.

Spain’s third-largest city has long been overshadowed by Barcelona, despite sharing similar characteristics: miles of velvety sand beaches along the country’s east coast, a vibrant cultural scene and a rich gastronomic tradition (Valencia is considered the birthplace of paella). But Valencia, which was named the European Commission’s “ green capital ” for 2024 — an award that recognizes cities for their environmental efforts — stands apart for travelers seeking more sustainably minded, less crowded destinations. The city has been revitalizing its historic center with leafier, pedestrian-only spaces, most recently with Plaza de la Reina , its lively public square, and is on track to be climate-neutral by 2030.

Valencia’s cultural landscape has also received a major boost with the Hortensia Herrero Art Center. Opened in November in the restored Valeriola Palace, the space houses the Spanish billionaire Hortensia Herrero’s private contemporary-art collection and includes more than 100 works by artists like Anish Kapoor , Andreas Gursky and Mat Collishaw .

— Vivian Song

Kansas City Missouri

Women’s soccer takes center stage in a heartland hub.

No doubt, soccer reigns supreme: In March, the Kansas City Current will unveil the first stadium built for a National Women’s Soccer League team, and Kansas City holds bragging rights as the sole Midwestern host for the FIFA World Cup 2026 . But other headliners abound, with new lures for budding bookworms and adventurers.

Opening in March, the Rabbit hOle museum will showcase a century’s worth of American children’s literature with immersive and interactive exhibits. (In the case of the towering installation for “The Funny Thing,” by Wanda Gág, children will be scrambling to feed “jum-jills” to the “aminal.”) Young thrill-seekers can soar up the new 150-foot-tall KC Wheel at Pennway Point , a new entertainment district. And beginning in April, visitors can get their kicks at Rock Island Bridge , a reimagined railway bridge that will offer dining above with kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding below.

Antananarivo Madagascar

Textiles and contemporary art flourish on an island known for natural wonders.

Most tourists to Madagascar come to see wildlife or luxuriate on the beautiful islands off its northern coast, but the country’s teeming capital is developing a vibrant arts scene, and La Fondation H , a contemporary arts center that opened last April, was created to showcase Malagasy talent. It occupies a restored French colonial brick building, and the first exhibit is dedicated to one of the world’s greatest textile artists: Madame Zo, who died in 2020 and whose weavings were inspired by traditional Malagasy fabrics and basketry.

La Fondation H is the latest addition to Madagascar’s rapidly growing number of institutions specializing in contemporary art, including the Musée de la Photographie de Madagascar and Hakanto Contemporary , an arts center with a calendar of group shows and solo exhibitions by artists from Madagascar and beyond and also an artists-in-residence program. Maison Gallieni , which also houses the consulate of Monaco, offers four comfortable rooms in a house in a pretty garden with a pool.

— Alexander Lobrano

Yucatán Peninsula Mexico

A new train makes remote sites more accessible.

The Maya Train , a new service that began partial operations in December, will connect popular destinations on the Yucatán Peninsula — including beachy Cancún, historical Mérida and the Maya ruins of Chichén Itzá — to more distant sites, like Calakmul, a once powerful and still relatively intact Maya city near the Guatemalan border, and Palenque, gateway to the famous archaeological park in Chiapas state.

While the estimated $20 billion project, which began in 2020, has been criticized for threatening water quality and wildlife habitat, it is hoped that the service will benefit less-touristy destinations like the gulf port town of Campeche, a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its 16th-century fortifications. Intended to bring jobs and investment and spread tourism beyond Mexico’s Caribbean beaches, the train will eventually ring the peninsula, traversing five states over nearly 1,000 miles of track and connecting directly with the new airport in Tulum.

— Elaine Glusac

Lake Toba Indonesia

Bask in the serenity of the world’s largest crater lake.

The value of simply sitting in a vast hole in the earth and stirring condensed milk into a cup of Sumatran coffee is difficult to overstate. About 74,000 years ago, one of the planet’s most significant volcanic explosions blew a 60-mile-wide gash into Sumatra, creating the foundation for Lake Toba, the world’s largest crater lake. It is curious to consider that a place where one can listen to the clink of a spoon inside a coffee cup once rocketed ash and gas 30 miles into the stratosphere.

Unlike Indonesia’s more popular destination, Bali, Lake Toba is without the crowds. It’s also far from the din of the country’s audacious plans to move its sinking capital . On the Tuk-Tuk peninsula, where most travelers base themselves, take a hike to learn about the Batak people who call the area home. Pass terraced rice paddies and churches with rusty sheet-metal roofs and then dive into the lake — into this cathartic space that once knew cataclysm but now knows calm.

— Joel Carillet

Almaty Kazakhstan

Luxe baths, kaleidoscopic cathedrals and hyper-contemporary food.

Kazakhstan’s largest city, with a population of two million, has the feel of a peaceful but active rural town. The underground metro gleams with intricate tile work. The Arasan baths are the apotheosis of bathing pleasures: massages atop marble slabs, cold plunges, unbearably hot saunas. Walk the leafy streets in an attentive mood and you’ll find endless delights — like a mustachioed man playing the accordion in front of the kaleidoscopic Ascension Cathedral .

Almaty’s status as a cultural hub, though, is increasingly evident in its food scene. “Neo-nomad” cuisine — focused on flour, water and meat — is being championed in hyper-contemporary style; sample it at Auyl or Tör . Cuisine from northwest China is on offer at Lanzhou Noodle , and great coffee at Sensilyo Coffee or JumpinGoat . Gaze upon the patchwork quilt of fruits and nuts splayed out at the Green Bazaar — and then try PlatformA , a large food hall that recently opened inside a Soviet Modernist building.

Quito Ecuador

Ride a brand-new metro line through nearly 500 years of history.

Updated Jan. 10, 2024: Ecuador declared a nationwide state of emergency . Please heed travel warnings, including advisories from the U.S. Department of State , before visiting.

When the brand-new 14-mile Metro line in Quito, Ecuador’s high-altitude capital, becomes fully operational this year, its 15 stations will connect the city from north to south, making it easier for travelers to explore — from the exquisitely preserved churches of the UNESCO-listed historic center to modern districts flaunting avant-garde towers designed by the likes of Bjarke Ingels and Moshe Safdie .

Although parts of Ecuador have made headlines for cartel-related violence , crime rates in Quito are down, according to the National Police, and a dedicated police force patrols areas popular with tourists. Check out San Francisco Market in Old Town to see traditional curanderas (female healers) who offer cleanses (from stress relief to fertility support) using bouquets of flowers and herbs. And grab a table in the hip La Floresta neighborhood, where homegrown chefs like Rodrigo Pacheco, whose farm-to-table restaurant Foresta is set to reopen after a hiatus, are getting creative with Ecuadorean ingredients.

Mingan Archipelago Quebec

Sea-sculpted monoliths, puffins and indigenous heritage.

In the wild Côte-Nord region of Quebec, the Mingan Archipelago , a national park reserve on the Gulf of St. Lawrence, unfolds ethereally. Hike amid Canada’s largest concentration of erosion-sculpted monoliths, which rise like fossilized works of art; kayak on the misty sea; and explore secluded beaches framed by marshes and forests. And watching over the land are the people of the Innu First Nations group .

Last summer, the Canadian government pledged to create new initiatives to support the Innu connection with the lands and waters, and to ensure the transfer of knowledge between generations. Visitors can share in that knowledge with new programs offered by the Mingan reserve, including spiritual and wellness workshops led by the Innu Nutashkuan community . For full coastal immersion, head to the Île aux Perroquets , where you can watch puffins and bed down under handcrafted quilts in a lighthouse keeper’s quarters.

— AnneLise Sorensen

Montgomery Alabama

A new sculpture park is dedicated to both slavery and emancipation.

When it comes to conversations about race in America, few destinations are as engaged as Montgomery, the former capital of the Confederacy and the birthplace of the civil rights movement. In 2018, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice became the first site of its kind to address racial terror across America, represented by 800 suspended steel pillars, one for each county where a lynching was known to have taken place.

This year, the Equal Justice Initiative, the nonprofit that opened the memorial, will debut a companion site: Freedom Monument Sculpture Park . On the banks of the Alabama River, the 17-acre park will exhibit works by Kehinde Wiley and Theaster Gates; artifacts, including dwellings relocated from a cotton plantation and a pen where enslaved people were held; and the 43-foot-tall National Monument to Freedom. Dedicated to the millions of enslaved Black people who were emancipated at the end of the Civil War, the steel-walled monument, which resembles an open book, will be engraved with more than 120,000 of their surnames.

Tasmania Australia

Where foraging for ingredients is part of the local flavor.

Venture outside and help protect vulnerable species in Tasmania, Australia’s southernmost state, with several new guided walks . Tasmanian Walking Company , in partnership with the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, offers a three-day trek across rugged Bruny Island to map flora and collect seeds for the garden’s seed bank.

To get a taste of the island’s Indigenous culture, join members of the local Palawa community on multiday treks through the powder white sands of Wukalina (Mount William National Park) and orange-lichen-covered rocks of Larapuna (Bay of Fires). Or to get an actual taste of the island, forage for ingredients like wattle seeds and pepperberries with guides from Palawa Kipli , a company that is Indigenous-owned and operated — the experience ends with a tasting menu that includes smoked payathanima (wallaby).

Locavore menus are the norm throughout Tasmania, and the chef Analiese Gregory , a wild-cooking expert, will be showcasing ingredients like hand-gathered abalone and sea urchin at her yet-to-be-named restaurant set to open early this year.

Waterford Ireland

Viking history and a newly expanded rail path.

Yes, Waterford is synonymous with crystal, but the city, founded in 914, also sparkles with history and natural treasures. In the Viking Triangle, Waterford’s cobblestone core, a new digital story trail brings the past to life at stops like the medieval landmark Reginald’s Tower . The city also offers less-ancient attractions, including the new Irish Wake Museum , dedicated to the funeral ritual, and the Irish Museum of Time , which showcases grandfather clocks, watches and more.

Waterford’s natural riches rival its historical ones, notably the Copper Coast, hemmed by towering cliffs and scalloped coves. The coast forms part of the Waterford Greenway , a nearly 30-mile path along a disused rail line. In 2023, a new section linked the Greenway to the center of Waterford. Top off your Greenway adventure with afternoon tea amid one of Ireland’s largest collections of plants at Mount Congreve Gardens , which reopened in 2023 after a multimillion-dollar refurbishment.

Tsavo National Park Kenya

Celebrate africa’s most successful elephant rehabilitation program.

In 2021, African savanna elephants went from vulnerable to endangered , putting them on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list for possible extinction. But in Kenya, the elephant population has grown by 21 percent since 2014, to a total of 36,280. Almost half live in Tsavo, home to Africa’s most successful elephant rehabilitation program, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust .

At its heart are several core conservation projects, including an elephant orphanage, rehabilitation units and mobile veterinary clinics that have treated more than 11,000 animals, including some 3,500 elephants, since 1977. The organization has rehabilitated and released 200 elephant orphans (120 are still in their care) and runs anti-poaching teams, builds water sources and secures vulnerable boundaries. The wildlife trust also manages six small eco-lodges, which provide local jobs and help its conservation work. In 2024, the trust will open the first lodge next to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary , dedicated to saving the critically endangered black rhino.

— Danielle Pergament

Brasília Brazil

A modernist capital reopens its architectural gems.

Brasília, Brazil’s capital since 1960, is often overshadowed by more flamboyant destinations like Rio de Janeiro and Bahia. But Brasília, a planned city famous for its futuristic, Modernist white buildings that rise from the Brazilian highlands, is opening up in new ways. The Palácio da Alvorada , the presidential residence, which had been closed to visitors for a decade, will reopen early this year.

Another symbolic change is the recent removal of the barriers that since 2013 had surrounded the Palácio do Planalto , the presidential office, offering greater access to its reflecting pools and arches. The Planalto was one of the government buildings stormed by supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro last year. Its expanded accessibility signals a return to the original vision of Brasília’s architects, Oscar Niemeyer and Lúcio Costa, of an open and integrated city.

— Paulo Motoryn

El Salvador

Savor local flavors of corn, coffee and more in a fast-changing country.

While questions remain about how it was accomplished , El Salvador’s security situation has drastically improved, opening up large areas of the country. Long-ignored hotels and restaurants are experiencing renewed interest along the Ruta de las Flores, a 20-mile string of rural villages in the western highlands that are surrounded by coffee fincas and pine forests, culminating in the ever-expanding night market in Nahuizalco, home of the Nahua, an Indigenous group.

In San Salvador, the capital, the dining scene is charging beyond fast-food chains, led by the fine-dining hot spot El Xolo , which champions local varieties of corn in its restaurant inside the Museo Nacional de Antropología . Coffee shops like Carajo and Crafters promote small farms growing native varieties like pacamara.

Along the coast, government initiatives like the new pier and seafood market at Puerto de la Libertad receive the most attention, but more deserving are the riverbed oyster bar Chepe Aleta , in the town of El Zonte, and the beach camps and eco-lodges outside the Playa El Tunco surf bubble.

Koh Ker Cambodia

A vast 10th-century temple complex gains unesco status.

For anyone put off by the constant throngs and overly Instagrammed images of the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia — a bucket list destination for seemingly everyone on Earth — a millennium-old sprawl of ruins in a nearby region offers a more remote and adventurous alternative. Built in the 10th century, some two centuries before Angkor Wat, the sacred city of Koh Ker was recognized with UNESCO World Heritage status in the fall of 2023.

The heart of the site is a 4.5-square-mile cluster of temples — notably a seven-tiered pyramid known as Prasat Thom — along with statues, stone carvings, artificial ponds and vast trees whose roots entwine many of the crumbling structures.

Siem Reap, Cambodia’s second-largest city, is the best base for travelers. Roughly 70 miles from Koh Ker (around two hours by taxi), Siem Reap is home to a brand-new international airport and a crop of stylish new homegrown crash pads like Babel Boutique Hotel . And if you’re not intimidated by the crowds, Angkor Wat is just down the road.

— Seth Sherwood

Vestmannaeyjar Iceland

Take a battery-powered boat to the world’s largest puffin colony.

A new electric ferry has helped connect Iceland’s mainland to this small archipelago — also called the Westman Islands — off the country’s south coast, where the world’s largest puffin colony has turned many residents into active conservationists . (The archipelago was unaffected by the mid-December volcanic eruptions elsewhere in Iceland.)

From May to September, Heimaey, the main island, becomes a favorite weekend destination for Icelanders, who fill up sleek new villas during the frequent concerts and festivals, while cruise ship passengers can be seen racing around the outer islands on rib boats, visiting the Beluga whale sanctuary and riding A.T.V.s into the crater of the Eldfell volcano, which nearly wiped out the town during a 1973 eruption. Home to one of the country’s most important fishing communities, with a new seafood festival and a wave of culinary offerings like an artisan bakery and a craft brewery , Vestmannaeyjar has been hailed by the local media as the “ food capital of Iceland .”

Montevideo Uruguay

South america’s most laid-back capital turns 300.

Although it is the capital of one of South America’s most progressive nations (weed and same-sex marriage are legal, and its electrical grid is almost entirely powered by renewable sources ), Montevideo has a reputation for being on the quieter side. But as the city of 1.4 million celebrates 300 years , this is a perfect time to fall for Montevideo’s more subtle, easygoing charms.

Among the tree-lined boulevards of Pocitos, Cordón and Centro, shuttered neighborhood diners that once served simple Uruguayan fare are being lovingly restored as stylish yet affordable eateries. One is Pantagruel , a corner bar that preserved its midcentury furnishings when it reopened last year (try a glass of tannat , Uruguay’s specialty wine). Montevideo also has the world’s longest Carnival, with 40 nights of parades and block parties, from Jan. 25. It’s more affordable and family-friendly than Rio’s, and no less glittery.

— Laurence Blair

Mustang Nepal

A remote citadel of tibetan culture cracks open the gate.

Nestled high on the Tibetan plateau in the northern reaches of Nepal, the ancient Himalayan kingdom of Mustang is a bastion of traditional Tibetan culture, preserved for centuries by its remoteness. Now, a new 183-mile road linking the region to China as well as the gleaming but debt-saddled and increasingly contentious international airport in Pokhara — both projects backed by Beijing — will give travelers easier access to sites like the well-preserved medieval fortress of Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang, which was a restricted area for tourists until the early 1990s.

Wilderness treks through the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges traverse river gorges, glacial lakes and rugged trails dotted with yaks and sheep. While budget-friendly hotels abound, the new, luxury Shinta Mani Mustang makes Nepal’s new trekking rules , which require hikers to use a local licensed guide or porter, easier to follow by offering a range of tours with certified guides.

Vienna Austria

A grand reopening in the city where the waltz became famous.

After a three-year, 100-million-euro makeover, the Wien Museum , dedicated to Vienna’s history, recently reopened with a free permanent exhibition that chronicles its hometown’s rise from a Roman military camp to an imperial capital to a city that consistently ranks among the world’s most livable . Along with additional floors, there’s a new entrance, a plaza, a Viennese restaurant and a terrace overlooking Karlsplatz, a square with connections to the painter Gustav Klimt .

Fans of Johann Strauss, who composed “The Blue Danube,” an unofficial anthem of the city, can waltz over to the House of Strauss, a sparkling new museum opened on Oct. 25, what would have been Strauss’s 198th birthday. And for the competitive dancers, July’s EuroGames , one of several L.G.B.T.Q. events planned in the city this year, will draw thousands of queer athletes to face off in the ballroom as well as in other sports like tennis and basketball.

Brisbane Australia

Food, art and vertiginous views in a city gearing up for its olympic moment.

Scheduled to host the Summer Olympics in 2032, Brisbane is undergoing a face-lift with a $3.6 billion expansion of the Queen’s Wharf area, set to partly open in 2024. The development includes the restoration of historic buildings, four new hotels, parks and public spaces, and an 820-foot-long Sky Deck with bars and restaurants overlooking the Brisbane River.

But there’s more than big development: At Agnes, a restaurant with a rooftop bar, chefs are renowned for their skill in cooking over an open flame. The Calile Hotel, with balconied rooms overlooking a palm-lined pool, feels like an oasis in the middle of the city. Rounding out the cultural experience is Brisbane Powerhouse, a 1920s power station reborn as a cultural hub, the site of the Melt Open , a celebration of queer arts and artists, and Vertigo , a restaurant where harnessed and clipped-in diners eat while dangling four stories above the ground. After dinner, they can abseil down the building’s exterior.

Pasadena California

An artsy, walkable corner of los angeles county that’s worth the metro ride.

Pasadena’s natural beauty is clear as soon as you roll into town — maybe on the Los Angeles Metro, where the just-opened Regional Connector project makes possible a one-seat ride from the sands of Long Beach to the stands of the Rose Bowl. The San Gabriel Mountains preside over Pasadena like a sylvan crown, and hiking and biking trails framed by forested valleys and tumbling waterfalls abound in places like the Angeles National Forest .

The leafy city center is eminently strollable, with a vibrant main street and the nearby Norton Simon Museum , which features a sculpture garden inspired by Monet’s grounds at Giverny. The Tony Award-winning Pasadena Playhouse offers serious drama as well as youth-focused programming. And PST Art , a Getty museum project, will include exhibitions at Pasadena museums and art centers this year. To fuel up, try the innovative newcomer Bar Chelou (its name means “weird” in French) or a new wave of Asian restaurants, notably the Cantonese-influenced Colette .

Hurghada Egypt

Dive in the rich underwater world of the red sea.

An hour’s flight from Cairo and just off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, the Great Fringing Reef remains an abundant marine ecosystem that includes 40 types of sharks and 400 coral species.

The reef’s resiliency is often credited to the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association , a nongovernmental organization founded by divers in 1992. The group has since installed one of the world’s largest mooring systems (to reduce the harms of dive-boat anchors), instituted a local ban on single-use plastics and made snorkel tours and beach cleanups social events for residents and tourists. Last year, the organization opened three long-awaited dive sites to help minimize the impact on other reefs.

On land, the recently opened Serry Beach Resort , overseen by one of Egypt’s first female hotel directors, offers 453 rooms and suites decked out in locally made textiles fronting an infinity pool and the crystalline Red Sea. Egypt remains a relatively safe destination despite its proximity to the Israel-Hamas war.

— Michele Bigley

Boundary Waters Minnesota

A protected watershed, but for how long.

Last January, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland signed an order that bans toxic mining on 225,504 federal acres within the Rainy River Watershed in northern Minnesota for 20 years. That was good news for the 150,000 annual visitors who paddle the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a network in the watershed of more than 1,200 miles of canoe routes that connect 1,100 freshwater lakes.

This roadless wilderness is pristine, a place to fish for walleye, hear the haunting call of a loon and camp in thick boreal forest — it’s also a habitat for bears, wolves and lynx. A suit by a local conservation group seeks to expand the ban on mining. But the area’s future remains uncertain: A bill has been introduced in Congress to reverse the order, and a subsidiary of a Chilean mining company has received approval to conduct exploratory drilling on state land next to the wilderness.

Thessaloniki Greece

An ancient seaside city gets decked out in rainbows.

The squat, round White Tower is to Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, as the Acropolis is to Athens. The structure, built in the 15th century under Ottoman rule and once known as the Tower of Blood, was renamed and painted white in the late 1800s by a prisoner in exchange for his freedom. The tower will glow with rainbow colors representing a different kind of liberation this year as thousands of L.G.B.T.Q. travelers gather from June 21 to 29 to celebrate EuroPride — the city’s chance for a redo after the pandemic scuttled its turn to host the event in 2020.

Thessaloniki, founded in 316 B.C. and named for a sister of Alexander the Great, is renowned for its Byzantine mosaics as well as its clubs, cafes and bars. Savor a glass of ouzo along the bay — unlike Athens, Thessaloniki is right on the water — and see if you can spot Mount Olympus.

— Danial Adkison

Normandy France

Celebrating a region’s role in the impressionist art movement.

The revolution began quietly, a century and a half ago, with a canvas depicting a port in this region in northern France. Painted in 1872 by Claude Monet and displayed two years later at a pioneering Paris exhibition of iconoclastic artists — including Renoir, Degas and Pissarro — “Impression, Sunrise” was a hazy, color-soaked view of Le Havre that gave birth to perhaps the 19th century’s most famous artistic style. For the 150th anniversary of that show, the Normandy Impressionist Festival (from March 22 to Sept. 22) will celebrate the region’s centrality in the lives and works of the movement’s major figures. (Paris will also host numerous events.)

Rouen, whose cathedral was famously portrayed by Monet , will take center stage. Events there will include a lighted projection on the cathedral’s facade by the avant-garde stage director Robert Wilson and an exhibition of the painter David Hockney’s Normandy-inspired work at the city’s Musée des Beaux-Arts . Impressionist-themed exhibitions and events are also expected in Giverny (where Monet lived), Honfleur (home to the Eugène Boudin Museum ), Le Havre and other Normandy spots.

Grenada The Caribbean

White sands and underwater art on an island of timeless charm.

More flights from JetBlue , Virgin Atlantic and Air Canada promise easier access to this Caribbean island nation, but you may never want to leave. Grenada’s verdant terrain, bountiful farms and uncrowded white-sand beaches entice with culinary delights, natural attractions and new luxury accommodations.

The 28-room Silversands Beach House will open in February on Portici Beach, and later this year, the Six Senses La Sagesse will offer 56 suites and 15 villas, each with a private pool. All the better to relax after a submarine visit to Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park , the first of its kind, where a recent upgrade includes 31 new pieces of art .

Grenada and its smaller islands, Petite Martinique and Carriacou, offer plenty of places to snorkel, fish, dive and sail, but don’t miss a tour of a rum distillery , chocolate company or spice garden : There’s good reason Grenada, which celebrates 50 years of independence this February, is known as the Spice Isle.

— Elisabeth Goodridge

El Camino de Costa Rica

A coast-to-coast trek with cloud forests, local chocolate and more.

With new signage, the Camino de Costa Rica , a 174-mile cross-country hiking trail that connects the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, became easier to navigate last year. Organized into 16 sections, the trail knits together 25 rural communities and terrain that ranges from beaches to cloud forests. The full hike can take from 11 to 16 days, and along the way, travelers passing through Indigenous areas can hire members of the Cabécar community as guides. The trail also traverses national parks and sanctuaries that host dazzling birds like the resplendent quetzal .

Trekkers can camp, book hotels or stay overnight with families, sampling homegrown coffee and chocolate as well as dishes like a variety of gallo pinto made with beans, rice and coconut milk that’s often enjoyed on the Caribbean side of the trail. Local outfitters offer custom itineraries, including accommodations and luggage transfers, and activities like rafting, horseback riding and canoeing — all ways to help support areas off the tourist track.

Albanian Alps

Rugged peaks where hikers wander and shepherds roam.

The remote mountain range in northern Albania, known as the Accursed Mountains, or the Albanian Alps (although it also reaches into Montenegro and Kosovo), has for years entranced hikers seeking serenity among its peaks. It may not be peaceful for long: Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz announced new routes to Albania, making its glassy lakes and miles of relatively untouched trails more accessible for explorers looking for an affordable paradise.

Once reachable only with a four-wheel drive, northern villages like Theth are now accessible by a narrow but paved mountain road, although drivers may still need to wait for a passing cow or two. Visitors can stay with locals in guesthouses or farm stays to get a glimpse of rural life before hiking the Valbona Pass within a national park encompassing some 200,000 acres to gaze across wildflower-strewn valleys and see shepherds tending to their flocks.

— Isabella Kwai

Whitehorse Yukon

For northern lights viewers, a warm welcome in a remote capital.

In the current 11-year solar cycle, magnetic activity in space will peak between January and October, expected to prompt more frequent and active northern lights. In the clear skies around Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon territory in northwest Canada, aurora-viewing tours have become a draw, taking place via canoe, snowshoe and fat-tire bike.

Surrounded by mountains and boreal forests, Whitehorse offers a warm welcome from the wilds in flourishing small businesses, including Yukon Brewing , offering “beer worth freezin’ for,” Gather Cafe & Taphouse , which shares space with a glassblowing studio, and Woodcutter’s Blanket , serving craft cocktails and microbrews in a 1930s log cabin.

Nature is never far from the city, where you can stay in a cabin built to blend into the landscape at Black Spruce resort, or soak under starry skies at Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs .

Choquequirao Peru

An archaeological wonder reachable only on foot, for now.

As its tourism industry was recovering from pandemic losses, Peru was gripped by antigovernment protests that led to the shutdown of Machu Picchu , the country’s most famous attraction, and caused travelers to leave or cancel trips in droves. Now, as tourism is rebounding, efforts are gaining steam to direct visitors to lesser-known archaeological sites .

One site being considered for expanded tourism infrastructure is Choquequirao . Another spectacular Incan citadel, it receives fewer than 10,000 visitors a year. The catch: It’s a three- to four-day trek to get there. The government last year announced a $200 million investment in the site, with a plan to build a cable car and improve trails to boost tourism. A window may slowly be closing to reward a spirit of adventure with an enigmatic, ancient complex, surrounded by snowy peaks and wilderness, that feels entirely your own.

— David Feliba

Dresden Germany

Romantic landscapes and an avant-garde treasure trove in a city long on the mend.

All but leveled in the Allied firebombing of 1945, Dresden has been rebuilding for decades. Now, with the historic center’s major restoration projects nearly complete, the city is ready to fete a favorite son: the archetypal Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich .

Born 250 years ago in September, he’s being celebrated across Germany, though Dresden — where he spent most of his creative years — is throwing the biggest party. Starting in August, the Albertinum and the Kupferstich-Kabinett museums will pay tribute with a joint exhibition. Serious fans — whether of his work in particular or Romantic landscapes in general — will want to follow in his footsteps along the Elbe Valley’s trails with Friedrichian-lore-loving guides.

If your tastes lean modern, no fewer than 1.5 million works of 20th-century art await at the Archiv der Avantgarden-Egidio Marzona , set to open May 5, in the restored Blockhaus, a new raw-concrete jewel housed in an opulent 18th-century shell.

— Abbie Kozolchyk

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve Mexico

Welcoming endangered insects in verdant forests.

As many as a billion monarch butterflies overwinter every year in this green forest of fir, juniper and pine trees in Central Mexico. After decades of falling population numbers , the beloved black, orange and white insect was classified as endangered in 2022 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

This 139,000-acre reserve has six sites where visitors can hike into the forest and see the clusters of butterflies perched high in the tree canopy. Each sanctuary has a different appeal: The Rosario sanctuary is near the historic mining town of Angangueo, with quaint hotels like Rancho Cumbre Monarca , while Piedra Herrada is a two-hour drive from Mexico City.

Overwinter season is from November to March, and the ideal time to visit is midweek, when the sanctuaries are less crowded and less noisy, so you may be able to not only see the butterflies, but also hear their collective flutter.

— Jorge Valencia

Flamingo Florida

Rediscover a beloved lodge in the heart of the everglades.

The vast beauty of the Florida Everglades is perhaps best appreciated at night, when the national park is all constellations and creatures. But for those who don’t care to brave the elements (or the mosquitoes) while camping outside or in an R.V., it has been impossible to stay anywhere with air-conditioning since two hurricanes destroyed the park’s only hotel in 2005.

That changed in November with the reopening of the Flamingo Lodge , now elevated and made out of sturdy shipping containers. A renovated visitor center and restaurant have been built to better withstand sea level rise caused by climate change.

The return of the beloved facilities, along with glamping “eco-tents,” has given birders, stargazers and anglers a reason to reconnect with the outpost of Flamingo, on mainland Florida’s southernmost tip and less than two hours by car from Miami.

And if you’re lucky, you may spot flamingos in Florida Bay.

— Patricia Mazzei

Related Coverage

• Share full article

Advertisement

The 24 Best Places to Go in 2024

By CNT Editors

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2024—find more travel inspiration for next year, organized by continent, here .

In considering the destinations that excite us the most for 2024, there’s an overarching sense of possibility.

When the last corners of Asia fully reopened their borders earlier this year, the pandemic's claim on our travels finally fell away. We, as travelers, are now more able to set our sights on the farthest-reaching adventures , to dust off our bucket lists—and in many cases, return to the places we love and miss. The world remains an unpredictable and complicated place in many ways. Yet, in being reminded that travel is the greatest of luxuries, we are forced to ask the question: What should we do with our enviable power to traverse the globe in 2024? Where, we wonder, will we go first?

There are so many compelling reasons to take travel far and wide in the year ahead. Emerging boutique hotels , wellness resorts , and expedition cruises , as they vie for travelers’ bookings with new offerings, are being forced to carefully consider what it means to be relevant and exciting, yes, but also sustainable. Destinations are setting their sights on everything from pioneering eco-tourism initiatives to restorative land stewardship efforts, handing back narratives to Native communities that thread their past with their future. As for us, travelers? We get to take our pick.

To help you find the trip worth your vacation days, we’ve collaborated with Condé Nast Traveler editors from around the globe. For months we have researched, debated, and vetted, from a large pool of fantastic cities, regions, and countries with new reasons to visit. The result is this: our definitive guide to the 24 best places to go in 2024. It includes extraordinary superblooms in a new national park in Chile , up-close encounters with wildlife alongside Inuit guides in Canada , and an exciting, community-led dining destination in Rwanda . This complete list, while an immense challenge to narrow down, mirrors just how big, beautiful, diverse—and ever-changing—our world is.

Here are the 24 places that we believe should be on every traveler's radar for the year ahead. We can’t wait to see where you go. — Arati Menon and Megan Spurrell

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Places to Go in 2024

Accra, ghana.

Go for: the heart of a pan-African cultural renaissance, Indigenous pop-up dinners, Afrobeats

Accra continues to draw travelers with a surge of cool new pop-up restaurants, museums, and the pilgrimage-worthy music festival, AfroFuture (previously Afrochella).

Accra has steadily been cementing its reputation as the continent’s capital of cool, and a reimagination of pan-African heritage has ignited the city’s foodies. Leading the way is the Ghana Food Movement , a network of food change makers intent on surfacing the sexy in sustainable food. With the May 2024 opening of its Link-up Kitchen in the buzzing Osu neighborhood, this meeting place–cum–test kitchen will house the Movement’s popular Dine and Dance series, where young chefs highlight local ingredients in multicourse dinners before getting down to beats by local DJs. The hub will also host pop-ups featuring up-and-coming chefs and Indigenous menus, such as those offered by Abena Offeh-Gyimah, whose food tours spotlight heirloom ingredients and a “reconnection to ancestral ways of eating.” This year also sees chef Selassie Atadika of Midunu resuming her Nomadic Dinners celebrating African ingredients , as well as quarterly chocolate tastings of her gorgeous bonbons inspired by flavors like beriberi chili and Cape Malay spice. After dinner, you’ll find the balmy West African capital’s electric club scene spoils you for choice. While the Grammys have just come to the party (the awards will feature a Best African Music Performance category for the first time, in 2024), locals have been lighting it up at festivals like Chale Wote Street Art Festival (August) and AfroFuture (previously Afrochella ; December) for years. Should you find time to sleep, the December 2023 opening of the 145-room Hilton Accra Cantonments marks the brand’s debut in Ghana.

Looking ahead: A state-of-the-art cultural institution is coming just outside the city as well. Enriched by voices from the diaspora, an overdue zeitgeist to reclaim African narratives finds a physical home in the Pan African Heritage Museum , which has begun construction and will open in 2025 or 2026. Located on 10 lush acres in Winneba (40 miles from Accra), the space’s first offerings will include a music amphitheater, a youth innovation center, and a food court. Like all its planned exhibits (you can digitally preview the collection), these will both showcase and connect the continent’s rich history and cultures to its contemporary global might. — Lee Middleton

For more inspiration, read our expanded list of the best places to go in Africa in 2024 .

Budapest, Hungary

Go for: a fresh take on the 150 year-old city

As the city of Budapest turns 150, an overwhelming sense of old-meets-new is inspired by historic attractions living alongside just-opened hotels (such as the art deco-inspired W, above), and the futuristic House of Music Hungary.

Renowned for its architecture, the Hungarian capital is home to everything from art nouveau and neoclassical to gothic and baroque, with the Blue Danube connecting it all like a ribbon. And then there are the mineral-rich thermal baths, featuring ornate design flourishes. The city also buzzes with creativity, which spills over into the vibrant nightlife; the ruin bars district is a tangible example of crafting opportunity from the ashes of adversity following the brutality of Communist rule. November 2023 marks 150 years since the previously divided cities of Buda, Pest, and Obuda were unified, as well as a series of cultural events. The Chain Bridge—the city’s oldest and a “symbol of togetherness,” according to Mayor Gergely Karácsony—has fully reopened after a two-year restoration, granting excellent views of Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament Building. New builds such as the spectacular House of Music Hungary and the National Athletics Centre (the central stadium for 2023’s World Athletics Championships) are testament to a city with optimism for its next 150 years. The art deco W Budapest —formerly a palace and on a UNESCO World Heritage-listed street—opened in July 2023 opposite the Hungarian State Opera. Also in the Marriott portfolio is the Dorothea Hotel , with its 216 rooms and glamorous rooftop restaurant. In keeping with the musical events celebrating the 150th anniversary, the 2022 opening of the Hard Rock Hotel—Eastern Europe’s first—combines musical memorabilia (Prince’s faux-fur coat in a shade of, unsurprisingly, purple) with an in-thick-of-it location on Nagymező Street, Budapest ’s legendary louche entertainment strip. — Sarah Rodrigues

For more inspiration, read our expanded list of the best places to go in Europe in 2024 .

The Cyclades, Greece

Go for: salty-air island-hopping made easier than ever

Stylish boutique hotel Kalesma Mykonos is opening a spa in 2024, marking a hotel boom throughout the cluster of islands known as the Cyclades.

It will be easy to hop between Kalesma and islands like Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Milos, and Ios, thanks to new flights to and throughout the dazzling blue archipelago.

Is there anywhere more popular than the Greek islands right now? This past summer, the Cyclades—an island group that includes Mykonos , Santorini , Paros, Milos, and Ios—dominated social-media feeds with beautiful blue and white backdrops, thrilling beach clubs and nightclubs, and unparalleled shopping. With more smart stays being unveiled in 2024, as well as new flights, next summer is the time to make a Cyclades trip happen. Etihad, British Airways, and Saudia added new routes to various Greek islands in 2023, plus the 2022 launch of Cycladic , the first inter-island airline, means it’s easier than ever to get there. Hotel business is booming. Santo Pure in Oia on Santorini has just added 20 new suites, and next year it will be joined by sister hotel Santo Mine, a 37-suite luxury resort. Slick boutique hotel Kalesma on Mykonos will launch its spa for the 2024 season, including a hammam and cryotherapy area. Five-star, 80-acre Gundari Resort will open on Folegandros next May, while a new One&Only property will come to Kea in April. Such plush hotels are rare on these islands, expanding the options for luxury stays in the Cyclades. — Ali Wunderman

French Polynesia

Go for : Olympic surfing, sublime flora and fauna

An alternative Olympics experience can be found in Tahiti, where skilled surfers will ride the waves at Teahupo’o. Plan a 2024 trip to catch the action IRL, then kick back at one of several new and reopened hotels elsewhere in the territory.

All eyes may be on Tahiti this year as Teahupo’o, a village on the south coast and home to one of “the deadliest waves in the world,” gears up to host the 2024 Paris Olympics surf competition . Spectators can watch the event on giant screens at celebration sites across the island, such as Jardin de Paofai, Papara Beach Break, and Marina of Punui. The rest of French Polynesia , a sublime blue territory of 118 islands, is continuing its dedication to sustainability over mass tourism. Keen to bill itself as a regenerative destination, Coral Gardeners, an ocean conservation group, is in the process of planting one million heat-resilient corals worldwide by 2025. It’s also working on upcycling abandoned pearl farms for coral restoration on Ahe, an atoll northeast of Tahiti. Hotels across the jumble of islands are also getting spruced up, with a flurry of rejuvenations, starting in Bora Bora. In January 2024, the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora will launch a botanical tour highlighting its carefully preserved native flora and fauna, followed by the reopening of Le Meridien as Westin Bora Bora in mid-2024.

Looking forward to 2025, on the Tuamotu Islands, Le Tikehau will reopen as a Relais Chateaux property, and the Kia Ora Resort & Spa in Rangiroa is renovating to include overwater bungalows. — Kaila Yu

Go for : new direct flights, luxe resorts, and a spicy carnival celebration

All-new direct flights will mean Grenada will finally get the attention it deserves—perfectly timed for the luxury hotels and resorts that are on their way in 2024.

While it may have traditionally been overlooked in favor of, say, St. Barts or Turks and Caicos , Grenada has more than proven itself a worthy contender—especially for travelers based on the East Coast. Starting in November 2023, JetBlue is making it easier to get there, with the launch of a direct service from Boston to join existing nonstops out of JFK. Air Canada also recently ramped up service and now has up to four flights per week between Toronto and Grenada.

Several new hotels and resorts are also on their way. Six Senses has picked Grenada for its first resort in the Caribbean: La Sagesse is set to open in early 2024 and will spread out over 38 acres of land with unparalleled access to the ocean and a range of adventures, from shipwreck dives to waterfall trails. Also in January 2024, Beach House by Silversands will open its doors to a mix of 28 beachfront and cliffside villas and suites ( Silversands Resort opened on the island in 2018 and boasts a 100-meter infinity pool, said to be the longest in the Caribbean). Further out, IHG has broken ground on a 150-room, 30-private-suite resort that will sit next to Six Senses and is projected to open in 2025.

August is a popular time to visit: Spicemas, Grenada’s Carnival and the island’s largest cultural event, shimmies in during this time and brings with it weeks of parades, food, dancing, and performances. This year, JetBlue added a second daily flight from JFK during the days of the festival to accommodate the diaspora and the growing number of travelers heading to the Spice Island. Things are only going to get busier in 2024. — Madison Flager

Go for: new cruises leading to ancient ruins, and a burst of artsy openings

Luna Zorro Studio, which sells artisan textiles, will open a boutique with a two-bedroom casita for rent in October 2024, in Antigua.

Across the country, new art, cultural, and community spaces beg travelers to venture beyond ancient ruins like Tikal—and stay awhile.

When National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions launch their new Belize to Tikal itinerary in January 2024, travelers may be tempted to tack on a few days ashore Belize’s white sand beaches and palm-dotted islands. But Guatemala , home to the jungle-shrouded Mayan ruins of Tikal, is the extension not to skip. The country’s mix of rich Indigenous and colonial history, staggering natural beauty, and now expanding infrastructure for tourism in the form of restaurants, hotels, and tours makes 2024 the year to explore Guatemala in earnest. In the charming city of Antigua, the world class MUNAG (National Museum of Art Guatemala) , which covers 3,000 years of heritage through a contemporary lens, is now open, and a second-phase unveiling is expected imminently. Nearby, the team behind Luna Zorro studio —known for merging traditional craftsmanship with modern textile design and crafting boutique trips throughout Guatemala in collaboration with El Camino Travel —is renovating a historic property into La Valiente: It will house a Luna Zorro boutique and a coffee-and-wine bar in the front, with a two-bedroom casita for rent in the back, all set to open in October 2024. Café No Sé , meanwhile, an anchor of the old city that’s touted as the first mezcal bar outside of Mexico , will continue to honor “20-ish” years of being in business with events and live music. A flush of new art spaces, like Aura Galerías , and innovative restaurants continue to characterize the capital of Guatemala City.

