If you don’t know where you want to travel next year, you’re in luck – The Points Guy (TPG) has revealed the best places to travel in 2024.
When carefully crafting their list, the influential travel site’s contributors spent time thinking about new flight routes, hotel openings and major events over the next year to decide on the must-see destinations.
Scroll down and prepare to optimize your bucket list…
FRANCE
TPG has declared France a must-see destination for 2024, partly because Paris will host the Olympics
TPG chose France for the “sheer number of events” expected to take place next year, highlighting Paris as a host location for the 2024 Olympics but warning that “hotel reservations around the Olympics can be notoriously difficult to confirm.” and advises travelers to book in advance or prepare to pay high prices before the July launch date.
TPG says: “The opening ceremony will take place along the Seine in the heart of Paris, but the spectacular venues include the magnificent facilities for equestrian events, various stadiums around the country and even the surfing competition.” The stage is set for a truly spectacular series of events Play.
TPG points out that, in addition to the Olympic Games, Strasbourg will also be the 2024 UNESCO World Book Capital and that Normandy will host historic events in June to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
San Diego, California – and Tijuana, Mexico
The neighboring cities of San Diego (top photo) and Tijuana (bottom photo) were named a must-see destination pair by TPG
TPG notes that the two neighboring cities have been named the World Design Capital for 2024, recognizing “cities that effectively use design to improve the economic, social, cultural and environmental quality of life of their residents.”
According to TPG, the most notable events include the Design Street Festival in Tijuana, an exhibition specializing in jewelry design called “Frontera” held at the Mingei International Museum in San Diego and the Centro Cultural Tijuana, and an interactive World Design Experience held in both cities.
Travelers can also look forward to San Diego’s “hot culinary scene” and enjoy a number of restaurants opening next year, as well as Tijuana’s “diverse” food scene with various seafood restaurants.
Assam, India
According to TPG, India’s lesser-known region of Assam is perfect for visitors to experience the country’s cultural and natural wonders. The UNESCO site of Kaziranga can be seen in the picture
TPG says: “The Assam region of eastern India is home to cultural and natural wonders waiting to be explored by travelers – without the crowds that might be found in more popular South Asian destinations.”
Tourists can explore Manas National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site and teeming with buffalo and rhinos, or take a jeep safari to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kaziranga, which TPG says is a “refuge for endangered rhinos, Asian elephants and Bengal tigers.” Panthers, bears, guar and more.
TPG notes that new cruise routes will make the region more accessible to travelers next year. Banyan Tours, for example, will operate four-, seven- and 10-night cruises from Kolkata aboard the “luxurious” ABN Charaidew.
Albania
Albania is on the TPG list of places to visit in 2024. Visitors can take the cable car up Mount Dajti and enjoy a “panoramic view” of the capital Tirana
“Turquoise Mediterranean waters,” “beautiful beaches,” “picturesque mountain villages,” and “delicious food” are some of the reasons why TPG recommends this Southeastern Europe destination.
The travel website suggests exploring the “charming” brutalist architecture and tree-lined neighborhoods of the capital Tirana and taking the cable car up Mount Dajti for “panoramic views of the city.” The place to stay? The “sophisticated” Tirana Marriott.
TPG also suggests heading south and exploring the coast’s “picturesque beaches”, exploring charming towns like Dhermi and Jale, or diving into the week-long Kala Festival in early June, which features house, Disco, soul and funk music is offered on the “untouched coasts of the Ionian Sea”.
Costa Rica
TPG puts Costa Rica on its list of must-visit destinations next year, calling it the “Switzerland of South America.”
TPG describes the Central American destination as “one of the most biodiverse places on earth,” with “magical cloud forests, scenic volcanoes and extraordinary marine protected areas.”
TPG says: “Costa Rica was a pioneer in ecotourism in the 1990s and was nicknamed the “Switzerland of South America” due to its mountainous green landscapes and political stability in a sometimes volatile region. Costa Rica continues to raise the bar with its commitment to environmental protection.’
