Trying to figure out what to add to your 2024 travel bucket list? As a full-time content creator, I’ve been able to travel to many amazing destinations. From underrated destinations to some of the places that top almost everyone’s bucket list, this list covers it all.
As you start planning your vacations for the year, here are the best places to visit in 2024.
MALDIVES
Best Time to Visit: January through April
As someone who spends at least a few weeks each year in the Maldives, I can’t make this list without including these stunning tropical islands on my list of the top places to go in 2024.
I’ve been lucky enough to stay in quite a few of the top hotels in the Maldives, and I share my top 20 here.
The Maldives are made up of over 1,000 tiny islands dotted with palms and fringing reefs in the clear warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Wherever you are in this chain of islands, you feel like you’re a world away from everything else.
You can opt to lay on the beach on a private island, take a boat trip to a white sand bar in the middle of the ocean, go snorkelling, and fall asleep with the waves lapping under your overwater bungalow. The Maldives may be known for luxury hotels, but there are affordable options as well.
MALDIVES TRAVEL TIPS:
Top 20 Maldives Resorts
Best Maldives Resorts for a Honeymoon
Affordable Maldives Resorts
Best Maldives Resorts for Snorkelling
Best Maldives Resorts for Couples
One Week Four Seasons Maldives Itinerary
OMAN
Best Time to Visit: October through March
Oman is not your typical bucket list travel destination, but it should be. It is off-the-beaten-path and bursting with culture and natural beauty. We visited this Arabian treasure for the adventure, but we were left in awe of the beauty of this country and its people.
During our time in Oman, we visited the capital of Muscat, the ancient city of Nizwa, the dunes of Wahibi Sands, and the traditional fishing village of Sur. The Daymaniyat Islands were a highlight of our trip with pristine beaches and beautiful blue water.
We did the entire trip through Oman in a rental car, and we loved our roadie through Oman since it let us visit more than just the capital and typical tourist stops.
OMAN TRAVEL TIPS:
Best Places to Visit in Oman
Oman Travel Guide
SEYCHELLES
Best Time to Visit: April through May or October through November
Seychelles is an island nation off the African continent, known for its granite islands, nature reserves, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters. If you’ve seen pictures on Instagram of a beach with crystal-clear water and massive boulders, you’ve probably already added the Seychelles to your bucket list.
The Seychelles is located slightly off the popular travel routes and with such an abundance of stunning islands to explore, it is exactly our type of place. The Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue island is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
SEYCHELLES TRAVEL TIPS:
Seychelles Travel Guide
Best Things to Do in the Seychelles
NAMIBIA
Best Time to Visit: July through October
Namibia is a country that is not often suggested in lists of top places to visit, but it should be. This off the beaten path country is worth a trip before more people discover how truly amazing it is.
We started our road trip with the wildlife of the Kalahari Savanna at Habitas Namibia. From there, we drove to Camp Sossus and Onduli Ridge before we continued to Zannier Hotels Sonop. The view from the outdoor bathtub there is bathroom goals, and the entire hotel is designed to merge into the environment. Plus, where else can you watch a movie by the pool in the middle of the desert?
Deadvlei was on my bucket list long before I set foot in Namibia, and it did not disappoint. It was hot when we visited, but climbing the sand dunes in the heat was worth it for the views. Another stop, Sandwich Harbour, is where the Namibian sand dunes meet the ocean, and Sand Waves Adventures made it a memorable day of dune bashing while also showing their passion for protecting the area.
Make sure to leave at least a night on your road trip to camp in Spitzkoppe. It was my favorite moment of the trip and a completely unforgettable memory.
Overall, a Namibian road trip is a great option if you want something different from the usual list of bucket list destinations. I felt completely safe here, and I cannot wait to return one day.
If you want to book a trip of your own to Namibia, get in touch with @safari.frank.
ITALY
Best Time to Visit: June and September
Is there really a bad time to visit Italy? Probably not, but June and September are the shoulder months when the weather is great but the crowds are lower.
