If you’re anything like me as soon as the celebrations and fireworks of New Year’s end the search is on for my next great trip. I reached out to some of my best travel blogger bud for their suggestions on the top destinations for 2024 and the response was overwhelming. The destinations on this year’s list span the globe; from the Scandinavia to Indonesia and throughout the US, these places will surely inspire your wanderlust. Without further ado, here is where to travel in 2024.
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Banff National Park, Canada
Banff National Park tops many travel wish lists and for good reason. Stunning mountains are dotted with breathtaking glacial lakes and blanketed with evergreens as far as the eye can see. Whether you choose to view the Canadian Rockies from the comfort of your car or go on an epic hike there is an adventure for everyone. Make sure to stop by Lake Moraine, one of Banff’s most famous glacial blue lakes, before checking out the palatial Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Yours truly, Brianna Simmons – The Casual Travelist
Faroe Islands
Visit the Faroe Islands in 2024! The islands, between Scotland and Iceland, are stunningly beautiful, with waterfalls, tiny villages and sheep everywhere. It’s the best of the north Atlantic, and there aren’t many visitors. The lack of tourism isn’t because of inaccessibility – the islands are only an hour and a half from Reykjavik – but because of the lack of a highly-developed tourist infrastructure. There are hotels and lodges, but not many. There are rental cars, but not a lot. That means that if you book your lodging and car well in advance, you’ll arrive at a spot that doesn’t feel touristy, and hopefully never will.
We loved hiking everywhere and simply driving and exploring. You can reach six islands via a network of bridges and tunnels (including some one-lane, two-direction tunnels, which are…interesting), and there are ferries and helicopters for reaching the other islands. Mykines was our favorite destination. Most people take a ferry over in the morning, hike to the lighthouse among thousands of puffins, and then return in the afternoon. However there’s a B&B with room for four that offers evening hikes, where it’s just you and the puffins at sunset – magical!
Eric Stoen- Travel Babbo
Coron, Phillipines
If you haven’t been to the incredible islands of Palawan in the Philippines, put it on your list for 2024. Located on the western side of the country, these islands are true paradise, from its gorgeous beaches, lush jungles, Filipino food and culture, and adventure. There are two regions you must seek out while in Palawan – Coron and El Nido.
Coron is honestly one of our favorite places in the entire world. Besides its majestic beaches, its known for it’s WWII shipwrecks that can be found below the surface. We highly recommend taking a dive tour to see these. Above the surface, make sure to visit the famous Kayangan Lake, known as the clearest lake in Asia.
El Nido is just as dreamy, with its dramatic rock formations and bright blue waters. Get ready to spend a lot of time in and on the water here! Some of our favorite spots include the Secret and Large Lagoon, Secret Beach and Snake Island.
Hannah and Adam Lucaszkeiwicz – Getting Stamped
Cannon Beach, Oregon
If you’re looking for beaches, adventure, and amazing landscapes, the town of Cannon Beach along the Oregon Coast’s Highway 101 is an essential place to visit in 2024! Located on the west coast of the United States, this darling seaside town has everything you need for a relaxing time by the ocean. From coastal accommodations, local seafood, and artisan coffee, you’ll get the full Pacific Northwest experience right here.
Cannon Beach is located just 1.5 hours from Portland, making it an excellent weekend destination for West Coasters. One of its most notable features is the iconic Haystack Rock, a large sea stack home to many bird species including the Tufted Puffin! You can also explore the nearby Ecola State Park for amazing ocean views, and even take an afternoon drive to visit the famous Tillamook Cheese Factory. Come with your furry friend too, because Cannon Beach is pet-friendly! You’ll find many families playing fetch on the beach, and enjoying the sunset together for a perfect evening on the Pacific Ocean.
Flights to Cannon Beach, Oregon
Emily Mandagie- The Mandagies
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh might just be the most underrated European capital city. With a rich cultural history, stunning landmarks, and an amazing festival scene, it should be at the top of everyone’s must visit list.
The main attraction is Edinburgh Castle towering over the city upon Castle Rock. It lies at one end of The Royal Mile, a mostly pedestrian friendly street that runs all the way to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, home to the Queen of England in Scotland. This entire area is beautiful to explore day and night, with stunning views of the city from all angles.
There are so many things to do in Edinburgh for kids and adults alike. If royal history isn’t your thing, try hiking Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill for city views, or head to the Underground Vaults, dark and damp underground tunnels dating to the 18th century. Edinburgh also has Princes Street Gardens, two public parks below the castle that are perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls. Nearby Dean Village is also a popular spot for exploring this charming city and its architecture.
Edinburgh’s food scene is so much more than haggis and black pudding. We found Spanish tapas, Chinese dumplings, and some of the best charcuterie boards. Foodies will not be disappointed with the wealth of options in Edinburgh, and visitors will ask themselves, “Why haven’t we been here before”?
