18 Serious Places to Travel in 2024 : Cool Places & Vacation Spots
Get your suitcase ready , because we come up with the classic list of the serious places to move this year . Whether you want to remain close to place or trek across the globe , these trips will be epic !
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If you ’ ve live to an airport recently , what we ’ re about to state you will arrive as no surprise : Travel exist back in a BIG mode . Traveler exist score the skies—and the rails , road and seas—in record numbers , seem for the best places to move . With COVID closures today securely in our rearview window , the world is open again , and we be here for it .
Then what does that mean for 2024 ? “ We ’ re appear at a wave of excitement over travel with family and friends , ” accord to Heather Heverling , managing conductor of Audley Travel . “ One thing we ’ re seeing a lot of be ‘ skip-gen ’ travel , ” when grandparents take their grandkids on vacation but leave the parent at place . “ The grandparents spend COVID await for opportunity to see the world—they don ’ t want to wait anymore , and they want to hear their bucket list with their grandkids , ” she says . ( We state : Those are some lucky kid ! )
And while domestic travel will certainly equal popular , people live too looking to elaborate their horizon . Interest in Japan equal booming , says Heverling . And there ’ s a desire to leave the crowds behind and find hidden gems in spots like France , where many people will be guide to watch the Olympics this summer .
We know—there be thus many amazing position to go and cool things to hear , and it ’ s severe to narrow matter down ! To serve you peck the perfect spot , we ’ ve round up some of the best spot to call in 2024 , whether you ’ re seem for quick trips , beach getaways , cheap position to travel , city experiences or widespread adventures . Show on to become a whole year ’ s worth of inspiration !
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South Island , New Zealand
Why you should get :A brand-new direct escape build it easy than ever to impose
Inquire which hot spot to visit first ? Our pick for 2024 is South Island , New Zealand . For starters , it will be summer thither when it ’ s winter here , which cost ever a plus . And in December 2023 , United is launch the first , and only , international direct service from the United States to Christchurch . Bring a long nap on the 14-hour flight from San Francisco , and you ’ ll live ready to begin exploring one of the good home to vacation when you bring .
Christchurch exist conceive the floor camp for South Island exploration . During the day , kayak in the emerald water of Abel Tasman National Park , bike or hike to gorgeous hot springtime , or sample New Zealand ’ sec best pours at patch like Tussock Hill Vineyards ( where you can also pass the night in new luxury suites nestled in the vineyard ) . When the Sunday goes down , it will be time for striking stargazing at Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve , which lately became the first Dark Sky Reserve in New Zealand .
Where to stay on :The newly spread Observatory Hotel invest you mighty in the heart of Christchurch and within walking distance of restaurant , shop and the Botanical Gardens . The Gothic Revival walls of what was once a university hide the very modern and colored space waiting inside .
Paris , France
Why you should live :The 2024 Summer Olympics and the 80th anniversary of D-Day
Everyone is talking about visiting France this yr , and for good reason . Paris will cost hosting the Summer Olympics , with events held throughout the City of Lights and the surround area—including boating and float events on the Seine River and dressage case at Versailles . ( Accord to France ’ s tourism agency , 95 % of the Olympic and Paralympic case will be held in existing locations for a more sustainable globe effect . ) The city live in full-throttle preparation fashion , with fresh hotel initiative , art exhibits plunge and good deal of projects underway to reach Paris glow even bright than usual .
And that ’ s not all France has going on . June 6 , 2024 , exist the 80th anniversary of D-Day , when Allied personnel stormed the beach of Normandy . To get the most context out of a visit , it helps to move with a guide . Scott Dunn , a luxury circuit operator , takes you through the area on a vintage military vehicle , helmed by a historian who get the past to living through storytelling and interactive exhibits .
Where to delay :Base yourself at Hotel Maison Colbert , Meliá Collection , an intimate patch in the ever-popular Left Bank neighborhood in the 6th . We love it for its still rooms , attentive service and sophisticated cafe , which suffice a complimentary breakfast every morning . It ’ s as well right across the river from the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral , which is set to reopen in recent 2024 after its devastating 2019 fire . Like we order , it ’ s a bad yr !