Air carriers have taken notice of the increasing interest in this destination—in December 2023, Alaska will begin daily service from Los Angeles to Guatemala City, marking a new year-round route for the airline. Delta is bumping up access to Latin America in general and upping the frequency of winter flights from its Atlanta hub to Guatemala. — Ali Wunderman

The Kimberley, Australia

Go for : pristine wilderness newly accessible by cruise, First Nations cultural immersions

The Kimberley's hard-to-reach waterways, spectacular coastlines, and ancient rock art sites will soon welcome fresh visitors, thanks to an influx of new cruise lines in 2024.

Western Australia’s remote Kimberley is one of the world’s last wild frontiers, known for its untouched wilderness of towering ocher cliffs, cornflower blue waters, and ancient Aboriginal rock-art sites. But it’s always been difficult to explore. That’s about to change, because in 2024, this region is set to welcome an influx of cruise lines, keen to make the most of the region’s hard-to-reach waterways. Seabourn will cruise the Kimberley for the first time with Seabourn Pursuit ; Ponant has deployed its all-new Le Jacques-Cartier to join sister vessel Le Lapérouse from May 2024; and from June 2024, Silversea will replace Silver Explorer with Silver Cloud to increase capacity. Not to be outdone, Scenic’s Scenic Eclipse II will become the only ship in the region with two helicopters onboard for flightseeing and excursions. Her first Kimberley voyage will take place in May.

In Broome, a coastal town and a gateway to the Kimberley, tourism projects are heating up too. Tipping its hat at the pearling history of the region, Salty Plum Social is making plenty of noise with its new Pearling Master’s Trek which, after its inaugural walk in 2023, kicks off with regular tours from April 2024. Plus, leading tour operators have joined forces to launch Aboriginal Culture Expedition , a four-night itinerary that includes participation in First Nations experiences in and around iconic Cable Beach and Roebuck Bay—the first of its 2024 tours debuts in May. A top tip: Relax with a native-ingredient craft beer, courtesy of the all-new part-Aboriginal-owned 4,500-square-meter Spinifex Brewery Cable Beach . Improving access to this incredible region is Nexus Airlines , which has joined Airnorth in servicing regional Western Australia with its first Broome-Kununurra-Darwin route—and with further services scheduled for 2024. — Dilvin Yasa

Kobe, Japan

Go for: high design with a sense of place

Kobe, Japan, is best known for its eponymous beef—and design-forward spaces, like the new Officine Universelle Buly skincare shop, are creatively building on this heritage.

Though Kobe's richest pleasures are earthly—beef, sake, and hot springs, for starters—the view from Kobe Port Tower, which will reopen in early 2024, lets travelers take the city in from above.

Sandwiched between steep mountains and sparkling seas in southwestern Japan , the port city of Kobe is seriously strengthening its design credentials. Taking centre stage is Vague Kobe , a new creative space by Teruhiro Yanagihara Studio (TYS). Spanning the upper levels of an elegant former 1930s bank, it houses a gallery, bookstore, café, wine bar, flower shop, and design studio. In a perfectly measured showcase of contemporary Japanese design—and a reflection of Kobe’s seafaring heritage—renovated interiors combine crafted walls of traditional Japanese plasterwork and clean minimalist lines with large windows, stone floors, and ornate tilework.

Further proof of Kobe’s design ascendency was the arrival of French artisanal perfume and skincare brand Officine Universelle Buly in mid-2023, its shop and café interiors flamboyantly layered in signature style—from Kobe beef-inspired expanses of red-veined marble to chocolate-like lacquerware and “dripping” lamps. Recent plans by Trunk , arguably Tokyo’s hippest hotel group, to make Kobe the setting for its first hotel outside the capital is further evidence of the city’s prominence. And Kobe Port Tower —a panoramic observation deck on the shores of Osaka Bay—will reopen in early 2024 with a string of new facilities, including a new museum showcasing light-themed artworks and a fancy 360-degree revolving café bar. — Danielle Demetriou

Go for: new hiking and biking trails, pristine countryside views

Kosovo's untouched valleys offer the perfect canvas for multi-day hiking and biking trips—like the Trans Dinarica cycling route, opening in 2024, which will wind its way past rivers, markets, and via ferrata setups.

Tiny Kosovo lacks the stunning beaches of Albania and luxury resorts of Montenegro, but Europe’s newest country has sky-scraping peaks, pastoral countryside and heart-warming hospitality, a combination ideal for multi-day hiking and biking trips. 2024 will mark the 25th anniversary since the end of the Kosovo war, and there's much to discover in the region now. Following in the footsteps of cross-border adventure trails such as the Peaks of the Balkans and High Scardus, the Trans Dinarica cycling route opens in 2024, making its way past the minarets framing Prizren’s eponymous river, through the Ottoman market town of Gjakova, and on to Peja. Perched on the edge of the Rugova Gorge, Peja serves as base camp for the country’s many outdoor adventures, including via ferratas and spelunking. A new paved path will soon connect the Lumbardhi River Promenade with the popular Health Trail—the beginning of the south-to-west route through the inaptly named Accursed Mountains. Two additional forthcoming routes connect trails in the Rugova Mountains to the gushing White Drin waterfall and Radac cave. Steps from the waterfall, the sleek, modern Ujëvara e Drinit Resort specializes in rooms with a view and fresh trout dinners. Through-hikers can rest weary bones and fill hungry bellies further from town at rural guesthouses such as Ariu , where traditional Kosovar dishes include flija, made with dairy produced on-site. — Naomi Tomky

Go for: biodiversity, castaway vibes, and water sports

Miavana in Madagascar exemplifies the island's allure with water sports, adventures through baobab forests, and jaw-dropping views.

In 2024, it will become easier to travel between remote destinations across Madagascar, thanks to a new flight circuit and cruise itineraries.

An otherworldly land of undiscovered species and bizarre biological riches, the rugged, remote Indian Ocean isle of Madagascar has always promised to upend visitors’ senses and logistical prowess. Happily, the latter is changing as the pioneers responsible for some of the continent’s finest conservation tourism offerings are upping the ante on the world’s fourth largest island. Located inside the essentially unvisited Namoroka National Park, Namoroka Tsingy Exploration Camp’s mid-2024 opening makes seven luxury safari tents your portal to a landscape of baobabs jutting from the formations of limestone knives known as tsingy and populated by lemurs that haven’t learned to fear people.

More of a coastal explorer? Look no further than Masoala Forest Lodge , which recently launched a Blue Lagoon Expedition trip in 2022. Paddling the breathtaking rainforest- and mangrove-fringed Antongil Bay, kayakers en route to a magical island campsite will share pellucid waters with migrating humpback whales and schools of reef fish. If that’s a touch too rugged, Time + Tide’s Miavana —arguably the Platonic ideal of exclusive island luxury—is launching a kiteboarding center and new mainland excursions (think quad biking through baobab forests), in January 2024 and March 2024 respectively, for those who enjoy a splash of adrenaline in their bliss cocktail.

Finally—and critically—2024 sees access to the Red Island expanding. Masoala Forest Lodge and Madagascar Classic Collection are starting a new flight circuit that will link choice remote destinations, like Andasibe, Namoroka, and Masoala parks, and luxe cruise lines like Silversea , Lindblad , Swan Hellenic , and Seabourne have added the country as a port of call on new voyages. — Lee Middleton

Magdalena River, Colombia

Go for: scenic river cruises with a big hit of culture

The Magdalena River, lined with history and charming towns like Mompox (pictured above), is about to become the buzziest river cruising destination in South America, thanks to two new itineraries from AmaWaterways launching in 2024.

Immortalized in Gabriel García Márquez’s classic Love in the Time of Cholera, the Magdalena River is Colombia’s largest and most important waterway. Running 930 miles from the snowcapped Andes through fertile valleys and into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean , it's the economic and cultural heart of the country. However, for many travelers, the mighty Magdalena has been off the radar.

But courtesy of luxe river-cruise company AmaWaterways , two different ships will kick off voyages in the future: AmyMagdalena , in November 2024, and AmaMelodia , in January 2025. Both ships will sail the Magic of Colombia itinerary, from Barranquilla to Cartagena , and the Wonders of Colombia itinerary, from Cartagena to Barranquilla—each taking passengers upriver to the UNESCO-designated city of Mompox , founded in 1540, where riverfront plazas and ornate churches await in this lost-in-time pueblo magico.

Along the way, the three-story ships, which come with rooftop sun decks and balconies, stop for birdwatching and hiking. What really sets this river sailing apart from those in the Amazon River , though, is its focus on culture: From musical explorations in the town of Palenque , the first “free” town founded by formerly enslaved people in the Americas, to jazz concerts in Mompox and a special Colombian Carnaval celebration in Barranquilla, this is a journey into the exuberant heart of Colombian life.

Fly via Cartagena, with its world-class beaches, dining, and nightlife—not to mention the new Casa Pestagua hotel , situated in a lavishly restored 17th-century palace—for a soft landing before or after the cruise. There are a number of existing nonstop flights from the US, including an increase in weekly flights from Atlanta via Delta as of October 2023. — Ocean Malandra

Go for: Indian Ocean waters, a museum, and dazzling beach villas

The recently opened House of Digital Art (HODA) brings contemporary art to a historic Port-Louis building on the Indian Ocean Island.

After visiting HODA, above, head to the Intercontinental Slavery Museum, opened in 2023, which inspects the island's colonial history.

Mauritius’s heyday in the ’80s conjures images of striped parasols, a tanned Stéphanie de Monaco on water skis, and all of Europe’s jet set holed up in the few—but fabulous—hotels. Fast-forward three decades and the Indian Ocean island has even more to land itself on your travel list: A dynamic cultural scene and new wave of hospitality are unfolding on its shores. In the capital of Port Louis, the years-in-the-making Intercontinental Slavery Museum , located inside a restored 1700s military hospital, opened in September 2023, marking the nation’s first monumental step in making amends for its long colonial history. Culture buffs are also gravitating to the recently opened House of Digital Art (HODA) nearby: Old meets new in this historic Port-Louis building, housing a cutting-edge array of contemporary art installations. The Indian Ocean isle has always been renowned for its dreamy seaside resorts, but encouraging visitors to venture away from the beaches is the forthcoming Socio Tribeca (late 2024)—heralding the launch of a new hotel brand from the Lux Collective—which promises to be an impressive contemporary hotel with its finger on the pulse of the island. Muse Villas , a newcomer seeking to offer an elevated resort experience, enables travelers to stay on their own private islet. Meanwhile, legendary resorts Lux Belle Mare and Paradis Beachcomber just unveiled massive restorations in October, and Hotel Riu Palace Mauritius , a kitesurfers’ paradise, will emerge from its own facelift in May 2024. But beyond the well-trodden coastline of Mauritius, this may be the year its barely known little sister, Rodrigues, a speck of an island an hour-and-a-half flight east, gets its due. It’s long been a well-kept secret among even the most in-the-know travelers, but now a clutch of reimagined properties is adding a touch of luxury gloss: The island’s two historic hotels, Play Mourouk and Cotton Bay Resort & Spa , are reopening after months of renovation and reinvention (the first as of November 1, 2023; the latter in 2024). — Anissa Macaulay

Go for: improved access, unique cultural festivals, and unscripted adventure

The rich heritage and staggering landscapes of Mongolia have captured the hearts of many travelers—but new lodges, immersive cultural experiences, and the first-ever direct flight to the US, coming in 2024, prove that adventure doesn't always have to mean rugged.

Mongolia has long been the destination for thrill-seeking adventure travelers—as participants in the wonderfully chaotic Mongol Rally will attest—but the country is expanding beyond that niche as its tourism board sets its sights on attracting one million tourists per year. In 2023, the country launched visa-free travel for a further 34 nationalities—bringing the total up to 61—in a campaign that is set to run until 2025.

The launch of new luxury lodges, cultural tours, and the announcement of the country’s first ever direct US flight, coming in 2024 to the $650-million Chinggis Khaan International Airport, further signal Mongolia’s tourism ambitions.

Following the success of the rugged-but-chic Three Camel Lodge , Mongolia’s luxury accommodation options are expanding with places such as Yeruu Lodge , which opened in 2023. Offbeat cultural experiences are one of the most compelling reasons to visit the country’s vast, rugged expanses and local operator Breanna Wilson offers some of the best. After a successful season of horse trekking and the Naadam Festival—a colorful display of strength, horsemanship, and marksmanship—in 2023, Wilson is expanding her 2024 tours to include a digital nomad week, a women-only retreat in Orkhon Valley, and a three-day archery training session with Namnaa Academy , an organization that began reviving the ancient art of mounted archery in 2020. — Ali Wunderman

Northern Rivers, Australia

Go for : adaptive surfing, immersive hiking, and stylish ranches

A flurry of design-led hotel openings in Byron Bay will follow the lead of Sun Ranch, and range from equestrian-style ranches to breezy seaside hideaways.

Spread across 55 acres in Byron Bay, Sun Ranch pays homage to the iconic Californian ranch houses of the 1970s.

Made up of a patchwork of coastal towns and linked via scenic drives that take you along stunning Pacific beaches, lush valleys, and rainforests, this region has long been a popular destination for road-tripping, surfing, and trekking. Though devastated by apocalyptic floods in 2022, this northeastern corner of New South Wales is making a comeback. The region’s recovery was boosted in 2023 with the opening of the first stage of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail , which, when completed in the coming years, will link Byron Shire with a string of hinterland towns via an 82-mile mixed-use pathway. Also threading through this abundant region shaped by a now-extinct volcano is a new multiday hiking trail. Slated for a mid-2024 opening, the 24-mile Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk (meaning “old people’s track” in the local Bundjalung Aboriginal language) will pass through ancient traditional lands forming part of the World Heritage–listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.

A highlight in March: The wave-lashed town of Byron Bay is set to host the 2024 Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championship , the country’s first international event for surfers with disabilities. Supporting all of this is a flurry of hotel openings in the region. Following Swell Hotel and California-style Sun Ranch in Byron Bay, Copperstone by the Range Estates will open its equestrian-style ranch in nearby Bangalow in early 2024, while in Yamba on the southern fringe of the Northern Rivers, designer and stylist Sheree Commerford’s breezy seaside inn Il Delfino is slated to open early 2024. — Sarah Reid

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Go for: a watershed moment for exclusive camps in a unique landscape

A wave of new safari lodges—including a two-years-only temporary camp—make a visit to the Okavango Delta more desirable, and pressing, than ever.

Go. Go now. Because if you’ve always dreamed of discovering Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where seasonal floodwaters transform parched sands into a filigree of shimmering channels, right now is when you’ll be spoiled for choice. A surge in demand, coupled with a proactive approach to developing community-owned concessions, has led to a flush of new lodges across the world’s largest inland delta.

Take Sitatunga Private Island , or Natural Selection’s North Island Okavango , where just three tented suites rest on an island beneath wild ebony trees. Natural Selection will add to their portfolio in May 2024 with a new build: Tawana . Set in the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve, this partnership with the chief of the local Batawana tribe will offer eight thatched suites amid the grasslands lining the perennial Gomoti River. Each stay is at least 1,000 square feet in size and comes with a private plunge pool and terrace.

Water is gold in the Delta, and this past year, African Bush Camps (ABC) opened the riverside Khwai Lediba . But our eye is really on Atzaro Okavango , slated for a March 2024 debut: It’s the third Icon camp in the Delta for ABC, with 10 lagoon-side suites promising impressive levels of Delta luxe and a strong sense of place through design (both markers of the Icon portfolio).

If you’re feeling adventurous, look east to the untapped Mababe marshlands and the brand-new Wilderness Mokete (opening mid-2024) for a fresh look at under-canvas exploration—out with plush campaign-style furnishings and in with geometric lines and contemporary decor. But be quick: Mokete will only stand for two years before being replaced by a new-build permanent camp set to open in 2026. — Richard Holmes

Quebec, Canada

Go for : off-the-beaten-track nature and cultural immersion

Come summer, Inuit-owned Ungava Polar Eco-Tours will explore unpopulated islands like Gyrfalcon Islands in Ungava Bay.

From musk ox sightings to some of the highest tidal elevations, Quebec's northernmost regions offer unparalleled natural immersion.

The largest of Canada’s 10 provinces, Quebec offers a vast stage for wide-ranging Indigenous-led experiences, from sipping beer at a Mohawk-run brewery near the US border to polar bear–watching with Inuit guides in the far north. Nunavik, Quebec’s northernmost region and homeland of the Inuit, has long been off most travelers’ radars, but new experiences offer immersion into both nature and culture.

Starting in summer 2024, Inuit-owned Ungava Polar Eco-Tours will offer five-day adventures to the uninhabited Gyrfalcon Islands in Ungava Bay. There, visitors will be able to spot wildlife from polar bears to musk ox and caribou, as well as experience some of the highest tidal elevations in the world. Even more wildlife-viewing experiences will become available in the summer when the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation opens the Putep 't-awt observation site, providing a one-of-a-kind land-based location to view a beluga whale nursery on the St. Lawrence River.

Visitors to the Quebec City region can look forward to refreshed experiences in the Huron-Wendat community of Wendake, where, in summer 2023, the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations opened 24 new and renovated suites, and Sagamité restaurant in Old Wendake reopened after a nearly five-year closure and with plans to add a microbrewery and pub in 2024. While you’re in Quebec, definitely don’t miss the Contemporary Native Art Biennial , which will be held across Montreal throughout the year. — Karin Gardiner

Quito, Ecuador

Go for: a city on the rise

Quito is catching up to culinary neighbor Lima with spots like Nuema, where award-winning chef and co-owner Pia Salazar blends sweet and savory ingredients.

Opposites also attract in the heart of Quito. Modern architecture lives alongside a UNESCO-anointed colonial center—in late 2023, an all-new metro will better connect the city's various parts.

Quito is finally getting its due. The city’s mile-high skyline got a lot higher thanks to the work of architects like Bjarke Ingels Group, whose 32-story IQON tower (completed in 2022) is now the city’s tallest. It's just one of several projects to come from Ecuadorian development firm Uribe Schwarzkopf , in its ongoing effort to mature the ancient Andean city into an unlikely new hub of contemporary architecture. That’s no small feat considering that Quito stands atop both the ruins of a pre-Columbian settlement and an earthquake-prone high plateau and is anchored by an untouchable colonial center with UNESCO status. But a new generation of Ecuadorian and international creatives are pushing the city toward the future—and not just for the sake of visitors.

Moving things along in that direction, an all-new metro system will be inaugurated in late 2023, with 15 stations spanning from Quitumbe in the southern part of the city to El Labrador in the north. New hotels have been slower to arrive, but one standout is the affordable 151-room Go Quito Hotel , which opened in June 2023 with a rooftop bar-restaurant, spa, sauna, pool, and airy rooms offering unbeatable views of the city. Meanwhile, Quito’s dining scene is finally catching up to culinary neighbor Lima . Buzzy new restaurants include Cardó , where Chef Adrián Escardó makes octopus bacon and suckling pig with naranjilla sauce; Aura , which leans into native Ecuadorian ingredients like Mashua honey and Manaba cheese from the coast; and Nuema , where chef and co-owner Pia Salazar’s sweet-salty hybrid desserts—think pastries with leek with lemon verbena and tonka bean, and white seaweed with black garlic—won her World’s Best Pastry Chef 2022, a first for Quito and Ecuador, and 2023. — Adam H. Graham

The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

Go for: pristine nature, and a new take on sustainability

Saudi Arabia's Red Sea is home to an ambitious sustainable tourism development, with sixteen hotels already up and running, and a Six Senses, Ritz Carlton, and St. Regis opening their doors to travelers in 2024.

Saudi Arabia's Red Sea has both untouched desert and vibrant coral reefs—both of which will be part of ambitious sustainable tourism development in the destination.Sixteen hotels are already open in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, with a Six Senses, Ritz Carlton, and St. Regis opening their doors to travelers in 2024.

Creating a completely new tourism destination in an area of pristine natural beauty—including coral reefs that are home to critically endangered species, unspoiled desert, and dormant volcanoes—is a fine tightrope to walk. Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea aims to navigate these challenges with ambitious efforts that will make it a center of regenerative tourism, powered by 100 percent renewable energy. Only 22 of the more than 90 islands in the area will be developed, and nine have been designated as protected conservation areas. While many of the sustainability efforts will be behind the scenes, some are visible—and visitable.

New mangrove parks will be populated with trees currently being grown in a mangrove nursery (the project aims to plant 50 million by 2030). The first phase of the destination, which includes 16 luxury hotels, is powered by 760,000 solar panels, and the world’s first zero-carbon 5G network has already been installed. Three resorts— Six Senses Southern Dunes ; Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve; and The St. Regis Red Sea Resort —are set to open in the coming months, each with its own strict program of sustainability measures, ranging from light-touch modular structures to intelligent landscaping, smart waste management, and local sourcing. Transport within the destination will be by e-vehicles, and hydrogen-powered seaplanes will eventually transport visitors between the islands. Whether a luxury tourist destination can ever truly be sustainable remains to be seen, but the efforts being made in the Red Sea are certainly testing the hypothesis. — Nicola Chilton

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Go for: stargazing, a luxe stay, and a superbloom in a new national park

San Pedro de Atacama is known for its geographical wonders, from snowcapped volcanic mountains, to shimmering lakes with flamingos—and now, a boutique hotel from Habitas complements the dramatic desert surrounds.

With its bronzed, dusty roadways and handcrafted adobe dwellings, Chile’s oldest village has captivated adventurous visitors for decades. But now, the soulful oasis of San Pedro de Atacama is securing the spotlight as Chile’s northern star, with a variety of travelers eager to experience its rugged-chic vibe. After all, this celestial city is a hotbed of geographical wonders, with snowcapped volcanic mountains in the world’s driest nonpolar region, high-altitude lagoons dotting the Andean desert, and dazzling salt flats.

Wildlife lovers flock to Los Flamencos National Reserve for up-close encounters with the world’s rarest flamingos and native vicuñas. And the surreal, dramatic scenery of the steaming El Tatio Geysers at sunrise can only be rivaled by the fiery palette of the Valle de Catarpe canyons at dusk. In 2024, El Niño is likely to spark an extraordinary Atacama superbloom inside Chile’s new national park, Desierto Florido .

Under the clearest skies on the planet, backyard astronomers can explore the cosmos on ethereal stargazing tours . The ALMA Observatory , poised at an atmosphere-topping 16,000 feet, promises expert-led interstellar experiences. But the most otherworldly excursion might be traversing the Valle de la Luna's inhospitable yet magically serene moonscape environment. Earthly travelers can seek solace in the area’s newest luxe property, Habitas Atacama . Opened in September 2023, the elite outdoorsy design guarantees a memorable stay before you jet off to glimpse Easter Island’s annular solar eclipse in October. — Colleen Kelly

Santa Fe, US

Go for : Indigenous design spotlights, a brand new museum, and the 100th anniversary of a beloved cultural event

Old Man Gloom meets his fiery end at the Burning of the Zozobra, a beloved annual cultural event in Santa Fe that turns 100 in 2024.

Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed film Oppenheimer may have sparked new interest in Santa Fe , the closest town of note to Los Alamos, but the New Mexican capital has held its own for centuries. One of the oldest cities in the country, it’s known for its adobe-style architecture, storied arts institutions (including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum ), and vibrant mix of Native American, Mexican, and Spanish cultures.

Fresh art and cultural programming with an emphasis on Indigenous efforts makes 2024 a banner year to visit. From May 2 to 5, the Southwestern Association for American Indian Arts will launch the inaugural Santa Fe Indigenous Fashion Week to showcase Indigenous designers, artists, and runway models. Indigenous Art Fair Contemporary , a gallery show spotlighting present-day Native American art, is slated to roll out August 15 to 18 as well, timed to the renowned Santa Fe Indian Market; and a two-block walk away, FaraHNHeight , a Native American–, First Nations–, and Indigenous-forward gallery, is new on the scene and well worth a visit. Travelers visiting before the end of April can catch “Shadow and Light,” the debut exhibition at Vladem Contemporary , the first major museum building to open in The City Different in more than a decade. (Part of the New Mexico Museum of Art , the 38,000-square-foot space is the latest anchor to join the Santa Fe Railyard arts district.)

Furthermore, 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the Burning of the Zozobra , a beloved cultural tradition that brings to mock-trial a 50-foot effigy known as Old Man Gloom. The marionette, which is stuffed with paper “glooms” such as old love letters, speeding tickets, and divorce summons, is dramatically set ablaze after dark—a moment of catharsis that encourages locals and visitors alike to release their worries and start anew. — Ashlea Halpern

South & Central Sri Lanka

Go for: wellness retreats, a new food festival, and a nearly 200-mile nature trail

Kayaam House is one of several openings that signals the luxury and wellness boom marking Sri Lanka's tourism industry right now.

Built from scratch by a local architect, Kayaam House settles into its coastal setting with earthy textures and teak furniture.

Rising from economic uncertainty, Sri Lanka ’s tourism industry is in the midst of a luxury and wellness boom—from its tea-filled highlands to its palm-fringed shores. In the south of the country, new luxury resorts continue to entice. Among them, Kayaam House and Ahu Bay by homegrown luxury travel specialist Resplendent Ceylon; a Hilton resort next to the Indian Ocean-bordering Yala National Park, one of the best places to spot Sri Lanka’s elusive leopards; and the art deco-inspired The Charleston, which opens in December in the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. The already established Kalukanda House —a villa in surf town Weligama by British-Sri Lankan interior designer Dee Gibson—is making its mark with retreats centered on female empowerment, with yoga, breath work, reiki, and Ayurveda included.

A comprehensive renovation of the nine-room Meraki , which employs local women and offers yoga, holistic treatments, island-sourced vegetarian fare, and artisanal crafts in the Polhena Beach district of Matara, is set to be unveiled in early 2024; and luxury fitness getaway Makahiya is gearing up to launch its own brand of bespoke retreats.

In January, the Galle Literary Festival will return after a five-year hiatus, with appearances by literary figures such as Shehan Karunatilaka and Alexander McCall Smith, while Gourmet Galle , the country’s new food festival, will spotlight 12 chefs in 12 venues, ranging from beaches to paddy fields, over a 12-week period from January to March.

Inland, development of the Pekoe Trail , a new nearly 200-mile network of hiking routes that snakes its way through Sri Lanka’s highlands, continues. Traversing historic tea plantations, colonial estates, local villages, holy shrines, and forests brimming with biodiversity, it’s a novel way to experience Sri Lanka’s lush hill country, particularly when paired with stays at boutique properties such as W15 Hanthana , the luxurious Goatfell , or the Kelburne Estate, scheduled to open in December 2024. — Zinara Rathnayake

South Island, New Zealand

Go for : laid-back wilderness experiences, immersive Māori history

At the end of the year, the ultra-luxury Flockhill Lodge will unveil 14 new villas and an onsite restaurant under the direction of an acclaimed chef.

With snow-capped peaks and 36,000 acres of wilderness at its doorstep, Flockhill is a fitting representation of South Island's exceptional allure.

With its lush rainforests and aquamarine lakes framed by snowcapped peaks, New Zealand’s South Island is steeped in superlatives—and United Airlines’ new nonstop service from San Francisco to Christchurch starting December 1 will make it all the easier to immerse yourself in it. In October 2024, the 38-mile-long Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track will become New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk. Offering panoramic views of Fiordland, it features mountaintop accommodations, like Okaka Lodge and Port Craig Lodge, that offer amenities not always found on other Great Walks, including hot showers, king-size beds, and even pack transfers by helicopter.

In Queenstown, the nine-mile Wharehuanui Trail—set to open in late 2024—will connect the 19th-century gold-mining town of Arrowtown to the suburb of Arthurs Point. And on the West Coast, the multimillion-dollar project Pounamu Pathway , the driving route from Haast to Westport, will bring Māori history to life with four new immersive (and interconnected) visitor centers. Scheduled along the journey, they were developed by Wētā Workshop, the visual effects studio behind Lord of the Rings, and the Ngāi Tahu tribe. Launching in 2023 and opening in stages, the first to debut will be Māwhera/Greymouth in mid-December 2023, followed by Kawatiri/Westport in February 2024, Awarua/Haast in mid-2024, and lastly Hokitika in the final quarter of 2025.

Those looking for a more laid-back wilderness experience will find it here too. At the end of 2024, Flockhill , the ultra-luxury lodge in Arthur’s Pass, will expand on its offerings with 14 new villas and an on-site restaurant with acclaimed Kiwi chef Taylor Cullen at the helm. Until then, check in to one of the recently refurbished premium rooms at the historic Hermitage Hotel in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park . — Jessica Wynne Lockhart

Upstate New York, US

Go for : bucolic lodging, winter adventures, and exceptional stargazing

Exceptional new lodgings like Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection make the Hudson Valley—once primarily an escape for New York City dwellers—a top draw for travelers from further afield.

Sought out year-round for its vibrant small towns, nature preserves, culinary hot spots—and its proximity to New York City —the region is humming with new opportunities for travelers to surrender themselves to its legendary landscapes in 2024.

In the Hudson Valley , New York State Parks will celebrate the centennial of the founding of the statewide park and historic-site system. Community events and special performances are on the calendar, plus discounts on park admission fees and new opportunities to volunteer. Also in 2024, the much-loved Storm King Art Center debuts new hospitality pavilions, a conservation and fabrication facility, and ADA-accessible pathways. And in the summer, the 160-acre Klocke Estates will open its doors, with artisanal brandy and stunning views of the Catskills.

When it comes to exceptional lodgings, the Hudson Valley has seen a wave of hospitality projects since 2020. From the aesthetic delight that is Habitas-on-Hudson, near Rhinebeck, to Inness , the chic all-in-one getaway in Accord, to Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection, a bucolic escape in the shadow of the iconic Shawangunk Mountains, the region has gone from being a New Yorker-favorite to a top draw for travelers from further afield. And there are fresh digs to look forward to in the year ahead. The Front Boutique Hotel in Port Jervis is opening in May with a 120-seat restaurant and easy access to 50 miles of trails; and in the spring, famed wellness haven The Ranch opens its first East Coast property.

About three hours away by car, the Adirondacks ' towering peaks replace the Hudson river valleys. Its majestic forests, farmlands, mountains, and meadows make up a fifth of the state, and the region will be in the path of totality of April’s solar eclipse. Go stargazing at the Adirondack Sky Center , or use the website of the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism for self-guided viewing. You can also walk, bike, snowshoe, or snowmobile along the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail , which will be completed over the course of 2025. And on Whiteface Mountain, one of the five Adirondack High Peaks, a detachable quad lift launching just in time for ski season allows you to access more slopes than ever before. For a peaceful getaway, stay at the Lodge at Schroon Lake , which reopened in June 2023 after an extensive $21 million renovation, or NewVida Preserve , a new members club meets traveler’s oasis on 2,000 acres with 360-degree mountaintop views. — Robin Catalano

Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Go for: star chefs leading a foodie revolution

Picturesque scenery is complemented by a wave of memorable dining from Michelin star-wielding chefs—and it's easy to stay awhile since the best new rooms tend to be directly above these must-visit restaurants.

For a bewitching break in 2024, go north. Yorkshire-born sculptor Henry Moore once said: “The observation of nature is part of an artist’s life.” And Yorkshire has some of the most seductive nature: sweeping landscapes like living oil paintings; undulating dales and peaks; deep-forested moors with big skies; heady lavender fields; lofty woodlands filled with birdsong; and golden sandy sweeps skirting the peppermint-blue sea. The Brontës’ romanticism is not lost. In 2024, go stargazing in Yorkshire’s national parks at the magical Dark Skies Festival . The Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta will return to its new home at Castle Howard in 2024, with rainbow-bright, early-morning mass balloon flights and night glows. There were plenty of Michelin mentions for the county in 2023, with keen eyes on the 2024 list, so restaurants with rooms are ramping up. Just up the road from The Black Swan in Oldstead, Michelin-lauded chef Tommy Banks’ latest outpost, The Abbey Inn , opened in May and its three luxurious bedrooms, care of Tommy’s mother, were launched in July. For the ultimate culinary sleepover, stay two nights and eat at both restaurants. Newbie Mýse , helmed by chef-and-sommelier couple Joshua and Victoria Overington, is a petite restaurant with rooms set among caramel-colored cottages in the sleepy village of Hovingham. Book in for its creative tasting menu, then retire upstairs to one of the cozy-cool rooms. In June, Middleton Lodge , a sustainable luxury retreat bordering the Yorkshire Dales National Park, launched the Forest Spa in the heart of a serenely wooded estate. Don’t pass by honeycomb-hued Helmsley, with its emerging culinary scene and the recent opening of Pignut a restaurant with a sustainable focus and impressive casual and tasting-menu options. Expect plenty more magic in 2024. — Rachel Everett

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel

This past year has been a time of regeneration, renewal and reckoning for travelers and the travel industry alike.

Travel has certainly resurged since pandemic-related restrictions were lifted ... but it is different from before.

Travelers faced new frustrations, whether it was higher prices, longer wait times or more crowds. Destinations eager to welcome back waves of visitors were confronted with obstacles like unprepared infrastructure, the impact of inflation on local populations and unforeseen environmental calamities. Hotels and airlines continued to struggle with staffing shortages, operational challenges and supply chain issues.

And yet, despite those hurdles, the desire to travel has never shone brighter. Intrepid adventurers journeyed to new (to them) corners of the globe in search of unique experiences. Folks who had perhaps put off a trip or two found reasons to take them. And all of us discovered the joy of reconnecting with loved ones near and far.

As we look ahead to next year, we are excited to share our list of the best places to go in 2024, drawing from our own editorial team's expertise and also that of our outstanding group of contributors from around the world.

We thought long and hard about things like new airline routes , fabulous hotel openings and events set to take the world stage by storm. But at The Points Guy, we also think why we travel is as important as where we travel.

Maybe you want to use your hard-earned points for an over-the-top flight in Singapore Airlines' Suites or just to get the family together at Grandma's house for an overdue visit. Perhaps you want a carefree all-inclusive beach vacation , or to get firsthand insights into a destination at the forefront of sustainability .

From the thrill of Olympic competition in France to the otherworldly landscapes of Bolivia, the wildlife-rich Bissagos Islands of Guinea-Bissau and the exciting design developments taking place in both San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico — whatever your travel goals or preferences, we've got an incredible roster of places just waiting to be explored next year.

Get ready for a few surprises, a dash of inspiration and a healthy helping of wanderlust as we share our most exciting places to travel to in 2024.

— Eric Rosen

Best for experiencing once-in-a-lifetime events on the world stage

Whether it's high fashion or haute cuisine, France is known for creating creme-de-la-creme experiences. But the sheer number of special events and exciting new developments expected to take place there in 2024 will have even the French exclaiming, "Sacré bleu!"

The marquee happening, of course, will be the 2024 Summer Olympics from July 26-Aug. 11. The opening ceremony will take place along the Seine in the heart of Paris , but showstopping venues will include the magnificent grounds of Versailles for the equestrian events, various stadiums throughout the country, and even French Polynesia for the surfing competition. The stage is set for a truly spectacular set of games.

The Olympics have even displaced the Tour de France from its normal final stage along the Champs-Elysees in Paris. The alternate is, thankfully, a sun-splashed finish line along the Cote d'Azur in Nice . That's within easy driving distance of the relatively new Carlton Cannes , a luxurious reimagining of one of France's most iconic hotels courtesy of IHG. Hilton is also planning a vast French expansion with various branded properties in cities including Cannes, Dijon, Bordeaux and Marseille.

On a more somber note, June 6 will mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, and the region is planning over 100 special events to commemorate this historic event, including a June 1 sound-and-light show using 2,500 drones over the five landing beaches. From March 22-Sept. 22, the region will also host the Normandy Impressionist Festival, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the first Impressionist exhibition. Events will include a major show of James Abbott McNeill Whistler at Rouen's Fine Arts Museum, while the Musee d'Orsay in Paris will host the "Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment" showcase of 130 masterpieces of painting, sculpture, photographs and more.

In the east, Strasbourg will be UNESCO's 2024 World Book Capital, with events organized around various themes like poetry, refuge, debate and more. The Alsatian capital is also home to one of Europe's most charming Christmas markets in the month leading up to the holiday , which is well worth a visit.

Wine lovers should head to Bordeaux for its famous Fete le Vin from June 27-30 to enjoy the region's famous vintages and gourmet delicacies, along with live music and other performances. They can even put their Accor points to use with a stay at a new Philippe Starck-designed, 97-room Mondrian constructed around a historic 19th-century building right in the city center, complete with an expansive open-air terrace. Now that's something worth toasting to.

TPG tip: Hotel reservations around the Olympics can be notoriously hard to confirm and Paris is cracking down on short-term rentals, so if you plan to attend the Games, prepare to pay high prices for an official package ... or take your chances trying to book something at the last minute.

San Diego, California & Tijuana, Mexico

Best for art and design lovers who appreciate cross-cultural collaborations

In a first, two neighboring cities in two different countries have been designated the World Design Capital for 2024: San Diego, California, and Tijuana, Mexico. The World Design Organization accolade recognizes cities that effectively utilize design to enhance their residents' economic, social, cultural and environmental quality of life. San Diego and Tijuana will celebrate the designation through unique experiences, from events and festivals to exhibitions and summits.

Community events scheduled throughout 2024 include Tijuana's World Design Street Festival (April 28), where travelers can attend concerts, public design workshops, exhibitions and design studio open houses. The Mingei International Museum in San Diego and the Centro Cultural Tijuana will simultaneously host an exhibition called "Frontera," focused on jewelry design. In September, both cities will host an interactive World Design Experience.

Aside from its WDO duties, San Diego has a lot going on. One of the West Coast's largest adaptive reuse projects, the 10-acre, sustainably designed Horton Campus , set for completion at the end of 2023, has transformed a former downtown shopping mall into a chic development with white-and-glass structures, parks, shops and lab space, each with either a green roof or solar panels.

San Diego's white-hot culinary scene continues to heat up, with Valle winning Oceanside's first Michelin star earlier this year. Restaurant openings to look forward to in 2024 include all-day cafe Wildflour from award-winning chef Phillip Esteban, the farm-and-vine-to-table Cellar Hand , and chef Brian Malarkey's highly anticipated French-inspired steakhouse, Le Coq, in the tony coastal enclave of La Jolla.

San Diego's hotel roster is also growing. The new owners of the historic Lafayette Hotel in North Park, which had fallen into disrepair, unveiled a stylish $31 million renovation this summer, and the bucolic Inn at Rancho Santa Fe will celebrate its 100th anniversary following the completion of multimillion-dollar renovations in 2024. The iconic Hotel del Coronado is in the throes of a wholesale revamp. The Beach Village at The Del will unveil a full makeover at the end of 2023, while its Victorian section will be renovated in 2025. A new 39-room boutique hotel in Coronado called The Bower is also slated to debut in fall 2024.

Tijuana got its own new hotel in 2023: Hotel Brecha , a boutique hotel with art-filled walls and nine sleek rooms. Recent bar and restaurant openings across the city's diverse culinary scene include the speakeasy-style Border Saloon and seafood spots Don Vergas Mariscos Tijuana and Don Timon .

TPG tip: Tijuana, which has been sorely lacking in green space, will have a new eco-park by the end of 2024, Parque Esperanto . The 320-acre plot will involve the reforestation of 15,000 trees and feature amenities like an open-air gym, sports fields, zip lines, children's play areas and a bicycle path.

— Devorah Lev-Tov

Assam, India

Best for lovers of tea and tigers keen to explore one of India's hidden corners

Home to a fascinating blend of Indigenous tribes, awe-inspiring landscapes, traditional mountain villages and UNESCO-inscribed national parks, the eastern Indian region of Assam has cultural and natural wonders just waiting for travelers to explore — without the crowds you might find in better-known South Asian destinations.

The region's main artery, the mighty 1,800-mile-long Brahmaputra River, runs from the Himalayan highlands of Tibet to Assam's wildlife-rich floodplains, bordered by lush, terraced tea plantations, ornate temples and riverside villages.

Even with just a week or 10 days for your journey, you can learn about tea cultivation in Jorhat (Assam produces over 50% of India's famed tea), marvel at imposing Ahom temples in bustling Sivasagar — the sacred former capital of Assam's Ahom kings — and learn about the socially inclusive religion of neo-Vaishnavism on Majuli, one of the world's largest river islands and a haven for birdlife.

Straddling the border with Bhutan, UNESCO-listed Manas National Park is a biodiversity hot spot known for its sightings of buffaloes and rhinoceroses that graze in forests that surround the Manas River. The highlight of any visit, though, is a Jeep safari to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kaziranga, which provides sanctuary to endangered one-horned rhinoceroses, Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, panthers, bears, gaurs (Indian bison) and myriad other species.

