As we enter 2024, a new year means new places to explore. From exciting cities to remote natural wonders, there are amazing destinations calling travelers from all over the world. Based on emerging destinations and travel trends, here are 10 of the top places to visit in 2024.
1. Croatia
Croatia continues to top many travelers’ bucket lists, thanks to its stunning Adriatic coastline and charming coastal towns like Dubrovnik and Split. Visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park to see 16 turquoise lakes linked by waterfalls amid lush forests. Don’t miss the lively capital Zagreb either. Go for the scenic views, seafood, and medieval architecture.
2. Iceland
This once-overlooked island country has become a hugely popular winter destination thanks to its uncommon landscape of otherworldly lava fields, towering waterfalls spewing from glaciers and the dazzling Northern Lights. Must-see highlights include the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, the Golden Circle route taking in churning geothermal areas, and the southern coastline with its breathtaking black sand beaches and glaciers you can walk on.
3. Faroe Islands
This remote North Atlantic archipelago is home to rolling hills, rocky cliffs, and captivating fishing villages with colorful wooden houses. The Faroe Islands offer adventurous activities like sea kayaking or angling for wild salmon. Don’t miss epic sights like Lake Sorvagsvatn in Vagar island with lush hills and a waterfall encircling it.
4. Oman
For an Arabian getaway that blends natural and historical heritage with luxury, Oman is an excellent choice. From desert sands to the rugged Hajar Mountains to beach resorts along its serene coastline, Oman’s diverse landscapes amaze. Top experiences include watching green turtles lay eggs on Ras Al Jinz beach, bargaining in Muttrah souk, Oman’s oldest market, and exploring ancient forts like Nizwa and Bahla.
5. Socotra
Known as the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean”, Yemen’s isolated Socotra island rewards adventurous travelers with bizarre Dr Seuss-esque plant life and pristine beaches with azure water. Hike the granite Hagghier mountains and their dunes, marvel at the Stonehenge-like Dragon Blood Trees, and snorkel through tropical fish swimming around coral reefs.
6. Morocco
Morocco dazzles with colorful souks, ancient alleys, spice scents blending with orange blossoms, majestic mosques, Roman ruins and the towering Atlas Mountains. Must-see highlights include Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl’’ town set amid jade hills and cobalt buildings, the snake charmers, dancers and food stalls at nightly Djemaa el Fna in Marrakesh and camel rides around sunset against rolling Saharan dunes.
7. Sri Lanka
This teardrop-shaped tropical island nation south of India beckons visitors with palm-lined beaches, mist-covered mountains, wildlife-rich national parks protecting vibrant birdlife and elephants, ancient Buddhist temples, and fragrant spice gardens growing cinnamon and peppercorns. Surf at former fishing village Arugam Bay on the east coast, then safari spot leopards in Wilpattu National Park. The hill town of Ella offers Instagrammable train journeys through lush tea plantations.
8. Corsica
Blessed with glittering turquoise bays, sheer granite cliffs and mountains perfect for hiking and biking trails, the picturesque Mediterranean island of Corsica charms with a slow-paced, coastal village vibe. Explore mediaeval Genoese citadels in Bonifacio and Calvi, French and Italian eateries, vineyards producing full-bodied indigenous reds and whites along La Route des Sens, and over 200 pristine beaches tucked between pine forests and maquis bushes.
9. French Polynesia
Take a true tropical escape to Tahiti and her islands in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean blanketed in lush rainforests and surrounded by vibrant lagoons in graduated blues from jade to sapphire. Relax at an overwater bungalow, feast on just-caught fish and tropical fruits, discover traditional Tahitian handicrafts and framboise liqueur. Lose yourself snorkeling among colorful fish darting through coral gardens, especially off Bora Bora and the hidden atoll of Fakarava.
10. Tanzania
On an African safari adventure this year? Tanzania’s legendary national parks host among the world’s last intact ecosystems where lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs and flamingos in saline lakes roam freely. Watch wildebeest migrate across the Serengeti Plains into Kenya. Then take a hot air balloon at sunrise for spectacular aerial views of diverse volcanic landscapes in Ngorongoro Crater, Africa’s Eden, home to black rhinos and massive tuskers!
With their wealth of natural beauty, wildlife, beaches, cultural heritage and adventures, these destinations should be at the top of your 2024 travel list! Each offers memorable experiences to last a lifetime. So start planning your next unforgettable trip!
