Are you wondering where to travel in 2024? travels.edu.vn is here to help you discover a selection of destinations poised to deliver unforgettable experiences. Our curated list highlights incredible locales across the globe, focusing on what makes each spot unique and worth visiting. Prepare to be inspired and plan your next great escape with us.
1. Cultural Immersion: Enriching Experiences Around the World
1.1. Ålborg, Denmark: A Scandinavian Gem
Escape the well-trodden tourist paths and discover Ålborg, Denmark’s fourth-largest city. Scandinavian Airlines has made this accessible with newly launched flights from Newark Liberty International, running three times a week from April through October. Wander the cobbled streets of the old town, admire the pastel-colored, half-timbered houses, and explore the revitalized waterfront, home to the newly renovated Pier 5 Hotel. Ålborg’s vibrant cultural scene includes the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art, the Utzon Center architecture center, and Regan Vest, a Cold War museum that opened in a former bunker in February 2023. According to VisitDenmark, Ålborg offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern attractions, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.
1.2. Cartagena, Colombia: A Luxury Escape on the Caribbean Coast
Cartagena is quickly becoming a top luxury destination. In 2023, the city welcomed Casa Pestagua, a 16-room boutique hotel in a restored 17th-century building. Eco-conscious travelers can enjoy Blue Apple Beach, a B Corp-certified eco-hotel on Tierra Bomba Island, powered by solar energy. In 2024, Disney’s “Encanto”-themed tour of Colombia will feature Cartagena, highlighting its appeal. New nonstop flights from Atlanta by Delta Air Lines, along with a forthcoming Four Seasons hotel, emphasize Cartagena’s growing popularity. As ProColombia notes, Cartagena offers a perfect blend of historical richness and modern luxury, ensuring a memorable experience.
1.3. Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond Train: A Luxurious Journey Through Southeast Asia
After a four-year hiatus, the Eastern & Oriental Express is set to ride again in February, offering new itineraries across Southeast Asia. This luxury train features cherry wood-clad cabins and Malay-inspired decor. The Essence of Malaysia journey transports travelers from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, with excursions to Langkawi for snorkeling and Penang for culinary delights. The Wild Malaysia option includes a stop at Taman Negara National Park, offering a chance to spot Sumatran rhinos or tigers. As Belmond CEO Dan Ruff puts it, these journeys provide guests with a chance to relax and reconnect.
1.4. Germany: Experience the Thrill of Fußball
Germany will host the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship in June and July. The tournament will occur in 10 cities, including Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich. Even casual fans will find the atmosphere electrifying, especially when cruising the country’s rivers. The new Rosewood Munich, which opened in October, provides a luxurious base to explore the city’s Old Town and even catch some surfing on the Isar River rapids. According to the German National Tourist Board, the championship promises an unforgettable experience for soccer enthusiasts.
1.5. Métis Crossing, Alberta: Immersive Indigenous Tourism
Métis Crossing is an immersive destination where you experience the culture and warmth of the Métis people. The 688-acre retreat includes a 40-room lodge, a cultural center, and campgrounds. Visitors can learn about traditional crafts, enjoy festivals, or go bird-watching, canoeing, or snowshoeing. The new Sky Watching Domes offer luxurious suites with panoramic skylight windows for stargazing and viewing the aurora borealis. Juanita Marois, the CEO of Métis Crossing, emphasizes that this destination offers an authentic cultural experience.
1.6. Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Georgia: A New National Park in the Making
In 2024, Ocmulgee may become the first national park in Georgia, co-managed by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. This park features earthen mounds, including temple complexes, created by Native American peoples over thousands of years. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation was forcibly relocated from central Georgia due to the Indian Removal Act of 1830. The gateway to the park is Macon, where the Muscogee (Creek) Nation flag flies alongside the Stars and Stripes. Tracie Revis, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, views this as an opportunity to come home.
