2024 Travel Trends: Top Destinations to Explore

There are countless amazing destinations to visit around the world, and there are countless people who are excited to explore them. In 2023, international tourism has bounced back to around 90% of its pre-pandemic levels, and the United States has issued a record number of passports. If you visited any popular destination over the summer, you likely noticed that it was more crowded than ever before.

Perhaps it's time to explore destinations that are still relatively unexplored, charming during the offseason, or often overshadowed by larger cities or neighboring attractions. It might be worth considering destinations that are dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism and are becoming more accessible to visitors.

Keeping these factors in mind, CNN Travel has compiled a list of 24 destinations to consider for your 2024 travel plans.

Discover the allure of Sumba Island in Indonesia, where remote villages, ancient rituals, and top-notch surf breaks provide the ideal escape from the bustling crowds of Bali. Check out 23 more exciting destination ideas for 2024. Image by Tengguo Wu/iStockphoto/Getty Images.

Tartu, Estonia: One of the most-loved landmarks in Tartua 2024 European Capital of Cultureis this statue of kissing students in Town Hall Square.

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Tainan, Taiwan: Tainan is considered Taiwan's street food capital. People gather here along pedestrian Fuzhong street.

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Northwest Michigan: The area around Traverse City on Lake Michigan is a tourism magnet in summer, but the fall colors are spectacular, too.

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Culebra, Puerto Rico: Marine life and beachesincluding Flamenco Beach where a rusted tank sits in the sandare the big draws on unspoiled Culebra.

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Angola: Beyond the capital city of Luanda, pictured, Angola has some jaw-droppingly spectacular scenery and cultural treats.

Saint John, New Brunswick: This Canadian city is an excellent base from which to enjoy the nearby Bay of Fundy, known for the world's highest tides.

New Brunswick Tourism

South Korea: The seven cemeteries of the ancient Gaya Tumuli were just inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023.

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Chile: The otherworldly Atacama Desert is just one of the diverse landscapes visitors will find in long and slim Chile.

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Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia: Off the coast of Western Australia, the Abrolhos Islands are home to some 140 species of flora and fauna.

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Panama: This Central American country holds over a dozen national parks, including Parque Nacional Volcán Barú, the highest point in Panama.

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Galicia, Spain: Beaches, mouth-watering seafood and a historic city forever entwined with the famed Camino de Santiago are among this autonomous region's many draws.

The outer islands of Singapore offer a unique experience, with St. John's Island boasting sunny beaches and a 1.7-mile trail that showcases native plants and flowers, as well as the island's vibrant history.

Mérida, Mexico: Yucatán state's capital city showcases a blend of Mayan and colonial heritage. Rectoría El Jesús Tercera Orden and Parque Hidalgo are pictured.

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Florida's freshwater springs: The state's beaches get a lot of attention, but Florida has alluring fresh water, too. Wakulla Springs offers guided boat tours.

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Spicewood's Krause Springs is the perfect spot for a refreshing swim in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy the scenic rolling hills, rivers, wineries, barbecue, and live music that this area has to offer.

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Greenland: Ilulissat icefjord is one of Greenland's jaw-dropping landscapes. The autonomous territory of Denmark is set to welcome new airports in 2024.

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Uzbekistan, with its visa-free access for citizens of 86 countries, invites visitors to explore its pristine landscapes and beautifully preserved architecture. The image captures the charm of the old town of Bukhara.

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If you're seeking a beach destination that values community and sustainability, look no further than the Indonesian island of Sumba. With its remote villages, pristine forests, ancient traditions, and top-notch surf breaks, Sumba offers a peaceful escape from the crowds of Bali, just an hour's flight away. Despite not being widely recognized on the international stage, Sumba is a substantial island, spanning over 4,000 square miles (more than 10,000 square kilometers) - twice the size of Bali.

Turkeys Black Sea coast

Since its opening in 2012, the Nihi Sumba resort has put this island on the map for luxury travelers. Over the past decade, Sumba has attracted several new luxury eco-resorts, such as The Sanubari, a collection of beachfront villas that debuted in 2022, and Cap Karoso, situated on the southwest coast of the island. Karla Cripps

Lesser known than the popular Mediterranean yacht-magnet resorts of Turkey's Turquoise Coast, the Black Sea region, also referred to as Karadeniz, presents a unique side of the country. With fewer tourists and a cooler, wetter climate that results in lush landscapes and delightful black tea, the area features historic towns and villages, as well as beaches and thrilling activities.

