The Ultimate 2024 Wanderlist
With the start of a new year upon us, the million-dollar question of "where to go next" is back at the forefront of many travelers' minds (myself included). And, with so many destinations to be explored and people to meet, we're happy to help you narrow down your list just a little. So, without further ado, and in no particular order of priority, here's our list of 24 places we love for 2024 travel.
Croatia
Best time to go: May - October
If we had to pick the perfect blend of history, food, and views - it would be Croatia. There's nothing quite like strolling the ancient alleyways of Split and Dubrovnik and hearing stories of the emperors whose steps you follow. Cruise between islands that all have charming villages, amazingly vibrant waters, and unique locally-sourced cuisine - it makes for an unforgettable adventure. Take me to Croatia >>
South Korea
Best times to go: April - June, September - November
Fascinating history, an epic cafe and food scene, colorful season changes, and (of course) K-pop. South Korea belongs on every traveler's list. It has everything you could ask for in an adventure, perfectly wrapped up in a scenic, clean, and extremely technologically advanced package that is roughly the size of Oregon. Trust us, you'll want to try the kimchi. Take me to South Korea >>
Costa Rica
Best time to go: December - April
Lush, relaxing paradise... or exhilarating, adrenaline rush... Costa Rica has it all, so how you experience it is up to you! Whether you're soaking in a hot spring, snacking on freshly picked fruit from a local market, or ziplining through forest canopy, you'll love Costa Rica - we just know it. Take me to Costa Rica >>
Canada
Best time to go: March - November
Truthfully, we think Canada (particularly, Alberta) is underrated. We've all seen photos of Lake Louise and Lake Moraine, which are spectacular year-round, but there's so much more to offer in this region. Learn about the First Nations people through interactive experiences, taste delectable farm-to-table cuisine, and enjoy nature's beauty in the region by watching the northern lights, kayaking on the blue lakes, or simply strolling one of thousands of well-kept trails. Take me to Canada >>
Sicily
Best time to go: May - October
As the dazzling star of the second season of HBO's The White Lotus - Sicily has been reveling in fame. Imagine exploring Mount Etna with a volcanologist, tasting exquisite foods (can't forget the cannoli), visiting ancient Greek and Roman archaeological sites, and discovering the incredible beaches across the island. Sounds like a dream, right? Sign us up too. Take me to Sicily >>
Patagonia
Best time to go: November - March
If we could fly there this second, we would. Not only because our winter (their summer) is the best season to visit, but because the area is simply epic. Alpacas roam free, the cuisine is dream-worthy, and some of the world's most breathtaking natural landscapes exist here. If it's not already on your must-visit list, please add it now - we'll wait. Take me to Patagonia >>
Crete
Best time to go: May - October
One of the best ways to see Greece, especially if you want to avoid the crowds! Crete is a beach-goers paradise, plus you still get to explore ancient ruins and authentic quaint Greek towns. And, don't even get us started on the food... *chef's kiss* Take me to Crete >>
Norway
Best time to go: June - August, (for northern lights, November - March)
A nature-lover's playground with charming coastal towns and fairytale fjords, where the northern lights dance and the wildlife wanders freely. We have no doubt that you'll fall in love with the culture of Norway, and you'll simply have to explore the whole country - from the mountainous northern shores to the modern metropolises both filled with warm, welcoming locals. Take me to Norway >>
Japan
Best times to go: March - May, September - November
A land of contrasts, where ancient meets modern. Japan offers year-round splendor from cherry blossoms in the spring to wonderful foliage in the fall. You'll wander the bustling streets of Tokyo or Osaka, tasting iconic street foods along the way (yakitori and fresh sashimi, yes please). You'll ride the bullet train, experiencing the famed local transit. You'll learn the difficult history of the country and discover the magic of the people who call this beautiful place home. Take me to Japan >>
Thailand
Best time to go: November - March
From bustling Bangkok to the jungle treks near Chiang Mai to the pristine white-sand beaches, Thailand blends the modern and cosmopolitan with tranquility and peaceful respite. Try a bowl of noodles from a street food vendor, a staple of Thai cuisine, or seek out elephants in Khao Yai National Park. No matter how you spend your time here, Thailand’s inviting locals, tropical landscapes, and distinct culture will capture a piece of your heart. Take me to Thailand >>
Colombia
Best time to go: December - March
Coffee lovers, Colombia is calling! From its sandy Caribbean beaches to the rolling lush hills lined with traditional coffee estancias, Colombia is a colorful, vibrant country fit for all adventure lovers. One day you're lounging and soaking up the sun on the beach, the next day you're walking through a dense, steamy jungle, at night - dancing till dawn with the locals (only if your bed time allows, of course). Take me to Colombia >>
USA National Parks
Best times to go: April - June, August - October (for Zion), April - May and October (Yellowstone), July - October (Acadia)
We love a classic destination. We're predicting more people will venture into our own backyard through a variety of national parks in 2024. We'll always recommend Zion National Park and Yellowstone National Park, but as a Rhode Island based company, Acadia National Park is one of our favorite nearby spots - throw in a few lobster tails, and it's the perfect adventure. Take me to the USA National Parks >>
New Zealand
Best time to go: December - February
We're sensing a theme in this year's Wanderlist - nature will always make the best adventure. And, trust us when we say, there's no place like New Zealand. From glow worm caves and geothermal features to sheep traffic jams and movie-worthy mountain views (thanks, LOTR), New Zealand is a dreamscape. I mean, who wouldn't want to visit a place where the sheep-to-people ratio is nearly 5-to-1? Can't be that baa-d (get it?) Take me to New Zealand >>
