The best places to travel in 2024

Make 2024 your year to visit someplace you’ve never been. If you love adventure, then the untamed beauty of Iceland or vast wilderness of Montana should be top of your list, while foodies need to book it stat to the gastronomic hubs of Lima, Peru or Saimaa, Finland. From cities celebrating milestone years to destinations welcoming exciting new hotels and museums, these are the 20 best places to travel in 2024.

One of the most visited cities in the world, Paris draws in millions of tourists every year in search of world-class art, food, and fashion, from the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées. The French capital is gearing up to host the 2024 Summer Olympics and making the city more environmentally friendly, including creating more cycle paths and cleaning up the Seine River. Whether you go during the Games or not, the City of Light offers incredible sights with must-see spots such as the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Jardin des Tuileries.

Known as the “land of fire and ice,” Iceland is Europe’s second-largest island after Great Britain and is home to magnificent glaciers and 32 active volcanoes. Recognized as one of Europe’s “it” destinations by Travel + Leisure, this island boasts untamed landscapes, famous hot springs, and mesmerizing northern lights (the best time to spot this elusive natural phenomenon is from mid-October through March). A must-visit for first-timers is the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa known for its milky-blue waters and remarkable healing powers.

Among its many charms, what makes Sardinia so appealing is its stunning coastline, white sandy beaches, ancient archaeological sites, and tranquil villages. Sardinia is not only the second-largest island in Italy, but is home to the famous Costa Smeralda coastline, the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Su Nuraxi di Barumini, and a two-million-year-old cave in Capo Caccia. Plus, the island has also been identified as a Blue Zones region, an area known for health and longevity thanks to the diet, work habits, and traditions of its residents.

Voted one of the best countries in the world in the Condé Nast Traveller 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards, Japan recently reopened its borders to international travel after the pandemic, making 2024 the perfect year to take that trip. Japan’s former capital Kyoto is a must-visit, and recently developed a code of conduct for sustainable tourism to encourage visitors to follow local customs and consider the environment. Tokyo is teeming with excitement from its historic temples to soaring skyscrapers, while Okinawa offers stunning white sand beaches and numerous UNESCO heritage sites.

The maritime province of Prince Edward Island is home to charming small towns, red sandy beaches, and the fictional setting found in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved novel, Anne of Green Gables. In 2024, the province will be celebrating the 150^th birthday of author Montgomery, and the 60^th anniversary of the Confederation Centre of the Arts, where the Anne of Green Gables musical will be hitting the stage. Other musts while in P.E.I. include biking or hiking the Confederation Trail, spotting one of the islands’ 63 lighthouses, and dining on the local catch of lobster, mussels, and oysters.

The biggest island in the Azores archipelago, São Miguel is nicknamed “The Green Island” (it’s also been called the “Hawaii of Europe”) because of its lush and dramatic landscape featuring black sand beaches. The volcanic crater lake Lagoa do Fogo, at the centre of the island, is considered a must-see because of its beautiful vistas and hiking opportunities. Whale watching is also a popular activity to book, as the Azores is one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries, with more than 20 different cetacean species swimming in the waters.

With its rich history and ancient monuments, Egypt is a bucket list destination that should be on your radar for 2024. Aside from Cairo, the obvious choice, you should consider heading to Luxor, offering a more relaxed vibe than the capital, but with plenty of adventure. Located on the Nile River, Luxor is often referred to as an “open-air museum” because of its famous ruins, including the Valley of the Kings, the Karnak Temple complex, and the Luxor Temple.

Deemed South America’s culinary capital by National Geographic, Lima is a city bursting with flavour and excitement. For many travellers, Lima is merely a pitstop on the way to Machu Picchu, but there is a lot to see and taste in this Peruvian capital. It’s home to some of the best restaurants and bars in the world, including Central, run by Michelin-star chef Pía León, named the best female chef in the world in 2021. When you’re not eating, wander the Miraflores district for shopping, visit the ancient ruins of Huaca Pucllana, or pop into the Museum of Art (MALI).

The capital of Andalusia and the largest city in southern Spain, Seville is famous for its Moorish buildings, flamenco dancing, and fascinating history. It’s home to not one, but three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the impressive Catedral de Sevilla, the largest Gothic building in the world. Other must-see wonders include the picturesque Plaza de España, the Setas de Sevilla (the largest wooden structure in the world), and the Real Maestranza, the oldest bullring in the world. With over 3,000 tapas bars across the city, it’s the only way to dine out.

