It’s a new year, which means it’s time to start thinking about where you want 2024 to take you. The world is so vast, and with only 365 days in a year to travel, you have to narrow your choices down. Luckily for you, we put together a list of our top 10 vacation destinations to visit in 2024 that you don’t want to miss out on!
Learn more about HomeExchangeOrlando, Florida
Orlando is a popular destination, and for good reason: It’s home to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios. Every year, families from across the globe flock to Florida to visit one or more of its many theme parks, but there’s so much more to Orlando than huggable mascots and zipping roller coasters. If you’d like to take a walk on the wild side, you can visit the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, where you can take a look at exotic animals from around the world and even feed a giraffe. If you want an out-of-this-world experience, stop by the Kennedy Space Center to learn about the history of space exploration and study.
Victoria, Australia
Victoria is a wonderful destination full of natural beauty, ghost tours, and history. There, visitors are spoiled with an abundance of natural parks to explore, such as Alpine National Park and Otway National Park. If the idea of getting to see a kangaroo makes you jump for joy, then you should visit Healesville Sanctuary, where guests have the opportunity to wade with platypus, pet a wombat, receive a kiss from a dingo, and get to see other wildlife native to Australia.
Houston, Texas
Located just near the Gulf of Mexico lies Houston, one of the largest cities in Texas. The city is home to an abundance of popular tourist attractions, restaurants, and museums that you simply cannot miss. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Buffalo Bayou Park, where visitors can lay back and relax away from the hustle and bustle of Houston. If picnics aren’t your thing, then a trip to The Breakfast Klub and an order of grits might be the meal for you. For art nerds or people who want to learn more about the art world, the Museum of Fine Arts is a great place to observe American, Latin American, and European masterpieces.
Discover HomeExchangeHvar, Croatia
Take a trip to Croatia’s scenic island in the Dalmation region. For lovers of beauty and art, Hvar will feel like home with its galleries filled to the brim with masterpieces, chic boutiques, and must-visit cafes. Head to the south coast and spend a day at Dubovica, a cove where tourists can take their time basking in the sun and swimming in deep blue Adriatic waters. Spend some time at Stari Grad, Hvar’s main ferry port, and explore the historical castles and homes that are integral to Croatian history.
Prince Edward Island, Canada
If you’ve been hoping to visit eastern Canada, then you absolutely cannot miss a trip to Prince Edward Island. As one of the country’s maritime provinces, visitors will be treated to sandy beaches, quaint seaside towns, and fresh seafood. Of course, literature fans will want to add this destination to their must-visit list, since this is the location of the Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place, a museum dedicated to the popular classic novels and a tribute to the author, L.M. Montgomery, who was a Prince Edward Island local. History buffs will also want to spend some time in Orwell Corner Historical Village, a village settled in the early 19th century by European immigrants. Step back into history and take a blacksmithing lesson, learn how to make candles, or hop onto a carriage for a ride through the village.
Liverpool, England
During your next trip to the U.K., visit Liverpool, England for a taste of music, culture, and history. Music fans in particular will adore the “Beatlemania” atmosphere and will relish walking through the same streets and visiting the same haunts as Paul, John, Ringo, and George. Tourists should also take the chance to see Liverpool from it’s best view: the waterfront! Hop on a river cruise to take in the beauty of the city. It's no yellow submarine, but it'll show you the best sights in Liverpool.
Plan your 2024 vacationGothenburg, Sweden
Originally built in the 1600s, Gothenburg is Sweden’s largest port city and a cultural hub full of history and art. Tourists with a green thumb should not miss out on an opportunity to visit the Botanical Gardens and view the almost 4,000 species of plants in residence. In fact, this Botanical Garden is home to 1,500 orchids, the largest collection of the flower in Sweden. After a day of observing the beautiful plants at the Botanical Garden, relax and take in the sights of the city from the water by going on a paddan tour through the harbor and canals of Gothenburg.
Naoshima, Japan
Art nerds will find themselves drawn to what is commonly known as “Art Island”: Naoshima, Japan. Visitors should make it a priority to visit one of the island’s many art museums and cultural centers, such as Honmura Art House Project, Lee Ufan Museum, and more. Also spread across the island are works of art that make Naoshima stand out, such as the giant trashcan named “The Other Rebirth” and the well-known large yellow and red pumpkin sculptures.
San Luis Obispo, California
Located on the central coast of California, San Luis Obispo is home to beautiful sunny weather, old missions, and the infamous banana slug. Visitors will love sifting through locally-sourced food and produce at the SLO Farmers Market. After picking up some goodies to eat later, take a stroll through Bubblegum Alley, an alleyway with chewed gum stuck to its walls, the first wad dating back to the 1950s. Is it gross? Yes. Is it iconic? Yes! Just make sure you stick to the center of the alley and remember not to lean on the walls!
Mendoza, Argentina
Thrill seekers and wine drinkers will love taking a trip to Mendoza, Argentina, one of South America’s most popular wine regions. However, while the wineries and vineyards are definitely worth visiting and touring, there are plenty of heart-pumping activities like whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking in the Andes Mountains. Whether you decide to relax with a glass of wine and tour a vineyard, or grab some hiking boots and discover the beauty of the Andes, it's guaranteed to be a trip to remember.
Travel with HomeExchangeWhile it’s true that not all of these locations are often regarded as a tourist hotspot, we wanted to uplift some destinations off the beaten path. If you find yourself planning a trip to any of these top 2024 vacation destinations, don’t forget to book your transportation and finalize your HomeExchange in advance to make sure that your vacation is as close to perfect as possible. Happy travels!
