Where to next? 24 vibrant places to go in 2024

Discover emerging destinations, itineraries that detour down roads less travelled and mindful ways in which to indulge your wanderlust for the year ahead.

This globe-trotting hot list includes new ways to see beloved Fiji and Thailand, two European capitals of culture, contrast therapy in Bali and spotting flamingoes in Bolivia. Get ready to let your imagination roam.

1. Hong Kong

A lot has happened in Hong Kong in recent years, leaving many somewhat shy to return since the region was gruffly brought back to the protective bosom of mainland China.

Revel in a luxe stay at Regent Hong Kong.

But with the reopening of the beloved Regent Hong Kong comes a renewal of this great island city. Hong Kong is back and the flagship hotel with its iconic heritage and location presiding over Victoria Harbour in Kowloon is back, too. 

Dine, stay and play in the refined luxury hotel.

The timing couldn’t be more appropriate. Regent is a confident reminder that Hong Kong remains a vibrant, world-facing metropolis that is at once proudly Chinese but also welcoming of the West. Refined, elegant and reimagined with a timeless, almost borderless, aesthetic by Hong Kong-born architect Chi Wing Lo, this luxury hotel deserves to be earmarked for your travel list. And, as ever, Hong Kong should be more than simply a hyphen in your travel itinerary – it’s a wildly fun place to stay and play. 

Check into the Corner Suite for the best harbour views.

Words by Lara Picone

2. Morocco

Visitors shied away from Morocco immediately following the earthquake that devastated villages in the Atlas Mountains, but the lure of this maddeningly enchanting North African nation is proving too strong. Marrakech, with its maze-like old walled city, is buzzing. Infrastructure was upgraded in time for the IMF summit in October 2023.

Rosemary Marrakech is carefully designed to celebrate Moroccan local craftsmanship.

Stylish new stays such as the Rosemary, Nobu and Maison Brummell Majorelle, near the YSL Museum and Majorelle Gardens, enhance an already strong hotel scene. Meanwhile, in the capital of Rabat, Four Seasons is opening in an 18th-century palace, while top music festival Mawazine returns after a four-year hiatus.

Set foot in the historic Medina in Rabat City.

Words by

Kee Foong

3. Bad Ischl, Austria

Vienna and Salzburg may be classic beauties, but Austria’s most exciting destination is currently the stunning region of Salzkammergut and the town at its heart, Bad Ischl, one of three European Capitals of Culture for 2024. Here, a slew of events over the coming months will include everything from concerts, exhibitions and crafts to programs on sustainable tourism, queer communities and youth culture.

Soak up scenic views over Bad Ischl, Austria. (Image: Linz Tourismus; Benjamin Oberneder)

Don’t miss the nearby city of Linz, where you’ll find the Ars Electronica Center next to the Danube, a futuristic hub dedicated to art, technology and society, and Brucknerhaus concert hall, named for composer Anton Bruckner, whose bicentenary is being celebrated all over Upper Austria this year. 

Lentos Art Museum is a must-do while in Linz. (Image: Linz Tourismus; Robert Josipovic)

Words by Emma Ventura

4. Manchester, UK

Those who love mellowing out in cosy-chic cafes, sifting through racks of curated vintage clothing and sampling craft beers or spirits at retro-inspired bars will adore Manchester, one of the UK’s most up-and-coming cities for arts and culture. Try the pizza and daiquiri-fuelled Leno Ex-Machina inside Diecast, a former warehouse recently converted into a 250,000-square-foot dining and entertainment venue, or wander the Northern Quarter and Ancoats neighbourhoods for the next hip spot.

Manchester is a vibrant city bursting with arts and culture. (Image: Marketing Manchester Northern Quarter)

Beyond culinary delights and boutique shopping, there is also the brand new, multimillion-dollar Factory International, a cavernous artistic space hosting immersive performances, plus the recently refurbed Manchester Museum and expanded Jewish Museum for history buffs. Plus, don’t miss a wander along the Castlefield Viaduct, which was just turned into an airy green space akin to New York’s High Line. 

Bond over pizza and beer Leno Ex-Machina inside Diecast.

Words by Melissa Mason

5. Paris, France

‘Games Wide Open’ is the slogan of Paris 2024 (26 July – 11 August) and this spirit of inclusivity embodies the first Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in the French capital in a century. For the first time ever, the opening ceremony will take place not in a stadium, but in the heart of the city.

Athletes will parade on a flotilla of boats along the Seine while the cultural program will highlight the city’s exquisite landmarks. Paris itself will be a moveable sporting feast. Fencing and taekwondo are at the Grand Palais; beach volleyball under the Eiffel Tower and BMX freestyle, 3×3 basketball and breaking at the Place de la Concorde, while triathletes and marathon swimmers will compete in the Seine. Twenty free Olympics festival sites will welcome everyone. 

