Behind the Curtain: The Process of Selecting the Dinogo 2024 Where to Go List

Early summer is one of my favorite seasons at Dinogo—not only because half-day Fridays begin. It’s the time when we start gathering ideas for our annual Where to Go list. We connect with our global network of writers to discover their current locations, past travels, and their recommendations for where our readers should venture in the upcoming year.

As the story submissions come in, I get to experience a virtual journey around the world. I read compelling pitches for cities, regions, and entire countries before we dive into the challenging task of narrowing those entries down to the 25 destinations that will make the final list.

It’s always invigorating to gauge the travel community’s interests—to understand what excites our team and observe emerging trends. Familiar favorites resurface, while new locations gain attention. Italy is a perennial favorite among writers, and cities in North America are competing for recognition, including Toronto. Major events often influence travel plans: The Summer Olympics will take over Paris in July, and the total solar eclipse will attract stargazers throughout the United States, including in Texas's Hill Country.

Our list features a diverse selection, showcasing Manchester’s vibrant creative scene, Uruguay’s local winemakers, and the rich Black art culture in Los Angeles. I discovered a lot about Brno, Czechia—not only how to pronounce it but also why it should be on travelers' radars, alongside the importance of seeing and helping to protect Fiji’s marine life.

After five years at Dinogo, I’ve compiled an extensive list of destinations I want to explore. This edition’s insights from our experienced reporters have only enriched my mental collection of travel ideas. I hope you find the same inspiration for your 2024 adventures.