1.7. Rajasthan, India: A Royal Welcome Awaits
Rajasthan, India’s northwestern state, is known for its iconic hotels and cultural attractions. Several new addresses in Jaipur are worth planning a trip around. Villa Palladio, a nine-room hotel, is created by the team behind Bar Palladio. The Johri is a five-room property with a cocktail bar and organic vegetarian restaurant. Anantara Jaipur Hotel, with 150 rooms, is designed for destination weddings. A new six-lane expressway connects Jaipur to New Delhi, improving accessibility. Rajasthan Tourism highlights the region’s blend of history and luxury, making it an ideal destination for discerning travelers.
1.8. Shinta Mani Mustang, Nepal: A Palatial Himalayan Retreat
Nepal’s Mustang district, once forbidden, is now home to the stunning Shinta Mani Mustang hotel. This 29-suite hotel offers luxurious wellness experiences and thoughtful design. Guests can trek the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, search for rare wildlife, horseback ride, and visit local villages. Carole Cambata, an advisor on T+L’s A-List, praised the hotel’s sustainable and responsible tourism practices. The Nepal Mountaineering Academy is also working to make Nepal’s hiking and climbing industries more inclusive for LGBTQ+ guides, CNN reported.
1.9. Tallinn, Estonia: Medieval Charm and Modern Culture
Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of Medieval architecture. Tartu, the university city southeast of Tallinn, is Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2024. PoCo Art Museum, which opened in May, joins nearly 50 art institutions in the city. The Noblessner district, a former industrial shipyard, is now a seafront hotspot with stylish cafes, shops, and Estonia’s first restaurant with two Michelin stars, 180° by Matthias Diether. As Visit Estonia points out, Tallinn offers a compelling mix of historical significance and contemporary vibrancy.
1.10. Warsaw, Poland: A Thriving Art Scene
Warsaw’s thriving contemporary art scene will get a boost in 2024 with the Museum of Modern Art’s move to its headquarters. Founded in 2005, the museum has enhanced the city’s art reputation with its collection of foreign and Polish works. The new HQ will be part of a 22-acre arts district centered on the Palace of Culture and Science. The museum and TR Warszaw Theater were designed by Thomas Phifer and Partners, known for the Glenstone Museum in Maryland and the Corning Museum of Glass in New York.
2. For the Food and Drinks: A Culinary Journey
2.1. The Austrian Countryside: A Feast for the Senses
South of Vienna, Styria and Burgenland offer a fairy-tale quality. Styria features rolling hills and hiking trails, with the medieval city of Graz at its heart. Burgenland, home to Lake Neusiedl, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both regions have a rich history of winemaking and a burgeoning natural wine scene. Visit cult producers such as Winery Maria and Sepp Muster, Alice & Roland Tauss, Gut Oggau, and Meinklang. A stay at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, a restored 15th-century castle near Salzburg, rounds out the experience.
2.2. Mérida, Mexico: A Culinary and Cultural Delight
Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, has long been popular with Mexican travelers for its Maya ruins, cenotes, haciendas, and incredible food. It is also gaining acclaim among international visitors, especially LGBTQ+ travelers. Mérida’s historic beauty and laid-back cantina culture appeal to retirees. The city offers designer hotels in stately mansions, shopping, and food tours. The “Yucatán Central Park” and the Maya Train are expected to enhance the experience. Yucatán Tourism emphasizes Mérida’s unique blend of history, culture, and cuisine, making it an unforgettable destination.
2.3. Sonoma County, California: A Gastronomic Paradise
Sonoma County offers a plethora of experiences. With the addition of the West Sonoma Coast AVA, Sonoma County now has 19 AVAs. Explore the coastline from Bodega Bay to Sea Ranch, where the Sea Ranch Lodge is newly renovated. Dawn Ranch shines a spotlight on Guerneville, known for its LGBTQ+ scene and proximity to the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. The reimagined Piknik Market serves Oprah’s favorite biscuits. Charlie Palmer plans to launch his hotel brand, Appellation, in Healdsburg.
