Top 10 destinations to visit in 2024

It can be tricky to decide where in the world you should travel to with so much choice on offer. Check out these top destinations to inspire your travels for 2024.

1. South Korea

South Korea offers a diverse range of experiences for all kinds of travellers. In Seoul, the vibrant capital, modern skyscrapers coexist with ancient palaces like Gyeongbokgung. For a poignant historical excursion, visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the border between North and South Korea. Busan is a coastal city renowned for the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, seafood markets like Jagalchi Fish Market and the Gamcheon Culture Village, a fantastic spectacle of colourful houses that dot the hillside.

2. Costa Rica

A trip to Costa Rica offers an extraordinary breadth of natural scenery and wildlife. Follow the trails on foot at Cloud Forest Reserve in Monteverde, a nature reserve with remarkable biodiversity. It’s home to over 1,000 different types of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. On a Trapiche tour, learn for yourself why Costa Rica is world renowned for its coffee, and discover other delicious local produce, from sugar cane and cocoa to tropical fruits. With diverse landscapes, from the beautiful coastline of Tamarindo to lush rainforests, this small country is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and is a haven for nature enthusiasts.

3. Spain

There is so much to uncover on a holiday to Spain, from its endless beaches that dot the coastline to the vibrant city of Barcelona. Discover Andalucia, where the Moors left their legacy at the La Mezquita in Córdoba and at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of La Alhambra in Granada. Tenerife, the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’ has a wonderful combination of fantastic beaches, sun and scenery, including Mount Teide - the highest peak in Spain.

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4. China

A country that contrasts centuries of history and ancient traditions with modern metropolitan cities. On a holiday to China, discover the capital of Beijing where you can visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Take an excursion to explore the Great Wall of China, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and an architectural marvel. Get up close with the famous Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, cruise the Yangtze River, China’s largest waterway and visit Shanghai, the city of sky-rises that is the cutting edge of contemporary Chinese culture.

5. Portugal

Portugal is a holiday destination which has it all. The Algarve is famous for its year-round superb climate, fantastic beaches and charming coastal towns. Madeira is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, botanical gardens and of course, its fortified wine! If you’re visiting Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, be sure to take a trip on the iconic yellow tram or ‘remodelados’ to see the city’s top sights like Jerónimos Monastery, Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries.

6. South Africa

From wildlife encounters to wine tasting in Stellenbosch, a holiday to South Africa is a memorable experience. In Cape Town, see the majestic landmark of Table Mountain and take a boat trip out to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. Explore the Cape Peninsula and take the ultimate South African road trip - The Garden Route, both renowned for stunning scenery and range of wildlife. Take a Safari drive in the Kariega Game Reserve and search for the “Big Five”. The Rainbow Nation is a fantastic country to visit.

7. Turkey

A holiday in Turkey is a unique experience, as it’s a country which bridges the gap between east and west. Istanbul is a cosmopolitan city that was shaped by the Romans, Byzantines and the Ottomans, where you can see iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Turkey is a treasure trove of cultural and historical wonders, in Ephesus, an ancient Greek city on the Aegean coast, see the Library of Celsus and uncover the surreal rock formations and underground cities of Cappadocia.

8. India

India is a vibrant country, rich in cultural heritage, architectural wonders and diverse landscapes. For first time visitors, it’s recommended to take the Golden Triangle tour, a popular tourist circuit that takes in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. It’s a perfect tour of India as you get to visit some of the country’s top attractions including Humayun’s Tomb, the Taj Mahal and the Amber Fort. If you’re looking to experience a different side to India and relax on pristine beaches then a visit to Kerala and Goa is a good option.

9. Montenegro

Nestled on the Adriatic coast, Montenegro is a hidden gem that boasts beautiful beaches, medieval towns, interesting history, rugged mountains, and it even has a Fjord! Lord Byron even stated “At the birth of the planet the most beautiful encounter between land and sea must have been on the Montenegrin coast.” Explore the charming streets of Kotor, travel along the incredible Serpentine Mountain Road and take a cruise around Boka Bay. A holiday in Montenegro offers the perfect blend of relaxation and cultural exploration.

10. Italy

Our list would not be complete without mentioning Italy. If you’re looking for relaxation, natural beauty, history, culture and a little bit of ‘La Dolce Vita’, then a holiday in Italy would be a top choice. Savour wine in Tuscany, relax in Lake Garda, see the mighty Mount Etna in Sicily or take a journey back to ancient Roman times with a city tour of Rome. Italy boasts many historical attractions, in fact it has over 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than any other country, such as Pompeii, the city centre of Florence and the canals of Venice. Wherever you go in Italy each place has its own unique story to tell.

Has this inspired your travels for 2024? You may even want to consider leaving your holiday planning to the travel experts. If you’re looking for something a little bit special, check out their brand new range of Unique Small Group Tours all designed for a maximum of 30 people and includes visits to iconic sights along with extra experiences that will really bring your destination to life.

Travel Department have been providing guided holidays for all over the world for over 25 years and counting. With 100s of destinations to choose from, holidays include flights, accommodation, transfers, guided tours and much more.

Visit traveldepartment.com or call us on 01 637 1636 to save up to €200* per booking for the month of January.

Terms & Conditions*

*Offer valid for all new bookings made between 26th Dec 2023 and 9th Feb 2024. Offer is €100pp off holidays of 8 nights or more and River Cruises using the code SAVE100. €60pp off holidays of 7 nights using the code SAVE60 and €30pp off holidays of 6 nights or less using the code SAVE30. Offers are non-transferable, subject to availability, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and has no cash value.