Top Travel Destinations for 2024

From a British city reinventing its industrial heritage to a serene Kenyan island without cars, our 25 selections for next year's travel share common threads: each is an inspiring, joy-filled locale where creativity and human connection shape the travel journey. These 25 destinations (in no specific order) provide numerous opportunities for mindful, sustainable exploration—exactly what conscious travelers with Dinogo are looking for at this moment. Here's to a year of adventure!—The Editors

1. Fiji

Fiji boasts a stunning marine ecosystem, showcasing a vibrant array of turtles, rays, and sharks dancing among sunlit hues of green and blue. The coral reefs serve as the backdrop for this breathtaking spectacle—delicate ecosystems where the intricate relationship between plants and fish unfolds daily, reflecting the fragile state of our increasingly stressed planet.

To discover the complete narrative from Tim Chester, read: In Fiji, A Vivid Underwater World Awaits.

2. Sydney, Australia

Renowned for its striking concrete “shells,” the Sydney Opera House exemplifies modern expressionist architecture. The iconic venue celebrated its 50th anniversary with much excitement in October 2023. Dine at Midden, the new Indigenous restaurant on the premises; the following morning, rise early for a unique Backstage Tour, which guides you through the halls to rehearsal rooms and the orchestra pit. Don't miss the Opera House’s special programming for 2024, featuring events like the London International Animation Festival in January and an evening with author Fran Lebowitz in February. Alternatively, plan a visit in May or June for the annual Vivid Sydney festival, when art and light displays transform the harbor into a spectacular light show. —Michael Callahan

3. Tangier, Morocco

With a skyline resembling a scattered set of dice on the cliffs, Tangier has long distinguished itself from other Moroccan cities. For several decades in the 20th century, it was governed by various foreign nations, including Italy and Spain. It attracted writers and artists from Europe and the United States, fostering a cosmopolitan atmosphere that remains today. In the last five years, however, Morocco’s northernmost city has reembraced its national identity.

In 2018, Africa’s inaugural high-speed train line connected Tangier to Casablanca, reducing travel time to just two hours. This was part of a major infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing the region. The introduction of new luxury accommodations, including the 133-room Fairmont Tazi Palace and the boutique Villa Mabrouka, a 12-room renovation of Yves Saint Laurent’s former residence by designer Jasper Conran, has been a significant advantage. The Waldorf Astoria is also set to join this lineup, expected to open in early 2025.

The city’s primary squares, the Grand Socco and Petit Socco, highlight the creativity of Moroccan artisans. Alma Kitchen, run by a local jeweler and her photographer husband, offers dishes like charred eggplant and potatoes infused with anise and cardamom. Enjoy a coffee at Cinémathèque de Tanger in the larger square, a historic cultural site that opened in 1938 and was revitalized in the mid-2000s by French Moroccan artist Yto Barrada. Just outside the medina, Las Chicas features Moroccan-made home goods, apparel, and organic wellness products by the women-owned Zoā Beauty; make sure to savor a mint tea, or atay, while you're there.

Visit El Morocco Club, a piano bar and restaurant inspired by the glamorous New York City nightclub that debuted in the 1930s. Today, this club—decorated with monochrome photographs and zebra-print sofas—perfectly embodies the essence of both old and new Tangier. —Mark Ellwood

4. The Texas Hill Country

This year, the spotlight is on the Texas Hill Country, as it lies directly in the path of totality for the solar eclipse occurring on April 8, 2024. When the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, daylight will momentarily vanish. While North America enjoyed a total eclipse in 2017, Texas hasn't witnessed one since 1397. The duration of totality will depend on two factors: location (the Hill Country is expected to experience nearly four and a half minutes of totality, out of a maximum of seven and a half) and weather (Central Texas boasts an average of 300 sunny days each year, which is promising).

To read the complete story from Mae Hamilton, see: A Total Eclipse, Fresh Peaches, and Small-Town Charm: Why This Destination Is Worth a Trip This Year.

5. Rome, Italy

Our meal began with a delightful octopus carpaccio, followed by wagyu beef gyoza and yellowtail sushi. After we finished, the waiter presented us with Ibérico pork marinated in soy and truffle. Sitting on a winding banquette at Seen by Olivier, the rooftop eatery of the new Anantara Palazzo Naiadi hotel, we relished plate after plate. When I first relocated to Rome in 2009, it was challenging to find such a diverse array of international cuisine; despite being a prominent European capital, the city had largely favored traditional dishes. However, the Eternal City is evolving.