Next year, several new cruise itineraries will make the region more accessible to travelers keen to get off the beaten path without sacrificing creature comforts. Banyan Tours will operate four-, seven- and 10-night Assam cruises from Kolkata aboard the luxurious ABN Charaidew II and the more intimate 12-cabin ABN Sukhapa . Both ships feature spacious, beautifully appointed cabins, large sun decks, small spas, a library, gourmet cuisine and onboard naturalists. Guests can spend time in between excursions scouring the waters for species such as the endangered Ganges river dolphin and the smooth-coated otter.

TPG tip : For travelers looking for rare tiger and mammal encounters across several Indian regions, in January, andBeyond will offer a 16-day limited-edition Project Tiger Expedition that will celebrate the 50th anniversary of India's renowned tiger conservation initiative. The itinerary begins in Delhi before visiting three of India's most iconic national parks: Kanha, Kaziranga and Ranthambhore.

— Caroline Lascom

Best for an affordable Mediterranean beach getaway

Turquoise Mediterranean waters lapping beautiful beaches? Check. Picturesque hilltop villages? Check. Forest-covered mountains and mouthwatering food and wine? Check and check. Albania has all the attributes of more popular Southeastern Europe destinations like the Greek islands but without the crowds and the high price tag.

Begin your adventure in Tirana, the capital city, where Brutalist architecture blends with charming, tree-filled neighborhoods. Take a cable car ride up Mount Dajti for panoramic views of the city and stay at the sophisticated Tirana Marriott , though IHG loyalists might want to hold out for the opening of the InterContinental in 2025.

Just an hour southwest from Tirana International Airport (TIA), check in to the newly opened Melia Durres Albania, a luxurious beachfront retreat in a dreamy beach town offering stunning Adriatic Sea views and an opportunity to unwind.

Heading south along the coast, enjoy picturesque beaches while exploring charming towns like Dhermi and Jale, and savor the local cuisine, renowned for its fresh seafood and Mediterranean spices.

Then, immerse yourself in the country's vibrant summer music scene . The weeklong Kala Festival in early June features house, disco, soul and funk music across five intimate stages along the pristine shores of the Ionian Sea.

Back in the hinterlands, you can delight in mouthwatering delicacies at the AgriTourism Huqi farm located a short drive from the capital, like slow-cooked lamb (mish ne pus), and sample a variety of flavorful cow and goat cheeses. Don't forget to try local wines like the tangy white ceruja and full-bodied red kallmet at the family-run Nurellari Winery, less than a half-hour from the 13th-century fort city of Berat.

For an even deeper glimpse of the country's rich heritage and archaeological sites, wander its many ancient settlements, like Butrint, which played host to the Greek, Roman and Byzantine civilizations. Even with all that history, Albania feels exciting and new once again, and you won't have it to yourself for much longer.

TPG tip : Fly into a major European gateway like Frankfurt or Paris and then connect to Tirana via air. From there, book a one-way car rental to the port city of Sarande so that when your time in Albania is over, you can catch a 30-minute ferry to Corfu, Greece, where you have even more history and beaches to explore, and many low-cost flight options to major European airports.

— Matt Moffitt

Best for epic wildlife and sustainable travel

One of the most biodiverse places on Earth, framed by rugged Pacific and Caribbean coastlines and home to magical cloud forests, picture-perfect volcanoes and extraordinary marine reserves, Costa Rica has long captivated wild-at-heart travelers.

An eco-tourism pioneer in the 1990s, and dubbed the "Switzerland of South America" due to its mountainous green landscapes and political stability in a sometimes volatile region, Costa Rica continues to raise the bar with its commitment to environmental protections; over 25% of its land is national parks and reserves.

For travelers looking to combine sustainable outdoor adventures with sumptuous accommodations, 2024 is when it all comes together. A flurry of exciting new hotels are set to debut, including Nekajui, just the sixth of Marriott's ultraexclusive Ritz-Carlton Reserves . Designed with a light environmental footprint on a pristine swath of the Papagayo Peninsula, the 107-key resort takes inspiration from a traditional stone Costa Rican hacienda surrounded by treehouse-style buildings tucked discreetly into steep hillsides.

Nearby, the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Residences Guanacaste will be the brand's first Costa Rican outpost, embodying the "pura vida" lifestyle with a holistic wellness center and cenote-inspired spa. Elsewhere, the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo comes back online following a multimillion-dollar renovation with a new beach club and expanded wellness offerings.

For travelers looking for a low-key retreat with easy airport access, as well as proximity to San Jose's cultural attractions, the new Hyatt Centric in Escazu — another brand first for Costa Rica — will offer World of Hyatt loyalists an ideal bookend to a Costa Rica road trip.

The wildlife-rich Osa Peninsula is more accessible (and especially alluring to points enthusiasts) these days thanks to the recent opening of Botanika, part of Hilton's Curio Collection. The eco-chic property places travelers within striking distance of Corcovado National Park, one of the best places on the planet to view sloths, toucans, giant anteaters, howler monkeys and ocelots.

Visit the region from August through December to witness one of the world's greatest natural attractions: humpback whales migrating to Golfo Dulce, one of just four tropical fjords on the planet. The habitat, critical for the survival of the whale species, was awarded Whale Heritage Site status in 2023, one of only eight such sites worldwide.

TPG tip : U.S. airlines are adding new flights to Costa Rica, including Delta Air Lines, which will boost its service from Atlanta with three additional flights per week to both San Jose and Liberia (for Papagayo) from Jan. 13. Flights on the Liberia route are currently available this winter starting at 26,000 Delta SkyMiles or $421 round-trip.

South Korea

Best for glimpsing the future while exploring the past

The "Korean Wave" — a tide of global popularity the country's cultural economy has created thanks to K-pop music, K-dramas on television and movies — has swept the world in recent years. In fact, youth tour company Contiki has announced the first K-Wave trip to South Korea to showcase local pop culture.

However, South Korea's entertainment culture is just one of a long list of reasons this Asian sensation should be on your 2024 travel list.

Four distinct seasons provide stunning backdrops year-round, so there's no wrong time to visit. Spring brings the magic of Jinhae's cotton candy-pink cherry blossoms while crimson and cadmium foliage frames the historic temples of Naejangsa and Taeansa during fall.

The past and the future intersect in the capital, Seoul, where heritage sites like the 14th-century Jongmyo Shrine coexist with futuristic architecture, including the Zaha Hadid-designed Dongdaemun Design Plaza and the striking Seoul City Hall, with its seven-story vertical garden and prismatic glass facade.

Set to open in late 2024, the Seoul Robot and Artificial Intelligence Museum will showcase science and technology through interactive exhibits featuring AI and virtual reality. Robots aided in the museum's construction and will participate in its day-to-day operations, including welcoming guests and leading tours.

New spaces and exhibitions await visitors at the Busan Museum of Art, which showcases modern Korean artwork. Renovations begin in 2024 and will add high-tech features like evolving 3D projections.

A luxury clifftop island retreat overlooking the East China Sea, the stunning JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, designed by Bill Bensley, debuted in 2023. And though it will be a while, in 2025, the luxury chain Capella Hotels and Resorts is set to open its first Korean property, Capella Yang Yang, near Songjeong Beach in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, where travelers can explore the region's famous pine forests and enjoy its ultrafresh seafood.

TPG tip: Travelers eager to explore South Korea's assorted allures can take advantage of increased airlift from the U.S. United Airlines has upped its frequencies between Incheon International Airport (ICN) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to 12 flights weekly. By the end of 2023, Air Premia will add flights between Seoul and Honolulu, too.

— Kristy Tolley

Eclipse path, United States

Best for travelers who want to see a rare total solar eclipse in their own backyard

On April 8, some 31.5 million Americans will be able to witness a total solar eclipse from their doorstep when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, completely blocking the sun's face. The heavenly event will cut its way across North America, passing through Texas, the Midwest and some Eastern states. It's a sight you won't want to miss — the next total solar eclipse won't be visible from the contiguous United States for another 20 years.

Parts of San Antonio will experience about two minutes of midday darkness, making it the largest U.S. city along the path of totality. The 15-mile-long San Antonio River Walk is just south of the path, so visitors there will only see a 99% partial eclipse. Nevertheless, many hotels and restaurants are hosting viewing events, including a Solar Brunch at The Moon's Daughters , where guests and locals can see the eclipse unfold from the indoor-outdoor perch on the 20th floor.

An hour northwest of San Antonio, the town of Kerrville, Texas, one of NASA's Primary Eclipse Partners, will have over four minutes of darkness. The Texas Hill Country community's Schreiner University will host a weekendlong festival with celestial yoga, trail walks and observatory tours.

With renowned institutions known for cutting-edge research in space science and technology — and expecting four minutes of totality — Dallas will be one of the best eclipse destinations. At the Perot Museum of Nature and Science , 20 astronomers will answer questions. The city's many hotels, meanwhile, plan to offer stylish viewing, like Virgin Hotels Dallas, which will host a lively rooftop pool party.

This will be Indianapolis' first total solar eclipse in more than 800 years, and the town is going all-out with a citywide party to celebrate its 3 1/2 minutes of totality, including events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (NASA will broadcast live from the venue) and the Indianapolis Zoo.

In Cleveland, another NASA partner city, a natural phenomenon known as a lake effect (where cool air blows away clouds from the shoreline of Lake Erie) will allow visitors to view the eclipse for nearly four minutes. Downtown, The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland is offering a solar eclipse package with club-level accommodations for two and celestial-themed cocktails. The Great Lakes Science Center and NASA's Glenn Research Center are hosting Total Eclipse Fest from April 6-8, with science activities for kids and a classical music concert.

Buffalo will experience just under four minutes of totality, with the best vantage points found inside Niagara Falls State Park, while the Sheraton Niagara Falls is offering a two-night package , including eclipse viewing glasses and breakfast.

In Vermont, Stowe Mountain Resort will whisk skiers and snowboarders via gondola to the top of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, for high-altitude views during the nearly three minutes of totality the town is set to experience.

TPG tip: Holland America has put together a 22-day Solar Eclipse cruise , where guests will depart from San Diego and experience the eclipse off the coast of Mexico.

— Casey Hatfield-Chiotti

Bissagos Islands, Guinea-Bissau

Best for intrepid naturalists seeking an under-the-radar destination

Sandwiched between Guinea and Senegal, Guinea-Bissau is one of West Africa's lesser-visited destinations, but that's what has helped keep the 88-island Bissagos archipelago 31 miles off its coast so untouched.

This astonishingly wildlife-rich island chain — often dubbed the Galapagos of Africa — is an idyll of empty white-sand beaches, thick mangroves, teeming lagoons and dense palm and cashew forests. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, the Bijagos (as they're also known) are home to thriving populations of saltwater hippopotamuses, manatees, dolphins, green sea turtles, flamingos, rays, sharks and around 175 fish and 500-plus bird species.

And you won't be vying for sightings with other safari vehicles or Zodiac boats. These paradisiacal islets are home to just 33,000 or so residents who hew to their traditional matriarchal society, and there are no formal resorts or ecolodges.

The archipelago has also been quite difficult to reach. However, a handful of luxury and small-ship cruises have begun to call at the islands. Ponant Cruises has just opened sales for its first dedicated nine-day "Adventure in the Bissagos Islands" itinerary (April 7-15, 2025) on Le Lyrial, which starts and ends in Dakar, Senegal. During the journey, guests can expect to spy towering baobabs and flocks of migratory birds, playful vervet monkeys and vividly colored lizards, and take part in ancient ceremonies alongside the Bijago people.

On board MS Spitsbergen, Hurtigruten now offers a 14-day "West Africa Archipelago" cruise (paired with Cape Verde), which includes four days of deploying small rigid inflatable boats and sea kayaks to navigate the islands and channels for awe-inspiring wildlife sightings. The line also arranges encounters with the islanders, who have acted as custodians of this wonderfully biodiverse and pristine part of Africa, and who dedicate some 100 days per year to sacred rites and ceremonies such as fanado and difuntu .

Swan Hellenic's Ghana-to-Senegal "Crucibles of West Africa" trip, on the new 152-guest SH Vega, has two days scheduled in this off-the-grid sanctuary, where shore excursions include explorations of Orango National Park's mangrove thickets and savannah as well as trekking through traditional villages on Canhabaque.

As with many of the world's island paradises, the clock is likely ticking down on the Bissagos remaining immaculate and undeveloped, so if you hope to see them as they are, 2024 is the year to go.

TPG tip: Non-cruisers can visit the islands by first flying into the capital, Bissau, from Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal. Alternatively, Delta Air Lines has daily direct flights from New York to Dakar, from which there are daily connections on Air Senegal to Bissau. From Bissau, hire a speedboat for the hourlong journey to Bubaque, where the affordable Saldomar guesthouse and Hotel Kasa Afrikana make great home bases for daytrips to islands like Rubane, Orango and Canhabaque.

— Kathryn Romeyn

Quebec, Canada

Best for pristine landscapes and rich Indigenous cultures

Quebec has long attracted travelers with its cosmopolitan towns , distinctly French flair and untouched wilderness. Thanks to a bold commitment to supporting Indigenous tourism, in 2024, the Canadian province will also provide new and meaningful ways to experience its natural beauty, its people and its culture.

Travelers can take in the aurora borealis while learning about Inuit traditions in Quebec's Arctic region of Nunavik, scan for beluga and blue whales with an Innu guide in Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, or forage for mushrooms and berries in the Laurentian mountain range. Across Quebec, there are now abundant opportunities to delve deeper into the ancestral traditions of the area's First Nations, Innuit and Metis people.

The recent addition of Anticosti Island to Canada's cache of UNESCO-protected heritage sites will draw wilderness seekers to its otherworldly canyons, primordial forests and cascading waterfalls. The island's 1,440 known fossil species offer the most "complete and best preserved paleontological record of the first mass extinction of animal life, 447-437 million years ago," according to UNESCO, providing a unique window into our planet's past.

For urbanites, Quebec City's lamplit, cobblestone streets have never been a hard sell for a weekend getaway, but now there are even more reasons to linger. Join one of Cicerone 's locally led walking tours, shop for regional artworks along Rue du Tresor, see Inuit art at the Musee National des Beaux-Arts du Quebec (a new exhibit starts in February) and then dine on inventive boreal cuisine at Indigenous-owned restaurant Sagamite, whose owners have added two boutique hotels to their portfolio and will open a new microbrewery in 2024.

Head just outside the city's 400-year-old walls to Canada's only recognized Huron-Wendat community. Here, the superb First Nations-owned Hotel-Musee Premieres Nations was recently revamped with luxe suites and rooms appointed with Indigenous artworks and textiles with First Nations motifs. The hotel's restaurant, La Traite, helmed by much-lauded chef Marc de Passorio, provides a magical initiation into ancestral flavors with standout dishes like local tomatoes with sage and Quebec buffalo mozzarella and hearty bison medallions with beet puree and thyme juice.

TPG tip : Bookend your trip with a stay in Montreal , where the hotel scene is buzzing. There's the new art deco-inspired Honeyrose Hotel, Montreal, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, where Marriott points will come in handy, and the iconic Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown, an elegant retreat on Montreal's Golden Square Mile which has been revamped and is now part of Hilton's Curio Collection.

Queensland, Australia

Best for travelers Down Under looking for the right mix of urban and wildlife adventures

Best known for one of Earth's natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef , there's a lot more to this northeastern Australian state (though a visit to the reef is still top of the list while you still can — climate change and other factors are having increasingly adverse effects on much of the aquatic ecosystem).

In the capital, Brisbane , once-gritty environs like Howard Smith Wharves have been revitalized with trendy bars and restaurants. However, one of the biggest redevelopments is still on the horizon. The $2.6 billion Queen's Wharf precinct is nearing completion on 30 acres of prime riverfront land with not one but three hotels planned, plus over 50 dining and drinking venues, a huge footprint for retail and tons of outdoor spaces like a 100-meter-high sky deck with 360-degree views. In October, the city will also host the first annual Melt Open festival celebrating queer art and culture.

Down south in the blingy surfer haven of Gold Coast, travelers will be able to check in to a sleek new twin-towered Mondrian hotel and residences, while north along the Sunshine Coast, the tourism industry is taking the lead in regenerating bush once used for cattle grazing with native subtropical rainforest, which visitors can enjoy by staying at the avant-garde new Kurui Cabin at the base of the Cooroy Mountains.

In an effort to cultivate Indigenous-owned and -operated tourism businesses, the state has already invested 7 million Australian dollars in the Growing Indigenous Tourism in Queensland Fund. What's more, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fraser Island — the world's largest sand island and a habitat for diverse wildlife where you can also swim with migrating humpback whales — has officially reverted to its traditional Butchulla name, K'gari.

Speaking of islands, luxury travelers can have an entire one to themselves along the Great Barrier Reef thanks to the November opening of Pelorus Private Island in the Great Palm archipelago off the Townsville coast. The nearly 1,000-acre paradise has just a single four-suite residence designed in a traditional, breezy Queenslander style, where guests can customize their entire experience from days out yachting between islands or exploring the island's teeming fringe reefs to enjoying leisurely meals prepared by a private chef.

TPG tip: It's getting even easier to travel from the U.S. directly to Queensland since United increased its frequencies between San Francisco and Brisbane from three times per week to daily in October and will launch three weekly nonstops between Los Angeles and Brisbane in December.

Train travel

Best for high-velocity thrills or romantics looking to slow things down

Trains revolutionized travel in the 19th century, but 2024 might just be a rail renaissance thanks to new, thrilling high-speed routes, plush overnight sleepers and lavish itineraries on par with the world's best hotels.

Global developments in high-speed rail are coming to a pitch, with various highly anticipated routes finally entering operation. In Florida, the long-awaited Brightline has opened up an efficient new corridor between two major U.S. cities that are favorites with tourists. The service, which tops out at 125 miles per hour, connects Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Miami in just three hours (with 15 daily departures) and also courses between Miami and West Palm Beach via Aventura and Fort Lauderdale.

In Europe from late 2024, the ultraquiet Frecciarossa train will zip from Paris to Barcelona in just seven hours, shaving two hours from current travel times. In time for the Summer Olympics , Spanish rail company Renfe also plans to extend its daily Madrid-Marseille service through to Paris.

If you're craving tropical surroundings, Belmond's Eastern & Oriental Express returns to Southeast Asia in February after a pandemic hiatus. The restyled trains feature eight sleeper cars, two restaurant cars, a piano bar and an open-air observation car. The three-night "Essence of Malaysia" itinerary will operate from November to February from Singapore to Penang, with stops in Kuala Lumpur and the island of Langkawi (via private boat). Operating from March to May and August to October, the "Wild Malaysia" experience steams from Singapore along the eastern side of the Malay Peninsula, with stops to spot wildlife at Taman Negara National Park and Penang before returning to Singapore.

Later in 2024, Orient Express will debut its opulent La Dolce Vita trains with lavish art deco cabins, haute cuisine and world-class bartending. The eight itineraries span one to two nights and include a Sicilian service starting and ending in Palermo via Agrigento and Taormina with a whiz-by of Mount Etna. Other standout itineraries include from Rome to Sicily (via a ferry) and a romantic circular route from Rome to Venice with a stop at Siena.

Finally, Europe continues its relative boom in new sleeper train services . Leading the way is Nightjet, which already connects major cities like Paris, Amsterdam and Zurich. In 2024, the Austrian train operator will expand its Belgian routes from Brussels to Dresden and Prague. Additionally, Deutsche Bahn and SNCF will introduce a high-speed seven-hour service between Paris and Berlin, including stops in Strasbourg on the night route.

TPG tip: Use a Eurail pass (from $208) to explore multiple European countries using rail operators like Deutsche Bahn, SNCF and Trenitalia. Note that high-speed or sleeper options like Nightjet and Eurostar have extra reservation fees (typically $10-$20), but it's still much cheaper than buying individual tickets.

— Jordan Waller

Best for beach and nature lovers who want to avoid crowds

Many travelers make the trek to South Africa for its spectacular wildlife and vibrant cities, but few hop across the border to Mozambique. Though the country has experienced ongoing conflicts in the far north, the central and southern parts remain relatively insulated from internal struggles.

Getting there is easier than you might think, too — Airlink offers direct flights to Vilankulos along the coast from Johannesburg , and more recently, the airline launched a nonstop flight between Cape Town and the capital, Maputo. While some travelers tend to skip the city, if you do make use of that route, consider a layover for a night or two. Maputo is a hub of activity with oceanside restaurants serving ultrafresh seafood with icy 2M beers and bakeries proffering crispy, creamy pasteis de nata, a holdover from Portuguese rule. The city's music scene is also buzzing, with bars and clubs playing everything from reggaeton to marrabenta (a hybrid of Mozambican dance with Portuguese folk music).

The main reason people come to the country is for the untouched Indian Ocean beaches along its 1,700-mile coast, which are lapped by aquamarine waters that rival the Caribbean. Over the past few years, a cluster of hotels have opened along the coast, including Kisawa, a design-focused property with 11 villas on a 740-acre sanctuary on Benguerra Island in the ecodiverse Bazaruto Archipelago.

Around two hours from Vilankulos on the mainland and set on a peninsula along a sheltered saltwater lagoon, Sussurro is an intimate pared-back lodge whose sandy-hued rooms are filled with artisan-made baskets and wooden furniture. Next year, Banyan Tree is expected to open Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira, which promises to be an uberluxury spot, on a private island north of Beira.

For safarigoers, Gorongosa, a national park that has been undergoing a two-decade-long rehabilitation, has become a beacon of regeneration and economic activity in an area where tourism was entirely decimated by civil war. This year, Muzimu Lodge, a tent camp, opened on the banks of the Mussicadzi River. Wildlife is not as abundant as in nearby Kruger National Park (though you can expect to see huge packs of wild dogs and teeming herds of antelope), but the biodiversity is some of the richest in the world, with nearly 500 species of birds. Indelible landscapes like chalky limestone gorges dotted with vegetation and inky caves, woodland savannah and giant "Jurassic Park"-like forests with sausage trees and native Borassus palms will leave you awestruck.

TPG tip : Ensure you allow ample time for your visa application. The process has moved online, which makes it infinitely swifter than previously, but the application time can still take up to a month and costs $160 or more depending on the type you apply for.

— Mary Holland

Note from TPG editors : Due to an ongoing terrorist insurgency in the far north of Mozambique, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 warning advising travelers to exercise increased caution when traveling in the Cabo Delgado province. The country also recently experienced some unrest following local elections, so be sure to investigate the current situation before booking a trip.

Best for food lovers and thrillseekers looking for something out of this world

Arriving in Bolivia can feel like you've landed on the moon. Have you seen the magnificent Salar de Uyuni? It's a vast salt pan with 3,900 square miles of desertlike cracked earth punctuated by cactus-covered rock piles. Though this parched corner of the earth draws visitors from around the globe, high-end accommodations have been lacking, but that's been changing quickly. In 2022, the Chilean hospitality brand Explora unveiled an intimate six-room mountain lodge set in a slick, glass-fronted building with snug, wood-lined rooms overlooking the flats.

Guests can partake in excursions, but the property also forms part of a greater six-night odyssey: a nomadic expedition where guests journey from Chile's Atacama Desert to Salar de Uyuni, stopping off at Explora's other "Mountain Lodges" along the way. Loads of thrilling activities are on offer, such as biking explorations across the Salar, through quinoa fields and beyond, as well as hikes across the largest islands and up into a village to see ancient Andean burial sites.

Whether you decide to begin your journey in the Atacama or Uyuni, don't miss Bolivia's capital La Paz, which sits in a bowl at a (literally) dizzyingly high elevation of 11,975 feet. The city's restaurant scene is arguably one of the most exciting in South America. Make a reservation at Gustu and enjoy a multicourse extravaganza of local delights including alligator and creamy aged corn. Hailed as one of Latin America's best restaurants, it was founded by Noma's Claus Meyer and is now helmed by chef Marsia Taha Mohamed. Also snag a table at Ancestral, where chef Mauricio Lopez (former head chef of Gustu) roasts vegetables and osso buco over an open flame, served alongside Bolivian wines.

The same team that opened the design-driven Atix Hotel (long a favorite among international visitors) unveiled the new Met Hotel last year in a soaring charcoal building with traditional Bolivian arts and crafts highlighted throughout its interior spaces. If you're traveling after July 2024, be sure to check out Altu Qala, a hotel set in a restored neoclassical building with wood-paneled walls and handmade cabinets in upcycled wood. The owner is also behind The Writer's Coffee, a cafe serving artisanal brews in the city, perfect for combating altitude fatigue.

Finally, for the best views of La Paz, take a trip on Mi Teleferico, the cable car transit system that's been expanding its network with various routes and now has 30 stations and 10 lines. Climb into the plastic bubbles, filled with locals whizzing across the city, and head up to El Alto, which sits at a staggering 13,325 feet.

TPG tip: If you really want to soak up the food and wine scene in La Paz, add in an extra few days to acclimatize. It's the highest capital in the world (11,975 feet) and altitude sickness is a high probability, so whizzing in and out is not recommended.

Bali, Indonesia

Best for sustainability searchers who also crave cultural connection

Bali is an island of contradictions. It's home to a majority Hindu population but part of predominantly Muslim Indonesia. Visitors in the millions come both to sunbathe and party on its beaches while also seeking spiritual awakenings through wellness retreats. After decades of overtourism, Bali is also pioneering responsible, lower-impact ways for visitors to enjoy its natural wonders and renowned hospitality.

In 2024, the government will levy a $10-per-person fee on international tourists that will directly fund cultural and environmental protection, such as waste management. It's an incremental but important step toward becoming a more sustainable destination.

Luxury resorts are also leaning into the trend. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay recently debuted Telu, a bar constructed entirely of upcycled materials that serves cocktails made with sustainable ingredients. In early 2024, Ayana Estate will open Museum Saka, a breathtaking 50,000-square-foot gallery showcasing the work of Balinese artists, historians and scholars, all of which is meant to bestow guests with a deeper understanding of the community's vibrant heritage.

At Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape , about an hour from Ubud, chef Eka Sunarya began experimenting with hypercreative and ultralocally sourced menus. He has since decamped to nearby Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve , where he continues to highlight seasonal Balinese cuisine with a no-waste philosophy.

Seminyak's Desa Potato Head — with its beach club and pair of striking, sustainably designed hotels that all together send just 3% of their waste to landfill — continues to be a regenerative tourism pioneer. In 2024, the resort is opening an ambitious Collective Waste Centre that will radically reduce landfill waste from eight nearby resorts, beach clubs and restaurants through high-efficiency sorting, processing and reuse practices.

A slew of exciting all-new hotels beckons design lovers and wellness seekers to Bali, too. Part of Hilton's LXR Resorts & Hotels, Umana Bali is expected to open in November 2023, a brand first in Southeast Asia. Guests will enjoy not only epic vistas from its 72 clifftop pool villas but also next-level cultural programming emphasizing legacy crafts and spa treatments utilizing ancient healing techniques.

Expected to debut in spring 2024, IHG's Regent Canggu will feature 150 suites and villas in one of Bali's hottest beach locales. Architecture by WATG and interior design by HBA will blend contemporary Indonesian fashion and cultural influences with traditional design motifs. Slated for late 2024, Kimpton Naranta Bali will bring boutique vibes to the Nusa Dua resort scene in the reimagined former Amanusa resort, designed by Kerry Hill.

TPG tip: Some of Bali's best points hotels offer deep cultural dives into Balinese village life. At Alila Manggis (from 3,500 World of Hyatt points per night), guests can take part in water purification rituals, visit the Indigenous Bali Aga tribe and trek to the "Gateway to Heaven" temple. At The Laguna, part of Marriott's Luxury Collection (from 33,000 Bonvoy points per night), exclusive experiences include lunch with the seventh generation of Kerambitan's royal family.

Cairo, Egypt

Best for ancient treasures in a modern metropolis

Few destinations offer the same look at the mysteries of the past quite like Cairo. While this desert city has long been a magnet for those intrigued by the wonders of ancient Egypt and its former rulers, new attractions and highly anticipated hotel openings will draw even more travelers to this bucket list destination in 2024.

With that in mind, Cairo's most exciting addition will be the long-awaited reopening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which, after years of delays , is on track to welcome visitors by early 2024. A colossal project that began more than 20 years ago, this massive repository — the largest archaeological museum ever built — will house over 100,000 Egyptian artifacts, including 5,000 relics found in famous pharaoh Tutankhamun's tomb.

Recently discovered artifacts from the Saqqara — an expansive necropolis located within Egypt's UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient capital of Memphis — are also expected to be added to the museum's collection in due course. The treasures include multiple tombs, ancient workshops and burial shafts full of priceless antiquities, such as a mummy believed to be the most complete one ever found in Egypt.

To accommodate the influx of tourists expected in 2024, Cairo's hotel scene is rapidly expanding, too. Among the new properties currently in the pipeline are points-friendly accommodations like a Hyatt Centric, a Hilton and a Waldorf Astoria, plus the luxurious rebranding of the historic Shepheard Hotel into the Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo.

Unsurprisingly, Cairo's prime position on the Nile and proximity to other historic destinations also make it an excellent place to embark on a river cruise , especially in 2024. Several top river cruise lines offer itineraries that start or end in the city, making it possible to tack on visits to other ancient sites like Luxor and Aswan, Egypt. New standout ships to consider include Viking Aton (the fourth of six ships Viking expects to be sailing the Nile by late 2025) and AmaLilia (AmaWaterways' second ship devoted to Nile River cruises).

TPG tip: It should become easier than ever to reach this historic metropolis thanks to more nonstop routes from the U.S. to Cairo in the works. In addition to adding new nonstop flights from Newark to Cairo this past summer, Egyptair has filed a request with the Department of Transportation to launch service between Los Angeles and Cairo in the coming months. If approved, service on the Star Alliance carrier would give visitors yet another convenient way to reach the ancient city.

— Christine Gallipeau

Note from TPG editors : We want to acknowledge that all eyes will be on the widening conflict in the region as we end 2023 and look ahead to next year. Before planning your own trip to Egypt, stay up to date on State Department advisories , current events and the unfolding situation in neighboring Israel and beyond .

The Bahamas

Best for rediscovering paradise right on our doorstep

Dazzling white- and pink-sand beaches; calm, clear seas shaded in myriad hues of blue; and easy access from various U.S. hubs have long made the Bahamas a top tourist destination. Expect 2024 to be an extra-buzzy year for this Caribbean nation, though, thanks to new hotels, exciting cruises and more flights from major airlines.

Goldwynn Resort & Residences on Nassau's famous Cable Beach was 2023's big hotel debut, offering 81 studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom suites just a short drive from the airport so visitors could be on the beach within an hour of landing. Set to open mid 2025, the ultraluxurious Montage Cay will occupy a 48-acre private island in the Abacos. The $352 million project will feature 50 oceanfront suites with private plunge pools and outdoor showers. The property will also comprise villa residences and a 47-slip marina for private yachts.

The Bahamas are drawing even more interest from major cruise lines, too. Norwegian Cruise Line christened its exciting Norwegian Viva megaship with a short cruise to its Bahamian private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in November 2023. The line's second Prima Class vessel, Viva, boasts the "fastest slides at sea," a three-level go-kart racetrack and millions of dollars of art on board. Royal Caribbean's new Oasis Class ship, Utopia of the Seas , is also set to start sailing short new cruises focusing on the Bahamas in 2024.

Cruise lines are adding new private-island experiences, too. Slated to open in summer 2024, Disney's Lighthouse Point in Eleuthera will offer amenities ranging from an adults-only beach to a family water play area and food hall-style dining. The destination is being designed with the environment in mind, too — about 90% of its electricity will be provided via solar panels.

TPG tip : Getting from the U.S. to the Bahamas will be easier than ever in 2024, especially from the West Coast. Alaska Airlines is adding seasonal nonstop flights from both Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) four times weekly and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) three times weekly to Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS). The services will run from Dec. 15, 2023, to April 9, 2024. JetBlue is launching its own new flight between Nassau and Los Angeles beginning in November 2023 that will fly once per week on Saturdays. Delta debuted a new nonstop from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Nassau this fall as well.

— Becca Blond

24 best travel destinations for 2024

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• 24-best-travel-destinations-for-2024

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

written by Joanne Owen

updated 25.04.2024

It goes without saying that travel is subjective. Everyone’s idea of the best destination for this, that and the other will be different. Our 24 best travel destinations for 2024 were selected based on personal experiences and informed passion — exactly what's driven Rough Guides for 40+ years. These are all places our experts can personally vouch for and we’re sure you’ll feel the same about (at least) some of them, too. Without further ado, here's your travel inspiration for 2024, and beyond. 

Best destinations for adventure

• Best travel destinations for relaxing
• Best destinations for culture and cuisine

Best travel destinations for family holidays

• Best destinations for meaningful travel

Best destinations for new experiences in 2024

Rhossili Bay, Gower — a top spot for scenic, affordable adventure @ Shutterstock

Our experts considered destinations that offer multiple opportunities for once-in-a-lifetime experiences and high-octane adventures. Such experiences can be pretty costly, so they chose places that give travellers better bang for their buck. 

Gower Peninsula, Wales

While Eryri ( Snowdonia ) understandably looms large as an outstanding spot for Welsh adventures, our panel made a strong case for the  Gower Peninsula being a top spot for extraordinary outdoor experiences. 

Why? First up, the Gower Peninsula was Britain’s first Area of Outstanding Beauty. With an extraordinary limestone coast and range of natural habitats, it’s a place to relish unforgettable walks on the wild side. 

On that note, visitors can enjoy the Rhossili headland walk to Worm’s Head — a tidal island that’s only accessible for two hours either side of low tide.

Adventures await on the water, too, with Gower hosting world-class surfing, climbing, abseiling and coasteering opportunities. 

If that wasn’t enough, the Gower Peninsula is also eminently affordable.

Expert’s tip: to get close to nature, book a  Dryad Bushcraft course.

Discover more: check out our itineraries and discover the magic of Wales

It's clear why Arenal is one of our 24 best travel destinations for 2024 © Shutterstock

Arenal, Costa Rica

From  volcano hikes , zip-lining and canyoning, to white-water rafting and invigorating hot spring-bathing,  Arenal offers an array of exhilarating activities.

This being  Costa Rica — one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet — Arenal also offers incredible wildlife-watching opportunities. 

For example, Arenal Volcano National Park, plays host to everything from toucans and sloths, to coati and capuchin monkeys.  

With activities for all ages and ability levels, Arenal is great for family trips of a lifetime. Wildlife-mad kids with a passion for adventure will be in their absolute element.

Expert’s tip: take a trip on Arenal lake (one of the  best Arenal volcano tours ), and a night-time nature tour (if you’re not freaked out by snakes, frogs and arachnids!).

Discover more : browse our customisable  tropical Costa Rica trip itinerary.

Yosemite National Park, California ©  Stephen Moehle/Shutterstock

California, USA

California struck a chord with our experts who highlighted the fact that the state has “so many famous places and fun experiences to tick off”.

Kicking off with a couple of icons, how many of us have longed to see the Hollywood sign in real life? Better still, take one of several trails to be wowed by its scale. Or, head to the Golden Gate Bridge for a sublime sunset experience.

For higher-octane adventures, hiking, sand-boarding and star-gazing awaits in Death Valley National Park. Or maybe you fancy biking, rock climbing, rafting and skydiving in Yosemite National Park?

Meanwhile, nature lovers won't want to miss marvelling at the world’s tallest, oldest trees (Hyperion coast redwoods) in Northern California’s Redwood National and State Parks.

Expert’s tip: heading to West Hollywood? The Bottega Louie restaurant is a highlight of the whole area — great food (amazing pizza, pasta and French macaroons!), killer espresso martinis, and great view of the nightlife.

Discover more: read up on  California road-trips that include a range of unforgettable, iconic destinations.

Bloukrans Bridge, Tsitsikamma, South Africa © Shutterstock

The Garden Route, South Africa

Stretching between Mossel Bay in South Africa’s  Western Cape  and the Storms River Mouth on the western edge of the Eastern Cape , the Garden Route is a bona fide bucket list road-trip.

Encompassing sublime beaches and mountain forests, lakes and lagoons, nature reserves and vineyards, few routes offer such a diversity of one-of-a-kind experiences.

For example, Knysna Forest is a top spot to camp, hike and mountain bike, with its Outeniqua Trail offering an epic 7-day trek to Plettenberg Bay. Meanwhile, Kaaimans River in the Western Cape is a divine destination for hiking, abseiling and white-water kayaking. 

Travellers with a head for heights and a hankering for high-energy thrills won’t want to miss leaping from Bloukrans Bridge in Tsitsikamma — the world’s highest bridge bungee, no less.

Expert’s tip: consider  cycling the Garden Route .

Discover more : read up on the  best things to do in South Africa . 

Fairy tale enchantment awaits at Lake Bled, Slovenia © Shutterstock

Best travel destinations for relaxing 

Lake bled, slovenia.

Backed by the majestic Julian Alps, and overlooked by a medieval castle, visiting  Lake Bled in north-western  Slovenia is pretty hard to beat when it comes to restful travel.

The lake itself is mirror-like, with an adorable island at its heart — truly the stuff of fairy tales. In fact, winter sees this beauty spot host the Bled Winter Fairytale experience, during which the lakeside promenade sparkles with fairy lights. 

For sublime views of the lake, Bled Island and Bled Castle, head up to one of three forested hills — Mala Osojnica, Velika Osojnica, or Ojstrica.

Expert’s tip: be sure to try   Bled cream cake (it really is delicious), and reserve a table at Restaurant Sova to enjoy local dishes in atmospheric surroundings.

Discover more: find out why  Bled might be Europe’s greenest destination .

ÎIe Aux Cerfs is within easy reach of Trou d'Eau Douce, Mauritius © Shutterstock

Trou d'Eau Douce, Mauritius 

Trou d'Eau Douce (“fresh water hole”) is the kind of azure-water wonderland that makes you feel 100% chilled from just looking at photos of it. Imagine, then, how relaxed you’d feel if you visited this  Mauritian marvel?

Located on the  east coast of the island, Trou d'Eau Douce was first settled by the Dutch in the 17 th century, with historic mills reinvented as art galleries and cafés.

In the main, visitors come to Trou d'Eau Douce for its beaches and laidback, get-away-from-it-all glamour. That and the fact the town is the jumping point for trips to Île Aux Cerfs Leisure Island. 

The epitome of a paradisiacal playground, Île Aux Cerfs serves world-class water-sports, golf and cuisine in tropical surroundings.

Expert’s tip: simply take things slow here. This small, quaint fishing village with little streets and a beautiful beach is the ideal place to just be. 

Discover more: aside from relaxing in Trou d'Eau Douce, read up on the  best things to do in Mauritius .

Goa Gajah, near Ubud, Bali © Shutterstock

Ubud, Bali 

Surrounded by forests, rivers and rice paddies in  Bali's uplands,  Ubud boasts a bounty of temples, galleries, museums and meditation centres. As such, it’s easy to see why our experts selected it as one of the best destinations for relaxing.

To start your trip in immersive style, make a beeline for Ubud Palace. This vibrant cultural hub showcases traditional dance and art in a splendid historic setting.

Outside town, soul-stirring walks await along paths that run through lush rice paddies, offering views of Gunung Agung volcano. 

Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) temple is another highlight. This ancient archaeological site unveils shrines, bathing pools, and an incredible cave decorated with mystical carvings. 

Expert’s tip: for an unforgettable stay (and food), Mana Earthly Paradise comes massively recommended. Run by an NGO, the beautiful eco-villas use renewable energy, natural building materials, and follow sustainable practices, while the restaurant serves probiotic foods made from locally-sourced, organic ingredients.

Explore all the possibilities of travelling to the island that beckons all year round with our guide to the best time to visit Bali .

Discover more: fancy blending culture with the bliss of a beach break? Browse our customisable  Royal Bali trip.

Captivating Karlovy Vary, Czechia © Shutterstock

West Bohemia, Czechia

West Bohemia is something of a utopia for relaxing travel — think chic spa towns, and remarkably enchanting natural landscapes.

On that subject, West Bohemia’s Šumava National Park — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — encompasses Central Europe’s largest forest, along with glacial lakes and Boubín primaeval forest. 

Offering all the haunting allure of a fairy-tale, hiking to Black Lake — the largest, deepest lake in Czechia — and legend-rich Devil’s Lake is an unforgettable experience. 

Back on the more beaten track, the spa towns of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně reveal more West Bohemian beauty in serenely elegant style.

Expert’s tip:  for a budget-friendly city break that’ll leave you recharged and refreshed, spend a long weekend in Pilsen. 

Discover more: read up on where to enjoy  hiking and history in the enchanting Czech Republic.

Alcazar, Seville, Spain © Shutterstock

Best destinations for culture and cuisine 

Seville, spain.

Capital of Andalucía,  Seville is a  Spanish stunner that stirs all the senses courtesy of its extraordinary cuisine and architecture. 

Barrio Santa Cruz, for example, plays hosts to iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site monuments. First up, the Alcázar Réal showcases over 1000 years of history from its opulent royal apartments to glorious gardens roamed by peacocks.

Just opposite, you’ll find the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Its ginormous Giralda bell tower dates back to 1195, when it was the minaret of the Aljama mosque. After working up an appetite uncovering cultural treasures, foodies will be in their element in Seville. Don’t miss the city’s signature serranito sandwich — pork loin, Serrano ham and grilled green pepper packed into a baguette.

