The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024

With international travel rapidly rebounding after the pandemic, 2024 is shaping up to be an incredible year to see the world. From relaxed beach vacations to thrilling urban adventures, cultural immersion to wilderness escapes, there are so many remarkable destinations to explore.

This definitive guide covers 50 of the top places around the globe that should be on your travel bucket list for 2024, thoughtfully curated by our team of seasoned travel experts. We considered factors like affordability, natural wonders, history, food, ease of access, infrastructure, and unique attractions to select these vacation hotspots.

The list spans all seven continents and includes a diverse mix of major cities, island paradises, national parks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, mountains, countryside escapes, and more. Find inspiration whether you want to lounge on a beach, sample local cuisine, go on an outdoor adventure, or immerse yourself in a new culture.

Get ready to discover why these 50 destinations should top your list of where to go in the exciting year ahead!

Methodology

Selecting the 50 best places to travel in 2024 was no easy task with so many amazing options across the globe. We used the following criteria to narrow down the choices:

• Affordability – Cost of accommodations, food, transportation and activities were considered to highlight great value destinations.

• Safety – Only places with relatively low crime rates and political stability were included.

• Natural Beauty – Locations with stunning scenery like beaches, mountains, rainforests and wildlife made the list.

• Culture – Places with unique architecture, festivals, customs, and heritage ranked highly.

• Cuisine – Destinations with delicious local and regional foods were favored.

• Ease of Access – Spots easily reached by air and ground transportation ranked well.

• Infrastructure – Well-developed tourism facilities were preferred over remote areas.

• Activities – Plenty of attractions, sights, entertainment and adventures were important.

These criteria were carefully applied by our team of travel journalists, researchers, and industry experts. Personal experience traveling to these places provided key insights as well. The choices reflect a diverse range of the most remarkable and memorable vacation destinations for 2024.

Top 10 Best Places to Travel in 2024

Based on our criteria, these 10 destinations deserve a spot at the very top of your 2024 travel list:

1. Maui, Hawaii – Lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs, and golden sand beaches entice visitors to this Hawaiian paradise.

2. Paris, France – The iconic “City of Light” shines with historic architecture, museums, cafes, and haute cuisine.

3. Queenstown, New Zealand – Outdoor thrill seekers flock to this South Island hub for adventures like bungee jumping and jetboating.

4. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania – Spot incredible wildlife and the Great Migration on a luxury safari in Africa’s most famous park.

5. Kyoto, Japan – Tranquil temples and gardens blend with rich heritage in Japan’s ancient imperial capital.

6. Bali, Indonesia – Spiritual retreats, beach clubs, jungle treks, and world-class diving await on this Hindu island.

7. Banff National Park, Canada – Majestic peaks, glacial lakes, and alpine towns draw visitors to the “Crown of the Continent”.

8. Athens, Greece – An open-air museum where ancient ruins sit alongside lively Greek tavernas and nightlife.

9. Cape Town, South Africa – Breathtaking scenery from Table Mountain to nearby winelands complement this cosmopolitan city.

10. Mexico City, Mexico – Cutting-edge art and globally inspired cuisine meet ancient Aztec and colonial history.

Destinations 11-20

The memorable destinations keep coming, with places numbers 11 through 20 also deserving a spot on your 2024 travel short list:

11. Mykonos, Greece – White cubist architecture and azure waters delight on this sunny Greek island.

12. Prague, Czechia – Fairytale spires, romantic bridges, and medieval squares charm in the “City of a Hundred Spires.”

13. Patagonia, Chile/Argentina – Trek remote trails to admire majestic Andean peaks, glaciers and wildlife.

14. New Orleans, USA – Mouthwatering Creole cuisine, jazz clubs, and Mardi Gras magic define the festive “Big Easy.”

15. Yellowstone National Park, USA – Watch elk, bison and wolves roam beside the Old Faithful geyser and hot springs.

16. Cappadocia, Turkey – Whimsical fairy chimneys and cave hotels create a dreamy landscape.

17. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador – Snorkel with sea lions, walk with giant tortoises, and observe Darwin’s “living laboratory.”

18. Angkor Wat, Cambodia – The enormous temple complex embodies the mighty Khmer Empire.

19. Machu Picchu, Peru – The “Lost City of the Incas” amazes with mountaintop ruins and breathtaking vistas.

20. Amsterdam, Netherlands – Wander atmospheric canals and explore world-class art in this laidback capital.

Destinations 21-30

The next set of phenomenal places to visit range from European icons to exotic Asian locales:

21. Budapest, Hungary – Architectural gems and thermal baths adorn the Danube River in this underrated capital.

22. Moscow, Russia – The Kremlin, Red Square, and ornate metro stations showcase Russia’s complex history.

23. Dublin, Ireland – Friendly pubs and rollicking festivals define this spirited capital of craic (fun!).

24. Siem Reap, Cambodia – In addition to Angkor Wat, discover silk farms, floating villages, and delicious cuisine.

25. Lisbon, Portugal – Charismatic fado music, tasty pasteis de nata, and ocean views from pastel hills.

26. Bangkok, Thailand – Blend ancient and modern with temples, night markets, and progressive skyscrapers.

27. Petra, Jordan – The magnificent “Rose City” amazes with temples carved into pink desert cliffs.

28. Zanzibar, Tanzania – Turquoise waters and white sand beaches beckon on this exotic Indian Ocean island.

29. Cusco, Peru – Experience Incan history and colorful Andean culture in Machu Picchu’s gateway city.

30. San Francisco, California – Iconic hills, trams, and the Golden Gate Bridge frame diverse neighborhoods and world-class dining.

