What Are the Best Places to Travel in 2024?

Are you looking for the Best Places To Travel In 2024? Look no further! SIXT.VN offers expert insights and services to make your travel dreams a reality. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, culinary delights, or thrilling adventures, we’ve got you covered. With SIXT.VN, planning your perfect getaway is easy and stress-free. Discover top destinations and travel tips for your next vacation with us!

1. Destinations for Cultural Immersion

1.1 Ålborg, Denmark: A Scandinavian Gem

Are you seeking a unique cultural experience in Scandinavia? Ålborg, Denmark, is an emerging international travel hub with newly launched flights from Newark Liberty International by Scandinavian Airlines, running three times a week from April through October. Its charming old town features cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and pastel exteriors. The attractively refurbished waterfront boasts the newly renovated Pier 5 Hotel. The city’s cultural scene includes a modern art museum, an architecture center, and Regan Vest, a Cold War museum that opened in a former bunker in February 2023. According to VisitDenmark, Ålborg acts as a gateway to North Jutland, featuring a dramatic coastline near Skagen, popular among Danish artists; the windy dunes of Thy National Park; and the 2,000-year-old Viking ring fortresses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2023.

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1.2 Cartagena, Colombia: A Caribbean Escape

Why is Cartagena, Colombia, a must-visit destination for cultural immersion? Cartagena is becoming a luxurious escape on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. In 2023, the city welcomed Casa Pestagua, a 16-room boutique hotel in a restored 17th-century building. The same owners plan to open bungalows on Isla Barú. Sustainable travel options include Blue Apple Beach, an eco-hotel on Tierra Bomba Island, B Corp certified and generating half its power from solar, as Travel + Leisure reported. In 2024, Disney’s “Encanto”-themed tour will spotlight Cartagena. Delta Air Lines is adding nonstop flights from Atlanta, and a Four Seasons hotel is on the horizon, along with airport expansion.

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1.3 Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia: A Luxurious Train Journey

What makes the Eastern & Oriental Express a unique cultural experience? After a four-year pause, this luxury train will resume its journeys through Southeast Asia in February, offering revamped itineraries with 15 cherry wood–clad cabins and Malay-inspired decor. The Essence of Malaysia journey takes travelers from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, with trips to Langkawi for snorkeling in Pulau Payar Marine Park, and Penang, a culinary hotspot. A Wild Malaysia option includes Taman Negara National Park. Dan Ruff, CEO of Belmond, notes these journeys offer rest and reconnection. The train features a piano bar car, an open-air lounge, and restaurant carriages serving Peranakan food.

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1.4 Germany: A Football Fiesta

Why is Germany a top destination for cultural immersion in 2024? Germany will host the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship in 10 cities, including Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich. Sofia Markovich, a travel advisor on T+L’s A-List, emphasizes the not-to-be-missed nature of this major sports event. Even casual fans will find the atmosphere thrilling, especially those cruising the country’s rivers. The new Rosewood Munich, which opened in October, offers a luxurious stay near Old Town and the Isar River rapids.

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1.5 Métis Crossing, Alberta: An Immersive Indigenous Experience

What makes Métis Crossing a unique cultural destination? Métis Crossing, one of Canada’s compelling Indigenous tourism projects, offers an immersive experience of Métis culture. According to Juanita Marois, CEO of Métis Crossing, it’s a place to experience the culture and warmth of the Métis people through their land, water, skies, buildings, food, and programs. The 688-acre retreat includes a 40-room lodge, a cultural center, and campgrounds. Visitors can learn traditional crafts, enjoy festivals, bird-watch, canoe, or snowshoe. New Sky Watching Domes offer panoramic skylight windows for stargazing and listening to Indigenous stories.

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1.6 Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Georgia: A Native American Legacy

Why is Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park significant? Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in central Georgia may become the first national park in the state in 2024. This park features large earthen mounds, including temple complexes, created by Native American peoples over thousands of years. It would be co-managed by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, whose ancestors were removed from the area in 1830. Tracie Revis, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, emphasizes the opportunity to return home. The gateway to the park is Macon, where the Muscogee (Creek) Nation flag flies, and street signs are in both Muscogee and English. An Indigenous film festival is held annually in September.

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1.7 Rajasthan, India: A Royal Retreat

What cultural attractions does Rajasthan offer? Rajasthan, India’s northwestern state, is renowned for its iconic hotels and cultural attractions. Jaipur offers new delights, including Villa Palladio, a nine-room hotel created by the team behind Bar Palladio, and The Johri, a five-room property with a cocktail bar and vegetarian restaurant. Anantara Jaipur Hotel is set to launch its first property in India, designed for destination weddings with event facilities for up to 2,500 guests. A new six-lane expressway connects Jaipur to New Delhi, enhancing accessibility.

