Where to travel in 2024: Destinations for 7 different types of travelers
From solo travel to girls trips to family vacations and more.
I read through the New York Times 52 Places to Go in 2024, Conde Nast Traveler’s 24 Best Places to Go in 2024, AFAR’s Where to Go in 2024, Forbes Travel Guide’s 24 Top Destinations for 2024, CNN’s Where to Go in 2024, Travel + Leisure’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024, and Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024 so you don’t have to.
Here’s where these lists overlapped, i.e. the places that most (or in some cases, all) of them recommended visiting this year:
Australia: Tasmania, Brisbane, the Kimberleys, Northern Rivers, Sydney, Abrolhos Islands, South Australia, and Kangaroo Island
Chile: O’Higgins, San Pedro de Atacama, and Santiago
Dominica: Roseau Valley and Scott’s Head,
India: Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Delhi
Mexico: Mérida, Tijuana, Mazatlán, and the Yucatán Peninsula
Morocco: Ourika, Tangier, Tétouan, and Chefchaouen
While these destinations do sound dreamy, I’ll be honest: if I weren’t a travel writer, I don’t think I’d look to catch-all articles like these to find inspiration for my next adventure. I’d be on the hunt for niche travel destinations—experiences more acutely aligned with some key facet of my identity, my values, or my interests. For me, that might mean queer-friendly places, neurodivergent-inclusive adventures, or bookish experiences in literary locales.
If you’re also searching for a more personalized, true-to-you answer to the question “where to go in 2024,” here are specialized recommendations from experts across the industry for destinations that would appeal to seven totally different types of travelers (hopefully including you).
LGBTQ+ Friendly Places to Travel in 2024
The queer travel writers at Vacationer recommend visiting:
Costa Rica for pristine white and black sand beaches along the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, the rejuvenating Tabacón hot springs, late nights out at the clubs in San Jose, and spectacular views of the iconic Arenal Volcano.
Faroe Islands (a self-governing archipelago comprised of 18 volcanic islands, part of the Kingdom of Denmark) for the breathtaking natural beauty of the Múlafossur Waterfall, the Drangarnir, Saksun lagoons, and more, described as “a blend of Iceland’s wild and rugged volcanic landscape mixed with Ireland’s vibrant greens.”
Curaçao for a unique blend of European and Caribbean culture, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Willemstad, more than 70 dive sites for the scuba-inclined, outdoor adventures at Christoffel National Park, and queer-friendly community events galore.
Check out nine more queer-friendly travel recommendations for 2024—and be sure to lean on these useful LGBTQ+ travel resources (and this newsletter, obviously!) to make the most out of your experience.
Neurodivergent-Friendly Vacations for 2024
I had a hard time finding a list of 2024 travel recommendations specifically for the neurodivergent community, but I feel confident recommending:
Mesa, Arizona, aka the first-ever autism-certified city in the US, offers a free mobile-exclusive passport where travelers can find a collection of Certified Autism Centers including attractions, restaurants, and hotels (bonus: if you check in at 5 of the locations featured in the mobile passport, you win a prize). The city’s website even provides free autism-friendly itineraries for your visit along with certified sensory guides.
WanderRock, a rad organization that leads international small-group adventures for neurodiverse travelers in their 20s-30s. Their programs are built so that they induce growth and provide challenge, but aren’t overwhelming or overstimulating. Adventures coming up this year include:
Beaches All-Inclusive Resorts, which I know probably sounds nuts coming from a travel writer—but their properties in Turks and Caicos, Negril, and Ochos Rios in Jamaica are designated Advanced Certified Autism Centers with inclusive offerings like sensory-friendly areas, custom dining options, and expedited fast-track arrival and departure services.
And don’t forget: You can use these neurodivergent travel resources to accommodate yourself before, during, and after your trip, too.
Solo Travel Destinations for 2024
Solo travel is in, and Forbes reported that these will be the most popular places for solo travelers in their 30s-40s to visit this year:
Japan for sacred sites and cherry blossoms in bloom.
Argentina for fine dining, epic hiking, and beautiful vineyards.
Egypt for archaeological education and wow-worthy wonders of the world.
Sri Lanka for iconic train journeys, tea plantations, and foodie-approved feasts.
Colombia for natural landscapes, eclectic nightlife, and spectacular scenery.