Mexico
Best time to go: December - April
They have tacos - enough said... kidding (kind of). Mexico has so much to offer for a great adventure. From the ancient civilizations of the Mayans and Aztecs, through Spanish rule to present, Mexico boasts impressive architecture from each historical era that you can still visit today. You'll wander mystifying ruins, relax at world renowned beaches, admire impressive local art, and taste your way through an unbelievably delicious cuisine. Want even more culture? Visit during the annual Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) celebration to cherish relatives who have passed through a colorful, warm tradition. Take me to Mexico >>
Indonesia
Best time to go: April - October
Dragon lover? Snorkeling aficionado? Hiking enthusiast? Indonesia’s where it’s at! Keep your eyes peeled for the Komodo dragon or grab a tank and go diving in the deep, turquoise waters of this country, home to 20% of the world’s coral reefs and numerous shipwrecks primed for exciting explorations. With active volcanoes, 170,000 islands, and nearly 300,000 animal species, this idyllic paradise is an adventurer’s playground. Home to the popular island of Bali, Indonesia is the perfect spot to be as active or relaxed as you’d like. Take me to Indonesia >>
Vietnam
Best time to go: November - April
Pack light for this one because you'll probably come back with a whole new wardrobe (and plenty of stories). Delve into French-Vietnamese culture in historic, lantern-lined Hoi An, where you can have clothes designed and fitted just for you. Of course, it's not just a fashion haven, you'll get to know the friendly locals and learn more about the humbling history of the country at every turn. Take me to Vietnam >>
Amazon Rainforest
Best time to go: July - December
Jaguars, monkeys, and sloths - oh my! At every turn the Amazon impresses, from the powerful force of its river to the magnificent, lush rainforest which is the most biologically diverse place on Earth. Pair a few days at an eco-lodge in the rainforest with an adventure in Peru or Ecuador, and we'd call it a match made in heaven. Take me to the Amazon Jungle >>
Mongolia
Best time to go: June - August
Looking for something that’s a bit more off the beaten path? Overlooked for years by the international tourism scene, Mongolia is a vastly undiscovered and untouched landscape, obtaining the title of the world’s least densely populated country. Travelers here will do best to lean into a flexible itinerary and embrace the unexpected, as Mongolia is home to one of the world’s last living nomadic cultures. Step outside the populated capital of Ulaanbaatar to experience life at a slower pace, where your only neighbors will be the sheep, cattle, goats, camels, horses, and yaks roaming freely through acres of undulating green pastures. Explore the Gobi Desert on the back of a camel or try your hand at eagle hunting, a practice that dates back 6,0000 years. Take me to Mongolia >>
Argentina
Best time to go: Late September - Early June
If you've never sipped a malbec from Mendoza or learned to tango, 2024 is your year. Buenos Aires, also known as the Paris of South America, has as much charm as it does things to do and foods to eat, but the buck doesn't stop there - Argentina has a whole has endless places to explore (see Patagonia shout out above). There's Iguazu Falls, the wine regions of Salta and Mendoza, Perito Moreno glacier, magnificent theater performances, and enough parks and gardens throughout the country to explore a new one every day of a year - plus some. Take me to Argentina >>
Panama
Best time to go: December - April
Everyone knows about the canal, but look past that and you'll find a vivacious cultural capital with some of the most delicious coffee and rum in the entire world. Learn about the indigenous tribes of the area and discover the melting pot of cultures that have evolved over time. Explore the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines for picturesque beaches, hang out in the metropolis of Panama City, and spot spider monkeys, tree frogs, and tapirs in Darien National Parks - one of the most biodiverse spots on Earth (even more than Costa Rica!) Take me to Panama >>
South Africa
Best time to go: May - October
If you're looking to check off some big bucket list items, South Africa has to be in your 2024 plans. From soaking up the sun and views from Table Mountain to spotting lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes on a safari and learning about the humbling apartheid era in the country, South Africa always offers an unforgettable adventure. Take me to South Africa >>
Madagascar
Best time to visit: April to October
Looking for an adventure that feels totally out of this world? You've found the right place... Madagascar is home to 15,000 different plant species - 80% of which are ONLY found on the island. It's almost the same story with animals, since many of the iconic animals (like lemurs) can't be found in the wild anywhere else in the world. It's the ideal escape for a nature-lover with an incredible melting pot of diverse cultures to enamor any curious traveler. Take me to Madagascar >>
The Balkans
Best time to go: April - December
It's hard to believe such a small region can offer so much, but the Balkans hold their own. They've weathered a difficult past and have become one of the most fascinating, culturally diverse, and breathtaking regions of the world. Made up of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia this region has to be on your wanderlist - even if you don't make it to every country. We already mentioned Croatia above, so might I suggest Montenegro? Unbelievable mountains (iconic hikes!), coastline, history and delicious food and wine! Take me to the Balkans >>
Malta
Best time to go: May - June, September
8,000 years of history, packed into a stunning, sunny archipelago that's typically much less crowded than mainland Europe. You'll find yourself transported back in time while walking the cobbled streets of Valletta - stop by the quaint coffee shops to relax, or wander the many historical landmarks - we promise, there's plenty to explore! Or kick back, dig into some Maltese-Mediterranean food and sip some fine wine produced right on the island. Take me to Malta >>
