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2024’s top travel picks
It’s official: the world is awash with wanderlust. Between January and September 2023, around 975 million of us set off on globetrotting adventures. And that trend seems set to continue. There are so many exciting places just waiting to be explored. So, where should you start? Here! With our list of the ten best places to visit in 2024.
From sustainability to affordability, architecture to culture, and everything in between, these 10 dream destinations are the cream of 2024’s crop. So, hop on board our virtual tour bus as we take you on a journey through the wonders that await.
1. Best for Sustainability: Panama
Let’s kick off with the first on our list of the best places to visit in 2024. Panama. It may be petite, but it packs a punch. This wisp of a country is a living, breathing bridge between North and South America. The incredible isthmus takes the crown for the best sustainable destination in 2024.
And Panama has good reason to invest in the environment. Its biodiversity is stunning. This relatively small country offers lush rainforests, mangrove wetlands and mountain cloud forests. Add to that 10,000 plant types and over 1,500 different animal species, and you can see why it’s made tremendous strides in eco-tourism.
Panama is in the midst of a 5-year Sustainable Tourism Master Plan. This means more sustainable opportunities for the traveller:
- Learn about tropical ecosystems: at the fantastic Biomuseo in Panama City.
- Eco-friendly accommodation: from organic farmstays to ethical eco lodges, you’ll have plenty of options in Panama.
- Take public transport: hop on a hop-on hop-off bus in Panama City.
- Respect the country’s culture: learn about the Kuna people of the San Blas Islands, Panama’s most interesting tribal society.
- Support local businesses: drink coffee that’s grown in the region.
2. Best for Affordability: Vietnam
Looking for an exotic destination that won’t break the bank? Look no further than Vietnam, a haven for budget-conscious travellers.
Travellers flock to Vietnam to enjoy its bustling metropolises, breathtaking beaches, majestic mountains and hill-tribe villages. But all that aside, another very practical reason to travel to ´Nam is that it’s cheap!
When it comes to food, accommodation and travel, you certainly do get more bang for your buck in Vietnam. If you’re travelling on a shoestring, you can spend as little as 40 – 50 USD per day.
So, head to Vietnam if you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in 2024 without emptying your wallet!
3. Best for Architecture: Seville
Welcome to Seville, the city where practically every building is a masterpiece. As you wander through the pretty, cobbled streets of the old town, you’ll be able to admire all sorts of striking structures.
Seville’s classical beauties include the Royal Alcázar with its patios, palaces and peacocks and the vast Seville Cathedral. You can climb to the spine-tingling heights of the Giralda bell tower for top views of the city.
But Seville’s architecture isn’t limited to the traditional. The mind-bogglingly modern Metropol Parasol looks as if someone gave Picasso a pile of toothpicks and asked him to build a monument!
So, grab your wide-angle lens and set off for Seville.
4. Best for Cool Vibes: Belfast
Belfast beckons with its vibrant culture, excellent museums and welcoming pubs. Once famous for its troubled past, the Northern Irish capital has reinvented itself as one of 2024’s trendiest destinations.
Belfast brims with culture. From the superb Titanic Belfast Museum to the historic centre’s energetic streets to the burgeoning foodie scene at St. George’s Market, the city exudes a cool and contemporary vibe.
If you’re a music aficionado, Belfast is simply one of the best places to visit in 2024. The music scene is outstanding. So much so that the city has been awarded the prestigious status of UNESCO City of Music. It’s one of only three cities in the UK to achieve this accolade.
5. Best for Food: New Orleans
Another city famed for its music is soulful New Orleans. And they don’t just have soul in their music; they’ve got it in their food too! Creole-soul, a classic New Orleans cuisine, is an intoxicating blend of Spanish, French, West African, and Native American cuisine. Another famous local cuisine is Cajun food, typically spicier than Creole.
Don’t leave New Orleans without trying:
- Their classic Creole-Cajun stew gumbo
- Tasty tomatoey jambalaya
- NOLA´s take on the Italian sandwich, the Muffaletta
- Humble beans and rice
If your mouth isn’t watering by now, you might want to have your taste buds checked out! Whatever dish you choose, this city is sure to derail your diet plans. But it’s worth it!
6. Best for Shopping: Dubai
If you’re in need of a bit of retail therapy, then Dubai is the place you’re looking for. This futuristic city in the United Arab Emirates offers a shopping experience like no other.
There are endless shopping options in Dubai. Stroll through the opulent Dubai Mall, where over 1200 luxury boutiques and world-class brands rule. You’ll be in good company here as the gargantuan Burj Khalifa towers over you and the delightful Dubai fountain dances next to you.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, venture a bit further out to the traditional markets, known as souks. Here, you can get into the spirit by haggling for exquisite jewellery and spices.
