The 10 Hottest Travel Destinations (2024)

We present to you the top 10 most popular travel destinations for 2024. At least for vaccinated people, there are many travel destinations open again this year.

1. Cook Islands

The small independent state in the Pacific is the best travel destination for “Lonely Planet” this year. Cook Islands, with 15 islands, owes its top position not only to its unique natural beauty and highly hospitable population but also to the fact that the country was committed to sustainable tourism even before the pandemic. In 2017, for example, the dreamlike South Seas paradise created one of the largest protected areas in the world with the Marae Moana marine park. In addition, solar energy is used on many islands.

2. Norway

Norway in second place convinced us with the high quality of life (Norway is one of the happiest countries in the world), the green technology, and the numerous cultural highlights in Oslo.

The kingdom on the Scandinavian Peninsula provides many good reasons for a trip. Reindeer, moose, deer, foxes, lynxes, wolves, black bears, polar bears: they all still live here in the wild. And if you’ve always wanted to marvel at the northern lights, you should travel to the kingdom in the far north because the chance of seeing this natural phenomenon is in no other country as great as in Norway. Especially between late autumn and spring, you can observe the magical lights in the sky. The so-called Northern Lights Belt starts in northern Norway on the Lofoten Islands and goes along the coast to the North Cape.

3. Mauritius

Stunning hotels, miles of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, a breathtaking landscape, and many rare animal species (such as the Aldabra giant tortoise) also brought the island Eldorado in the Indian Ocean into the top rankings. Holidaymakers in Mauritius can not only look forward to breathtaking natural spectacles but also a lot of variety: swimming with dolphins, horseback riding, boat and sailing tours, hikes in the national park, or just relaxing in a deck chair: the island offers something for all guests you need or are looking for – whether for water sports fans, beach holidaymakers, families, gourmets, nature lovers, adventurers or golfers.

4. Belize

Would you like to walk along miles of white sandy beaches, dive into fascinating underwater, and explore Mayan ruins simultaneously? Then you’ve come to the right place in Belice on the Central American east coast. Despite its small area, the small country has very different landscapes. To the south is dense rainforest where streams weave their way among ferns, palms, and tropical hardwoods and are home to the world-famous Mayan pyramids of Caracol. Dream beaches await you on the coast and, with a length of almost 300 kilometers, the second largest barrier reef globally, including the impressive “The Great Blue Hole.” In Placencia and Hopkins, there is still a relaxed beach culture that has been spared the crowds of tourists.

5. Slovenia

So far, Slovenia has probably only been on the travel bucket list of a few globetrotters. It’s a pity because the small country between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea has a lot to offer with its many scenic beauties. For example, Lake Bled is one of the most picturesque lakes in Europe. It invites you to idyllic walks and, with its soothing thermal springs in the northeast, to relaxed bathing. In the middle of the lake, there is a small island with a pilgrimage church, which can be reached by traditional wooden boat. The fairytale castle sits enthroned on a rocky outcrop high above the lake. If you are in Bled, you should make a detour to the magical Vintgar Gorge. Also worth seeing is the calm and relaxed capital Ljubljana with its many bridges, picturesque promenades, and many hip cafes and restaurants. Speaking of food: The Michelin Guide awarded stars to seven restaurants in Slovenia in 2021.

6. Anguilla

Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory in the eastern Caribbean, consists of a small central island and several offshore islands. White, powder-sugar-fine beaches and azure-blue water warm all year round create a paradisiacal flair in which everyday life can be quickly left behind. Notable wildlife sanctuaries include Big Spring Cave, known for its prehistoric rock art, and East End Pond Wildlife Sanctuary.

7. Oman

Fancy an unforgettable journey through 1,001 nights? The Sultanate of Oman on the Arabian Peninsula knows how to inspire with the breathtaking, vast desert landscapes of the Rimal al Wahiba, bizarre mountain landscapes, beautiful underwater worlds, long sandy beaches, and the fascinating capital Muscat with numerous beautiful palaces. One of the most beautiful sights in Oman is the old royal city of Bahla with the impressive fortress of Hisn Tamah, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

8. Nepal

Admittedly, the average highest country on earth, which lies between China and India in the heart of the Himalayas and is home to eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, is not for package tourists. However, nature lovers and trekking fans will find a paradise beyond comparison in the former kingdom with impressive residents who warmly welcome strangers with open arms.

9. Malawi

If you look for untouched Africa, you will find happiness in Malawi’s extremely hospitable. In contrast to Mozambique and Tanzania, the treasures in the “warm heart of Africa” ​​can still be discovered away from the large tourist crowds and with a smaller budget. As in the better known neighboring countries, Malawi offers visitors safaris where they can see elephants, hippos, and zebras in their natural habitat. One of the highlights is the unique ecosystem of Lake Malawi National Park, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. The glittering “Sea of ​​Stars” is like a vast, colorful aquarium. Finally, golden sandy beaches with Caribbean flairs, such as the deserted Mumbo Island or the island enclaves of Chizumulu and Likoma, invite you to a relaxing holiday.

10. Egypt

Finally, Egypt also made it into the top 10 of our hotlist for 2024 – mainly because of the Pyramids of Giza, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and the only one that still exists. The Great Pyramid of Cheops is the largest stone structure on earth: its stones could cover three-quarters of the equator. The capital Cairo, which is home to some of the most fascinating Islamic buildings in the world – particularly the Muhammad Ali and Al Azhar Mosques – is also definitely worth a visit. On a Nile cruise on a small ship, you can process the experiences in all the historical jewels and collect many new unforgettable impressions.