For the complete article by Laura Itzkowitz, see New Hotels, Restaurants, and Experiences: Why Now Is the Time to Book a Trip to Rome.

6. Machu Picchu, Peru

Peru's premier attraction can sometimes feel overwhelmed by tourists. Now, Intrepid Travel offers a chance to explore a lesser-known aspect of the Sacred Valley via a route that deviates from the popular Inca Trail, instead following the Quarry Trail. This new itinerary showcases the stunning Perolniyoc Cascade waterfall, an Inca quarry that inspired the trail's name, and a viewpoint called Wayrapunku, which provides a panoramic view of the village of Ollantaytambo, home to the ancient 900-year-old Temple of the Sun. —Michael Callahan

7. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

It was the book that instilled a fear of the ocean: Jaws. Join the celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2024 with a tour of the filming locations on Martha’s Vineyard from 1974. Beyond the terror of the great white shark, immerse yourself in the charming New England landscape of the 87-square-mile island: the striking clay cliffs of Aquinnah that shift colors with the light; Offshore Ale Company, offering hearty fish and chips; and the 147-year-old carousel in Oak Bluffs, the oldest in the nation. Visiting during the “shoulder seasons” of late spring and early fall ensures pleasant weather and a break from the island’s notorious summer crowds. —Michael Callahan

8. Lamu, Kenya

Strolling through the sandy, winding streets of Shela—a village on the southeastern coast of Kenya’s Lamu Island—is an exercise in embracing the unexpected. The island is nearly free of cars, with alleyways just wide enough for pedestrians and donkeys. Even after a dozen visits, I expect to lose my way. I trust that Shela is compact enough that I will eventually rediscover that vibrant patch of fuchsia bougainvillea I passed earlier, or that intricately carved wooden door, or the mosque with its unique call to prayer, and find my path once more.

For the complete narrative by Sarika Bansal, read: On this East African Island, Embracing the Art of Getting Lost.

9. Bhutan

This last surviving Buddhist kingdom on Earth may be challenging to access, yet that difficulty only enhances the sense of reward upon arrival. After our plane touched down amid the towering 18,000-foot Himalayan peaks at Bhutan’s Paro International Airport (which resembles a temple more than an airport), I quickly realized I had entered a realm like no other.

Bhutan welcomed tourists for the first time in 1974 and has implemented measures to ensure that visitors do not overwhelm its unspoiled nature or rich cultural heritage. With a strong commitment to conservation, it is recognized as the world’s first carbon-negative country: 60 percent of its territory must remain forested, and travelers have always been required to pay a daily fee. Since 2022, this fee has been allocated to local community and conservation initiatives.

In September 2023, Bhutan reduced its tourist fee to $100 per day to encourage more visitors. Tourists are invited to extend their stay to enjoy the country’s newly refurbished five-star accommodations, including Zhiwa Ling Heritage, andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, and Pemako Punakha, all built in traditional Bhutanese architecture. Additionally, with the restoration of the Trans Bhutan Trail, guests can discover new areas of the country.

Shortly after its reopening in 2022, I embarked on a hike along the historic pilgrimage route, established in the 16th century, as part of a G Adventures trip. We were among the first international travelers to wander through secluded villages en route to visit ancient fortresses and stupas.

As we trekked through dense pine forests and mist-covered mountains—some of which have never been climbed to protect the spirits believed to dwell there—it became clear why Bhutan holds nature in such high regard. Knowing this made our journey under their towering shadows feel even more sacred. —Kathleen Rellihan

10. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Food and art enthusiasts should head to Philadelphia this year. The city received more accolades for restaurants and chefs than anywhere else at the 2023 James Beard Foundation competition. Be sure to savor the seasonal tasting menu at Friday Saturday Sunday, awarded Outstanding Restaurant, or enjoy the Thai dishes at Kalaya, where Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon was honored as Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic. On the cultural front, the Rodin Museum is showcasing a sculpture exhibit, Rodin’s Hands, while the Philadelphia Museum of Art will feature the photographic showcase In the Right Place, celebrating the groundbreaking work of photographers Barbara Crane, Melissa Shook, and Carol Taback. —Amy S. Eckert