If you are going to add Italy to your 2024 travel bucket list, make sure Sardinia, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily are on your list for stops to make.
Cinque Terre is the picturesque stretch of Mediterranean coastline that is home to five beautifully iconic Italian villages. It is stunning and a popular destination for a reason.
Sardinia is well known, but the Baunei Coast of Sardinia is a hidden gem you can’t miss. You’ll find jaw-dropping, unspoiled nature with relatively small crowds to go with the locally sourced foods and classic Italian seaside vibes.
For Sicily, we spent one night in Favignana with a stop in Levanzo. I highly recommend renting a scooter to get around the island and find your own slice of paradise along the coastline. Make sure to plan a stay at the San Domenico Palace in Taormina. I don’t think I’ll ever get over our stay overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.
ITALY TRAVEL TIPS:
Baunei Coast, Sardinia
La Maddalena
Cinque Terre Itinerary
How to Sail Sardinia
WEST COAST OF MEXICO
Best Time to Visit: October through March
Mexico’s west coast is full of lesser-known spots to visit. Many people think of Cabo San Lucas, but Todos Santos, Sayulita/San Pacho, and Puerto Escondido are all worth visiting too.
Todos Santos is the ultimate bohemian surf town on Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. We’ve visited a few times now, and it’s easy to see why Todos Santos is quickly heading to the top of people’s Mexico bucket list. Make sure to give yourself enough time to experience the magical energy of this region.
Sayulita is a vibrant beachside town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, with a fun energy and surf culture. I visited for the first time a few years ago and fell in LOVE with its charm, incredible food & laid-back vibes. More recently I spent a few weeks here to really soak up the atmosphere.
Puerto Escondido is a surf mecca. It’s got boho vibes and lots of expats thanks to it being a great spot for digital nomads. You’ll find trendy cafes in this town known for great surfing.
Casa TO is a sustainable hotel that I consider a must-stay if you visit the area. Designed for minimal impact on the environment with 100% solar energy, no single-use products, and organic local products, this one hit all the important factors for me.
MEXICO TRAVEL TIPS:
Best Places to Visit on Mexico’s West Coast
Best Places to Visit in Baja California
Top Hotels in Mexico for Couples
Where to Eat in Sayulita
Sayulita Travel Guide
Things to Do in Todos Santos
SOUTH AFRICA
Best Time to Visit: May through October for safari and November through April for Cape Town
South Africa is a large country and a popular travel destination in Africa for a reason. It’s known to be one of the best (if not the best) game-viewing countries in the entire world. Here you’ll find all of the Big 5 – elephants, lions, leopards, Cape buffalos, and rhinos.
South Africa was a life-changing trip for me. I felt very small, and I felt like I saw how we could be and should be living. Staying at a lodge in South Africa is a special opportunity. Your guides are conservationists who are the best in the business. They love the land and the animals and want to help you better understand how to protect them.
We stayed at Royal Malewane in Kruger National Park at all three of their luxury safari lodges. Staying at the Royal Malewane is the experience to end all experiences in South Africa. Malewane Lodge is a bush-style luxury lodge with front-row seats to the wildlife in Kruger National Park. Farmstead has the most contemporary style of the three while Waterside is the most colorful and aptly named for the view of animals enjoying the watering hole.
Cape Town makes a perfect stopover before or after your safari. The Silo Hotel has made a name for itself in South Africa, and it deserves all the attention it gets. The Royal Suite was a dream come true. We didn’t have enough time to do everything on our list, but the penguins on Boulder Beach are a must see.
South Africa has to be on your bucket list if you love wildlife, being in the wild, luxury stays, and/or conservation as it checks off all of these boxes and more.
FRENCH POLYNESIA
Best Time to Visit: June through September
Like the Maldives, French Polynesia is one of those places everyone wants to visit before they die. And it’s place on your bucket list is well-deserved.