In more good news, our resident Seville aficionado raved about the city’s reasonable prices.  Expert’s tip:  the authentic flamenco performances are a must! Shows don't get more emotive than at La Casa del Flamenco , in the heart of Seville's Santa Cruz district.

Discover more: love your grub? Our  Culinary Experience in Seville will set your mouth watering.

Shirakawa village, Takayama, Japan © Shutterstock

Takayama, Japan

Located in the Japanese Alps,  Takayama is notable for Sanmachi Suji old town, which sees  Japan's prosperous Edo Period (1603-1868) preserved in pristine style.

Due to its location, Takayama was somewhat cut off from the rest of Japan. As a result, Edo Period customs — among them carpentry and sake brewing – thrived here post-1868, and still do today.

Alongside exploring Sanmachi Suji’s exquisitely-preserved merchants’ houses, don’t miss visiting a sake brewery. Meanwhile, meat-eaters should try the local Hida-gyu specialty — beef from cattle raised in the Gifu Prefecture for a minimum of fourteen months.

Then there’s Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village  —   an open-air museum that showcases shrines and traditional houses in a handsome hillside location.

Culture vultures will also want to take a trip to Shirakawa-go. Home to unique gasshō-zukuri farmhouses, this traditional village is a designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Expert’s tip: don’t be shy! Strip off and relax in a traditional onsen (hot spring).

Discover more: you’ll find more inspiration in our  Secrets of Japan trip, which includes Takayama.

Terre de Haut from Le Chameau hill, Guadeloupe © Shutterstock

Terre-de-Haut, Guadeloupe

The largest of Guadeloupe’s enchanting Iles des Saintes, Terre-de-Haut is a gorgeous overseas territory of France.

Exuding joie de vivre at every turn, this bijou island feels at once sophisticated and amiably unpretentious as it serves a moreish mix of top-notch Caribbean-Gallic cuisine and culture.

Its Old Town brims with bistros, boulangeries, boutiques and ice-cream parlours, with Fort Napoleon — perched 114 metres above sea level — revealing local history. 

This being the Caribbean, Terre-de-Haut isn’t short of beautiful beaches, all of them boasting sugar-soft sand and warm waters that are ripe for rewarding snorkelling jaunts.

Expert’s tip:  dine   at La Fringale for   fabulous French-Creole cuisine (be sure to try the boudin  sausage), super-friendly service, superb Chablis, and moreish local rum. And all this at surprisingly pocket-friendly prices.  

Discover more: get  The Rough Guide to the Caribbean .

Taxco, Mexico  © Shutterstock

Taxco, Mexico

A few hours south of Mexico City , and one of  Mexico’s best pueblos magico (magic towns), Taxco is celebrated for its silversmith culture.

On arrival, visitors never fail to fall for the charm of its colourful architecture, bursts of bougainvillea, and narrow streets that snake its steep hills. 

Add to that picturesque plazas, fabulous food, and one of Mexico’s most ornate churches — Santa Prisca — and Taxco amounts to a diamond of a destination for culture vultures. 

Touring a silver mine comes highly recommended, as does timing your visit to coincide with a local festival. For example, late November or early December sees silversmiths showcase their best handcrafted creations at the Feria Nacional de la Plata. 

Expert’s tip: occupying the terrace of Hotel Boutique Pueblo Lindo, Rosa Mexicano is a stunning spot to enjoy authentic local food. Don't leave Taxco before trying cochinita pibil,  a traditional Yucatec Mayan slow-roasted pork dish, or pozole, a traditional stew.

Discover more : take inspiration from our  Mexico itineraries .

Magical Melissani Cave, Kefalonia, Greece © Shutterstock

Kefalonia, Greece

While many  Greek islands are great for family holidays,  Kefalonia was lauded by our experts for offering a richness of experiences for all ages. 

In addition, while Kefalonia offers stacks of all-important family-friendly facilities, it remains relatively uncrowded and retains a rugged beauty. All the better for adding a dash of adventure to family breaks.

Kicking off with the obvious — Kefalonia is loaded with beautiful beaches for fun family days out. As a result of its safe shallow waters, activity offerings and facilities, red-hued Xi beach comes especially recommended if you’re travelling with kids.

Subterranean magic awaits at Melissani Cave and Melissani Lake, where you’ll board a boat to view dramatic myth-laden chambers and rock formations.

Animal-mad little ones will also adore boarding a boat to spot turtles, seals and dolphins.

Expert’s tip: if your little-legged little ones have the stamina, visit Mount Ainos National Park, where Drogarati Cave bares dragon’s teeth stalactites and stalagmites. 

Discover more : read up on the  best things to do in Kefalonia .

First light on the sand dunes between Wells and Holkham © Shutterstock

North Norfolk, UK

Travelling with kids in the UK? Here's why North Norfolk is one of the best travel destinations for 2024.

With 45 miles of coastline — including six beautiful Blue Flag beaches — it's packed with vast expanses of sand that offer families a refreshing sense of freedom.

In addition to delivering the timeless joys of a traditional seaside holiday — from building sandcastles on Holkham’s unspoilt beaches, to eating fish and chips at Wells-next-the-Sea — North Norfolk has masses to thrill kids along the Deep History Coast Discovery Trail. 

Head to West Runton to walk in the footsteps of the UK’s biggest mammoth. While the colossal skeleton unearthed here is now in the care of a museum, plenty of fossils are still being found in these parts.

Elsewhere, North Norfolk offers everything from steam railway rides, adventure parks and magical gardens, to seal-spotting excursions and children’s theatre. How that’s for variety that’ll keep all ages sated?

Expert’s tip: get close to seals in Blakeney National Nature Reserve. It's best to book a boat trip from Morston Quay.

Discover more: read up on the  best things to do in Norfolk .

Alentejo is a hotspot for hot air ballooning © Shutterstock

Alentejo, Portugal

Dune-backed beaches and breath-taking balloon trips. Exhilarating safari parks and magical walks. Covering a large area of southern Portugal , the Alentejo region is a wonderful place for family breaks, not least if you make it a multi-destination experience. 

Top attractions of the region include a duo of UNESCO World Heritage Site towns. Namely, fortified Elvas, and  Évora , with its Roman temple, Moorish alleys, medieval walls, and sixteenth-century mansions.

Meanwhile, kids who are crazy about animals will go wild for Badoca Safari Park and Monte Selvagem Animal Reserve.

Back on the coast, dolphin-watching adventures await, along with windsurfing and kite surfing courses for older kids. 

Oh, and any gourmands in your group will be very happy with Alentejo’s food and wine. The region is a major producer of notable full-bodied reds.

Expert’s tip:  take to the sky! Alentejo is   one of the few places in Europe you can enjoy a dreamy balloon trip around the year.

Discover more: read up on the best things to do in Portugal .

Nai Yang beach, Phuket,Thailand © Shutterstock

Nai Yang Beach, Phuket, Thailand

In general, Phuket is a great place for family holidays in Thailand . Many beaches are well-served by amenities, with water parks and child-friendly walks on the wild side (hello, Khao Phra Theao Nature Trai!) when you fancy a change from sea and sand. 

But back to the beach! With a long sweep of sand, excellent swimming conditions at its southern end, and laidback shorefront restaurants, Nai Yang comes especially recommended for families.

Plenty of natural adventures can be had here, too. For example, Nai Yang is right next to Sirinat National Park. If you visit between November and February, you might just get to see leatherback and hawksbill turtles laying their eggs along the park’s coastal fringe.

Added to that, our specialist noted that “it's affordable and easy to access from both Europe as well as the US”. 

Expert’s tip:  as much as we love a quiet beach, if there are no vendors around and your child wants French fries at 1pm, it's better to stick to beaches with amenities! It's safer to swim at non-deserted beaches, too.

Discover more: be inspired by ideas for family tours of Thailand .

Taktsang Palphug, Bhutan © Avik/Shutterstock

Best destinations for meaningful travel 

For this category, we asked our experts to consider destinations that present opportunities to travel more responsibly. Places in which you can engage with local communities, environments and wildlife in rewarding, responsible ways that enrich travellers and the local community.

Ura Valley, Bhutan      

Carbon negative, and committed to its citizens’ well-being through a Gross National Happiness Index , majestically beautiful Bhutan obliges tourists to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).

With SDF revenue transparently allocated to programmes that sustain cultural traditions, protect the environment, and build climate resilience, every visitor contributes something tangible to the country.

As for why to visit, Bhutan is a heavenly destination for adventurers, with challenging Himalayan mountain hikes taking you through pristine landscapes.

Another highlight is trekking up to Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) — a sacred place that’s improbably sited on a vertical 3000-metre cliff.

Bhutan will also delight travellers interested in culture, courtesy of the thirteen Bhutanese arts and crafts known as the Zorig Chusum.

If you choose to base yourself one place, our experts suggest the Ura Valley. At 3100 metres above sea level, this small rural settlement is one of the highest Bumthang valleys.

Expert’s tip:  time your trip to coincide with a festival, like the Ura Yakchoe festival of masked dance. In 2024, this will run 20th–24th April.

Discover more: browse our Mountains and Monasteries trip itinerary to uncover a bounty of Bhutan’s beauty. 

Knepp's deers © Shutterstock

Knepp Rewilding Project, England

While rewilding has become a bit of a buzzword of late, Knepp — an historic, former hunting estate in the heart of Sussex — has been blazing the rewilding trail for some 20 years. 

In that time, the Knepp Rewilding Project has seen endangered species — among them turtle doves, nightingales, peregrine falcons and purple emperor butterflies — find a beautiful place to call home here. 

Alongside said endangered species, the 3500-acre site also sees herds of English longhorn cattle, Tamworth pigs, Exmoor ponies and red and fallow deer roam free.

Visit Knepp to walk countless wildlife trails, or book a safari in the company of an expert guide. You could even opt to stay here – take your pick from bedding down in bell tent, yurt, shepherd’s hut or tree house.

Expert’s tip: visit in spring to see carpets of bluebells, along with piglets, fawns, foals and calves. Meanwhile, autumn sees Knepp ring with the unmistakable bellow and clatter of deer rutting season.

Discover more: read up on ecological attractions and activities in the UK .

Visit Hiriwadunna, Sri Lanka, for a taste of rural village life © Shutterstock

Hiriwadunna, Sri Lanka

Intrigued by Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle ? Alongside marvelling at more obvious attractions like the Dambulla cave temples and the remarkable Sigiriya rock fortress, head to Hiriwadunna for a taste of village life.

With tours run by guides who are local to the area, visiting the village is a wonderful way to experience rural Sri Lanka while also giving something back. 

In addition, as a result of a period of political unrest, Sri Lanka has seen a decline in tourist numbers. This means your visit to Hiriwadunna will make even more of a difference. 

Trips usually begin with a ride on an ox cart, followed by a walk through rice fields, and a delicious lunch of local vegetable curries.

Expert’s tip:  For the ultimate experience, pick the best season for your adventure with our guide to the best time to visit Sri Lanka .

Discover more: see our customisable  Wild and Wonderful Sri Lanka trip — it includes Hiriwadunna.

Shetland, Scotland © Shutterstock

UNESCO Trail, Scotland

The first country in the world to link all its UNESCO sites along one route, Scotland’s UNESCO Trail is an amazing way to take in tonnes of natural and cultural wonders.

With thirteen sites in total ­— six World Heritage Sites, two Biosphere Reserves, two Global Geoparks and three Creative Cities — the UNESCO Trail showcases Scotland’s richness while encouraging visitors to travel more responsibly .

As for the route, it covers a remarkable variety of UNESCO designations and a diversity of destinations — from the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, to the Global Geopark of Shetland. From St Kilda’s World Heritage Site islands in the Outer Hebrides, to Edinburgh , a UNESCO City of Literature.

While it’ll take around 40 days to cover the entire trail, one of its allures is being able to dip in and out of it, and return to it year after year.

Expert’s tip: if you can, take a trip to Orkney to see the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's utterly enchanting, whether you're into ancient history or not.

Discover more: keen to take less-travelled roads? Read up on spectacular remote places in Scotland . 

A new 2024 train service between Barcelona and Paris could get you to the Olympics in luxurious style © Neirfy/Shutterstock

Barcelona and Paris  —    scoot between cities on a new train service

Keen to cut down on flights, but don’t want to curb your European travels? You’ll be happy to hear an Italian rail company has just announced plans to launch a new high-speed service between Barcelona and Paris .

Though the exact date has yet to be confirmed, it’s expected to be up and running in time for the Paris Olympics, which kicks off in July 2024. 

Promising a more luxurious experience, and to shave time off the current Barcelona-Paris service (this takes 6 hours 45 minutes), now might be the time to consider taking a multi-destination European rail-trip.

Expert's tip: before zipping to Paris, stock up on snacks from La Boqueria — one of the best food markets in the world for obvious reasons.

Discover more: arm yourself with tips for travelling by train in Europe .

2024 will see Dominica further protect its resident sperm whales © Shutterstock

Dominica — explore the world’s first marine protected area for sperm whales

While Dominica’s waters have long drawn in-the-know divers, November 2023 saw the island announce the creation of the world’s first marine protected area for sperm whales. 

With Dominica being the only place in the world sperm whales can be seen year-round, this is excellent news for the future of the species. It also means visitors to Dominica’s waters in 2024 will experience something very new, and very special.

Whales aside, it’s clear why Dominica is known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean. Pristine rainforests sparkle and thunder with rivers and waterfalls. Its Boiling Lake — located in the UNESCO-designated Morne Trois Pitons National Park — is the second largest of its kind in the world. 

If that wasn’t enough, Dominica’s 115-mile Waitukubuli Trail is the longest hiking trail in the Caribbean, while its Waitukubuli Sea Trail is the Caribbean’s only sea-kayak trail. For a tiny island, Dominica sure packs magnificent punch.

Expert’s tip: while Dominica is blatantly big on nature, it’s also blessed with big cultural experiences. For example, visit the  Kalinago Barana Autê  to find out about the island’s indigenous Kalinago people.

Discover more: be inspired by  community projects in Dominica .

Visit Malta in 2024 for the new UNESCO-endorsed Malta Biennale © Shutterstock

Malta — enjoy the new UNESCO-endorsed Malta Biennale

2024 will see the island of Malta — and sister island Gozo — transformed into a spectacular art gallery by the first ever Malta Biennale .

Running from March to May, the Malta Biennale will coincide with the island’s longstanding festa  season. This means all corners of both beautiful islands will be energised by everything from traditional parades, to the world-class contemporary art of the Biennele.

With UNESCO having granted their esteemed patronage of the Malta Biennale, many of Malta and Gozo's UNESCO World Heritage Sites will serve as the remarkable settings for events and exhibitions. 

These include the City of Valetta — capital of Malta, and a UNESCO World Heritage Centre — and the megalithic temples of Ġgantija, Gozo.

Expert's tip: if you love food and prefer to stay in less toursity areas, check out Mġarr.

Discover more: read the Pocket Rough Guide to Malta and Gozo .

Opening in 2024, the Grand Egyptian Museum serves views of the pyramids of Giza © Shutterstock

Giza, Egypt — visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum 

Some 20 years in the making, excitement is building around the 2024 opening of the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Ancient Egypt aficionados should prepare to be well and truly dazzled. 

While you’ll need to stay tuned for the exact launch date, word is you won’t have to wait long. In fact, the GEM is currently offering tours to test the visitor experience ahead of the official opening.

Offering panoramic views of the Pyramids of Giza , at 490,000 square metres, this extraordinary new space will be the biggest archaeological museum in the world.

Inside, 100,000+ Ancient Egyptian artefacts will be displayed, including 5600 glories from King Tutankhamen’s tomb.

With a massive statue of Ramesses the Great set to dominate the atrium, and a sweeping staircase showcasing statues of 80+ pharaohs and Egyptian gods, the GEM is set to be grand in name and experience.

Expert's tip: pretty obvious, but visit the pyramids as early as possible. It really is worth arriving before the bus tour crowds rock up from 10am.

Discover more: browse our Nile Cruise trip for inspiration.

For more inspiration — and to take the hassle out of planning — let us help you with fully customisable itineraries for destinations across the world.

You might also want to arm yourself with  24 life-affirming travel ideas for 2024 , as recommended by Rough Guides’ readers. 

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

• South Africa
• Inspiration

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Find even more inspiration here

Ready to travel and discover Wales?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

Where to Go in 2024

The 25 most exciting places around the world to visit next.

• Copy Link copied

From a British city reimagining its industrial past and a laid-back Kenyan island free of cars to the best place in North America to see the total solar eclipse, our 25 picks for where to go next year have several traits in common: Each is an awe-inspiring, joy-inducing destination where human connection and creativity define the travel experience. These 25 places (listed in no particular order) offer ample opportunities for conscientious, sustainable exploration—exactly what AFAR’s travelers who care are seeking right now. Cheers to a year of getting out there. —The Editors

Friendly reef sharks swim among guests at Vomo Island.

Courtesy of Vomo Island Fiji

Fiji ’s marine life is famously beautiful: a colorful show of turtles, rays, and sharks swirling amid sun-dappled shades of green and blue. The main stage for this dazzling performance is its array of coral reefs—fragile ecosystems in which the symbiotic relationship between plants and fish plays out daily, their delicate dance a microcosm of our ever more stressed planet.

For the full story from Tim Chester, read: In Fiji, A Vivid Underwater World Awaits .

The Sydney Opera House turned 50 in October 2023. Celebrations will continue into next year.

Photo by Michelle Heimerman

2. Sydney, Australia

Best known for its looming concrete “shells,” the Sydney Opera House is a master class in modern expressionist design. The iconic building turned 50 in October 2023 to great fanfare. Enjoy dinner at Midden , the new Indigenous restaurant located within the compound; the next day, wake up early for an exclusive Backstage Tour , which will take you through corridors to rehearsal spaces and the orchestra pit. Check out the Opera House’s 2024 special programming throughout the year, including the London International Animation Festival in January and an evening with author Fran Lebowitz in February. Or consider a trip in May or June for the annual festival Vivid Sydney , when art and light installations transform the harbor into a mind-bending light show. —Michael Callahan

In 1956, Tangier was reintegrated into the newly independent Moroccan state.

Photo by Stephanie Foden

3. Tangier, Morocco

With a skyline that resembles a handful of dice tossed haphazardly on the cliffside, Tangier has long stood apart from other Moroccan cities. For several decades in the 20th century, it was administered by a cluster of foreign countries, including Italy and Spain. It lured writers and artists from Europe and the United States, imparting a cosmopolitan vibe that lingers today. In the past five years, though, Morocco’s northernmost city has reconnected with its national roots.

In 2018, Africa’s first high-speed train line linked Tangier with Casablanca. The journey now takes two hours. It was part of an extensive infrastructure investment to bolster the region. The arrival of new luxury hotels is a boon, including the 133-room Fairmont Tazi Palace and the boutique Villa Mabrouka , a 12-room makeover of Yves Saint Laurent’s onetime home by fashion designer Jasper Conran. Waldorf Astoria will join them, likely in early 2025.

The city’s two main squares, the Grand Socco and Petit Socco, showcase the talent of creative Moroccans. Alma Kitchen , owned by a local jeweler and her photographer husband, serves dishes such as charred eggplant and anise-and-cardamom-spiced potatoes. Idle over a coffee at Cinémathèque de Tanger on the larger square, a historic cultural venue that first opened in 1938 and was refurbished in the mid-2000s by French Moroccan artist Yto Barrada . Just outside the medina, Las Chicas focuses on Moroccan-made homewares, clothing, and organic wellness products by the women-owned Zoā Beauty ; linger for a mint tea, or atay , here, too.

Stop by El Morocco Club , a piano bar and restaurant inspired by, and named after, the louche New York City nightclub that opened in the 1930s. Today the club—with its monochromatic photos and zebra-print sofas—is the perfect shorthand for old and new Tangier in one. —Mark Ellwood

With hilly terrain ribboned with spring-fed rivers, the Hill Country is arguably one of the prettiest places in Texas.

Photo by Wynn Myers

4. The Texas Hill Country

This year, all eyes are turned to the Texas Hill Country, since it falls smack-dab in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse on April 8. As the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, the day will turn to night. North America saw a total eclipse in 2017, but the last time the land now known as Texas experienced one was back in 1397. Visibility will depend on two things: location (the Hill Country will get close to four and a half minutes of totality, out of a possible seven and a half) and weather (Central Texas’s annual average of 300 sunny days bodes well).

For the full story from Mae Hamilton, read: A Total Eclipse, Fresh Peaches, and Small-Town Charm: Why This Destination Is Worth a Trip This Year .

From left: The restaurant Anima at the Rome Edition hotel serves regional fare; The Anantara Palazzo Naiadi hotel combines traditional Italian architecture with elevated cuisine.

From left: Photo by Nikolas Koeni; Courtesy of Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome

5. Rome, Italy

The meal started with octopus carpaccio, wagyu beef gyoza, and yellowtail sushi. After my husband and I polished that off, the waiter set down Ibérico pork marinated in soy and truffle. Seated on a snaking banquette at Seen by Olivier, the rooftop restaurant at the new Anantara Palazzo Naiadi hotel, we enjoyed dish after dish. When I first moved to Rome in 2009, I was hard-pressed to find such globally inspired fare; though it is a major European capital, it had tended to the traditional. But the Eternal City is changing.

For the full story by Laura Itzkowitz, read New Hotels, Restaurants, and Experiences: Why Now Is the Time to Book a Trip to Rome .

Intrepid Travel now offers a way for visitors to experience a lesser-seen side of Machu Picchu.

Photo by Amanda Villarosa

6. Machu Picchu, Peru

Peru’s most popular attraction can sometimes seem to buckle under the weight of its visitors. Now, Intrepid Travel is offering a way to experience a lesser-known side of the Sacred Valley , using not the popular Inca Trail but a route based on the Quarry Trail. Its new itinerary features the dramatic Perolniyoc Cascade waterfall; an Inca quarry that gave the original trail its name; and a viewpoint, called Wayrapunku, that overlooks the village of Ollantaytambo, whose ruins include the 900-year-old Temple of the Sun. —Michael Callahan

In 2024, celebrate the 50th anniversary of the book Jaws in Martha’s Vineyard.

Photo by Lachlan/Unsplash

7. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

It was the book that made people afraid to go into the water: Jaws . Celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024 with a tour of sites on Martha’s Vineyard where the movie was filmed in 1974. Beyond the realm of the great white shark, explore the quintessential New England beauty of the 87-square-mile island: the dramatic clay cliffs of Aquinnah that appear to change color throughout the day; Offshore Ale Company , which serves malty fish and chips; and the 147-year-old carousel in Oak Bluffs , the oldest in the country. Visits in the “shoulder seasons,” late spring and early fall, come with mild weather and a respite from the island’s infamous summer traffic. —Michael Callahan

Lamu hosts several events a year, including competitive dhow races and a yoga festival.

From left: Photo by Khadija M. Farah; Eric Lafforgue

8. Lamu, Kenya

Walking the sandy, winding streets of Shela—a village on the southeastern coast of Kenya’s Lamu Island —is an exercise in trusting the process. The island is essentially free of motor vehicles, and the alleyways are only wide enough for pedestrians and donkeys. Even after visiting a dozen times, I take it as a given that I will get lost. I also trust that Shela is small enough that I will eventually stumble upon that patch of fiery fuchsia bougainvillea I had passed earlier, or that carved wooden door, or that mosque with the atonal call to prayer singer, and I will find my way once again.

For the full story from Sarika Bansal, read: On this East African Island, Getting Lost Is Half the Fun .

The 250-mile-long Trans Bhutan Trail passes through villages and valleys, alongside dozens of Buddhist stupas and temples.

Photos by Ken Spence Photography

The last remaining Buddhist kingdom in the world is not easy to reach, but that’s what makes arriving even more rewarding. After our pilot landed between 18,000-foot Himalayan peaks at Bhutan’s Paro International Airport (which looks more like a temple), I soon realized I was in a place unlike anywhere else.

Bhutan only opened its doors to tourism in 1974 and has put measures in place to make sure that tourists don’t overrun its pristine nature or long-preserved culture. With a strong conservation mindset, it is the world’s first carbon-negative country : 60 percent of its landscape must be covered in forest, and tourists have always been required to pay a daily fee. Since 2022, the fee has supported local community and conservation projects.

In September 2023, Bhutan halved its tourist fee to $100 per day to attract more travelers. Visitors are encouraged to stay longer to experience the country’s new and renovated five-star hotels, such as Zhiwa Ling Heritage , andBeyond Punakha River Lodge , and Pemako Punakha , all of which are required to be built in the traditional Bhutanese style. And with the restoration of the Trans Bhutan Trail, visitors can explore new parts of the country.

Soon after it reopened in 2022, I hiked the historic pilgrimage route, which dates to the 16th century, on a G Adventures trip . We were some of the first foreigners to walk through remote villages on our way to see fortresses and stupas.

It was easy to understand Bhutan’s deep reverence for nature as we trekked through thick pine forests and fog-blanketed mountains—some with peaks that have never been scaled to avoid disturbing spirits. Hearing that made walking under their shadow feel only more sacred. —Kathleen Rellihan

Philadelphia took home more James Beard Awards in 2023 than any other city.

Photo by Ted Nghiem Photography

10. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Travelers who love food and art should make a beeline to Philly this year. The city garnered more restaurant and chef awards than any other at the 2023 James Beard Foundation competition . Make time to try the seasonal tasting menu at Friday Saturday Sunday, which won Outstanding Restaurant, or Thai cuisine at Kalaya , where Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon won Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic . On the art side, the Rodin Museum is hosting a sculpture exhibition, Rodin’s Hands , and the Philadelphia Museum of Art will feature the photographic exhibition In the Right Place , recognizing the pioneering photographers Barbara Crane, Melissa Shook, and Carol Taback. —Amy S. Eckert

Paris, long known for its arts and culture scene, will be taking on the sports world in 2024.

Photo by Nico Knaack/Unsplash

11. Paris, France

The City of Light has been preparing to host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games and the Paralympics with signature French élan. (Swimming events in the Seine! BMX freestyle on the Place de la Concorde!). “There is much to consider if you want to be in Paris for the Olympics,” says Martha King , whose namesake agency is helping travelers who want to attend the Games. There are over 3,500 combinations of Olympic events and sessions; hopeful attendees should act quickly, King says. The city is, of course, festive throughout the year and worth a visit any time. Visitors before April 2 may enjoy the Mark Rothko exhibition at the Fondation Louis Vuitton ; afterward, go for a champagne spritz and Eiffel Tower views on the rooftop of the recently opened Hôtel Dame des Arts . —Michael Callahan

Lemon Grove at the Aster hotel is a new addition to L.A.’s rooftop dining scene.

Photo by Emil John Ravelo

12. Los Angeles, California

Growing up in Los Angeles, I always felt it was so spread out that nothing quite tempted me to leave my neighborhood. Now, as an adult who recently returned from living in New York, I’m willing to battle traffic and get to know more of the city. From contemporary art exhibits at The Broad downtown to sunny afternoons spent at Hollywood’s new rooftop garden atop the Aster hotel , L.A. offers cultural and outdoor experiences all year round.

The largest public art project devoted to Black artists in the United States will open in the city in 2024. The 1.3-mile-long open-air museum, called Destination Crenshaw , will be filled with permanent and temporary outdoor installations featuring works by more than 100 Black artists displayed across four acres of green space. Established and emerging artists will include painter Kehinde Wiley , artist and sculptor Melvin Edwards, and graffiti artists the RTN crew.

“The creative energy of the Black community in South L.A. drives popular art that’s born locally, copied nationally, and consumed globally,” says Jason Foster, Destination Crenshaw’s president and COO. “Nonetheless, these artists have received neither the public acknowledgment nor economic advantage from decades of creative productivity. Destination Crenshaw powerfully makes this case, visually stamping South L.A. as the West Coast’s cradle of Black creativity.”

The city’s food scene is thriving, too—a reflection of its diverse residents. Chef Rashida Holmes’s pop-up, Bridgetown Roti , will open its first brick-and-mortar location in 2024, bringing Caribbean cookery to East Hollywood. Row DTLA downtown, meanwhile, is a one-stop shop for global fare, including omakase at Hayato and wood-fired creations at Chris Bianco’s celebrated Pizzeria Bianco . More than enough reason to explore the city more deeply—and venture further afield. —Kristin Braswell

Manchester is a city of firsts: the first women’s vote in the UK, the world’s first professional soccer league, the first Rolls Royce, the first passenger railway, and it’s also where Oasis (and countless other bands) played their first gig.

Photo by Wambam Photography

13. Manchester, England

Let’s start by saying that you know more about Manchester than you think you do—that the northern England city of red-brick Victorian buildings, old universities, and public squares already lives in your pop-culture subconscious, the backdrop for era-defining events that outshone the city itself.

For the full story from Billie Cohen, read: This Northern English City Has Been Nurturing Its Arts Scene for Years—and It’s Paying Off .

Weifang, China, prides itself on being the World Kite Capital.

Photo by Laurence Coulton

14. Weifang, China

This eastern Chinese city between Beijing and Shanghai is often proclaimed the kite capital of the world , thanks to its annual international kite festival each April that draws tens of thousands of people, and the Weifang World Kite Museum , where five exhibition halls explore the craftsmanship and folklore of kites. But Weifang works to protect all of its cultural heritage, with a focus on preserving traditions that earned it status as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2021 and as a 2024 Culture City of East Asia. For example, Shihuyuan Intangible Cultural Heritage Park teaches visitors about art forms, including clay modeling and paper cutting, as well as kites. Travelers can try their hand at kite-making and wood-block printing at Yangjiabu Folk Art Grand View Garden . A thriving evening food market scene ensures a delicious end to a day; try barbecued seafood or chao tian guo , a dish of pork offal and pickled vegetables wrapped in a thin pancake. Wild China can arrange a custom itinerary that includes Weifang. —Tim Chester

Long known for its stunning Caribbean landscapes, the island of St. Kitts is also embracing its storied history of rum making.

Courtesy of St. Kitt’s Tourism Authority (L); Photo by Tom Philips

15. St. Kitts

St. Kitts , in the eastern Caribbean, is an island of thick rain forests and sunny beaches. But during its early colonial era it was blanketed with sugar plantations that were farmed by enslaved African people. Much of the crop was turned into rum, creating a lucrative business for the British. After St. Kitts gained independence in 1983 and shut down its cane sugar production in 2005 (it couldn’t compete with the global industry’s turn to beet sugar), the legacy of Kittitian rum was not forgotten. Now two locally owned companies are reviving the island’s distilling heritage with a proud Kittitian spin.

“We have a tradition of making rum called hammond, or bush rum,” says Roger Brisbane, the founder of Hibiscus Spirits and owner of beachside restaurant Spice Mill . “People made it in the mountains. This was roots-style, over a coal pot with contraptions to distill the alcohol from the molasses.” Today, his company blends regionally sourced rum with tart hibiscus, a nod to a Caribbean Christmas drink called sorrel.

Jack Widdowson is also building on the island’s history. Archaeologists unearthed a 17th-century distillery on the former plantation where he grew up, and in 2020, he founded the Old Road Rum Company there. For now he’s blending signature bottles (using molasses-based rum from other Caribbean countries) while renovating the distillery so it can produce 100 percent Kittitian rum again.

The Kittitian RumMaster experience from the St. Kitts Tourism Authority introduces visitors to both projects. But as Widdowson explains, “A visit to Old Road Rum is not merely a historical tour or tasting session. It’s an opportunity to be part of an evolving narrative that respects the past while shaping a new chapter for rum production in St. Kitts.” —Rosalind Cummings-Yeats

Valencia’s beaches spill into the Mediterranean Sea on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula.

Photo by Charlie Gallant/Unsplash

16. Valencia, Spain

Valencia, the 2,150-year-old city on Spain’s east coast, earned the title of European Green Capital 2024 by passing muster in 12 categories, including air, noise, nature and biodiversity, and energy efficiency. See this in action with a stroll through the city center’s old town (home to Valencia Cathedral , which is said to house the Holy Grail). Or wander Turia Garden , nearly six miles of green space along a former riverbed crossed by bridges built in various centuries. Cyclists can see the city from 125 miles of bike lanes. — Billie Cohen

Vetsiges of the old city and fresh elements of modern culture intermingle in Brno, Czechia.

Photo by Leonhard Niederwimmer/Unsplash

17. Brno, Czechia

Pronounced Burr-NO, ideally with a luxuriously rolled “r,” Czechia’s second-largest city is roughly a quarter the size of Prague and receives almost none of its international tourists. Yet it is Brno, not the capital, that has been named one of UNESCO’s Cities of Music , honoring its thriving network of bars, clubs, and concert spaces, along with its world-class festival calendar. The scene here offers everything from the banjo punk of homegrown band Poletíme to JazzFestBrno, whose 2024 performers include Grammy Award–winning singer Samara Joy. Between the golf ball–shaped and acoustically advanced Sono Centrum venue and the imposing medieval walls of Špilberk Castle (where the city’s philharmonic performs), there are few spots in Brno that aren’t pressed into musical service.

For the full story from Emma John, read: This Music-Filled City Is Stepping Out of Prague’s Shadow .

New developments are slowly breathing life back into Detroit.

Photo by Lex Brisbey/Unsplash

18. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit’s Michigan Central , a Beaux-Arts former train station, has been reimagined as a transportation R&D lab with retail, dining, and community spaces—just one example of how everything old is new again in this city. The Motown Museum will roll out a $65 million upgrade throughout 2024 that includes performance spaces, interactive exhibits, and a music education center. The hip Cambria Hotel (in a 1936 radio broadcasting building by Albert Kahn, one of Detroit’s great architects) is the latest in a string of landmarks refashioned as boutique hotels. And a new glass-and-steel tower on the site of the 1927 Hudson’s store will open a 48th-floor observation deck in 2024. —Amy S. Eckert

San Diego and Tijuana are strengthening their bond with one another through arts and culture.

Photo by Robert Briggs/Shutterstock

19. San Diego, California, and Tijuana, Mexico

Cross-border collaboration is the theme here, as these two cities, just 20 miles apart, share the biennial designation as the World Design Capital of 2024 . That translates to a series of events in both places. La Frontera , an exhibition focused on jewelry design, will take place January 27 to August 4 at San Diego’s Mingei International Museum and February 16 to June 9 at the Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT). In September, the week-long World Design Experience , an interactive showcase of design, will appear at various venues in San Diego. Additional travel-worthy art and architecture await: In San Diego, seek out the Salk Institute , a landmark of modern concrete buildings, or the University of California San Diego’s geometric Geisel Library (named for Dr. Seuss); in Tijuana, visit CECUT for its dramatic dome and garden full of replica Mesoamerican sculptures. —Tim Chester

Surrounded by fjords and home to a thriving Arctic creative scene, Bodø is a 2024 European Capital of Culture.

Photo by Tim E. White/Getty Images

Norway is a great place to feel the awe of nature, and that experience is getting even better. Starting in 2024, there will be more opportunities to take in the beauty and bounty of the country—and, in true Norwegian style, these travel adventures are also kinder to the Earth.

For the full story from Laura Hall read: Why This Nordic Country Should Be at the Top of Your Travel Bucket List.

The International African American Museum was built where Gadsden’s Wharf was once located. The Wharf was the disembarkation point of an estimated 40 percent of all enslaved persons in the United States.

Photo by Sahar Coston-Hardy/Esto

21. Charleston, South Carolina

When the International African American Museum opened in 2023, Charleston put itself at the top of must-see lists for 2024 and beyond. Exhibitions share the many facets of the African American story, delving into slavery and the civil rights movement along with modern-day challenges and triumphs. A genealogy center helps families search for their histories too. Overnight at one of two new additions to the city: the Palmetto Hotel , where the contemporary decor is accented by works from Charleston artists of the early 1900s; or the Pinch , a stylish boutique property with a bike-share program, sailing tours, and a kitchen in every room. —Amy S. Eckert

Historically, Uruguay’s winemaking has been centered in Montevideo and the Canelones province, but today Maldonado is producing its own compelling vintages.

Photo by William Hereford

22. Maldonado, Uruguay

There’s something in the air in Piriápolis. There always has been: Alchemist Francisco Piria founded his Belle Époque seaside resort town here in the 1890s, because he loved the supposedly cosmic energy. And visitors have long flocked to the Maldonado region as a whole for its world-class beach towns: flashy Punta del Este and its bohemian cousin, José Ignacio . Today, though, a visit is all about the wine. Travelers can stroll through family owned vineyards that unfurl toward the ocean; drink Uruguay’s gutsy tannat reds and signature albariño whites, and pair them with the melt-in-your-mouth steaks the country is famous for.

Uruguay’s viticulture scene is thriving, and Maldonado on the Atlantic coast is its fastest-growing wine region. In fact, Montevideo’s best-known winemaker, Bodega Bouza , has opened the hilltop restaurant Las Espinas here, and is adding a winery in 2024. It’s not the only one. Cerro del Toro —whose tannat varietal was recently dubbed Uruguay’s “discovery of the year”—will also open a winery next year.

In this part of Uruguay, enotourism means intimate vineyards and bucolic outdoor tastings. At Bodega Garzón , visitors can ride e-bikes around the sprawling estate to find a spot to savor wine with a picnic. On a rocky bluff with the Atlantic hazy in the distance, the Alto de la Ballena estate hosts tastings of its bottles, including a fresh tannat-viognier blend.

“Most of our wineries are boutique or family owned, and the owners are directly involved in every step of the process,” says José Ignacio–based sommelier Soledad Bassini, who has worked in the industry for 25 years. “That brings the wine a lot of character, and for visitors it’s like entering someone’s home and sharing their routine, traditions, and history.”

The abundance of wine experiences led Bassini to create the Mapa del Vino , a map that details Uruguay’s boutique vineyards. “Maldonado has everything,” she says. “Terroir, ocean, beaches—it’s the whole package.” —Julia Buckley

Tartu’s Town Hall Square is perhaps best known for the Kissing Students fountain, which is said to bestow luck on newlyweds.

Photo by Riina Varol

23. Tartu, Estonia

Tartu’s cobblestoned, café-filled town square is just the start of its charm. One of three European Capitals of Culture for 2024 , it has plenty to offer any year—from professional productions at Estonia’s oldest theater (est. 1870) to pop-up bars and art shows in the Soviet-era “garage box” sheds still found behind homes. But the 2024 celebrations are even more reason to visit the southern Estonian city: a show of Soviet-era DIY inventions (April 24–December 31); an Estonian folklore concert by the Paris Philharmonic choir (June 15); and events that showcase the region’s forests, hills, and lakes, including an outdoor sculpture exhibit near the town of Otepää, about 30 miles south (May 25–September 15). — Billie Cohen

Almost 6 percent of Toronto’s population has Caribbean roots, celebrated at the annual Carnival.

Photo by Itsik Marom/Alamy

24. Toronto, Canada

By most measures, Toronto is more diverse than any city in the world , including New York City and London. More than half of its population of 3 million was born outside of Canada and upwards of 180 languages are spoken here. The city’s multicultural identity has been further solidified with the 2023 mayoral election of Olivia Chow , the first woman of color to hold the post. “It’s important to reflect who we’re representing,” she said when she won. “It’s saying to every Torontonian, ‘Doesn’t matter where you came from, what your skin color is, faith—if you have the passion and ideas to contribute to the city, please, the door’s open.’”

For the full story from Anna Kim, read: Why You Should Visit Toronto, the World’s Most Diverse City

The Seattle Art Museum operates its main museum in downtown Seattle as well as the Seattle Asian Art Museum and the Olympic Sculpture Park.

Courtesy of Seattle Museum of Art

25. Seattle, Washington

In a city known for the outdoors, Seattle’s cultural offerings take the spotlight in 2024. The Museum of History and Industry uses games, videos, and other interactive displays to examine the confluence of tradition and modernism in Roots of Wisdom: Native Knowledge . Shared Science (through March 3). The Seattle Art Museum pays homage to Alexander Calder with Calder: In Motion , an exhibition that spans the sculptor’s career (through August 4). Henry Art Gallery on the University of Washington campus showcases multimedia and social-justice artist Hank Willis Thomas in Loverules (February 24–August 4). And the Seattle Aquarium ’s redesigned Ocean Pavilion will open summer 2024, featuring sharks, rays, coral, and mangroves in a reef ecosystem. —Amy S. Eckert

From top left, header photos by Sahar Coston-Hardy/Esto, Ken Spence, Vomo Island, Michelle Heimerman, Amanda Villarosa, Eric Lafforgue, Nikolas Koenig, Wynn Meyers, Stephanie Foden, Emil John Ravelo, Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali, Alex Brisbey/Unsplash, Ted Nghiem, Laurence Coulton, Jenny Sathngam, Leonhard Niederwimmer/Unsplash, Itsik Marom/Alamy, Charlie Gallant/Unsplash

Find anything you save across the site in your account

AD ’s 24 Best Places to Travel in 2024

By Nick Mafi , Elizabeth Fazzare , and Laura Itzkowitz

In a world that seems more connected than ever, an age-old question persists: Where are the best places to travel to next ? And perhaps, after a horrifying global pandemic uprooted our ability to explore, this question is all the more pertinent. We are, after all, living through a time that has revealed a newfound drive to see the world.