3. For Big-City Thrills: Urban Adventures
3.1. Bangkok: A Megacity Reimagined
Bangkok is a frenetic, neon-lit Asian megacity. Change is coming in the form of megaprojects, including Dusit Central Park, with the Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel and a multi-terraced roof park. King Rama IX Memorial Park will honor the sustainability initiatives of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Lumpini Park is getting a refresh with a new food hall, vegetable farm, and sports club. Luxury travel network Virtuoso named Thailand as an emerging self-care destination. The forthcoming Aman Nai Lert Bangkok will offer spacious suites and a wellness sanctuary.
3.2. Cleveland: A City on the Rise
Cleveland is set to shine with national and international events, cultural expansions, and the rebirth of historic hotels. The NCAA Women’s Final Four comes in April, along with a total solar eclipse. The Pan-American Masters Games will occur in July. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will return home in November. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is nearing completion of its expansion. Karamu House will debut a new restaurant. Hotel Cleveland will reopen after renovations. The Fidelity Hotel, a new boutique property, is also coming.
3.3. Fort Worth, Texas: Where the West Comes to Life
Fort Worth, Texas, offers classic Western experiences like bull riding and stock shows. Luxury hotels are flocking to Cowtown’s Cultural District. The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth, opened in November, with a wellness club by Canyon Ranch and a Mediterranean restaurant by chef Preston Paine. Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection, is slated to open in December 2023, with a tree-lined pool terrace and upscale chophouse. The National Cowgirl Museum will run a 2024 exhibit honoring the Mexican female horseback riding tradition of escaramuza charra. The National Juneteenth Museum is scheduled to open in 2025.
3.4. Istanbul: A Resurgence Along the Bosphorus
Istanbul is experiencing a resurgence of life along the Bosphorus, thanks to the Galataport and the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. The Peninsula Hotel, spread over four buildings, offers a pool facing the Hagia Sophia and a rooftop restaurant from chef Fatih Tutak. The hotel staff wears uniforms by designer Arzu Kaprol. The Çırağan Palace Kempinski has been reimagined by interior designer Serdar Gülgün. The Basilica Cistern is open after a five-year closure.
3.5. Kansas City, Missouri: A Hub for Sports and Entertainment
Kansas City is staking a claim as a global leader in sports and entertainment. The Kansas City Current will open the first-ever purpose-built stadium for women’s pro sports in March. The stadium’s construction has spurred other developments, including the Origen Hotel KC, the Berkley Beer Garden, and an extension of the KC Streetcar. The Rock Island Bridge, a reclaimed rail crossing over the Kansas River, is also coming soon.
3.6. Las Vegas: Bigger, Louder, and Glitzier Than Ever
Las Vegas continues to push boundaries with blockbuster residencies and mega-events. U2 kicked off their inaugural stint at the Sphere this fall. Formula 1 and Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive have increased the American audience for racing, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix will hit The Strip in November 2023 and 2024. Las Vegas will host Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium. The Fontainebleau Las Vegas will open in December with 3,700 rooms and buzzy restaurants.
3.7. Louisville, Kentucky: Celebrating History and Culture
The Kentucky Derby will celebrate its 150th anniversary on May 4, 2024, along with the debut of the redesigned Churchill Downs Paddock. The Kentucky Derby Museum has interactive exhibits on subjects like Black horsemen’s contributions to racing. Derby City Hotel, a Canopy by Hilton property, will open downtown this summer, along with The Myriad Hotel, Common Bond Hotel Collection, and Hotel Genevieve. “Ali,” a musical about the Louisville icon, opens at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in the fall.
3.8. Montreal: A European Flair in North America
Montreal offers a European feel without the transatlantic flight, thanks to forward-thinking infrastructure. The Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) is a new automated light rail system. The Grand Quay has a new attraction in the form of the Port of Montreal Tower. The city’s bike-sharing program, Bixi, offers an all-you-can-bike monthly pass. The Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown and Honeyrose Hotel, Montreal, join the Four Seasons in adding luxury.
