With travel on the rise in 2024, it seems like nearly everyone is packing their bags to explore the world. With countless captivating destinations to choose from, the desire to embark on new adventures or simply unwind in stunning surroundings remains strong. In fact, a recent OnePoll survey reveals that Americans are planning to visit an average of four different destinations next year.
If you’re still undecided about where to go, this curated list offers plenty of inspiration. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, nature lover, solo traveler, couple, family, or retiree, there’s something for everyone.
Best for Outdoor Adventure: Iceland
Iceland consistently ranks among the top destinations for outdoor adventure, offering an incredible array of activities set against some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Why Visit? Whether you’re after classic adventures like hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or kayaking, or seeking something more daring and unique, Iceland has it all. Here, you can snorkel between two continents, trek across glaciers, go ice climbing or explore ice caves, try heli-skiing, surfing, parasailing, and much more. After a day of adventure, unwind in one of the many natural hot springs for a truly unforgettable experience.
Don’t Miss: Iceland is one of the premier whale-watching destinations in the world, with its cold waters attracting 20 different species, including humpbacks, sperm whales, pilot whales, and orcas. While the best time for whale watching is from May to September, some species, like orcas, can be spotted as early as February, especially around the magical Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Best for Nature Lovers: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are a nature lover’s dream, offering some of the best wildlife viewing experiences on the planet.
Why Visit? Situated 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, this remote archipelago allows visitors to encounter extraordinary wildlife up close. Marvel at giant Galapagos tortoises, the largest species of tortoise in the world, swim with sea lions, penguins, and marine iguanas, and observe the fascinating mating dance of the blue-footed booby. The islands boast a variety of stunning landscapes, from volcanic peaks to pristine white sandy beaches.
Don’t Miss: Snorkeling in the islands’ crystal-clear waters is an unforgettable experience. If you can only visit one spot, make it Los Tuneles on Isabela Island. Accessible by boat, this site features an intricate series of lava tunnels and abundant marine life, including reef sharks, red crabs, sea turtles, eagle rays, penguins, marine iguanas, and sea lions.
Best for Arts & Culture: Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona draws millions of visitors each year with its rich art, culture, stunning architecture, and vibrant food scene.
Why Visit? As the birthplace of many renowned artists, Barcelona is home to numerous masterpieces showcased in its museums and galleries. The city’s architecture is world-famous, with highlights like Gaudi’s iconic Sagrada Familia—a striking blend of Gothic and art nouveau styles, featuring bold colors and imaginative animal motifs. It’s often hailed as the pinnacle of Catalan architecture. Food lovers will also be in heaven, with offerings ranging from traditional Catalan dishes and tapas to Michelin-starred dining.
Don’t Miss: Be sure to explore the whimsical Park Güell, another Gaudi creation. This colorful park is home to Gaudi’s former residence, now a museum filled with furniture and personal items designed by the architect himself.
Best for an Eco-Friendly Escape: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia is one of Europe’s hidden gems and was recognized as the world’s first Certified Green destination, thanks to its focus on air quality, eco-friendly businesses, and wildlife conservation.
Why Visit? The capital city, Ljubljana, was named a European Green Capital and features a pedestrian-only city center along with an extensive bike-sharing system, making it easy to explore its charming cobbled streets. Overlooking the city is the historic hilltop Ljubljana Castle, offering panoramic views and rich cultural history.
Don’t Miss: Just a 40-minute drive from Ljubljana lies the breathtaking Lake Bled, framed by the majestic Julian Alps. The lake’s centerpiece is a small island with a 12th-century church, where legend says that ringing the church bell and making a wish will ensure it comes true.
Best for Wellness: Sumba Island, Indonesia
Sumba, a hidden gem at the far end of Indonesia’s island chain, offers a tranquil wellness escape still untouched by mass tourism. Despite its seclusion, it’s home to NIHI Sumba, twice named the world’s best resort by Travel + Leisure.
Why Visit? Just an hour’s flight from Denpasar, remote Sumba is often called Indonesia’s “lost” island, offering an idyllic getaway for wellness seekers. With its untouched white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lush waterfalls, the island is perfect for relaxation and adventure. It’s a haven for surfers, snorkelers, and horseback riders, and provides a unique opportunity to experience the island’s traditional village culture.