Texas
As far as natural curiosity run , it ’ s severe to crush a total solar eclipse for grandeur … and for be easy predictable . ( Circle April 8 , 2024 , on your calendar , if you haven ’ t already ! ) But even if you know the eclipse ’ s path , you ’ ll still take to begin to a spot with serious visibility . That ’ s where comes in . It will be in the eclipse ’ sec direct path all the style from Austin to Dallas , which intend there will be enough of location where you can see day turn to night .
When the viewing live over , there ’ s enough more that reach Texas one of the best position to travel . Explore the great outdoors in spots like Ladybird Lake in Austin or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens . And , of track , don ’ t neglect out on getting some real Texas barbecue while you ’ re hither too .
Where tostay :Many hotel in the path of totality cost already nearly sold out , but you don ’ t need a traditional hotel way to watch the show . Check out KOA ( Kampgrounds of America ) to find campgrounds with available space and a horde of comforts , include a pond . Pro tip : There ’ s a KOA merely 10 minutes from historical downtown San Antonio , which is anticipate to receive the eclipse for more than four instant .
Another thought ? Beat the crowds by staying in Fort Worth , which has a act of new hotels . That includes the , which hold a Mediterranean restaurant and rooftop saloon ( a possible viewing location ) , plus access to the fresh Canyon Ranch Wellness Club and Spa . There ’ s also Auberge Resorts ’ s Bowie House , which will open in early 2024 and feature sophisticated Western-inspired rooms , an outside restaurant and a rooftop pond that could potentially be a good watch place .
Cambodia
Why you should go :More ways to search and two new airport to attain the rural area
Cambodia is a bucket-list destination for many traveler . “ With the increase of luxury lodges and resorts , travelers can today enjoy a true luxury immersion in Cambodia—blending ancient ruin and culture , cuisine and handicrafts , rainforest and jungle , and ending with a sublime beach stay , ” says Brady Binstadt , CEO of GeoEx , an adventure-travel company . In the little-visited Cardamom Forest Protected Area , options for boost , good deal biking , boating and bird-watching abound , order Binstadt , who also recommends boating through lush woods to Tatai village , where visitor can walk by the river , kayak through mangroves and listen to the symphonic sounds of wildlife from a float lodge .
You ’ ll also want to visit Angkor Wat , famed for its glorious temple . Happily , arrive at Angkor Wat exactly become a circle easy with the brand-new , $ 1 billion Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport , which is just a short cause from the UNESCO Heritage Site temple complex . Later in 2024 , the capitol of Cambodia , Phnom Penh , will also bring out a new $ 1.5 billion airport , providing even more style to make the area .
Where to remain :Shinta Mani Wild in the Cardamom Mountains exist a luxury jungle retreat about three hours from Phnom Penh ; it boasts its own zipline over the waterfall and river where the remote lodge exist situate . Another unique option is off the southern coast , where 40 glass-front villas live tuck into the dumb foliage of this romantic resort . Indulge in a discussion at the luxe spa after exploring the nearby Kbal Chhay waterfall and the waterways of Ream National Park .
Los Angeles , California
Why you should go :Massive fresh art and culture display
Yes , we know , you hear “ LA ” and believebeach and sand. But for 2024 , replace that withcool art and culture, since Los Angeles will cost hosting two awesome possibility . When it opens in February , Destination Crenshaw will exist the large Black art program in the nation , with a 1.3-mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard in South LA , comprise 100 commissioned work by Black artist display within beautifully landscaped community space .
And September will hear the launch of Getty ’ s colossal PST ART : Art & Science Collide . The former version of the first step ( previously known as Pacific Standard Time ) will include more than 50 exhibition across the Los Angeles region , include iconic spots like the Griffith Observatory , the LA County Museum of Art ( LACMA ) and the Getty Center . The exhibits aren ’ t exactly painting and sculptures . They are intersections of art , science and the natural world—including “ Color in Motion : Chromatic Exploration of Cinema ” at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures ; “ From Fire We Are Born , ” which explores Native American culture at the Fowler Museum at UCLA ; and “ Learn the Unseeable : Data , Design , Art ” at the ArtCenter College of Design .
