In terms of travel, we live in unprecedented times. These days virtually anywhere in the world can be a travel destination.
Not just that, there will be reams of advice as to how to achieve your goal available at the touch of a smartphone. But maybe the best part is that you don’t have to be a millionaire to achieve your aims.
Thanks to budget airlines and a more dynamic global infrastructure, you’re not confined to a set way of doing things. This flexibility allows you to keep the costs down or, on the other hand, spend until you’re satisfied you can get from A to B without lifting a finger.
Technology has also enabled us to travel more responsibly. So, with that in mind, the best travel destination could be a train ride from your front door…
But for most of us, the best travel destination will be a subjective concern. We’ve already touched on budget and the environment, but your decision will be further swayed by with whom you’re travelling and your personal tastes.
For example, travelling to Las Vegas with the kids to play roulette isn’t a good idea when you can play casino at home. But a trip to Seaworld in Florida with the fam might be just the ticket.
By the same token, a romantic break for two in Prague might not be the ideal destination for a group of lads on a stag do. Nor would we advise your allotment-loving grandparents a two-week stay in San Antonia on the island of Ibiza.
With that in mind, we’ve tried to select some of the best travel destinations in 2024 for everyone, whatever your circumstances. Beginning with just you.
Iceland
It’s one of the safest places to travel on earth, so this one is suitable for solo travellers across the board. Also, it’s good to know it’s probably going to be cold, so there are no surprises in store!
Having said that, Iceland is all about surprises. The landscape is at once thrilling and sublime, we can guarantee you’ll see views that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
This constantly changing flow of nature and weather is wonderfully unpredictable. The warm hospitality and amazing food, however, is a dead cert.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
In the past couple of decades, Mexico has become ever more popular. This is in part down to its affordability (once you’ve arrived) with vast swathes of natural beauty unspoilt by fellow travellers.
Trouble is, that every time a place gets popular, that part of its appeal is compromised. So, it almost feels irresponsible to mention the Riviera Maya as it’s already getting a little too fashionable for some.
Residing on Mexico’s northern Yucatán Peninsula it’s close enough to Playa del Carmen for some lively nightlife. But it’s also home to crystal clear waters, empty beaches (for now) and, if you want some culture, amazing Mayan sites that’ll take your breath away.
Ko Samui, Koh Lanta, Koh Samui, Koh Tao etc. Thailand
This is a great place to take the kids. Obviously, you’ll need to plan ahead in terms of school holidays/rainy seasons etc. but get this right and it needn’t break the bank.
Keep costs down by not flying there directly and sharing transport to the island(s) from Bangkok, for example. Once you’re on the island, it’s as cheap as chips and you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to properly relax while the kids play on the beach.
It’s not just for families, by the way, Thailand caters for every type of traveller and the food is to die for. But for families, Thailand’s islands take some beating, mainly because it’s not actually trying to appeal to families/kids per se.
Dominican Republic
This is looking to be quite the hot ticket for 2024. White sand beaches, turquoise water, waterfalls, mountains, jungle, amazing people, fantastic food…
And maybe the best thing about is that you could be the first kid on the block to big up this beautiful part of the world for your friends and neighbours. See the Caribbean from a new angle, check out the Dominican Republic.
Italy
Yes, one word and you’ve got everything in one place. There is something in this wonderful European country for everyone: age, budget, taste, it’s got the lot.
You don’t have to hit the famous landmarks to get the best out of Italy either. Do a spot of research and you’ll find treats all over the country.
Finally, if you want to reduce your carbon footprint, Italy is easy to get to by train from virtually anywhere in Europe and it’s more affordable than you probably think. Oh, did we mention the food, drink, art, architecture, history, culture, landscape, beaches, mountains, rivers….
