Last year, we became reintroduced to a world of travel possibilities. This year, it’s time to dream big, dust off those bucket lists and make way for the best travel destinations in 2024.
What Can We Expect for Travel in 2024?
The past few years have seen the industry slowly creeping back, but 2024 is bringing exciting innovations and better ways to travel.
The unveiling of new train and flight routes in 2024 means we’ll have more destinations to choose from, and more options on how we travel. Plus, countries once considered off the beaten track, like Mongolia, are stepping into the spotlight, eagerly inviting more explorers to discover their hidden treasures in 2024.
We also expect a gradual shift in how we experience travel, meaning there will be a greater focus on cultural programs that celebrate indigenous heritage and embrace innovations. It’s about experiences that connect travellers with local communities through food, arts, craft and activites.
There will be more emphasis on green travel too. Below, you’ll hear how Belfast is answering the call for more eco-friendly tourism.
The Best Travel Destinations in 2024
These are the top places we reckon every traveller should be eyeing up in 2024, as well as the destinations that the Cheap Holiday Expert team can’t wait to explore.
Sarandë, Albania
Nestled along the Albanian Riviera, Sarandë (or Saranda) is the ultimate beachy haven for your 2024 summer escape. While Albania has already been starting to make some noise on social media, it’s not hit the mainstream just yet but it’s gearing up for some serious popularity in the next few years. So, seize the moment and visit before the influx of tourists.
Although the nearby beach town of Ksamil has garnered some viral attention, we recommend staying in Sarandë. It’s a bigger town with lush beach clubs, delicious dining options, nightclubs and all-around better connectivity to the rest of the country and Europe. You can even catch a ferry to Corfu in Greece if you have time.
Merowe says:
CHE Content Writer
“I was lucky enough to visit in 2023 and whilst Ksmail’s Plazhi Ksamilit beach club down the road has been going viral, I think Sarande's worth the visit; it’s got some of the best beaches and clearest sea water I’ve seen in Europe! I went to La Onda BeRestaurantach Bar & Restaurant for its beach club and overwater huts, Marini Restaurant for seafood with a view and took a day trip to The Blue Eye’s natural spring water pool"
The Best Sarandë Hotels
Budget:
Casa Noste Apartments
Mid-range:
Julia Hotel
Luxury:
Glow Boutique Hotel & Suites
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast is gearing up for an arts and cultural extravaganza in 2024. The 2010s witnessed a surge in visitors, propelled by attractions like The Titanic Experience and its role as a Game of Thrones filming location. 2021 saw the Northern Irish capital listed as a UNESCO City of Music with over 80 music venues – it’s a hotspot for music lovers.
The city is planning to continue the cultural celebration in 2024, focusing on its riverfront and maritime heritage. Plus, local artists are set to create a unique large-scale interactive laser arcade game, shedding light on local species affected by climate change. People, Place and Planet will be the main theme for the 200 planned events, activities and workshops.
The Best Belfast Hotels
Budget:
Vagabonds Hostel
Mid-range:
room2 Belfast Hometel
Luxury:
The Merchant Hotel
Aeolian Islands, Italy
The Aeolian Islands – the seven tiny islands of Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi, and Panarea – form a captivating volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea, around 50 miles off the north coast of Sicily. Known for their natural beauty, these islands were once deserted but over the past 60 years have gained popularity as holiday destinations that celebrate the rugged glamour of this unspoilt part of Europe.
Considered mysterious and volatile due to their active volcanoes, the Aeolian Islands have become synonymous with a kind of enigmatic beauty that is hard to find anywhere else. Amidst their mystique, the Islands boast some of Italy’s most stunning – and quiet – beaches. The islands offer incredible landscapes with amazing hiking spots – like Stromboli volcano – and stunning beaches, such as Spiaggia Bianca on Lipari which is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, and the black sand beach on Vulcano.
The best way to get to the islands from the UK is a flight to Catania Airport then a ferry from Milazzo port to any of the 7 Aeolian Island. When it comes to accommodation you’ll find lots of guesthouses and apartments but fewer resorts, so it’s a great place to feel like a local.