3.9. Paris: The City of Lights Shines Brighter
Paris, the host city of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, will welcome visitors with new hotels and restaurants. Chateau des Fleurs is an extravagant new stay in the eighth arrondissement. Martin Brudnizki unveiled the Grand Mazarin and La Fantaisie. The Hôtel Dame Des Arts unveiled the train-themed Hôtel des Grand Voyageurs. Hotel Plaza Athénée has a French restaurant, Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée, which recently scored two Michelin stars, and a new Dior Spa.
4. For Moments on the Water: Serene Escapes
4.1. Coastal Alaska: A Cruising Paradise
Cruising is back, and Alaska’s Inside Passage is leading the charge. In 2023, the state saw ships including Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer and Carnival’s Luminosa for the first time. The new Klawock port, on Prince of Wales Island, will welcome large ships in 2024. Skagway is getting a 550-foot floating pier. Norwegian Cruise Line had October sailings in 2023, giving passengers a look at Alaskan life during a quieter season.
4.2. Coastal Norway: Design and Architectural Marvels
Norway has doubled down on building big, with new attractions along its coast. In Oslo, the new luxury hotel Sommero is a study in adaptive reuse. In Kristiansand, the Kunstsilo is a repurposed industrial complex that will reemerge as a museum devoted to Nordic modernist art. In Bergen, Iris Expedition Dining is a new tasting-menu destination located in Hardangerfjord, inside a floating sculpture known as the Salmon Eye. The Six Senses Svart promises to be one of the hottest openings anywhere.
4.3. Douro River, Portugal: A Wine Lover’s Dream
Wine tourism in Portugal is booming, and the Douro River is a must-see. Sheree M. Mitchell prefers yacht charters for hitting quintas and dining at Michelin Guide–approved restaurants. Cruises are a more affordable option, with lines expanding their presence on the river. Tauck unveiled the Andorinha in 2021, which will sail 33 wine-country itineraries in 2024. Viking will have four ships on the Douro. AmaWaterways recently announced a special November 2024 departure to explore the history of the Black and African diaspora.
4.4. Faroe Islands: A Remote Archipelago Beckons
This remote, starkly beautiful archipelago in the North Atlantic just got way more accessible. Atlantic Airways launched nonstop flights from New York Stewart International to Vágar Airport. Melissa Lee has seen an uptick in interest in the Faroes. Activities include cold-water surfing, traditional knitting, and hiking to places such as Sørvágsvatn. The restaurant Roks in Tórshavn is an offshoot of Koks, the Michelin two-starred restaurant in Greenland.
4.5. Kimberley, Australia: Ancient Wonders Await
This destination in northwest Australia is home to ancient wonders: dinosaur tracks, geological formations, waterfalls, and Aboriginal history. Top cruise lines offer thrilling expedition-style itineraries that combine history with modern-day adventures, such as sightseeing flights by helicopter, paddling, Zodiac tours, scuba diving, and cultural excursions. Silversea will have its Silver Cloud in the region from May through September. Seabourn is also bullish on the destination, and its newest expedition ship, the Seabourn Pursuit, will spend June, July, and August cruising the region.
4.6. The Mississippi River: Cruising Closer to Home
New ships are bringing fresh interest to one of America’s most storied waterways. Adam Peakes said that many cabin categories on American Queen Voyages are nearly at capacity almost a year in advance. Other brands are also betting on the river: the Viking Mississippi launched in 2022, and American Cruise Lines has launched three new ships. In Memphis, the newly completed Tom Lee Park has an installation by artist Theaster Gates. Natchez hosts holiday markets akin to those in Central Europe.
4.7. Queen Anne: Transatlantic Elegance
Cunard’s new Queen Anne departs Southampton, England, in May 2024, marking the first new Cunard ship since 2010. The 1,498-cabin vessel will sail to Lisbon and spend its first summer in the Mediterranean. Queen Anne will have four new restaurants and a top-deck wellness studio. The ship will be captained by Inger Klein Thorhauge, the first woman to hold that rank for Cunard.
4.8. Seven Seas Grandeur: Luxury Redefined
Slated to launch in November 2023, Seven Seas Grandeur will be the sixth ship from Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The newcomer will feature fresh takes on dining, shore excursions, and entertainment found on ships such as Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer. Grandeur is inspired by Regent’s heritage, reimagining signature restaurants and offering 15 exceptional suite categories to 746 guests. A multimillion-dollar art collection and a custom Fabergé Egg are among the features.