11. Paris, France

The City of Light is gearing up to host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games and the Paralympics with quintessential French flair. (Imagine swimming competitions in the Seine and BMX freestyle at Place de la Concorde!). “There’s a lot to think about if you’re planning to be in Paris for the Olympics,” notes Martha King, whose agency specializes in assisting travelers attending the Games. With over 3,500 combinations of Olympic events and sessions, those interested should move fast, King advises. The city is lively year-round and a great destination anytime. Before April 2, visitors can enjoy the Mark Rothko exhibition at the Fondation Louis Vuitton; afterward, sip on a champagne spritz while taking in views of the Eiffel Tower from the rooftop of the newly opened Hôtel Dame des Arts. —Michael Callahan

12. Los Angeles, California

Having grown up in Los Angeles, I always perceived it as so sprawling that there was little reason to venture beyond my neighborhood. Now, back from New York, I’m ready to brave the traffic and discover more of the city. From contemporary art exhibitions at The Broad downtown to sunny afternoons at Hollywood’s new rooftop garden atop the Aster hotel, L.A. provides cultural and outdoor activities throughout the year.

In 2024, the largest public art initiative dedicated to Black artists in the United States will debut in the city. The 1.3-mile-long open-air museum, known as Destination Crenshaw, will showcase both permanent and temporary outdoor installations featuring works from over 100 Black artists spread across four acres of green space. Notable names will include painter Kehinde Wiley, sculptor Melvin Edwards, and the graffiti artists from the RTN crew.

“The vibrant creative energy of the Black community in South L.A. fuels locally born art that gains national acclaim and international attention,” explains Jason Foster, president and COO of Destination Crenshaw. “However, these artists have long been overlooked in terms of public recognition and economic benefit for their artistic contributions. Destination Crenshaw compellingly addresses this issue, marking South L.A. as the West Coast’s hub of Black creativity.”

The food scene in the city is also flourishing, mirroring its diverse population. Chef Rashida Holmes’s pop-up, Bridgetown Roti, is set to open its first permanent location in 2024, bringing Caribbean flavors to East Hollywood. Meanwhile, Row DTLA offers a global culinary experience, featuring omakase at Hayato and wood-fired delights at Chris Bianco’s renowned Pizzeria Bianco. There’s ample reason to delve deeper into the city and explore its wider offerings. —Kristin Braswell

13. Manchester, England

Let’s begin by acknowledging that you already know more about Manchester than you realize. This northern English city, characterized by its red-brick Victorian architecture, historic universities, and vibrant public squares, has seeped into your pop-culture awareness, serving as the backdrop for significant events that often overshadow the city itself.

For the complete story from Billie Cohen, read: This Northern English City Has Been Nurturing Its Arts Scene for Years—and It’s Paying Off.

14. Weifang, China

Nestled between Beijing and Shanghai, this eastern Chinese city is famously dubbed the kite capital of the world, thanks to its annual international kite festival each April that attracts tens of thousands of visitors, alongside the Weifang World Kite Museum, which features five exhibition halls dedicated to the artistry and folklore surrounding kites. Weifang also actively works to preserve its cultural heritage, earning the designation of a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2021, as well as recognition as the 2024 Culture City of East Asia. For instance, the Shihuyuan Intangible Cultural Heritage Park provides insights into various art forms, including clay modeling and paper cutting, as well as kite-making. Travelers can engage in kite-making and woodblock printing at the Yangjiabu Folk Art Grand View Garden. In the evenings, a vibrant food market scene awaits, offering delights like barbecued seafood and chao tian guo, a dish featuring pork offal and pickled vegetables wrapped in a thin pancake. Wild China can craft a tailored itinerary that includes Weifang. —Tim Chester

15. St. Kitts

The island of St. Kitts, located in the eastern Caribbean, is characterized by lush rainforests and beautiful beaches. However, during its colonial past, it was dominated by sugar plantations worked by enslaved Africans. A significant portion of the sugar was distilled into rum, generating substantial profits for the British. Following its independence in 1983 and the cessation of sugar cane production in 2005, due to competition from beet sugar, the heritage of Kittitian rum remains alive. Today, two local businesses are revitalizing the island’s distilling traditions with a distinctive Kittitian flair.

Roger Brisbane, founder of Hibiscus Spirits and owner of the beachside restaurant Spice Mill, shares, “We have a tradition of making rum known as hammond or bush rum. It was traditionally made in the mountains using roots-style methods over a coal pot with tools to distill the alcohol from molasses.” His company now combines locally sourced rum with tangy hibiscus, reminiscent of the Caribbean Christmas drink, sorrel.