French Polynesia is the perfect setting for a tropical dream. I’m talking palm trees, crazy blue waters, fresh seafood and coconuts, lush rainforests, abundant marine life, beautiful reefs, and the most amazingly warm people and culture. Need I say more?
French Polynesia is made up of over 100 islands and atolls, scattered across the South Pacific Ocean in an area roughly the size of Europe. This means that each island can offer something slightly different to your travel needs, whilst still serving up the tropical wonder that you’d come to expect.
Bora Bora gets the most attention because of the famous luxury hotels with overwater bungalows, but it is also possible to visit Bora Bora on a budget. Visit the rays and sharks on a lagoon tour or relax on the beach – you can’t go wrong when you are staying in paradise.
Tahiti’s neighbour, Mo’orea is another lush green, mountainous island that’s perfect for the adventurous and only a short ferry ride from Tahiti. Moorea is an amazing option for people looking to visit more islands than just Bora Bora when visiting French Polynesia who don’t want to spend the money that comes with some of the more expensive islands.
Rangiroa is roughly an hour flight from the island of Tahiti. This place felt so remote and untouched – it’s exactly what you’d imagine if you were dreaming of deserted castaway islands! Rangiroa is made up of hundreds of islets that form a ring around a massive lagoon with only two of them inhabited. The untouched beauty is what makes this place so magical.
FRENCH POLYNESIA TRAVEL TIPS:
What to Do in Bora Bora
Bora Bora on a Budget
Mo’orea and the Coral Gardiners
French Polynesia Travel Guide
CALIFORNIA & THE SOUTHWESTERN USA
Best Time to Visit: April to June or September to October
We have loved every road trip we’ve done in the USA, but we especially love California and the Southwest. The region’s red rock landscapes, canyon towns, and cactus deserts are SO iconic, putting Arizona, Utah, Nevada & greater California at the top of our travel bucket list!
We fell in love with Joshua Tree, an eclectic desert town known for its bohemian vibe, stunning National Park, and incredible AirBnB options. Nearby Palm Springs and Salvation Mountain are must do’s.
We travelled to Tucson to visit Saguaro National Park and see the Saguaro cactus – the most aesthetic and iconic shape to grace any desert landscape. The National Park virtually surrounds Tucson where saguaros grow wild, spanning as far as the eye can see.
In Utah, the massive canyons of Zion National Park are breathtaking while the hoodoo rock structures of Bryce Canyon make this place truly amazing and unique. Arches National Park is full of unbelievable rock formations, and Monument Valley gave us exactly the sights we had imagined when booking our trip to Utah.
We didn’t think these national parks could be topped, but then we visited the Valley of Fire in Nevada. It was our favorite stop on the trip. Enjoy the swirling patterns of the famous Wave Rock and views including pink and white pastel boulders.
USA TRAVEL TIPS:
Southwest USA Road Trip Itinerary
Southwest USA National Parks Guide
Tucson Travel Guide
Where to Stay in Joshua Tree
Best Things to Do in Joshua Tree
Best Palm Springs Instagram Spots
Palm Springs Itinerary
TURKEY
Best Time to Visit: European Summer
The Turkish Riviera is the coastline of southwest Turkey, consisting of pine trees and mountains that meet the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Sharing the same warm clear waters as the nearby Greece Islands, it’s also called the ‘Turquoise Coast’ for a reason!
Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale are also places we’ve loved visiting in Turkey. Istanbul is an amazing city that is a melting pot of cultures with so much history to take in as you walk around. Cappadocia is one of those places that needs to be on everyone’s bucket list. You have to experience a sunrise there when the hot air balloons are in the air. Pamukkale may be in the middle of nowhere, but the bright blue travertine pools it is famous for make it worth a stop on a Turkey road trip.
If you want to experience more of the Mediterranean portion of Turkey, it’s a great alternative for those who have been to Greece or Italy or for those who want to avoid the crowds. Even visiting in the middle of European summer, we were surprised at how few others were enjoying the blissfulness of the Turkish Riviera.