It continues: “Visit the region from August to December to witness one of the world’s greatest natural attractions: humpback whales migrating to Golfo Dulce, one of only four tropical fjords on the planet.”
South Korea
According to TPG, there is no wrong time to visit South Korea as every season offers “stunning scenery.” The website describes its capital, Seoul (pictured), as the place where the past and future “intersect.”
The travel website cites South Korea’s entertainment as just one of the reasons it should be on your 2024 travel list.
TPG says: “Four different seasons offer stunning scenery throughout the year, so there’s no wrong time to visit.” Spring brings the magic of Jinhae’s cotton-candy pink cherry blossoms, while autumn brings crimson and cadmium foliage to the historic temples of Naejangsa and Taeansa framed.”
TPG describes the capital Seoul as the place where “past and future intersect,” where tourists can visit the 14th-century Jongmyo Shrine and admire the futuristic Seoul City Hall.
Cities in the path of the solar eclipse, United States
Millions of Americans and visitors will be able to view the solar eclipse on April 8th
According to TPG, 31.5 million Americans, along with visitors, will be able to witness the solar eclipse on April 8, an event that “will not be visible from the contiguous United States for another 20 years.”
TPG emphasizes that Dallas, Texas, will be “one of the best eclipse destinations” with many hotels like Virgin Hotels Dallas planning “stylish viewing parties.”
Another great place to see the TPG eclipse notes is Indianapolis, as many places there will be doing their best to celebrate their first total solar eclipse in more than 800 years. In addition, Buffalo celebrates the almost four minutes of totality with the “best viewing points” in Niagara Falls State Park.
Bissagos Islands, Guinea-Bissau
In 2024, TPG recommends visiting the “pristine” island of Bissagos, off the coast of Guinea-Bissau
TPG points out that 31 miles off the coast of Guinea-Bissau lies the “pristine” 88-island Bissagos archipelago.
“This amazingly wildlife-rich island chain – often referred to as the Galapagos of Africa – is an idyll of empty white-sand beaches, dense mangroves, teeming lagoons and dense palm and cashew forests,” the travel website says.
It says that the archipelago is “quite difficult to reach” but that there are now a number of “luxury and small cruise ships” that visit the island. For example, Ponant Cruises opened sales for a nine-day “adventure” in the Bissagos Islands in April 2024.
Quebec, Canada
Tourists can explore Quebec City’s “cobblestone streets,” enjoy a local-led walking tour, shop along Rue du Tresor, or dine at the “indigenous restaurant Sagamite.”
“Quebec has long attracted travelers with its cosmopolitan cities,” says TPG. However, it notes that the province has made a “bold commitment to supporting Indigenous tourism,” which it says will provide “new and meaningful opportunities” to experience their culture.
TPG notes: “Travellers can admire the Aurora Borealis while learning about Inuit traditions in Quebec’s Arctic region of Nunavik. With an Innu guide, you can look for belugas and blue whales in Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park or foraging for mushrooms and berries in the Laurentian Mountains.
Tourists can also explore Quebec City’s “cobblestone streets,” enjoy a “locally guided” walking tour, shop along Rue du Tresor, or dine at the “indigenous restaurant Sagamite.”
Queensland, Australia
TPG lists Queensland Australia as a must-visit place in 2024 where travelers can enjoy the ‘surfer’s paradise’ of the Gold Coast (pictured)
Home to “natural wonders” such as the Great Barrier Reef as well as “trendy bars and restaurants,” TPG describes Queensland as “the best city for travelers Down Under looking for the right mix of urban and wildlife adventures.”
Travelers can head to the Gold Coast’s “surfer’s paradise” or enjoy Brisbane’s soon-to-be-completed Queen’s Wharf precinct – a shopper’s paradise with “tons of outdoor space” and three planned hotels, according to TPG.
