The Top 15 Trending Holiday Destinations for 2024 - [TravelRepublic Blog ] (2024)

It’s that time of year again: time to start thinking about your 2024 holidays. Whether you prefer to stick closer to home or you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime. How we holiday changes every year, and so do the trending destinations. You’ve seen them on social media, in travel magazines, and in the movies. Now experience them in real life.

We’ve got super holidays at super prices for avid city breakers, outdoor adventurers, and sun, sand, and sea seekers. You’re going to kick 2024’s butt with these up-and-coming destinations for the new year. Boldly go where no Brit has gone before…

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Trending destinations in Europe
Trending destinations in the Middle East and Africa
Trending destinations in the Indian Ocean and Asia
Trending destinations in the US and Caribbean

Trending holiday destinations in Europe

Forget Spain, Turkey, and Greece. They’re so last year. Just a short plane ride away are some of the most beautiful destinations that are on the rise for 2024 holidays. Sandy beaches, sunny days, and winding streets make for the perfect European getaway. One that will make your friends green with envy.

Albania

Albania is a hidden gem along the Balkan peninsula, just three hours away, and has been quietly overlooked for decades. But now it’s making a comeback with city breaks, active escapes, and beach getaways at affordable prices.

Discover shimmering waters and long, white beaches that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean. Kick back on the sands as the waves lap at your feet or get that adrenaline pumping with watersports galore. Cement yourself with co*cktails straight to your sunlounger or explore quaint coastal towns. Ksamil bears all when it comes to beaches, and you get it all to yourself. It’s no wonder it’s known as the Maldives of Europe.

Back inland, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Conquer the soaring Albanian Alps and take a fairytale journey through Valbona and Theth valleys. Explore UNESCO-listed towns and enchanting bazaars. And excite your senses with a city break to Tirana, where even the cost-of-living crisis can’t stop you from booking boutique.

🛌 Where to stay: Meliá Durres Albania
⭐ Don’t miss: The Blue Eye Nature Reserve
📅 Best time to visit: May-June and September-October
✈️ Average flight time: Three hours
💸 Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL)
📖 Fun fact: Albania is the planet’s single largest producer of hydroelectricity, as well as being home to Europe’s largest oil reserves.
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Montenegro

Another Balkan beauty on the rise is Albania’s neighbour, Montenegro. This country showcases some of Mother Nature’s best work, with deep canyons, towering mountains, and soft, sandy beaches calling your name.

Jump back in time through the cobbled streets of Kotor and Venetian houses of Budva. Pull up a chair in a cosy al fresco café for some people watching or snap your new profile picture in the piazzas. Explore ancient cathedrals and interesting museums that bare all about Montenegro’s maritime past.

Once you’ve soaked up all the culture you can, it’s time to get out and about. Hike from Tivat to Gornja Lastva, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and a dainty church. Or get your adrenaline pumping at the beaches. All the watersports you could possibly ask for are on offer, from kitesurfing to paragliding to waterskiing. Or just chill out and practice your pebble skimming.

🛌 Where to stay: Regent Porto Montenegro
⭐ Don’t miss: Lipa Cave
📅 Best time to visit: May-June and September-October
✈️ Average flight time: Three hours
💸 Currency: Euro (EUR)
📖 Fun fact: Montenegrins are some of the tallest people in the world with an average male height of 6’ (183.3 cm) and an average female height of 5′ 7″ (170 cm). In the UK, the average is 5’ 9” (175.3cm) for men and 5’ 3” (161.6cm) for women.
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Azores (Portugal)

When you think of holidays to Portugal, you’re probably imagining the Algarve and Lisbon. But Azores is successfully jumping on the holiday scene. And when the sun is shining, bringing toasty temperatures all year round, how can you say no to this island escape?

Azores is often hailed Hawaii of Europe thanks to its vibrant green scenery, volcanic wonders, and stunning waterfalls. It’s a nature-lover’s dream. And it’s always ready for a photo op. Strap on your walking boots and explore hiking trails surrounded by over 800 species of plants, climb dramatic mountains, and wander through cosy villages under the sun.

