9 places with fantastic reasons to visit in 2024

Kirsten Henton

Kirsten Henton

Still deciding where to go in 2024? We've handpicked a selection of places with something for everyone, whether you're after an action-packed city break or just desperate to feel buttery soft sand between your toes.

Aerial view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Aerial view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris © Saiko3p - Adobe Stock Image

What's more, there's something special about each destination, be it a major sporting event, new transport link or attraction. So, read on to find out which countries and cities are the places to be in 2024 and treat yourself to a trip to look forward to as we enter the New Year.

Paris, France

The French capital is getting ready to host the Olympic Games from late July to late August. The city will welcome visitors from around the world keen to experience the excitement of this huge international event.

The majority of the games will take place in and around Paris, with plenty of big screens and places for everyone to enjoy the action even if you don't have tickets to attend specific events.

Of course, Paris is magical at any time of year, so if the crowds of the Olympics don't appeal, consider a classically romantic escape this Valentine's Day, go in autumn to see the colourful changing leaves over the Seine or to rifle through the Christmas markets in winter.

France's biggest and most vibrant city never disappoints with its countless museums, designer shops, flea markets and activities. Just leave time to sip a strong coffee as the city's busy streets unfold around you from one of the traditional Parisian cafés.

Bag a great value escape to Paris with Jet2CityBreaks*, which offers flights and accommodation in one convenient bundle.

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Germany

There's a strong sporting theme to our pick of destinations for 2024 but then with such prominent events taking place just across the Channel, how could we not include Germany, host of UEFA Euro 2024, as well?

The month-long football tournament kicks off on 14 June in Munich and ends with the final on 14 July in Berlin, just two of the 10 cities where matches will be played day in, day out from Hamburg and Stuttgart to Leipzig.

If you can't get your hands on tickets, fear not, as there will be fan zones with bars and screens to accommodate visiting supporters.

If you prefer smaller ball sports, The European Open will take place in Hamburg over three days from 30 May to 2 June.

Away from sport, there's Munich's annual Oktoberfest, an abundance of modern and ancient history in Berlin, the most festive of Christmas markets and, of course, oodles of nature to enjoy on summertime hiking and camping trips to the likes of the Black Forest.

Head to destinations across Germany with easyJet holidays*, which will tie your flights and accommodation together nicely.

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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has made headlines for many of the wrong reasons in recent years but this island nation in the Indian Ocean is back up and running and ready to welcome tourists to its pristine shores and plantation-clad highlands.

There's no shortage of reasons to visit cricket-mad Sri Lanka. This continent in miniature brims with fantastic food, wildlife, history and terrifically colourful temples. However, if you love nothing more than lacing up your hiking boots, you might want to investigate the award-winning Pekoe Trail.

This new long-distance walking route traverses Sri Lanka's heartland over 300 km in 22 manageable stages varying from around 9 km to 19 km in length. Beginning (or ending, if so inclined) in Kandy, it snakes its way south and scoops east and northwards through forests up towards Nuwara Eliya, promising a different perspective.

Bentota Beach on Sri Lanka''s west coast
Bentota Beach on Sri Lanka''s west coast © Slava296 - Adobe Stock Image

However, you could come to Sri Lanka to see elephants on a safari, walk around the ramparts of Galle or just savour a few days dipping toes into the mild waters of the Indian Ocean.

There are many ways to explore Sri Lanka. Browse beach breaks* and escorted tours with Mercury Holidays* to get more from your island adventure.

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Travelling on a budget? See which are the cheapest cities to visit in Europe.

Brussels, Belgium

Keep your carbon footprint down with a flight-free holiday in 2024. There are more ways to explore Europe by ferry, bus and rail than ever before, including the brand new ÖBB Nightjet sleeper train service from Brussels to Berlin.

This makes the Belgian capital, not to mention the joint centre of EU activity, the place to go especially as it's so easy to reach via Eurostar. If you're building in a stop, be sure to visit the magnificent Grand Palace, the 18th-century architecture of the Royal Quarter and the daily Vieux Marché flea market.

Take a walking tour and you might inadvertently tick off some of the 80 murals on the city's Comic Strip Trail before tucking into some light and fluffy Belgian waffles topped with whipped cream, chocolate and nuts. Divine and just the ticket before being rocked to sleep as you cruise towards Germany.

Go green on a flight-free holiday with First Choice*, which offers many wonderful routes through Belgium and Europe by rail.

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Kazakhstan

Sticking with the sporting theme, Kazakhstan will take centre stage when the World Nomad Games roll onto its steppes. Twenty-twenty-four marks the fifth event since the games started in neighbouring Kyrgyzstan in 2014 and the first time they've been held in Kazakhstan.

Due to take place in the country's capital, Astana, between 8 and 15 September, this mammoth international sporting event, which sees competitors from more than 100 countries battle it out, aims to celebrate traditional games practised across Central Asia.