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1.8 Shinta Mani Mustang, Nepal: A Palatial Getaway

Why should you visit Shinta Mani Mustang in Nepal? Nepal’s Mustang district, opened to outsiders in 1992, is a place to watch in 2024, thanks to the stunning, 29-suite Shinta Mani Mustang hotel, which welcomed its first guests in August. The hotel delivers luxurious wellness experiences and thoughtful design. Guests can trek the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, search for rare wildlife, horseback ride, and visit local villages. Carole Cambata, an advisor on T+L’s A-List, notes the outstanding aesthetics and architecture are in sync with sustainable and responsible tourism.

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1.9 Tallinn, Estonia: A Medieval Marvel

What cultural treasures await in Tallinn, Estonia? Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved Medieval architecture. Tartu, the university city southeast of Tallinn, has been designated Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2024. PoCo Art Museum, which opened in May, features pop art by Andy Warhol, Banksy, David Hockney, and Jeff Koons, joining nearly 50 art institutions. The Noblessner district, an industrial shipyard area turned seafront hot spot, offers stylish cafes, shops, and Estonia’s first restaurant with two Michelin stars, 180° by Matthias Diethe. The new Nunne Boutique Hotel offers views over Old Town’s Towers Square.

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1.10 Warsaw, Poland: A Contemporary Art Hub

Why is Warsaw a must-visit for art lovers? Warsaw’s thriving contemporary art scene will get a boost in 2024 when the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw moves into its own headquarters. Founded in 2005, the museum has enhanced the city’s art reputation with its holdings of foreign and Polish work. The new HQ will be part of a 22-acre arts district centered on the Palace of Culture and Science. The museum, along with a new TR Warszaw Theater, was designed by Thomas Phifer and Partners.

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2. Destinations for Food and Drinks

2.1 The Austrian Countryside: A Wine Lover’s Paradise

What culinary delights await in the Austrian countryside? South of Vienna, Styria and Burgenland offer a fairy-tale quality with rolling hills, hiking trails, and the medieval city of Graz. Rural Burgenland is home to Lake Neusiedl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both regions have a long history of winemaking and a burgeoning natural wine scene. Cult producers such as Winery Maria and Sepp Muster and Alice & Roland Tauss, along with vintners Gut Oggau and Meinklang, are must-visits. Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, a restored 15th-century castle, opens near Salzburg in spring 2024.

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2.2 Mérida, Mexico: A Culinary Gem

Why is Mérida, Mexico, a food lover’s paradise? Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, is popular with travelers drawn to its Maya ruins, cenotes, restored haciendas, and incredible food. It has growing acclaim among international visitors, especially LGBTQ+ travelers, who find Yucatán very gay-friendly. Mérida’s historic beauty and cantina culture make it attractive to retirees. Designer hotels are carved out of mansions, with wonderful shopping and food tours in the city and countryside. Plans for a new “Yucatán Central Park,” with a food market and amphitheater, are underway. The Maya Train is nearing completion, making it easier to travel between Mérida and Cancún and Tulum.

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2.3 Sonoma County, California: A Gastronomic Adventure

What makes Sonoma County a top destination for foodies? Sonoma County offers more than just wine, though it now has 19 AVAs with the addition of the West Sonoma Coast AVA last year. It offers chardonnay, pinot noir, and zinfandel at wineries like Flowers, Scribe, and Vérité Wines. The long coastline stretches from Bodega Bay to Sea Ranch, where the cliff-top Sea Ranch Lodge is newly renovated. Inland, Dawn Ranch shines a spotlight on Guerneville, known for its LGBTQ+ scene and proximity to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Piknik Market serves Oprah’s favorite biscuits. Charlie Palmer plans to launch his hotel brand, Appellation, in Healdsburg by the end of next year.

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3. Destinations for Big-City Thrills

3.1 Bangkok: A Megacity Reimagined

What exciting developments are happening in Bangkok? Bangkok is undergoing significant change with megaprojects like Dusit Central Park, slated to open in 2024, featuring the Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel and a multi-terraced roof park. King Rama IX Memorial Park will honor sustainability initiatives. Lumpini Park is getting a refresh with a new food hall, vegetable farm, and sports club. Luxury travel network Virtuoso named Thailand an “emerging self-care destination,” and the forthcoming Aman Nai Lert Bangkok will deliver with suites overlooking Nai Lert Park and a wellness sanctuary.

