Top Travel Spots of 2024
The year 2024 has brought a wealth of exciting travel opportunities. From historic charm to remote beauty, these destinations have captured the imagination of travelers looking for both adventure and cultural enrichment. Here's a look at some of the top spots that have defined travel in 2024.
1. Cartagena, Colombia
Colombia, particularly Cartagena on the Caribbean coast, is emerging as a luxury travel destination. In 2023, Cartagena saw the opening of Casa Pestagua, a boutique hotel in a restored 17th-century building, with more accommodations planned on nearby Isla Barú. Eco-conscious travelers can stay at Blue Apple Beach, an eco-hotel on Tierra Bomba Island. Disney® recently announced an "Encanto"-themed tour of Colombia, which will highlight Cartagena among many other stops. It is also going to get easier to travel to Cartagena, as Delta Air Lines® has added nonstop flights from Atlanta, where a major airport expansion will accommodate the growing number of tourists.
2. Lahaina, Hawaii
After the devastating August 2023 fire in Lahaina, Hawaii, which claimed 100 lives and displaced many, the island reopened to tourism in November. This time, local leaders are promoting "regenerative tourism," encouraging visitors to support the island through activities like those offered by Maui Cultural Lands, an indigenous-owned nonprofit that provides hands-on opportunities for tourists to give back during their stay.
3. Tallinn, Estonia
Estonia's capital, Tallinn, is a must-visit. Known for its well-preserved Medieval architecture, Tallinn's walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's cultural scene is thriving with nearly 50 art institutions, including the recently opened PoCo Art Museum, which features works by Andy Warhol, Banksy, and more. Visitors can explore the trendy Noblessner district, a former shipyard now home to stylish cafes, shops, and Estonia's first Two Michelin Star restaurant, 180° by Matthias Diether. Nearby, Tartu, Estonia's university city, has been named Europe's Capital of Culture for 2024, reflecting the country's strong literacy and education rates, particularly among women.
4. Mérida, Mexico
Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, has traditionally attracted Mexican travelers with its Maya ruins, vibrant cenotes (natural groundwater pits), restored haciendas, and delicious cuisine. Increasingly, it's also becoming a favorite among international visitors, particularly LGBTQ+ travelers who find the city welcoming and friendly. Visitors can enjoy designer hotels located in elegant mansions, excellent shopping, and a variety of food tours both in the city and the picturesque countryside, where haciendas often host events and overnight guests. Looking ahead, plans for a new "Yucatán Central Park" featuring a food market and amphitheater are in development, and the soon-to-be-completed Maya Train will facilitate easy travel between Mérida and popular coastal destinations like Cancún and Tulum.
5. White Desert, Antarctica
For those seeking a unique adventure, TIME® suggests a trip to Antarctica with White Desert. The company offers exclusive polar expeditions during the sunny season, hosting fewer than 300 guests at two luxury camps in Queen Maud Land. Visitors can explore the remote continent's stunning landscapes, including majestic rocky outcrops, visit the South Pole, and see emperor penguins at Atka Bay, all while staying in cozy bubble huts.
These destinations have proven to be some of the year's most captivating and rewarding places to visit. Whether you've already explored these spots or are planning a trip in the near future, each of these locations continues to offer unique experiences that will leave lasting memories for any traveler.
References: TIME reveals the 2024 World's Greatest Places to visit | The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024