Destinations 31-40

Don’t stop exploring now! Here are numbers 31 through 40 of the places not to miss in 2024:

31. Istanbul, Turkey – This crossroads linking Europe and Asia dazzles with markets, mosques and museums.

32. Vienna, Austria – Grand imperial palaces and charming cafes romance visitors in this musical capital.

33. Dominican Republic - Palm-fringed beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich nature impress on this Caribbean island.

34. Marrakech, Morocco - Wander souks and soak up sunset views in this “Red City” edged by the Atlas Mountains.

35. Rome, Italy - Roam monumental ruins, toss coins in the Trevi Fountain, and feast on perfect pizza and pasta.

36. Toronto, Canada - Dynamic diversity thrives in this cosmopolitan cultural hub with a scenic waterfront.

37. Singapore - Historic shophouses, soaring skyscrapers, and hawker stalls dish up delicious multiculturalism.

38. Auckland, New Zealand - Natural beauty and urban cool blend in this harbor city with great food and wine.

39. Grand Canyon, USA - Gaze in awe across one of the world’s greatest natural wonders on a rafting trip.

40. Cairo, Egypt - Marvel at the majestic Pyramids of Giza and towering monuments along the Nile River.

Destinations 41-50

We’ve saved some incredible destinations for last on this can’t-miss travel list for 2024:

41. Florence, Italy - Admire priceless art and sculpture where the Renaissance blossomed in this Tuscan gem.

42. Botswana - Luxury camps provide front-row seats to incredible wildlife migrations in the Okavango Delta.

43. Savannah, Georgia - Southern hospitality in an oak tree-shaded city with charming antebellum architecture.

44. Bhutan - Buddhist festivals and mountain treks reveal the magic of the remote Himalayan Kingdom.

45. Fiji - Thatched bures bring beachfront bliss on the “Soft Coral Capital of the World.”

46. Oahu, Hawaii - Laidback Honolulu, surfing beaches, and volcanic beauty entice on this Hawaiian paradise.

47. Montréal, Canada - European inflected architecture and joie de vivre define Canada’s most Parisian city.

48. Santorini, Greece - Sunset views over lapis seas from whitewashed cliffside towns feel like a dream.

49. Oslo, Norway - Chic Scandinavian design defines Norway’s walkable capital surrounded by forests and fjords.

50. Sydney, Australia - Beaches, the iconic Opera House, and vibrant multiculturalism charm in Australia’s largest city.

When to Visit

Carefully timing your travels can help you enjoy ideal weather, avoid crowds, and save money. Here’s an overview of the best times of year to visit each region highlighted:

• Europe - Spring and fall offer mild weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices compared to crowded summer.

• Asia - November to March are ideal for Southeast Asia. Japan, China, and India have cherry blossoms in spring but typhoon season in late summer.

• Americas - December to April for South America, November to April for the Caribbean, and May to September for North America.

• Africa - The dry seasons of July-October and January-February are best for wildlife viewing and pleasant weather.

• Australia - November to March avoids extreme heat inland but December through February brings crowds.

• Islands - May to October for the Mediterranean and December to April for tropical spots.

Many factors like weather, holidays, and school breaks influence peak tourist seasons. Aim for shoulder seasons to maximize sightseeing while avoiding extreme heat, cold, rain or large crowds.

Entry Requirements

Planning ahead for any needed vaccinations, passport validity, and entry visas can ensure your travels go smoothly:

• Passports - Confirm required validity of at least 6 months for many destinations outside North America. Renew early if needed.

• Visas - Allow time for processing. Electronic visas speed the process for many countries.

• Vaccines - Recommended immunizations vary but may include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever, malaria pills.

• COVID-19 - Entry rules related to testing, vaccines, quarantines continue to evolve. Stay updated.

• Travel Advisories - Check for any government warnings related to safety, health, or security risks before traveling.

Consult each destination’s tourism board website for current official entry regulations. Allow plenty of advance preparation time to meet requirements before takeoff for a stress-free getaway.

Now that you know the when, where and how - it’s time start planning your incredible 2024 journeys while dreaming about these amazing places. With endless possibilities spanning the globe, the hardest part is choosing where to go first! Let us know if you need any other tips for checking these top 50 destinations off your travel bucket list.

For more vacation inspiration, check out these blog posts for the  Best Winter Couples Getaways 2023 , The 10 Most Romantic Winter Getaways for Couples ,  20 Best Places to Visit in December, 10 Best Winter Travel Destinations for Couples and Winter Park Resort Travel Guide, 10 Hot Places in December for a Beach Vacation ,GlobetrotterGO