Explore five more of the most popular solo travel destinations for 2024—or maybe even book your own individual adventure with an experienced agency like Flash Pack (not an ad, just really into the trips they offer!) for a little extra peace of mind.
Sustainable Places to Travel in 2024
If you’re one of the 90% of consumers looking for sustainable options when traveling, then BBC has some excellent ideas for spots you should visit this year:
Valencia, Spain aka the 2024 winner of the European Green Capital Award for established and ongoing commitment to improving the environment and quality of life for residents and visitors. The city prides itself on its ample green spaces, 200km of bike lanes, and the two national parks that surround it, Parque Natural de l’Albufera and Turia Natural Park.
Singapore aka the world’s first entire nation to receive sustainable destination certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, in 2023. It’s known for its low-impact accommodation options for visitors, a 24km hiking-and-biking Rail Corridor, and a Coast-to-Coast trail network.
Greenland and particularly Nuuk, the world’s first capital city to be certified by EarthCheck as a sustainable tourist destination. The world’s largest island, Greenland’s vast tundra and massive glaciers make it a wonder to behold.
Check out seven more sustainable destinations for 2024—or if you’re looking for more low-impact travel inspiration, consider one of these amazing train journeys in Europe.
Family-Friendly Travel Destinations for 2024
Tried-and-true travel destinations that will be fun for the whole family this year, according to the fine folks at Parents.com:
Anguilla for fine-sand Caribbean beaches with clear, calm waters to swim, snorkel, and sail in (and plenty of hotels offering child care and teens clubs so parents can have a little time to themselves to relax).
Charleston, South Carolina for Southern charm, kid-friendly attractions like the Children’s Museum of the Low Country or the South Carolina Aquarium, and historic walking tours along The Battery.
Tokyo, Japan for futuristic skyscrapers, ancient temples, theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland, an intuitive metro system, and plenty of nursing rooms and stroller parking areas.
Discover seven more family-friendly travel destinations and start daydreaming about the meaningful memories you’ll make on your family vacation.
Best Girls Trip Destinations for 2024
If you’re not looking to travel solo or with the whole family this year, maybe a girls trip is more your speed—and Glamour has some thoughts about where you might want to plan your next one:
The Berkshires for charming small towns, cozy cocktail bars, and gorgeous hiking trails in Western Massachusetts.
Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic for pristine beaches, 18 national parks, and some of the best food in the Caribbean.
Edinburgh, Scotland for beautiful views from an extinct volcano, picture-perfect strolls through the Water of Leith Walkway, a fantastic whiskey scene, and adorable Highland cows.
Check out 27 (!) more of this year’s hottest girls trip destinations, send your faves to the group chat, and start packing your bags.
The Cheapest Places to Travel in 2024
Last but not least, Travel + Leisure rounded up a list of the least expensive travel destinations to visit this year:
Chicago, Illinois for excellent restaurants, architecture cruises on the Chicago River, photo ops in Millennium Park at the Cloud Gate sculpture (aka “The Bean”), and low-cost fun at the Navy Pier amusement area—all for an average price of $493 for hotel and flight.
Panama City, Panama for views of the Panama Canal, tours of the historic and colorful Casco Antiguo neighborhood dating back to 1673, and restaurants and artisan markets along the Amador Causeway—at an average flight and hotel cost of $745.
Tampa, Florida for strolls along the 2.6-mile Riverwalk, masterpieces at the Tampa Museum of Art, entertainment aboard the Pirate Water Taxi, snacks or drinks at Armature Works on the river, and historic buildings and Cuban restaurants in historic Ybor City, the former Cigar Capital of the World—for an average flight and hotel cost of $534.
Explore 17 (!) more of the cheapest places to travel in 2024, because remember: travel budgets are in this year.
Where are you traveling this year?
So far, my (tentative) 2024 travel plans include:
Stockholm, Sweden
Antwerp, Belgium
Paris, France
Zaanse Schans, Netherlands
Dublin, Ireland
Copenhagen, Denmark
Luxembourg
Palma de Mallorca
Edinburgh, Scotland
London, England
Cologne, Germany
It sounds like a lot, I know, but that’s the beauty of living in Amsterdam—it’s so easy to pop over to nearby countries for day trips or weekends away.
Let me know where you’re traveling this year (or if you’ve been to any of the places above and have recommendations for what to eat/drink/see/do there) in the comments. Here’s to traveling however is right for you in 2024!