Building on the island’s rich history, Jack Widdowson established the Old Road Rum Company in 2020 on the site of a 17th-century distillery unearthed by archaeologists at his childhood plantation. Currently, he is blending unique rum bottles using molasses-based rum from other Caribbean islands while renovating the distillery to once again produce 100 percent Kittitian rum.

Visitors can learn about both projects through the Kittitian RumMaster experience offered by the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. Widdowson emphasizes, “A visit to Old Road Rum is more than just a historical tour or tasting. It’s a chance to engage with a developing story that honors the past while crafting a fresh chapter in St. Kitts’ rum production.” —Rosalind Cummings-Yeats

16. Valencia, Spain

This ancient city, over 2,150 years old, has been recognized as the European Green Capital 2024 after excelling in 12 categories such as air quality, noise pollution, biodiversity, and energy efficiency. Experience this firsthand by wandering through the historic heart of the city, where Valencia Cathedral claims to protect the Holy Grail. Alternatively, explore Turia Garden, a sprawling six-mile park along a former riverbed, featuring bridges from different centuries. Cyclists can enjoy a ride through the city using its extensive 125-mile bike lane network. —Billie Cohen

17. Brno, Czechia

Pronounced as Burr-NO, ideally with a luxuriously rolled ‘r,’ this second-largest city in Czechia is about a quarter the size of Prague and attracts very few international tourists. However, Brno has been recognized as one of UNESCO’s Cities of Music, celebrating its vibrant network of bars, clubs, and concert venues, along with a world-class festival lineup. The local scene features a diverse range of music, from the banjo punk of the band Poletíme to JazzFestBrno, which will showcase Grammy Award-winning artist Samara Joy in 2024. With the acoustically advanced Sono Centrum and the formidable medieval Špilberk Castle (home to the city’s philharmonic), there are hardly any locations in Brno that aren’t utilized for musical performances.

For the full story from Emma John, read: This Music-Filled City Is Stepping Out of Prague’s Shadow.

18. Detroit, Michigan

The historic Michigan Central station in Detroit, a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture, is being transformed into a transportation research and development hub that will also feature retail, dining, and community spaces—demonstrating how the old is being reimagined in this city. The Motown Museum is set to undergo a $65 million renovation in 2024, which will introduce performance venues, interactive displays, and a music education center. Additionally, the trendy Cambria Hotel occupies a 1936 radio broadcasting building designed by renowned architect Albert Kahn, continuing the trend of converting historic landmarks into boutique hotels. A new glass-and-steel tower at the former site of the 1927 Hudson’s store is also in the works, featuring a 48th-floor observation deck set to open in 2024. —Amy S. Eckert

19. San Diego, California, and Tijuana, Mexico

Collaboration across borders defines this region, as these two cities, located just 20 miles apart, share the honor of being named World Design Capital of 2024. This will lead to a series of events in both cities. The La Frontera exhibition, highlighting jewelry design, will run from January 27 to August 4 at San Diego’s Mingei International Museum and from February 16 to June 9 at the Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT). In September, the World Design Experience will take place across various venues in San Diego, offering an interactive design showcase. Additional artistic and architectural wonders await visitors: in San Diego, explore the Salk Institute, a landmark of modern architecture, or the geometric Geisel Library at the University of California San Diego, named after Dr. Seuss; while in Tijuana, don’t miss CECUT with its striking dome and garden filled with replicas of Mesoamerican sculptures. —Tim Chester

20. Norway

Norway offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, and this experience is about to get even better. Beginning in 2024, there will be enhanced chances to appreciate the country's stunning landscapes and resources—while also being environmentally conscious, true to Norwegian values.

For the complete story from Laura Hall, read: Why This Nordic Country Should Be at the Top of Your Travel Bucket List.

21. Charleston, South Carolina

With the opening of the International African American Museum in 2023, Charleston has secured its place on the must-visit lists for 2024 and beyond. The exhibitions explore the diverse aspects of the African American narrative, highlighting the history of slavery, the civil rights movement, and contemporary struggles and successes. Additionally, a genealogy center assists families in tracing their roots. For accommodations, choose from two new hotels in the city: the Palmetto Hotel, featuring contemporary decor enriched with works by early 20th-century Charleston artists, or the Pinch, a chic boutique hotel offering bike-sharing, sailing tours, and kitchens in every room. —Amy S. Eckert

22. Maldonado, Uruguay

There’s an unmistakable vibe in Piriápolis. Founded by alchemist Francisco Piria in the 1890s, this Belle Époque seaside resort town was born out of his fascination with its purported cosmic energy. The Maldonado region has long attracted visitors with its stunning beach destinations: the glamorous Punta del Este and the artistic José Ignacio. Nowadays, a trip to this area revolves around wine. Travelers can wander through family-owned vineyards that stretch toward the ocean, savor Uruguay’s robust tannat reds and unique albariño whites, all while enjoying the country’s renowned melt-in-your-mouth steaks.