Flights to Edinburgh, Scotland
Kirsten Maxwell – Kids Are a Trip
Saint Augustine, Florida
Saint Augustine, Florida is an often overlooked beach destination. The city itself is the oldest in the USA and it chalked full of narrow alleys and courtyards, a Spanish fort and some of the best food in Florida. The beaches of St Augustine… Amazing! Saint Augustine is the perfect beach vacation for families of all ages -this is THE destination for finding shark teeth on the Atlantic as well and enjoying sugar sand beach and endless kayaking and boating opportunities.
Saint Augustine, Florida Hotels
Flights to Saint Augustine, Florida
Rob Taylor- 2 Travel Dads
Hanoi, Vietnam
When it comes to places in Asia to explore, Hanoi, Vietnam should be on the top of everybody’s list. This Southeast Asian city is a popular destination for affordable world travel, and is teeming with history and culture. Hanoi can be chaotic at times, but it’s also a city filled with beauty and charm.
Visitors can walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the city’s historical urban core, and marvel at the hustle and bustle of shops and restaurants. Alternatively, a visit to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long can give travelers a glimpse into ancient Vietnamese history, as well as the country’s more recent war history.
For food lovers, Hanoi is a great starting off point for exploring Vietnamese cuisine. Take a street food tour to learn the stories behind popular dishes like bahn mi or bun cha. Or try egg coffee, a Vietnamese drink made with coffee and frothed egg yolks. In the evening take a stroll through Beer Street and see the streets come alive with travelers and buskers.
Astrid Vinje- The Wandering Daughter
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is the gateway to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, but there is so much to do in Jackson Hole and there is always time to explore these national treasures later. For an unforgettable summer glamping experience in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Fireside Resort is a perfectly appointed haven of 25 tiny luxury homes in the center of everything this famed resort community has to offer. Complete with your own private campfire, this property is also practically equidistant (you’ll average five minutes per car trip, depending on the traffic) to Jackson’s downtown hub and Teton Village, which surrounds the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. In Jackson, be sure to suit up for Snow King Resort’s Treetop Adventure with seven ropes courses of family fun. At Teton Village, board the Jackson Hole Ariel Tram for a 360-degree views of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole Valley with a twelve minute and 139 vertical feet ride to the top of the mountain. Then take the Bridger Gondola for cocktail hour and a famed summer sunset on The Deck @ Piste or grab a ground level view at The Handle Bar-Four Seasons Jackson Hole with delicious patio dining and whiskey sipping.
Flights to Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Lynn Pattnosh- Concierge Questionaire
Riga, Latvia
If off the beaten path in Europe is your desire, then Riga, Latvia is your destination. Still a relatively undiscovered destination by western travelers, the capital city of Riga straddles the old and new. The old – it’s Old City is a UNESCO world heritage site where wanderers can get lost for hours in a small centre and the new – the majority of the city is cosmopolitan, modern and brilliant boasting a modern public transit system and a beautiful art nouveau district.
Riga is alive with art, history, architecture, cuisine, spirit and an unparalleled nightlife scene. Since regaining independence from the fallen USSR in 1991, the country has emerged holding its pre-13th century pagan customs mixed with a modern Europe feel. English is widely spoken and used making travel to this Baltic nation fairly easy. From Riga, the countryside beckons for day trip adventures into the wild for bog walking experiences, national parks to hike and raft, pirts for the true sauna, wineries to sip and savour, towns to dine and explore in and castles to reminisce and appreciate.
Kathryn- Kathryn Anywhere
Kenya
Kenya is one of the first countries to establish game preserves and has some of the best wildlife viewings on the continent. Add it to your 2024 Travel list and plan for a trip between June and September, when wildebeests and other animals migrate there. It is perfect for first-time safari-goers since you can see elephants, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife within a few days of safari drives. I miss waking up to the sound of animals and mornings in the plains catching the first light and the sight of animals while the Safari guide drives through the dusty African roads. And those African sunsets are as stunning as you have seen in the photos and movies.Most of the safari trips start in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital but rarely do people spend time in the city. We spent 2 days exploring the capital city before heading out on our Safari in Masai Mara and Serengeti. Set on the city’s southern outskirts, Nairobi National Park has plenty of wildlife that can, in some places, they can be viewed against a backdrop of city skyscrapers and planes coming into land. It’s one of the only national parks on earth bordering a capital city. If you loved Out of Africa, the book or the movie, you’ll want to visit the museum where the author Karen Blixen lived between 1914 and 1931.
