As we have got the first 2 months of the year out the way, now it’s time to start planning those all-important 2024 travels! Have your pen at the ready as you tick off those bucket list destinations from vibrant city breaks to golden sand getaways, here’s our top picks for your 2024 holidays…
Paris, France
If you’re looking for a bustling city filled with life this coming summer, Paris is the place to be! Hosting the 2024 Summer Olympic games, Paris is set to take centre stage meaning there’s no shortage of exciting adventures! The Olympics will take place in over 30 locations as you have the chance to watch the cyclists speed through town, break-dancers move to the beat in Place de la Concorde or even score tickets to the new Saint-Denis Aquatics Olympic Centre to see the spectacular diving events.
And that’s not including all the usual experiences you can expect from France’s capital! The infamous Effiel Tower is always a must as well as the ever-growing list of museums showcasing a diverse range of artwork. The cosy bistros and charming boutiques that line the streets give you that taste of local life every traveller aspires to.
With new hotels soon to be opening their doors, why not opt for a bit of Parisian-style luxury with a stay in Chateau des Fleurs or the Grand Mazarin. Worried about travelling from place to place during such a busy time? Don’t! In preparation for the influx of visitors, there will be a new railway called the Grand Paris Express train aimed to help better connect the suburbs and airports to the centre.
The Bahamas
Looking for a mixture of sun and sea? The Bahamas is your go to for 2024. With Royal Caribbean’s new cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas, set to sail the Atlantic Ocean in 2024 now’s your time to explore these stunning tropical islands. Cruising from Florida, why not combine a holiday to the sunshine state with tropical weekend as you enjoy the luxuries of this 18-deck ship on a 3–4-night sailing. You’ll also get the chance to stop off at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay for a day filled with water park thrills, golden sand beaches and mouthwatering food.
But Royal Caribbean aren’t the only ones offering a private Bahama hideaway! Disney Cruise Line will welcome guests from summer 2024 to their new destination, Lighthouse Point, located on the island of Eleuthera. Expect fun and relaxation in abundance at this vibrant retreat as you try your hand at snorkelling, enjoy a game beach volleyball or indulge in market-style dining. Experience that Disney magic in whole new way with these short sailings.
Morocco
Morocco is a great all-round destination, combining city life with the desert dream. After the recent earthquakes, Morocco is welcoming tourists more than ever as the extra income aids the recovery. Home to the Sahara Desert, you have the chance to cross the red sand by camel, watch the sun rise over the top of the dunes and experience star gazing like never before away from the city lights. If you’re a real adventure seeker and are looking for something a little more challenging why not head to the Atlas Mountains to climb the tallest mountain in North Africa, Jebel Toubkal.
If a city getaway is more up your street, then there’s a few options that might take your fancy. Marrakesh is the obvious choice as Morocco’s most famous tourist hotspot and with new Jet2 flights launching from Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, and London Stansted at the end of 2024, making your travel plans has never been easier. The Marrakesh souks are an absolute must when heading to the city. Get lost in the maze of alleys as stalls line the streets, making up one of the worlds most famous marketplaces. Brass lanterns, traditional ceramic pots, carved wooden furniture and so much more are available. Top Tip: make sure to haggle to get the best price!
Casablanca is a slightly more underrated location known for its stunning art-deco architecture. The Hassan II Mosque is one of the most impressive buildings in Morocco with intricate details and opulent decoration, it’s no wonder so many flock to see this impressive structure. Or maybe you’d like to head to Chefchaouen, also known as Morocco’s Blue City. Situated in the Rif Mountains, this unique place is known for its stunning blue streets which are filled with traditional stores and colourful flowers pots, the perfect spot to capture those all-important holiday pics.
Cairo, Egypt
2024 is set to be a great year for Cairo with new attractions sprouting up and creating a buzz around the city. The Grand Egyptian Museum has been in the works since 2002 and will house the countries exquisite and extensive collection of artefacts and treasures. This is set to be the largest archaeological museum complex in the world with Tutankhamun’s entire collection to be displayed for the first time ever! Artefacts from pre-historic times will showcase pharaonic civilization through to Greek and Roman periods of Egyptian history.