Katie says:
CHE Content Editor
“In 2024 I'd love to escape from it all and visit the Aeolian Islands. I especially like the sound of Filicudi where there's a blue grotto you can visit in a tiny boat, and Alicudi, where there are no cars - just donkeys.”
The Best Aeolian Islands Hotels
Budget:
Hotel Cutimare, Lipari
Mid-range:
Hotel Eros, Vulcano
Luxury:
Therasia Resort Sea & Spa, Vulcano
Prague, Czechia
Prague might have a rep as the go-to place for a budget weekend or stag do, but its incredible culture and history are worth checking out on a longer visit.
Plus, exciting news for rail travel-lovers: the European Sleeper from Brussels to Berlin will extend to Prague from March 2024. So if you like your international travel slow and more sustainable, it’s now much easier to get to Prague by train. Catch the Eurostar from London to Brussels and then continue your journey with the European Sleeper to Prague, making it a 22-hour trip door to door.
Immerse yourself in the local culture with events like the Romani Khamoro festival which takes place at the end of May and showcases Roma talent in the realms of dance, film and art. Top it off with Europe’s biggest folk festival, Prague Folklore Days in July. There’s a host of musical events to check out throughout the year including Prague Majáles in April and the four-day Metronome Prague festival in June.
Be sure to peek at our Prague city guide for our lowdown on the best things to do, top-notch places to eat and drink and the perfect spots to crash.
The Best Prague Hotels
Budget:
Prague Dream Hostel
Mid-range:
Mama Shelter Prague
Luxury:
The Emblem Hotel
Taghazout, Morocco
Taghazout in Morocco is a fantastic year-round destination, boasting sunny weather and ideal conditions for water sports.
Ryanair is making it even easier for UK travellers to visit Morocco in 2024 – they are adding seven new UK routes for next summer. New flights to Agadir will be available from Birmingham, Bournemouth and Edinburgh. Marrakech is getting a boost too, with new connections from Birmingham, Bristol, and Leeds. You’ll also be able to fly to Tangier from Manchester.
To reach Taghazout, you’ll want to fly into Agadir, the nearest airport to Taghazout, and you could combine visiting both places during your trip. Agadir is a port city with a huge souk (Souk el Had), big sandy beaches and plenty of resorts. Taghazout, on the other hand, is known for its fantastic budget-friendly surf scene with many guest houses offering surf and yoga packages. This part of the world is a great affordable option for a group holiday where some people want to just lie on the beach and others want to be active.
The Best Taghazout Hotels
Budget:
Amayour Surf
Mid-range:
Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay
Luxury:
Fairmont Taghazout Bay
Uzbekistan
Take a trip back in time and journey along the Silk Road, where traders exchanged spices, precious stones and stories, weaving an epic odyssey that spans from the heart of China right across to Iran and Turkey.
Four of Uzbekistan’s cities sit along the silk road; Samarkand, Tashkent, Bukhara and Khiva. In 2024 you’ll be able to zoom between all four of them on the Afrosiyob high-speed trains that weave through a 600-kilometre rail network as Khiva becomes the final city to be connected by the line. You could speed through all these ancient cities in a week, but two weeks would give you more time to take in their historic monuments and local cultures.
Also, Uzbekistan’s capital Tashkent is gearing up to host the FIFA Futsal World Cup in 2024. This is a great opportunity to visit the city in its prime. While you’re there, pop over to Itchan Kala, a UNESCO-certified inner city boasting over 50 historic monuments. With so much to offer, the country just snagged the title of Tourism Capital of the Islamic World for 2024.
Chelsea says:
Cheap Holiday Expert
"I was meant to visit Uzbekistan in October 2023 but sadly had to cancel the trip, and so I definitely want to make sure I tick it off this year! Before the pandemic, it felt like there was a real swell of excitement about it as a destination. I'm sure this will return soon, and so I'm hoping to visit before it becomes too mainstream! I'm mostly excited about the architecture and their incredible bullet trains that zip you from city to city."