Find the spectacular Fontaines de la Concorde at the heart of Paris.

Words by Susan Gough Henly

6. Maui, Hawai’i, USA

Maui locals are ready to welcome back tourists after wildfires devastated the island. The fatal August 2023 fires that razed the historic plantation town of Lahaina have had a huge effect on tourism to the Hawaiian island, with visitor numbers down more than 50 per cent. But as locals continue to grieve lost loved ones and lost homes, they’re asking for mindful tourists to return.

“As an island, Lahaina, even though it was the heart and soul for many people, myself included … physically it’s a small footprint. There’s so much more to the island,” says Riley Coon, co-owner of luxury sailing company Sail Trilogy, which used to operate out of Lahaina Harbor. Coon encourages people to show respect by staying away from Lahaina but supporting the neighbouring communities around Kaanapali and beyond.

“What we need is people’s understanding that we’ve gone through a tough time,” Coon says. “Everybody on the island’s been affected, directly or indirectly to a large degree, so come bring your understanding, come bring your compassion … and then bring your aloha, too.” 

It’s time to return to Maui in 2024.

Words by Jennifer Ennion

7. Nashville, USA

A buzzy city that wears its heart on its sleeve, Tennessee’s friendly capital is a rare find. Far from being a one-trick-pony, there’s depth to be found after experiencing the boozy glory of Broadway’s heaving bar scene dubbed the ‘Honky Tonk Highway’. Beyond the country music clichés and caricatures, you’ll find hip neighbourhoods home to design-forward hotels, cult record stores and cosy coffee spots.

Enjoy a little bit of rock and roll in the Music City.

Whether you’re tucking into Southern favourites at The Butter Milk Ranch, seeing where Elvis recorded a hit at RCA Studio B or tapping your toes to tunes at Robert’s Western World, Nashville begs you to get into the spirit of things. Wearing cowboy boots is optional, but bringing a positive, open-hearted attitude is mandatory. 

Indulge in a decadent breakfast cube at Butter Milk Ranch.

Words by Jo Stewart

8. Botswana

The time is now to visit Botswana in southern Africa where the Okavango Delta is known for being a haven to some of the world’s most endangered large mammals. It’s this high concentration of wild animals that has helped raise awareness about Botswana’s sustainable conservation, which the government has applied to the safari industry for decades; the landlocked country is known around the globe for its good governance and triple-bottom-line approach to tourism.

Some in Botswana argue this might well be led by the spirit of botho, the cultural concept that calls on its citizens to be accountable and is said to have helped promote responsible tourism as a binding force for the greater good. Respect as a national principle is reason enough to visit. 

Support Botswana’s sustainable conservation efforts on a trip of a lifetime.

Words by Carla Grossetti

9. Fiji

Fiji is best known for its bluey-green waters that fuse with the colour of the sky. And while the South Pacific has long been a place of abundant sandy beaches, dazzling sunshine and simple pleasures, it now has all the right ingredients for a luxury escape, with a host of new and noteworthy offerings providing more elevated ways to explore.

Cool off in the sparkling turquoise waters of Fiji.

From a luxury expedition cruise with Captain Cook Cruises Fiji that takes passengers island-hopping around the archipelago, to the raft of high-end resorts such as COMO Laucala Island continuing to raise the bar, 2024 is the time to discover luxe Fiji.

Soak up the sun onboard Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.

Words by Carla Grossetti

10. Ehime, Japan

Ehime is regarded as one of Japan’s off-the-beaten-path regions. And the 70-kilometre-long Shimanami Kaido cycling course is the perfect way to explore it, promising a look at Japanese culture, heritage and history along with some spectacular natural scenery.

The scenic route crosses six islands and the seven bridges of Seto Inland Sea between Onomichi City, in the Hiroshima Prefecture, and Imabari in the Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku Island. While the cycleway starts on Japan’s largest and most populous island of Honshu, visitors can carve off the main route to ride through quiet fishing villages and orchards, past ancient willow trees and temples. 

Cycle between six islands and the seven bridges of the inland Setouchi Sea.

Words by Carla Grossetti

 11. San Juan Islands, USA

Have you ever heard of the San Juan Islands? Though located barely 150 kilometres out of Seattle in Washington State and home to people including Bill Gates, very few Australians have ever gone. “Don’t think I’ve seen an Australian here,” says the barman at the local brewery.

One of the best spots to spy orcas in the wild, it’s also a humpback and gray whale gathering point. There are 172 islands, but you’ll only get access to four, by car ferry. Home to wineries, hiking trails and endless boat charters, the weather stays gloriously temperate all year round, with little rain. Stay in the most charming villages in western USA or get completely lost just a few minutes’ drive beyond. 