In Bodrum, consider a stay at Six Senses Kaplankaya. It’s a destination in and of itself with a stylish aesthetic and incredible views. If you want something even more tucked away, check out the Yazz Collective in Göcek-Fethiye. You have to take a boat to reach it, but you’ll find you don’t want to get back on that boat to leave at the end of your stay.
Kaputus Beach looks like it could be a beach in Italy, but this one doesn’t have nearly as many people crowding its shores each summer. It’s one of the more famous beaches in Turkey for good reason. A huge cliff face plunges down into a glittering turquoise bay while umbrellas dot the sandy beach. This entire area is worth spending some time with how pretty it is.
Overall, Turkey is a great Mediterranean alternative for those who want to avoid the crowds at the more popular Greek and Italian beaches. Turkey is more affordable and less crowded while being equally stunning.
AUSTRALIA
Best Time to Visit: Esperance from December to March, Whitsundays from May to September, Tropical North Queensland and Great Barrier Reef from May to September
As an Aussie, I can’t make a list of places to visit in 2024 without mentioning my home country. You could really spend a lifetime exploring Australia and still not see it all.
Australia’s west coast is full of vast open landscapes, raw natural beauty, red dirt roads, and stunning turquoise waters. With only around 12,000 people living in Esperance, it might not seem worth the 9-hour drive from the capital city, Perth, but that’s the magic of it. You’ll be graced with neon blue water, pristine beaches, world-famous surfing & incredible marine life that will leave you speechless. It’s a true Australian experience you can’t miss.
The Whitsundays are a great place for a sailing trip. There are 74 islands in the Whitsundays, and all but a handful of these are uninhabited. When sailing the Whitsundays on a private charter, you can expect to see an abundance of marine life, coral reefs, secluded bays, turquoise waters, and white sand beaches, including the world-famous, stunning Whitehaven Beach.
In Tropical North Queensland, the Daintree Rainforest is the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, growing for 180 million years. There’s so much indigenous culture embedded within this area, as well as stunning forest walks, clear water gorges, and luxury eco-stays.
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system and the reason Australia makes a lot of travel bucket lists. As the northernmost resort on the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island is a truly special way to witness this treasure. A one-hour scenic flight from Cairns will take you across the reef and have you landing on this remote slice of paradise, where luxury and sustainability are at the heart of your stay.
AUSTRALIA TRAVEL TIPS:
Tropical North Queensland & the Great Barrier Reef
Western Australia Road Trip
Four-Day Gold Coast Itinerary
Wilson & Heron Island (Great Barrier Reef)
Sailing the Whitsundays
How to See Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef by Helicopter
THE BAHAMAS
Best Time to Visit: December through April
The Bahamas consists of 16 major islands and thousands of cays, with the capital city of Nassau only a one-hour flight from Miami. I’m sure you’ve seen picture-perfect images of sheltered turquoise bays, immaculate sandbanks & remote laid-back islands of the Bahamas, and I can almost guarantee you those photos were all taken in the Exumas!
For the perfect mix of adventure, unique experiences, natural beauty and escape from the crowds, we decided to hop our way through the Exuma Cays by luxury catamaran & were not disappointed!
We stayed on Great Exuma Island for one week to be perfectly positioned to visit the nearby islands, Little Exuma and Stocking Island. As an addition, you can also choose to charter your own luxury catamaran. This lets you island hop your way through paradise to see everything the region has to offer from beautiful beaches to colorful fish and from seeing the coral reefs to a variety of water activities!
BAHAMAS TRAVEL TIPS:
Best Things to Do in Exumas Bahamas
Exumas Cays Sailing Itinerary
What’s On Your Travel Bucket List for 2024?
Have you added any of these spots to your list of places to go in 2024 or were some of them already there? We’d love to hear about your trip when you make it happen, so leave a comment below!
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