© Shutterstock

Germany -

The 2024 UEFA European Football Championship will be hosted in Germany this summer, between June and July. Berlin, Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Dortmund, Leipzig, Gelsenkirchen, Stuttgart, and Düsseldorf are not only soccer venue cities, but world-class tourist destinations in their own right.

© Shutterstock

Munich -

Munich, for example, exudes Bavarian flavor and thrills the visitor with an appetizing mix of distinguished landmarks, engaging museums, and a countryside overlooked by the Alps.

© Shutterstock

Cologne -

Alternatively, anyone staying in Cologne has the city's stunning medieval cathedral to explore between fixtures. This is the tallest twin-spired church in the world, and it's more than deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. So besides Germany, where else in the world is worth visiting in 2024?

© Shutterstock

Ålborg, Denmark -

For a memorable cultural immersion, why not explore Ålborg? This is Denmark's northern architecture hot spot, renowned for a collection of half-timbered 17th-century merchant's mansions and an attractively refurbished waterfront.

© Shutterstock

Cartagena, Colombia -

Equally rewarding is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cartagena. Located on Colombia's Caribbean coast, must-see tourist attractions include the late 16th-century church and cloister of San Pedro Claver and the eerie Palace of the Inquisition.

© Shutterstock

Southeast Asia by train -

Looking to explore Southeast Asia in style? Well, the good news is that, in April 2024, the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury passenger train will once again be offering travelers a range of themed excursions, for example the Essence of Malaysia journey from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur.

© Shutterstock

Métis Crossing, Canada -

Métis Crossing is Alberta's first major Métis cultural interpretive destination. It's one of Canada's most compelling Indigenous tourism projects, with various themed attractions and displays taking place year round depending on the season.

© Shutterstock

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, USA -

Ocmulgee is a prehistoric Indian site boasting more than 12,000 years of continuous human habitation. It's named for the burial mounds people constructed to bury their elite. Presently managed as a national historical park, Ocmulgee is set to become the first national park in Georgia and the first in the US to be co-managed by a nation, the Muscogee.

© Getty Images

Rajasthan, India -

The northwestern state of Rajasthan has long been a destination of choice for those visiting India. Jaipur, a World Heritage Site, and Jodhpur (pictured) challenge the senses with their wealth of historic buildings and vibrant character. In 2024, Jaipur especially is readying the inauguration of several new hotels.

© Shutterstock

Mustang, Nepal -

Believe it or not, Nepal's remote Mustang district only opened to outsiders in 1992. Today, a select collection of stunning hotel properties cater to the more discerning traveler, visitors who, while appreciating a touch of luxury, still want to trek the surrounding mountains or discover the countryside on horseback.

© Shutterstock

Tallinn, Estonia -

Tallin is often included on "best of" lists, and for good reason. Next year, the Estonian capital is Europe's Capital of Culture for 2024. UNESCO long ago declared its walled Old Town a World Heritage Site for showcasing some of the best-preserved examples of medieval architecture found anywhere.

© Shutterstock

Warsaw, Poland -

Warsaw melds an attractive historical hub with a contemporary cityscape marked by steel and glass skyscrapers and Stalinist towers. The big news in 2024 is that the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw will open in new premises as a feature of the city's funky arts district.

© Shutterstock

Austrian countryside -

The Austrian countryside is being lauded as one of 2024's premier destinations for food and drink, regions such as Styria and Burgenland, home to Lake Neusiedl (pictured)—another wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both these regions enjoy a rich history of winemaking, reason enough to head off into the interior.

© Shutterstock

Mérida, Mexico -

Mérida, the vibrant capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, has a rich Mayan and colonial heritage. A former American Capital of Culture, the city contrasts this historic canvas with a wealth of designer boutique hotels and noted culinary hotspots.

© Shutterstock

Sonoma County, USA -

California's Sonoma County may not be as instantly recognized as Napa, but at twice the size of its celebrity-soaked neighbor there's plenty to see and do. Connoisseurs come for the wine, but the region is also known for its glamping, spa resorts, and some truly appetizing restaurants.

© Shutterstock

Bangkok, Thailand -

For those seeking big city excitement, Bangkok is hard to beat. The city's nightlife is notoriously heady, but Bangkok is also becoming known as a center of wellness and as an "emerging self-care" destination, according to luxury travel network Virtuoso.

© Shutterstock

Cleveland, USA -

On April 8, 2024, at 3:13 pm, Cleveland will be in the path of totality for the solar eclipse. If you need any other reason to visit the largest city on Lake Erie, check out among other attractions the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and Karamu House, the oldest African-American theater in the nation, established in 1915.