In 2023, devastating wildfires swept across Lahaina, displacing thousands and killing almost 100 people. It can be confusing to know what to do as a traveller, but Maui residents are saying it’s okay to visit as long as guests come respectfully and with compassion. Because Maui relies on tourism to fuel its economy, the Hawaiian Tourism Authority is encouraging tourists to buy local, eat local, and enjoy the island’s many incredible attractions. Driving the Hana Highway, watching the sunrise at Haleakala, and relaxing on one of its stunning beaches should all be on your itinerary.

With its pristine lakes, eight national parks, and scenic mountain ranges, Montana is a world-class destination that’s perfect to visit any time of year. The U.S. News & World Report even named Glacier National Park the No. 1 spot on their Best Places to Visit in the USA for 2023-2024. At this destination made for outdoor enthusiasts, you can hit the slopes at Montana’s Big Sky Resort, stay up late and gaze at the Milky Way or take a scenic hike to catch a glimpse of wildlife.

Northern Norway’s Nordland region is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country, filled with majestic glaciers, spectacular fjords and breathtaking coastlines. Set to open in 2024, the luxurious Six Senses Svart located just above the Arctic Circle, will be the world’s first energy-positive hotel, running entirely off-grid. Also in the region is the town of Bodø, which is one of three European Capitals of Culture for 2024, known for its annual Parken musical festival, street art, and boutique shops.

As the oldest city on the island, the ancient capital of Tainan is known for its temples, traditions, and vibrant food scene. In 2024, the city will be celebrating its 400^th anniversary, marked by the annual Taiwan Lantern Festival, making it the perfect year to go. Things to do in Tainan include visiting the Tainan Art Museum, shopping and eating at the famed Hua Yuan Night Market, and exploring the historic sites in the Anping District.

Finland’s Saimaa region was awarded the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2024 to celebrate the area’s unique food culture. Saimaa is Finland’s largest lake, has the world’s longest lake coastline, and boasts an incredible 13,710 islands. When it comes to food, the freshwater vendace fish is a specialty in the region, while the sweet or savoury lörtsy pastries are best enjoyed from the Savonlinna Market Square. From kayaking through the maze-like island chains to experiencing a traditional wood-heated sauna, there’s plenty to do in this enchanting destination.

The sunny city of San Diego has more than just pristine beaches and perfect weather—in 2024 the city will be designated as the World Design Capital (along with Tijuana, Mexico). Recently welcoming the newly completed Horton Campus, an adaptive reuse space with shops, offices, and dining, the city is also revamping numerous hotels including the iconic Hotel del Coronado, and reopened the historic The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe after a multimillion-dollar renovation. Foodies will be pleased to know about the newly Michelin-star appointed Valle, and the soon-to-open, farm-to-table restaurant Cellar Hand.

Tropical rainforests, beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and thrilling activities are just some of the many reasons that make Costa Rica an amazing place to visit. Considered one of the planet’s prime ecotourism destinations, the country protects 25% of its territory with national parks, wildlife refuges, and reserves. In 2024, there will be a handful of new hotels opening, including the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Reserve, but there are tons of boutique and all-inclusive options for every type of traveller.

From K-pop to critically acclaimed TV dramas and movies (like the Oscar-winning Parasite), the world is loving the Korean wave of pop culture, food, and tech coming out of this Asian country. Seoul merges the past with the present with futuristic buildings sitting beside ancient Buddhist temples. Immerse yourself in local culture at the impressive Gyeongbokgung Palace or the National Museum of Korea. And Korea is all about food, which is why you can’t leave without trying many of their delicious dishes, from cold noodles to savoury Pajeon (green onion pancakes).

Making Condé Nast Traveller’s Best Places to Go in 2024, the capital of Ecuador sits on the Andean foothills, atop the ruins of an Inca city. The first city to receive a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, Quito has a well-preserved historic centre with must-see sites including the Basílica del Voto Nacional, the Plaza de la Independencia, and the renowned Plaza de San Francisco. The culinary scene in Quito is heating up with buzzy restaurants like Nuema, home to Pía Salazar, who was crowned The World’s Best Pastry Chef in 2023.

When isn’t a good time to visit the Big Apple? New York City was ranked the No. 3 city in the world by Resonance, which looks at not just what it’s like for visitors but factors including livability (like walkability) and lovability (think Instagram hashtags). Whether it’s your first or fifth visit, there’s always something new to see and do in NYC, so head to The Met, take a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge, ride the elevator up the Empire State Building or dine out at one of the city’s best restaurants.

A small African island in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius draws in visitors searching for sun, sand, and relaxation. But there’s more to this idyllic destination than its stunning beaches and turquoise waters, including newly opened cultural spots like the Intercontinental Slavery Museum and the House of Digital Art (HODA). Adventure seekers should consider hiking the Black River Gorges National Park or the majestic Le Morne Brabant. Snorkelling is also top-notch here, with dozens of incredible locations to swim amongst the majestic sea life.