Christopher Elliott, an expert at the American newspaper USA Today, spent 365 days in 2023 traveling around the world and then compiled a list of 12 cities that must be visited in 2024.
During that journey, he spent weeks in all the cities on his list. “I shopped at the market, explored the city and made friends with the locals. Sometimes, I also take my college-aged sons along on adventures,” he wrote.
Below is a list of the 12 best destinations to visit in 2024, along with the best times of year.
January: Antarctica
Elliott flew to Ushuaia, Argentina and boarded the Hurtigruten Expeditions MS Fridtjof Nansen for a 10-day journey to Antarctica in late December and arrived on the White Continent just before the new year. It's breathtaking.
Although it may seem a bit risky, you shouldn't miss the ice walk to see the penguins. If you're really brave, try diving into the freezing waters of the polar regions.
MS Fridtjof Nansen near the González Videla Antarctic Base in Antarctica
Christopher Elliott
February: Doha, Qatar
Qatar is one of the most underrated destinations world. However, the late winter weather is almost perfect – warm days, cool nights. Take your time wandering around the world-famous Souq Waqif, a bustling market where you can buy almost anything.
Highlights of a visit include an afternoon at the National Museum of Qatar, which explains the origins of this glittering metropolis, and a journey into the desert to see monoliths by 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 the beginning of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, but even then, the hills are still brilliant green. You will recognize this location if you have ever seen one of the “Lord of the Rings” movies, but there is much more to it than just the impressive cinematic scenery.
View of the Pacific Ocean from Sugarloaf Scenic Reserve in Christchurch, New Zealand
April: Kyoto, Japan
Cherries bloom in mid-March and usually peak in early April. But even if you miss cherry blossom season, you really need to go to this place. Japan's ancient capital has many ancient temples and shrines. This is 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 that serves authentic ramen.
A plate of homemade sushi at Kyoto Sushi Making
May: Hoi An, Vietnam
“Vietnam was the biggest surprise during my 2023 trip. I spent the long weekend in Hoi An, in the central part of the country, and I'm still admiring its natural beauty, with its lush mountains and picturesque beaches. Hoi An is an ancient city with many temples and pagodas and a rich history with many different cultural influences. Make sure you go down to the market and out to the Thu Bon River at sunset, when boats float down the river with colorful lanterns,” the author wrote about the old 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. This 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 a Southern Hemisphere winter. Even if you visit Chile in the summer, it's still possible to see 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 about visiting Seoul is hiking in the Kyungui Line Forest Park, a 3-mile urban park that used to be an old railway line. This place will take you through some of Seoul's famous neighborhoods and you will find countless cafes and restaurants where you can stop and enjoy the view. Such as Canh Phuc Palace and Jogyesa Pagoda...
Changing of the guard ceremony at Canh Phuc Palace in Seoul, South Korea
September: Los Angeles
Early fall is truly the best time to visit L.A. Hotel prices, especially in tourist-heavy areas, tend to slide during peak season. Visitors will fall in love with L.A. in early fall, and if you find yourself near the beach, it's worth checking out Santa Monica's historic pier walking tour, which tells the backstory of this iconic attraction .
Historic Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California
October: Chiang Rai, Thailand
The Golden Triangle region, where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand border, was once famous for its opium trade. Nowadays, it's all about travel. Even though the rainy season is over, it's still not too crowded here, so you'll pretty much have all the temples to yourself and can hike through the rainforest or along the rice fields without Have to avoid crowded tourist buses.
Elephants enjoy dinner at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort near Chiang Rai, Thailand
November: Siem Reap, Cambodia
The experience of watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious structure, is the most wonderful thing. Getting to Siem Reap is now much easier 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 will need at least three days to get a feel for the scale of Angkor Wat…
Angkor Wat temple complex
December: Hobart, Tasmania
There is perhaps no better place to spend your year-end than in Hobart, Australia. This is the peak of the Southern Hemisphere summer and Hobart is one of the most exciting cities in Australia to enjoy the summer. You can watch the Sydney Hobart yacht race from the suburb of Battery Point or catch the ferry to the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) to see one of the strangest art museums in the world. If you can get out of town, visit Cradle Mountain and visit Tasmanian devils at Devils@Cradle Sanctuary.