As such, AD has scoured the globe to find what we believe to be the most intriguing places to visit in 2024. Our selection includes a few tried-and-true locations, and we provide reasons why this coming year is the best time to go there. Readers will also find certain lesser-known locales—that we believe are well-poised to become great tourist destinations—on the list. Exciting design and architecture activity, cutting-edge cultural events, and other factors are putting all of these places on the map.

Nevertheless, before booking your next flight, train , or cruise line tickets, be sure to ask yourself the following: What do I want to experience with my next trip? Is it stunning landmarks? The thrill of adventure? Different cultures? The beauty of natural landscapes? Whatever the reason, rest assured that this year’s list features all of those elements, and more.

While travelers flock to India, the neighboring island of Sri Lanka has remained under-the-radar, but it abounds in natural beauty, wildlife, and culture. Opening in spring 2024, Kotiyagala is an environmentally conscious hotel with elevated villas spread out over a seven-acre estate. A stay there includes a guided safari tour of Yala National Park, which has one of the world’s highest concentrations of leopards. You could combine that with a few days on the beach at Karpaha Sands, which starting in 2024 will offer horseback riding both in the jungle and on the beach.

Antwerp, Belgium

This small Belgian city has an outsized impact on European fashion and design—just think of fashion designers like Dries Van Noten and architects like AD 100 Hall of Famer Alex Vervoodt . This is a city where burgeoning designers thrive and the city’s cultural institutions and hotel scene are catching up. Go to see the recently renovated ModeMuseum , which reopened in 2021 and just debuted a new café, or the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp , which reopened last year after an 11-year-long closure. Check into the Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp , a member of the Leading Hotels of the World in a 15th-century monastery with three Michelin-starred restaurants and a luxurious spa.

New Zealand’s South Island

New Zealand’s South Island has long been known for its pristine, natural landscapes, including the Southern Alps, glacial lakes, beaches, and fiords, but now it’s coming onto the radar as a destination for eco-chic resorts and hotels. Flockhill Lodge —a 36,000-acre sheep station in the Southern Alps—will debut its main lodge with accommodations for 28 guests, a fine-dining restaurant, spa, vegetable garden and greenhouse. And for travelers who want to reconnect with nature, Drift Off Grid offers eco-glamping in the stunning Golden Bay. It will be easier to get there, too, thanks to new direct flights from San Francisco to Christchurch on United Airlines.

Detroit, Michigan, USA

A host of urban regeneration projects are transforming the Motor City and increasing its appeal. One of the most ambitious projects is the rebirth of downtown’s historic Book Tower, designed in the early 1900s. Detroit-based real estate developer, Bedrock, has converted the former office building into the city's newest landmark destination, with the support of Method Co. who recently opened ROOST Detroit , a long-stay hotel with apartment-style accommodations and an array of restaurants and bars, including a Parisian-inspired brasserie, a rooftop bar, and a forthcoming subterranean izakaya. 2024 will also see the restoration of the iconic Michigan Central Station and the completion of the new Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park Development.

By Terri Williams

By David Nash

By Will Porter

Singapore Design Week in October is one of the most forward-looking design events on the calendar, with the 2023 edition showing 500 contributors’ projects, including a 3D-printed pavilion of compostable sugar-building material. The island country has long been a destination for thoughtful innovation, particularly in contemporary architecture and sustainable design, but it is also the perfect place for a cultural recharge. Singapore’s hawker street food was recently UNESCO protected, joining its World Heritage Site designated Botanical Gardens. A variety of new hotels allows visitors to choose their own vibe, from the Standard Hotel’s first Singapore property and the all-villa beachside Raffles hotel and spa on Sentosa Island (both opening in 2024) to the Edition and Mandarin Oriental, opened this fall. Flying into the country’s international Changi Airport is always a luxe treat, and a significant expansion of Terminal 2, including gardens, massive digital decorations, and increased infrastructure, will greet the millions of visitors expected next year.

Safari is an experience like no other. In Rwanda, gorilla trekking offers a unique opportunity to see primates in your camp’s backyard. Choosing where to lodge is an important first step. Next year, two of the country’s luxe tented wilderness camps—Magashi and Bisate—will inaugurate ultra-elite branches, offering only four rooms each and distinctive food and services for travelers looking for an even more private adventure in nature. Set on Lake Rwanyakazinga, Wilderness Magashi Peninsula will take advantage of access to both water and savannah with private boating, 360-degree vistas, and ample opportunities to see gorillas as well as big game animals in a guests-only area of Akagera National Park. Wilderness Bisate Reserve is located at the edge of Volcanoes National Park for prime mountain gorilla treks before retiring to villas with butler service and private hot tubs. Both are dedicated to conservation, sustainable tourism, and engaging local guides.

London, United Kingdom

There’s never a bad time for design lovers to visit London, but 2024 will be particularly exciting. Newson’s Yard will open as a new hub for retail and interior design with a spate of boutiques celebrating British craftsmanship. Situated on Pimlico Road in Belgravia , the development will give new life to London’s oldest timber yard. Travelers will also have plenty of exciting new places to stay, with major openings, including Raffles London at the OWO , the Peninsula London , the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair , 1 Hotel Mayfair , and the Broadwick Soho designed by Martin Brudnizki .

Istanbul, Turkey

The only city that sits in both Europe and Asia, Istanbul has always held a special appeal for architecture and design lovers, but the very high-profile development of Galataport —the world’s first underground cruise ship terminal—provides a new reason to go there now. Istanbul Modern , Turkey’s first museum of modern and contemporary art, has also just reopened in a sleek new building by Renzo Piano Building Workshop . And there are more ways to get there: aboard a new rotation of the Paris-Istanbul route on the Venice Simplon Orient Express and a new route from Detroit to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines.

Casablanca, Morocco

When it comes to Morocco, Marrakech and Tangier tend to steal the spotlight, but 2024 will be the year for Casablanca to shine. The city best known for the namesake 1942 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman will finally get a hotel that’s sure to draw the glitterati when the Royal Mansour Casablanca opens as a member of the Leading Hotels of the World in an iconic building from the 1950s. In-the-know travelers praise Casablanca as an underrated gem, where you can admire Art Deco architecture , shop for vintage furniture and Berber rugs, and sip cocktails at Rick’s Café (inspired by the film, of course). Go before it becomes overrun.

Paris, France

As anticipation builds for the 2024 Summer Olympics, the City of Light host is getting primped and preened for travelers all year. A slew of recent luxury hotel openings includes the Martin Brudnizki–designed Le Grand Mazarin (pictured) and La Fantasie, the Beata Heuman–designed Hôtel de La Boétie, and most recently the Fabrizio Casiraghi–designed Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs. In time for the games, the city is building a new Olympic Aquatics Centre by VenhoevenCS and AteliersGrand and an 8,000-seat Porte de La Chapelle Arena by SCAU architecture and NP2F. It’s also restoring some of its most famous works of architecture, including the Grand Palais, Notre Dame , and, a day-trip away at the Palace of Versailles , the Louis XIV œil-de-Bœuf antechamber. Travel will be made easier overall with the phase-one completion of the Grand Paris Express train, a railway project aimed to better connect the city’s suburbs and three airports with 124 miles of new track and 68 architect-designed stations.

Mazunte, Mexico

As Puerto Escondido becomes increasingly popular, savvy travelers are looking for a more under-the-radar alternative—and finding it in Mazunte. This small village in Oaxaca is considered a “pueblo magico” and has a bohemian vibe with pristine beaches, eco-resorts, and yoga retreats. Next spring, Our Habitas Mazunte will open with just 28 rooms immersed in the jungle with Pacific Ocean views, providing the perfect base for design-conscious travelers who want a holistic experience where wellness is at the forefront.

Seoul, South Korea

Gucci put a spotlight on the South Korean capital this year by hosting a runway show at Gyeongbokgung Palace, and we predict that all eyes will turn toward Seoul in 2024. The Seoul Art Museum is planning an expansion, adding to its portfolio of eight scattered museums across the city. The Art Archives Seoul Museum of Art has already opened, and in 2024 the Seo-Seoul Museum of Art and the Seoul Museum of Photography will join it. Check into one of the city’s five-star hotels, like Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Gangnam, which opened a few years ago.

Opatija, Croatia

Off the beaten path on the Istrian peninsula, savvy travelers know this relaxing seaside destination for its incredible beaches and natural grottos, but also its seafood, roasts, olive oil, wine, and truffle hunting—among many reasons that luxury travel agency Virtuoso named Croatia one of its clients’ top destinations for 2024. Fittingly, Opatija celebrates 180 years of tourism next year with special cultural programming, like a dedicated chocolate festival, retro music festival, and holiday markets by the sea. The following summer, Marriott will open its first luxury coastal resort here. The coastal city is also a great base for day trips throughout the region, including to the five-star Meneghetti Wine Hotel and Winery in Istria, whose new, expansive sculpture garden has a show of works by Arne Quinze on view through December 2024. The peninsula’s picturesque towns offer plenty of hillside hiking, medieval scenery, and baroque palaces for exploration.

São Paulo, Brazil

This Brazilian metropolis is home to midcentury-modern masterpieces by Oscar Niemeyer and has the highest concentration of street art in the world. And in 2024, the Museu de Arte de São Paulo —a midcentury masterpiece by Lina Bo Bardi—will unveil a major expansion. A brand new 14-floor tower will be connected to Bardi’s revolutionary building by an underground passageway, increasing the museum’s exhibition capacity by 66%. The city also has some exciting new hotels, including the Rosewood São Paulo designed by Jean Nouvel and Philippe Starck, and the Fasano São Paulo Itaim, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World opened in May 2023 with a sleek midcentury-inspired design by Marcio Kogan.

Miami, Florida

Over the past decade, Miami has become a veritable powerhouse for art and design. And that trend has showed any signs of slowing down. On March 1 and 2, 2024, Open House Worldwide will debut in Miami, opening Art Deco buildings and other architectural landmarks for the first time in a city-wide architecture festival. Aside from that weekend, there are plenty of things for design lovers to do in the Magic City year-round, from shopping and dining in the Design District to spotting street art murals in Wynwood and bedding down at fabulous hotels.

Munich, Germany

This Bavarian destination may be known for its beer halls, sausages, and as the origin of Oktoberfest, but charm and history give Munich draw any time of year. Last month, Rosewood (pictured) opened its first property in Germany across two of the city’s storied structures, the 19th-century Bavarian State Bank headquarters and the adjacent 19th-century Palais Neuhaus-Preysing, once a private residence, which have been transformed into a luxe stay and spa by local architects Hilmer Sattler Architekten Ahlers and London-based designer Tara Bernerd with restaurant interiors by DiPPOLD Interior Design Studio. Soccer fans should make their reservations soon, as Munich is also the host of the 2024 UEFA European Championship come summer.

Nicosia, Cyprus

Steeped in history but relatively untouched by tourism, Nicosia is a historic architecture lover’s dream and has three distinct UNESCO sites, a 16th-century Byzantine church, a traditional rural mountain community, and an exposed fragment of 90-million-year-old oceanic crust. Its contemporary life offers a thriving café culture and Cypriot, Greek, or Turkish delicacies, depending on your chosen side of the border in this north-south divided city (bring your passport to the crossing!). Next spring, the Cypriot capital is getting a new boutique luxury hotel, the 10-room Amyth of Nicosia, set within the city’s medieval Venetian walls and designed by local talent Maria Neophytou. Guests will have access to ancient treasures just outside their doorstep, including the Museum of Byzantine Art and the Cyprus Ethnological Museum; the 16th-century Hamam Omerye bathhouse; and the Büyük Han, a traveler’s inn built by the Ottomans in 1572.

Cairo, Egypt

With the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum expected to open by early 2024, Cairo is gaining another reason to book that bucket list trip to the last surviving wonder of the ancient world. Designed by Heneghan Peng Architects and holding over 100,000 artifacts, including everything from the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamen, the 484,000-square-foot museum sits on a meticulously landscaped 120-acre site between the Great Pyramid of Giza and Cairo itself. Thanks to design leaders like architectural engineer May al-Ibrashy, the latter’s UNESCO Al-Khalifa district has been undergoing extensive revitalization and preservation, and contemporary artists are embracing its man-made icons as well during the annual Art D’Egypte sculpture show on the Giza Plateau and at the Cairo Citadel. The Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, opening next year in an 1841 landmark reimagined by Parisian designer Sybille de Margerie, will be a luxurious place to lay your head after bouts of sightseeing.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In recent years, Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood has been growing rapidly as a new creative hub for designers, antiques dealers, and design galleries with locals and New York transplants alike setting down physical roots calling out to culture vultures for a visit. One native, Wexler Gallery, doubled down this year, creating a 11,500-square-foot flagship in a former pretzel gallery with help from Philadelphia architecture firm DIGSAU. Book a stay at the forthcoming 50-key boutique Hotel Anna & Bel, a historic women’s asylum in the neighborhood now reopening in spring 2024 after a luxurious reenvisioning by local team Foyer Project and B-March. And next fall, Weiss/Manfredi and Reed Hilderbrand are unveiling their highly-anticipated revitalization of 17 acres of the 115-year-old Longwood Gardens conservatory and grounds. Just an hour’s drive from the city proper, it will be a must visit day trip before returning to town for a stop at another world-class museum and a bite—whether a cheesesteak, sushi, or vegetarian fare is your preference in Philadelphia’s diverse and delicious food scene.

This Mediterranean island may be small, but it’s planning to make a splash in the art world come 2024. From March to May across several important ancient and archaeological sites, Malta is hosting its inaugural art biennale with twelve national pavilions and a central exhibition exploring the multicultural identity of the country and the colonization that shaped it. Later, in October, the nation’s first contemporary art museum, Malta International Contemporary Art Space, will open its doors in the city of Floriana at the restored Old Ospizio, a 17th-century fortress with views of capital Valletta and the Marsamxett harbour. Italian studio ipostudio architetti is turning the 90,000-square-foot heritage site into a complex for art of all mediums. For the year ahead of the institute’s opening, a show of sculptures by British artist Conrad Shawcross will be on view by appointment on the grounds.

San Diego/Tijuana, USA and Mexico

San Diego and Tijuana together have the distinction of being the first-ever cross-border World Design Capital —and there are a host of events and activations throughout 2024 in honor of the designation. The two cities were chosen to share the title because of their long history of collaboration, with cooperative efforts to harness the power of design to improve the lives of the region’s 7.1 million inhabitants. That includes everything from building green infrastructure and preserving the built environment to educating the next generation about design.

Kyoto, Japan

Since Japan reopened its borders in October 2022, the country has seen a tourism surge even travel experts didn’t expect. But don’t let that deter you from booking a trip to Kyoto, where new hotels and architecture projects are making this heritage city feel fresh again. Two luxury brands, Six Senses and Banyan Tree, are launching hospitality properties in 2024 in the city’s historic Higashiyama district, home of several UNESCO-designated temples and shrines. The former is taking inspiration from Buddhist Zen culture in the design of its spa, gardens, and eateries, and the latter has engaged Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, known for his innovations in wood, for the property’s design, which will include Kyoto’s first Noh theater stage at a hotel. If nostalgia is your deal (or the kids are coming with), a Nintendo Museum in the gaming company’s former Kyoto factory will welcome its first visitors in March.

Mallorca, Spain

Though this Balearic Island is colloquially known for the hordes of European partygoers that flock its beach clubs each summer, there is a more grounded side of the sun-soaked destination ripe for discovery. A new set of ultra-luxury hotels is making it even easier to tap into your well-being here. The Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, opening in 2024, is being built across 7.5 acres of cliffside land and will offer unique access to two crystal-blue coves, and the Four Seasons is taking over the iconic Hotel Formentor with a focus on sustainability in its design, guest activities, and farm-to-table dining. Meanwhile, three recently opened properties in or near the UNESCO-protected Tramuntana mountains—the Lorenzo Castillo–designed Grand Hotel Son Net, Richard Branson’s Son Bunyola (a 16th-century property the hotelier has been eyeing for two decades), and The Lodge’s boutique transformation of a 500-year-old farmhouse—cradle visitors in an air of the island’s ancient history. Relaxation is easy in a place this beautiful.

Nestled between China and India, this remote country of just over 777,000 people is known for its majestic Himalayan landscape, multitude of monasteries, and colorful festival heritage—and it attracts intrepid adventure seekers and wellness tourists alike. Bhutan is also known for its commitment to sustainability as the world’s first carbon-neutral country, an initiative partly supported by a $200 daily tourist fee that the government is subsidizing by 50% for the next four years to encourage post-pandemic tourism. Lodging options range from homestays to five-star hotels, including three new luxury properties, Zhiwa Ling Heritage Hotel, Pemako Punakha, and andBeyond Punakha River Lodge (pictured), that opened this year. Bhutan has only one international airport—in the valley city of Paro, one of the world’s most difficult landings—and no direct flights from the US, but in January next year a new route from the United Arab Emirates will offer Americans an alternate stopover. If flying private is more your speed, TCS World Travel’s 2024 and 2025 jet expeditions include a stop in Bhutan, where guests will stay at the new Zhiwa Ling, tour the 1646 Fortress on a Heap of Jewels, and hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest monastery.

By Jessica Cherner

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Gay Gassmann

Accessibility Links

89 of the best holiday destinations for 2024: a month-by-month guide

Plan a year of adventure with our advice on the best places to visit in each month of the year.

T here’s a reason January is the month when our thoughts turn to holidays and escape — the days are short (and cold), and summer feels a very long time away. But what does travel look like in 2024? Experts are predicting more extreme heat — meaning areas like northern Europe and the Baltics will see a boost in tourist numbers — and there will be new EU entry rules to contend with come autumn. That’s why we’ve searched for the very best trips to maximise your holiday this year, whether that’s a new flight route to Machu Picchu, exploring Cambodia at the right time to avoid the crowds or luxuriating in a new train route from Paris to Portofino. There are 89 ideas in total, so bookmark this page to come back to it later in the year. Happy travels!

This article contains affiliate links, which can earn us revenue

1. Decamp to Lisbon

It’s nice to see a new hotel opening in Lisbon. Seriously: while short-term rentals force locals out, push up rents and kill local services in any tourist city, hotels provide employment, protect livelihoods and support the local economy. So hurray for the AlmaLusa Alfama: a 25-room boutique property that opens this month in the riverside Campo das Cebolas area. It’s set in a 12th-century tavern, itself built on the site of a Roman villa — bits of which are preserved within the property. Details B&B doubles from £173 (almalusahotels.com). Fly to Lisbon

2. Burns Night shindig in the Highlands

You’ll find few places more wildly located, more comfortably appointed or more utterly appropriate for a Burns Night gathering than Cape Wrath Lodge, 100 miles north of Inverness. Two miles from Durness, right beside the Cape Wrath foot ferry and overlooking the dark waters of the Kyle of Durness, this grand old hunting lodge has eight bedrooms. There’s also a snooker room, a cinema room, two sitting rooms, a bar and a kitchen big enough to cook a haunch of venison, not to mention haggis and neeps. More adventurous folk might take the ferry to the Cape for a night that’s wild — in every sense — at the beachside Kearvaig Bothy. Something more meditative? Reach for the binoculars and watch eagles soar from one of the window seats, pull up a chair beside the wood-burner, or sweat it all out in the sauna. Details Seven nights’ self-catering for 16 from £4,900 (classic.co.uk)

3. No-ski Switzerland

Switzerland’s Romansh-speaking Engadin Valley is little-known in the UK, even if everyone has heard of the 3,312m (10,866ft) peak of Piz Buin, in the Silvretta Alps. You need to travel beyond the tourist traps of St Moritz and Davos to find the magic — either east towards Scuol or south to Sils: a valley village surrounded by snow and gneiss rock that sits pretty between two lakes. It suits both skiers and non-skiers, and the former can enjoy cross-country (140 miles of trails) and downhill, while there’s winter walking (90 miles), snowshoeing, tobogganing, horse-drawn sleigh rides and ice skating in the offing for the latter. Getting around? The local Post Bus service is cheap and reliable. A decent base for the week is the Hotel Privata; and you should try the local venison. Details Six nights’ half-board from £1,915pp, including train travel (inntravel.co.uk)

Advertisement

4. learn salsa in havana.

If you ever wondered why salsa — which means “sauce” — is so named, consider the ingredients. African drums, Taino movement, Spanish guitar, jazz improv and European formality — all emulsified in a warm Caribbean night. And as long as you can count uno dos tres, cinco seis siete , you can learn it. Check into a Cuban homestay for this seven-night small group trip, which comprises 15 hours of tuition at a Havana dance school and teams each student up with their own dance instructor. Learn by day, show off by night — but do try not to get all Strictly with your partner. Details Seven nights’ B&B from £925pp (responsibletravel.com). Fly to Havana

5. Discover Sierra Leone

Last year saw the beginning of Sierra Leone’s campaign to re-establish itself as a tourism destination. There’s a new airport terminal, rumours of international hotel investment and a sense of optimism that a country with wonders that could easily fill a couple of episodes of Planet Earth might finally have left the dark years far behind. Adventure and beach tour operators are catching on to the West African nation’s attractions but Rainbow Tours, which has long had a programme here, knows Sierra Leone better than most. This ten-night tour is one for explorers, travelling to the little-known Upper Guinean forest ecosystem in search of rare primates, tiny antelopes, pygmy hippos and staggering bird life. Accommodation — in lodges and B&Bs — is simple, as befits such an expedition. Details Ten nights’ B&B from £3,355pp, including flights (rainbowtours.co.uk)

6. French mountain meditation

A typical day at Chamonix’s Our Retreat begins at 7am with an hour’s meditation, flow or Pilates, followed by breakfast at 8am and a place at the front of the lift queues at 9am. After a full day on the pistes, broken only by a picnic lunch, it’s back to the chalet for tea at 5pm, then an hour of stretching and Yin yoga, followed by an organic dinner and, presumably, bed. It’s a far cry from the drunken hedonism of the traditional ski holiday, but aren’t you too old for all that anyway? Details Six nights’ half-board from £1,550pp, including activities and transfers (ourretreat.co.uk). Fly to Geneva

7. Kangaroo Island bounces back

Southern Ocean Lodge, perched southwest of Adelaide on Kangaroo Island, was once regarded as one of the world’s great wilderness hotels, with views across Hanson Bay that went on until Antarctica. The property was destroyed in the 2019 wildfires, but in December it rose, phoenix-like from the ashes: bigger, better, and definitely more fireproof. A stay here might be the highlight of an exclusive South Australian conservation safari that combines extraordinary luxury with activities that might range from echidna research and citizen science programmes to a Murray River cruise on a solar-powered houseboat. You’ll also learn the meaning of the botanical term “koala’ed”. Details Thirteen nights’ full board from £11,695pp, including flights (steppestravel.com)

● More great places to visit in January

8. Discover the Douro by train

Travelling by rail isn’t just about opting for a low-carbon alternative to flying, it’s also about holidays where the journey is as important as the destination. This two-week trip to Pocinho, at the end of the beautiful 99-mile Linha do Douro in Portugal’s northeast, involves two nights each in Nîmes and Madrid and three in Porto. There’s a pause-day spent exploring the Douro River, and then two nights each in Vigo, Santiago de Compostela and San Sebastian, followed by a final night in Bordeaux. Eurostar, TGV, AVE and regional services combine to get you there. Details Fourteen nights’ B&B from £1,306pp, including train travel (byway.travel)

9. Cultural Paris

Head to the City of Light in February for four days in the company of the opera expert Patrick Bade, travelling on foot and by Metro. The evenings take centre stage, beginning with Adriana Lecouvreur by Cilea at the Opéra de la Bastille, the modern performance venue that Paris has refused to love. On the second night it’s Handel’s Giulio Cesare at the Palais Garnier, because, well, you’re worth it. For the final night, it’s back to the Bastille for Beatrice di Tenda , Bellini’s tragedy of politics and betrayal set in 15th-century Milan. And the days? Gallery exploration and Bade’s favourite restaurants are on the itinerary. Details Four nights’ B&B from £2,887pp, including train travel, opera tickets and some extra meals (kirkerholidays.com)

10. Chills and thrills in Japan

Historically, the first snows of winter fall in November in northern Japan, and by the end of the year the region is a winter wonderland. February, though, is the coldest month, with lows of minus 7C and a wind chill that can drop it another ten degrees, thus creating the perfect icy backdrop for the Sapporo Snow Festival. Now in its 74th year, the festival has evolved from six carvings in 1950 to a citywide extravaganza of ice sculptures and full-scale buildings carved from snow. It’s the highlight of a ten-night escorted tour that includes snowscape railway journeys, an ice-breaker cruise on the Sea of Okhotsk and city tours of Tokyo and Kyoto. Details Ten nights’ B&B from £3,695pp, including some extra meals (explore.co.uk). Fly to Tokyo

11. Iceland’s aurora hotspot

EasyJet’s new twice-weekly flight from Gatwick to Akureyri puts Iceland’s second city on the map, creating, perhaps, the same buzz as Reykjavik did way back when a band called the Sugarcubes with a singer called Björk came on the scene. The attractions of this north shore city include hiking, skiing, boat trips, free public transport, unexpectedly good nightlife and, at this time of year, the aurora borealis, which seems to prefer Akureyri to Reykjavik. This three-night break, based at Berjaya Akureyri Hotel, includes a full-day tour visiting the Godafoss waterfall and the thermal pools at Lake Myvatn, aurora hunting and the option to visit the local beer spa. Details Three nights’ B&B from £920pp, including flights (best-served.co.uk)

12. Canary Island-hopping

How does two islands, seven nights and 45 miles of walking trails in warm winter sun grab you? Combining Tenerife with little sister La Gomera, this trip kicks off in the former, exploring the laurel forests and dramatic coastal scenery of the Anaga Biosphere Reserve and the moonscapes of the Cañadas del Teide National Park. After a 50-minute ferry hop, it’s on to La Gomera to hike the cloud forests of Garajonay National Park. Don’t miss the chance to walk through tiny, silent villages and along empty beaches. The walking is graded moderate to strenuous. Details Seven nights’ B&B from £1,265pp (macsadventure.com). Fly to Tenerife

13. Rare flamingos in Cyprus

In 2022, a rare black flamingo returned to the salt lake at Akrotiri on Cyprus’s southern coast. Melani, as she’s known, was previously seen here in 2015 and, while there’s no guarantee she’ll be back this season, she’ll certainly be easy to spot if she does make a comeback — thousands of pink flamingos call the lake home in winter. They come for the weather: seven hours of sunshine a day in February and highs of up to 18C. Stay at City of Dreams , the five-star hotel complex with a casino, waterpark and designer shopping centre at the top end of Lady’s Mile Beach and close to Melani’s winter sun spot. Details Seven nights’ B&B from £603pp, including flights (britishairways.com)

14. Culinary Korea

With the publication of the second Michelin Guide to South Korea in February, InsideAsia is launching a 12-night food tour of Asia’s most culturally exciting nation. The itinerary is described as “a kind of anti-Michelin Guide” trip, taking in much of the incredible “proper” food and drink experiences that the country has to offer — traditional markets and restaurants, makgeolli (rice wine) alleys and food in Busan, tea on Jeju island, traditional pocha tented bars in Yeosu and lots of fried chicken and beer in Seoul. Details Twelve nights’ B&B from £3,536pp, including all travel within Korea, food experiences and some private guiding (insideasiatours.com). Fly to Seoul

15. Winter sun in Kerala

February might be the nicest month to descend on the Indian state of Kerala. There’ll be clear skies, light breezes and highs of 30C on the coast, while the heights of the Western Ghats will be spring-like, the air heavy with the aroma of spice and coffee. This 12-day tour starts with three nights in misty Wayanad, the heart of the hill district, before moving for two nights in search of tigers and elephants in Nagarhole National Park and one night cruising the Keralan backwaters aboard a houseboat. A final three nights are spent at the Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, set in a coconut plantation on the beach. Details Eleven nights’ B&B from £2,345pp, including some extra meals (corinthiantravel.co.uk). Fly to Kochi

● More great places to visit in February

16. Alpine feast

March 22 sees the return of Courmayeur’s Mountain Gourmet Ski Experience, created by Heston Blumenthal. The 2024 edition features a repeat performance from Jean-Philippe Blondet, head chef at the three Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester, along with Claude Bosi, executive chef of the two Michelin-starred Bibendum. At its heart is a simple concept: a ski weekend in Courmayeur with delicious food. It kicks off with a six-course dinner on the Friday night at Les Dames Anglaises (£230pp) and continues the next day with a more leisurely lunch and après-ski party just across the valley from Mont Blanc at the Rifugio Maison Vieille (£145pp; maisonvieille.com). Details Three nights’ B&B at Hotel Gran Baita from £635pp, including flights and car hire (momentumski.com)

17. Make for Machu Picchu

Sometime around 1973 in Cusco, someone created maps of the Inca Trail — with instructions to take the bus east to km88 and follow the 500-year-old footpath for 24 miles, where a lost city called Machu Picchu would reveal itself. Anyone with a backpack and an optimistic outlook could have a go. By the early 1990s, commercialisation was creeping in. Now, 40 years later, the 200 permits per day allocated to tourists are snapped up by tour operators when they go on sale the previous October. Post-pandemic, the demand for permits is higher than ever, assisted, no doubt, by the launch of five direct flights week from London to Lima with Latam. If your heart is set on going, plot it now: Intrepid’s 12-day trip takes you from Lima via Cusco along the trail to Machu Picchu with a couple of nights in an Amazon eco-lodge at the end. Details Eleven nights’ B&B from £1,582pp, including permits and some extra meals (intrepidtravel.com). Fly to Lima

18. Great value safari

With safari costs spiralling post-pandemic you may have abandoned all hope of taking the kids to Africa, but this top-value Easter-holiday trip to Kenya might force a rethink. After flying into Nairobi you transfer to the Savage Wilderness Camp in the fast-growing adventure capital of Sagana for hiking, whitewater rafting and rock climbing on Baboon Crag. Once you’ve ridden the 2km zipline in the Aberdare Forest, you have a wildlife cruise on Lake Naivasha, a cycling safari in Hell’s Gate National Park, an opportunity to get involved with the herding and milking at the Maji Moto Masai Cultural Camp and, finally, two nights in the Masai Mara National Reserve, where you can count on seeing elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and zebras, and keep your fingers crossed for lions and cheetahs. Details Seven nights’ B&B from £3,165pp for adults and £2,545pp for children, including flights, transfers and some extra meals, departing on March 22 or 30 (familiesworldwide.co.uk)

19. New flights to Asia

Remember Thomas Cook? Its Chinese owner Fosun International — which also owns Wolverhampton Wanderers — relaunched the brand in 2020 and is striving to win back our affection. New long-haul flights from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester have been launched for 2024 to Bali, Goa, Hanoi, Koh Samui, Phuket, Krabi and Langkawi, flying via Middle Eastern hubs. Winter sun packages now available include a week at Amari Vogue: a five-star resort hotel with a spa on Tubkaek Beach in Krabi, Thailand. Details Seven nights’ B&B from £1,441pp, including flights (thomascook.com)

20. Explore Panama

At some point on this tour of the parts of Panama you can’t see from a cruise ship on the Canal, you might consider the conquistador Vasco Nuñez de Balboa, who crossed the isthmus on foot in 1513 to become the first European to see the Pacific Ocean. You’ll be in the same rainforests, known simply as the Big House to the resident Embera people, who believe that if they respect nature they’ll get all they need in return. There’s a lot more to pack into this nine-day tour, including a hike along the Camino de Cruces; an ascent of the Baru volcano; and kayaking among the mangrove islands of the Gulf of Chiriqui. Details Eight nights’ B&B from £2,790pp, including activities and some extra meals (worldexpeditions.com). Fly to Panama

21. Sustainable Sri Lanka

You can’t dispute that this 13-night whirl around Sri Lanka is luxurious. The five-star hotels, on beaches, in paddy fields, beside rivers and close to ancient wonders, are architectural masterpieces. The dining is exquisite, the guiding expert and the experiences exclusive. You’ll hike the new Pekoe Trail through tea country; be shown the secrets of the Dambulla cave temples; climb Pidurangala rather than Sigiriya, or Lion Rock, because it’s hardly visited and the views are better. Then there are dawn explorations of the jungles and waterfalls of Horton Plains; and you’ll maybe travel on the train through the Hill Country. What you might not notice is that everything on this trip is designed and chosen for its sustainability. Details Thirteen nights’ B&B from £4,740pp, including transfers and some extra meals (experiencetravelgroup.com). Fly to Colombo

22. Channel Islands puffins

Puffins, like penguins, are believed to be monogamous, pairing up young and raising a single chick together each year (disclaimer: all puffins look rather similar, so who can be entirely sure?). In mid-March, thousands fly back to the Channel Islands for breeding season and thanks to a quartet of new routes launching this month with Guernsey airline Aurigny — from London City, Stansted, Liverpool and Newquay — you can jet over to catch sight of them. Take a 20-minute ferry ride from St Peter Port to Herm to see the colony feeding off Shell Beach (£16 return; herm.com). Stay at the cosy Les Rocquettes Hotel in St Peter Port. Details Three nights’ B&B from £399pp, including flights (premierholidays.co.uk)

● More great places to visit in March

23. Ansel’s Arizona

American photographer Ansel Adams died 40 years ago and this new road trip takes you through 909 miles of the red-rocked state he snapped in black and white in 1941. His shots of the Grand Canyon are the most famous, but don’t miss the awe-inspiring desert landscapes of Walpi, Canyon de Chelly and Sedona. A friend who drove this route in April 2022 didn’t take a single picture. After seeing Adams’ photographs at the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona in Tuscon (free; ccp.arizona.edu), she said there didn’t seem much point. Details Thirteen nights’ room only from £3,375pp, including flights and car hire (bon-voyage.co.uk)

24. Scotland by rail

Late April is an inspired time to explore Scotland; it’s one of the driest months of the year, visitor numbers are low, the midges have yet to appear and long days make summer feel closer. This small-group Castles and Gardens tour by rail begins in Edinburgh before crossing the Forth Bridge for a night in Blair Atholl. From here, roll north through the Highlands to Inverness, Attadale, Plockton and Skye; before taking a seat on the Jacobite steam train from Mallaig to Glencoe. The tour ends in Glasgow, where guests can stay a while to explore. Details Six nights’ B&B from £2,074pp, including train travel and some extra meals (adventurepeople.com)

25. Cretan Easter

Who could resist spring in the southern Aegean? Crete in April is carpeted in wild flowers and also in the midst of Orthodox Easter celebrations. Cretans have spent weeks, sometimes months, preparing for the moment when Christos Anestis — Christ is risen — is announced, and that’s when the party starts. Check into the Arosmari Village Hotel, in the White Mountains village of Vamos, and you’ll get the chance to learn Easter recipes, dye eggs and witness the solemn tradition of the church’s Epitaph being decorated with those wild flowers. Details Seven nights’ B&B from £907pp, including flights, car hire and Easter lunch (simpsontravel.com)

26. Easter skiing in Norway

Climate change is turning the Easter ski holiday into a mountain mud bath — but not if you look north. Scandinavia may not have the same Alpine ambiance, but it does have snow, and with many winter sports specialists now expanding into Norway, Sweden and Finland, the choices are increasing. Hemsedal is Norway’s second-biggest ski area, with 51 pistes and 20 lifts. A ski pass costs £355 and ski rental is around £70 for one week. The Fyri Resort is a ski-in, ski-out five-star lodge with a pool, spa and log fires — with a button lift to the resort centre. Details Seven nights’ B&B from £1,445pp, including flights (skisolutions.com)

27. Walking hidden Albania

Albania hasn’t quite reached mainstream status yet but, with its alluring combination of dramatic land and seascapes, unspoilt natural attractions and astonishing value for money, it won’t be long. A new itinerary from the pioneers of Albanian hiking, Walks Worldwide, lets you discover the Ionian Coast route on foot. Over a week, you’ll travel nearly 40 miles along shepherds’ paths through the Llogara National Park, mixing pine forests and coastal mountains with remote villages and beaches accessible only by walkers. It’s not too taxing either; the longest day’s walking is just seven miles, and your luggage will be waiting at the next hotel. Details Seven nights’ B&B from £1,049pp, including flights and some extra meals (walksworldwide.com)

28. Tour of Slovenia

White horses, waterfalls and wine are among the highlights of this small group escorted tour of Slovenia — a nation of staggering beauty and fascinating history that has somehow remained largely off the radar, despite being right next door to Italy. Other tour delights include the Skocjan Caves, the largest known underground canyon in the world; a railway journey to pretty Lake Bled; a cable car ride to a mountain picnic; and two nights at the Sibon Wine and Spa Resort in Jeruzalem, in the country’s northeast. Details Nine nights’ B&B from £3,795pp, including flights and some extra meals (ffestiniogtravel.com)

29. Egypt’s Siwa Oasis

When you first glimpse Siwa Oasis, 350 miles west of Cairo on the shores of the Western Desert’s Great Sand Sea, you might think its greenery is a mirage. But this fabulous spot, thought by some to be the resting place of Alexander the Great, is for real: a natural water park of some 300 springs feeding lakes, swimming holes and salt pools that, like the Dead Sea, won’t let you sink. This seven-day private guided adventure takes you through the dunes from Alexandria to swim in Cleopatra’s Pool, explore the Fortress of Shalil, climb the Mountain of the Dead and waste a day loafing on tranquil Fatnas Island. Details Seven nights’ B&B from £4,345pp, including flights (abercrombiekent.co.uk)

30. Malaysian sun

Want tropical weather for Easter but don’t want to pay Caribbean prices? Try Sabah, the Malaysian part of the island of Borneo, home to orangutans and some of the most biodiverse first ecosystems on the planet. Stay at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria, a big, family-friendly resort lying between a 64-acre jungle reserve and two miles of private beach at Kota Kinabalu on the South China Sea. There’s a spa, golf course and kids’ club, six restaurants and four bars — and, if you want to explore the interior, Borneo Eco Tours has day trips from £35 (borneoecotours.com). Details Seven nights’ B&B from £1,219pp, including flights (destination2.co.uk)

31. Going solo on the Silk Road

When Joanna Lumley navigated the Silk Road for her 2018 TV adventure, she left many wanting to recreate her Uzbekistan trip. A journey along the ancient trading route is one of wonder, with sights and sensations that will stay with you for life. This ten-night tour for solo travellers, which guarantees sole-use rooms and no single supplement, takes in Tashkent, Khiva, the eerie Tower of Silence at Chilpyk-Kala, the medieval city of Bukhara and the Islamic jewel box that is Samarkand. Details Ten nights’ half-board from £3,099pp, including flights (solosholidays.co.uk)

● More great places to visit in April

32. Cunard’s newest ship

Queen Anne is Cunard’s 249th ship and becomes sister vessel to fellow queens Elizabeth, Mary 2 and Victoria. Such is public hunger to step aboard the Queen Anne first, Cunard has introduced multiple maiden voyages to different destinations. It’s marketing genius, right? On May 24, after her first sailing to Lisbon and the Canaries and another maiden voyage to the western Med, this £495 million, 1,397 cabin, 113,000 tonne vessel will leave Southampton on a 14-day circumnavigation of the UK, calling at ports including Edinburgh, Kirkwall and Belfast, and cabins are still available. Details Fourteen nights’ full board from £2,229pp (cunard.co.uk)

33. The oldest camino, Spain

The trails that lead to Santiago de Compostela are busier now than at any time in the Camino’s 1,300-year history. All but the oldest one, that is: the Camino el Origen, which traces the journey taken by the remains of St James in AD44. It’s easy enough to do independently and can be completed in a long weekend. Start in Pontevedra, in northwest Spain, following the Variante Espiritual 12 miles to overnight at the Pousada de Armenteira (B&B doubles from £89; eurostarshotels.com). Day two follows the Ruta de Piedra y Agua for 14 miles to the beach town of Vilanova. Bed down at the A Corticela pilgrim hostel (room-only doubles from £16; acorticela.com) then board the Barca del Peregrino for the Translatio, as this delightful, 90-minute boat trip up the Ulla River to Pontecesures is known (£20; labarcadelperegrino.com). From here, follow the Camino Portugues for 15 miles to Santiago de Compostela. Details More information at osalnes.com. Fly to Santiago de Compostela and take the train to Pontevedra

34. Oregon road-tripping, US

Richard Sommer planted vines in Willamette Valley, Oregon, in 1961, but it was 1967 before he could harvest enough fruit to launch the state’s wine industry. Soon, other optimists joined him, defying warnings from locals that “they would grow fungus between their toes, the rain would rot their clothes off, and there was no way in hell they would be able to grow great grapes”. More than 60 years later, Oregon wines — mainly pinot noir and pinot gris — are celebrated as the closest you can get in the US to Burgundy, but with a unique character you won’t find in Europe. May is Oregon Wine Month, with events across the valley, and eight days is just enough time to squeeze the juice out of the region. Details Seven nights’ room only from £1,269pp, including flights and car hire (travelbag.co.uk)