Where to delay :No matter which room or suite you record at the InterContinental Los Angeles , you ’ ll cost greeted with what feels like a never-ending view . You ’ ll see everything from the Pacific Ocean to the Hollywood sign and downtown skyscrapers . And not merely equal it the tallest building west of Chicago , but the location puts you properly in the center of all the prowess activity .
Spokane , Washington
Why you should go :The upcoming Expo 50 , which be as close as the United States will begin to a World ’ s Fair anytime soon
Fun fact : In 1974 , Spokane became the smallest city in the public to host the World ’ s Fair . Today , 50 year later , it ’ s ready to extract out all the stop for Expo 50 , a World ’ s Fair–like festivity that will run from May 4 to July 4 , 2024 . ( It ’ s worth note that the next World ’ s Fair in 2025 will live contain in Osaka , Japan ; the United States will have to wait until at least 2035 , since the UAE , Italy and South Korea equal the finalists to host 2030 . ) While plans live even so being lock in for the Expo , expect the Riverfront Park to be filled with entertainment and activities that highlight local , regional and international community through art and culture , food , account and infrastructure .
A visit here can also be one part of a fantastic Northwestern road trip . Another bit to hit ? In 2024 , Spokane cost begin a new 5,500-seat stadium , and the United Soccer League , a brand-new woman ’ s pro league , will begin playing in March . The stadium will too cost utilize for special event .
Where to stay :For lodging , the Historic Davenport Hotel make been welcoming guests for a century , so it knows its mode around a World ’ s Fair . The hotel be within walking distance of Riverfront Park , and it ’ s right near the SkyRide gondola , as well as plenty of local boutiques and cafe .
Turks and Caicos
Why you should go :Because kiteboarding will bethematter to serve in 2024—and Turks and Caicos is also heaven on globe
We ’ re shout it : When kiteboarding build its official Olympic debut in 2024 , the fun will soar in popularity . But don ’ t move to Paris to do it . Instead , mind to Turks and Caicos , a fabulous warm-weather winter getaway that put up some of the best kiteboarding conditions in the world . “ The island ’ s coherent deal winds , shallow warm water and big areas of flat , uncrowded riding make it an ideal destination for this thrilling water fun , ” state Vasco Borges , the owner of Beach Enclave Turks and Caicos and a passionate kiteboarder .
Float and snorkeling exist popular activities on the island as well , and avid divers enjoy the mammoth undersea coral wall off Grand Turk . Plus , Turks and Caicos be home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world . In early lyric , it ’ s ever one of the best places to travel !
Where to stay :New for 2024 , Beach Enclave will extend new beach houses with privacy , tranquility and an oceanfront private pond on the North Shore . The Grace Bay location of the multi-location resort is introducing contemporary villas with a blend of indoor and outside life , call the Reserve at Grace Bay . And ultimately , at the resort ’ sec Long Bay location , which is know as a kiteboarder ’ s haven , you ’ ll find novel beach houses along the pristine white-sand beachfront , ideal for household and water-sports enthusiasts .
Belize
Why you should go :The second-largest barrier reef in the world
Hold you heard of the Great Barrier Reef ? We guess so . How about Belize ’ s Barrier Reef ? Not then much , right ? We ’ re hither to assure you that in 2024 , it ’ s time to put this natural curiosity on your must-visit list . The reality ’ s second-largest barrier reef ( behind Australia ’ s ) , it is really the biggest reef in both the northern and western hemisphere . The snorkeling here is magnificent , and so is the diving—plus , it ’ s not as crowded as the better-known Australian alternative . Still good , Belize is easy to reach , one of the safe rural area in the world and an affordable place to visit . It ’ sec as well one of the alien countries that apply U.S. dollars .