A fast-paced game of Kok boru in action
A fast-paced game of Kok boru in action © Sensemilia27 - Dreamstime.com

Events typically include varieties of wrestling, horse racing, mounted archery, hunting on horseback with eagles, bone-throwing and so much more. One of the most memorable, however, has to be Kok boru, a UNESCO-recognised game of cultural importance in which teams of players on horseback compete over a goat's carcass (although today this is sometimes replaced with a synthetic version!).

Alongside the competitive sports, visitors to the games are guaranteed a warm welcome, local food and drinks and a flurry of festivities including song and dance. It's sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Let the experts guide you through the frenzy of the World Nomad Games on a trip to Kazakhstan with Wild Frontiers*.

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Kenya

The East African country of Kenya is back on travellers' radars thanks to increased flights and holidays to this hugely diverse destination. With more than 20 national parks, Africa's second-highest mountain after Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and sweeping landscapes like the Great Rift Valley, it's a must for nature and safari lovers.

Amboseli National Park in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro
Amboseli National Park in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro © Kushnirov Avraham - Adobe Stock Image

Go on game drives in the likes of the Masai Mara National Park to see the continent's headline Big Five (elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and buffalo) along with countless other species such as wildebeests, giraffes and zebras.

Away from the reserves, Kenya's coast glistens with some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches (try Diani Beach) while the cities of the Nairobi, the capital, and Mombasa hum with history, culture and stylish joints.

Find fantastic value holidays* and escorted tours to Kenya* with TUI.

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Scotland

There are so many ways to explore Scotland. From its historic cities bursting with art, culture and fine dining to its wild, mountainous landscapes, national parks and the country's very own Big Five (eyes peeled for red deer, golden eagles, otters, common seals and red squirrels), Scotland has something for everyone.

Why not make 2024 the year you visit? Whether you've been before or you're planning to step on Scottish soil for the first time, this is the year to dive right in. For sports lovers, events such as the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow (1 to 3 March) and The 152nd Open, Royal Troon (14 to 21 July) tempt.

Loch Leven near Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands
Loch Leven near Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands © Andy Morehouse - Adobe Stock Image

Meanwhile, if a cultural road trip has you packing your bags, perhaps Scotland's groundbreaking digital UNESCO Trail is for you. Launched in 2021, this world-first network connects 13 designated spots including World Heritage Sites, Biospheres, Global Geoparks and Creative Cities in one informative route.

Find your perfect place to stay for less with Wood Leisure*, which has six holiday parks across Scotland or book a room at one of the many Macdonald Hotels & Resorts*, found everywhere from the Borders to the Highlands.

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St Vincent & the Grenadines

Spin your globe to find the Caribbean archipelago of St Vincent and the Grenadines, which sits west of Barbados in the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. Think warm turquoise waters, palm-dotted islands and sugar-soft sands; all ideal ingredients for an indulgent beach break.

St Vincent is the largest of the 32 islands (only nine of which are inhabited) and where you'll find the capital, Kingstown, with its 18th-century, British-built Fort Charlotte and the St Vincent Botanic Gardens.

Hike the islands' volcano, visit plunging waterfalls and recline on a boat trip stocked with food and cold beers. It's a special place for a bit of R&R. The big news is that all-inclusive specialist Sandals is set to open an all-singing, all-dancing new resort on 27 March 2024, so there's never been a better time to book that much-needed holiday.

Book your stay at the new Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines* today and be sure to see the latest offers on flights with Virgin Atlantic* to get you there for less.

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Egypt

Perhaps 2024 is the year you embark on your first river cruise? Follow in the wake of the pharaohs as you sail down the majestic River Nile, watching life carry on along the riverbanks and stopping at ancient temples that once shone gold.

Prepare to be astounded by Luxor and the great temple of Karnak before acquainting yourself with hieroglyphics at Aswan's staggering Philae temple complex. Days can be spent lounging under the Egyptian sun as you meander in the utmost style and comfort from one fascinating port to another.

Exploring Karnak Temple in Luxor
Exploring Karnak Temple in Luxor © Andrej - Adobe Stock Image

Of course, there's far more to Egypt than just its iconic river. The Red Sea coast is where a plethora of resorts and activities await in the likes of Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh; a guaranteed hit with sun-worshippers all year round.

Then there's the capital, Cairo, with its wonder of the ancient world, the Great Pyramid of Giza, its museums, sense-tingling souq and so much more.

Book your berth with TUI River Cruises* for an unforgettable Nile voyage or browse the latest offers on holidays to Egypt*, including the Red Sea and Cairo, with TUI.

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Still looking for 2024 inspiration? Don't miss our complete collection of travel deals on everything from flights and holidays to hotels, car hire and more.

Kirsten Henton

Kirsten Henton

Kirsten Henton is Weather2Travel.com's editor. Kirsten writes, commissions and edits our travel features, liaising with our contributors and ensuring copy is spick-and-span. A member of the British Guild of Travel Writers, Kirsten also freelances writing articles on travel, history and the outdoors for titles such as Scotland Magazine and BBC Travel.

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