35. Luxury Lanzarote

The Paradisus brand from Spanish hotel giant Melia offers a gear change for the Canary Islands hotel scene, upgrading the luxury all-inclusive model to include excursions and experiences, sustainable design and a focus on local cuisine. Paradisus has been unrolled by Melia in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, and now it’s on offer at the Salinas Lanzarote. This revamped adults-only beachside resort has 282 rooms, is set in gardens designed by the artist Cesar Manrique and has a spa and huge, boulder-lined pool, as well as four restaurants. Details Five nights’ all-inclusive from £886pp, including flights (britishairways.com)

36. Hiking in Umbria, Italy

Imagine if you’d booked a highbrow cultural tour of Umbria, taking in the art-filled, historic hill towns of Arezzo, Sansepolcro and Gubbio, stopping for wine and olive oil tasting, for gourmet picnics and banquet-style dinners and to watch the Palio della Balestre crossbow contest, and all with a persistent fascination for the works of Piero della Francesca. Now imagine that the luxury coach common to such trips has broken down and you have to walk. That’s the deal here. This self-indulgent, eight day, expert-led, small group holiday walks the pilgrim trails of Umbria, staying in three gorgeous hotels. The hikes are short — between four and 12 miles — but a modicum of fitness is desirable. Details Seven nights’ full board from £2,660pp, including activities (hedonistichiking.com) Fly to Perugia

37. Croatia culture cruise

This seven-night luxury sail aboard the MV Memories liner takes passengers from Split to Dubrovnik. What’s on the sightseeing menu? The Krka Waterfalls National Park, the time-warp island of Vis, wine tasting in sunny Hvar, a guided walking tour of Korcula Town, oysters in Ston and, of course, Dubrovnik. MV Memories is a small ship, with just 19 cabins and a 38-passenger capacity, and if you fancy a rest and relax holiday rather than a cultural tour, simply pass on the day trips and lounge on board. Details Seven nights’ full board from £1,695pp (cruisecroatia.com). Fly to Split

38. Queensland, Australia, goes upmarket

Stone the crows: QL has dumped the shorts, singlet and stubby for linen, loafers and a lightly chilled rosé in a bid to appeal to the luxury market. Brisbane fancies itself as a contender for Sydney’s tourism crown and Townsville, where not so long ago a random taxi driver took me to his house to talk his wife out of leaving him (outcome unconfirmed), is making a particular effort at gentrification with two new luxury resorts. There’s the exclusive-use, £10,000-a-night Pelorus Private Island and the £46 million, 132-room Ardo Hotel on the city’s waterfront. Between the two, and combining the best of both, is sister resort Orpheus Island: 14 luxury bungalows on an island surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef with free daily guided snorkelling and hiking and a drinks list that, reassuringly, still contains beer. Spend six nights here and four in the Calile in Brisbane. Details Ten nights — six full board at Orpheus Island and four room only at the Calile — from £6,629pp, including flights (elegantresorts.co.uk)

● More great places to visit in May

39. Cute Cornish cottage

Tretawny is, without question, the prettiest cottage in Bolingey, on Cornwall’s north coast. This thatched wonder lies just a mile inland from the magnificent sands at Perranporth — so nearly The Times and Sunday Times Beach of the Year so often — and it takes just 20 minutes to get there on foot (go uphill and along Hendrawna Lane to find the footpath). One of several new properties on Classic Cottages’ books for 2024, Tretawny is dog-friendly and has three bedrooms, a beamed sunken sitting room, a barbecue on the patio, and the Bolingey Inn just 100m away. Details Seven nights’ self-catering for six from £1,803 (classic.co.uk)

40. Divine Herefordshire

Judging from the dozens of new walking itineraries that tour operators have introduced, it’s fair to say that pilgrimages are back in fashion in these turbulent and uncertain times. The opportunity to escape the news cycle to spend days in quiet contemplation in nature seems more attractive than ever — and even more so when you can sleep in medieval churches for £20 a night. The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way is a new six or seven-day walking — or cycling — route starting at Hereford Cathedral and circling 60 miles through the county; a shorter three or four-day route has also been mapped out. Overnight in churches in villages such as Dorstone, Tyberton, Madley, Clodock and Ewyas Harold; most have adjacent pubs. Details Room-only church accommodation from £20pp (abbeydoredeanery.org/gvpw)

41. Simple life in Greece’s Pelion

If all you crave is a family-owned Greek seaside hotel with simple rooms and a warm welcome, then consider Pounda Paou, owned by Maria Triantafyllou, on the sunset side of the Pelion peninsula in Thessaly in the country’s north. There are sunny terraces, a pool and steps down to a swimming jetty in a sheltered cove and little that needs doing apart from swimming, walking, reading and sleeping. It’s hard even to fantasise about dinner when the chef rarely knows what he’ll be cooking until the boats come back. If you need an outing, rent a boat to visit a taverna in Chorto for lunch, or ride the Pelion Train, a narrow-gauge track running from the seaside village of Ano Lechonia to the mountain hamlet of Milies. Details Seven nights’ B&B from £1,169pp, including flights and car hire (ionianislandholidays.com)

42. Off-peak Zanzibar

In June, when it’s wet in the Maldives and windy in the Seychelles, Zanzibar is warm and dry with gentle breezes and the clearest waters, but still in the shoulder season. That means room rates are lower and the summer crowds have yet to arrive, promising a sunny week that might feel stolen. The five-star LUX* Marijani Zanzibar on east-facing Matemwe beach offers what it calls “positive luxury”, seeking to benefit locals and the environment as much as it pampers its guests. There’s yoga on a low-tide sandbank at dawn; cinema shows on the beach at night, and, once a week, a pop-up bar serving the local tipple konyagi — aka the tears of the lion. Details Seven nights’ B&B from £1,235pp, including flights, departing on June 1 (awayholidays.co.uk)

43. Train to the Midnight Sun

Swap the hassle of flying for the joy of the train and suddenly you need a lot longer off work to get anywhere. Oh well. Pencil in three weeks for this magnificent railway journey from your local station, via Cologne, Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Andalsnes, Trondheim, Bodo, Svalsaer, Narvik and across the Swedish frontier to Kiruna — where you’ll spend one night only at the 365 Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi. From here, continue across Swedish Lapland to Boden, home of the Treehotel and Arctic Bath hotel, for two nights, before heading south via Stockholm, Malmo and Hamburg to the station you started from. Why June? Because that’s the month of the midnight sun. Details Twenty-one nights’ B&B from £4,120pp, including train travel (discover-the-world.com)

44. Hebridean island-hopping

This new six-night small-group guided tour of the Scottish Isles focuses on the Inner Hebrides. There’s a first night in Glasgow; then two on Islay, where you’ll learn about clan lore, natural history, tweed and peaty whisky. Mull awaits, via the CalMac ferry by way of Jura and Colonsay, for three days spent exploring the island, visiting the holy sites on Iona and embarking upon a whale-watching tour in the Sound of Mull. The ending? A spectacular scenic finale on the West Highland Line back to Glasgow. Details Six nights’ half-board from £2,575pp (mckinlaykidd.com). Fly to Glasgow

45. To Santiago by e-bike, Spain

The Camino Primitivo from Oviedo is shorter, prettier and much quieter than the better-known Camino Frances, but I wouldn’t fancy doing it on a bicycle — especially the climb up the Alto de Montouto. But a new eight-day electric-mountainbike (eMTB) itinerary from Saddle Skedaddle takes the torment out of the ascents, and if the purists whinge that you’re not taking the Camino seriously, you could argue that the hellish nature of some of the descents are penance enough. As part of a guided group, you’ll ride between 25 and 35 miles a day on terrain ranging from tarmac roads and forestry trails to single-track paths and switchback mountain routes. Accommodation is simple but comfortable, and if you haven’t got your own eMTB, you can rent one for about £475 — typically an MMR X-Bolt 140 with a Bosch motor. Details Seven nights’ half-board from £2,245pp (skedaddle.com). Fly to Santiago de Compostela

46. Trekking with the Masai, Kenya

The Loita Plains in Kenya’s Southern Rift Valley remain perhaps the most intriguing and traditional of the Masai homelands. This one-week trip eases you into the Rift with three days of traditional game drives before ascending to the Loita for a three-day hike into a secret corner of east Africa where humanity still co-exists with buffalo, elephant, leopard and lion. Guided by Masai, you’ll trek the deep Ol Lasur Valley, pass through the towering Naimina Enkiyio, or Forest of the Lost Child, climb to Oltyiani for massive views of the Rift and descend the Nguruman, sleeping in comfortable, but remote, fly camps en route. Details Seven nights’ full board from £7,295pp, including flights (steppestravel.com)

47. Paris to Portofino, Italy

It seems such an obvious journey that you wonder why it’s taken so long, but this summer, for the first time, the luxury train operator Belmond launches a short but intensely sweet trip from the Gare de Lyon through the sultry summer night via Dijon, Lyons and Avignon, with cocktails in the Bar Car, dinner in one of the three dining cars and dancing along the riviera to the swing, jazz and calypso of the onboard band. Dawn brings Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo, then Ventimiglia, Savona, Genoa and the terminus at Santa Margherita Ligure. But the extravagance doesn’t end here: there are still two nights to come in Portofino’s Splendido hotel. Details One night’s full board on the train and two nights’ B&B at Splendido, including one dinner from £7,290pp (belmond.com)

● More great places places to visit in June

48. Finland summer fling

With climate change pushing us towards the biggest shift in travel habits since the popularisation of the Spanish costas in the 1960s, destinations offering more clement summer weather are becoming increasingly attractive. So forget the Med and head instead to the Archipelago National Park: a labyrinth of more than 40,000 islands off Finland’s southwestern coast. Here you’ll find Project O, a luxury six-bedroom house that’s the only building on the forested islet of Skyulskaret. It has a beach and jetty, indoor and outdoor kitchens, a sauna and hot tub, wi-fi and hammocks and, crucially, a motorboat for exploration. There’s a restaurant a couple of miles west on the island of Oro. Details Seven nights’ self-catering for 12 from £12,200 (sjvillas.co.uk). Fly to Helsinki

49. Family adventures in Albania

Albania, they say, is the new Greece. Or the new Croatia. It’s a land of rugged, natural beauty with an unspoilt coast, a largely unexplored hinterland and a culture as yet untainted by the odour of mass tourism. This eight-day family adventure begins in Tirana before heading south to Gjirokaster, Albania’s Unesco-listed city of stone, and on to the Vjosa Wild River National Park to raft on the last truly wild river in Europe. From here make for the coast to explore the intriguing Ali Pasha fortress and discover the hidden coves of the Karaburun-Sazan Marine National Park by boat before visiting the ancient site of Apollonia en route back to Tirana. Details Seven nights’ B&B from £1,030pp including activities and some extra meals (explore.co.uk). Fly to Tirana

50. French seaside near the Pyrénées

The French seaside town of St Cyprien, at the foot of the Pyrénées-Orientales, is just 15 miles from the Spanish border but remains largely unknown to British tourists — probably because it’s an 11-hour drive south from Calais. Close to Perpignan, the summer home of rugby league giants the Catalans Dragons, St Cyprien has four miles of sand on the sheltered waters of the Golfe du Lion and is also the location of the new “premium residences” from Pierre et Vacances. The property comprises 150 villas and apartments, a pool, bike trails and all the usual sporting activities — and is a 15-minute walk through the marina to the beach. Details Seven nights’ self-catering for six from £2,189 (pierreetvacances.co.uk). Fly to Girona or take the ferry to Calais then drive

51. Baltic cruise

The tourism industry is quick to adapt to a changing world and the direction of travel for summer 2024 is unwaveringly north — away from the heat, the drought and disasters of the warming Med. This 12-night Baltic cruise from Oceania Cruises is a trailblazer for the routes the more mainstream lines will inevitably follow if or when their eastern and western Med itineraries become too hot for comfort. The 670-passenger Nautica — four restaurants, eight bars and a spa — departs Stockholm on July 23, calling at (count ’em) Helsinki; Saaremaa in Estonia; Klaipeda in Lithuania; Gdansk; Berlin; Amsterdam; Bruges; Portland in Dorset; and Fishguard in Pembrokeshire. The cruise ends in Dublin. Details Twelve nights’ all-inclusive from £6,019pp, including flights (oceaniacruises.com)

52. Eurocamp in Brittany

The concept isn’t new but the choices are, with Eurocamp expanding its portfolio to offer 57 new options for 2024. The debutantes include Villaggio San Francesco on Italy’s Adriatic coast, with seven waterslides, a whirlpool and beach access; the car-free El Pinar at Blanes on Spain’s Costa Brava (leave the motor outside); and Portosole, on an exquisite cove in Vrsar in Croatia. But given the likelihood of the Med reaching boiling point again this summer, we’ll head to the cooler climes of Brittany and the Domaine d’Inly — just north of St Nazaire — a mile from Plage de La Mine d’Or, with a huge, 5,000 sq m indoor/outdoor pool complex, and a lake for water sports and fishing. Details Seven nights’ self-catering for four from £698 (eurocamp.com). Take the ferry to St Malo or fly to Nantes

53. Family tour of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

There’s too much to see and do on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast to waste your time on a fly-and-flop, so this ten-day self-guided tour for adventurous families offers the opportunity to squeeze that lemon until the pips pop. Fly into Antalya, pick up the hire car, then drive via the ruins of Phaselis to Cirali for a couple of days on the beach. Next: snorkelling and exploring the rock tombs at Kas; then kayaking over the submerged ruins of Kekova; the ghost village of Kayakoy; a hike on the Lycian Way; a night off in Fethiye; the astonishing ruins of Kaunos; and the secret coves of Kargicak Bay. Details Ten nights’ B&B from £2,074pp, including car hire and activities (stubbornmuletravel.com). Fly to Antalya

54. Northumberland coastal hike

It’s 62 miles of unbroken magnificence from Cresswell to Berwick-upon-Tweed along the Northumberland Coast Path, combining history, tradition, kippers and outstanding natural beauty. You could do it alone, but better still to walk with a guide who can share local knowledge, look after the navigation and take you to the best pubs. This new guided group hike begins on the eight-mile sands of Druridge Bay, wending north at an easy 12 miles a day via Warkworth for the chocolate; Craster for the kippers; Seahouses for the fish and chips; and Bamburgh for the castle — as well as Lindisfarne and the fascinating border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed. And because you don’t have to move hotels, you only have to unpack once. Details Seven nights’ full board from £1,045pp (hfholidays.co.uk)

● More great places to visit in July

55. Latvia’s riviera

Lovers of the Norfolk coast will adore the Baltic Riviera: a 15-mile stretch of powdery sand backed by pine forests and wetlands that are half an hour’s drive from Riga. The spa resort of Jurmala is the Riviera’s heart, its neoclassical and art nouveau beach houses built from the timber that surrounds the town. Jurmala likes its culture too: early visitors brought their own orchestras and the tradition of summer concerts continues at the open-air Dzintari Concert Hall. Stay at the Hotel Jurmala Spa, a wellness centre offering four pools and six saunas. And keep your eyes open on the beach, where nuggets of amber are sometimes washed ashore. Details Seven nights’ B&B from £995pp, including flights (regent-holidays.co.uk)

56. Idyllic Welsh campsite

One day maybe there’ll be other campsites like Bert’s, mixing woodland and wildflower meadow with a stream running down to the sea, with compost toilets and eco-showers; where harmful products are not allowed; where kids can run free; and where there’s yoga, homemade pizza, homegrown veggies, locally brewed beer and powerful cocktails. In the meantime there’s just this paradise between the village of Trefor, in Gwynedd, and the Irish Sea on Wales’s gorgeous Llyn peninsula. Sites for 20 tents are neatly scythed out of the surrounding wilderness, with enough space between pitches to make it feel a little like wild camping. There are huts too, for softies, as well as a cottage and space in the woods for camper vans. Details Seven nights’ self-catering for four from £385 (bertskg.com)

57. Secret Bali

Bali is at its busiest in August: the weather is lovely, there’s rarely rain and it’s full of Aussies escaping their winter. Yet just 90 minutes from the airport lies Sidemen, a village that, for the time being, offers a glimpse of Bali unseen since the 1970s. Here, amid the paddy fields and woodlands, overlooked by the Mount Agung volcano, you can hike to jungle waterfalls, raft down the Telaga Waja River and get on your bike to discover warungs (restaurants) selling the kind of exquisite street food that maybe only your dad told you about. Stay at the simple yet luxurious Wapa di Ume hotel on a terrace above a rainforest with views of the volcano. Details Thirteen nights’ B&B — three in Singapore; three in Denpasar, Indonesia; and seven at Wapa di Ume — from £2,699pp, including flights (trailfinders.com)

58. Off-grid Norfolk

Having reported on the overcrowding and chaos of Scotland’s North Coast 500 road-tripping route, we can’t particularly approve of the new, circular East Anglia 350 route, which takes tourists on a 350-mile coast-and-country round trip. However, if you insist, then do it like this: Wild With Consent allows travellers to wild-camp in gorgeous spots, with landowners’ permission. And for this three-nighter through Norfolk and Suffolk you get use of a Land Rover Defender with a roof tent and camping kit that includes everything from a cafetière to tide tables, although you’ll need your own sleeping bags. You spend one night in a meadow near beautiful King’s Lynn, another in an orchard near Dunwich beach and a third beside the River Glem in Suffolk’s green heart. The cost covers the vehicle hire, but if you’ve got your own wheels you can go Wild With Consent for much less. Details Three nights’ self-catering for two from £875 (wildwithconsent.com)

59. Cycle Norway’s Lofoten islands

The harbour town of Leknes is 105 miles above the Arctic Circle and is the halfway point of a constantly spectacular yet fairly gentle eight-day bike ride across Norway’s Lofoten archipelago. Self-guided, the trip begins with two nights in Svolvaer followed by a 24-mile ride around mountains and over water to Hov, where you could climb Hoven hill to see the midnight sun. From here, it’s 32 miles to Leknes for two nights — go surfing and visit the Viking museum — then the same distance via pretty Nusfjord to Reine for two nights, where you stay in a traditional red fisherman’s cottage and should, therefore, try casting a line from a sea kayak. Details Seven nights’ half-board from £3,499pp, including flights and bike hire (headwater.com)

60. See Canada gold rush region

In August 1896 a trio of prospectors struck gold in the Klondike River in Canada’s northwestern Yukon province. Within two years, 40,000 hopefuls had seized every scrap of adjoining land, but within a decade the lustre had faded. Maybe a couple of hundred of the prospectors had hit the pay dirt, the rest failed, and, by 1912, Dawson City’s population had shrunk from 30,000 to just 2,000. Last September this fascinating region gained Unesco status for the effects of the gold rush on the lives and traditions of the local Tr’ondek Hwech’in, or Han, people. Explore the history and the landscapes on a 14-night Gold Rush self-drive tour travelling in the footsteps of prospectors from Whitehorse through the Rockies to Dawson City and back. Details Fourteen nights’ room only from £2,485pp, including flights and car hire (windowsonthewild.com)

61. Portugal with teens

Is Portugal cooler than Ibiza, Greece or Turkey? In terms of its climate — thanks to the Atlantic — and its laid-back, surfed-up, hyper-aesthetic attitude, the answer is yes, making this potentially the one destination in southern Europe that can elicit wide-eyed wonder rather than groans of despair in even the most world-weary teen. Blow their minds by starting with four nights at the family-owned Hotel Lisboa Plaza in central Lisbon — remember that Cais do Sodre, Praca do Principe Real and the LX Factory are where the hip stuff is — then head an hour west for ten nights at the Vila Bicuda resort in the glamorous seaside town of Cascais. Accommodation here is in a two-bedroom villa in a park with pools, a café and a restaurant. The beaches in Cascais are famous for their crowds, but there’s always space on the vast sands of surfy Praia do Guincho, just to the north. Details Four nights’ B&B in Lisbon and ten nights’ self-catering in Cascais from £2,334pp, including flights and transfers (sunvil.co.uk)

62. Galician road trip, Spain

Spain’s forgotten coast is on the cusp of a tourism boom as the Spanish head north to escape the debilitating heat of 21st-century summers. New tourism businesses are opening to meet demand, turning España Verde into the most dynamic holiday region in Europe. This ten-night, self-drive tour offers a chance to see the wild western region of Galicia — starting on the dramatically beautiful Costa de la Muerte and heading south around the wine and seafood paradise of the fjord-like Rias before going deep into the broadleaf forests of the River Sil. Fill the car boot with Ribera Sacra wines, see the vast, empty beaches of the Costa Lucense and end with a walking tour of Santiago de Compostela. Short driving distances allow time to linger, and accommodation is in gorgeous rural hotels. Details Nine nights’ B&B from £1,625pp, including ferry crossings (caminos.co.uk)

● More great places to visit in August

63. Walking the prosecco hills, Italy

At the bottom of the Colline del Cartizze, in the northern Italian province of Treviso, you’ll find the Osteria Senz’Oste (“wine bar without host”). Effectively a rural honesty bar selling wine, bread, cheese and salami, it’s a delight, but not as much as the prosecco vending machine at the top of the hill that dispenses bottles and chilled glasses. The only drawback is that you’ll need an Italian ID card to prove your age. Luckily, your guide on this eight-day group walking tour of the Unesco-listed Prosecco Hills will lend you hers in return, perhaps, for a small consideration from your bottle. I could also tell you about the vineyard visits, the tour of secret Venice and the amazing views of the Venetian Prealps, but I know I had you at the vending machine. Details Seven nights’ half-board from £1,469pp, including flights (exodus.co.uk)

64. Olympic hideaway

It’s odd that after 50 years in the business Olympic Holidays has only just started offering packages to the Olympic Riviera. Close to Thessaloniki in northeastern Greece, this 45-mile stretch of coast on the Thermaic Gulf, backed by Mount Olympus, has, by some inexplicable oversight, avoided development and remained an unspoilt slice of the real Greece with a history that vanishes into the mists of mythology and, arguably, the best beaches in the country. Be among the first arrivals with a week at the Dion Palace Resort and Spa, a four-star on the beach at Litochoro. Details Seven nights’ half-board from £968pp, including flights (olympicholidays.com)

65. Aruba beach bounty

Aruba has long been popular with US visitors and the Dutch, who colonised the Caribbean island in 1623. Just 18 miles north of Venezuela, Aruba claims to have the best beaches in the Caribbean, offering the sunset-facing white sands of Eagle Beach as the first exhibit and following up with a dozen more — all irritatingly perfect. You can judge for yourself now that Kuoni has taken advantage of BA’s direct flight from Gatwick to open Aruba to British travellers — the Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa, next door to Eagle Beach, is a good place to start. Details Seven nights’ half-board from £2,829pp, including flights (kuoni.co.uk)

66. Two migrations in Kenya

You know all about Kenya’s first migration: two million wildebeest, zebras and camp followers chasing the rains to find the sweetest grass in the Greater Mara ecosystem. So, start this 12-day trip at Hemingways Ol Seki Mara camp, looking out not only for herbivores but also the big cats who get fat on the migration. Then head 500 miles east to Hemingways Watamu for the migration you don’t know about: big pods of humpback whales heading from Antarctica to Somalian water to give birth. Conveniently, whales and dolphins can often be seen from the hotel bar. End with three nights back in the bush at Ol Pejeta. Details Eleven nights — full board in the bush and B&B at Watamu — from £8,500pp, including flights (audleytravel.com)

67. Deep in Ladakh

September is the best month to visit India’s high point: a 9,600-foot plateau connecting the Karakoram with the Himalayas, with Pakistan on one border and Tibet on another. Why? Because the weather is perfect (temperatures plummet in October); the summer crowds have left; and the roads, historically, are less likely to be blocked by snow or landslides. Stay at the newly opened Thiksey House, operated by Shakti, which specialises in bringing sustainable luxury to backpacker destinations. Guided by a Buddhist monk, the eight-day package includes yoga, meditation, walks in the Himalayan wilderness, rafting, biking, fab Indian food and a pre-dawn visit to Thiksey monastery to join monks in their morning devotions. Details Seven nights’ full board from £7,150pp (shaktihimalaya.com). Fly to Leh

68. Morocco’s hidden treasure

Bhalil in northern Morocco is a village of psychedelically painted houses scattered across hillsides like spilt pills. The façades hide caves, inhabited for centuries. Your guide is Kamal Chaoui, an evangelist for a place that he believes to be a missed treasure of the Moroccan tourist trail. Beyond the troglodyte dwellings, he’ll lead you into the hills to meet local families and craftsmen, down to the medieval town of Sefrou with its waterfalls, then give you time to hang out on the roof terrace to watch the rhythms of village life. The three nights in this beautiful spot are part of a seven-night itinerary that includes an in-depth tour of Fez, the most labyrinthine city on earth. Details Seven nights — four nights’ B&B in Fez and three nights’ half-board in Bhalil — from £1,050pp (fleewinter.com). Fly to Fez

69. Swiss Grand Tour

The two best times to visit Switzerland are winter’s end and the beginning of autumn. One is a time of delicious anticipation and the other of bittersweet regret as the summer ends, the light softens and every warm day seems more like a gift than an expectation. So go for the latter on this 14-night Grand Tour of Switzerland by rail, travelling from Zurich to Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland; down to Montreux on the Lake Geneva shoreline; and across to Zermatt to board the Glacier Express to St Moritz and onward aboard the Bernina Express to Tirano. There’s a road transfer to lovely Lugano — try the local salami — then an awesome ride on the Gotthard Panorama Express to Lake Lucerne and back to Zurich. Details Fourteen nights’ room only from £4,049pp, including flights, rail travel and some extra meals (trailfinders.com)

70. A trullo in Puglia

According to legend the round, dry-stone Apulian houses with conical roofs known as trulli were built by medieval tax-dodgers so they could be quickly dismantled when the revenue men came. A builder I met in a bar in Ceglie Messapica estimated that it would take a week to dismantle and disperse even a modest trullo, which proves only that some people will believe anything — or that Apulian tax inspectors travelled in carriages pulled by snails. The Trulli dei Limoni, just outside Ceglie Messapica, is typical of the genre, but with a pool, air con, three en-suite bedrooms and a barbecue. With the grape harvest underway and the beaches empty, late September is absolutely the best time to visit — and don’t miss the fabulous Saturday food market in the whitewashed town of Ostuni, 20 minutes’ drive northeast. Details Seven nights’ self-catering for six from £2,273 (oliverstravels.com). Fly to Bari

● More great places to visit in September

71. North to south in India

Never been to India? Don’t know where to start? Then this could be the holiday for you: a 15-night tour of the northern and southern regions of the subcontinent that begins in Delhi and climaxes in Kerala. In between, you’ll enjoy the Taj Mahal sunrise; Sariska for the tigers; Jaipur for its marvels of science and architecture; Kochi for dinner with a local family and Munnar for the tea estates — plus Lake Periyar for the wild elephants and Alleppey for a tour of the backwaters by houseboat. Details Fifteen nights’ B&B from £3,495pp, including flights and some extra meals (vjv.com)

72. Portugal’s Douro Valley by ebike

October is the best time of year to explore Portugal’s Douro Valley, with the grape harvest in full swing. See it gently on a seven-day, self-guided tour from Cycling For Softies. How soft? Well, the bikes are electric, enabling riders to make lighter work of the valley’s hairpin ascents, and you’ll travel no more than 26 miles a day. You’ll be delighted, too, with the wine tasting, boat trips and the train ride into Porto. Accommodation is in the Casa de Sao Domingos in Peso da Régua, the LBV House in Pinhao and the Vila Galé Porto Ribeira in Porto. Details Seven nights’ B&B from £1,965pp, including flights and bikes (cycling-for-softies.co.uk)

73. Lombardy and back

The pace at which high-speed rail travel has caught on is astonishing and this new guided, small-group Grand Tour of Italy’s Lombardy and Veneto regions is a showcase not only of the region’s Renaissance treasures but also of what you’re missing when you’re sitting on a plane. Starting at London’s St Pancras, the ten-day canter heads to Milan via Paris; to Mantua for four nights, with day trips to Verona and Lake Garda; up into the Prosecco Hills; down to the Roman city of Asolo; across to Vicenza and the Villa Emo; into Turin for dinner; and back to London. Details Nine nights’ B&B from £2,895pp, including rail travel and some extra meals (coxandkings.co.uk)

74. Bear tracking in northern Spain

The wildlife specialist Naturetrek now offers 66 no-flight holidays, ranging from winter weekends watching geese in Norfolk to bear-spotting trips in Spain, and, having been face-to-face with oso pardo, the European brown bear, in Cantabria, I recommend the latter. After a two-night whale-watching crossing to Spain with Brittany Ferries, you’ll embark on three days in search of wolves in the Montana Palentina Natural Park in Castile y Leon. It’s painstaking work requiring long hours and complete silence to catch even a glance of these wary canines. The bears of Cantabria’s beautiful Somiedo Natural Park are easier to see, often spied through spotting scopes on high crags, or, in my case, met unexpectedly on a narrow mountain track. Details Nine nights’ full board from £2,295pp, including ferry crossings (naturetrek.co.uk)

75. Gorgeous Greek gorges

The wonders of the Epirus region on mainland Greece are many. There’s the Vikos Gorge — 13 miles long and nearly a mile deep; the stone bridges of Zagoria; enchanting villages such as Papigo and Kipi; the mystical Sanctuary of Zeus at Dodona; and perfect, often empty, beaches. One of the prettiest is Valtos Beach in Parga, just above which lie the newly refurbished Villa Valtos Apartments: each with one bedroom, two bathrooms and a shared pool. The car that’s essential to explore Epirus is part of the package. Details Seven nights’ self-catering from £817pp, including flights and car hire (ionianislandholidays.com)

76. Austrian family stay

Rather than heading for the same old Med beaches this October half-term, try the Austrian mountains instead. The stylish Hotel Boglerhof in Alpbach, less than an hour’s drive from Innsbruck, is a family-friendly Tyrolean fairytale dating back to the 15th century. How to entertain the ankle-biters and yourselves? There’s a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, kids’ club, free local bus passes and a weekly activity programme ranging from wine tasting to yoga, kayaking, luging and tubing. Details Seven nights’ full board from £860pp based on four sharing a suite (boeglerhof.at). Fly to Innsbruck

77. Namibia self-drive

Namibia is perhaps Africa’s most visually fascinating country, from the sand mountains of the south along the fog-belt of Skeleton Coast, through the fantasy landscapes of the Brandberg Mountain Range and the ephemeral rivers of Kaokoland in the north. And to the east, Etosha National Park: an 1,800-square-mile salt pan wandered by lions, leopards, elephants and oryx. Driving here is mildly challenging: the gravel roads demand low speeds and concentration; you should fill up at every petrol station you pass; and you should carry a ten-gallon jerry can of water — just in case. This 11-night trip takes in Windhoek, the Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Etosha and the AfriCat Foundation at Okonjima. Details Eleven nights’ B&B from £2,431pp, including SUV hire and some extra meals (trailfinders.com). Fly to Windhoek

● More great places to visit in October

78. Cruise from Rome to Florida

Repo is short for repositioning, or the end-of-season sailing from one region of operations to another. In many cases a repo cruise involves a transatlantic crossing, and in most cases they offer extraordinary value for those happy to spend days at sea with a few port visits at the beginning or the end. You can get a 17-day crossing from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale aboard the Sky Princess for as little as £865pp, but you need to buy a flight home. Pricier, but better value, is a 19-nighter aboard the Caribbean Princess that begins with two nights in a hotel in Rome, then sails west via Cagliari, Malaga, Casablanca, Funchal and Tenerife to Fort Lauderdale, with flights at each end. Details Nineteen nights’ full board from £1,879pp, including flights and transfers, departing on November 8 (iglucruise.com)

79. Mantas in the Maldives

Now is the best time of year to visit the Maldives. The monsoon has ended; the warm, dry weather has returned, the waters are clear and the Indian Ocean’s manta rays and whale sharks have arrived to prey on the plankton trapped in the atolls. The Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort is a new, laid-back, family-friendly 176-room resort at the western edge of Baa Atoll — a biosphere reserve listed by Unesco for its globally significant marine life. So the snorkelling and diving on the house reef is brilliant, with the occasional dolphin sighting possible. The mantas are best seen at Hanifaru Bay, a 20-mile boat ride east. Details Seven nights’ B&B from £2,689pp, including flights (destinology.co.uk)

80. Soul searching in India

We all know that the carbon-heavy extravagances of luxury holidays are bad for the planet, and that we should all be striving to travel in simpler, more sustainable ways — but that’s not so easy when the former is marketed as a chocolate cake and the latter as a bowl of lentils. But this new holiday from Village Ways might convert you to the soulful joy of so-called ethical hedonism. Far from the air-conditioned hotels, international menus and big tourist attractions of mainstream India, you’ll spend a week in a community-owned guesthouse in the heart of a cluster of seven tribal villages in the state of Chhattisgarh. Walk, cycle, swim, hang out, gossip, watch birds and feel your soul repair. NB: it will contain lentils. Details Eight nights’ full board from £980pp (villageways.com). Fly to Delhi

81. Trip the light fantastic in Svalbard

The more intense the activity of the sun, the more sunspots appear. The more sunspots, the more solar ejections of matter. The more of that matter, slamming into our atmosphere at 40 million mph and hurled towards the poles, the more impressive the auroras — as you may have noticed as far south as Suffolk last November. It’s all about the solar cycle, and the current one is expected to peak in 2024 or 2025. The further north you go, the better the chances, so head to the Svalbard archipelago — a three-hour flight from Oslo — for a five-day trip spent looking for the aurora in the Arctic wilderness. You’ll explore ice caves too, take a snowmobile trip across the tundra and be led down frozen rivers by huskies, but it’s mostly about those lights. Details Four nights’ B&B from £2,120pp, including flights (originaltravel.co.uk)

82. Hike the Himalayas

Autumn is absolutely the best time to be in Nepal. The post-monsoon air is crystal clear, the skies are cloudless and the climate like a warm UK spring. Trekking at this time of year is pure joy in a land of almost incomprehensible beauty and scale. This two-week group trip, new for 2024, offers the hiking — five days on the spectacular Mardi Himal, heading east of Annapurna base camp and ascending to 3,500m — but combines it with a tour of the temples of Patan and a safari in Chitwan National Park in search of rhinos, elephants and even tigers. Details Thirteen nights’ full board from £3,499pp, including flights (hfholidays.co.uk)

83. Cambodian highlights

Cambodia was the second southeast Asian nation after Thailand to reopen post-pandemic but tourism has been slow to recover. That’s bad news for business and government in Cambodia but rather better for us in that the overcrowding in areas such as Siem Reap and Sihanoukville has vanished — making now a particularly good time to visit. This 11-day private highlights tour is ideal for first timers, taking in Phnom Penh, Battambang and a full-day crossing of Lake Tonle Sap to Siem Reap for Angkor Wat; an afternoon with the clever mine-detecting rats of the APOPO NGO; and a thrilling visit to the lost temple of Beng Mealea — Angkor’s forgotten twin. Details Eleven nights’ B&B from £2,795pp, including flights and some extra meals (bambootravel.co.uk)

84. Sunday Times at sea

A good book is an essential companion on a transatlantic crossing — better still, you’ll have an entire literary festival. The mid-November week-long event, departing from Southampton, takes place aboard Cunard’s elegant Queen Mary 2, offering passengers the perfect opportunity to mingle with (or maybe no chance of escaping) a cohort of authors, poets, journalists, critics and historians. They include the crime writer Mark Billingham, the Scottish novelist Chris Brookmyre and his co-writer and wife, Marisa Haetzman, the former US ambassador to the UK Matthew Barzun, and the Sunday Times interviewer Decca Aitkenhead, with more authors to be announced. Details Six nights’ all-inclusive from £1,199pp, departing on November 13 (cunard.com)

● More great places to visit in November

85. Tropical La Gomera

Why would you go to Costa Rica when you can find much the same — toucans aside — in the Canaries? Volcanoes, cloud forests, dense tropical foliage, deep gorges and wild surf characterises this tiny, vertiginous island lying an hour by ferry from Tenerife. And, with December highs of 22C, the weather is perfect for hiking. On this seven-day break you’ll take a guided journey through Garajonay National Park — the greatest tract of ancient cloud forest in Europe; trek the Vallehermoso Gorge to the sea; wander the banana groves above the terraced village of Agulo; and hike the heavenly Guarimiar gorge. The walks are short enough too to guarantee loafing and lunching time in and around the three hotels, chosen as much for their cuisine as for their views. Details Six nights’ B&B from £1,500pp, including transfers and some extra meals (pura-aventura.com). Fly to Tenerife

86. Boutique stay near the Bard

Another year, another Pig: the tenth in the litter of English boutique restaurants with rooms and, located just south of Stratford-upon-Avon, the most northerly Pig yet. In a 16th-century farmhouse close to the abandoned medieval village of Thornton, the Pig on the Farm will have 35 rooms and suites, shepherd’s huts repurposed as spa treatment rooms, two acres of fruit and veg gardens, a mushroom growing house and a smokery, all serving a restaurant committed to a 25-mile menu. The main thing to know about this Pig is that, like its predecessors, it will be wildly popular, so if you want a room any time before 2026, you’d best book now. Details Room-only doubles from £250 (thepighotel.com)

87. Secret Botswana

Once upon a time Botswana was far and away the priciest destination in sub-Saharan Africa and, while it’s still not cheap, prices in rival nations have increased so much in recent years that a safari on the Chobe, Okavango and Khwai rivers no longer seems quite such an extravagance. December, guides say, is the secret season — partly because there are fewer tourists but mainly because of the Chobe-Nxai Pan migration of about 15,000 zebras. They’re not the sole attraction, either: green season — dense bush, muddy tracks, high humidity — brings tens of thousands of elephants, high predator activity and good birding. This 12-day trip takes you from Johannesburg via Victoria Falls to Chobe; the Okavango Delta and the magnificent Moremi Game Reserve; staying in four luxury lodges, including the celebrated Chief’s Camp. Details Eleven nights’ full board from £10,990pp, including flights (abercrombiekent.co.uk)

88. African surf and turf

Combine a cruise with a safari on this new 16-day itinerary that marries Kenya with the Seychelles. The turf is the first week, comprising a small-group journey from the Samburu and Lake Nakuru in Kenya’s north to the Masai Mara in the deep south and focused on game drives to see east Africa’s astonishing wildlife. For part two of this trip you’ll board the 100-passenger Emerald Azzura yacht for an eight-day Seychelles sail calling at Sainte Anne Island, Cousin Island, Praslin, Mahé and La Digue — home to Aldabra giant tortoises. Details Fourteen nights’ full board from £8,535pp, including flights (emeraldcruises.co.uk)

89. Colombia for the coffee

Colombia’s tourism slogan was once “the only risk is wanting to stay”. Thankfully they’ve changed it now to “Colombia: Land of Beauty”; less contentious and indeed more accurate. This new 16-day small-group adventure is a journey through the history and culture of the country, from Bogota and playing explosive games of tejo (the country’s beloved throwing game, which uses little pockets of gunpowder) to a descent into the subterranean salt cathedral of Zipaquira. There’s also a hike in the arid Tatacoa desert; a trip to the 1,300ft Bordones waterfall; the coffee plantations of the high Paisa and the Caribbean beaches of Tayrona National Park. The adventure ends in the magical city of Cartagena. Details Fourteen nights’ B&B from £2,879pp, including flights (exodus.co.uk)

● More great places to visit in December

Where are you most excited to visit in 2024? Let us know in the comments below

Sign up for our Times Travel newsletter and follow us on Instagram and X

Related articles

Destinations

• USA & Canada
• Latin America
• UK & Ireland

Food & Drink

• Arts & Culture
• Experts & Insiders
• History & Heritage
• Insights & Advice
• People & Planet

Generic filters Exact matches only Search in title Search in content Search in excerpt

• USA & Canada
• UK & Ireland
• Art & Culture
• Experts & Insiders
• History & Heritage
• Insights & Advice
• People & Planet

12 months, 12 unmissable destinations: the best places to travel in 2024

by Leanne Williams | 3 Oct 2023

And, for a limited time benefit from our Early Bird Travel Sale , saving 10% on selected 2024 tours.

January – Egypt

The start of 2024 should see the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum open to the public. It will house the largest collection of antiquities in history dedicated to a single civilization, including thousands of artefacts never displayed before. Admire the entire Tutankhamun Collection, on display for the first time since being discovered in 1922. Including his gold sandals, jewelry, and several never-before-displayed obelisks from his tomb. Do check for the latest updates on the museum’s opening.

Travel to Egypt on: Splendours of Egypt

We think you’ll also like: Secrets in the sand: the thrill of uncovering Egyptian artifacts

February – New Orleans, USA

The historic French Quarter becomes a sea of elaborate parades, led by flamboyantly costumed krewes. Beads, trinkets and doubloons are tossed from the floats into the crowds as souvenirs and music fills the air. With its fusion of French, Spanish and African influences, Mardi Gras captures the essence of New Orleans’ spirit, making this vibrant city and the American South one of the best places to travel in 2024.

Enjoy the magic of New Orleans on: Country Roads of the Deep South

Dive into the festivities: Mardi Gras magic: In conversation with a New Orleans legend

March – Valencia, Spain

On the final night, all the fallas are set ablaze in a spectacular, symbolic cleansing of the past year’s troubles and the welcoming of spring. You will also enjoy parades, traditional dress, paella contests, street food and a true immersion into Valencian and Spanish culture, the perfect travel destination.