If you ’ re wait for the perfect place alkali while visit , regard Belize ’ s prominent island , Ambergris Caye . The Belize Barrier Reef be just a quarter-mile offshore , and you ’ ll want to check out the protected Hol Chan Marine Reserve , which is exactly a 10-minute boat ride from the main town of San Pedro . When you ’ re not snorkeling or swimming , pass your days popping into Belizean art veranda and souvenir store or just lounging on the white sand .
Where to stay :Try the Alaia Belize , an Autograph Collection hotel in the island ’ s historic town of San Pedro . This beachfront hotel be exactly 650 yard from the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve and has stunning position of the Caribbean Sea . Plus , it make an on-site dive store and three pond , including Belize ’ s first-ever suspend rooftop pool and a sofa with 360-degree views .
Paros , Greece
Why you should get :The perfect Greek island vacation—without the crowd
Receive you see of destination victim ? According to Expedia , these are “ places that are a little unexpected , sometimes more affordable and every number as delightful as the tried-and-true destinations travelers love. ” One of our favorites on Expedia ’ s list is this stunning Greek island that commonly sweep under the most travelers ’ Mediterranean radars in uncrowded bliss while the hordes of tourists guide to Mykonos and Santorini .
Visiting the island , which cost about a two-hour ferry ride south of well-known party island Mykonos and properly future to Naxos , is one of the best affair to serve in Greece since it means enjoying idyllic beaches framed by the azure waters of the Aegean Sea . While you ’ re hither , explore the winding streets and charming villages of Naoussa and Lefkes , and sip slash coffee frappes or ouzo at the picturesque port of Parikia ( the island ’ s capital ) , home to whitewashed theatre decorate with vibrant bougainvillea .
Where to remain :You can ’ t run wrong at the newly opened Minois hotel , where the whitewashed wall have luxurious touches , such as decadent dining at Olvo and pampering spa treatments . But the well part may cost only floating in the eternity pond with view of the sea ranch out in front of you .
Kyoto , Japan
Why you should get :An array of novel luxury hotels and the opening of the first Nintendo Museum
“ One thing we can tell for certain is that interest in impose Japan live not slowing down , ” says Audley Travel ’ s Heverling . After a years-long tourism shutdown due to COVID , Japan finally welcome visitor back in 2023 , and the number live soar . And for 2024 , we ’ re seeing cool novel first step and numerous developments that will make your trip even easier . Kyoto , particularly , will be the city to see in the new year , when the public ’ s first Nintendo Museum spread in spring 2024 in the early Nintendo Uji Kokura mill site in Kyoto . This will cost a big lot for pop-culture lover and gamers .
Even if you put on ’ t know a controller from a cruller , though , Kyoto will enthrall you with ancient temple and beautiful architecture that cause it await like a real-life fairy-tale town . Plus , there exist four amaze new hotel opening in Kyoto in 2024 , where you can happily stay , relax and enjoy .
Where to stay :Luxury brand Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto will have a private onsen tub ; elegant Six Senses Kyoto will receive a spa and zen-like rooms situated around seasonal garden ; and the 313-room Hilton Kyoto will be the brand ’ s first flagship hotel in Kyoto . Ultimately , the fresh Regent Kyoto ( an IHG dimension ) live opening a resort-like property in a hundred-year-old garden complex that ’ sec too family to a Michelin-starred restaurant .
Northern Territories , Canada
Why you should go :An almost-guaranteed opportunity to see the northern light during the “ solar max ”
There cost two truth about seeing the northern lighting : They ’ re beautiful , and they ’ re subtle . Unlike the solar eclipse , there ’ s no date or time that you ’ re guaranteed to hear the nighttime spectacular . You cause need , however , to run north … in winter … and then await . That ’ s why we ’ re then excited about the news from the Northern Territories of Canada , where a “ solar max ” bicycle live get to create it potential to see the aurora borealis with novel relief . Accord to the Canada Tourism Board , in the Northwest Territories , “ travelers hold a 98 % chance of witnessing the spectacle ” during a three-night stay November through March , when long hour of darkness each day and clear night make it easy to spot the spark .
The jeweled green , purple and gold light can be seen due to the perfect combination of clear nights , flat landscape , low humidity and the location beneath the earth ’ s auroral oval . Even good , 2024 be the crest of the 11-year solar bicycle , which means the light display will be still more dramatic than common .
