DESTINATION GPS

Where To Go In 2024

A year for new frontiers.

Editor-at-Large Ignacio Maza is always looking for authentic places, emerging destinations, and new ways to experience beloved classic locales. Here are his recommendations on where to venture next.

The Adriatic’s hidden gem is Istria, Croatia’s heart-shaped region in the country’s northwest. Explore charming coastal cities such as Poreč, Novigrad, and Rovinj, Dubrovnik’s northern rival. Dining is a highlight, as Istria is Croatia’s pantry, justly famous for the quality of its wines, orchards, and truffles. The region’s 2,000+ year-old history comes alive at Pula’s Roman amphitheater and the 6^th Century Basilica in Poreč, among many sites. If you can peel yourself away from the clear turquoise waters and beautiful beaches, visit Istria’s countryside, especially Motovun, the historic hilltop town and absolute ‘must’.

Denmark’s wild and rugged northwest is closer than ever, with new air service from Newark to Aalborg. This sparsely populated region is perfect for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and gastronomy. Admire Aalborg’s architectural heritage, from medieval landmarks to masterpieces by Alvar Aalto and Jørn Utzon, of Sydney Opera House fame.  For outdoor enthusiasts, hike Thy National Park, Denmark’s first, or ride the waves off Cold Hawaii, Northern Europe’s surfing mecca. Taste Jutland’s fine dining at Emil, Tri, and Svinkløv restaurants. Don’t miss REGAN Vest, a 1960s secret nuclear bunker and astonishing time capsule.

Morocco’s former capital is the country’s spiritual and cultural heart. Fez’s ancient Medina will remind you of Jerusalem, with narrow alleys, old traveler’s inns, and historic monuments going back over a thousand years. The city’s craftsmen, shopkeepers, and traders keep age-old traditions alive to this day, like the Chaouwara leather tanneries, in business for centuries. Admire masterpieces of Islamic architecture visiting Al-Attarine Madrasa, Nejjarine Museum, and the Kairaouine Mosque, home of one of the world’s oldest universities. A must see: Fes El-Bali, the labyrinthine neighborhood that is the largest car-free urban area in the world.

South Africa’s best kept secret is the Eastern Cape, where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean. Swim in world-class, wide-open beaches, and enjoy superb dining and the best oysters ever in Knysna. The region is the home of the Xhosa people and Nelson Mandela’s birthplace, where you can celebrate 30 years of South African democracy in the region that is home to the Xhosa people, and Nelson Mandela’s birthplace. For a rush of adrenaline, try the Bloukrans Bridge Bungee, the world’s highest. Spot wildlife and rare birds at malaria-free Shamwari Private Game Reserve and Addo Elephant National Park. Dramatic coastal scenery awaits at Tsitsikamma National Park and marine reserve.

This oasis in Saudi Arabia’s northwest was a capital of legendary kingdoms and crossroads of incense traders in ancient times. The star attraction here is Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with countless Nabatean tombs carved into the rocks. Most impressive: Qasr Al-Farid, the lonely fortress. Unique adventures abound, including camel safaris, sandboarding, epic hikes, and great events like music festival Azimuth. Enjoy fine dining by Michelin-star chef Jason Atherton at Maraya Social, atop the world’s largest mirrored building. Your home in the desert is Habitas AlUla resort, with private villas surrounded by sandstone cliffs.

In the heart of the Golden Triangle, where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar, is Chiang Rai, smaller, more authentic, and less developed than better-known Chiang Mai. Thailand’s northernmost region is covered with forests, mountains, and winding rivers. Visit Chiang Rai’s White Temple, a privately-owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple. Visit nearby villages like Mae Kampong, model for responsible community tourism. Go on great hikes and bike adventures. Stay at the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort, the luxurious sanctuary with an onsite elephant camp and many opportunities to interact with Thailand’s gentle giants.

Asia’s rising star, where the past meets the future, continues to reinvent itself. Start at Seoul Sky, Korea’s highest observation deck, atop 123-story high Lotte Tower. Learn about the country’s rich history at Gyeongbokgung Palace and exploring 600-year-old Bukchon Hanok Village. Dive into Korea’s vibrant culinary scene, with harmonized traditional menus at Jingwansa Temple in the outskirts of Seoul, street food at Gwangjang Market, or dining at one over 30 Michelin-starred restaurants. Shop for handicrafts and art in Insadong’s cobblestone streets, and make sure you visit Seoul’s Blue House, the former presidential residence now open to the public.