The Best Uzbekistan Hotels
Budget:
Hotel Old Bukhara, Bukhara
Mid-range:
Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel, Samarkand
Luxury:
Hilton Tashkent City, Tashkent
Mongolia
While Mongolia has long been a magnet for thrill-seekers and adventurers, it hasn’t exactly been the go-to spot for the standard holiday getaway. Well, that’s about to change. The Mongolian tourism board has set a goal of attracting one million visitors annually, starting by granting visa-free travel to an additional 34 nationalities, including the UK, until the end of 2025.
For those hungry for an outdoorsy holiday, Mongolia’s got the goods. Enter the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park – the crown jewel of the nation. Picture a dreamy alpine terrain unfolding against a stunning mountain backdrop. This spot isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s a playground for hiking, rafting and horse riding. Top things off by staying overnight in a traditional Mongolian nomadic tent at the Terelj Lodge Ger Camp.
For the ultimate Mongolian experience, plan your visit during Naadam, one of the country’s grandest celebrations. Taking place from July 11–15, 2024, this national festival commemorates Mongolia’s independence and nomadic heritage. Get ready for a spectacle featuring, jaw-dropping wrestling, archery, and some equally heart-pounding horse racing.
The Best Mongolia Hotels
Budget:
Terelj Lodge Ger Camp
Mid-range:
Edelweiss Art Hotel
Luxury:
Shangri-La Ulaanbaater
India
India is so vast and has so much to offer, you could easily spend months on end exploring all its treasures. Choose vibes over meticulous itinerary planning, perhaps through a G Adventures or Intrepid small group tour. However, tackling India solo is entirely feasible too. Its rail network spans the country making it super easy to hop between cities.
Kick things off in Mumbai, India’s most cosmopolitan city. It boasts a population of over 20 million people and a bustling tourism and food scene. Start at the iconic Gateway of India where the last of the British troops left when India gained its independence in 1947. Then swing by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya museum for a dose of India’s backstory. February’s a win for the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, showcasing Mumbai’s artsy side. Food-wise, hit up The Bombay Canteen in Lower Parel for an inventive take on regional Indian food. And for a sensory overload, check out The Matunga Flower Market.
For a change of pace head over to Agra. Here you’ll the Taj Mahal, the red sandstone Agra Fort and the Kinari Bazaar for spices and clothes.
Known as The White City, Udaipur in Rajasthan effortlessly channels Venice vibes with its stunning lakes. Check out the Saheliyon Ki Bari botanical gardens, the 19th-century Monsoon Palace, and the Karni Mata Temple which sees countless visitors flock to the temple to pay respects to the thousands of holy black rats that call it home.
Pop down to the coastal Goa for sandy beaches and its unique Portuguese flare. Between yoga sessions and seafood feasts, hit up the Basilica of Bom Jesus Church, Asia’s only Naval Aviation Museum, and don’t miss the floating casino.
James says:
CHE Director
"My first trip out of the UK was to India for 5 weeks when I was 20 years old. To say I was ill prepared is the understatement of the century - I genuinely thought that was what going abroad was like!! I am so excited to be revisiting in 2024 and whilst I do hope to retrace a few of my footsteps, I intend to not eat in quite as many KFCs this time round..."
The Best India Hotels
Budget:
The Hosteller Jodphur, Jodphur
Mid-range:
Moustache Udaipur Luxuria, Udaipur
Luxury:
The Oberoi Mumbai, Mumbai
Magdalena River, Colombia
Colombia has it all – think metropolitan cities with salsa nights that never end, tropical islands with powdery white sand, the mighty Amazon rainforest (did you know 10% of the forest lies in Colombia?) and the majestic Andes. Last but not least is the mighty Magdalena River, which is the life force of the country. This natural giant carves its way through the heart of the country andis often off-limits for travellers, but that’s about to change.
The best way to get a taster of all Colombia has to offer is through the newly introduced Magdalena River cruise. The scenic AmaWaterways cruise sets sail on the Magdalena River in November 2024.
This cruise is all about soaking up the culture and offers an easy way to travel between multiple locations. Enjoy the music scene in Palenque, the first “free” town in the Americas founded by formerly enslaved people, tour Colombia’s coffee region, and join Colombia’s biggest Carnival in Barranquilla.