You can also visit the city’s usual hotspots. The Giza Pyramids are the last remaining wonder of the ancient world making them a spectacle you have to see. Why not also cruise the river Nile in a traditional Felucca or get lost in the winding alleys of Khan El-Khalili Bazaar experiencing the hustle and bustle of the market stalls.
Italy
Travelling to Italy has never been easier as 2024 sees new routes added to the roster. Flying from the East Midlands or Bristol you will be able to head directly to Naples as of the coming summer. This charming city is rich in history with places such as the Naples National Archaeological Museum and Pio Monte della Misericordia for you to explore. Not only that but it’s a great spot to connect to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast to further your travels.
Looking for a weekend trip to the capital? You’re in luck as by March you will be able to fly from Edinburgh to Rome to experience the absolute must-see sights! Head to the Colosseum for a first-hand view of the Roman Empires most famous amphitheatre, make your way around the Vatican Museums to explore decades worth of artefacts or enjoy the view of the iconic Trevi Fountain.
Seoul, South Korea
With the help of rising stars in the K-pop and K-drama world, South Korea is certainly on the up for 2024 tourism. The countries capital, Seoul, is a hotspot for cultural must-sees with places such as the Seoul Art Museum planning an expansion seeing the Seo-Seoul Museum of Art and the Seoul Museum of Photography being added to the list. You’ll also find the Seoul Robot and Artificial Intelligence Museum opening in late 2024. Housing interactive science and technology exhibits, this museum showcases not only the developments of AI but also the Robots who helped construct and aid the running of the day-to-day operations such as tours.
There’s also plenty of stunning heritage locations to visit around the city too. Gwanghwamun gate is the main entrance to Gyeongbok Palace. Although it has been rebuilt many times over the years, it still remains an iconic staple in Seoul and certainly is a must when visiting the city. Jogyesa Temple is another to add to your list. You’ll want to head to Daeungjeon Hall to see the three grand golden Buddha statues, each representing different values the Buddhist religion beholds. Or you could head to the beautiful palace of Changdeokgung to admire the stunning architecture of the building and breathtaking grounds the palace lies within.
Greenland
Known for its magnificent scenery, Greenland is a nature fanatics dream! But in 2024, you’ll find no better to make your travels with two new airports opening in the country, one in Ilulissat and one in the capital of Nuuk. Over the coming years, Greenland will continue to grow in terms of tourism, hopefully brining more of a buzz tot the city with easier travel and more hotels to accommodate visitors.
Of course, one of the main attractions of this island is the vibrant northern lights which illuminate the evening sky in a mesmerising manner. But that’s not all, the grand peaks of The Southern Fjords soar high into the sky, making them a must to add to your list. Surrounding them you’ll find, post-card worthy villages whose old town charm will draw you in as you enjoy a look around the local boutiques and a coffee in the cosy cafes. Greenland’s Ilulissat Icefjord is another top attraction with huge icebergs lining the fjord creating a truly spectacular sight as the white ice covers the ground as far as the eye can see.
Montreal, Canada
Combining a love of arts and food, Montreal is the real social hub of Canada. This energetic city is always bustling as it seen more than 11 million tourists visiting last year, a number which is only set to grow as new attractions are welcomed. Scheduled to open in 2024, the Aquarium de Montreal will house incredible marine habitats alongside unique immersive experiences for guest to enjoy.
Theres also a whole host of festivals heading Montreal’s way from unforgettable interactive artwork at the Luminotherapie to internationally renowned DJ’s at the Igloofest outdoor parties, there’s something for everyone. With quirky shops, fascinating galleries and authentic food stalls around every corner, you’ll get the opportunity to sample a range of cultural experiences and delicacies from a variety of communities.
