Dec 29, 20234 min read

The Best Places To Travel in 2024

A new year is a fresh chapter for all of us travelers. It is a clean slate, and we can begin dreaming about the undiscovered destinations our passports might take us to. But if you have not given any thought to where your 2024 adventures might take you and you need some suggestions, I have the perfect list for you of where to go in 2024 to satisfy your travel thirst.

Those Seeking Cultural Immersion

Cartegena, Colombia

Colombia is coming into its own as a luxury escape these days, thanks to Cartagena which is located on the country’s Caribbean coast. Cartagena is big on festivals, such as the Classical Music Festival in early January, the Sweets Festival in March, and the Bagpipe Festival in August. The main event is the International Film Festival in early March when the city becomes a giant outdoor screening room. In addition to the festivals, in 2024, Disney's “Encanto”-themed tour of Colombia will debut, shining even more light on Cartagena, one of the many stops on the itinerary.

Germany

For one month between June and July, soccer will take over Germany, as the country hosts the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. Held every four years, the tournament for men’s national teams will take place in ten cities across Germany, including Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich. This is an opportunity not to be missed as even casual fans will find the atmosphere thrilling.

Those Looking for Great City Vibes

Bangkok

This city is a classic Asian megacity…intense, neon-lit, and overwhelming to the senses! Because of its massive size, each district of Bangkok has its own identity and characteristics, offering any type of experience that a traveler might be looking for. Looking for endless, delicious street food and an amazing ambiance? Yaowarat Road in Chinatown will be a great area to walk around and experience. Interested in shipping? Visit Sukumvit and Khlong San for some shopping in Bangkok’s impressive malls. You can even escape the urban jungle by heading to one of the city’s beautiful parks, such as Benchakitti or Lumphini, to enjoy a day in nature. Lumphini Park will have a major refresh completed in 2024 that will add a new food hall, a vegetable farm, and a sports club ahead of its centennial celebration.

Istanbul

This city is not just Turkey’s cultural and historical heart but a bridge between Europe and Asia, bursting with a fascinating blend of old meets new. Istanbul promises a plethora of experiences that cater to all kinds of travelers. Additionally, Istanbul’s buzzing nightlife, music scene, and various festivals and events offer a unique cultural immersion. The city is also seeing a resurgence of life along the Bosphorus, thanks in part to Galataport, the world’s first underground cruise ship terminal.

Those Exploring Nature

Botswana

Botswana is home to some of the greatest wildlife displays on earth. There are more elephants in Botswana than any other country, lions roam free, and there is everything from endangered African wild dogs to aquatic antelopes. And with its rhino population growing and abundant birdlife at every turn, this country is a perfect destination for a safari full of unique wildlife experiences. Botswana is also home to the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Desert, iconic African landscapes, and vast stretches of untamed wilderness. National parks and game reserves are stringently controlled, so you can expect to enjoy huge, remote wilderness areas with few other travelers. Wildlife moves freely over vast tracts of land, allowing different animals to follow their inherent migration routes. So, you can travel in some areas of Botswana without seeing lots of other travelers – it will be just you and nature!

New Zealand

Nature lovers should flock to New Zealand for its unmatched landscapes that range from pristine beaches to majestic mountains. The country features diverse ecosystems, covering unique vegetation and wildlife, including the famous kiwi bird. An unbelievable 80% of plant life and 70% of animal life in this country is entirely unique to New Zealand! Exploring this island is like stepping back in time to a world that once was. The Fiordland National Park highlights the stunning fjords, while the Tongariro National Park offers a glimpse of volcanic wonders. With its commitment to conservation, New Zealand provides opportunities for eco-friendly activities like hiking, bird watching, and exploring geothermal hot springs. The captivating scenery, coupled with the Kiwi hospitality, makes it the perfect place for those seeking an immersive and rejuvenating natural experience.

Those Looking for Sun & Sand

Dominican Republic

The most popular reason to visit the Dominican Republic is the beaches. The Dominican Republic has 1,000 miles of coastline which displays beautiful beaches. The beaches are famous for their powdery sand, which is usually white or golden and backed by the beautiful blue hues of the Caribbean Sea. Whether you prefer a beach filled with fun activities or prefer the privacy of the secluded cays where you can enjoy a relaxed snorkel or dive, you will find the perfect beach somewhere in the Dominican Republic.

Costa Rica

If soaking up the sun on pristine, sandy beaches is your idea of heaven then Costa Rica has you covered. Costa Rica has more than 800 miles of gorgeous shoreline divided between the Caribbean coast and Pacific coast. Whichever coast you find yourself visiting, Costa Rica’s picture-perfect beaches are world-renowned. Choose from Puerto Viejo’s famous black-sand beaches on the southern Caribbean coast or the pearly-white sands of Manuel Antonio. Visit Cahuita National Park for incredible scuba diving or the Nicoya Peninsula for impressive surf breaks. You have many options for sun and sand in Costa Rica!