Embark on an adventure-filled getaway to the San Juan Islands. (Image: Craig Tansley)

Words by Craig Tansley

12. Vanuatu

Made up of 83 beautifully unique islands, Vanuatu is the underrated tropical destination of your dreams. This Melanesian archipelago is home to breathtaking nature and cultural experiences and is that little bit more untouched than neighbouring Fiji. The Blue Lagoon on the island of Efate, near the capital Port Vila, invites you to relax in its cyan waters, watching locals flip from rope swings into the refreshing swimming hole.

Explore the Blue Cave on the island of Tanna; one of many secret gems to experience in Vanuatu. (Image: Groovy Banana)

Begin your day snorkelling or scuba diving pristine coral reefs and the serene Blue Cave on the island of Tanna and end it by walking to the crater’s rim of Mt Yasur, the world’s most accessible active volcano. Feel the volcanic rage grumbling beneath your feet as the crater seethes and vents molten lava and hot vapour before your eyes.

Mt Yasur is one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Words by Emily Murphy

13. Costa Rica

Costa Rica has exacting standards as an eco destination, with about 99 per cent of its electricity coming from renewable resources. The Central American country, which is ringed by mountains and volcanoes, aims to meet its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 to both preserve and protect its natural charms.

Admire the unspoiled beauty of Costa Rica at sunrise.

In a clear sign that the tiny nation’s eco-luxury holiday market here is emerging, Abercrombie & Kent has opened an office in San José. The move underlines the brand’s trust in Costa Rica’s commitment to provide travellers with transformative, immersive and sustainable travel experiences. To venture into the wildlife-rich forests and then cocoon yourself in a luxe eco lodge represents a new chapter for the bucket-list eco destination. 

Toucans are vital to the rainforest ecosystem in Costa Rica.

Words by Carla Grossetti

14. Transylvania, Romania

The rolling landscapes of Transylvania have long been an under-the-radar travel destination. And amid the exodus of travellers flocking to Europe in the summer months, the Romanian countryside offers pockets of bucolic bliss away from the tourist traffic. With its quaint medieval villages and otherworldly forests teeming with grizzly bears, Transylvania offers a taste of both the whimsical and the wild. 

Step into a whimsical world of quaint medieval villages and otherworldly forests in Transylvania.

Words by Elizabeth Whitehead

15. Maldives

Press the reset button. The Secret’s out. Soneva was the first brand in the world to bring overwater villas to the Maldives. And now, Soneva Secret, which has been decades in the making, is a reality. The luxe 14-villa resort welcomes its first guests to Haa Dhaalu, the most remote atoll in the archipelago, on 10 January.

The luxe 14-villa resort is set on the most remote atoll in the archipelago.

The resort, which is only accessible by boat, features the Maldives’ first floating villa. Recently opened Six Senses Kanuhura, which encompasses three private islands in Lhaviyani Atoll, and artistic resort JOALI Maldives and wellness resort JOALI Being, both on the secluded island of Bodufushi in Raa Atoll, should also be on your revitalisation radar. 

Reset away from the business of everyday life in the Maldives.

Words by Carla Grossetti

16. Cook Islands

The Cook Islands might not seem a secret, but research by the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation shows less than one in 100 Australians know where they are. Prior to Covid, 30,000 Australians travelled there per year, compared to 330,000 who went to Fiji. But Jetstar began flying direct three times a week from Sydney in June; the first Australian carrier since Ansett to fly the route.

Now, the South Pacific’s most underrated islands are a lot more accessible. Don’t expect Fiji, mind you; there’s no chain hotels, the speed limit is 50 kilometres per hour and you won’t be transported to a resort or private island the moment you land. With a green mountainous hinterland and lagoons like Tahiti, think of the main island of Rarotonga as a cheaper – but easier-to-navigate – Polynesian alternative. 

Plan a dreamy tropical escape to Aitutaki Lagoon. (Image: Cook Islands Tourism)

Words by Craig Tansley

17. Uluwatu, Bali

Cold is hotter than ever according to research conducted by the Global Wellness Institute. And the Asa Maia Resort in Uluwatu has tapped into the trend, embracing the benefits of the hydrothermal sector so wholeheartedly that the entire resort revolves around the concept. The Balinese resort has become a destination for those interested in weaving wellness into their travel.

Rustic meets luxury in The Asa Maia.

A health-focused holiday here includes activities such as breathwork (using the Buddhist tummo technique), hot and cold (contrast) therapy, yoga, personal training sessions and meditation. The fact you can rest your head in one of just 10 luxurious gladaks (Javanese wooden houses) after taking the plunge in Bali’s coldest plunge pool (set at a beautifully chill 7.5°C) makes this a new path to follow. 

The Asa Maia houses a multi-functional health and wellness retreat.

