The Best Places to Visit in 2024 As a Traveler
Next year is packed with promise: new stars join “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” more copyrighted works are made public domain and exciting train routes cross continents.
Whatever your travel goals may be in 2024, there is sure to be something out there to meet them. Here are 23 of the top travel spots worth exploring as an intrepid explorer in 2024.
1. Fujairah
After pandemic tourism gained its place and many travellers and influencers already planned to travel around the world- making sustainable tourism destinations even more attractive otions for travellers in 2024. Several of them have taken steps toward this end to make themselves better travel choices.
Sumba Island in Indonesia places great importance on community consciousness and sustainability as it moves away from Bali’s overcrowded beaches. Swan Hellenic’s new “Crucibles of West Africa” trip onboard SH Vega features two days here; here you’ll trek through remote villages, learn ancient rituals, and surf world-class waves!
Kaziranga in India stands out for its dedication to sustainability as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Jeep safaris here take visitors through dense forests that serve as home for endangered one-horned rhinoceroses, Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, bears, gaurs (Indian bison), among many other species. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort’s new deluxe glamping property provides unrivaled vistas from your luxurious tent overlooking this nature preserve.
South Korea offers tourists plenty of entertainment culture to keep them occupied and amused, including Jongmyo Shrine with its cotton candy pink cherry blossoms, while Seoul’s historic temples and palaces, like Zaha Hadid-designed Dongdaemun Design Plaza illuminated with fiery hues in autumn are illuminated by vivid foliage crimson and cadmium hues. Newer attractions such as SEEK virtual reality experience can also be found there, and its newly opened Museum of Modern Art are just among many tourist spots to discover in South Korea!
Tripadvisor recently recognized Indonesia for its sustainability efforts by placing it among their list of Best Sustainable Destinations destinations – Copenhagen Denmark; Kyoto Japan; and Singapore are also included.
2. Cairo
Cairo, as the capital and largest city of Africa, serves as an iconic center of history and modernity in Egypt and one of its most fascinating cosmopolitan cities worldwide. It has three governing districts and has been continuously inhabited for more than 6,000 years – it truly makes for an interesting cultural and architectural landscape!
Giza Pyramids Complex and Saqqara Necropolis will remain popular destinations for history enthusiasts, but 2024 will bring new attractions and hotel openings that should draw travelers as well. New offerings include the Shepheard Museum’s luxurious transformation into Mandarin Oriental Shepheard; opening of visitor center at Giza pyramids complex; and exhibit of mummies from Saqqara Necropolis.
As part of your travel itinerary in Egypt, other must-see sights should include: *The Great Pyramid of Khufu is still the tallest man-made structure on Earth *The colossal Sphinx *Luxor Temple with its hieroglyph-covered walls and shrines for gods *And Mogamaa Al-Adyan’s complex of religions houses numerous churches, mosques and synagogues in addition to The Hanging Church which hangs from a gate at Babylon fortress; plus the Coptic Museum
Many top river cruise lines operate itineraries that start or end in Cairo, and several are adding ships dedicated to Nile River cruising in 2024. Viking Aton and AmaLilia will both debut as part of this initiative while AmaWaterways offers their Queen Elizabeth II as another option for Nile River travel.
Culture-seekers will find much to explore at Cairo’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Citadel from Mokattam Hills. Built as a fortress by Salah al-Din in 12th-century, its expansion continued under Mamluks and Ottomans; visitors may stroll its narrow lanes to witness residents from all walks of life as they walk by, visit its small museum collection, and even take in breathtaking panoramic city views from its rooftop cafes.
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024 list spotlights places that offer more than simply tourism. Sumba Island in Indonesia stands out for its remote villages, ancient rituals, and world-class surf breaks; South Africa was recognized for its impressive selection of eco-lodges which prioritize sustainability and community spirit.
3. Strasbourg
Strasbourg is France’s most distinctive city and home of both the Council of Europe and European Parliament, boasting an eclectic culture and architecture which blends French and German influences. At its heart is Gothic Cathedrale Notre-Dame – a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering daily clock shows as well as panoramic city views from partway up its 142m spire!
Those keen on history will certainly want to add Strasbourg to their travel bucket list; its medieval European life makes for an immersive experience that you won’t soon forget! Additionally, Strasbourg is well known for its delicious Alsatian cuisine; at Christmas markets you’ll experience its finest moments!
Strasbourg is an ideal travel destination for history and culture buffs looking for affordable European capitals, making Strasbourg an attractive option on any budget. Hotels tend to be significantly cheaper than Paris while food and entertainment is generally less costly as well. Plus, traveling between its parts is simple via high-speed train or bus.
Alsace’s wine country is another highlight, featuring charming villages and world-renowned wines. If you want to discover this region further, taking a river cruise along the Rhine or visiting vineyards could be beneficial as well as sampling some local cheeses either at restaurants or markets is also highly recommended.
The 2024 Summer Olympic Games will also provide another compelling reason to visit Paris, running from July 26-Aug 11 at venues that are sure to dazzle visitors – not only will there be the main stadium, but other beautiful sites include Versailles and various arenas across France as well as unique offerings like Hippodrome de La Bourdonnais in Versailles for equestrian events!
4. South Korea
South Korea may be known for its pop stars and holy grail skin care products, but its history also holds great appeal for visitors. From ancient ruins and UNESCO-listed wonders to centuries-old traditions and its ever-evolving culture – South Korea never stops surprising.
Visit Seoul to gain insight into Korea’s past at Dongmun Market (a traditional Korean market featuring street food and ginseng) or Jejumok Gwana – historic houses dating back to 14th Century built of wood – or venture deeper into its mountains at Hallasan Volcano for hiking adventures and unforgettable photographs.
Natural beauty of South Korea can be appreciated through hiking trails that traverse national parks. Seoraksan National Park provides ample hiking options from short day treks to overnight multi-day routes; making this place one of the premier South Korean adventures!
South Korea boasts many cultural sites beyond Seoul’s UNESCO-listed wonders, and in Gyeongju – once capital of the Silla kingdom – visitors can explore UNESCO-listed attractions such as its city itself which can sometimes be described as an open air museum (sometimes described as such by visitors themselves!). From ornate jewellery at Gyeongju National Museum to Bulguksa temple haven, discover more of Gyeongju’s fascinating past here!
Busan*, South Korea’s second-largest city, offers many popular tourist spots for Instagrammers: Gamcheon Culture Village or Haedong Yonggungsa Temple were constructed during Goryeo Dynasty 1376; for beach lovers Haeundae or Gwangalli beaches make an excellent beach break destination.
South Korea is an innovator when it comes to sustainability, boasting an impressive selection of eco-lodges dedicated to conserving the planet and supporting local communities. South Korea also houses one of the world’s biggest biosphere reserves – Naejangsan National Park is listed with UNESCO; here you can soak in natural hot springs or witness wild animal migration! In 2024 it offers the perfect chance to reconnect with nature!
