Top Travel Trends Of 2024
Figuring out where to travel to is the most exciting dilemma of a life well-lived. Want to bathe in wellness? Try Slovenia—or St, Barths. Want to leave the world behind? Head for Namibia—or Finland. Fancy some time travel? Get thee to Barbados—or a secret bit of paradise in the Andaman Islands.
Explore our 15 most popular destinations in 2024 based on intelligence collected, insiders consulted, and cultural, gastronomic, and geopolitical trends considered.
Wherever you choose to go in 2024, ensure it’s a trip worth making.
Maputo, Mozambique
More affordable than the Seychelles and less built-up than Mauritius, Mozambique is fast becoming a compelling destination for classic tropical island holidays.
Its wide mainland beaches are lapped by the warm Indian Ocean but the most appealing destinations lie just offshore: two clusters of postcard-perfect islands dot the blue horizon – the Bazaruto Archipelago in the south and the lesser-known Xefina Island.
Both getaways are one of a few locations a stone’s throw away from the capital city, Maputo.
Patagonia
This region in the Andes mountains is nothing if not enchanting.
Cobalt lakes, azure-tinted glaciers, emerald trees, and turquoise skies stretch as far as the eye can see. Visit Argentina's Lake District and you'll discover villages brushing against snowy mountain peaks.
Travel east and you'll find whales gliding through Peninsula Valdés' marine wildlife sanctuary. Venture to Southern Patagonia, and you'll stumble upon deserts extending into rugged estancias (cattle ranges) and melting glaciers.
And, if you continue down to the Chilean border at Cape Horn, you'll come across an expansive horizon reaching out to Antarctica's frosty edge. Patagonia's beauty knows no bounds.
Turkey
Turkey is a country full of contrasts: imposing mountain ranges and fertile plains, lively bathing houses and deserted picturesque beaches, rapidly growing cities and sleepy villages.
It is full of multicultural history. It recalls siege and defeat that have left lingering traces.
With an array of historical places and archaeological excavation sites, each one deserves its place in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
From classical cities like Pergamon and Ephesus in the Turkish Aegean to fairytale-like Cappadocia in Anatolia, Turkey offers a little something special for everyone.
Rockley Beach, Barbados
Rockley Beach, located on the vibrant island of Barbados, is a slice of paradise nestled along the island's stunning south coast. With its powdery white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees, Rockley Beach epitomises tropical beauty.
Visitors can bask in the Caribbean sunshine, take a refreshing dip in the gentle waves, or snorkel amidst colourful marine life. Stay at the hip new hotel, The Rockley,(formerly South Beach Hotel) features a playful new design after an extensive renovation and rebrand.
The Rockley boasts a range of accommodation options to suit every traveller’s needs; from 49 spacious rooms to self-contained suites and villas. Each room is tastefully appointed with Caribbean-inspired decor, rainfall showers, and private balconies.
To book your stay in paradise, visit The Rockley at therockleybarbados.com.
Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
Directly translated to Guadalupe Valley, Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe, is Mexico’s premier wine region, producing 90% of all of the wine that comes from Mexico.
Although the area has been producing wine for over 100 years, just in the last decade has this wine region experienced the incredible growth that has turned it into an up-and-comer on the global scene.
It’s now become an epicentre of northern Baja for boutique wineries, gourmet restaurants and chic hotels, garnering the attention of locals and international revellers alike.
The Andaman Islands
Known as one of the most isolated archipelagos on Earth, many visitors travel to the Andaman Islands for the diving alone.
The waters have never been heavily fished, leaving the marine life to flourish. There are healthy coral gardens spread along the archipelago, providing fertile breeding grounds for manta rays, turtles and speckled grouper.
Time your dive well and you might spot a dugong, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' state animal.
Slovenia
Storybook scenery, like colourful lakes and hidden caves, serve as a backdrop for all holidays to Slovenia, where you can also join in with local summer festivals and take a bite out of the tasty regional cuisine.
Right in the heart of Europe, Slovenia is a land of lakes, castles and cities – with an irresistible blend of folk culture and staggering scenery.
Slovenia has become a melting point of cultures, thanks to its neighbours, Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. And you can see their influence in the diversity of Slovenian food, art and architecture.
Add in scenic mountains and some of Europe’s most picturesque lakes, and it’s a perfect holiday destination to discover.
Image: SpasWineFood blog
Etyek, Hungary
Known as the Napa Valley of Hungary, Etyek is a must-see destination for wine lovers. Napa Valley-meets-Hollywood in the Hungarian countryside at Etyek.
Located just 30-minutes outside of Budapest by car, the village is a tranquil oasis of vineyards and quaint houses, with the peace interrupted only by actors in the throws of filming a major movie.
From sampling Hungarian wine grown in local vineyards, to exploring movie sets at Korda Studios, and our Hungaricum tour, here are our favourite things to do in Etyek.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Discover the rich culture, natural flavours and inviting spirit of the idyllic 32-island archipelago cluster.
Dive and snorkel among colourful ocean wonders, sail on a catamaran to neighbouring islands, trek on rainforest eco-adventures and hike to cascading waterfalls.
Visit the bustling market in Kingstown, one of the most incredible resorts in the world, Young Island, follow the winding streets, meet artisans and take in the centuries of colonial architecture.
Free of crowds, this natural paradise invokes an authentic experience of an island escape.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole lies just a few miles west of the Continental Divide and occupies the central portion of the headwaters of the Snake River with mountain streams and idyllic surrounding highlands making this destination a compelling visit.
Jackson Hole is encompassed on all sides by mountain barriers. The hole - or valley - is 48 miles long and for the most part, six to eight miles wide, embracing an area of approximately 400 square miles.
With so many mountain ranges within a stone’s throw, Jackson Hole is a hub of outdoor recreation opportunities. Wildlife watching is easy here; elk, deer, and many other small mammals can be found throughout the valley.
A plethora of bird species hangs in the valley throughout the year including various ducks, geese and even swans.
Mayan temples at Tikal, Guatemala
Guatemala
Guatemala is steeped in Mayan traditions and home to some of the most spectacular ruins in the region.
This little country has outstanding natural beauty, from stunning lakes, picture-perfect volcanoes to pretty colonial cities.
The excavated remains of Tikal, the seductive lost city of the Mayans, represent just the tip of the iceberg, with much of the site still being reclaimed from the surrounding jungle.
A dawn tour of these enigmatic ruins when the early morning mist combines with the call of the howler monkeys is unmissable.
Helsinki, Finland
Among Scandinavian countries, Finland is often overlooked. People love Denmark with its distinctive food, Sweden with its striking design, and Norway is one of the world’s top aurora destinations.
Meanwhile, Finland is easily just as good (or maybe better) when it comes to seeing the northern lights – plus you can enjoy dog sledging, sauna breaks, and authentic Finnish pastries when you’re not out looking for the aurora borealis.
If you’ve decided to go a bit off the beaten path in trying to see the northern lights, Finland might be the perfect destination for you.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is decidedly having its moment in the equatorial sun and change is coming swiftly.
Already notable to intrepid travellers for its mix of religions and cultures, its timeless temples, its rich and accessible wildlife, its growing surf scene and its people who defy all odds by their welcome and friendliness after decades of civil conflict, this is a country revived.
There’s now more than ever for families, adrenaline junkies, eco-tourists, wellness seekers and foodies of all budgets.
Even the north and east, including areas previously off-limits, difficult to reach or lacking in services, deliver new discoveries.
