As the year draws to a close, there’s only one thing on most travellers’ minds – and that’s where to explore in 2024. It’s never too early to begin organising your next trip, and some of us have already started. As prices for self catering holidays continue to sky rocket here in the UK, there’s no better time to book an overseas holiday. There are many places where you’ll get a lot more for your money than at home, so really heading abroad is a no-brainer.
Here are some of the best places to visit in 2024, including a few of our personal favourites to help get you started with your trip planning:
Morocco – for culture and desert
Morocco has long been a popular destination for adventurous travellers from around the world. Yet after the recent earthquake the country saw a dip in tourism, despite the devastation being mainly limited to the remote High Atlas Mountain region. As people begin returning to this welcoming north African country, Morocco is set to once again become one of the world’s most hotly anticipated places for those looking for an experience focused on cultural immersion, warm hospitality and jaw-dropping scenery. Indeed, it’s one of our favourite places to visit in the world, and we’re already well on with planning a trip there in 2024.
So, what does Morocco have to offer? In the Imperial cities of Marrakech and Fes, you’ll find ancient medinas with labyrinthine alleys that lead to romantic riads and bustling souks. You can visit opulent palaces and enjoy fine dining up on the rooftops while listening to the haunting calls to prayer that ring out across the city.
Meanwhile, in the Atlas Mountains you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to hiking and trekking. If you want to explore the Berber villages that cling precariously to the hillsides, this is the way to do it. Rural homestays and guest lodges offer comfortable and homely places to stay. Another highly-visited region is the Sahara, down in the south of the county. Head to Erg Chebbi for camel treks and towering dunes, or make your way to Erg Chigaga for a bit of desert solitude.
Mauritius – for beaches and waterfalls
Despite being a remote island down in the southern Indian Ocean, Mauritius is super easy to reach from the UK, with direct flights available from London. It’s the tropical paradise you’ve always dreamed of, with miles of beaches, swaying palm trees and jungle interiors. The resorts here are some of the finest in the world, with easy access to everything from water sports to massages. While many holidays to Mauritius focus on sand, sea and sun, the island has a lot more to offer beyond the sparkling coastlines.
Head inland to the Chamarel region for your fix of wonderous nature and Instagram-worthy photos. The Seven Coloured Earth showcases geology at its finest, while the eye catching Chamarel Waterfall is perfectly framed by dense rainforest and dramatic cliffs. There’s a rum distillery here too if you fancy a tour and, of course, some tastings. We actually ended up spending most of our time in Mauritius exploring the Chamarel Gorge area, as there’s just so much to see and do.
Kenya – for world-class safaris
Kenya has always been one of the most popular places in the world for safari – after all, this is where the concept was born. Thanks to its spot in the safari limelight, Kenya is constantly upping its game when it comes to what it can offer visitors. Competition between safari lodges is fierce, which is good news for potential customers as accommodation and activity providers are always on the lookout for new ways to look after and impress their guests.
If you’ve never been on safari before, we suggest heading to the Masai Mara National Park. It’s one of the most visited parks in Kenya, and for good reason. Game here is abundant, with excellent sightings and picturesque landscapes to enjoy. Discerning travellers should head to one of the conservancies outside the national park. Lodges and safari experiences here tend to be more expensive, but they’re also more exclusive.
Other options include Samburu National Reserve and Laikipia National Park. The former is one of our favourite places to go for wildlife watching. It’s home to the “Samburu Special Five” – a collection of animals unique to the north. Meanwhile, Laikipia offers a different approach to safaris, with bush walks, fly camping and even camel treks on offer.
Peru – for rainforest adventures
Over in South America, Peru remains one of the continent’s favourite visitor spots. Perhaps because the country offers such a diverse experience, with a staggering range of ecosystems and landscapes to explore. Most famous are the Andes Mountains, which are home to remote and traditional communities, as well as some epic treks like the Inca Trail. In the Sacred Valley you’ll find a wealth of Inca archaeological sites, which can all be reached through the photogenic Andean city of Cusco. Machu Picchu is, of course, the highlight of any visit to this region.
Yet away from the glacial lakes and ancient ruins lies a land that’s wilder and more vibrant than anywhere else in the country. The Amazon rainforest extends across a large part of Peru, with the main jumping off points being Iquitos in the north, and Puerto Maldonado in the south. We highly recommend heading to Tambopata National Reserve, which is accessed via Puerto Maldonado. It feels a million miles from anywhere, and offers an immersive wilderness experience to intrepid explores. You can see sloths, sleep in treehouses and visit a clay lick favoured by macaws. It’s a true jungle experience, and one to remember.
