National Geographic released their “The Cool List for 2024” in November, featuring 30 of the world’s most intriguing destinations for travel in 2024.
With 13 locations, including a train trip around the whole continent, Europe topped the list. The list included six places in North America, three of which were in the US.
Places that are near to but not the tried-and-true tourist hotspots are becoming more and more popular as travellers search for less expensive options, or “dupe travel.”
Google Trends data shows that throughout 2023, searches for travel dupes online increased significantly in the United States.
The most interesting locations to visit in 2024
Europe
- Albanian Alps, Albania
- Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Emilia-Romagna, Italy
- Europe by train
- Galloway and Southern Ayrshire, Scotland
- Nordland, Norway
- North Yorkshire, England
- Pompeii, Italy
- Saimaa, Finland
- Tartu, Estonia
- The Euros, Germany
- Valletta, Malta
- Wales
- Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Tartu, Estonia, is one of Europe’s finest places. The city is regarded by Estonians as the “cultural and intellectual heart” of the nation, according to Nat Geo. Estonia’s capital city of Tallinn is 110 miles away from Tartu.
The country’s oldest university is located in Tartu, which has been named a UNESCO City of Literature and chosen as one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2024.
The Americas
- Atacama Desert, Chile
- Lima, Peru
- New York, U.S.
- Miami, Florida, U.S.
- Dominica
- Nova Scotia, Canada
- Texas, U.S.
- Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
- Iberá Wetlands, Argentina
In 2024, three U.S. locations were listed as the most thrilling travel destinations. Texas is unique on this list because its centre region will be able to witness the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
The finest views of the cosmic event are predicted to be found in Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth.
Austin, Texas, is still a city to keep an eye on. According to a SmartAsset analysis, over the previous 25 years, the value of homes in the city have increased by 354%.
According to a Henley and Partner wealth report from 2023, Austin is the American city with the fastest-growing millionaire population. The Texas city has a 102% increase in millionaires between 2012 and 2022, the research says.
Africa
- Akagera, Rwanda
- Andrefana Dry Forests, Madagascar
- Sierra Leone
In 2024, Sierra Leone is a nation to keep an eye on, claims Nat Geo. In 2023, the Freetown international airport received a significant makeover, and other roads were also improved.
West Africa has seen a boom in tourism, according to the research. The first Hilton in Sierra Leone is scheduled to open for business in 2019. Next year, more properties in the nation will add to their portfolios.
Asia
- India’s Sikkim
- Taiwan’s Tainan
- China’s Xi’an
One of the smallest states in the nation is Sikkim in India.
There are mountain monasteries to explore and hiking trails available to travellers. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khangchendzonga National Park spans more than 25% of Sikkim, India.
Asia-Pacific
- Australia’s Victoria
Australia is renowned for its beaches, but Victoria has a long history of hot springs that are rich in minerals. The Great Victoria Bathing Trail—a 560-mile road trip that runs through Melbourne, Australia’s largest city—is highlighted in the article. It connects thermal springs and sea baths.