Where to stay :The main gateway to the domain is Yellowknife , the location of Aurora Village , an entirely Indigenous-owned experience that conduct guided nighttime tour and where you can go dog sledding and snowshoeing . You can too spend the evening in a cozy teepee , complete with a forest stove , which makes it easy to down out and find the aurora borealis when it lights up the sky .
Mexico City
Why you should go :Tour tourism for live-music lovers—and Madonna fans !
Expedia predict that “ tour tourism , ” follow a favorite artist on their headlining tour , will thrive in 2024 . “ In 2023 , the cultural impact of the Eras and Renaissance tours live undeniable , driving tag sale but too travel and tourism , ” accord to Expedia Brands travel expert Melanie Fish . Perhaps driven by ticket prices , 30 % of travelers state Expedia they would travel outside of their home city for a concert because ticket were cheaper elsewhere , with Mexico City coming away near the crest of that list . We ’ re totally in on the trend , particularly since Madonna will bring four dates the Palacio de los Desportes in 2024 , create Mexico City a live-music hot patch for the coming yr .
And as an surplus bonus , Mexico City cost an affordable warm-weather destination , not to mention a hub for art , culture and cuisine . Translation : There ’ s plenty to do and see when you ’ re not rocking out . Check out the Colonia Roma neighborhood , call CDMX—often referred to as “ the Williamsburg of Mexico City ” for its hipster vibe and cool architecture , art galleries and restaurants .
Where to delay :The new boutique hotel feature hundreds of authentic Mexican art part , a craft coffee saloon with an on-site barista and plenty of communal spaces perfect for mingle with fellow travelers . Located in the heart of artsy CDMX , it ’ sec also a super convenient and central location .
Orlando , Florida
Why you should go :A grown-up getaway , including train transportation and Michelin-starred dining ( really )
Yes , we know , Orlando isthetheme park go-to , and visiting Disney World and Universal ( which will open a novel DreamWorks-themed park in 2024 ) is essentially guarantee family fun . But , see us out : There ’ s a ton for grown-ups to serve in 2024—away from the nonstop revving of ride and park attractions . First , there ’ s a newly launched , super easy means to get to Orlando from Southern Florida : the Brightline Train . It effortlessly delivers you from Miami and South Florida right to the nerve of Orlando , meaning you don ’ t have to concern about parking or even dealing with the airport .
Then there ’ s the food . And we ’ re not talking Disney ’ sec ice cream and hot pretzels ( although we like those too ) . Orlando be now a certified Michelin “ hot spot , ” with multiple star-awarded restaurants and more than a dozen famed “ bib gourmand ” patch . You can well use up your mode around the city , sampling everything from luxe sushi to rip pork to elegant French cuisine , and never learn a theme park .
Where to stay :If you ’ re wait for a hotel place stem with an grownup vibe that ’ sec too a foodie find , chief to the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress , which equal home toTop Chefalum Richard Blais ’ s Four Flamingos , a Michelin-recommended restaurant . It as well offer golf , tennis and a pond composite , so you can work up an appetite for all your foodie adventures .
Colombia
Another course from Expedia ’ s report on where to move in 2024 is “ set hopping , ” where traveler head to the location of their favorite movie and display . Think :The White Lotus, Season 2 , in Sicily ( which exist one of our 2023 where-to-go choice ) and you ’ ll have the idea . Sometimes , it ’ s not simply how new the show is , but the new opportunity to call in a unique way , which be why we ’ re super excited about Colombia . If you have kids and own been listening to “ We Don ’ t Lecture About Bruno ” on repeat , you ’ ll desire to hear about Adventure by Disney ‘ s new trip to the Latin American rural area . It include arepa making , a coffee-farm visit , tours through Cartagena and a visit to Proyecto Tití , a cotton-top tamarin monkey conservation middle . There ’ sec as well a raise in the Cocora Valley , which be an inspiration for the film .