There is something for everyone in Queensland, Australia’s oversized state (twice the size of Texas), with a thousand different ecosystems. The technicolor underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef is just the beginning. Enjoy the white-sand beaches of Gold Coast and the Whitsundays, check out vibrant Brisbane, experience the Outback, or explore the Daintree Rainforest — older than the Amazon– on a walkabout with an indigenous custodian. Stay in one-of-a-kind luxury lodges set within a vast cattle station in the outback, a treehouse deep in the rainforest, or a secluded island retreat on the Barrier Reef.

New Zealand’s wonderland is closer than ever, with flights from the United States to Christchurch, where heritage buildings meet cutting-edge architecture. Paddle down the Avon River in a traditional waka (canoe) and discover the legacy of the Maori culture. Board the TranzAlpine train enroute to New Zealand’s west coast, then sail across a glacial lake to catch views of Aoraki (Mt. Cook), the country’s highest mountain. Experience next-level hospitality at luxury retreats like Blanket Bay, Azur Lodge, and The Marlborough resort. Pristine natural landscapes, breathtaking vistas, friendly Kiwis, and memorable adventures are waiting for you.

Visit the islands with a fresh outlook. Learn about Hawaii’s culture visiting Oahu’s Waimea Valley or admiring ancient sites along the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail on the Big Island. Discover Hawaii’s rich flora wandering through Kauai’s Allerton Garden, a landscape architecture masterpiece and backdrop to Hollywood films. For adventure seekers, hike Maui’s Sliding Sands Trail at Haleakala Volcano’s summit, or mystical Pipiwai Trail, with bamboo forests and waterfalls. Taste Hawaiian cuisine, from plate lunches and shave ice to Luaus, fine dining, and the freshest seafood ever. Wherever you go, feel the warmth of heartfelt Alohas.

Canada’s boundless north, covering 50% of the country’s territory, remains an undiscovered treasure. A land of evergreen forests, abundant wildlife, limitless tundra, and home for Inuit and First Nations communities with rich cultures going back millennia. Meet resident artists, elders, and guides for a fresh outlook into the far north. Stay at indigenous-owned lodges for an immersive experience. Discover sparsely visited National Parks like Nahanni, home of Dehcho First Nation. From spring to fall, hike the tundra, fish, and spot herds of Caribou and Musk Oxen. Come in winter for the dogsledding, snowshoeing, and the Northern Lights.

Mexico’s sunniest destination beckons with endless adventures between two seas. Experience a marine safari, swimming with whale sharks and snorkeling in one of North America’s best coral reefs. Hike or bike the Sierra de la Laguna in search of hot springs. Kayak to Land’s End at El Arco. Explore the art galleries of San José del Cabo and the picturesque village of Todos Santos. Taste authentic farm-to-table menus at Monte Cardón, and don’t miss dinner with magical views at Sunset Monalisa. Stay at Montage Los Cabos, an idyllic sanctuary facing one of Los Cabos’ premier beaches.

This sacred, majestic land in Chile’s northeast is a region of arid plateaus, salt flats, and otherworldly landscapes in the shadow of the mighty Andes. Marvel at the high-altitude lagoons of Piedras Rojas at 14,000 feet over sea level, and spot flamingos at Laguna Chaxa. Visit ancient Inca fortresses, surf the sand dunes, or hike the Valley of the Moon and mountains streaked with orange and pink. At night, enjoy superb stargazing with the clearest skies in the southern hemisphere. Stay at Explora Lodge, the pioneer luxury resort in this region and perfect base camp for Atacama adventures.

There have never been more & better ways to experience the White Continent – the coldest, driest, highest, windiest on earth. New itineraries and next-generation expedition ships with creature comforts make this the perfect time to visit the ultimate frontier. Antarctica’s stunning scenery and rich wildlife will amaze you, with countless seals, whales, birds, and over ten million penguins. Explore natural wonders by zodiac, helicopter, submarine, kayak, and walks ashore. A great option: skip the Drake Passage crossing by flying direct from South America to Antarctica, then board your expedition ship.