When you’re all hiked out and your camera roll is full of beautiful photos, it’s beach time. There are plenty of sandy stretches to choose from. Discover volcanic black sand beaches like no other in São Miguel. Or stick to the classically Portuguese gold and white stretches of Praia da Vitória and Praia Formosa Beach.

⭐ Don’t miss: Gorreana Tea Factory
📅 Best time to visit: May-October
✈️ Average flight time: Four hours
💸 Currency: Euro (EUR)
📖 Fun fact: When measured from their base at the bottom of the ocean to their peaks, Azores is home to some of the tallest mountains on the planet.
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Milos (Greece)

There’s plenty of choice out there when it comes to Greek island escapes, from Santorini and Corfu to Mykonos and Zante. But now there’s a new kid on the block. Say hello to Milos. Where volcanic rocks paint the beaches red, pink and orange. Photos don’t do this island justice – it has to be seen to be believed.

Adventure awaits in Milos, with Christian catacombs, Venetian castles, and stories of pirates highlighting its varied history. Embark up the hills to Plaka to discover all of the island’s best features with cosy tavernas filling out into the streets and incredible sunset views.

And with over 70 beaches to choose from, you’ll never be short on sands to stretch out on. White sand beaches hide away between tamarisk trees. Ferries journey out to the secluded Kimolos and Polyego islets. And crystal-clear waters hide snorkellers’ paradise among deep-set caves and rocky sea floors.

⭐ Don’t miss: Plaka Castle at sunset
📅 Best time to visit: June-September
✈️ Average flight time: Three hours and 30 minutes
💸 Currency: Euro (EUR)
📖 Fun fact: Some of the most formidable pirates of the Middle Ages had their hideouts in Milos, especially near the caves in Kleftiko.
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Trending holiday destinations in Middle East & Africa

Sunny days, sandy beaches, colourful souqs, and wildlife galore await. Jet off on a long-haul adventure this year and be the first to say “I went there before it was cool” when your friends finally add these places to their travel bucketlists. Escape the everyday with a change of scenery somewhere you never thought you’d end up.

Ras Al Khaimah

Blend luxury resorts with traditional heritage and adrenaline-fuelled adventures in the United Arab Emirates’ northernmost emirate. Move over Dubai, because Ras Al Khaimah is on the up and up. Almost as high as the Jebel Jais mountain.

With over 60km of coastline and year-round sunshine, there’s plenty of time to lounge about and top up that tan. Families love Flamingo Beach and if you’re after a hideaway, Saraya Island Beach is the place to be. But the sands don’t stop at the beach, take a thrilling ride through the desert with camel rides and sand surfing.

Travelling back in time and immersing yourself in Ras Al Khaimah’s past is a must too. Archaeology fans make a beeline for the small village of Shimal, where you can explore Husn al-Shimal Fort and pre-Islamic tombs from the Wadi Suq period. Meanwhile, Al Jazirah Al Hamra is frozen in time, abandoned, and almost perfectly preserved. Discover a fortress, mosques, a market and ornate houses.

🛌 Where to stay: Rixos Bab Al Bahr
⭐ Don’t miss: Desert dune safaris
📅 Best time to visit: November-April
✈️ Average flight time: Seven hours
💸 Currency: Dirham (AED)
📖 Fun fact: Ras Al Khaimah is the only emirate where the Al Wahabiyyah dance is still performed, usually on special occasions, feast days and at wedding parties. The dance is one of the oldest forms of art practised in the UAE.
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Zanzibar

Adventure is out there in Zanzibar. With over 40 islands to hop between and a whole menu of landscapes to discover, you can spend your days exploring or stretching out on the sands. The choice is yours.

The entire capital of Zanzibar, Stone Town, has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And it’s easy to see why. African, Arabian, Indian and European influences are blended together all over the city, filling it with catholic cathedrals, colonial-style houses, authentic Hamamni Persian baths and more. 2,000 years of history, packed into one place.

But it wouldn’t be an island escape without a beautiful stretch of sand. The beaches here could have been plucked straight from the Caribbean, with vanilla-white sands and shimmering turquoise waters. The calm waters off the beach at Nungwi are the perfect place to release rescued baby sea turtles.