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3.2 Cleveland: A City on the Rise

Why is Cleveland set to shine in the coming year? Cleveland is set to shine with national and international events, cultural expansions, and historic hotel rebirths. The NCAA Women’s Final Four comes in April, along with a total solar eclipse. The Pan-American Masters Games will be held July 12-21, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony returns home in November. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is nearing completion of its expansion, and Karamu House will debut a new restaurant and venue. Hotel Cleveland will reopen after renovations, and the Fidelity Hotel, with a speakeasy, is slated to launch.

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3.3 Fort Worth, Texas: A Western Renaissance

What makes Fort Worth a thrilling big-city destination? Fort Worth, Texas, is booming with classic Western experiences like bull riding, cattle drives, and stock shows, bringing in $3 billion in tourism revenue last year. Luxury hotels are flocking to the Cultural District. The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth, opened in November, with the first wellness club by Canyon Ranch and a Mediterranean restaurant by Food Network chef Preston Paine. Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection, is slated to open December 2023. The National Cowgirl Museum will run a 2024 exhibit honoring the Mexican female horseback riding tradition of escaramuza charra. The National Juneteenth Museum is scheduled to open in 2025.

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3.4 Istanbul: A Resurgence on the Bosphorus

Why is Istanbul experiencing a resurgence of life? Istanbul is seeing a resurgence of life along the Bosphorus, thanks to the Galataport, the world’s first underground cruise ship terminal with a pedestrian promenade, and the Renzo Piano–designed Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. The 177-room Peninsula Hotel is spread out over four buildings, with highlights including a pool facing the Hagia Sophia, a subterranean spa, and Gallada, a rooftop restaurant from chef Fatih Tutak. The Çırağan Palace Kempinski has been reimagined by interior designer Serdar Gülgün. The Basilica Cistern is open again after a five-year closure, hosting contemporary art exhibits.

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3.5 Kansas City, Missouri: A Sports and Entertainment Hub

What makes Kansas City a global leader in sports and entertainment? Kansas City is staking a claim as a global leader in sports and entertainment. In March, the Kansas City Current will open the first-ever purpose-built stadium for women’s pro sports. The stadium’s construction has spurred other developments, including the forthcoming Origen Hotel KC, the Berkley Beer Garden, and an extension of the free KC Streetcar. The Rock Island Bridge, a reclaimed rail crossing over the Kansas River, will offer entertainment with food from restaurants and bars.

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3.6 Las Vegas: An Ever-Evolving City

Why does Las Vegas continue to thrill visitors? Las Vegas continues to evolve with blockbuster residencies from Adele, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, and U2 kicked off their stint at the Sphere. Formula 1 and Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive have captured an audience for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Las Vegas will host Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium. The Fontainebleau Las Vegas will open in December with 3,700 rooms and restaurants, including a Casa Dragones Tasting Room and a Chinese noodle den.

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3.7 Louisville, Kentucky: A Derby City Delight

What makes Louisville a unique big-city destination? The Kentucky Derby will celebrate its 150th anniversary on May 4, 2024, with the debut of the redesigned Churchill Downs Paddock. The Kentucky Derby Museum offers interactive exhibits on the event’s history and culture. New hotels include Derby City Hotel, a Canopy by Hilton property, The Myriad Hotel, Common Bond Hotel Collection, and the trendy Hotel Genevieve by Bunkhouse Group. “Ali,” a musical about the Louisville icon, opens at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in the fall.

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3.8 Montreal: A European Escape in North America

Why is Montreal a relevant destination in the year ahead? Montreal is close to Europe without the transatlantic flight, thanks to forward-thinking infrastructure. The Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) is a new automated light rail system. The Grand Quay has the Port of Montreal Tower, and the city’s bike-sharing program, Bixi, offers an affordable monthly pass. The Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton, and the Honeyrose Hotel, Montreal, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, add luxury to the city. Montreal has over 24,000 hotel rooms, making it an ideal destination for eclipse watchers on April 8.

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3.9 Paris: An Olympic Spectacle

What makes Paris a must-visit destination in 2024? Paris will host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympic Games (August 28-September 8), with sporting events across the city. New hotels and restaurants include Chateau des Fleurs, Grand Mazarin, and La Fantaisie. Hotel des Grand Voyageurs opened in Saint-Germain-des-Prés in October. Hotel Plaza Athénée has a French restaurant, Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée, which recently scored two Michelin stars, and a new Dior Spa. La Tour d’Argent restaurant has a sensational facelift. Museums and institutions will host sports-related exhibitions, films, and workshops.

