12 must-visit cities in 2024, Vietnam representative is present

Christopher Elliott, an expert for the American newspaper USA Today, spent 365 days in 2023 traveling around the world and then compiled a list of 12 must-visit cities in 2024.

During that journey, he spent several weeks in each of the cities on his list. “I shopped at markets, explored the city, and made friends with the locals. Sometimes, I also took my college-age sons along on the adventure,” he wrote. Here are the 12 best destinations to visit in 2024, along with the best time of year.

January: Antarctica

Elliott flew to Ushuaia, Argentina, and boarded the Hurtigruten Expeditions MS Fridtjof Nansen for a 10-day cruise to Antarctica in late December, arriving on the White Continent just before the New Year. It was spectacular. While it may seem a little risky, don’t miss the ice walk to see the penguins. If you’re really brave, try plunging into the freezing waters of the polar region.

MS Fridtjof Nansen near González Videla Antarctic Base in Antarctica

Christopher Elliott

February: Doha, Qatar

Qatar is one of the most underrated destinations in the world . However, the late winter weather is near-perfect – warm days, cool nights. Spend time wandering the world-famous Souq Waqif, a bustling market where you can buy just about anything. Highlights include an afternoon at the National Museum of Qatar, which explains the origins of this glittering metropolis, and a trip to the desert to see the monoliths of American sculptor Richard Serra.

Inside the famous market in Doha

March: Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch, on New Zealand's South Island, feels like another planet. March is early autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, but even then the hills are a vibrant green. You'll recognize the place if you've seen one of the Lord of the Rings films, but there's much more to it than just its dramatic cinematic setting.

View of the Pacific Ocean from Sugarloaf Scenic Reserve in Christchurch, New Zealand

April: Kyoto, Japan

Cherry blossoms bloom in mid-March and usually peak in early April. But even if you miss cherry blossom season, you really need to visit. Japan's ancient capital is full of ancient temples and shrines. It's also the place to learn how to make sushi from the artisans at Kyoto Sushi Making or, when you're trying to adjust to a new time zone, find a place serving authentic ramen.

A plate of homemade sushi at Kyoto Sushi Making

May: Hoi An, Vietnam

"Vietnam was the biggest surprise of my 2023 travels . I spent a long weekend in Hoi An in the central part of the country and I am still amazed by the natural beauty of this place, with its lush green mountains and picturesque beaches. Hoi An is an ancient city with many temples and a rich history with many different cultural influences. Make sure you go down to the market and go out to the Thu Bon River at sunset, when boats float down with colorful lanterns," the author wrote about the ancient town.

Peaceful old town on the banks of Hoai River

Bui Van Hai

June: Fukuoka, Japan

If you are looking for something different in Japan, other than Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo, you should visit Fukuoka. It is probably the friendliest city in Japan.

View of Fukuoka, Japan and Hakata Bay from the Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka

July: Santiago, Chile

Chile has some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world, and there’s no better time to visit than in the middle of the Southern Hemisphere winter. Even if you visit Chile in the summer, you can still look out over the snow-capped Andes and think about world-class skiing in the Southern Hemisphere.

View of the Andes Mountains from Santiago, Chile, in late December

August: Seoul, South Korea

The best thing to do in Seoul is to hike the Kyungui Line Forest Park, a 3-mile urban park that used to be a railway line. It takes you through some of Seoul’s most popular neighborhoods and you’ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can stop and take in the sights. Like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jogyesa Temple…

Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea

September: Los Angeles

Early fall is actually the best time to visit LA. Hotel prices, especially in touristy areas, tend to drop during peak season. Visitors will love LA in early fall, and if you find yourself near the beach, consider taking the Santa Monica Pier walking history tour, which tells the backstory of this iconic landmark.

The historic Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California

October: Chiang Rai, Thailand

The Golden Triangle, where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet, was once famous for its opium trade. Today, it’s all about tourism. Although the rainy season is over, it’s still relatively uncrowded, so you’ll have the temples pretty much to yourself and can hike through the rainforest or along the rice paddies without having to dodge busloads of tourists.

Elephants enjoy dinner at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort near Chiang Rai, Thailand

November: Siem Reap, Cambodia

Watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious structure, is a must-see. Getting to Siem Reap is much easier now thanks to the new international airport, and there are plenty of things to do in the city. But this destination is all about the temples. You’ll need at least three days to get a sense of the scale of Angkor Wat…

Angkor Wat temple complex

December: Hobart, Tasmania

There’s probably no better place to spend the end of the year than Hobart, Australia. It’s the peak of the Southern Hemisphere summer, and Hobart is one of the most exciting cities in Australia to spend it in. You can watch the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race from Battery Point, or catch a ferry to the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) for one of the world’s most unusual art museums. If you can get out of town, visit Cradle Mountain and see the Tasmanian devils at the Devils@Cradle Sanctuary.