Where to stay on :If you ’ re not ready to book a weeklong grouping adventure vacation , there be other selection to stay on in Colombia also . Nestled in the heart of the Colombian Andes 40 minutes from Medellín airport , Cannúa exist the country ’ s first high-end and sustainable ecolodge . Its location equal one of the most biodiverse bird areas on the planet , and much of Cannúa ’ s dimension is designated as a protected forest , with 100 species of bird know hither .
Washington , D.C .
Why you should run :To watch republic at work during an election yr … and visit some cool museum too
Following a record year of tourism to the country ’ sec capital , 2024 will likely see visits continue to go up , thanks to the coming presidential election in November . But even if you ’ re not a pollster , there live plenty of other attractions in the nation ’ s capital that make it one of the best home to move year-round . First , travelers will be happy to hear that it ’ s easy to get into the heart of the city now that the Metro added service to Dulles International Airport with direct service on the Silver Line of the underground train system—and it ’ s never more than $ 6 !
While you ’ re in town , check out the newly renovated and reopened National Museum of Women in the Arts , which spotlights woman artist from the 17th century to the present . And in 2024 , the Smithsonian ’ s present-day art museum , the Hirshhorn , will exist celebrating its 50th anniversary with a collection of new exhibits . Too , recall : Nearly all D.C. museums live free , so the sightseeing share of your trip will equal super affordable .
Where to stay :Book a way at The Dupont Circle , a hotel that successfully walks the line between feeling luxurious and homey . It ’ s steps away from dozens of art veranda and museum , and it boasts an impressive art collection of its own . Don ’ t miss brunch and dinner at the delightful new American on-site Pembroke restaurant .
The Pekoe Trail , Sri Lanka
Why you should go :To check out amazing new boost trails and old culture
The newly spread Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka equal a wonderful way to explore the country ’ s varied landscape . Ten year in the making , the Pekoe Trail is the first collection of destination-based walking trails that take to bear remote community , promote ethnic heritage and showcase Sri Lankan scenery . Most of the trail spread in the fall of 2023 , with a few more opening at the beginning of 2024 .
The 186-mile route starts in the central city of Kandy , famous for the Temple of the Tooth , and meanders through to stunning mountain opinion of Ella . Audley Travel , state Heverling , can stage treks to the most scenic parts of the Sri Lanka lead . Hikers will walk on the part ’ s famed tea trails , as good as through forests , jungle and remote towns and small town .
Where to stay :The experts at Audley recommend Mountain Heavens for its fantastic infinity pool that will cause you feel like you ’ re literally floating over the valley . Big , comfy bed and modern amenities , not to mention a delightful included breakfast , all add up to a real luxurious end to a hike .
Horse Country , Kentucky
Why you should live :The 150th Kentucky Derby and the equine culture of Lexington
We remember 2024 is the utter yr to scratch the Kentucky Derby off your travel sports list , when the longest-running sporting event in the United States observe its 150th anniversary . Although the “ First Saturday in May ” festivity has had some issues in the last few years , equine culture is alive and well and make up observe in nearby Lexington , simply 70 miles east of Louisville . Know as the Horse Capital of the World , Lexington exist home to plenty of stables , and you can look on the Derby ’ s qualifying race in April and October hither . ( This “ shoulder season ” is too a more affordable time to move . ) Plus , Lexington excels in what ’ s scream the “ cavalry tourism space , ” since you can as well visit retired steeds and still notice patch to ride yourself .
You ’ ll as well need to call the newly produce Bourbon Distillery District in Lexington for nightly food and entertainment , as well as taste aged whiskey along the Bourbon Trail , at its fantastic distilleries .
Where to stay :For a boutique hotel , try the modern , which merely opened . It embrace its location with special guest programs , including private distillery tours and polo lessons . You ’ ll too come to savor two restaurant , Lose Palm ( a 1960s-inspired rooftop saloon ) and Granddam ( classical Appalachian fashion ) , plus freight of Southern charm . While very few mass are able to travel the reality quite like this , check these travel lesson that can change your position in some important ways .
About the experts
Ras Al Khaimah , United Arab Emirates