The wine scene in Uruguay is flourishing, with Maldonado on the Atlantic coast emerging as the fastest-growing region. Notably, the renowned Montevideo winemaker, Bodega Bouza, has opened the hillside restaurant Las Espinas here and plans to introduce a new winery in 2024. It’s not alone in this growth; Cerro del Toro—whose tannat varietal has been celebrated as Uruguay’s “discovery of the year”—is also set to open a winery next year.

In this area of Uruguay, enotourism offers a personal touch with small vineyards and scenic outdoor tastings. At Bodega Garzón, guests can explore the vast estate on e-bikes, discovering the perfect spot to enjoy wine alongside a picnic. Meanwhile, the Alto de la Ballena estate, perched on a rocky cliff with the Atlantic Ocean shimmering in the distance, invites visitors to sample its wines, including a refreshing tannat-viognier blend.

"Most of our wineries are boutique or family-owned, with the owners actively participating in every stage of production," says Soledad Bassini, a sommelier from José Ignacio with 25 years of industry experience. "This involvement adds a unique character to the wine, making it feel like stepping into someone’s home and experiencing their traditions, routines, and history firsthand."

The wealth of wine experiences inspired Bassini to create the Mapa del Vino, a comprehensive guide highlighting Uruguay’s boutique vineyards. "Maldonado has it all," she shares. "Terroir, ocean, beaches—it’s the complete package." —Julia Buckley

23. Tartu, Estonia

Tartu’s charming town square, with its cobblestones and inviting cafés, is just the beginning of what this city has to offer. Recognized as one of the three European Capitals of Culture for 2024, Tartu boasts a wealth of attractions throughout the year—from performances at Estonia’s oldest theater (established in 1870) to pop-up bars and art exhibitions in Soviet-era “garage box” sheds still scattered behind residential areas. The 2024 celebrations provide even more incentive to explore this southern Estonian city: a showcase of Soviet-era DIY inventions (April 24–December 31); a concert of Estonian folk music by the Paris Philharmonic choir (June 15); and various events highlighting the natural beauty of the region’s forests, hills, and lakes, including an outdoor sculpture exhibition near Otepää, approximately 30 miles south (May 25–September 15). —Billie Cohen

24. Toronto, Canada

By many standards, Toronto surpasses any city globally in diversity, even outpacing New York City and London. Over half of its 3 million residents were born abroad, and more than 180 languages are spoken within its borders. This multicultural identity was further cemented by the 2023 election of Olivia Chow as mayor, marking her as the first woman of color to hold the position. "It’s essential to represent those we serve," she stated upon her victory. "It sends a message to every Torontonian: regardless of your background, skin color, or faith—if you have the passion and ideas to enhance our city, the door is wide open for you."

For the complete story from Anna Kim, read: Why You Should Visit Toronto, the World’s Most Diverse City

25. Seattle, Washington

In a city celebrated for its outdoor adventures, Seattle's cultural scene takes center stage in 2024. The Museum of History and Industry explores the blend of tradition and modernity through engaging games, videos, and interactive displays in Roots of Wisdom: Native Knowledge. The Seattle Art Museum pays tribute to Alexander Calder with the exhibition Calder: In Motion, showcasing his artistic journey (through August 4). The Henry Art Gallery at the University of Washington features the work of multimedia and social-justice artist Hank Willis Thomas in Loverules (February 24–August 4). Additionally, the Seattle Aquarium will unveil its revamped Ocean Pavilion in summer 2024, presenting a vibrant reef ecosystem with sharks, rays, coral, and mangroves. —Amy S. Eckert

From top left, header images by Sahar Coston-Hardy/Esto, Ken Spence, Vomo Island, Michelle Heimerman, Amanda Villarosa, Eric Lafforgue, Nikolas Koenig, Wynn Meyers, Stephanie Foden, Emil John Ravelo, Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali, Alex Brisbey/Unsplash, Ted Nghiem, Laurence Coulton, Jenny Sathngam, Leonhard Niederwimmer/Unsplash, Itsik Marom/Alamy, Charlie Gallant/Unsplash