Visit Valencia on: Best of Spain & Portugal

You may also like to read: These spring festivals have uniquely fascinating histories

April – Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The area surrounding Keukenhof Gardens, known as ‘Bollenstreek’ meaning the area of the bulbs, is filled with hundreds of flower fields to be admired. Add this to the beauty of Amsterdam, with its depth of culture and aesthetic appeal that rivals any city in Europe, and you have the perfect travel destination.

Visit Amsterdam and the Keukenhoff Gardens on: Country Roads of Belgium, Luxembourg & The Netherlands

You may be interested to read: Going Dutch: Why April is the best time to visit Amsterdam

May – The Dalmatian Riviera, Croatia

Ancient walled cities like Dubrovnik and Split offer history and culture amid cobblestone streets and fairy-tale architecture. The region’s islands, including Hvar and Korčula, boast pristine beaches and vineyard-covered hills. Savor fresh seafood, local wines, and olive oils as the coastline twinkles around you.

Discover this on: Eastern Capitals and the Dalmatian Riviera

You may also enjoy: Pearls of the Adriatic: discover the world of oyster cultivation in Croatia

June – Italy, Naples

If you’re looking for the best places to travel in 2024, there’s no better reason to visit Naples. Known as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii, you’ll be blessed with stunning coastal views. Boasting rich history, art and culinary excellence, the city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring ancient ruins, bustling markets and, of course, the most sensational restaurants.

See Naples on: Best of Italy

Discover more Italian foodie delights: What’s so special about Sicilian cuisine? Everything, says Travel Director Mark

July – Ireland

Warm and welcoming locals share folklore and traditional music in cozy pubs. Hearty stews and fresh seafood will leave you full in both heart and belly. Whether you seek natural beauty, history or just a jolly good craic, Ireland should be top of your list for an early summer vacation.

Discover this on: Irish Elegance , Focus on Ireland

Read more about Ireland’s treasures: Go where the grass is greener: a guide to Ireland’s most spectacular natural sights

August – Edinburgh, Scotland

The Fringe utilizes hundreds of venues across Edinburgh, from traditional theaters to bars, churches, and even street corners. In addition to ticketed shows, the streets of Edinburgh come alive with street performers, buskers and outdoor spectacles. The Royal Mile, in particular, becomes a bustling hub of activity during the festival, making Edinburgh one of the best places to travel in 2024.

Enjoy Edinburgh on: Country Roads of Scotland , Best of Ireland and Scotland

You may also enjoy: 7 ways our Best of Ireland & Scotland tour will capture your heart

September – Peru

A UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu amazes. Meticulously crafted stone structures, including temples, terraces and residential buildings, all seamlessly integrate into the mist-shrouded landscape. Abandoned during the Spanish Conquest, it remained hidden until its rediscovery in 1911. Today, Machu Picchu is a symbol of Inca engineering prowess and spiritual connection with nature that has to be seen to be believed.

Discover this on: Peru with Machu Picchu

You might be interested to read: The fascinating history of Peru’s rise as an astronomical superpower

October – Eastern USA

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has some of the tallest peaks east of the Rockies. None really go past the tree line, meaning they’re covered with red and gold trees. Niagara Falls gets even more mesmerizing during the peak of the fall foliage display. In Cape Cod the red and gold colors contrast with blue water and skies, while the historic city of Boston glows this time of year.

See the spectacle on: Best of Eastern Canada & USA , Spectacular National Parks of Eastern USA , Boston, Cape Cod & the Islands

You may also enjoy: Falling for fall: why October is the best time to visit East Coast USA

November – Holandsfjorden fjord, Norway

Nestled within the Arctic Circle on the Holandsfjorden fjord, the innovative and eco-friendly Six Senses Svart Hotel will be a standout property offering panoramic views of the landscape. Circular architecture and glass walls blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. The hotel will be powered entirely by renewable energy sources, featuring solar panels and hydro-energy systems.

From zero-waste dining to hiking, ice-climbing, night-fishing, the Aurora Borealis in winter and yoga in the midnight sun in summer, the Svart promises to leave you with ‘deeper awareness and a profound sense of tranquility’.

Photo credit: @sixsensessvart on Instagram

For travel inspiration: Norway destination guide

You might also be interested to read: Legends of the fjords: discover Norway’s Viking connections

December – Lisbon, Portugal

Discover Lisbon on: Amazing Spain & Portugal

Read more: Travel Director Angela, on where to eat in Lisbon like a local

LIKED THIS POST? SHARE WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Keep exploring

Legends of the Fjords: Discover Norway’s Viking Connections

 Leanne Williams |  Apr 25, 2024

Blossoming romance: why May is the best time to visit Italy

 Jason Brasier |  Apr 24, 2024

Where to Enjoy the Warmest Ocean Temperatures in Europe this September

 Leanne Williams |  Apr 24, 2024

9 of the Best European Cities to Visit in September

 Alex Allen |  Apr 24, 2024

AWW Media [US]

11 Best Travel Destinations for 2024

Posted: April 24, 2024 | Last updated: April 24, 2024

As the world of travel continues to evolve, 2024 promises to be the best year yet for explorers and adventure-seekers around the globe. With travel restrictions a thing of the past and a renewed enthusiasm for international experiences, travelers are eagerly searching for the next great destination to add to their itineraries. The tourism industry is responding with innovative approaches to meet the demand for immersive, authentic, and sustainable adventures, making this an opportune time to discover the best places to visit.

Emerging Trends in Global Travel

The travel landscape for 2024 is defined by enhanced sustainability, cultural intimacy, innovative accommodations, and a richer approach to local cuisines. As travelers seek new experiences, technology, and services, the emergence of diverse travel niches, from art-focused journeys to wilderness adventures, indicates a dynamic shift in global travel trends.

Sustainable and Eco-Tourism

Sustainable travel is increasingly important for travelers who wish to minimize their environmental impact. Destinations such as France are leading the way with eco-friendly practices and accommodations. Eco-tourism is not just a trend; it’s a responsible approach to exploring the world while preserving it for future generations.

The Rise of Indigenous Tourism

Indigenous tourism offers authentic cultural experiences and is gaining popularity among travelers who seek to understand and respect the cultural heritage of the places they visit. Notably, this form of tourism supports indigenous communities economically and socially.

Canada is one of the leaders in Indigenous Tourism an d British Columbia has some great tourism ideas.

Culinary Explorations and Experiences

The culinary scene has become inseparable from travel. Gastronomic experiences, from street food in Lima to Michelin star dining in Rome, are vital in many people selecting destinations. These edible explorations serve as cultural gateways for travelers.

Foodie Cities:

• Rome: Renowned for its Michelin-star offerings
• Lima: Celebrated for innovative culinary delights

Adventure and Wellness Travel

Travelers are increasingly drawn to combining adventure travel with wellness experiences. Journeys geared towards the body and spirit are gaining traction, with an emphasis on UNESCO World Heritage sites, and opportunities like yoga in pristine national parks.

• Rainforests and national parks : Preferred destinations for dual adventure and wellness experiences

Art and Culture Travel

Cultural travelers are drawn to cities buzzing with artistic movements. Whether it’s the Art Nouveau allure of European cities or the UNESCO-designated sites around the world, art and culture enthusiasts are finding more ways to engage with history and creativity.

• Art Nouveau landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites : Attracting art and culture aficionados

Wildlife and Natural Landscapes

For those captivated by nature, 2024 offers an abundance of wildlife encounters and sprawling natural landscapes. Eco-conscious travelers relish experiences like observing wildlife in their natural habitats or exploring the biodiversity of rainforests.

• National parks and rainforests : Key locations for wildlife enthusiasts

Urban Escapes and City Breaks

The allure of cities never fades, with metropolises like New York offering an ever-evolving landscape for travelers. The fast-paced lifestyle and dense cultural tapestry of urban environments provide an enduring appeal for short yet enriching breaks.

• New York : A perennial favorite for dynamic city experiences
• Boutique hotels and cultural landmarks: Enhancing urban travel experiences

Top Destinations for 2024

The upcoming year offers an array of destinations for every type of traveler, focusing on uncharted European locales, bustling Asian metropolises, North America’s varied terrain, South American culture, Africa’s natural wonders, Australia’s distinct offerings, India’s immersive experiences, and Scandinavia’s pristine beauty.

Europe’s Hidden Gems

While Paris and Rome remain timeless, 2024 is the year to explore Bodrum , Turkey. Once a quiet fishing village, Bodrum has transformed into a luxurious escape, boasting high-end resorts such as the Hilton Bodrum Turkbuku Resort & Spa . In Eastern Europe, the serene landscapes and rich history of cities like Istanbul captivate visitors looking for both modernity and tradition.

Asia’s Must-Visit Cities

Asia’s megacities continue to thrive, with travelers drawn to the high-speed energy of places like Tokyo . For a change of pace, the Eastern & Oriental Express offers a luxurious rail journey connecting the wonders of Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Hong Kong and Seoul also top the list, offering cutting-edge urban experiences alongside rich cultural heritage.

North America’s Diverse Landscapes

North America’s diversity shines in destinations like New York , where cityscapes and culture converge. Santa Fe , New Mexico, is celebrated for its Pueblo-style architecture and vibrant art scene. In Canada, the rugged beauty of places like Banff National Park provides an unrivaled wilderness experience.

Exploring South America’s Richness

Brazil’s vibrant cities and lush rainforests beckon adventurers and beach-goers alike. Over in Ecuador , Quito stands out as a city teeming with colonial history, nestled among volcanic peaks. The region promises a blend of natural splendor and enriching cultural encounters.

The Best of Africa

Madagascar offers a unique travel experience with its endemic wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, including the Avenue of the Baobabs.

Unique Experiences in Australia and Oceania

Australia presents a tapestry of experiences, from the Great Barrier Reef to the cultural hubs of Sydney and Melbourne. Journey to French Polynesia to discover idyllic islands like Bora Bora, combining luxury and seclusion with their overwater bungalows and pristine lagoons.

Discovering the Culture and Nature of India

India is a land of contrasts, with Agra ‘s Mughal grandeur at one end and the tranquil backwaters of Kerala at the other. Travelers can immerse themselves in the vibrant colors, profound spirituality, and diverse cultures that thrive within the subcontinent’s borders.

Unforgettable Journeys in Scandinavia and the Nordics

Traveling through Scandinavia, one cannot miss the fjords of Norway or the otherworldly landscapes of Iceland . These regions offer some of the world’s most magnificent natural displays, including the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun, contrasting with the cutting-edge Nordic cities known for design and sustainability.

Seasonal Travel Guide for 2024

Selecting the right destination based on the season can greatly enhance a traveler’s experience. This guide highlights optimal destinations and activities for each season in 2024, considering factors like weather, seasonal experiences, and the best times to visit.

Winter Wonders: December to February

[Iceland – December]: One can witness Iceland’s enchanting winter landscapes and have a chance to observe the Northern Lights. Despite the cold, travelers are rewarded with fewer crowds and the potential for a magical New Year celebration under the aurora borealis.

[Mediterranean – January]: While typically less crowded during winter, some Mediterranean destinations offer mild climates ideal for exploring historic sites without the heat of summer. However, beach activities may be limited during this time.

[Paris – February]: Paris in February can be cold, but it’s an excellent time to visit indoor attractions like museums and galleries. The after-holiday lull results in shorter lines and the romance of the city is amplified around Valentine’s Day.

Spring Escapes: March to May

[Cherry Blossoms – March/April]: Japan’s cherry blossom season is a splendid time to stroll through blooming gardens and partake in hanami, the traditional viewing picnics. These months offer a mesmerizing experience as the pink and white colors adorn cities.

[Paris – May]: Paris in spring blossoms with not just flowers in Luxembourg Gardens but also with visitors. The moderate climate and blooming gardens make it the best time to visit before the peak tourist season begins.

Summer Getaways: June to August

[Beaches – June to August]: Summer is ideal for beach vacations, and the Mediterranean shines with hotspots like the A malfi Coast. Travelers can enjoy the sun-soaked shores, azure waters, and lively coastal towns during these peak months.

[Europe – August]: Europe in August thrives with tourists. Destinations like Greece, Spain, and Italy embrace the warm weather with open-air festivals, markets, and abundant outdoor dining options.

Autumn Adventures: September to November

[Foliage – September/October]: As autumn unfurls, regions like New England in the United States and the Alps in Europe display spectacular foliage. The crisp weather is perfect for hiking and enjoying the kaleidoscope of fall colors.

[Autumn Festivals – October/November]: Europe continues to dazzle with autumn festivals celebrating the harvest. From wine festivities in France to Germany’s Oktoberfest , the cooler temperatures and dimming crowds can make for a festive and comfortable holiday.

I hope this gets you excited for travel this year and if you can find something I should have on my radar, let me know.

More for You

Winners & losers from opening night of the NFL Draft

Trump campaign accused of breaking federal law by hiding millions in legal payments

Average US annual salary by age revealed – see how you compare

The worst-behaved dog breeds in the world, according to data

How Much Beer You'd Have To Drink To Equal A Single Shot Of Liquor

Why You Should Think Twice Before Pouring Boiling Water Over Ant Hills In Your Yard

Forgotten 1990s Blockbusters Everyone Should Rewatch

Spacecraft spots "spiders" scattered across surface of Mars

Age at which you're officially old has changed

20 Loyal Dog Breeds That Will Never Leave Your Side

The most dangerous state to drive in in the US, according to data—plus, see where your state ranks

Here’s What the US Minimum Wage Was the Year You Were Born

David Bakhtiari Issues Strong Statement After Green Bay Packers Draft His Replacement

Unsellable Houses' Lyndsay Lamb Says Buyers Are Moving Away From This Color Trend

CNN at Friday Prayers as Iranians shout ‘death to America’

Charles Barkley Sums Up Lakers Demeanor Following Loss To Nuggets

The films everyone should see at least once before they die, according to critics

I'm abrosexual - it took me 30 years to realise

Scientists have discovered the maximum age a human can live to

This small U.S. town is considered the best place to retire. Here's why.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

The 13 Best Places to Travel in 2024

By Elise Taylor and Liam Hess

We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.

Looking for the best places to travel in 2024? At Vogue , we are too—and constantly at that: on any given day, our editors are consulting with industry experts, tracking hotel openings, tasking the thoughts of tastemakers, and venturing to explore various corners of the globe. In the words of St. Augustine: “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

Yet, in an age of both social media saturation and over-tourism, the prerogative to do so in an “in-the-know” way feels imperative. For you and the world itself: a summer weekend trip to Venice in theory is dreamy, until one experiences the crushing crowds that are damaging the city’s historic, fragile infrastructure. (That soul-sucking scene likely wasn’t shown off on your friend’s carefully curated Instagram story.)

So for 2024, the Vogue lifestyle team decided to share the places that after listening, exploring, and researching, we are angling to responsibly visit over the next 12 months. Some are emerging and under the radar. Some are perennial favorites experiencing a rejuvenation or marquee moment. Some are meant for rest and relaxation, and some are meant for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. What they all have in common, however? They’re worth the vacation days.

Below, the 13 best places to travel in 2024.

Sifnos, Greece

By Tatiana Dias

By Kiana Murden

Both Margot Robbie and Dua Lipa were spotted vacationing on the under-the-radar Cycladic island (population: 2,500) this summer, suggesting that it might not remain quiet for much longer. The big draw, other than its crystalline waters? The food. Nikos Tselementes, a chef who is largely considered the founder of modern Greek cooking, was born on Sifnos in 1878. (His 1950 cookbook, Greek Cookery, was the first Greek cookbook translated into English—making Mediterranean cuisine go worldwide.) He developed a culinary culture of sea-and-farm-to-table cuisine on the island that continues to this day.

Omega 3, a rustic restaurant that sits right upon the beach, is known to have the best seafood on the island. (Last year, Jeff Bezos was a patron.) Meanwhile, Barack Obama and Tom Hanks recently dined at Cantina. With no airport on the island, Sifnos is only reachable by boat or ferry. For those looking for “slow travel”—or, the art of relaxed, no-agenda vacations—Sifnos is emerging as just the place. —Elise Taylor, senior living writer

Grenada, the Caribbean

After Jet Blue added direct flights to Grenada in 2017, Grenada (known as the “Spice Isle”) slowly began to emerge as a stealthy yet accessible Caribbean getaway with great rum, flavorful food, and sandy beaches that were undeveloped and relatively free of crowds. Silversands opened there in 2018, and this spring, the island will welcome a Six Senses resort set upon 38 acres on its southern tip.

Although there’s a near-infinite amount of things to do outside of these luxury resorts: Walk around the buzzing capital of St. George’s and its boat-dotted harbor, or hike through the rainforest in Grand Etang National Park. Scuba-dive to see tropical fish, colorful coral reefs, long-forgotten wreckage (the island is often called the Shipwreck Capital of the Caribbean) as well as the world’s only underwater sculpture park. —E.T.

Big Sur, California

Big Sur is a perennially popular American road-trip destination, with millions cruising down Highway 1 each year to take in the jagged, breathtaking Pacific views. (Cue the Big Little Lies soundtrack.) Yet, thanks to a number of buzzy boutique hotels, they may find themselves extending their pit stop on the Northern California coast.

This fall saw the reopening of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s La Playa Hotel, a historic artist retreat that has completely been transformed by the Post Company. (Former guests include Ansel Adams and Steve Jobs, who debuted the first prototype of Apple’s Macintosh computer at the hotel.) Meanwhile, properties like Post Ranch Inn and Ventana Big Sur keep visitors coming back again and again. —E.T.

Tangiers, Morocco

While the rich history of Tangiers stretches all the way back to ancient times, it was during the early 20th century—when it spent a few decades as a colonial “international zone”—that it first earned a reputation as a travel hotspot for free-spirited Westerners, ranging from Tennessee Williams to the Beat poets to the Rolling Stones. That countercultural spirit remained even after the Moroccan Independence for those looking to shop in its labyrinthine souks, take in its Art Nouveau and Art Deco architectural marvels, soak up the sun at the city’s nearby beaches, and drink the night away in one of its atmospheric, speakeasy-esque bars.

Over the past year, however, Tangiers has finally opened a pair of luxury hotels to match. First, there’s the Fairmont Tazi Palace, which opened at the end of 2022 in a sprawling Andalusian-style palace that belonged to a former advisor of the king, with an enormous spa and landscaped outdoor pools. Elsewhere, Villa Mabrouka—Jasper Conran’s second Moroccan hotel after his beloved Marrakech riad L’Hotel—opened just a few months ago: a 12-room, bohemian boutique stay in the former home of Yves Saint-Laurent with interiors by Jacques Grange, extensive gardens, and spectacular views over the strait of Gibraltar. If you’re seeking an escape for some early spring sun with a side of style and culture, right now, there’s nowhere better than the Bride of the North. (A nickname the city acquired, by the way, for the striking white houses and mosques that line its hillsides.) —Liam Hess, living editor

Mustique, The Caribbean

It’s hard to say that Mustique is having a moment —the Caribbean island, after all, was the favorite escape of Princess Margaret up until her death in 2002. However, while Saint Barth’s has long been the warm-weather playground of the rich and famous, it seems more and more tastemakers have been ditching its buzzy beach clubs for the laidback remoteness of its paparazzi-free neighbor: Kate Moss, for example, celebrated her 50th birthday there. Perhaps it's all related to the current trend of stealth wealth: if there was any vacation spot that exudes the ethos of quiet luxury, it’s Mustique, where a minimum stay is seven days and there’s only one hotel on the island. –E.T.

Biarritz, France

In June, a new film festival, Nouvelles Vagues, opened in Biarritz, with Penelope Cruz as the guest of honor and Chanel as a partner. (Films included the Sydney Sweeney starring Reality.) It’s further proof that Biarritz, a beach town in southwest France, is seeing a major resurgence. The centuries-old Regina Experimental Biarritz just debuted revamped interiors by AD100 designer Dorothée Meilichzon, whereas cool new boutique hotels like Le Garage have all opened in the past few years. While the southeast coast of France traditionally attracts the glamorous jet-set, Biarritz is now becoming the place for some fashionable fun in the sun. -E.T.

Jeju Island, South Korea

There’s one reason you might have heard of Jeju, the island off the southern coast of South Korea that has long been a beloved Seoulite summer getaway: the haenyeo, or the matriarchal community of women divers who spend hours underwater each day harvesting shellfish. (Well, actually, maybe there are two reasons: it’s also a favored location for romantic K-dramas, which has prompted a new wave of global interest in the island.)

While the Seaes Hotel on the island’s southern coast has previously held strong as its premier luxury hotel for intrepid travelers—thanks in part to its widescreen ocean views and charming accommodations inspired by traditional fishing villages—there’s a new crop of hotels to bring a little competition. The newly-opened architectural marvel of the JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa can be found perched atop a volcanic cliff, offering a jumping-off point for those seeking to explore the island’s natural wonders, from waterfalls to volcanic craters, and then retreat back to the enormous spa or soak in the outdoor hot springs. Often referred to as Korea’s Hawaii, getting to Jeju might be a little more complicated than hopping over to the Aloha state, but if you’re already planning a city break in Seoul, it’s the perfect retreat after a few days in the urban sprawl. —L.H.

Bodrum, Turkey

Our front-runner for the next Ibiza? Bodrum, Turkey. While always known for its chic clientele—Ahmet and Mica Ertegun vacationed there for decades—it’s received a glamorous jolt as of late: last summer, The Bodrum Edition opened, joining the 1970s bohemian icon Macakizi as one of the most fashionable resorts on Turkey’s side of the Aegean. (“A resort destination that doesn’t feel resort-y, the vibe at this luxury spot on the Turkish Riviera is more “chilling out at your extremely stylish billionaire friend’s estate” than “hotel stay,” Vogue wrote in our hotel review). This November, their restaurant Kitchen received a Michelin star. Meanwhile, this summer will see the arrival of Scorpios, the famed Mykonos beach club, within the grounds of the much-anticipated Maxx Royal Bodrum , which opens its doors this May. With the Côte d’Azur and Amalfi Coast being swarmed with unprecedented crowds over the past few years, the Turkish Riviera is primed to become the next see-and-be-seen summer hotspot. —E.T.

Explorers and eco-travelers: keep your eye on Madagascar, the remote Indian Ocean island with some of the richest biodiversity in the world. While the tourism industry within the country is still a developing one—and the standard travel precautions should be taken—a number of notable camps are setting up in its wilds: Namoroka Tsingy Exploration Camp will open inside Namoroka National Park in mid-2024, whereas Voaara will join private-island resort Time + Tide’s Miavana as an upscale beachside retreat. Meanwhile, luxury adventure tour operator Black Tomato developed a conservation-focused tour of exploring both its rainforests and remote archipelagos. Coastal East African neighbor Mozambique , too, is also emerging as a wild beach getaway with properties like Kisawa Sanctuary and an upcoming Banyan Tree. —E.T.

With Croatia’s travel boom over the past decade—and the streets of Dubrovnik and beaches of the Dalmatian Coast now reaching tourist saturation point—it’s the perfect time to head further afield within the Balkans and discover the historic towns and picture-postcard swimming coves that more than rival a Croatian getaway. Montenegro has been the first to benefit from this ripple effect, now playing host to uber-luxury resorts belonging to Aman and One&Only, but the latest up-and-comer on this front? Serbia.

What this sprawling, landlocked country doesn’t have in beaches, it makes up for everywhere else. First, there’s the capital of Belgrade, which is not only an up-and-coming destination for young creatives of all stripes, but boasts some of the best nightlife in Europe. For more grown-up travelers, however, there are Ottoman palaces, Orthodox temples, and even a museum dedicated to Nikola Tesla; plus, with a St. Regis poised to open in 2024, a new wave of luxury hotel offerings is likely to follow.

The real wonders of Serbia, however, lie in its hidden natural treasures and wildlife: with breathtaking mountains, gorges, rivers, and waterfalls, it’s the perfect place to head off the beaten track in 2024—in every sense. —L.H.

Paris, France

As Audrey Hepburn once said, “Paris is always a good idea”—and indeed, the French capital is so well-visited that one may wonder why it even needs to be mentioned at all. Yet, as it gears up to host the 2024 Olympics, the City of Light is shining brighter than ever. There will be swimming in the Seine, beach volleyball at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, and a marathon start at the Hôtel de Ville’s grand historic square. (“Because Paris is not like any other city, it deserves every honor,” reads the official Paris Olympic website. “The Games in the capital city promise a complete spectacle, thought out for the athletes, spectators and television audiences.”)

And, because this is Paris, even athletics are done fashionably. The games as a whole are sponsored by the luxury conglomerate LVMH, who will tap their many fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands to support the international event. (Chaumet will design the Olympic and Paralympic medals, for example, while Moët Hennessy wines and spirits maisons will provide alcohol for the official hospitality events. And one can only wonder about the official uniform…) Meanwhile, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs is staging the exhibition “Mode et Sport, d’un podium à l’autre” (Fashion and Sports: from one podium to another), which runs through April 2024.

Need another reason? Over the past few months, Paris has welcomed a number of notable new boutique hotels, from the Martin Brudnizki-designed Le Grand Mazarin in the Marais to the Belle-Époque-inspired Château des Fleurs. —E.T.

Galicia, Spain

While tourists will always flock to the sun-soaked Balearic Islands and the charming coastal towns of the Costa Brava, tucked away in the northwestern corner of the Iberian Peninsula you’ll find some of Spain’s most breathtaking beaches—just whisper it, though, as the region is a closely-guarded secret among its long-time devotees, even if it’s slowly but surely been gathering word of mouth interest over the past few years, and is poised to have a moment in the spotlight. Those devotees include starchitect David Chipperfield, who has a minimalist, monastic holiday home in the fishing village of Corrubedo, as well as a large contingent of the Madrid fashion set. (And speaking of fashion, a local family in the charming city of A Coruña has sponsored recent exhibitions on photography titans including Peter Lindbergh, Helmut Newton, and Steven Meisel.)

But back to those beaches. Head to the region’s western coast (while making a pit stop in the city of Santiago de Compostela, a treasure trove of Baroque architecture best known as the endpoint of the famous Camino pilgrimage route) to visit the golden yellow sands and crystal blue waters of the Rías Baixas, and spend a night at the Relais & Chateaux associated Hotel Pepe Vieira, which boasts a two Michelin star restaurant specializing in inventive riffs on Galician staples. But the real showstopper? Take a trip out to the Islas Cíes, which has some of the most spectacular beaches this side of the Caribbean. Just make sure to reserve in advance: as a carefully protected nature reserve, only 1,800 visitors are allowed over by ferry a day. You’ll want to make sure you’re one of them. —L.H.

Forth Worth, Texas

Bella Hadid and her rodeo horse Tito aren’t the only reason Fort Worth is currently in the spotlight: in late 2023, the Texas city saw the opening of Bowie House , a five-star hotel with a cowboy flair and a serious art collection. Add in the world-class museums and the authentic Western atmosphere of the Fort Worth Stockyards, and you’ve got a town with some serious culture and charm. –E.T.

More Great Living Stories From Vogue

The Best Places in the World for Solo Travel

Candice Bergen on What It Was Really Like to Attend Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball

Never miss a Vogue moment and get unlimited digital access for just $2 $1 per month.

The Curious Case of Kate Middleton’s “Disappearance”

Sofia Richie Grainge Is Pregnant! And It’s a….

Get updates on the Met Gala

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Vogue. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Protect Your Trip »

Best places to visit in june 2024.

School's out and summer is in full swing, which means one thing – it's time for a vacation. While some like to take their time and enjoy the season before they jet off, June is a surprisingly good time to book a getaway. In some destinations, crowds won't arrive until July, leaving room for discounts on flights and hotels. We took into account these factors as well as weather, seasonal events (including Pride celebrations ) and a variety of location types – from city centers to serene beaches – to come up with the best places to visit in June. Have a favorite June vacation spot? Vote below to have a say in next year's ranking.

Glacier National Park

Grand teton national park, amalfi coast, serengeti national park, canary islands.

If you can accept not being able to access certain parts of this Montana park (such as the Going-to-the-Sun Road), you could save loads and avoid crowds if you visit in June. During this time, Glacier National Park's lodging options have lower rates and more availability than the rest of the summer months. High temps in the 70s mean you'll stay comfortable while hiking (many of the lower-elevation trails are open in June if you don't mind a little mud) or rafting down the Flathead River. For a more leisurely way of exploring the park, go boating on Lake McDonald.

June in Florence brings long hours of daylight ideal for taking in the city's famed art and architecture while the Tuscan sun shines. When temperatures get too warm (think: average highs in the 80s), there are plenty of must-see museums, like the Uffizi Gallery, that offer a cool respite. While you may have to contend with more crowds in the summer high season (make those restaurant and hotel reservations in advance), June makes up for this with a robust festival calendar. Sample the region's wine during Mostra del Chianti in the nearby town of Montespertoli and celebrate Florence's patron saint during Festa di San Giovanni.

With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, there is really no wrong time to visit Lake Tahoe. But there is a case to be made for visiting this destination in June, which ushers in the carefree summer season with everything from farmers markets to free summer concerts to annual beer festivals. The water will likely be too cold for swimming, but you'll find stunning views from a boat tour or on a scenic drive, bike or hike around the largest alpine lake in North America. As an added bonus, with average temperatures in the mid-60s and 70s, you'll stay comfortable on any excursion.

Grand Teton National Park comes to life in June: wildflowers are in peak bloom, snow is nearly all melted and animals and their young are on the move. Not to mention, average daytime temperatures hover in the 70s (though evenings and mornings are still brisk), which makes for near-perfect weather as you hike the Jenny Lake Loop and other popular trails surrounding the snow-capped mountains. Just be prepared to share, as June is one of the most popular months to visit this park.

June is the Goldilocks summer month on the Amalfi Coast, when temperatures are warm enough for the beaches, but not yet scorching, and the season's crowds are just beginning to arrive. When you're not lounging on the pebbled shorelines, explore the region's 13 towns tucked along the Tyrrhenian Sea, hike the Path of the Gods or meander through the gardens at Villa Rufolo or Villa Cimbrone (still in bloom before the sweltering temperatures descend). What's more, June marks the start of festival season, so you'll catch events like the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics and the Festival of Sant'Antonio.

Though Edinburgh is known for its moody atmosphere, the Scottish city's stone facades and green hills perk up in the summer. With comfortable temps in the mid-60s and 17-hour days, you'll have plenty of time to tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle, hike up to Arthur's Seat or peruse the four gardens of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. You can also mingle with locals at a bevy of markets and fairs and seasonal happenings like Pride Edinburgh. For a glimpse of Scotland's lush countryside, take a short bus ride to Pentland Hills Regional Park, a perfect place to spend a summer day.

Watching the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park is an unforgettable safari experience , and June is typically a great time to see it (though, like most things in the wild, timing is never guaranteed). Visit the Western Corridor area during this time to witness herds of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras make their way north in search of food and water. Because June falls within Serengeti's dry season, you'll find less foliage obstructing your view, as well as fewer mosquitos. Daytime highs typically sit in the 70s, but mornings and evenings can get chilly, so remember to pack adequate attire.

Although travelers flock to Telluride for its superb ski slopes , this Colorado town offers plenty to do when the weather warms up in June. Travelers will find endless ways to enjoy the outdoors, from hiking scenic trails like Bridal Veil Falls to biking the San Juan Mountains' winding paths to off-roading at Ophir Pass. Plus, downtown Telluride is home to Town Park, a kid-friendly space with amenities like a swimming pool and a fishing pond. June also features a full events calendar, so festivalgoers can check out annual events like the Telluride Balloon Festival and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

Think of all the exploration you could undertake with up to 17 hours of daylight, which is the norm for this Danish city in June. You'll need all the time you can get to see and do everything Copenhagen has to offer. Of course there are museums galore, but pleasant temperatures in the 60s win favor for outdoor pursuits. Take to the water on a kayak, a floating hot tub (for chillier days) or a boat tour, or stroll through the city's green spaces like the King's Garden. When the sun does set, you'll have your pick of top-notch eateries thanks to Copenhagen's highly lauded, innovative dining scene.

School may be out, but June is a great time to visit a city known for its books (Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature, after all). Don't miss a chance to visit the Old Library of Trinity College, a must-visit for any bibliophile, and participate in the Bloomsday Festival, which celebrates Dublin author James Joyce. June further encapsulates the spirit of Dublin (and its other specialties – beer and music) with events like the Taste of Dublin. Plus, the weather is nearly as dry as this Irish city gets and temperatures average in the low 60s, perfect for a stroll along the River Liffey or down Grafton Street.

Though you may have to contend with crowds, June's mild temperatures in the 70s make it an ideal time to visit Lucerne. Not only will you stay comfortable as you admire the postcard-worthy Chapel Bridge and stroll down Old Town boulevard, but you can also take full advantage of this Swiss city's star attraction – Lake Lucerne. Popular swimming clubs like Seebad Luzern and Lucerne Lido will be open for the season and feature sandy beaches, heated or lake water swimming pools, restaurants and sunbathing spots. Plus, you'll have prime weather for a trip up Pilatus mountain, from which you can see as many as 73 Alpine peaks.

Cloudless skies, golden beaches and clear waters await travelers year-round in the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwestern coast of Africa. But beyond these obvious draws, the islands boast unique natural attractions – including four national parks spanning dunes, forests and volcanoes – and a culture rich in art and traditions. Visit in June to experience Corpus Christi, a joyful celebration with parades, dances and flower-covered streets, and the San Juan Festival, when bonfires ring in the summer solstice. The trade-off: Summer is a popular time to visit, so plan ahead when booking your trip.

Barbados beckons to June travelers keen on lounging on a beach without breaking the bank. June is the first month of this Caribbean island's rainy season; however, showers typically occur in short bursts, giving vacationers ample time to soak up some sun. Plus, visitors will often find fewer tourists and lower flight and accommodation prices in the low season. With the money they save on their overall trip, travelers can enjoy fee-based activities like a tasting or cocktail workshop at the Mount Gay Rum Visitor Centre, the world's oldest continuously run rum distillery.

If you're seeking the epitome of a beach vacation under the hot summer sun, look no further than Aruba. You can spend endlessly sunny days reclining on the powdery white sands of Eagle Beach or bodyboarding at the secluded Andicuri Beach. If you're feeling restless, take a break from the beach and trek through Arikok National Park, where you can admire rock formations, coastline views and plenty of flora. Though the weather is fairly consistent year-round (Aruba sits outside of the hurricane belt), June brings warmer water temperatures and fewer tourists, so room rates are typically cheaper.

Paris is always a good idea, but this destination has a propensity for gloomy weather during the colder months. Daytime highs in the low 70s usher in a warmer and brighter disposition in June. These sunny days are ideal for seeing the city's stunning architectural landscape and iconic sights, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, or taking a boat cruise on the Seine. Plus, seasonal festivals and concerts start to pop up throughout the city. Keep in mind that summer is peak tourist season in Paris, so expect crowds and higher rates for accommodations.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Niagara Falls

Great Barrier Reef

Adirondacks

Prince Edward Island

Kenai Fjords National Park

Mackinac Island

You may be interested in.

Best Places to Visit in July 2024

Best Summer Family Vacations

Best Summer Vacation Spots in the World for 2024

Best Places to Visit in May 2024

Best Summer Vacations in the USA for 2024

Best Places to Visit in Europe for 2023-2024

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

This Gorgeous California State Park Was Just Named the Best Place for Stargazing in the U.S.

All you need to do is look up.

Kevin Key/Slworking/Getty Images

The 2024 eclipse may have come and gone, but it left plenty of people hungry for more astrotourism. And luckily, there are plenty of fantastic spots to stargaze across the United States, and HomeToGo has rounded up a few of the best destinations in its new Stargazing Index . 

“Astrotourism has emerged as the defining travel trend of 2024 so far, with April’s total solar eclipse generating a notable uplift in demand. Leading up to the event, the search demand for vacation rentals in towns along the path of totality skyrocketed by 139 percent week-over-week on HomeToGo, with median nightly prices registering increases of 40 percent,” Eleanor Moody, a spokesperson and travel expert at HomeToGo shared in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure . “We predict that this piqued interest in celestial tourism will persist further into the year, and have curated HomeToGo’s 2024 Stargazing Index with a new wave of eager astro-travelers in mind.”

As Moody explained, the new index is designed to assist travelers in discovering all the darkest places to ensure the best view of the stars above. 

In total, it found 24 Dark Sky communities across nine states, including California, Arizona, Texas, Indiana, Utah, Colorado, Illinois, Idaho, and Florida.

It then ranked them on five indicators, including an "under-the-radar score," which it gave based on their search volume (the lower the search volume the higher the score); an "affordability score" based on the median nightly price per person for a vacation rental on HomeToGo; an "availability score," based on the number of vacation rentals in each destination bookable on HomeToGo; a "clear sky score" based on the average number of clear days in each community; and a "solitude score," based on the size of each certified International Dark Sky Place and the area's population size. (For the latter, the lower the population density, the higher the score.)

After looking at all that data, it named Borrego Springs, California, the home of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park , to be the No. 1 astrotourism spot. "This small community is the only International Dark Sky Community in California," the findings noted. "Dedicated to protecting the night sky from light pollution, backyard stargazing parties are a daily occurrence. Visitors are invited to embrace the local natural and cultural wonders with the annual Night Fall Star Party, southern California’s prime opportunity to view the night sky with others." 

It was joined by two Arizona locations: Fountain Hills at No. 2, followed by Flagstaff in third. Dripping Springs in Wimberley, Texas, and Cottonwood, Arizona, came in fourth and fifth, respectively.

Ready to get out and enjoy a blanket of stars? Check out the full findings at hometogo.com .

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The 24 Best Places to Go in 2024

By CNT Editors

This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2024 – find more travel inspiration for next year, organised by continent, here .

In considering the destinations that excite us the most for 2024, there’s an overarching sense of possibility.

When the last corners of Asia fully reopened their borders earlier this year, the pandemic's claim on our travels finally fell away. We, as travellers, are now more able to set our sights on the farthest-reaching adventures , to dust off our bucket lists – and in many cases, return to the places we love and miss. The world remains an unpredictable and complicated place in many ways. Yet, in being reminded that travel is the greatest of luxuries, we are forced to ask the question: what should we do with our enviable power to traverse the globe in 2024? Where, we wonder, will we go first?

There are so many compelling reasons to take travel far and wide in the year ahead. Emerging boutique hotels, wellness resorts, and expedition cruises , as they vie for travellers’ bookings with new offerings, are being forced to carefully consider what it means to be relevant and exciting, yes, but also sustainable. Destinations are setting their sights on everything from pioneering eco-tourism initiatives to restorative land stewardship efforts, handing back narratives to Native communities that thread their past with their future. As for us, travellers? We get to take our pick.

To help you find the trip worth your vacation days, we’ve collaborated with Condé Nast Traveller editors from around the globe. For months we have researched, debated, and vetted, from a large pool of fantastic cities, regions, and countries with new reasons to visit. The result is this: our definitive guide to the 24 best places to go in 2024. It includes extraordinary superblooms in a new national park in Chile, up-close encounters with wildlife alongside Inuit guides in Canada, and an exciting, community-led dining destination in Rwanda . This complete list, while an immense challenge to narrow down, mirrors just how big, beautiful, diverse – and ever-changing – our world is.

Here are the 24 places that we believe should be on every traveller's radar for the year ahead. We can’t wait to see where you go. – Arati Menon and Megan Spurrell

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveller are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Places to Go in 2024

Budapest, hungary.

Go for: a fresh take on the 150 year-old city

As the city of Budapest turns 150, an overwhelming sense of old-meets-new is inspired by historic attractions living alongside just-opened hotels (such as the art deco-inspired W, above), and the futuristic House of Music Hungary.

Renowned for its architecture, the Hungarian capital is home to everything from art nouveau and neoclassical to gothic and baroque, with the Blue Danube connecting it all like a ribbon. And then there are the mineral-rich thermal baths, featuring ornate design flourishes. The city also buzzes with creativity, which spills over into the vibrant nightlife; the ruin bars district is a tangible example of crafting opportunity from the ashes of adversity following the brutality of Communist rule. November 2023 marks 150 years since the previously divided cities of Buda, Pest, and Obuda were unified, as well as a series of cultural events. The Chain Bridge – the city’s oldest and a “symbol of togetherness,” according to Mayor Gergely Karácsony – has fully reopened after a two-year restoration, granting excellent views of Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament Building. New builds such as the spectacular House of Music Hungary and the National Athletics Centre (the central stadium for 2023’s World Athletics Championships) are testament to a city with optimism for its next 150 years. The art deco W Budapest – formerly a palace and on a UNESCO World Heritage-listed street – opened in July 2023 opposite the Hungarian State Opera. Also in the Marriott portfolio is the Dorothea Hotel , with its 216 rooms and glamorous rooftop restaurant. In keeping with the musical events celebrating the 150th anniversary, the 2022 opening of the Hard Rock Hotel – Eastern Europe’s first – combines musical memorabilia (Prince’s faux-fur coat in a shade of, unsurprisingly, purple) with an in-thick-of-it location on Nagymező Street, Budapest ’s legendary louche entertainment strip. – Sarah Rodrigues

Cyclades, Greece

Go for: salty-air island-hopping made easier than ever

Stylish boutique hotel Kalesma Mykonos is opening a spa in 2024, marking a hotel boom throughout the cluster of islands known as the Cyclades.