© Shutterstock

Fort Worth, USA -

Looking for a memorable Western experience? Things like stock shows, cattle drives, and bull riding? Then head over to Fort Worth, Texas. And here's a tip: the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame will host a 2024 exhibit honoring the Mexican female horseback riding tradition of escaramuza charra. Saddle up, ladies!

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Getty Images

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

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.

© Shutterstock

Anna Maria Island, USA -

Beach vacation destinations to seek out in 2024 include Anna Maria Island, on Florida's Gulf Coast. Unlike many of the state's tourist brochure beaches, Anna Maria's broad expanse of sand is still very much under the radar. Pine Avenue, the island's main thoroughfare, is lined with affordable shops, galleries, and eateries.

© Shutterstock

Coastal Campania, Italy -

Italy's delightfully scenic Amalfi Coast falls within the country's Campania region, an area of exceptional beauty blessed with small, out-of-the-way beaches and pastel-colored fishing villages. The traditional picture-book veneer is contrasted by some fabulous boutique hotel properties and a focus on fine Italian food and wine.

© Shutterstock

Costa Rica -

Costa Rica is another stand-alone country winning plaudits as a destination of choice for 2024. And why not? This rugged, rain-forested Central American nation is renowned for its pristine ecosystems and incredible wildlife. Several new hotels have opened their doors, catering variously to golfers, surfers, and those seeking rest and relaxation in a spa environment.

© Shutterstock

Dominica -

Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, the verdant island nation of Dominica is an ocean paradise blanketed with rainforest and textured by cascading waterfalls, hot springs, and golden sand. Its eco-friendly hotels and resorts are the envy of the region.

© Shutterstock

Hawaii Island -

Also known as Big Island, Hawaii's reputation as a luxury Pacific Ocean getaway was established decades ago. The devastating fires that impacted both Hawaii Island and Maui in 2023 still resonate, but the destination's environmental credentials and cultural clout already have returning visitors booking early for 2024.

© Shutterstock

Los Cabos, Mexico -

A home from home for many Californians, Los Cabos on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula has long been a firm favorite for those seeking a dreamy, sun-kissed vacation. This is A-list territory, with the plushest five-diamond hotels catering to Hollywood royalty. Golf is a big deal here, as is game fishing.

© Shutterstock

Mallorca, Spain -

Back in Europe, 2024 will see Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, expand its five-star resort and luxury boutique hotel product. While a hugely popular summer holiday destination, it's still possible to get lost on purpose on Mallorca. Its interior is peppered with historic ruins, and the Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

© Shutterstock

AlUla, Saudi Arabia -

For the truly adventurous, Saudi Arabia conjures up images of remote deserts and ancient civilizations rarely spoken about by those in the West. And while restrictive, this fascinating country is slowly embracing a more ambitious tourism program. AlUla, for example, is an enchanting destination. The resort is set near Hegra, famed for its archaeological wonders, and features a stylish and contemporary hotel and a smaller eco-property.

© Shutterstock

Bahia, Brazil -

When people think of Bahia, they usually focus on Salvador, the capital city. And while Bahia is a coastal state, it's the interior and especially Chapada Diamantina National Park that attracts those seeking an adventure fix. It's where to go off-grid to connect with Mother Nature.

© Shutterstock

Northern Pakistan -

Solo travelers to Northern Pakistan trek through this region as experienced and well-seasoned adventurers. For the less initiated, the best way to explore this untamed corner of the planet is by joining a guided tour.

© Shutterstock

Peru's trekking routes -

Peru's myriad of walking routes take in some of the most spectacular scenery found anywhere in the world. And there's much more to discover beyond the well-trodden Inca Trails and over-Instagrammed Machu Picchu. New for 2024 is an Indigenous-owned company offering high Andes all-women hiking trips that include cooking classes and farm trips.

© Shutterstock

South Australia -

Down under, meanwhile, South Australia is New World wine territory. And while thousands flock to the state's vineyards every year, the recently opened Nilpena Ediacara National Park is providing an exciting diversion for those interested in viewing the oldest fossils on the planet, with some dating back 550 million years.

© Shutterstock

Sri Lanka -

Sri Lanka is also being touted as a singular destination to investigate in 2024. A small island nation anchored in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka entices with a variety of landscapes, anything from beautiful beaches and lush jungle to cloud-tipped mountains and historic, temple-clad cities.

Sources: (Travel + Leisure) (UNESCO) (Virtuoso)

See also: People, places, and surprising things that 100 in 2024

© Shutterstock