Travel brings new experiences, exploration, and discovery of the many cultures that shape our world. With endless options, the first step is figuring out where to travel.
Google puts out a “year in search” report each year, showing the most researched destinations. We have rounded up the top five most-searched locations from 2023, and they will undoubtedly be some of the best places to travel in 2024. So get out your bucket list—It’s time to plan your next adventure!
Top Vacation Destinations 2024
France
Travel to France will be huge in 2024, as Paris will host the Olympics from 26 July to 11 August. The opening ceremony for the Games will be held along the River Seine, with each national delegation on its own boat. The parade will cover six kilometers (3.7 miles) before culminating at the iconic Trocadéro. We recommend booking accommodation and event tickets early, as both will sell out quickly.
While the world focuses on Paris in 2024, France has much more to offer. France’s wine country and rural villages provide some of the best places to travel in 2024, with gorgeous scenery, idyllic canals, chateaux, medieval castles, and churches. Consider taking a rural trip to France in the late spring or fall for good weather and fewer crowds. A few possibilities include:
- Normandy. Just northwest of Paris, Normandy has a rich history and was the site of the WWII Allied D-Day landing. Be sure to check out the medieval island of Mont-Saint-Michel and the chalk-white Étretat cliffs.
- Bordeaux. Bordeaux is one of the world’s great wine regions. Travelers can enjoy vineyard and wine-tasting tours, Bordeaux city’s beautiful public gardens, and the excellent Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux.
- The Loire Valley. An architecture lover’s dream, the Loire Valley is home to elegant chateaux, medieval fortresses, and sweeping vineyard vistas.
- Canal Cruises. Canal cruises offer a relaxing and peaceful way to see rural France. Adventurous travelers can also rent barges to explore the country’s extensive canalways.
San Diego, California
Designated the World Design Capital for 2024 in partnership with nearby Tiajuana, San Diego is a beachgoer’s paradise with over 70 miles of beautiful beaches. The city is culturally diverse, with a large Hispanic population that influences the city’s food and history. To the east of the town rise the Laguna Mountains, characterized by high chaparral, oak forests, and meadows.
Family fun abounds in San Diego, with famous attractions like the San Diego Zoo, Sealand, and LEGOLAND California. Adult travelers have plenty of options, too, including a vibrant nightlife scene, world-class cuisine, and exceptional shopping opportunities. Like many US cities, San Diego is very car-friendly. Rental cars don't just allow visitors to explore San Diego—with Tiajuana just across the border, day trips into Mexico are extremely popular.
Assam, India
Just south of Bhutan, the Indian state of Assam has become one of the best places to travel in 2024. Wildlife lovers can explore two World Heritage Sites—Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park—and view water buffalo, Asian elephants, tigers, and the rare Indian rhino. Assam abounds in historical monuments and temples, including the 8th-century Kamakhya Temple, one of the oldest Tantric sites. The region is home to a rich mix of cultures and tribal groups with unique traditions, dress, and cuisine.
Assam’s main river, the Brahmaputra, has become known for its exceptional cruises. Assam cruises last four to ten nights, with stops at picturesque villages, sprawling tea plantations, and deserted islands. Passengers experience rickshaw rides, wildlife tours, and authentic dance performances while enjoying luxurious cabins and Indian and Western onboard dining.
Tirana, Albania
Albania has long been a hidden travel gem compared to its neighbor Greece. The Balkan country is coming into its own as a tourist destination, however, and the capital city of Tirana has become one of the best places to visit for travelers looking for a unique European experience.
Founded in 1614, Tirana was originally part of the Ottoman Empire, and the city’s history is on full display in its many museums. As for its modern appearance, Tirna is alive with brightly colored buildings and enchanting street art, surprising many tourists.
Skanderbeg Park is the metaphorical and literal center of Tirana. The park is home to the National Museum of History, the city’s iconic Clock Tower, and Et’hem Bey Mosque. The park is the perfect place to take in a concert or sip coffee at a local cafe.
For those who enjoy day trips, Tirana is close to the Mediterranean beach town of Durrës and many smaller towns with castles, markets, and exquisite scenery. If you’re not comfortable driving abroad, tour buses may be your best choice to see the sights. As for Tirana, the city lends itself to walking rather than driving.
Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers beautiful locations, many of which are now in danger of being over-visited. If you want to experience the country’s natural beauty with fewer crowds than San José, add Guanacaste Province to your list of where to travel in 2024. Located in northwestern Costa Rica, Guanacaste Province is known for its pristine Pacific beaches and is a popular destination for scuba divers and fishing enthusiasts.
Guanacaste Province boasts remarkable biodiversity, like much of Costa Rica, with over 250 bird species, monkeys, peccaries, tapirs, and elusive jaguars. Santa Rosa National Park is home to some of the last tropical dry forests in the world. In Contrast, the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve showcases a rainforest ecosystem 5250 feet above sea level.
Accommodations in Guanacaste Province range from 5-star resorts to small villas and bed and breakfasts. Access is easy, with international flights arriving daily at Liberia International Airport.
The right luggage makes travel more convenient and enjoyable. Whether you’re planning a visit to the destinations on our list of best places to travel or taking a road trip to visit family and friends, Travelpro has the right bags for your needs. Check out our compact carry-ons, popular with airline industry members, or browse for larger suitcases in our collection of check-in luggage. Don’t forget a convenient under-seat bag for your in-flight essentials. Wherever you go in 2024, we hope your travel dreams come true!