The Best Colombia Hotels
Budget:
BH Barranquilla, Barranquilla
Mid-range:
Click Clack Hotel, Bogotà
Luxury:
Cannúa Lodge, Marinilla
Japan
Since Japan reopened its borders last year, travel has surged, with major cities topping the list of visitor choices globally, and Japan ranking as one of the best travel destinations in 2024. Skyscanner‘s ranking of top 10 trending cities in 2024 includes three Japanese cities: Sapporo at No. 5, Osaka at No. 6, and Tokyo at No. 10.
Sapporo is celebrated for its seafood, February snow festival and proximity to top ski resorts. Osaka, just a speedy 20-minute train ride from historic Kyoto, shines with its street food, shopping and upcoming role as the host city for the 2025 World Expo. Etihad Airways just made it easier to travel here by adding Osaka to its route network.
Tokyo, beyond its iconic sights, reveals hidden gems in trendy neighbourhoods like Tomigaya – ranked among the coolest in the world for the nearby Shibuya crossing – and Yoyogi Park, with its trendy cafes like Beasty Coffee. Tokyo’s teamLab Borderless – the Guinness World Record-breaking digital art museum known for its trippy light installations and interactive displays – is reopening in January 2024.
Japan is one of the best travel destinations in 2024, so matter when you decide to visit, you’ll find something that tickles your fancy, thanks to the countries incredible diversity. And its slick transportation system makes hopping around to different cities a breeze – you can even pop down to Japan’s tropical island of Okinawa; just catch a flight from Tokyo or hop on a high-speed train to Kagoshima before getting on a ferry to the island.
Anna says:
CHE Social Media Assistant
“Japan is a real treat for the senses! Tokyo will be right up your street if you’re looking for hustle and bustle mixed with culture and arts. In 2024 I'd love to balance a visit to the capital with a sunbathe in Okinawa, an island with stunning scenery that looks straight out of a honeymoon brochure.”
The Best Japan Hotels
Budget:
Andon Ryokan, Tokyo
Mid-range:
The Millennials Kyoto, Kyoto
Luxury:
Halekulani Okinawa, Okinawa
Accra, Ghana
Come December, Ghana’s capital transforms into a party hotspot, leading the way as the West Africa’s coolest place to be. The capital’s infamous ‘Detty December’ (when thousands of people from across the diaspora and beyond come together to party) will be buzzing with a bunch of fun activities to get involved in – packed music festivals, beach clubs and bars. You might even bump into a celeb or two.
And for all you foodies out there, don’t miss the Ghana Food Movement events. Their fantastic Dine and Dance series features young chefs showcasing local ingredients in mouthwatering multi-course dinners, all paired with beats from local DJs.
Continue the party at some of the biggest music festivals on the continent; AfroFuture (previously Afrochella) and Afro Nation, then mark your calendar for Chale Wote Street Art Festival in August. Sleep is optional, but if you decide to catch some Z’s, treat yourself to the Hilton Accra Cantonments; which is due to open soon and marks the brand’s debut hotel in Ghana. The country is truly cementing itself as one of the best travel destinations in 2024.
The Best Accra Hotels
Budget:
Somewhere Nice Hostel
Mid-range:
Accra Luxury Apartments at The Lennox
Luxury:
Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City
Santa Fe, USA
Santa Fe, New Mexico, has been a well-known spot for centuries, but thanks to Christopher Nolan’s film “Oppenheimer,” it’s getting even more attention as one of the best travel destinations in 2024. As one of the oldest cities in the United States, it’s known for its charming architecture and artsy vibes (big shoutout to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum). It’s a vibrant melting pot of Native American, Mexican and Hispancic cultures.
And 2024 is the year to be there! Santa Fe is turning up the heat, putting the spotlight on the Indigenous culture. They’re hosting Santa Fe Indigenous Fashion Week, Indigenous Art Fair Contemporary from August 15 to 18, and the Santa Fe Indian Market which happens around the same time. Plus, August will also see the 100th anniversary of Burning of the Zozobra, where they throw a mock trial for a huge effigy named Old Man Gloom, and when the clock strikes midnight, they set it ablaze. The burning marks a symbolic fresh start, telling everyone to let go of their worries and start anew.
The Best Santa Fe Hotels
Budget:
Santa Fe International Hostel
Mid-range:
Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder
Luxury:
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi
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