Experience a refreshing getaway from Turkey's hot regions during the summer. Safranbolu offers ancient streets with the echoes of blacksmith hammers, while Amasra provides a beach life experience. Additionally, visitors can climb to Sumela, where one of the world's oldest monasteries clings to a cliff. Thrill-seekers can enjoy white water rafting, and during heavy snowfalls in winter, the eastern Kaçkar Mountains become a heli-skiing paradise.

Tartu, Estonia

Tartu, located in southern Estonia, has been selected as a European Capital of Culture for 2024, putting a special emphasis on kissing. While the city is known for its statue of two students engaged in a passionate embrace, it's important to note that the "City of Good Thoughts" is more focused on intellectual pursuits than physical ones.

Tartu is widely recognized as Estonia's hub for intellect, housing its oldest university, as well as the esteemed Estonian National Museum and the impressive Science Centre AHHAA, the largest science museum in the Baltics.

Tainan, Taiwan

Supilinn ("Soup Town") is a must-visit neighborhood located just north of the city center on the banks of the Emajõgi River. Once a slum, this historic area is now filled with charming wooden houses and is considered one of the most desirable addresses in the city. The Old Town remains the perfect place to base yourself, but a trip to Supilinn is definitely worth it. Maureen OHare

Tainan is known for its thriving street food scene. Pedestrian Fuzhong street is pictured here.

What sets Tainan apart? Known as the street food capital of Taiwan, Tainan is famed for its delectable beef soups and oyster omelets. Beyond its culinary delights, Tainan boasts enchanting natural landscapes like Tsao Shan Moon World, picturesque sunsets over salt farms, charming old temples, and a variety of engaging museums. It was even featured among Booking.com's top 10 sustainable tourism destinations in 2023.

Northwest Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore boasts a number of hikes, including a strenuous one over the towering dunes that leads to Lake Michigan.

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Trans Dinarica Cycle Route, Balkans

Farm Club, located seven miles from downtown Traverse City, is a unique farm-restaurant hybrid that offers beautifully prepared dishes featuring ingredients sourced from the region, with many grown on site. The minimalist, barnlike space spills outdoors, providing a charming and inviting dining experience. - Marnie Hunter

Spectacular scenery is a big draw along the new cycling route in the Balkans.

Introducing the Matevz Hribar/Trans Dinarica Cycle Route, set to debut in 2024 as the premier bike route connecting all eight countries of the Western Balkans. This 100-stage trail spans 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles), offering a mix of quiet asphalt roads, forest trails, and bike paths to accommodate cyclists of all skill levels.

Culebra, Puerto Rico

A rusting tank makes for unusual beachcombing on Culebra's Flamenco Beach.

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Puerto Rico is a large and wonderful island getaway, but if you're looking for an escape from your escape, little Culebra is the place to be. Located about 20 miles (32 kilometers) off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, Culebra is a world away from the noisy, party-filled nightlife of San Juan.

This tranquil island is perfect for outdoor activities and relaxation. One must-see destination is Flamenco Beach, which stretches for about a mile around a peaceful bay. The lack of waves makes it an ideal spot for snorkeling and swimming, and the graffiti-covered US military relic tank provides a unique and picturesque photo opportunity.

Cristo Rei in Lubango towers over a landscape that most tourists have yet to discover.

The southern African nation is making efforts to establish itself on the tourism scene by introducing a fast-track tourism e-visa. Although its major tourism infrastructure may still be developing, it presents an opportunity to explore a country that is not yet widely recognized for travel.

Luanda, the capital of Angola, is known for its expensive nightlife, but beyond the city lies breathtaking scenery and cultural attractions. The second city, Lubango, features striking Portuguese colonial architecture, a stunning Christ the King hilltop statue, and access to the Tundavala Gap, offering a dramatic descent from high tablelands to vast plains.

Other notable attractions include the impressive 1,300-foot-wide Calendula Falls and surfing paradises along the Atlantic coastline, such as Barra do Kwanza and Cabo Ledo.

Tourists walk among the Hopewell Rocks at low tide along the Bay of Fundy.

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Saint John, not to be confused with St. Johns, the capital of Newfoundland, is the capital of New Brunswick and located on Canada's east coast. This charming city serves as an excellent base for exploring the nearby Bay of Fundy, known for having the world's highest tides. Saint John is home to historic architecture, including the Saint John City Market, a National Historic Site of Canada, and the Saint John Arts Centre, situated in the city's historic Carnegie Building, which is the only former Carnegie Library in eastern Canada.

South Korea

For lodging options, visitors can choose from seaside cottages, hotels, motels, campgrounds, historic inns, and B&Bs. The culinary scene in this maritime Canadian city offers a wide variety of excellent food, ranging from affordable options to upscale fine dining. KC

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As "Squid Game" continues to dominate Netflix as the most-watched show, the news of a new season set to release in 2024 signals the perfect time to fully embrace the K-wave once more.

