The 24 Best Places To Travel In 2024, According To A Luxury Travel Advisor
Almost everyone went somewhere this year, but there are still places to go. Lots of places. So what are the best destinations for travel in 2024?
The Maddalena archipelago between Corsica and Sardinia, Italy.
1. Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia lures travellers with its luxurious Costa Smeralda, immaculate beaches, and high-end boutique shops. You can explore coastal villages, enjoy fine dining, and indulge in rich local experiences.
Windmills of Alacati Town in Izmir Province.
2. Urla, Türkiye
Urla, a quiet Aegean coastal town just half an hour from Izmir, is famous for its wineries and vibrant art .
Trekking up a snowy hill in Niseko, Japan.
3. Niseko, Japan
Why visit? If you want to experience an unforgettable winter destination outside of the usual U.S. or European spots, Niseko is worth a visit. It's the top ski area in Japan, and it has many activities on and off the slopes.
Autumn at Naejangsan Lake, South Korea.
4. Jeju, South Korea
Located right off the coast of the Korean Peninsula, Jeju has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site that seems a world away from Seoul. It even has its own local dialect and culture. The volcanic island has a tropical climate but is more than just beaches with crystalline water. “The lava caves are a marvel, with some of the longest stalagmites in the world,” says OvationNetwork travel advisor Sylvia Lebovitch.
A rider herds horses across the Orkhon river in Mongolia.
5. Orkhon Valley, Mongolia
The Orkhon Valley is known for its natural beauty and nomadic culture. You can explore lush landscapes, ancient monuments, and traditional Ger camps, all while enjoying outdoor adventures like horseback riding and hiking. It's a tranquil escape where you can reconnect with nature and discover Mongolia's countryside.
A Hindu temple in Goa, India.
6. Goa, India
Its sandy beaches and sunny weather attract people from everywhere. Visitors compare Goa to the exotic destinations like Hawaii, but much less expensive and with a Portuguese influence.
A tropical beach in Sri Lanka.
7. Tangalle, Sri Lanka
Tangalle is known for its long stretches of untouched white sand beaches and turquoise waters. It's a great place to spend some undisturbed time and indulge in water activities.
Santa Domingo church in Oaxaca, Mexico.
8. Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca is primarily known for its indigenous people, the Zapotecs, who account for 40% of Mexico's indigenous population. “Rich in UNESCO World Heritage food, mezcal, archeology, nature and a great knowledge of spiritual energy
Yellow vintage tram on the street in Lisbon, Portugal.
9. Comporta, Portugal
A rustic paradise near Lisbon with unspoiled beaches, Comporta charms you with understated and sublime luxury.
San Sebastian in Spain's Basque country.
10. San Sebastián, Spain
San Sebastián is home to some of the best chefs in the world. It offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience, natural beauty and unique Basque culture.
The River Nile in Egypt.
11. Nile River, Egypt
After exploring Cairo, the Nile offers a more relaxing way to visit a part of the country where many of the most famous ancient sites are located directly on the river.
Koutoubia mosque in Marrakesh, Morocco.
12. Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh is a captivating city that provides a high-end sense of place with old-world charm while injecting modern-day luxury into historic exploration, attracting a global creative community and celebrating artisans.
Scenic Klima village in Milos island, Greece.
13. Milos, Greece
Milos has over 70 phenomenal beaches, along with memorable sunsets and fishing villages. While it’s becoming a popular destination, it is much less crowded than islands like Mykonos and Santorini. “Its dreamy lunar landscapes are unlike anything else you will see in Greece,” says OvationNetwork travel advisor Mary Wood.
Tourists at Iguazu Falls, one of the world's great natural wonders, on the border of Brazil and ...
14. Iguazu River, Argentina/Brazil
Rio Iguazu and its eponymous waterfalls are a spectacular display of power set amongst lush forests that straddle Argentina and Brazil. Considered by most as the eighth Wonder of the World and named in 1984 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the falls comprise hundreds and hundreds of cascades, which spread for miles. The Brazilian side offers better panoramic views, while the Argentinian side gets you closer to the water.
Panoramic view of Guatape from the Rock (La Piedra del Penol), near Medellin, Colombia.
15. Isla Baru, Colombia
Isla Baru is the gateway to the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park, Colombia's only underwater park, renowned for its colourful fish and marine animals, making it a diver's paradise. Isla Baru also provides a nice respite from Cartagena.
Biarritz city and its famous sand beaches on France's Atlantic coast.
16. Biarritz, France
“A Belle Epoque jewel on France’s southwestern coast, Biarritz has long been treasured by Europeans, but has yet to be discovered by the U.S. traveler,” notes travel advisor Fiona Bayne. You’ll find an impressive coastline with wonderful sandy beaches, epic surfing and a huge variety of restaurants.
Twilight with boats on Phewa lake, Pokhara, Nepal.
17. Pokhara, Nepal
Pokhara offers postcard-worthy lakeside scenery with dramatic mountain backdrops, loads of adventure activities, all types of accommodations and food choices. The city's scene is chilled-out, with bars and restaurants stretching along the shore of the tranquil lake.
Alexander Nevsky cathedral and St Mary's Cathedral at sunset in Tallinn, Estonia.
18. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is a vibrant and lively city, rich in culture, located on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town and enjoy great food, fascinating history, and access to sea and nature.
The Bruges in Bergen Norway.
19. Bergen, Norway
Although Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway, it feels more like a small town. Bergen is a cultural hub offering contemporary art, world-class restaurants, and charming gabled houses along the harbour. Bergen also serves as a gateway to the world’s most majestic fjords and soaring mountains.
A winery in Franschhoek, South Africa.
20. Franschhoek, South Africa
Franschhoek is the next big wine destination beyond the more familiar Stellenbosch. The Franschhoek Wine Tram offers hop-on/hop-off transportation to 30 wineries, where guests can do wine tastings and cellar tours. In addition to the vineyard at Babylonstoren, the tram will allow you to explore seven other wine estates in the region during your adventure.
Otemanu mountain on Bora Bora island.
21. Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia
Nuku Hiva is the largest island in the Marquesas Archipelago in French Polynesia and offers a special destination for travellers. Known for its dramatic waterfalls and well-preserved Polynesian culture, Nuku Hiva allows visitors to travel off the beaten path to reconnect with nature.
Moai Statues stand side by side in a row along the Pacific Ocean coast on Easter Island.
22. Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island, located 2,100 miles off the coast of Chile, is often referred to as one of the most remote places to visit on the planet. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by azure water and covered with hundreds of archaeological sites.
Taiga forest and lakes in the Saimaa Region in Finland.
23. Lake Saimaa region, Finland
“The largest lake region in Europe formed at the end of the last ice age, Finnish Lakeland is a blue wonder of lakes, islands, rivers and canals with gorgeous pine forests. It is truly spectacular,” according to OvationNetwork travel advisor Bob Preston.
Ha Long Bay view from above the Bo Hon Island in northern Vietnam.
24. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most unique ecosystems and geological formations in the world. Few sites provide such a mix of natural beauty, outdoor activity, fresh food, tranquillity and accessibility.
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