Take note! These are the best travel destinations for 2024

There is nothing that screams vacation louder than an all-inclusive beachfront escape. Whether you are looking for a fly-and-flop type of holiday or are keen to explore the hidden world that lies beneath the bewitching ocean, there is a destination for you, just waiting to be explored.

The Maldives often appears on the list of the top 10 places to visit in the world and it is easy to see why. From paradisiacal beaches to luxurious resorts, these islands are the image of a daydream getaway. Bodufinolhu in the South Malé Atoll is one island that makes us go weak at the knees. With over 800 meters of pristine golden sand to enjoy, the beaches here are some of the best in the area. However, it is not just their outstanding beauty that makes them so special. Beneath the turquoise waters lies a whole world waiting to be discovered. If you are into scuba diving, you are in luck. Marvel at the manta rays, green turtles, and lionfish, but the real star of the show is the whale shark. The best way to see this amazing species is to sign up for an organized tour allowing you to get up close and swim next to them. Yet, don’t worry! These sharks are only interested in eating plankton so you can swim and play with them without any fear. This experience alone makes the Maldives one of the best travel destinations for the next year!

For fans of secluded bays and weird and wonderful wildlife, Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit. One of the most biodiverse places on the planet, visitors to this Central American country are in for a treat. Not only is it one of eight whale heritage sites in the world (a melting pot of humpback whales from both hemispheres) but it is also home to lush rainforests and natural beaches home to a rich array of flora and fauna. For a truly step-off-the-world experience, head to the Guanacaste Province where you will find the hotel Occidental Tamarindo, overlooking the impressive Las Baulas Marine National Park. Not only are endless sandy beaches guaranteed, but lucky visitors will be able to get a front-row seat to watch baby turtles make their maiden voyage into the Pacific Ocean. 

The Dominican Republic beach resort of Punta Cana may get a bad rep for being a bolthole for silver-haired cruise crawlers and happy honeymooners. But, don’t let the talk put you off. Nestled between palm trees and luxurious hotels you can find paradisiacal beaches that put computer screensavers to shame. Soft, powdery sandy shorelines stretch for as far as the eye can see, inviting barefoot strolls that are as therapeutic as they are picturesque. 

But Punta Cana is more than picture-perfect beaches. It is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Snorkelling and diving give you the key to the kaleidoscope of colourful marine life and coral reefs inside the topaz Caribbean Ocean. Yet, if you are keen to experience an adrenaline rush, windsurfing, jet-ski and parasailing all make for a thrilling adventure on the water. As the sun sets, this busy resort turns into a romantic hotspot ensuring an unforgettable escape from the ordinary.

If your New Year’s resolutions involve you overcoming fears and venturing out of your comfort zone, these enthralling destinations offer the ultimate adrenaline-pumped escape.

Start the year off surrounded by the picturesque landscape of Canfranc. This historic town is nestled in the Spanish Pyrenees, just a stone’s throw away from two major Spanish ski resorts: Candanchú and Astún. Here you will be able to uncover the beauty of the Aragon forests while exploring part of the famous Camino de Santiago hiking trail. The town itself is not without its eye-catching landmarks, most notably the old school which dates back to 1928, the medieval castle, and the 14th-century tower Torre de Aznar Palacín. Yet, the Canfranc station, situated between two glacial vestiges, is the real jewel in the town’s glistening crown and is set to become one of the best travel destinations of this coming year.

The station was built in 1928 to unite France and Spain. It had a chequered past as a functioning train station before being labelled as an Asset of Cultural Interest in 2002. Today, it has been restored to its former glory and has now opened its doors as a 5* hotel complete with a wellness centre and two fine dining restaurants (situated in renovated train carriages). Guests at the Barceló Canfranc Estación, a Royal Hideaway Hotel will be able to relive the golden age of travel while enjoying the latest trends in luxury sustainable tourism. If you are looking for the best travel destinations to enjoy the great outdoors, this is a no-brainer.

When talking about the best travel destination of 2023, our list would not be complete without mentioning the Turkish region of Cappadocia. Just an hour by plane from Istanbul, this area’s lunar landscapes and cone-shaped rock formations known as “fairy chimneys” have made this the place to be if you want to get some cool snaps for the gram. The four major Turkish cities that form Cappadocia (Nevsehir, Kayseri, Aksaray, and Nigde) are some of the best European cities to visit for those wishing to head out into the great outdoors and explore the wonders of nature. The Göreme Open Air Museum which features 10th-century churches and chapels carved into the rock is a must-see. But the experience that makes this destination worthy of a place on our hotlist is the hot air balloon rides allowing you to float on a heavenly breeze above the mystical landscape that lies beneath. 

There is nothing better than spending quality time with the ones you love. So, if you are looking for good places to go on vacation as a family, we have you sorted. Discover the moon-like landscapes of Lanzarote or the quaint, old-world charm of Funchal. Wherever you choose to travel to, bookmark these best travel destinations for your next trip.

If you don’t fancy snow-capped mountains and frosty mornings Lanzarote is a fabulous winter sun destination. Thanks to its all-year temperate climate, it is the place to enjoy the best beach vacations in Europe, especially during winter. Book yourself into one of the Lanzarote beach resorts and use that as your base for exploring. You will find volcanic moonscapes overshadowed by looming volcanoes that shelter vineyards from the ocean breeze. Cesár Manrique is a name you will hear often on your travels to this island and rightly so. His architectural style is iconic and you can enjoy visiting some of the major island landmarks that he designed such as the Jameos del Agua grotto, the Casa del Campesino traditional house, and the lookout Mirador del Rio. 