🛌 Where to stay: Riu Palace Zanzibar
⭐ Don’t miss: Jozani Forest
📅 Best time to visit: December-February and June-September
✈️ Average flight time: Nine hours and 45 minutes
💸 Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
📖 Fun fact: The shortest war in history was waged in Zanzibar between the United Kingdom and the Zanzibar Sultanate. It lasted between 38 and 45 minutes before a ceasefire was called.
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Saudi Arabia

We all know Saudi Arabia, but have you ever thought about jetting off here for some fun in the sun? Saudi is all the rage for 2024 – it’s a destination that has to be seen to be believed. And when 95% of the country is made up of desert and semidesert, you know there are lots of adventures to be had.

Saudi Arabia is working on its own shining star: Kingdom Jeddah Tower. Soon to be the tallest building in the world. It’s been in the works since 2013, but this feat of engineering is set to be 1km tall once completed. That’s almost 200m taller than the Burj Khalifa.

But the traditional side of Saudi should never be missed. It has an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from one of the largest rock art complexes in the world, Hima Cultural Area, to the first Saudi dynasty in At Turaif. Discover impressive castles, beautiful landscapes, and real-life caves of wonders.

🛌 Where to stay: Movenpick Hotel City Star Jeddah
⭐ Don’t miss: The Great Mosque of Mecca
📅 Best time to visit: November-February
✈️ Average flight time: Six hours
💸 Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)
📖 Fun fact: Two-thirds of Saudia Arabia’s population is under 35. The mean age of the population is 30.
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Qatar

From winding souqs and sweeping sand dunes to glittering skyscrapers and thrilling water parks, Qatar is a holiday destination you’ll never forget. So whether you’re after a chilled-out beach escape, an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, or a busy city break, this tiny country has you covered.

Forget London, New York, and Dubai. Doha’s the new kid on the block when it comes to iconic skylines. Twisting and turning skyscrapers dominate the city’s backdrop, and it’s growing by the day. After all, it did host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. And there’s more sports where that came from. Basketball, Formula One, tennis, golf. More and more sports venues are popping up all the time.

But there are plenty of ways to enjoy your holiday outside the capital. Spend the day dune bashing and sand surfing through the deserts. Beat the heat at Aqua Park Qatar. Get stuck into some family-friendly fun at Katara Cultural Village. Step back in time to the traditional Qatar, exploring museums, Al Jassasiya quarry,and Al Zubarah Fort.

🛌 Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel Doha
⭐ Don’t miss: Pearl-Qatar
📅 Best time to visit: December-February
✈️ Average flight time: Seven hours
💸 Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR)
📖 Fun fact: Khor Al Adaid is one of the only places in the world where the sea meets desert.
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Trending holiday destinations in Indian Ocean and Asia

Island escapes and serene beaches come as standard in the Indian Ocean and Asia. But so do bustling cities and jungles for miles. From the Maldives to Thailand to Seychelles to Bali, it takes top spot for long-haul holidays. But there are A LOT more places to explore that are cementing themselves on the holiday map for 2024.

Mauritius

Palm-lined sandy stretches lapped up by glistening turquoise waters as far as the eye can see. If it’s relaxation you’re after, you’ve found it in Mauritius. This hidden island paradise is super easy to get to (and easy on the eye).

Discover hidden beaches, family-friendly fun, and plenty of snorkelling opportunities along the coast. Flic en Flac beach is perfect for a picnic and letting the little ones run wild. Le Morne offers up incredible sunsets. ButBelle Mare Beach is the place to be. One of the most magical beaches on the island, backed by street vendors, and loved by all.

But it’s not just for people who preferto spend their holidays horizontally. Mauritius is home to all kinds of unique and endangered animals, including Mauritius Kestrel, Ornate Day Gecko, Rodrigues Flying Fox, and the world’s only remaining wild giant tortoise species, the Aldabra Giant Tortoise. Explore the lush greenery with your camera for the nature walk of a lifetime.