Traveling to the country is now easier than ever before as the government has waived its K-ETA requirement, making it more accessible for travelers from 22 countries until the end of 2024 as a part of its Visit Korea Year campaign.

South Korea is a country that offers a diverse range of experiences. From the modern cities of Seoul and Busan to the cultural and historic sites such as Andong, known as the "Spirit of South Korea," and the newly inscribed UNESCO World Heritage site of the ancient Gaya Tumuli, there is something for everyone to explore.

Albania

Located on the Adriatic coast between Greece and Montenegro, Albania is emerging as a popular beach destination due to its budget-friendly prices. The influx of tourists, particularly from Italy, has been steadily increasing in recent years. With the opening of a new airport in Vlorë in 2024, beach trips to Albania will become even more convenient. However, Albania offers more than just its coast. The country boasts a rich cultural heritage, with historical centers in towns like Berat and Gjirokastër, as well as stunning mountain landscapes, with Theth being the most popular.

Chile

In 2023, Albania became home to Europe's first wild river national park, encompassing the 168-mile (270-kilometer) Vjosa River. For a truly unique experience, consider booking a self-drive tour with Drive Albania. - Julia Buckley

The new Our Habitas Atacama hotel emphasizes sustainability in Chile's otherworldly Atacama Desert.

Chile's diverse natural beauty includes thousands of miles of Pacific coastline, the towering Andes, and stunning lakes, volcanoes, and wild Patagonia. Additionally, world-class skiing is just a couple hours away from the capital, Santiago, providing a welcome escape from the Northern Hemisphere's heat. The new high-altitude Parque Nacional Glaciares near the city also protects previously under-protected land in the country's most populous area.

Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia

The biodiverse Abrolhos Islands are home to sea lions, dolphins, wallabies, lizards and more.

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Macedonia, Greece

During the Southern Hemispheres winter, humpback whales migrate through this area, and fortunate travelers might even spot Australian Sea Lions. With no hotels on the islands, adventurous visitors can choose to stay overnight in the town of Geraldton or opt for a liveaboard boat experience. This allows for the chance to witness stunning sunsets over the Indian Ocean and to partake in early morning scuba diving when the fish are most active. Lilit Marcus

People promenade by the sea in Thessaloniki, Greece's second city.

Northern Greece's region of Macedonia remains relatively free from overtourism, offering visitors everything they seek in other parts of Greece - archaeological sites, history-rich towns, and beautiful beaches - without the crowds found in Athens and the islands.

Panama

Panama City's historic old quarter is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Panama is renowned for the engineering feat of the Panama Canal, but it offers far more than just a stopover. In addition to a lively capital city with a UNESCO-listed historic district, the country boasts over 12 national parks, including Parque Nacional Volcán Barú, the highest peak in Panama.

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is a pilgrimage site for hundreds of thousands of long-distance walkers each year.

Discover the unspoiled beaches lining the wild Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by the rugged beauty of Islas Atlánticas National Park. Indulge in delicious seafood and immerse yourself in the rich history of a city intertwined with the famous Camino de Santiago. Welcome to Galicia, an autonomous region in the northwest of Spain.

Santiago de Compostela is the regional capital city of Galicia and is famous for its 12th-century cathedral, which marks the end of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Beyond the cathedral, the bustling city offers plenty for visitors to see and explore.

For stunning vistas, visitors should make their way to Cabo Fisterra, a rocky peninsula that is home to the picturesque Finisterre lighthouse. The lighthouse's former residence is now the Hotel O Semáforo de Fisterra. Galicia is home to a total of 19 lighthouses and is also home to the UNESCO-protected 1st-century Tower of Hercules, which is considered the world's oldest surviving Roman lighthouse.

St. John's Island is one of the retreats that awaits visitors who leave the city.

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In Singapore, the epitome of urbanism is on display - with biophilic skyscrapers, dazzling supertrees, and exceptional six-star hotels all vying to redefine the meaning of "luxury." However, exploring beyond the mainland is rapidly becoming an increasingly intriguing option.

Singapore is transforming some of its smaller, uninhabited islands by leaving them untouched. Just a short ferry ride from the mainland, Lazarus Island now boasts a handful of rentable tiny houses constructed from reconstituted wood and powered by solar energy. Nearby, Sisters Island is set to open the country's first marine park in 2024, complete with a sea turtle hatchery and a designated coral protection area.

Mérida, Mexico

St. Johns Island is now open for exploration. A 1.7-mile trail showcases native plants and flowers and sheds light on the island's vibrant history, including its use as a quarantine center during a cholera outbreak. This is a meaningful place to contemplate life after a pandemic. LM

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The Yucatán Peninsula is best known for its tropical beaches, but venture inland, and youre in for an unexpected urban treat.

