It’s that time of year: when we’re bombarded with lists on where to travel in 2024. Of course, we have our own ideas – our annual ranking of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods makes for pretty good travel inspo, if we don’t say so ourselves.
Now Booking.com have just released their annual travel predictions for the new year, based on 27,000 travellers across 33 different countries. They’ve made some predictions about traveller behaviours, such as a rise in ‘cool-cationers’ – people travelling to cooler climes as destinations like the Med continue to heat up. And they’ve also released a rather unique list of trending destinations.
Booking.com’s research predicts Beppu in Japan is going to be the top trending destination for 2024. The city, located on the southern coast of Kyushu Island, is home to the most natural hot springs in Japan, making it a great spa getaway. The Hells of Beppu are some of the city’s most famous, but don't don a facemask and hop in – these are viewing only.
Vlorë, a coastal city in Albania, is the second top trending destination according to Booking.com. It’s perched on a lesser-known stretch of the Adriatic, but offers travellers an ideal blend of beautiful beaches plus a vibrant and historic city. There’s also a glorious abundance of seafood cooked up with Italian flair.
The Mexican city of Mérida is the third destination on Booking.com’s list. Nestled at the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, this city is steeped in Mayan heritage and many restaurants showcase traditional cooking methods and dishes. From here you can even take a day trip to the Chichén Itzá, one of the seven new wonders of the world.
Here are the top trending destinations of 2024, according to booking.com.
- Beppu, Japan
- Vlorë, Albania
- Mérida, Mexico
- Portland, US
- Valkenburg, Netherlands
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Chemnitz, Germany
- Rotorua, New Zealand
- Panglao, Philippines
- Cairns, Australia
Where to travel in 2024
At Time Out, we’ve got our eye on all the best places to travel right now. Check out our recent ranking of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, or head to our up-to-date travel guides page or Travel hub for some inspiration for 2024.
Did you see that Japan has unveiled new anti-overtourism measures?
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