It will be easy to hop between Kalesma and islands like Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Milos, and Ios, thanks to new flights to and throughout the dazzling blue archipelago.

Is there anywhere more popular than the Greek islands right now? This past summer, the Cyclades – an island group that includes Mykonos , Santorini , Paros, Milos , and Ios – dominated social-media feeds with beautiful blue and white backdrops, thrilling beach clubs and nightclubs, and unparalleled shopping. With more smart stays being unveiled in 2024, as well as new flights, next summer is the time to make a Cyclades trip happen. Etihad, British Airways and Saudia added new routes to various Greek islands in 2023, plus the 2022 launch of Cycladic , the first inter-island airline, means it’s easier than ever to get there. Hotel business is booming. Santo Pure in Oia on Santorini has just added 20 new suites, and next year it will be joined by sister hotel Santo Mine , a 37-suite luxury resort. Slick boutique hotel Kalesma on Mykonos will launch its spa for the 2024 season, including a hammam and cryotherapy area. Five-star, 80-acre Gundari Resort will open on Folegandros next May, while a new One&Only property will come to Kea in April. Such plush hotels are rare on these islands, expanding the options for luxury stays in the Cyclades. – Ali Wunderman

Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Go for: star chefs leading a foodie revolution

Picturesque scenery is complemented by a wave of memorable dining from Michelin star-wielding chefs – and it's easy to stay awhile since the best new rooms tend to be directly above these must-visit restaurants.

For a bewitching break in 2024, go north. Yorkshire-born sculptor Henry Moore once said: “The observation of nature is part of an artist’s life.” And Yorkshire has some of the most seductive nature: sweeping landscapes like living oil paintings; undulating dales and peaks; deep-forested moors with big skies; heady lavender fields; lofty woodlands filled with birdsong; and golden sandy sweeps skirting the peppermint-blue sea. The Brontës’ romanticism is not lost. In 2024, go stargazing in Yorkshire’s national parks at the magical Dark Skies Festival . The Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta will return to its new home at Castle Howard in 2024, with rainbow-bright, early-morning mass balloon flights and night glows. There were plenty of Michelin mentions for the county in 2023, with keen eyes on the 2024 list, so restaurants with rooms are ramping up. Just up the road from The Black Swan in Oldstead, Michelin-lauded chef Tommy Banks’ latest outpost, The Abbey Inn , opened in May and its three luxurious bedrooms, care of Tommy’s mother, were launched in July. For the ultimate culinary sleepover, stay two nights and eat at both restaurants. Newbie Mýse , helmed by chef-and-sommelier couple Joshua and Victoria Overington, is a petite restaurant with rooms set among caramel-colored cottages in the sleepy village of Hovingham. Book in for its creative tasting menu, then retire upstairs to one of the cozy-cool rooms. In June , Middleton Lodge , a sustainable luxury retreat bordering the Yorkshire Dales National Park , launched the Forest Spa in the heart of a serenely wooded estate. Don’t pass by honeycomb-hued Helmsley, with its emerging culinary scene and the recent opening of Pignut a restaurant with a sustainable focus and impressive casual and tasting-menu options. Expect plenty more magic in 2024. – Rachel Everett

Go for: Indian Ocean waters, a museum, and dazzling beach villas

The recently opened House of Digital Art (HODA) brings contemporary art to a historic Port-Louis building on the Indian Ocean Island.

After visiting HODA, above, head to the Intercontinental Slavery Museum, opened in 2023, which inspects the island's colonial history.

Mauritius ’s heyday in the ’80s conjures images of striped parasols, a tanned Stéphanie de Monaco on water skis, and all of Europe’s jet set holed up in the few – but fabulous – hotels. Fast-forward three decades and the Indian Ocean island has even more to land itself on your travel list: a dynamic cultural scene and new wave of hospitality are unfolding on its shores. In the capital of Port Louis, the years-in-the-making Intercontinental Slavery Museum , located inside a restored 1700s military hospital, opened in September 2023, marking the nation’s first monumental step in making amends for its long colonial history. Culture buffs are also gravitating to the recently opened House of Digital Art (HODA) nearby: Old meets new in this historic Port-Louis building, housing a cutting-edge array of contemporary art installations. The Indian Ocean isle has always been renowned for its dreamy seaside resorts, but encouraging visitors to venture away from the beaches is the forthcoming Socio Tribeca (late 2024) – heralding the launch of a new hotel brand from the Lux Collective – which promises to be an impressive contemporary hotel with its finger on the pulse of the island. Muse Villas , a newcomer seeking to offer an elevated resort experience, enables travellers to stay on their own private islet. Meanwhile, legendary resorts Lux Belle Mare and Paradis Beachcomber just unveiled massive restorations in October, and Hotel Riu Palace Mauritius , a kitesurfers’ paradise, will emerge from its own facelift in May 2024. But beyond the well-trodden coastline of Mauritius, this may be the year its barely known little sister, Rodrigues, a speck of an island an hour-and-a-half flight east, gets its due. It’s long been a well-kept secret among even the most in-the-know travellers, but now a clutch of reimagined properties is adding a touch of luxury gloss: The island’s two historic hotels, Play Mourouk and Cotton Bay Resort & Spa, are reopening after months of renovation and reinvention (the first as of November 1, 2023; the latter in 2024). – Anissa Macaulay

South and Central Sri Lanka

Go for: wellness retreats, a new food festival, and a nearly 200-mile nature trail

Kayaam House is one of several openings that signals the luxury and wellness boom marking Sri Lanka's tourism industry right now.

Built from scratch by a local architect, Kayaam House settles into its coastal setting with earthy textures and teak furniture.

Rising from economic uncertainty, Sri Lanka ’s tourism industry is in the midst of a luxury and wellness boom – from its tea-filled highlands to its palm-fringed shores. In the south of the country, new luxury resorts continue to entice. Among them, Kayaam House and Ahu Bay by homegrown luxury travel specialist Resplendent Ceylon; a Hilton resort next to the Indian Ocean-bordering Yala National Park, one of the best places to spot Sri Lanka’s elusive leopards; and the art deco-inspired The Charleston , which opens in December in the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. The already established Kalukanda House – a villa in surf town Weligama by British-Sri Lankan interior designer Dee Gibson – is making its mark with retreats centred on female empowerment, with yoga, breath work, reiki, and Ayurveda included.

A comprehensive renovation of the nine-room Meraki , which employs local women and offers yoga, holistic treatments, island-sourced vegetarian fare, and artisanal crafts in the Polhena Beach district of Matara, is set to be unveiled in early 2024; and luxury fitness getaway Makahiya is gearing up to launch its own brand of bespoke retreats.

In January, the Galle Literary Festival will return after a five-year hiatus, with appearances by literary figures such as Shehan Karunatilaka and Alexander McCall Smith, while Gourmet Galle , the country’s new food festival, will spotlight 12 chefs in 12 venues, ranging from beaches to paddy fields, over a 12-week period from January to March.

Inland, development of the Pekoe Trail , a new nearly 200-mile network of hiking routes that snakes its way through Sri Lanka’s highlands, continues. Traversing historic tea plantations, colonial estates, local villages, holy shrines, and forests brimming with biodiversity, it’s a novel way to experience Sri Lanka’s lush hill country, particularly when paired with stays at boutique properties such as W15 Hanthana , the luxurious Goatfell , or the Kelburne Estate , scheduled to open in December 2024. – Zinara Rathnayake

Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

Go for: pristine nature, and a new take on sustainability

Saudi Arabia's Red Sea has both untouched desert and vibrant coral reefs – both of which will be part of ambitious sustainable tourism development in the destination.

Sixteen hotels are already open in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, with a Six Senses, Ritz Carlton, and St. Regis opening their doors to travellers in 2024.

Creating a completely new tourism destination in an area of pristine natural beauty – including coral reefs that are home to critically endangered species, unspoiled desert, and dormant volcanoes – is a fine tightrope to walk. Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea aims to navigate these challenges with ambitious efforts that will make it a centre of regenerative tourism, powered by 100 percent renewable energy. Only 22 of the more than 90 islands in the area will be developed, and nine have been designated as protected conservation areas. While many of the sustainability efforts will be behind the scenes, some are visible – and visitable.

New mangrove parks will be populated with trees currently being grown in a mangrove nursery (the project aims to plant 50 million by 2030). The first phase of the destination, which includes 16 luxury hotels, is powered by 760,000 solar panels, and the world’s first zero-carbon 5G network has already been installed. Three resorts – Six Senses Southern Dunes ; Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve; and The St. Regis Red Sea Resort – are set to open in the coming months, each with its own strict program of sustainability measures, ranging from light-touch modular structures to intelligent landscaping, smart waste management, and local sourcing. Transport within the destination will be by e-vehicles, and hydrogen-powered seaplanes will eventually transport visitors between the islands. Whether a luxury tourist destination can ever truly be sustainable remains to be seen, but the efforts being made in the Red Sea are certainly testing the hypothesis. – Nicola Chilton

Go for : new direct flights, luxe resorts, and a spicy carnival celebration

All-new direct flights will mean Grenada will finally get the attention it deserves – perfectly timed for the luxury hotels and resorts that are on their way in 2024.

While it may have traditionally been overlooked in favour of, say, St. Barths or Turks and Caicos , Grenada has more than proven itself a worthy contender – especially for travellers based on the East Coast. Starting in November 2023, JetBlue is making it easier to get there, with the launch of a direct service from Boston to join existing nonstops out of JFK. Air Canada also recently ramped up service and now has up to four flights per week between Toronto and Grenada.

Several new hotels and resorts are also on their way. Six Senses has picked Grenada for its first resort in the Caribbean: La Sagesse is set to open in early 2024 and will spread out over 38 acres of land with unparalleled access to the ocean and a range of adventures, from shipwreck dives to waterfall trails. Also in January 2024, Beach House by Silversands will open its doors to a mix of 28 beachfront and cliffside villas and suites ( Silversands Resort opened on the island in 2018 and boasts a 100-meter infinity pool, said to be the longest in the Caribbean). Further out, IHG has broken ground on a 150-room, 30-private-suite resort that will sit next to Six Senses and is projected to open in 2025.

August is a popular time to visit: Spicemas, Grenada’s Carnival and the island’s largest cultural event, shimmies in during this time and brings with it weeks of parades, food, dancing, and performances. This year, JetBlue added a second daily flight from JFK during the days of the festival to accommodate the diaspora and the growing number of travellers heading to the Spice Island. Things are only going to get busier in 2024. – Madison Flager

Go for: new hiking and biking trails, pristine countryside views

Kosovo's untouched valleys offer the perfect canvas for multi-day hiking and biking trips – like the Trans Dinarica cycling route, opening in 2024, which will wind its way past rivers, markets, and via ferrata setups.

Tiny Kosovo lacks the stunning beaches of Albania and luxury resorts of Montenegro , but Europe’s newest country has sky-scraping peaks, pastoral countryside and heart-warming hospitality, a combination ideal for multi-day hiking and biking trips. 2024 will mark the 25th anniversary since the end of the Kosovo war, and there's much to discover in the region now. Following in the footsteps of cross-border adventure trails such as the Peaks of the Balkans and High Scardus, the Trans Dinarica cycling route opens in 2024, making its way past the minarets framing Prizren’s eponymous river, through the Ottoman market town of Gjakova, and on to Peja. Perched on the edge of the Rugova Gorge, Peja serves as base camp for the country’s many outdoor adventures, including via ferratas and spelunking. A new paved path will soon connect the Lumbardhi River Promenade with the popular Health Trail – the beginning of the south-to-west route through the inaptly named Accursed Mountains. Two additional forthcoming routes connect trails in the Rugova Mountains to the gushing White Drin waterfall and Radac cave. Steps from the waterfall, the sleek, modern Ujëvara e Drinit Resort specialises in rooms with a view and fresh trout dinners. Through-hikers can rest weary bones and fill hungry bellies further from town at rural guesthouses such as Ariu , where traditional Kosovar dishes include flija, made with dairy produced on-site. – Naomi Tomky

French Polynesia

Go for : Olympic surfing, sublime flora and fauna

An alternative Olympics experience can be found in Tahiti, where skilled surfers will ride the waves at Teahupo’o. Plan a 2024 trip to catch the action IRL, then kick back at one of several new and reopened hotels elsewhere in the territory.

All eyes may be on Tahiti this year as Teahupo’o, a village on the south coast and home to one of “the deadliest waves in the world,” gears up to host the 2024 Paris Olympics surf competition . Spectators can watch the event on giant screens at celebration sites across the island, such as Jardin de Paofai, Papara Beach Break, and Marina of Punui. The rest of French Polynesia , a sublime blue territory of 118 islands, is continuing its dedication to sustainability over mass tourism. Keen to bill itself as a regenerative destination, Coral Gardeners, an ocean conservation group, is in the process of planting one million heat-resilient corals worldwide by 2025. It’s also working on upcycling abandoned pearl farms for coral restoration on Ahe, an atoll northeast of Tahiti. Hotels across the jumble of islands are also getting spruced up, with a flurry of rejuvenations, starting in Bora Bora. In January 2024, the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora will launch a botanical tour highlighting its carefully preserved native flora and fauna, followed by the reopening of Le Meridien as Westin Bora Bora in mid-2024.

Looking forward to 2025, on the Tuamotu Islands, Le Tikehau will reopen as a Relais Chateaux property, and the Kia Ora Resort & Spa in Rangiroa is renovating to include overwater bungalows. – Kaila Yu

Accra, Ghana

Go for: the heart of a pan-African cultural renaissance, Indigenous pop-up dinners, Afrobeats

Accra continues to draw travellers with a surge of cool new pop-up restaurants, museums, and the pilgrimage-worthy music festival, AfroFuture (previously Afrochella).

Accra has steadily been cementing its reputation as the continent’s capital of cool, and a reimagination of pan-African heritage has ignited the city’s foodies. Leading the way is the Ghana Food Movement , a network of food change makers intent on surfacing the sexy in sustainable food. With the May 2024 opening of its Link-up Kitchen in the buzzing Osu neighbourhood, this meeting place–cum–test kitchen will house the Movement’s popular Dine and Dance series, where young chefs highlight local ingredients in multicourse dinners before getting down to beats by local DJs. The hub will also host pop-ups featuring up-and-coming chefs and Indigenous menus, such as those offered by Abena Offeh-Gyimah, whose food tours spotlight heirloom ingredients and a “reconnection to ancestral ways of eating.” This year also sees chef Selassie Atadika of Midunu resuming her Nomadic Dinners celebrating African ingredients, as well as quarterly chocolate tastings of her gorgeous bonbons inspired by flavours like beriberi chili and Cape Malay spice. After dinner, you’ll find the balmy West African capital’s electric club scene spoils you for choice. While the Grammys have just come to the party (the awards will feature a Best African Music Performance category for the first time, in 2024), locals have been lighting it up at festivals like Chale Wote Street Art Festival (August) and AfroFuture (previously Afrochella ; December) for years. Should you find time to sleep, the December 2023 opening of the 145-room Hilton Accra Cantonments marks the brand’s debut in Ghana.

Looking ahead: A state-of-the-art cultural institution is coming just outside the city as well. Enriched by voices from the diaspora, an overdue zeitgeist to reclaim African narratives finds a physical home in the Pan African Heritage Museum , which has begun construction and will open in 2025 or 2026. Located on 10 lush acres in Winneba (40 miles from Accra), the space’s first offerings will include a music amphitheater, a youth innovation centre, and a food court. Like all its planned exhibits (you can digitally preview the collection), these will both showcase and connect the continent’s rich history and cultures to its contemporary global might. – Lee Middleton

Go for: new cruises leading to ancient ruins, and a burst of artsy openings

Luna Zorro Studio, which sells artisan textiles, will open a boutique with a two-bedroom casita for rent in October 2024, in Antigua.

Across the country, new art, cultural, and community spaces beg travellers to venture beyond ancient ruins like Tikal – and stay awhile.

When National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions launch their new Belize to Tikal itinerary in January 2024, travellers may be tempted to tack on a few days ashore Belize’s white sand beaches and palm-dotted islands. But Guatemala, home to the jungle-shrouded Mayan ruins of Tikal, is the extension not to skip. The country’s mix of rich Indigenous and colonial history, staggering natural beauty, and now expanding infrastructure for tourism in the form of restaurants, hotels, and tours makes 2024 the year to explore Guatemala in earnest. In the charming city of Antigua, the world class MUNAG (National Museum of Art Guatemala) , which covers 3,000 years of heritage through a contemporary lens, is now open, and a second-phase unveiling is expected imminently. Nearby, the team behind Luna Zorro studio – known for merging traditional craftsmanship with modern textile design and crafting boutique trips throughout Guatemala in collaboration with El Camino Travel – is renovating a historic property into La Valiente: It will house a Luna Zorro boutique and a coffee-and-wine bar in the front, with a two-bedroom casita for rent in the back, all set to open in October 2024. Café No Sé , meanwhile, an anchor of the old city that’s touted as the first mezcal bar outside of Mexico , will continue to honour “20-ish” years of being in business with events and live music. A flush of new art spaces, like Aura Galerías , and innovative restaurants continue to characterise the capital of Guatemala City.

Air carriers have taken notice of the increasing interest in this destination – in December 2023, Alaska will begin daily service from Los Angeles to Guatemala City, marking a new year-round route for the airline. Delta is bumping up access to Latin America in general and upping the frequency of winter flights from its Atlanta hub to Guatemala. – Ali Wunderman

The Kimberley, Australia

Go for : pristine wilderness newly accessible by cruise, First Nations cultural immersions

The Kimberley's hard-to-reach waterways, spectacular coastlines, and ancient rock art sites will soon welcome fresh visitors, thanks to an influx of new cruise lines in 2024.

Western Australia’s remote Kimberley is one of the world’s last wild frontiers, known for its untouched wilderness of towering ochre cliffs, cornflower blue waters, and ancient Aboriginal rock-art sites. But it’s always been difficult to explore. That’s about to change, because in 2024, this region is set to welcome an influx of cruise lines, keen to make the most of the region’s hard-to-reach waterways. Seabourn will cruise the Kimberley for the first time with Seabourn Pursuit ; Ponant has deployed its all-new Le Jacques-Cartier to join sister vessel Le Lapérouse from May 2024; and from June 2024, Silversea will replace Silver Explorer with Silver Cloud to increase capacity. Not to be outdone, Scenic’s Scenic Eclipse II will become the only ship in the region with two helicopters onboard for flightseeing and excursions. Her first Kimberley voyage will take place in May.

In Broome, a coastal town and a gateway to the Kimberley, tourism projects are heating up too. Tipping its hat at the pearling history of the region, Salty Plum Social is making plenty of noise with its new Pearling Master’s Trek which, after its inaugural walk in 2023, kicks off with regular tours from April 2024. Plus, leading tour operators have joined forces to launch Aboriginal Culture Expedition , a four-night itinerary that includes participation in First Nations experiences in and around iconic Cable Beach and Roebuck Bay – the first of its 2024 tours debuts in May. A top tip: relax with a native-ingredient craft beer, courtesy of the all-new part-Aboriginal-owned 4,500-square-meter Spinifex Brewery Cable Beach . Improving access to this incredible region is Nexus Airlines , which has joined Airnorth in servicing regional Western Australia with its first Broome-Kununurra-Darwin route – and with further services scheduled for 2024. – Dilvin Yasa

Kobe, Japan

Go for: high design with a sense of place

Kobe, Japan, is best known for its eponymous beef – and design-forward spaces, like the new Officine Universelle Buly skincare shop, are creatively building on this heritage.

Though Kobe's richest pleasures are earthly – beef, sake, and hot springs, for starters – the view from Kobe Port Tower, which will reopen in early 2024, lets travellers take the city in from above.

Sandwiched between steep mountains and sparkling seas in southwestern Japan , the port city of Kobe is seriously strengthening its design credentials. Taking centre stage is Vague Kobe , a new creative space by Teruhiro Yanagihara Studio (TYS). Spanning the upper levels of an elegant former 1930s bank, it houses a gallery, bookstore, café, wine bar, flower shop, and design studio. In a perfectly measured showcase of contemporary Japanese design – and a reflection of Kobe’s seafaring heritage – renovated interiors combine crafted walls of traditional Japanese plasterwork and clean minimalist lines with large windows, stone floors, and ornate tilework.

Further proof of Kobe’s design ascendency was the arrival of French artisanal perfume and skincare brand Officine Universelle Buly in mid-2023, its shop and café interiors flamboyantly layered in signature style – from Kobe beef-inspired expanses of red-veined marble to chocolate-like lacquerware and “dripping” lamps. Recent plans by Trunk , arguably Tokyo’s hippest hotel group, to make Kobe the setting for its first hotel outside the capital is further evidence of the city’s prominence. And Kobe Port Tower – a panoramic observation deck on the shores of Osaka Bay – will reopen in early 2024 with a string of new facilities, including a new museum showcasing light-themed artworks and a fancy 360-degree revolving café bar. – Danielle Demetriou

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Go for: a watershed moment for exclusive camps in a unique landscape

A wave of new safari lodges – including a two-years-only temporary camp – make a visit to the Okavango Delta more desirable, and pressing, than ever.

Go. Go now. Because if you’ve always dreamed of discovering Botswana ’s Okavango Delta, where seasonal floodwaters transform parched sands into a filigree of shimmering channels, right now is when you’ll be spoiled for choice. A surge in demand, coupled with a proactive approach to developing community-owned concessions, has led to a flush of new lodges across the world’s largest inland delta.

Take Sitatunga Private Island , or Natural Selection’s North Island Okavango , where just three tented suites rest on an island beneath wild ebony trees. Natural Selection will add to their portfolio in May 2024 with a new build: Tawana . Set in the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve, this partnership with the chief of the local Batawana tribe will offer eight thatched suites amid the grasslands lining the perennial Gomoti River. Each stay is at least 1,000 square feet in size and comes with a private plunge pool and terrace.

Water is gold in the Delta, and this past year, African Bush Camps (ABC) opened the riverside Khwai Lediba . But our eye is really on Atzaro Okavango , slated for a March 2024 debut: It’s the third Icon camp in the Delta for ABC, with 10 lagoon-side suites promising impressive levels of Delta luxe and a strong sense of place through design (both markers of the Icon portfolio).

If you’re feeling adventurous, look east to the untapped Mababe marshlands and the brand-new Wilderness Mokete (opening mid-2024) for a fresh look at under-canvas exploration – out with plush campaign-style furnishings and in with geometric lines and contemporary decor. But be quick: Mokete will only stand for two years before being replaced by a new-build permanent camp set to open in 2026. – Richard Holmes

Go for: biodiversity, castaway vibes, and water sports

Miavana in Madagascar exemplifies the island's allure with water sports, adventures through baobab forests, and jaw-dropping views.

In 2024, it will become easier to travel between remote destinations across Madagascar, thanks to a new flight circuit and cruise itineraries.

An otherworldly land of undiscovered species and bizarre biological riches, the rugged, remote Indian Ocean isle of Madagascar has always promised to upend visitors’ senses and logistical prowess. Happily, the latter is changing as the pioneers responsible for some of the continent’s finest conservation tourism offerings are upping the ante on the world’s fourth largest island. Located inside the essentially unvisited Namoroka National Park, Namoroka Tsingy Exploration Camp’s mid-2024 opening makes seven luxury safari tents your portal to a landscape of baobabs jutting from the formations of limestone knives known as tsingy and populated by lemurs that haven’t learned to fear people.

More of a coastal explorer? Look no further than Masoala Forest Lodge , which recently launched a Blue Lagoon Expedition trip in 2022. Paddling the breathtaking rainforest- and mangrove-fringed Antongil Bay, kayakers en route to a magical island campsite will share pellucid waters with migrating humpback whales and schools of reef fish. If that’s a touch too rugged, Time + Tide’s Miavana – arguably the Platonic ideal of exclusive island luxury – is launching a kiteboarding centre and new mainland excursions (think quad biking through baobab forests), in January 2024 and March 2024 respectively, for those who enjoy a splash of adrenaline in their bliss cocktail.

Finally – and critically – 2024 sees access to the Red Island expanding. Masoala Forest Lodge and Madagascar Classic Collection are starting a new flight circuit that will link choice remote destinations, like Andasibe, Namoroka, and Masoala parks, and luxe cruise lines like Silversea , Lindblad , Swan Hellenic , and Seabourne have added the country as a port of call on new voyages. – Lee Middleton

Magdalena River, Colombia

Go for: scenic river cruises with a big hit of culture

The Magdalena River, lined with history and charming towns like Mompox (pictured above), is about to become the buzziest river cruising destination in South America, thanks to two new itineraries from AmaWaterways launching in 2024.

Immortalised in Gabriel García Márquez’s classic Love in the Time of Cholera, the Magdalena River is Colombia’s largest and most important waterway. Running 930 miles from the snowcapped Andes through fertile valleys and into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean , it's the economic and cultural heart of the country. However, for many travellers, the mighty Magdalena has been off the radar.

But courtesy of luxe river-cruise company AmaWaterways , two different ships will kick off voyages in the future: AmyMagdalena , in November 2024, and AmaMelodia , in January 2025. Both ships will sail the Magic of Colombia itinerary, from Barranquilla to Cartagena , and the Wonders of Colombia itinerary, from Cartagena to Barranquilla – each taking passengers upriver to the UNESCO-designated city of Mompox , founded in 1540, where riverfront plazas and ornate churches await in this lost-in-time pueblo mágico.

Along the way, the three-story ships, which come with rooftop sun decks and balconies, stop for birdwatching and hiking. What really sets this river sailing apart from those in the Amazon River , though, is its focus on culture: From musical explorations in the town of Palenque , the first “free” town founded by formerly enslaved people in the Americas, to jazz concerts in Mompox and a special Colombian Carnaval celebration in Barranquilla, this is a journey into the exuberant heart of Colombian life.

Fly via Cartagena, with its world-class beaches, dining, and nightlife – not to mention the new Casa Pestagua hotel , situated in a lavishly restored 17th-century palace – for a soft landing before or after the cruise. There are a number of existing nonstop flights from the US, including an increase in weekly flights from Atlanta via Delta as of October 2023. – Ocean Malandra

Go for: improved access, unique cultural festivals, and unscripted adventure

The rich heritage and staggering landscapes of Mongolia have captured the hearts of many travellers – but new lodges, immersive cultural experiences, and the first-ever direct flight to the US, coming in 2024, prove that adventure doesn't always have to mean rugged.

Mongolia has long been the destination for thrill-seeking adventure travellers – as participants in the wonderfully chaotic Mongol Rally will attest – but the country is expanding beyond that niche as its tourism board sets its sights on attracting one million tourists per year. In 2023, the country launched visa-free travel for a further 34 nationalities – bringing the total up to 61 – in a campaign that is set to run until 2025.

The launch of new luxury lodges, cultural tours, and the announcement of the country’s first ever direct US flight, coming in 2024 to the $650-million Chinggis Khaan International Airport, further signal Mongolia’s tourism ambitions.

Following the success of the rugged-but-chic Three Camel Lodge , Mongolia’s luxury accommodation options are expanding with places such as Yeruu Lodge , which opened in 2023. Offbeat cultural experiences are one of the most compelling reasons to visit the country’s vast, rugged expanses and local operator Breanna Wilson offers some of the best. After a successful season of horse trekking and the Naadam Festival – a colourful display of strength, horsemanship, and marksmanship – in 2023, Wilson is expanding her 2024 tours to include a digital nomad week, a women-only retreat in Orkhon Valley, and a three-day archery training session with Namnaa Academy , an organisation that began reviving the ancient art of mounted archery in 2020. – Ali Wunderman

Northern Rivers, Australia

Go for : adaptive surfing, immersive hiking, and stylish ranches

A flurry of design-led hotel openings in Byron Bay will follow the lead of Sun Ranch, and range from equestrian-style ranches to breezy seaside hideaways.

Spread across 55 acres in Byron Bay, Sun Ranch pays homage to the iconic Californian ranch houses of the 1970s.

Made up of a patchwork of coastal towns and linked via scenic drives that take you along stunning Pacific beaches, lush valleys, and rainforests, this region has long been a popular destination for road-tripping, surfing, and trekking. Though devastated by apocalyptic floods in 2022, this northeastern corner of New South Wales is making a comeback. The region’s recovery was boosted in 2023 with the opening of the first stage of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail , which, when completed in the coming years, will link Byron Shire with a string of hinterland towns via an 82-mile mixed-use pathway. Also threading through this abundant region shaped by a now-extinct volcano is a new multiday hiking trail. Slated for a mid-2024 opening, the 24-mile Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk (meaning “old people’s track” in the local Bundjalung Aboriginal language) will pass through ancient traditional lands forming part of the World Heritage–listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.

A highlight in March: the wave-lashed town of Byron Bay is set to host the 2024 Australian Pro Adaptive Surfing Championship , the country’s first international event for surfers with disabilities. Supporting all of this is a flurry of hotel openings in the region. Following Swell Hotel and California-style Sun Ranch in Byron Bay, Copperstone by the Range Estates will open its equestrian-style ranch in nearby Bangalow in early 2024, while in Yamba on the southern fringe of the Northern Rivers, designer and stylist Sheree Commerford’s breezy seaside inn Il Delfino is slated to open early 2024. – Sarah Reid

Quebec, Canada

Go for : off-the-beaten-track nature and cultural immersion

Come summer, Inuit-owned Ungava Polar Eco-Tours will explore unpopulated islands like Gyrfalcon Islands in Ungava Bay.

From musk ox sightings to some of the highest tidal elevations, Quebec's northernmost regions offer unparalleled natural immersion.

The largest of Canada’s 10 provinces, Quebec offers a vast stage for wide-ranging Indigenous-led experiences, from sipping beer at a Mohawk-run brewery near the US border to polar bear–watching with Inuit guides in the far north. Nunavik, Quebec’s northernmost region and homeland of the Inuit, has long been off most travellers’ radars, but new experiences offer immersion into both nature and culture.

Starting in summer 2024, Inuit-owned Ungava Polar Eco-Tours will offer five-day adventures to the uninhabited Gyrfalcon Islands in Ungava Bay. There, visitors will be able to spot wildlife from polar bears to musk ox and caribou, as well as experience some of the highest tidal elevations in the world. Even more wildlife-viewing experiences will become available in the summer when the Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation opens the Putep 't-awt observation site, providing a one-of-a-kind land-based location to view a beluga whale nursery on the St. Lawrence River.

Visitors to the Quebec City region can look forward to refreshed experiences in the Huron-Wendat community of Wendake, where, in summer 2023, the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations opened 24 new and renovated suites, and Sagamité restaurant in Old Wendake reopened after a nearly five-year closure and with plans to add a microbrewery and pub in 2024. While you’re in Quebec, definitely don’t miss the Contemporary Native Art Biennial , which will be held across Montreal throughout the year. – Karin Gardiner

Quito, Ecuador

Go for: a city on the rise

Quito is catching up to culinary neighbour Lima with spots like Nuema, where award-winning chef and co-owner Pia Salazar blends sweet and savory ingredients.

Opposites also attract in the heart of Quito. Modern architecture lives alongside a UNESCO-anointed colonial centre – in late 2023, an all-new metro will better connect the city's various parts.

Quito is finally getting its due. The city’s mile-high skyline got a lot higher thanks to the work of architects like Bjarke Ingels Group, whose 32-story IQON tower (completed in 2022) is now the city’s tallest. It's just one of several projects to come from Ecuadorian development firm Uribe Schwarzkopf , in its ongoing effort to mature the ancient Andean city into an unlikely new hub of contemporary architecture. That’s no small feat considering that Quito stands atop both the ruins of a pre-Columbian settlement and an earthquake-prone high plateau and is anchored by an untouchable colonial centre with UNESCO status. But a new generation of Ecuadorian and international creatives are pushing the city toward the future - and not just for the sake of visitors.

Moving things along in that direction, an all-new metro system will be inaugurated in late 2023, with 15 stations spanning from Quitumbe in the southern part of the city to El Labrador in the north. New hotels have been slower to arrive, but one standout is the affordable 151-room Go Quito Hotel , which opened in June 2023 with a rooftop bar-restaurant, spa, sauna, pool, and airy rooms offering unbeatable views of the city. Meanwhile, Quito’s dining scene is finally catching up to culinary neighbour Lima. Buzzy new restaurants include Cardó , where Chef Adrián Escardó makes octopus bacon and suckling pig with naranjilla sauce; Aura , which leans into native Ecuadorian ingredients like Mashua honey and Manaba cheese from the coast; and Nuema , where chef and co-owner Pia Salazar’s sweet-salty hybrid desserts – think pastries with leek with lemon verbena and tonka bean, and white seaweed with black garlic – won her World’s Best Pastry Chef 2022, a first for Quito and Ecuador, and 2023. – Adam H. Graham

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Go for: stargazing, a luxe stay, and a superbloom in a new national park

San Pedro de Atacama is known for its geographical wonders, from snowcapped volcanic mountains, to shimmering lakes with flamingos – and now, a boutique hotel from Habitas complements the dramatic desert surrounds.

With its bronzed, dusty roadways and handcrafted adobe dwellings, Chile ’s oldest village has captivated adventurous visitors for decades. But now, the soulful oasis of San Pedro de Atacama is securing the spotlight as Chile’s northern star, with a variety of travellers eager to experience its rugged-chic vibe. After all, this celestial city is a hotbed of geographical wonders, with snowcapped volcanic mountains in the world’s driest nonpolar region, high-altitude lagoons dotting the Andean desert, and dazzling salt flats.

Wildlife lovers flock to Los Flamencos National Reserve for up-close encounters with the world’s rarest flamingos and native vicuñas. And the surreal, dramatic scenery of the steaming El Tatio Geysers at sunrise can only be rivaled by the fiery palette of the Valle de Catarpe canyons at dusk. In 2024, El Niño is likely to spark an extraordinary Atacama superbloom inside Chile’s new national park, Desierto Florido .

Under the clearest skies on the planet, backyard astronomers can explore the cosmos on ethereal stargazing tours . The ALMA Observatory , poised at an atmosphere-topping 16,000 feet, promises expert-led interstellar experiences. But the most otherworldly excursion might be traversing the Valle de la Luna's inhospitable yet magically serene moonscape environment. Earthly travellers can seek solace in the area’s newest luxe property, Habitas Atacama . Opened in September 2023, the elite outdoorsy design guarantees a memorable stay before you jet off to glimpse Easter Island’s annular solar eclipse in October. – Colleen Kelly

Santa Fe, US

Go for : Indigenous design spotlights, a brand new museum, and the 100th anniversary of a beloved cultural event

Old Man Gloom meets his fiery end at the Burning of the Zozobra, a beloved annual cultural event in Santa Fe that turns 100 in 2024.

Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed film Oppenheimer may have sparked new interest in Santa Fe, the closest town of note to Los Alamos, but the New Mexican capital has held its own for centuries. One of the oldest cities in the country, it’s known for its adobe-style architecture, storied arts institutions (including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum ), and vibrant mix of Native American, Mexican, and Spanish cultures.

Fresh art and cultural programming with an emphasis on Indigenous efforts makes 2024 a banner year to visit. From May 2 to 5, the Southwestern Association for American Indian Arts will launch the inaugural Santa Fe Indigenous Fashion Week to showcase Indigenous designers, artists, and runway models. Indigenous Art Fair Contemporary , a gallery show spotlighting present-day Native American art, is slated to roll out August 15 to 18 as well, timed to the renowned Santa Fe Indian Market; and a two-block walk away, FaraHNHeight , a Native American–, First Nations–, and Indigenous-forward gallery, is new on the scene and well worth a visit. Travellers visiting before the end of April can catch “Shadow and Light,” the debut exhibition at Vladem Contemporary , the first major museum building to open in The City Different in more than a decade. (Part of the New Mexico Museum of Art , the 38,000-square-foot space is the latest anchor to join the Santa Fe Railyard arts district.)

Furthermore, 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the Burning of the Zozobra , a beloved cultural tradition that brings to mock-trial a 50-foot effigy known as Old Man Gloom. The marionette, which is stuffed with paper “glooms” such as old love letters, speeding tickets, and divorce summons, is dramatically set ablaze after dark – a moment of catharsis that encourages locals and visitors alike to release their worries and start anew. – Ashlea Halpern

South Island, New Zealand

Go for : laid-back wilderness experiences, immersive Māori history

At the end of the year, the ultra-luxury Flockhill Lodge will unveil 14 new villas and an onsite restaurant under the direction of an acclaimed chef.

With snow-capped peaks and 36,000 acres of wilderness at its doorstep, Flockhill is a fitting representation of South Island's exceptional allure.

With its lush rainforests and aquamarine lakes framed by snowcapped peaks, New Zealand ’s South Island is steeped in superlatives – and United Airlines’ new nonstop service from San Francisco to Christchurch starting December 1 will make it all the easier to immerse yourself in it. In October 2024, the 38-mile-long Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track will become New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk. Offering panoramic views of Fiordland, it features mountaintop accommodations, like Okaka Lodge and Port Craig Lodge, that offer amenities not always found on other Great Walks, including hot showers, king-size beds, and even pack transfers by helicopter.

In Queenstown, the nine-mile Wharehuanui Trail – set to open in late 2024 – will connect the 19th-century gold-mining town of Arrowtown to the suburb of Arthurs Point. And on the West Coast, the multimillion-dollar project Pounamu Pathway , the driving route from Haast to Westport, will bring Māori history to life with four new immersive (and interconnected) visitor centres. Scheduled along the journey, they were developed by Wētā Workshop, the visual effects studio behind Lord of the Rings, and the Ngāi Tahu tribe. Launching in 2023 and opening in stages, the first to debut will be Māwhera/Greymouth in mid-December 2023, followed by Kawatiri/Westport in February 2024, Awarua/Haast in mid-2024, and lastly Hokitika in the final quarter of 2025.

Those looking for a more laid-back wilderness experience will find it here too. At the end of 2024, Flockhill , the ultra-luxury lodge in Arthur’s Pass, will expand on its offerings with 14 new villas and an on-site restaurant with acclaimed Kiwi chef Taylor Cullen at the helm. Until then, check in to one of the recently refurbished premium rooms at the historic Hermitage Hotel in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park . – Jessica Wynne Lockhart

Upstate New York, US

Go for : bucolic lodging, winter adventures, and exceptional stargazing

Exceptional new lodgings like Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection make the Hudson Valley – once primarily an escape for New York City dwellers – a top draw for travellers from further afield.

Sought out year-round for its vibrant small towns, nature preserves, culinary hot spots – and its proximity to New York City – the region is humming with new opportunities for travellers to surrender themselves to its legendary landscapes in 2024.

In the Hudson Valley, New York State Parks will celebrate the centennial of the founding of the statewide park and historic-site system. Community events and special performances are on the calendar, plus discounts on park admission fees and new opportunities to volunteer. Also in 2024, the much-loved Storm King Art Centre debuts new hospitality pavilions, a conservation and fabrication facility, and ADA-accessible pathways. And in the summer, the 160-acre Klocke Estates will open its doors, with artisanal brandy and stunning views of the Catskills.

When it comes to exceptional lodgings, the Hudson Valley has seen a wave of hospitality projects since 2020. From the aesthetic delight that is Habitas-on-Hudson, near Rhinebeck, to Inness, the chic all-in-one getaway in Accord, to Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection, a bucolic escape in the shadow of the iconic Shawangunk Mountains, the region has gone from being a New Yorker-favourite to a top draw for travellers from further afield. And there are fresh digs to look forward to in the year ahead. The Front Boutique Hotel in Port Jervis is opening in May with a 120-seat restaurant and easy access to 50 miles of trails; and in the spring, famed wellness haven The Ranch opens its first East Coast property.

About three hours away by car, the Adirondacks' towering peaks replace the Hudson river valleys. Its majestic forests, farmlands, mountains, and meadows make up a fifth of the state, and the region will be in the path of totality of April’s solar eclipse. Go stargazing at the Adirondack Sky Centre , or use the website of the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism for self-guided viewing. You can also walk, bike, snowshoe, or snowmobile along the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail , which will be completed over the course of 2025. And on Whiteface Mountain, one of the five Adirondack High Peaks, a detachable quad lift launching just in time for ski season allows you to access more slopes than ever before. For a peaceful getaway, stay at the Lodge at Schroon Lake , which reopened in June 2023 after an extensive $21 million renovation, or NewVida Preserve , a new members club meets traveller’s oasis on 2,000 acres with 360-degree mountaintop views. – Robin Catalano

Best in Travel 2024

Press play. then plan..

The Best in Travel for your bookshelf

The top 10 countries, cities, regions, value destinations and sustainable spots around the world right now.

Let a local expert craft your dream trip

Elsewhere's local experts can handle the planning to create your perfect itinerary.

All of Best in Travel 2024