So, get a ticket to Dubai and shop till you drop in one of the best places to visit in 2024 for retail!
7. Best for Museums: Philadelphia
Philadelphia is packed with museums. And good ones too. These museums aren’t just dusty old buildings filled with artifacts. They’re fun, lively, and as eclectic as the city itself. Here are some of the quirkiest, most intriguing and downright coolest museums in the city.
- Liberty Bell Center: home to the most famous crack to ever grace a bell. The celebrated Liberty Bell was rung to celebrate the United States Declaration of Independence.
- Philadelphia Museum of Art: ogle all sorts of artworks, from Renaissance classics to contemporary gems. And let’s not forget those iconic steps – channel your inner Rocky and have a triumphant moment at the top!
- Eastern State Penitentiary: This place is more than just a prison; it’s a haunting reminder of the darker side of humanity. Feel the goosebumps rise on your skin as you walk through the crumbling halls and explore the cells that once held infamous criminals.
8. Best European City Break: London
London reigns supreme as the unrivalled champion of European city breaks and one of our best places to visit in 2024!
You really can do anything and everything in London. Strut your stuff down Oxford Street like a fashion icon, dance the night away in the hippest of hangouts and eat yourself silly as you try out different world cuisines. London is your oyster (and if oysters are your thing, of course, you’ll be able to choose from a plethora of oyster bars in the big smoke too!)
London embraces its contradictions. Tradition sits alongside innovation, pomp with quirkiness. Where else can you spend a morning saying hello to the Royal family and admiring art at Buckingham Palace? While away a relaxing afternoon gliding along the Thames in a boat. And go out at night to enjoy a cocktail in a public toilet-turned-bar!
9. Best for Spirituality: Bangkok
Many travel to Bangkok for its sizzling street food, buzzing nightlife and ladyboy-laden cabaret shows. But did you know that the Thai capital is the ultimate destination for a spiritual break? Bangkok is positively brimming with shimmering temples where you can find your inner zen.
You can’t miss the glittering Grand Palace, which encompasses Wat Phra Kaew, the holiest temple in the city. And at Wat Intharawihan, you’ll definitely won’t be able to miss their 32-metre Buddha, one of the tallest standing Buddha statues in the world.
Take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River and witness the holy rituals performed at the revered Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. You’ll find an opportunity for enlightenment on every corner in this sacred city.
So, grab your yoga mat and get ready to find yourself in Bangkok, one of our best places to visit in 2024.
10. Best for Travel with Kids: Barcelona
Barcelona is the perfect playground for kids and grown-ups in 2024. This youthful city is jam-packed with adventures for your little ones.
If you want to introduce your budding artists to the world of art, you can’t go wrong with Barcelona’s favourite creative architect, Gaudi. His mind-bending architecture, bright colours and wavy lines seem tailor-made for kids. Don’t miss El Drac, the famous mosaiced lizard at Park Güell, and the stunning city views from the Sagrada Família.
And don’t forget to hit the beach! Barcelona’s golden sand and sparkling blue sea will keep the kiddos entertained for hours.
Oh, the places you'll go in 2024!
So, there you have it! Our 10 best places to visit in 2024. Are there any you think we’ve missed off the list? Wherever you decide to go in 2024, we wish you a safe, happy and memorable journey. Happy travels!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, and the world is full of breathtaking destinations. From the incredible landscapes of Norway to the awe-inspiring natural wonders of Iceland, there are many contenders for the title of the most beautiful country in 2024. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and what kind of beauty resonates with you the most.
If you’re on a budget and looking for an affordable getaway in 2024, several destinations deserve consideration. As mentioned above, Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, and Thailand are known for their affordability, offering a mix of cultural experiences, beautiful beaches, and delicious street food. Eastern European countries like Hungary and Poland also provide excellent value for money, with charming cities and rich history to explore. It’s always a good idea to research and compare prices, as the affordability of a holiday destination can vary depending on factors like seasonality and exchange rates.
The best place for a couple to travel greatly depends on their interests and preferences. For those seeking romance and relaxation, destinations like Greece and Spain offer breathtaking landscapes and luxurious resorts.
If you’re more adventurous, Panama’s rainforests and thrilling activities might be perfect for you.
Cultural enthusiasts may find cities like Madrid, London or Dublin with their rich history and artistic charm captivating.
Ultimately, the best place to travel for a couple is one that aligns with their shared interests and provides ample opportunities for quality time together.