Don’t Miss: A stay at NIHI Sumba promises a luxurious wellness experience with ocean-view yoga, horseback riding along the surf, equine meditation, and a unique spa safari. The journey begins with a 90-minute trek through rice fields, rolling hills, and a traditional village, leading to breakfast in a treehouse overlooking the sea. Unwind with a dip in the infinity pool, followed by a rejuvenating massage, and choose from body wraps, scrubs, or facials to complete your day of indulgence.
Best for Relaxation: Kauai, Hawaii
Nicknamed the “Garden Isle,” Kauai boasts breathtaking scenery and offers the most peaceful atmosphere among Hawaii’s major islands.
Why Visit? In Kauai, you can unwind on pristine, soft-sand beaches—many of which feel wonderfully secluded. The island is also a paradise for outdoor lovers, offering snorkeling with sea turtles, wandering through vibrant gardens, and meditating beside one of its nearly 10,000 waterfalls, the most of any Hawaiian island.
Don’t Miss: Head to Hanalei Bay on the North Shore, where a sweeping crescent of golden sand is framed by lush, waterfall-laden mountains. The pier at Hanalei is the perfect spot for a picnic while taking in the stunning panoramic views.
Best for Foodies: Istria, Croatia
Croatia’s Istria Peninsula is often likened to Tuscany without the crowds, with charming walled hilltop towns, sprawling vineyards, and olive groves. It’s also a food lover’s haven, blending Slavic, Italian, and Croatian culinary traditions.
Why Visit? Istria offers not only picturesque landscapes but also some of Croatia’s finest food and wine. Jutting into the northern Adriatic, the region is known for its fresh seafood, high-quality olive oil, local cheeses, and truffle-infused dishes, making it a gastronomic delight.
Don’t Miss: In the forests below Motovun, a hilltop town in the Mirna Valley, you can join a professional truffle hunter and their trained dogs to discover how these rare treasures are unearthed. Afterward, savor a truffle-inspired meal with the family. In town, you’ll also find shops selling truffle products, from truffle sea salt to olive oil.
Best for Beach Bums: Seychelles
Scattered like gems across the Indian Ocean, the 115 islands of Seychelles are the epitome of an island paradise, home to some of the most breathtaking beaches on Earth.
Why Visit? Seychelles is famous for its coral-fringed white sand beaches and striking granite boulders. Whether it’s the idyllic Anse Lazio and Anse Volbert on Praslin, with their warm, shallow waters lapping sun-kissed sands, or Anse Royale on St. Anne, where sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs from November to February, there’s a perfect beach for everyone. Just offshore, coral reefs, hawksbill turtles, dolphins, and vibrant fish await exploration.
Don’t Miss: Visit the uninhabited island of Curieuse, where giant tortoises roam freely along the sandy coves. They often gather near picnic spots, hoping for treats from visitors. Keep an eye out for the rare Seychelles black parrot, a special highlight for nature lovers.
Best for Mountain Lovers: Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Tucked in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Lauterbrunnen sits in a lush valley framed by towering mountains and waterfalls that cascade down sheer cliffs, making it feel like a slice of heaven on Earth.
Why Visit? Lauterbrunnen, meaning “many fountains,” is aptly named for its numerous waterfalls, some plunging over 1,000 feet. From town, you can easily walk to the base of Staubbach Falls and, during summer, follow a steep path to stand behind the waterfall’s veil. Nearby, Trümmelbach Falls offers a unique experience with its series of waterfalls inside a mountain, accessible via stairs and a tunnel elevator. The area is also a paradise for hikers, with miles of trails, and for thrill-seekers, parasailing provides stunning aerial views.
Don’t Miss: Hop on the cable car from Stechelberg to Schilthorn Mountain for jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Bernese Alps.
Best for Small Town Retreat: Trinity, Newfoundland, Canada
Trinity is a charming, vibrant town on the east coast of Newfoundland, resembling a picturesque film set.
Why Visit? One of the most delightful towns you’ll encounter, Trinity features colorful historic saltbox homes and centuries-old buildings, including museums, unique shops, and art galleries. The town also boasts a fantastic dinner theater showcasing local singers, musicians, and actors, alongside abundant opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Don’t Miss: Trinity is renowned as one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world, with Sea of Whales Adventures offering exceptional excursions. From mid-June to September, particularly during July and August, you can spot numerous humpback whales in the area, along with sperm whales, fin whales, blue whales, minke whales, and orcas.