🛌 Where to stay: LUX* Belle Mare
⭐ Don’t miss: The underwater waterfall
📅 Best time to visit: April-June and September-December
✈️ Average flight time: 12 hours
💸 Currency: Mauritian Rupee (MUR)
📖 Fun fact: Mauritius was the only known habitat of the dodo, which is now the country’s national bird and represented in the official Coat of Arms.
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Sri Lanka

More than 2,000 years of history, 26 national parks, and 300km of unspoilt sandsare all packed into an island nearly four times smaller than the UK. Sri Lanka has holidays for all. So strap on your walking boots and get your factor 50 ready, because Sri Lankan holidays are on the rise this winter.

From majestic temples and golden statues and crumbling fortresses and tea plantations, there’s a whole world of cultural beauties on this tiny island. Explore the Gangaramaya Temple museum in Colombo, which is jam-packed with eclectic artefacts from throughout history. Or wander the streets of Galle, a seaside UNESCO site showcasing its colonial past from Portuguese, British and Dutch life.

But if you’re not spending a few days discovering the world-famous national parks, you’re missing out. Yala National Park in the southeast tops the list for leopards and sloth bears, while the scrub jungle of Udawalawe is THE place to be for elephant sightings.

🛌 Where to stay: Club Hotel Dolphin
⭐ Don’t miss: Dambulla Cave Temple
📅 Best time to visit: December-April
✈️ Average flight time: 10 hours and 30 minutes
💸 Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
📖 Fun fact: Sri Lanka may once have been connected to India. Some Hindus believe the split was made millions of years ago by Lord Ram and an army of monkeys. Scientists believe it was a natural formation of sand and stone.
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Singapore

Singapore is one of South-East Asia’s glistening jewels. And not just because it’s one of the cleanest countries in the world. It’s super stylish and modern with green spaces galore. From man-made supertrees to vanilla-white sands, Singapore doesn’t do anything by halves.

If you’ve got your kids in tow, this is the exotic adventure you need. Explore the world’s first night zoo, with safaris through lions, dinosaurs and all kinds of nocturnal fun. Or immerse yourself in the world of film at Universal Studios Singapore. Be transported by adrenaline-pumping rides, interactive shows and a wide variety of exciting attractions.

Singapore also has a fantastic food scene. 52 Michelin-starred restaurants await. Two of these, Les Amis and Odette,have been awarded THREE Michelin stars. But you don’t have to splash the cash to enjoy this high-quality food. Hawker Chan serves up stars at an affordable price, including the cheapest Michelin-starred meal, Cantonese soya sauce chicken rice, coming in at two SGD.

🛌 Where to stay: Fairmont Singapore Hotel
⭐ Don’t miss: Gardens by the Bay
📅 Best time to visit: February-April
✈️ Average flight time: 13 hours
💸 Currency: Singapore Dollars (SGD)
📖 Fun fact: Collectively, Singaporeans are the fastest pedestrians in the world, walking at a speed of about 6.15 kilometres per hour.
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Japan

From the dazzling city lights of Tokyo to the historic streets of Kyoto, Japan is a holiday destination you shouldn’t underestimate. And thanks to icy Siberian winds, it makes for the most beautiful winter holiday you could imagine, when ski resorts and winter markets come to life.

Over two-thirds of the country is covered in forest, mountains and national parks so it’s the dream if you’ve packed your walking boots.Scale the towering Mount Fiji. Turn your preconceptions on their head at tropical beaches with snorkelling galore. Trek up to the Hiro-jinja Shrine for the tallest waterfall in Japan. And then treat yourself to a relaxing onsen (hot spring bath) to cure those aching legs.

Super-modern skyscrapers and high-tech industries or Shinto shrines and feudal castles? That is the question. The contrasts in Japan couldn’t be clearer. On one hand, you’ve got the traditional culture you imagine: the Gion geisha district, traditional tea houses, iconic temples. But come to Tokyo and you’ll find yourself transported to the future with innovative products and museums to match.