You can also swim with migrating humpback whales on the World Heritage-listed K’gari Island (formerly Fraser Island) and live a life of luxury on the sprawling private island of Pelorus off the coast of Townsville.
Mozambique
Pristine Indian Ocean beaches await visitors to Mozambique
This East African country is relatively easy to get to, according to TPG – and perfect for “beach and nature lovers who want to avoid crowds.”
Travelers who make the trip can enjoy “pristine Indian Ocean beaches along 1,700 miles of coastline, lapped by aquamarine waters that rival those of the Caribbean.”
The travel website says Airlink offers direct flights from Johannesburg to the coastal town of Vilankulos and a direct flight is also available between Cape Town and the capital Maputo.
Bolivia
The lunar-like salt flats of Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, which also offer dynamic dining in the capital, La Paz
TPG says arriving in Bolivia “can feel like landing on the moon” because of the “magnificent” 3,900-square-mile Salar de Uyuni salt flat.
According to TPG, travelers can take part in a “six-night odyssey” from Chile’s Atacama Desert to the Salar de Uyuni. TPG also urges travelers not to miss Bolivia’s capital, La Paz, which sits at a “dizzying 11,975 feet.”
The website claims the city’s dining scene is “one of the most exciting in South America,” where tourists can enjoy local delicacies like alligator and creamy aged corn.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is full of natural wonders – and guests can look forward to “a host of exciting, brand new hotels” in 2024. Above is the island of Penida off the southwest coast of the island
In 2024, a $10 fee will be charged to tourists visiting Bali, which will go toward cultural and environmental conservation as the country pioneers “a more gentle way for visitors to enjoy its natural wonders and renowned hospitality.” to enjoy the natural wonders and the famous hospitality”.
According to TPG, “luxury resorts are leading the trend.” Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay recently opened Telu, a bar made entirely from upcycled materials and serving cocktails made from sustainable ingredients.
Additionally, guests can expect a “series of exciting, all-new hotels,” including Umana Bali, part of Hilton’s LXR Resorts & Hotels, scheduled to open in November 2023. From its 72 cliff-top pool villas, guests can enjoy “epic views” and “spa treatments using ancient healing techniques.”
Cairo, Egypt
Cairo has long been a “magnet” for those interested in ancient wonders, and in 2024 new hotel openings will attract even more travelers
For “ancient treasures in a modern metropolis,” TPG recommends a visit to Cairo.
First, there is the “long-awaited” reopening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is scheduled to welcome visitors in early 2024.
TPG notes that “the largest archaeological museum ever built” will house thousands of artifacts and relics.
While the city has long been said to be a “magnet” for those interested in ancient wonders, in 2024 “new hotel openings will attract even more travelers.”
The Bahamas
TPG calls the Bahamas a top destination in 2024 and expects the country to be particularly broke next year due to new hotels, cruises and additional flights
For travelers looking to discover paradise in 2024, TPG recommends the “calm, clear seas” and “white and pink sand beaches” of the Bahamas.
As a “top destination” for 2024, TPG expects a “particularly busy” year for the Caribbean nation, “thanks to new hotels, exciting cruises and more flights from major airlines.”
Towards the end of 2024, according to TPG, travelers can look forward to the opening of the “ultra-luxurious Montage Cay,” which will occupy a 48-acre island in the Abacos and offer “50 oceanfront suites with private plunge pools and outdoor showers.” .
For more information from The Points Guy, visit thepointsguy.com/uk-travel. To view the original list, click here.
BEST DESTINATIONS IN 2024, ACCORDING TO TPG
France
San Diego, California and Tijuana, Mexico
Assam, India
Albania
Costa Rica
South Korea
Cities in the path of the solar eclipse, United States
Bissagos Islands, Guinea-Bissau
Quebec, Canada
Queensland, Australia
Mozambique
Bolivia
Bali, Indonesia
Cairo, Egypt
The Bahamas
Source: The Points Guy