Priya Vin- Outside Suburbia
Prague, Czech Republic
If a trip to Central Europe for a visit to Prague, Czech Republic isn’t a part of your travel plans for 2024, there are several reasons why it’s time to add it to the list. A visit to Prague will not only give you the opportunity to visit the largest castle in the world, but also the oldest operating astronomical clock in the world, and one of the oldest bridges in Europe. The Prague Castle dates back to the ninth century and covers an impressive 17 acres. Additionally, during World War II the Germans planned to use Prague as a Jewish Museum so most of the city was spared. Since the majority of the city was untouched, the city is a unique blend of Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture that has been preserved for several centuries. Despite the many compelling reasons to visit Prague and its popularity amongst tourists, Prague remains one of the cheapest capital cities in Europe. And if you still need another reason to add Prague to your 2024 travel plans, there are quite a few festivals in Prague worth checking out, including one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe.
Flights to Prague, Czech Republic
Julie DenOuden- Girl on the Move
Yosemite National Park, California
If you go anywhere is 2024, let it be Yosemite National Park. The outstandingly beautiful glacier valley is located in the heart of California, in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It is famous for its iconic backdrops, astonishing wildlife and thrill seeking hiking trails. It is no wonder the park attracts well over 4 million visitors each year.
The park has many notable spots and attractions, my favourite being Tunnel View, the Mist Trail and Tuolumne Grove. The captivating scenery of Tunnel View is capable of taking your breath away in a matter of seconds. The scenic spot offers a panoramic viewpoint of some of Yosemite’s most famous natural features like El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall. The mist trail allows hikers to get up close and personal with the stunning Vernal Falls. In the colder months, be sure to bring a change of clothes as the spray from the waterfall is sure to get you wet. Tuolumne Grove is home to some of the world’s tallest trees, the giant Sequoias. All three spots are the perfect addition to your Yosemite itinerary. A visit to Yosemite National Park is a once in a lifetime opportunity and one you should definitely add to your 2024 bucket list.
Flights to Yosemite, California
Laura Barton – Live Adventure Travel
Jaipur, India
Known as the Royal seat of India, Jaipur city in the state of Rajasthan is a traveler’s delight. Made popular by local tourists as well as many international travelers from around the years, Jaipur is a must see for anyone visiting India. Jaipur is known as the pink city for its pink buildings, palaces and incredibly beautiful architecture. Jaipur is a vibrant city that caters to any kind of traveler. From elaborate seven star hotels to small boutique homestays finding a place to stay is never an issue. With places like Hawa Mahal (wind palace), Amer Fort, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal (water palace) and many other old historic sites, you can easily spend two to three days just exploring the city. Jaipur is a rapidly growing city so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get around places. While transportation is not a problem with options like private cars (arranged by the hotel) to Ubers to rickshaws, try and spend time walking to old markets and bazaars to get a feel for what the city is really like from a local’s perspective. And make sure to try the famous Rajasthani cuisine. Traditional dishes like Laal Maas (which is said to have originated from the Rajput kings) is iconic to Jaipur.
Kathrika Gupta – Culturally Ours
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Costa Rica should definitely be on your travel list for 2024. Costa Rica and the Manuel Antonio area is well known for its unique biodiversity, wildlife, and ecotourism. Visitors will delight with warm waters along the Pacific coast and a variety of activities including parasailing, catamaran tours, fishing, snorkeling and kayaking through mangroves. Wildlife lovers will enjoy guided tours of the close by Manuel Antonio National Park with its sleepy sloths, playful monkeys swinging through the trees and toucans with their beautiful brightly colored beaks.
It is also easy to pair a visit to Manuel Antonio with other regions, including La Fortuna with its towering volcano overlooking waterfalls, hanging bridges and adventure tourism beckoning visitors. Costa Ricans pride themselves in preserving and protecting their natural resources and love to share their passion and amazing food with visitors. The best time to visit is during the dry season from December till April, a perfect pairing for holiday breaks.
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica Hotels
Flights to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Chelsea Kelly-Sipe – Pack More Into Life
Copenhagen, Denmark
If you’re like me and already planning your 2024 destinations, be sure to include a little bit of Scandinavia – a little bit of viking and aquavit never hurt anybody! The perfect place to start is Copenhagen, which has so many things to do. It’s imperial like Vienna but cool like Amsterdam. Let’s start with Danish pastries ( they are not called danish so make sure to order a wienerbrød, or Vienna bread, instead). Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s colorful central port, is the perfect place to end a long day of exploring or working.
Flights to Copenhagen, Denmark
Christopher Rudder- Rudderless Travels
Senegal
If Africa is calling you, 2024 is the year to visit Senegal – history, culture, nature, beaches, great food, friendly people and music! Yet it remains relatively unknown to American tourists. Dakar provides a bustling city life with markets, museums and live music at the night clubs – like Youssou N’Dour’s club called Thiossane. Take a morning trip to the beautiful Goree Island to see the “point of no return’ of the Western slave trade. Have lunch and return by ferry to chill at the beach with a cold La Gazelle beer.