Words by Carla Grossetti

18. Shanghai, China

The wanghong (internet celebrity) economy is alive and well on Shanghai’s Wukang Road. The hip strip has become a destination for tourists drawn to the urban spectacle of seeing Chinese influencers posing for photos in the former French Concession area. The models arrive in vans that double as dressing rooms with a mobile wardrobe, make-up artist and photographer on hand to capture content for their Douyin accounts (the sister app to TikTok).

Get lost in the buzzing metropolis of Shanghai, China.

From young, sophisticated women dressed head-to-toe in leisurewear to a young gothic bride and groom driving a bit of online buzz ahead of their nuptials, there’s a lot that can be captured about Chinese culture from observing these snapshots of Shanghai street style. Qantas has helped put the buzzing metropolis back on the travel map for 2024 after resuming its Sydney to Shanghai service. 

Snapshots of local street style reveal much of the Chinese culture.

Words by Carla Grossetti

19. Bodø, Norway

Sitting on a peninsula in Nordland County between Vestfjorden and Saltfjorden is Bodø, Norway. Known for its historic Kjerringøy Trading Post and sweeping harbour, the city is perfectly situated for experiencing the midnight sun and aurora borealis. But the small municipality is making big waves since being instated a European Capital of Culture for 2024, the first city north of the Arctic Circle to ever hold the title.

To commemorate the occasion, 1000 events are being planned across Bodø and Nordland throughout the year, including Europe’s only land art biennale and Nordland’s first ever light festival, with the goal of being the most sustainable European Capital of Culture to date. 

Experience the Northern lights in the snowy city of Bodø, Norway. (Image: Marie Peyre)

Words by Taylah Darnell

20. Bolivia

The Salar de Uyuni salt flats of Bolivia are now sprinkled with ‘salt hotels’ built entirely out of the white crystalline substance. Flamingoes are known to flock to this dramatic landscape and spotting the flamboyant birds in the wilds of the Uyuni region is one of a multitude of reasons the Latin American country is emerging as a hotspot.

In addition to its wildlife and natural beauty, Bolivia has a buzzing food scene in its cultural capital, La Paz, and new art-filled hotels that offer the option of adventure tourism with luxury on the side. All this Andean magic minus the crowds. 

Admire the flamingoes that flock to this dramatic landscape.

Words by Carla Grossetti

21. Napier, New Zealand

The tiny town of Napier on New Zealand’s North Island has a lot to offer. In addition to the architectural attributes of the town’s 140-odd Art Deco buildings, many of which are adorned with Māori motifs, Napier is known for its stunning scenery and world-class food and wine scene.

The self-proclaimed Art Deco Capital of the World was rebuilt in 1931 after a devastating earthquake, which effectively made it a time capsule for the predominant decorative art style of the ’20s and ’30s. Design-loving travellers can time their visit to coincide with the Art Deco Festival Napier to enjoy everything from vintage car parades to the iconic Great Gatsby Party. The festival returns to Hawke’s Bay 14–18 February 2024 for the first time in four years. 

A 1934 sign in an Art Deco building in Napier.

Words by Carla Grossetti

22. Nicosia, Cyprus

A new resort, Amyth of Nicosia, will shine a light on Cyprus’s surprisingly unexplored capital. The boutique hotel, housed in a listed villa, is set to open in April 2024 in the heart of historic Nicosia, set within the city’s medieval Venetian Walls.

Explore the historic streets of Nicosia.

Use the 10-room boutique hotel as a starting point for exploring cultural attractions, such as the Byzantine Museum and Ethnographic Museum of Cyprus. Visitors to the city should find time to de-robe at the 16th-century Hamam Omerye bathhouse and frock up to Lost & Found, regularly ranked on The World’s 50 Best Bars list.

Bed down at Amyth of Nicosia, a modern hideaway haven in Cyprus.

Words by Carla Grossetti

23. Thailand

The well-worn path to Phuket may still inspire, yet those who want to feel the singular magic of Thailand’s riches should be more adventurous. The scenic corner of Chiang Rai, with its pristine white temples set against the mountains of the Golden Triangle, is a rewarding trip unequalled in Southeast Asia. But the chaos of Bangkok calls just as loud.

Chiang Rai once housed the jade Emerald Buddha.

In 2024, the construction of the ambitious 3.5-hectare Dusit Central Park brings innovative hospitality concepts, alongside the expansive King Rama IX Memorial Park and an ongoing luxury boom with new hotels from brands Fairmont and Aman. 

Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple.

Words by Chris Singh

24. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is having its moment in the sun. The teardrop-shaped south Asian nation is captivating travellers for everything from its Buddhist temples to its beautiful white-sand beaches and emerald-green tea plantations. Rattle along the coast by train, gaze out at the high clouds from the summit of Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak), stay in a high-end yoga and surf retreat, and chat with friendly locals about Sri Lanka’s favourite topic of conversation: cricket.

Consider a beach holiday to Sri Lanka in 2024.

Words by Carla Grossetti