Within the city, Paseo de Montejo boasts a collection of historic mansions, museums, art galleries, and local vendors. The Casanovas highly recommend the city's boutique hotels, such as Kuka y Naranjo. For nearby excursions, visitors can explore Progreso Beach (less than an hour away), captivating Mayan ruins, and subterranean water-filled caves known as cenotes.

If youre concerned about personal safety in Mexico, the US State Department rates Yucatán and Campache states as the two safest as of December. FB

Morocco

Morocco has always been a popular travel destination due to its varied landscape and stunning architecture. Despite being hit by a devastating earthquake in September, the country has shown resilience and is quickly recovering.

While tourists usually flock to popular cities like Marrakech, Rabat, and Fes, Morocco also offers numerous less crowded spots that are just as appealing. Notable options include Tétouan, the city near the first Regis Hotels and Resorts Morocco property, and the historic Meknes, one of the country's nine UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Morocco is emerging as a global leader in sustainable tourism, initiating various efforts to enhance its renewable energy generation. Additionally, the country is home to several significant eco-friendly hotels, such as the Berber-operated Kasbah du Toubkal, situated at the foot of the stunning High Atlas Mountains.

Floridas freshwater springs

Imagine being able to submerge yourself in crystal clear water, as pure as gin, any day of the year. This is possible at the 1,000 or more fresh-water springs located throughout northern and central Florida. These untouched natural pools offer consistent temperatures and excellent visibility, perfect for activities such as swimming, tubing, snorkeling, diving, and wildlife viewing. Here are some of the top options to consider:

Texas Hill Country

Wakulla Springs features a refreshing swimming area with water at a pleasant 70 F (21 C) and visitors can also enjoy a boat ride tour at the state park. The vent reaches a depth of approximately 185 feet (56 meters). Rainbow Springs is widely recognized as one of the most stunning springs in the state. Additionally, Ginnie Springs, a privately owned site, is acclaimed for its exceptional diving opportunities and captivating caverns.

Luckenbach, a tiny hamlet near Fredericksburg, is a magnet for music lovers in Texas Hill Country.

Meandering through Hill Country, visitors will discover rolling hills, hiking trails, meandering rivers, charming wineries, barbecue joints, and lively music and dance halls. The area also boasts an array of wildflowers in bloom during March and April. Additionally, in 2024, April will bring a celestial spectacle to Hill Country in the form of a total solar eclipse on April 8.

New Braunfels' Gruene Hall is a legendary, historic dance hall in Texas, while Luckenbach, a small hamlet near Fredericksburg, offers a dance hall and regular pickers circles under the shade of oak trees.

Fujairah

Lesser-known emirate Fujairah boasts beautiful beaches and spectacular mountain landscapes.

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Greenland

Snoopy Island is a popular snorkeling spot known for its resemblance to the famous cartoon dog lying on his back. The crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs make it a top attraction for visitors. Additionally, the Wadi Wurayah National Park is home to stunning cascading waterfalls that should not be missed.

Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark located northeast of Canada, is making its stunning landscapes more accessible to international travelers. This year, new international airports are set to open in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, and the coastal city of Ilulissat. These airports will feature longer runways capable of accommodating larger commercial aircraft. With the climate crisis posing a visible threat in Greenland, investment in the tourism industry is on the rise as changing climates create barriers for traditional industries.

Uzbekistan

Discover more about how Greenland is adjusting to change, and listen to the experiences of the Inuit people who have inhabited the area for millennia at the Icefjord Centre in Ilulissat on the West Coast. Colorful Ilulissat is also the location of the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, where you can witness the breathtaking sight of a bay filled with drifting icebergs. Overall, nature takes center stage in Greenland, with other attractions such as whale watching, dog sledding, and the chance to see the Aurora Borealis.

Uzbekistan was on the brink of becoming a major travel destination before the pandemic, with ambitious reforms aimed at transforming the country into a world-class destination.

Now, its time has finally come.

Offering visa-free access to citizens of 86 countries, Uzbekistans untouched landscapes and well-preserved architecture are ready and waiting to awe visitors.

For a deeper understanding of Uzbekistan's crucial location along the famed Silk Road, a historical trade route stretching from China and India to the Mediterranean, look no further than the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Additionally, UNESCO recognized the mountainous Uzbek village of Sentob in 2023 for its dedication to sustainable development, particularly in the areas of nature, organic food, and eco and mountain tourism. Thanks to the high-speed Afrosiyob Express train, travel within the country is seamless, with connections between the capital Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara.