With so many incredible destinations across the globe, deciding where to travel can be overwhelming. From glittering cities to remote tropical islands, dramatic mountain ranges to vibrant reefs teeming with marine life, there are endless places that will make your wanderlust heart skip a beat. To help inspire your next adventure, we’ve compiled a list of the top spots not to miss in 2024. These are destinations that will dazzle you with their sheer beauty, capture your imagination through their rich culture and history, relax your mind through beachfront bliss, and thrill your inner adventurer through epic excursions. Whether you’re dreaming about or planning an upcoming trip, read on for the inside scoop on the best travel destinations to have on your radar for the upcoming year. Let’s explore some of the planet’s most magnificent landscapes, exciting cities, and hidden gems that 2024 has in store.
India
India dazzles visitors with its rich cultural heritage visible in intricately decorated temples, aromatic cuisine, vibrant festivals, bustling bazaars selling brightly colored textiles and precious gems alongside welcoming locals. Top destinations include:
- Rajasthan – Land of maharajas featuring ornate palaces converted into fab hotels and the romantic “Pink City” of Jaipur
- Kerala – Tropical state fringed by palm-shaded beaches, shimmering backwaters, lush rainforest covered hills perfect for proving Ayurvedic treatments
- Goa – Relaxed former Portuguese colony on India’s western coast, beach lover’s paradise
- Agra – Home to the spectacular Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest monument to love bathed in ethereal light at sunrise and sunset
Thailand
Thailand offers visitors a wide range of experiences, from white sand beaches and big city life to sleepy towns in the jungle. Popular destinations include:
- Phuket – Known for having some of the best beaches due to its clear waters, white sand, and lively town
- Phi Phi Island – Stunning tropical island with dramatic limestone cliffs rising from the sea
- Bangkok – Vibrant capital city with historic temples, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife
- Chiang Mai – Charming city in northern Thailand and great base for exploring lush mountain landscapes
- Koh Samui – Island getaway with palm-fringed shores, beach resorts, and a laidback vibe
France
France offers world-class museums, incredible food and wine, romantic charm, and spectacular scenery. Must-see destinations include:
- Paris – Iconic capital with unmatched sights like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, cafes, and Michelin-starred restaurants
- French Riviera – Sun-soaked Mediterranean coastline dotted with beaches, yachts, and glamorous towns like Nice, Cannes, and St. Tropez
- Loire Valley – Picturesque valley featuring elegant Renaissance-era châteaux and charming villages
- Provence – Postcard-perfect region known for Lavender fields, rustic villages perched on rocky cliffs, and vibrant farmers’ markets
Italy
Italy offers visitors an array of attractions from unspoiled villages to stunning escapes. Must-see destinations include:
- Abruzzo – Rugged and mountainous region on Italy’s Adriatic coast, known for medieval hilltop towns and great hiking
- Costa Smeralda – Glitzy stretch of coastline in northern Sardinia with beautiful beaches and upscale resorts
- Bari – Port city and underrated gem on southern Italy’s Adriatic coast, with an atmospheric old town and great food
In addition to amazing food, rich history, and sights like the Colosseum in Rome, Italy has something for everyone.
United States
The United States offers diverse landscapes from the deserts of the Southwest to the forests of the Pacific Northwest. Top destinations include:
- Florida – Famous for its beautiful beaches, amusement parks, and laidback seaside towns
- Colorado – Dramatic mountain landscapes perfect for skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and more
- California – Diverse state with vibrant cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco as well as stunning national parks
- Hawaii – Tropical island paradise with volcanic peaks, lush rainforests, and world-famous beaches
- Alaska – Majestic wilderness and scenery on display with glaciers, mountains, and abundant wildlife
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is an island getaway with breathtaking scenery, friendly locals, and a fascinating blend of cultural influences. Top attractions and activities include:
- Exploring Pigeon Island National Landmark and its ruins, lookouts, beaches, and walking trails
- Hiking iconic Piton mountains rising dramatically from the sea – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Snorkeling and diving colorful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish
- Learning about Saint Lucia’s island culture and history at Castries Market
Turks and Caicos
The Turks and Caicos Islands feature beautiful tropical beaches, stunning coral reefs for snorkeling and diving, luxury resorts, and rich history. Top attractions include:
- Grace Bay – Spectacular stretch of powdery white sand coastline
- Chalk Sound National Park – Turquoise lagoon with tiny desert islands
- Sapodilla Bay – Secluded beach backed by limestone cliffs with excellent snorkeling
- Grand Turk – Relaxed capital island combining colonial architecture, mule cart tours, excellent diving
New Zealand
New Zealand combines super friendly locals, diverse landscapes from majestic peaks to breathtaking fjords, rich Maori culture, and exciting outdoor adventures. Must-see destinations include:
- Auckland – Laidback harbor city with excellent food and wine scene, surrounded by volcanoes and islands
- Queenstown – Outdoor playground with adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping, jetboating, ziplining against stunning alpine backdrop
- Tongariro National Park – Dramatic volcanic landscape that’s a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Fiordland National Park – Rugged natural wonderland with fjords, rainforests, waterfalls perfect for boating, hiking, and wildlife spotting
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico dazzles visitors with its gorgeous beaches, historic forts, bioluminescent bays, excellent food, and vibrant culture. Top attractions include:
- Old San Juan – Colorful Spanish colonial buildings and atmospheric cobblestone streets