Madeira is a volcanic island settled in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the Canary Islands. Known as the “island of eternal spring” Madeira is home to rocky outcrops, black volcanic beaches, and unbeatable wildlife. It should come as no surprise to learn that the World Travel Awards have awarded this island the title of The Best European Island Destination seven years in a row. And, it is certainly on our list of best travel destinations for family travel. Funchal is the capital and the first city founded by the Portuguese outside of the Portuguese mainland. The mountainous landscape breaks away into a rugged beach that hugs the city and acts as a reminder of the city’s strategic role in Portuguese trade. 

Wander through the city’s colourful streets and settle down at one of the lively bars to enjoy a drink accompanied by a live performance of traditional music. The Cathedral is a must-visit and don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs while shopping on the Avenida do Mar. Football fans will be fascinated by the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum and those looking for some active tourism can easily use the city as their base to explore the fantastic network of walking roots that snake across the island from north to south. When you have worn yourself out exploring, there is no better place to rest your head than the Funchal Barceló Old Town.

The sun-soaked landscapes and family-orientated culture of Majorca make it a nice place to visit with kids in tow. The island’s idyllic beaches and coves such as Cala Deià and Bañalbufar offer calm, shallow waters that are perfect for little ones to paddle and play. Kids of all ages will have fun exploring the alluring Caves of Drach, where awe-inspiring stalactite formations stand out for their incredible beauty. Beyond the coast, Majorca offers a wealth of family-friendly activities to enjoy. The capital city, Palma, is worth a stop and its charming streets invite you to explore the city’s cafés, and boutiques as well as its history and culture. The impressive cathedral and Bellver Castle are just two of the key landmarks to discover when exploring the city. With a wide array of family-friendly accommodations to choose from, Majorca guarantees a delightful family holiday. 

Looking to be at the centre of the action? Uncover these top places to visit in the world for those wanting to experience the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Canary Islands are one of the best vacation spots for versatility. Between all seven islands, you can experience sun-soaked beach days and icy temperatures all within the same day. Gran Canaria is no exception offering visitors diverse landscapes from north to south. Las Palmas is the capital and the most metropolitan city in the Canary Islands. Here you can find some of the best hotels in Gran Canaria. 

Spend the day people-watching as you sunbathe on the golden sand city beach of Las Canteras. Here you can see all types of people enjoying water sports from surfing to windsurfing. The city itself is full of culture, take a coffee in one of the cafés in the Santa Catalina square before heading off to explore the local boutiques around Ripoche Street. The Elder Museum is a must for science lovers and history fans will adore strolling through the historic quarter of Triana known for the majestic Santa Ana Cathedral and the Casa de Colón Museum. 

Swap one volcanic archipelago for another and head to the fiery islands of Indonesia. Jakarta, the capital of Java is teaming with life and is certainly one of the good places to visit if you are planning a stopover before heading on to Bali. This city is one of the best travel destinations for city lovers and it has been compared to the Eastern version of New York for its on-the-go energy. Head to the National Monument and brush up on Indonesian history before venturing off into the maze-like streets of Kota Tua, the historical city centre. Here you can discover Jakarta’s creative and quirky artisan scene as well as marvel at the colonial architecture. There is so much to see and do in Jakarta, but a trip to the cathedral is worth adding to your list as well as a visit to the Dharma Bhakti Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in the city. Then, when you are ready to rest, retreat to The Orient Jakarta, a Royal Hideaway Hotel where you can indulge in delicious Asian food and let your body relax in the sumptuous surroundings of the hotel.

If you are looking for a culture-fueled city break, look no further than the enchanting streets of Granada. The jewel in Granada’s crown is the Alhambra, a Moorish fortress that stands proudly overlooking the city. Wander through the snaking streets of the Albaicín neighbourhood where charming tapas restaurants and bars invite you to try local delicacies at every corner. The vibrant street life of Plaza Nueva and the bustling stalls of the Alcaicería market offer a taste of contemporary Spanish culture. Yet to get the best view of the city head to the San Nicolás Mirador lookout point and marvel at the mesmerising view of the city against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Once the sun dips behind the rocky peaks, head to Palacio Gran Vía, a Royal Hideaway Hotel for the ultimate relaxing night’s sleep. 

As the year comes to a close, there is nowhere better than Eastern Europe for a snow-capped pre-Christmas escape. Discover ancient traditions and join in the festivities while discovering the top European destinations for winter travel. 

If you are looking for places to vacation during the holidays, look no further than the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. This picturesque city is one of the top holiday destinations to visit in December as it comes alive with festive spirit during the winter months. And, its Christmas market is enough to warrant Ljubljana a place on our list of best travel destinations for next year. Of course, it doesn’t need to be the holiday season to visit and the weather is certainly warmer during the summer months making sightseeing just a little more enjoyable. As well as the street markets it is worth paying a visit to the Dragon Bridge to admire the ornate dragon statues. The Ljubljana castle is a day trip in itself and there is even a train that takes visitors up to the fortress. Yet it is Tivoli Park that makes visitors fall in love with the city. These beautifully manicured gardens are the green lungs of this city and a wonderful meeting place to relax in nature before retreating to one of the city’s hotels to rest.

Each Winter, the Polish capital Warsaw transforms into a snow-covered wonderland that is as picturesque as it is inviting. Head to the Old Town, meticulously reconstructed after World War II, and explore its cobblestone streets and mediaeval architecture. The Royal Castle is also a must-visit along with the Lazienki Park which invites serene walks around its frosty grounds. Yet the city truly comes alive in the bustling Nowy Street which is lined with cosy cafés and shops offering warm treats. Daredevils will enjoy the adrenaline rush of ice skating in Plac Defilad before enjoying a heart-warming dinner in one of the city’s traditional eateries. Stop off at the Christmas markets for some last-minute shopping before resting your head in one of Warsaw’s city centre hotels.