Travel and Leisure recently released their list of 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024. If you don’t have time to peruse the whole list, we’ve compiled our top 6 picks.
Ålborg, Denmark: A Scandinavian Gem with Cultural Riches
Nestled as Denmark’s fourth-largest city, Ålborg is making waves as an unexpected international travel hub. Scandinavian Airlines has recognized its allure, launching flights from Newark Liberty International three times a week between April and October. The old town’s cobbled streets, adorned with half-timbered houses, and the revamped waterfront, home to the newly renovated Pier 5 Hotel, make Ålborg an enchanting destination.
With a rich cultural scene including a modern art museum and the Cold War museum, Regan Vest, Ålborg serves as a gateway to the stunning North Jutland region. Explore the dramatic coastline of Skagen, the windswept dunes of Thy National Park, and UNESCO-designated Viking ring fortresses.
Métis Crossing, Canada: Immersive Indigenous Tourism
Métis Crossing is one of Canada’s most captivating Indigenous tourism projects. Spanning 688 acres, this immersive destination offers a 40-room lodge, cultural center, and campgrounds. Experience Métis culture through land, water, skies, buildings, food, and programs.
Seasonal activities range from traditional crafts to bird-watching, canoeing, and snowshoeing. The newly added Sky Watching Domes provide a luxurious retreat, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Indigenous stories of the night skies, witness the stars, and enjoy the aurora borealis.
Mustang, Nepal: Palatial Luxury in a Once-Forbidden Kingdom
Mustang, Nepal’s Mustang district, a once-forbidden kingdom, is now home to the luxurious Shinta Mani Mustang. This 29-suite hotel, part of the Bensley Collection, opened its doors in August, offering stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Guests can indulge in trekking, wildlife exploration, horseback riding, and visits to local villages. Shinta Mani Mustang stands out for its sustainable and responsible tourism practices, using local building materials and Indigenous construction methods.
Kansas City, USA: Beyond Barbecue and Jazz
Kansas City, known for its barbecue and jazz, is expanding its appeal as a global leader in sports and entertainment. In March, the Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League will unveil the first purpose-built stadium for women’s pro sports.
The city’s development includes the Origen Hotel KC, a boutique property, the Berkley Beer Garden, and the unique Rock Island Bridge entertainment district. This reclaimed rail crossing over the Kansas River promises two levels of entertainment with restaurants, bars, and event spaces, connecting Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas.
Alaska’s Inside Passage, USA: A Cruise Wonderland
Cruising is back, and Alaska’s Inside Passage takes center stage. The Klawock port on Prince of Wales Island, set to welcome large ships in 2024, offers Indigenous culture exhibits, nature trails, and retail outposts. Skagway, a renowned port, enhances its offerings with a 550-foot floating pier. Alaska’s cruise season extends, with Norwegian Cruise Line introducing October sailings in 2023, providing a glimpse of Alaskan life during a quieter season. Consider a shoulder season trip in 2024 to explore this breathtaking region.
Faroe Islands, North Atlantic: A Bridge Between Two Worlds
The Faroe Islands, a remote and starkly beautiful archipelago, became more accessible with Atlantic Airways launching nonstop flights from New York Stewart International. The direct flight not only facilitates easier transport but also creates a bridge between two worlds.
Adventure awaits with activities such as cold-water surfing, traditional knitting, and hiking to Sørvágsvatn, the lake above the ocean. Top-flight dining, exemplified by the restaurant Roks in Tórshavn, makes the Faroe Islands a must-visit destination for 2024.
Image credit: Unsplash