🛌 Where to stay: Park Hotel Tokyo
⭐ Don’t miss: Tokyo DisneySea
📅 Best time to visit: March-May and September-November
✈️ Average flight time: 13 hours and 30 minutes
💸 Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
📖 Fun fact: Some homes in Japan come with deliberately squeaky floors known as Nightingale Floors as a defence measure against Ninjas.
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Vietnam

Vietnam might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re booking your 2024 holiday. But it’s moving up on people’s bucketlists. You can still enjoyyour classic beach escape in the south, especially Phu Quoc Island, and a chaotic city break in Ho Chi Minh City.

The country’s natural beauty is a sight to behold. Trek through jungle landscapes and explore hidden caves or float along the river on a private canoe. Adrenaline junkies can abseil down waterfalls, whizz down Da Lat on the mountain rollercoaster circuit, and try their hand at a new watersport.

Discover a whole world of historic gems in some of Vietnam’s most interesting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Cities dotted with ornate old quarters and decadent architecture, breathtaking caverns, and riverside villages are just the beginning. Don’t miss a journey through Hanoi, where the body of Ho Chi Minh is on display, French colonial architecture and Buddhist temples line the streets, and the coffee shops are interesting, to say the least.

🛌 Where to stay: Saigon Prince Hotel
⭐ Don’t miss: Ban Gioc Waterfalls
📅 Best time to visit: November to April
✈️ Average flight time: 11 hours
💸 Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
📖 Fun fact: Vietnam is the cheapest place in the world to get a pint. You can get a Bia Hoi in Hanoi for 5,000VND, which works out as around 15-20p. You might even snag a two-for-one deal at happy hour.
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Trending holiday destinations in USA and Caribbean

The Caribbean will always be a top choice for holidays. St Lucia, Antigua, Jamaica, the list goes on. And American hotspots like New York, Florida, and Las Vegas top wishliststoo. But there are still some hidden gems out there that people are loving for next year.

Tulum

Follow the coast south from Cancún and you’ll find Mexico’s hidden gem, Tulum. Despite lacking UNESCO status, it’s full of well-preserved Mayan ruins and beautiful landscapes. But it’s still got that modern vibe, with luxury all inclusive resorts lining the white-sand beaches.

Travel back in time for some scenic sightseeing. Tulum is one of the best spots in the country for Mayan ruins, some of which are considered the most important in Mexico. The Mayan Ruins of Coba span across two lagoons, inviting visitors to climb the biggest pyramid if they’re brave enough. But it’s the iconic Playa Ruinas that fills camera rolls with its clifftop castillo and sweeping vistas.

Make the most of the year-round tropical temperatures and explore Mother Nature’s gift to Tulum. You’re in the closest city to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, filled with monkeys, crocodiles, tapirs, giant land crabs, marine life, and more. Or cool down at the Grand Cenote, one of the best spots for snorkelling along this stretch of coast. But we wouldn’t blame you for just parking up a sunbed on the sands.

🛌 Where to stay: Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa
⭐ Don’t miss: The Temple of Doom
📅 Best time to visit: December-April
✈️ Average flight time: 10 hours
💸 Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
📖 Fun fact: Tulum is one of the few Mayan cities that were still inhabited when the Spaniards invaded Mexico, but the inhabitants were wiped out by the diseases they brought.
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Austin

Everything’s bigger in Texas, from the cowboy hats to the barbecues. And adventures through Austin are no different. When a city’s motto is “keep Austin weird”, you know you’re in for a good time.

As soon as you set foot in the airport, you’ll notice local brands take centre stage in Austin. Shop for quirky clothes, sip signature margaritas, and take a ghost tour through haunted buildings.Austin prides itself on being a little different. You won’t find a single place like it in the whole of America, which is why aspiring cowboys and holidaymakers just like you are starting to flock to this Texan star.

But it’s not all bustling cities and wild westranches. Explore the great outdoors, with jaw-dropping canyons, dramatic mountains, and beautiful beaches waiting for you. Cool down with some wild swimming in springs and waterfalls, or kayak and cycle around Ladybird Lake.

⭐ Don’t miss: Texas State Capitol
📅 Best time to visit: March-May and September-November
✈️ Average flight time: 10 hours and 30 minutes
💸 Currency: US Dollars (USD)
📖 Fun fact: Austin didn’t have a professional sports team until 2021.
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