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4. Destinations for Moments on the Water

4.1 Coastal Alaska: A Cruising Paradise

Why should you consider a cruise to coastal Alaska? Cruising is back in a big way, and Alaska’s Inside Passage is leading the charge. Ships like Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer and Carnival’s Luminosa have debuted. The new Klawock port will welcome large ships in 2024, with exhibits detailing Indigenous culture and history, and nature trails. Skagway is getting a 550-foot floating pier. Norwegian Cruise Line had October sailings in 2023, offering a look at Alaskan life during a quieter season.

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4.2 Coastal Norway: A Design and Architectural Marvel

What coastal attractions does Norway offer? Norway has doubled down on building big, with new attractions. In Oslo, the new luxury hotel Sommero is a study in adaptive reuse. In Kristiansand, the Kunstsilo is a repurposed industrial complex that will reemerge as a museum devoted to Nordic modernist art. In Bergen, Iris Expedition Dining is a new tasting-menu destination inside a floating sculpture known as the Salmon Eye. North of the Arctic Circle, Six Senses Svart promises to be one of the hottest openings, aiming to be off-grid and carbon-neutral.

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4.3 Douro River, Portugal: A Wine Tourism Hotspot

Why is the Douro River a must-see destination? The Douro River is a non-negotiable destination, with yacht charters offering the chance to visit quintas and dine at Michelin Guide–approved restaurants. Cruises are a more affordable option, with lines expanding their presence. Tauck unveiled the Andorinha in 2021, and Viking will have four ships on the Douro in 2024. AmaWaterways recently announced a special November 2024 departure that will explore the history of the Black and African diaspora.

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4.4 Faroe Islands: A Remote Archipelago

What makes the Faroe Islands more accessible than ever? The remote Faroe Islands have become more accessible, with Atlantic Airways launching nonstop flights from New York Stewart International to Vágar Airport. The news has been warmly received by U.S. travelers. Previously, you could only get there from Copenhagen or Reykjavik, Iceland. Activities include cold-water surfing, traditional knitting, and hiking to Sørvágsvatn, the lake above the ocean. The restaurant Roks in Tórshavn is an offshoot of Koks, the Michelin two-starred restaurant in Greenland.

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4.5 Kimberley, Australia: An Ancient Wonderland

What makes Kimberley a unique cruise destination? Kimberley, in northwest Australia, is home to ancient wonders: dinosaur tracks, geological formations, waterfalls, reefs, and Aboriginal history. Cruise lines are offering expedition-style itineraries that combine this history with modern-day adventures, such as sightseeing flights by helicopter, paddling, Zodiac tours, scuba diving, and cultural excursions. Silversea will have its Silver Cloud in the region from May through September, and Seabourn is also bullish on the destination with its newest expedition ship, the Seabourn Pursuit.

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4.6 The Mississippi River: A Storied Waterway

Why should you consider a river cruise on the Mississippi? New ships are bringing fresh interest to the Mississippi River. American Queen Voyages will have two ships on the Mississippi in 2024, with cabin categories booking up almost a year in advance. The Viking Mississippi launched in 2022, with suites and private verandas. American Cruise Lines has launched three new ships on the Mississippi in the past three years. New draws on land include the newly completed riverfront Tom Lee Park in Memphis and holiday markets in Natchez, Mississippi.

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4.7 Queen Anne: A Transatlantic Icon

What makes the Queen Anne a unique ocean liner experience? The new Queen Anne will depart Southampton, England, in May 2024, as the first new Cunard ship since the Queen Elizabeth in 2010. The 1,498-cabin vessel will sail to Lisbon and spend its first summer in the Mediterranean. Queen Anne will have four new restaurants, including an omakase venue and an Indian dining room, alongside familiar options. A top-deck wellness studio will be another addition, and Inger Klein Thorhauge will be the first woman to captain a Cunard ship.

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4.8 Seven Seas Grandeur: A Luxurious Cruise Experience

What luxury features does the Seven Seas Grandeur offer? Seven Seas Grandeur will launch in November 2023, as the sixth ship from Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The newcomer will feature fresh takes on elevated dining, shore excursions, and entertainment. Grandeur is inspired by our rich heritage, with reimagined signature restaurants and 15 suite categories. A multimillion-dollar