Trending: 2024 holidays hot list
We’ve picked out the best places to go on holiday in 2024. From admiring pink cherry blossoms in Kyoto to relaxing on the beach in Sardinia, here is the Wonderluxe 2024 holidays hot list. And remember, you can give us a call to get more expert tips on where to go in 2024 and beyond.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an Indian Ocean island that’s famous for its dreamy coastlines and pristine sandy beaches, but did you know, it’s also one of the best places for seeing wildlife in Asia?
Sri Lanka’s ‘Big Four’ is the leopard, elephant, sloth bear and blue whale. You can see them on safari in over 100 protected reserves, including Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park and off the coast of Mirissa.
Alongside wildlife, Sri Lanka is brimming with culture and history. Explore the Cultural Triangle in the north and visit the UNESCO-listed old Dutch fort in Galle. If you’re a tea lover, you can see the Hill Country’s tea fields and ride the colonial tea train, which is one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys.
Columbia
Colombia is one of the most exciting countries to visit in South America in 2024 and it’s Cartagena which we have our eye on this year. The port city has a walled Old Town which was established by Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century.
Its charming cobblestone streets, busy squares and colourful colonial buildings are interspersed with incredible restaurants and a lively nightlife. It’s also custom to see colourful fruit-bearing ‘palenqueras’ and the occasional celebrity.
Cartagena’s position in the Caribbean puts it in a prime position for exploring Colombia’s nearby islands like the Rosario archipelago and San Andrés, as well as the coastal beach paradise of Tayrona National Park.
Namibia
If you’re craving off-the-beaten-track adventures, consider Namibia. This Sub-Saharan African nation is the least populated country in the world after Mongolia and hailed as one of the last great wilderness countries.
Namibia is a country filled with dramatic landscapes that will have you reaching for your camera at every turn. Discover the red dunes and otherworldly trees of Sossusvlei and the mountains of Damaraland. See where the Atlantic Ocean meets the desert at Skeleton Coast and go on a safari in Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s largest national parks.
Namibia benefits from 300 days of sunshine and shares the same time zone as the UK, so there’s no chance of jet lag. Despite the wilderness, it’s also a safe destination for first-time travellers in Africa.
Japan
Japan is one of the best destinations in the world to make the most of the changing seasons. Why not make 2024 the year you see its famous cherry blossom in bloom?
Mount Yoshino has been a popular cherry blossom spot for centuries, as the surrounding hills are painted pink with flowers. Lake Kawaguchiko is another spectacular spot as it has views of Mount Fuji across the water.
Autumn is another gorgeous time to visit, as the leaves across Japan turn a magnificent red and orange. In early winter, you can make the most of Japan’s remarkable snow conditions by skiing or snowboarding in the mountains.
Chile
Stretching along South America’s west coast, Chile is a land of striking contrasts. Here, you’ll find stark desert landscapes in the Atacama Desert and soaring mountains in Torres del Paine National Park. In between them is the Central Valley Wine Region, home to some of the world’s best vineyards.
Chile’s world-class wine regions can be paired with a luxury escape in Santiago. From the capital, you can take a short drive to the Maipo Valley to find beautiful boutique vineyards.
Further afield, Chile’s answer to California’s Napa Valley is Colchagua Valley, which has the perfect climate for producing full-bodied reds while, towards the coast, Casablanca Valley is known for its exceptional white wines.
Marrakesh
No trip to Morocco is complete without visiting Marrakech. The Red City always captivates with its lively souks surrounding Jemaa El-Fnaa square, eye-catching street art and striking Bahia Palace.
Try your hand at bargaining at the souks and admire the colourful spice stalls in the old medina. Pamper yourself at a traditional hammam or Turkish Bath, or sample the city’s best culinary delights on a street food tour.
In Marrakech, your money stretches that little bit further and it’s easy to find beautiful, luxury riads with indoor pools and wellness centres. The city is also ideal if you’re keen to explore beyond Europe without travelling long-haul.
Saudi Arabia
If Saudi Arabia isn’t on your list for 2024, it should be. This Middle Eastern gem is fast becoming a hotspot for discerning travellers seeking unique experiences at the forefront of cutting-edge luxury.
The capital, Riyadh, is characterized by futuristic skyscrapers, upscale shopping districts and exciting international fine-dining restaurants. In Diriyah, you can go back in time to the birthplace of the nation at the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif.
Jeddah on the Red Sea is one of Saudi’s most sought-after luxury destinations, with its wealth of exclusive resorts and pristine beaches. If you want a true escape, stay in a luxury camp in the desert near AlUla, a living museum with 200,000 years of human history.
Italy
Italy always tops the list of leading holiday destinations and it’s easy to see why when you look at its incredible food scene, ancient history, world-class art and beautiful natural landscapes.
If you’re thinking of a refined holiday in 2024, you can’t go wrong with a luxury villa in the rolling hills of Tuscany or staying in a private island resort in Venice. The Amalfi Coast is another hotspot with its colourful fishing villages and rugged shoreline dotted with intimate beaches.
This year, why not swap the coast for lakeside retreats on Lake Como or Lake Garda? Since Italy is a popular destination, avoid peak times to get a quieter – and in our opinion better – experience.
Sardinia
Sardinia became a social media sensation in 2023 and its popularity is set to rise as a Mediterranean beach getaway. The large island has over 1,000 miles of coastline lapped by shimmering turquoise waters.
Costa Smeralda is one of the most popular areas on the island. Known as the Emerald Coast, it’s famous for golden sandy beaches and tranquil bays sheltered by rocky headlands. The main resort town in the area is Porto Cervo with its restaurants, yachts and lively nightlife.
Sardinia’s rich history dates back thousands of years and you can explore ancient sites including the Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari and the Bronze Age Su Nuraxi archaeological site.
Indonesia
Indonesia is often a more affordable luxury long-haul destination and is known for its endless tropical beaches and dreamy resorts. Located south of Thailand and north of Australia, it’s made up of 17,000 islands with Java and Bali being the most popular.
This year, immerse yourself in Indonesia’s vibrant culture by exploring its fascinating temples and monuments. Observe how Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist influences have played a role in shaping Indonesian art and the time your visit with popular cultural festivals.
You’ll want to take your camera to photograph Bali’s beautiful rice terraces, the black sand beaches of the east coast and monkeys swinging through the treetops. If you are looking for island-hopping perfection, ask us about the remote Gili Islands.