5. For Nature Lovers: Explore the Great Outdoors
5.1. Amboseli National Park, Kenya: Elephant Spotting and Luxurious Lodges
Amboseli is famed among safari insiders for its wildlife, especially elephants. The fall 2023 opening of Angama Amboseli is exciting. The 10-suite lodge is the first spinoff of the Angama Mara. Located on a private wildlife conservancy, it will offer game drives and cultural experiences. Angama Amboseli will have unparalleled views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
5.2. Aspen Mountain, Colorado: A Skiing Paradise
Aspen Mountain is getting its biggest makeover in four decades, with the opening of a new lift, Hero’s, which will make accessible 153 acres of powder. The project will increase the mountain’s skiable terrain by 20 percent. Maureen Poschman said that the new terrain is a hedge against climate change. The cultural calendar is packed, and Balenciaga and Hermès now have shops in town. Mollie Aspen is the newest luxury hotel in town.
5.3. Big Sky, Montana: A Wild and Wide-Open Adventure
Just an hour from Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky offers activities such as fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and skiing. One&Only is slated to bring a retreat to Big Sky in 2024. Situated between Lone Mountain and the Spanish Peaks, Moonlight Basin will provide access to 5,850 skiable acres, with a gondola connecting guests to Big Sky’s terrain, plus a private ski lodge and a Chenot spa.
5.4. Hokkaido, Japan: A Winter Wonderland
Travelers should look beyond Tokyo and Kyoto and explore Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands. Hokkaido is known for its food and its Shiretoko National Park. Hokkaido is also one of the world’s premier ski destinations thanks to snow. The center of the action is Niseko, which has hotels, homestays, and resorts. The 2022 opening of Club Med Kiroro and the new-in-2023 Club Med Kiroro Grand have made it easier to visit. Club Med Kiroro Grand will have the brand’s first-ever Japanese onsen.
5.5. KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A Rewilding Success Story
KwaZulu-Natal, located on South Africa’s eastern coast, is moving into the spotlight. KwaZulu-Natal has two World Heritage Sites — the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the uKhahlamba Drakensberg National Park. It is also home to the Babanango Game Reserve, an ambitious rewilding project that began reintroducing species in 2018. Efforts are underway at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. The newly opened Madwaleni River Lodge and Sala Beach House are the places to stay.
5.6. Mababe, Botswana: An Exclusive Safari Experience
Botswana has a huge array of five-star lodges. Mokete, a new safari lodge from Wilderness, is worth the trip because it will only exist until 2026. The temporary enclave will be situated east of the Okavango Delta, in the heart of the Mababe Concession, which has lions, elephants, buffalo, and birds. Wildlife watching is the thing here, with all-day game drives and guided nature walks. Each tent will have a retractable roof for stargazing.
5.7. New Zealand: A Natural Paradise
Delta launched service from Los Angeles to Auckland, and United Airlines plans to start a San Francisco to Christchurch route in December. Any time of year is a great time to visit. The summer months are popular, but those who come at other times are rewarded with captivating colors, snow-capped adventures, and stargazing. There’s a growing number of enticing stays, including Flockhill Lodge and Clifftops at Anderson Cove. If the outdoors are a priority, turn an eye to the North Island’s Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve.
6. For Beach Vibes: Sun, Sand, and Serenity
6.1. Anna Maria Island, Florida: A Tranquil Beach Getaway
Anna Maria Island, south of Tampa Bay, is under the radar, with its no-high-rises shoreline, sunsets, and small-town feel. Anna Maria Island is a place where people tool around by golf cart or beach cruiser, and homes are vacation rentals. The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau partnered with Leave No Trace. Mello on the Beach offers retro-style apartments, while the villas of Joie Inn feel fresh. The cocktail bar Doctor’s Office recently added a dining room.
6.2. Coastal Campania, Italy: A Hotel Boom on the Amalfi Coast
Campania is having a hotel boom, with visitors flocking to Amalfi, Capri, Positano, and Sorrento. The renaissance kicked off with Il Capri Hotel. Oetker Collection debuted its first Italian hotel, the glamorous Hotel La Palma. There’s the new Convento di Amalfi, a 52-room Anantara. American Airlines and Delta are launching new routes to Naples. Lindblad Expeditions will have its new Sea Cloud II in southern Italy.
6.3. Costa Rica: Pura Vida at Its Best
Costa Rica was just named T+L’s 2024 Destination of the Year. Surfers can find their bliss at the new Sendero hotel. The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo has added the new Virador Beach Club and opened Wellness Shala. The community of Las Catalinas has announced a new mixed-use space, La Rambla. Intrepid Travel has launched new trips that shine a light on the Terraba community. Local outfitters are offering guided hiking trips on the 174-mile Camino de Costa Rica.
6.4. Dominica: The Nature Island
Dominica has been voted the best island in the Caribbean for the past two years in T+L’s World’s Best Awards, thanks to its rain forests, hot springs, and waterfalls. There’s also an ever-growing number of resorts and hotels, such as the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, Anichi Resort & Spa, and Tranquility Beach Resort — Curio — a Collection by Hilton. Also of note is the new 32-nautical-mile Waitukubuli Sea Trail. The volcanically active country plans to commission its first geothermal power plant in 2024.
6.5. Hawai’i Island: Mindful Tourism and Natural Beauty
Hawai‘i Island is planning for a meaningful 2024, with returning visitors. Travelers have the opportunity to help mālama, or care for, natural resources and support the community. Those looking to support relief efforts have many choices, including the Hawaii Red Cross and the Lāhainā Restoration Foundation. Travelers ready to return might consider Kona Village, which reopened in 2023 as a Rosewood Resort. Various events are on the island’s cultural calendar, including the Kona Brewers Festival and the Big Island Chocolate Festival.
6.6. Los Cabos, Mexico: A Desert-Meets-Ocean Dream
Los Cabos promises to be a big year for the Baja California destination, thanks to the new resorts coming to Cabo del Sol. Four Seasons Resort Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol and Soho House Beach Club are expected to open in the first part of 2024; Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo Del Sol will join them by the end of the year. The resort community of Quivira Los Cabos will welcome the St. Regis Los Cabos at Quivira by late 2024.
6.7. Mallorca, Spain: Sparkling Waters and Luxury Hotels
Americans are loving United’s summertime nonstop service from Newark Liberty International to Mallorca. The island’s luxury hotel scene is booming. One must-see is Son Bunyola, a Virgin Limited Edition retreat. Nearby is The Lodge Mallorca. Then there’s the first hotel from Rafael Nadal, Zel Mallorca. Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor will be a refresh of a century-old hotel, while Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, Mallorca, will have 131 rooms.
7. For Adventurous Travelers: Thrilling Experiences
7.1. AlUla, Saudi Arabia: Ancient History and Modern Luxury
AlUla may be the most enchanting of the tourism developments in Saudi Arabia. Qatar Airways recently launched flights to the destination from Doha. This area is home to Hegra, a 2,000-year-old archeological site. After touring ancient history, visitors can retreat to contemporary hotels, including a forthcoming luxury resort at Hegra. A short drive away, in AlUla’s Old Town, the new Dar Tantora eschews electricity in favor of candlelight. In the year ahead, fresh thinking will touch down in AlUla, courtesy of Wadi AlFann, or Valley of the Arts.
7.2. Bahia, Brazil: A Coastal and Cultural Gem
This coastal state, situated between the Amazon and Rio de Janeiro, offers surf-and-sand spots, including Itacaré and Trancoso. The beaches are some of the most picturesque in Brazil. Adventurous clients can visit the Chapada Diamantina National Park, which has its vibrant, off-grid hippy culture. One thing to keep in mind for 2024: Brazil stopped requiring a visa for U.S. citizens back in 2019, but the country’s tourism officials have said that the mandate will return on Jan. 10, though further details on how to apply and any fees have yet to be announced.
