The world's top places to visit in 2024

[jw5]

Istanbul, Turkey -

Istanbul never fails to mesmerize. Lying in both Europe and Asia, Turkey's style capital lures tourists with numerous historic buildings (including the just re-opened Basilica Cistern), world-class museums, and an enviable portfolio of designer restaurants and hotels.

 

[ginfreely]

Istanbul, Turkey -

Istanbul never fails to mesmerize. Lying in both Europe and Asia, Turkey's style capital lures tourists with numerous historic buildings (including the just re-opened Basilica Cistern), world-class museums, and an enviable portfolio of designer restaurants and hotels.

I was there with my ex husband. Bought some nuts and they cheated us. Very dishonest seller.

 

[jw5]

Kansas City, USA -

Kansas City, Missouri, is currently in the celebrity spotlight after the pairing of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. In March 2024, the city will celebrate the opening of the first-ever purpose-built stadium for women's pro sports. Visitors can also look forward to a string of new hotel and shopping facilities, including the brand new Rock Island Bridge entertainment complex.

 

[jw5]

Las Vegas, USA -

What more can be said about Sin City? Quite a lot, actually. The Las Vegas Grand Prix came to town in November 2023, and will again burn rubber in 2024. Meanwhile, the city's newest entertainment venue, the Sphere (pictured overlooking the F1 circuit), has already hosted Adele, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and U2.

 

[jw5]

Louisville, USA -

Louisville, Kentucky, has plenty to look forward to in 2024. First off is the 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby, which falls on May 4. Sports fans can also catch 'Ali,' a musical about the Louisville boxing icon, which opens at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in the fall. And there's always the engaging Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, recognized for the giant baseball bat adorning the facade.

 

[jw5]

Montreal, Canada -

Several new hotels are earmarked to open in this most European of North American cities in 2024—all convenient stopovers if you plan to catch the eclipse in its path of totality. Complementing these overnight sensations are new attractions in the form of the Port of Montreal Tower and a new automated light rail system.

 

[jw5]

Paris, France -

When is Paris not on a best places to travel list? The French capital is gearing up to host the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games, and, as such, visitors can expect an exciting program of sports-related events, exhibitions, and performances throughout the summer.

 

[jw5]

Coastal Alaska -

The grandeur that is Alaska is simply breathtaking. And it's from the water that some of the most spectacular views of this remote US state are best appreciated. Cruising the coast allows passengers up close and personal views of places like Prince of Wales Island and Skagway, home to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

 

[jw5]

Coastal Norway -

Similarly, coastal Norway unveils itself in spectacular fashion when viewed from the deck of a cruise ship. And for landlubbers, there's an enviable choice of luxury hotels to check into serving cities like Oslo, Kristiansand, and Bergen.

 

[jw5]

Douro River, Portugal -

Away from the ocean but still on water, river cruises on Portugal's Douro River combine a leisurely voyage along one of Europe's most picturesque waterways with wine tourism (demarcated in 1756, the Douro is one of the world's oldest wine regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.) Hugging the riverbank are numerous quintas, or wine estates, as well as some of the region's trendiest hotel properties, including Six Senses Douro Valley.

 

[jw5]

Faroe Islands -

Not a vacation destination that immediately springs to mind, the Faroe Islands are nonetheless a world-class adventure tourism hotspot. This remote North Atlantic archipelago affords some of the most rewarding hiking found in northern Europe. And get this: foodies can enjoy top-tier dining at restaurants such as Roks in Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands' snug capital.

 

[jw5]

Kimberley, Australia -

The Kimberley was one of the earliest settled parts of Australia. Indeed, its Aboriginal history is believed to be rooted in the world's oldest continuous culture. This is a wild and remote region. Ancient dinosaur tracks are in evidence, found across a landscape more akin to an alien planet. Trekking this untamed wilderness requires courage and a high level of fitness. But Kimberley can also be explored by boat, with a number of specialist cruise companies plying the coastline from May to September.

 

[jw5]

Mississippi River -

The mighty Mississippi is served by a fleet of cruise ships operated by various companies, each offering different packages and cabin categories. Many operations are year-round experiences, with cities like Memphis, St. Louis, and New Orleans providing passengers with exciting excursion options.

 

[jw5]

Amboseli National Park, Kenya -

A safari is a dream vacation for many, and especially for nature lovers. Crowned by snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, the Amboseli National Parks is one of Kenya's most popular reserves. Besides the iconic mountain, the park is famous for being the best place in the world to get close to free-ranging elephants. Among the overnight options for tourists is the recently opened Angama Amboseli safari lodge.

 

[jw5]

Aspen Mountain, USA -

Aspen, Colorado, needs little introduction. It's quite simply one of the most celebrated ski destinations in North America. Known for its high-altitude skiing, Aspen Mountain is as much about discovering nature as negotiating its network of steep, sidewinding runs.

 

[jw5]

Big Sky, USA -

Big Sky, Montana, is a year-round adventure playground offering fishing, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, and skiing in wide-open spaces. This Rocky Mountains community is just one hour from Yellowstone National Park, thus affording visitors the best of both worlds.

 

[jw5]

Hokkaido, Japan -

On the other side of the world, Japan is well placed on the winter sports calendar. Those in the know head for Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's main islands. Blessed with exceptional snowfall, this is one of the world's premier ski destinations.

 

[jw5]

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa -

KwaZulu-Natal's natural wonders extend to a pair of UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the magnificent iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the majestic uKhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park (pictured). Expect sightings of lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and black rhinos, among other splendid beasts.

 

[jw5]

Mababe, Botswana -

Nature lovers have long regaled Botswana as the country of choice for its amazing safari offering. The land is scattered with five-star low-profile lodges set in enclaves known for their sizeable populations of wildlife, for example Mababe, which is also famed for its amazing variety of birds.

 

[jw5]

New Zealand -

New Zealand, it seems, is on everybody's lips. This is the long-haul destination of choice for 2024, according to many travel experts. A compelling year-round destination (remember, the country's peak summer months are from December to March), New Zealand can be as wild or as luxurious as you wish, depending on what you're looking for. A good starting point is Queenstown (pictured), known for its appealing adventure and ski tourism.