- El Yunque Rainforest – Lush jungle teeming with exotic wildlife and scenic waterfalls
- Mosquito Bay – Spectacular bioluminescent bay glowing an iridescent blue at night
- Culebra Island – Idyllic island escape with stunning beaches and turquoise waters
The Philippines
The Philippines offers stunning island-hopping adventures across over 7,000 islands, with friendly locals, exotic wildlife, volcanoes, jungle-clad peaks, and dazzling beaches. Must-see spots include:
- Palawan – Island paradise with thriving coral reefs, magical lagoons, and the Puerto Princesa Underground River
- Boracay – Famous White Beach consistently ranked one of the world’s best
- Banaue Rice Terraces – Incredible ancient terraces carved into mountains, an engineering marvel
- Cebu – Laidback island with historic sites, tranquil beaches, excellent diving and snorkeling
Bonaire
Bonaire is a pristine Caribbean island, boasting vibrant coral reefs, flamingo colonies, stunning beaches, and a super relaxed vibe. Top attractions include:
- World-class scuba diving and snorkeling along Bonaire National Marine Park’s vibrant reefs
- Spotting pink flamingos at Pekelmeer salt flats and Washington Slagbaai National Park
- Kiteboarding and windsurfing on crystal clear Lac Bay
- Exploring Capital Kralendijk’s Dutch colonial architecture, tasting local cuisine and sunset drinks
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic combines pristine beaches, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, rum, history, adventure activities, and luxury resort getaways. Top attractions include:
- Punta Cana – Stunning stretch of white sand beaches lined with palms and all-inclusive beach resorts galore
- Puerto Plata – Historic port city and gateway to tropical rainforests, cable cars, waterfalls, adrenaline-pumping excursions
- Santo Domingo – UNESCO-listed colonial zone with Spanish architecture and intriguing museums
- 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua – Cascading series of waterfalls perfect for swimming, climbing, and jumps into pools below
Costa Rica
Costa Rica dazzles eco-tourists with its diverse wildlife-rich rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, and adventure activities like zip-lining and whitewater rafting. Must-see destinations include:
- Manuel Antonio National Park – Pristine park with hiking trails, idyllic beaches, exotic wildlife like sloths, monkeys and over 350 bird species
- Monteverde Cloud Forest – Magical mist-shrouded rainforest teeming with dazzling colorful birds, jungle critters, and ziplining fun
- Arenal Volcano – Iconic volcano offering spectacular hikes, hot springs, adventure activities in lush rainforest surroundings
Ensure you have everything with my Complete Costa Rica Packing List.
Barbados
Barbados is a Caribbean gem with friendly locals, delicious Bajan cuisine, lush rainforests, vibrant coral reefs, and dazzling white and pink sand beaches. Must-see spots include:
- Crane Beach – Sweeping stretch of pink sand backed by cliffside mansions and palm groves
- Harrison’s Cave – Spectacular crystallized limestone caverns
- St. Nicholas Abbey – Magnificent Jacobean plantation house amidst tropical gardens
- Oistins Fish Fry – Lively event every Friday night with music, dancing, crafts, and freshly caught grilled fish
Check out my 2024 Packing list for Barbados.
Aruba
Aruba seduces with sugary white sand beaches, gentle surf, outstanding resorts, and adrenaline-pumping adventures across its desert landscape. Top attractions include:
- Palm Beach – Iconic stretch of powdery sand lined with resorts perfect for relaxing or watersports galore
- Arikok National Park – Rugged park covering 20% of the island, with caves, rock formations, dive sites, excellent hiking
- California Lighthouse – Picture-perfect landmark and lookout point offering unparalleled sunrise and sunset views
- J.E. Irausquin Blvd – Aruba’s buzzing tourist strip with shops, restaurants, bars, casinos, nightlife into the dawn
Ensure you don’t forget anything with my Complete Packing List.
Iceland
Iceland dazzles adventurous travelers with epic landscapes of volcanoes, hot springs, icy glaciers, thundering waterfalls surrounded by vibrant culture and history. Must-see regions include:
- South Coast – Stunning waterfalls like Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss along with Reynisfjara’s black sand beach and basalt columns
- Golden Circle – Iconic route featuring exploding geysers, rift valley and waterfall that feeds Thingvellir National Park’s and the site of Iceland’s first parliament.
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Dramatic and wild peninsula nicknamed “Iceland in miniature” combining so much of its natural beauty in one place
- Vatnajökull National Park – Epic national park with Europe’s largest glacier, ice caves, volcanoes – a true wilderness wonderland
Australia
From vibrant harbor cities like Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef, magical rainforests and iconic red rock monolith Uluru emerging from the desert, Australia dazzles with its spectacular landscapes, unique wildlife like cuddly koalas and kangaroos, world-class food and wine, indigenous culture, outdoor adventures and superb beach life. Must-see destinations include:
- Sydney – Glamorous hot spot with the gorgeous Sydney Opera House, fabulous dining in the Rocks historic quarter, thrilling surf beaches like Bondi and Manly
- Great Barrier Reef – Epitome of underwater magic visible from space, with technicolor coral gardens and crazy critters – a scuba diver’s paradise
- Daintree Rainforest – Ancient jungle wilderness filled with unusual plants and rare creatures like cassowaries, crocodiles and the primitive platypus
- Uluru – Australia’s spiritual heart, with the iconic sandstone rock formation changing colors from ochre red to deep purple amidst a starkly beautiful desert landscape
Indonesia
Indonesia dazzles with exotic wildlife, fiery volcanoes, intricate temples, jungle-clad islands, and epic surfing. Must-see destinations include:
- Bali – Island of Gods where breathtaking temples meet world-class beach resorts
- Komodo National Park – Otherworldly pink sand beaches, mangroves and padang grasslands, home to the Komodo dragon
- Ubud, Bali – Artsy town amidst lush rice paddies, known for its traditional dance, crafts, yoga and serene jungle settings
- Raja Ampat Islands – Stunning archipelago near Papua boasting over 75% of all known coral species