7.3. Northern Pakistan: A Rising Star in Adventure Travel
The northern reaches of this South Asian nation have a growing profile in the adventure-travel world, thanks to topography, lakes, and peaks. Intrepid Travel launched a 12-day women-only expedition to the region in 2023, a first for the tour operator. Intrepid will return in 2024 — with departures in May, September, and October — taking women to ancient villages, alpine lakes, and historic forts. Wild Frontiers will debut a walking adventure.
7.4. Peru’s Trekking Routes: Beyond Machu Picchu
There’s much more to explore beyond Machu Picchu in Peru. Travelers have more options for getting off familiar routes thanks to companies such as Alpaca Expeditions, which will lead its first-ever, all-women hiking trip on the Salkantay Trail in 2024. Intrepid Travel debuted in 2023 a 12-day expedition on the Great Inca Road in northern Peru. Starting in Huaraz and culminating at the Inca site of Huanuco Pampa, the trek will immerse hikers in this less-visited region’s nature and culture.
7.5. South Australia: Ancient Fossils and Wine Country
Visitors to this state may feel like they’re in on a secret. The biggest news may be Australia’s new national park, Nilpena Ediacara, which opened in April and gives travelers a look at the oldest known fossils on the planet. Across South Australia’s wine country, hotels such as Le Mas Barossa, Sequoia Lodge, and The Vineyard McLaren Vale are gateways to the vineyards and cellar doors outside of Adelaide. Another stay can be found on Kangaroo Island, where the Southern Ocean Lodge is slated to reopen in December after the bushfires of 2020.
7.6. Sri Lanka: An Island of Variety
This small South Asian island nation has big things on offer. You can cover a lot of ground in two weeks, with landscapes ranging from beaches to jungles to mountains to historic cities. This year, the tea company Dilmah opened two boutique stays under its Reverie brand, Kayaam House and Ahu Bay; Sri Lankan–owned hotel group Uga is debuting Uga Riva in Negombo this November; and for foodies, Red Savannah recently rolled out a culinary tour of Sri Lanka.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-aalborg-denmark-WTG24-d2dc4ef0c9784793be7ce5db6eb062b6.jpg)
Harbor area of Aalborg, Denmark with colorful buildings and boats.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-cartagena-colombia-culture-WTG24-ea4b138ad6ec43eeb255d16474ad4957.jpg)
Pedestrians stroll past Las Bovedas, historic dungeons transformed into souvenir shops, in Cartagena, Colombia.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-eastern-oriental-express-culture-WTG24-b06627b60a9f45d4a451c5566aa5eaab.jpg)
External view of the luxury Eastern & Oriental Express train, showcasing its classic design.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-munich-germany-WTG24-af7cf5c55fdd485eae34c3e9b961899f.jpg)
Cyclists ride through Haidhausen, showcasing the vibrant Wiener Platz in Munich, Germany.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-metis-crossing-canada-WTG24-cdcc221f382f4b8dacc1f5b195a87351.jpg)
Scenic view of the Northern Lights over Métis Crossing in Alberta, Canada, with wildlife in the foreground.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-ocmulgee-mounds-georgia-brag-WTG24-6b83887014bd4f44bec2d686576400a3.jpg)
The Lesser Temple Mound Stairs at Ocmulgee National Monument in Macon, Georgia, showcasing the park’s historical significance.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-rajasthan-india-WTG24-03635257352f4439976ae584587a8301.jpg)
Elegant Villa Palladio in Rajasthan, India, highlighting the region’s luxurious accommodations.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-shinta-mani-mustang-nepal-WTG24-45286b29cf64408b9e06ee545abc207d.jpg)
Exterior view of Shinta Mani Mustang hotel in Nepal, set against a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-tallinn-estonia-brag-WTG24-c17e3720ecbd4f91b0878ff036c870dc.jpg)
Panoramic city scape of Tallinn, Estonia, showcasing its well-preserved medieval architecture.