South of Dakar, the Petite Cote offers stunning beaches with numerous villages. One is the fishing town of Toubab Dialaw with the magnificent Sobo Bade for dance, music and theater. Enjoy a sunset at their restaurant on the cliff. North of Dakar on the coast is the colonial town of Saint Louis. To honor the starting place of photography in West Africa in 1863, head out early to photograph the markets, the fishermen and the Faidherbe Bridge, designed by Mr. Eiffel. Make sure you try the national coffee, café touba, from a street vendor while in Dakar. Nearby, is the Djoudj National bird sanctuary – a Unesco World Heritage Site. Discover Senegal this year!
Larissa Rolley- LarissaRolley.com
New Zealand
If you love adventure, nature and wine – or any combination of those – then New Zealand should be on the top of your 2024 bucket list. Depending on where you’re coming from, the travel time can be quite long, so you should plan to spend at least two weeks exploring the country. Even then, you’ll need to prioritize.
A popular way to see New Zealand is by renting a camper van or car, and doing a self-guided road trip. But package tours and hop-on/off buses are also available if you don’t want to get behind the wheel. Most tourists take in a bit of both the North and South Islands, which vary greatly in terms of geography. The North has more of a gentle landscape with rolling hills, lush forests and sandy beaches, while the South is known for its more dramatic scenery with soaring mountain ranges, stunning waterfalls and picturesque fjords.
Some must-dos on a two-week New Zealand trip include visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set, learning about the Maori culture and seeing the geysers in Rotorua, cruising around Milford Sound, whale and dolphin watching in Kaikoura, wine tasting in Marlborough, and taking a guided walk onto the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
For the adventurous, there’s kayaking in the Bay of Islands, completing the popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing, mountain biking in Queenstown, or walking 33 miles along the Milford Track, the most famous of New Zealand’s “Great Walks.”
Brianne Miers- A Traveling Life
Paris, France
Paris is romantic, Paris is historic, Paris is a foodie paradise, and let’s not forget about the shopping! Paris is a wonderful travel destination and gets even better as it plays host to the 2024 Olympics. There’s something of interest for every visitor. Paris is reknowned for museums like the Louvre, the Pompidou and the Musee d’Orsay or you can explore gorgeous churches like Sacre Cour and Notre Dame. Children of all ages will delight the puppet shows in the Luxembourg Gardens and families should have dinner in a “train” inside the Passage des Panoramas. The views from the top of the Eiffel Tower are iconic but the view from the Champ du Mars when the sun goes down is impossible to forget. For you fashionistas the shopping opportunities are endless, from the boutiques in the Marais District, to famous department stores like Galleries Lafayette. Oh….and don’t forget the Les Puces Flea Market, famous for vintage clothing and amazing antiques from every era.
Mary Meier-Evans – The Curious Cowgirl
Komodo Island, Indonesia
Indonesia’s Komodo National Park is one place that I would recommend you to add to your bucket list. To get here, the nearest airport will be the Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara. Besides its underwater world that is unparalleled and popular among divers the national park is also the habitat of the largest lizards on earth, the Komodo dragon. To see the dragons in the wild is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Komodo Island, Indonesia Hotels
Flights to Komodo Island, Indonesia
Tracy Chong- Peek Holidays
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
To my mind, San Miguel de Allende, the UNESCO-heritage town nestled high in Mexico’s central highlands, is a wonderful place to visit any time. But beware—this magical colonial pueblo has a strange effect on visitors. It whispers “home” at first sight, and you never want to leave. Perhaps that explains why about 10% of the town is made up of American, Canadian, and European expats.
Why visit? That’s a hard one to answer in a few words. Like art and culture? It’s a town stuffed full of artists and writers and other creative types, with more than 100 art galleries, classes, a major music festival, a film festival, and more—the reason it was named 2019 Cultural Capital of the Americas. Like people? Mexicans are warm, colorful, hospitable. Like food? San Miguel is a major foodie destination, where you can eat your way around the world at the top of top class. And if you like to take pictures…well, this kaleidoscopic town will wear your shutter finger out. It is, to coin a phrase, drop dead gorgeous. Stroll the cobblestoned streets, listen to mariachis in the central square, take in an impromptu fireworks display; or simply just do nothing. Grab a margarita and sink into mañana culture. You’re on Mexican time, and any time is the best time to visit San Miguel de Allende.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Hotels
Flights to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Donna Meyer-Nomad Women
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Nicole Claesen says
Fantastic list! I LOVE Jackson Hole and can’t wait to go back. We’ve been thinking about a trip to Costa Rica, but I’ve also wanted to go to Riga for a long time.
Which of these places have you enjoyed the most?
Nicola Lavin says
My bucket list has just doubled now! I was happily suprised to see Jackson Hole on there.
Andi says
Lots of good spots on this list! Some I’ve been to, some I’m going to this year and some that need to get on a list asap! Love the round-up!