Think 'outside the box' for your next holiday destination. The post Best Holiday Destinations 2024 appeared first on Freedom Destinations.
Wondering where to go on holiday in 2024? Struggling to choose between city lights, an island escape or a safari adventure?
To help you decide, here are our top 10 destinations for 2024, including unmissable highlights and lesser-known unique experiences. From the beaches of Queensland to the wildlife-rich plains of Chobe National Park, theres a perfect holiday for all.
Top Destinations for 2024
Queensland Australia Our Top Holiday Destination 2024 Nova Scotia, Canada Natural Wonders Borneo One-of-a-Kind Wildlife Garden Route, South Africa Scenic Self Drive Fiji Beach Holidays in 2024 Yellowstone, USA National Park Splendour Botswana, Africa The Best Safari in Africa? Puerto Rico Beyond the Beach New Zealand An Adventure for All Cambodia Cultural Experience1. Queensland, Australia Our Top Holiday Destination
Whether you enjoy the hustle of busy cities, relaxing on picturesque islands or trekking through rainforests, you can find it all in Queensland, Australias Sunshine State.
The capital, Brisbane, exudes trendy, 21st Century city vibes, with an ever-expanding choice of rooftop bars to test out after perusing the Gallery of Modern Art or strolling the South Bank Parklands. Likewise, the citys hotels are upping their game, with several new openings in 2023, including the classy, 5-star Crystalbrook Vincent, centrally located by the iconic Story Bridge, surrounded by top restaurants with river views.
A short ferry ride from Brisbane gets you to Moreton Island, visited by bottlenose and Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphins each evening. Further north lies the UNESCO-listed Kgari (formerly Fraser Island), where tropical rainforest grows on sand and there are towering dunes and freshwater lakes to explore. Kgari day tours depart from Hervey Bay on the mainland, though to truly experience the magic of the island an overnight stay is recommended, at such as Kingfisher Bay Resort.
Continuing north, at Airlie Beach, sailing tours to The Whitsundays depart. At the southern edge of the Great Barrier Reef, these 74 tropical islands are known for their soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, with Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, easily one of Australias finest.
For a unique underwater experience, book a night in a Reefsuite, to wake up to brightly coloured fish swimming past your window (though be quick, availability is limited).
In tropical North Queensland, the welcoming city of Cairns offers another gateway to Great Barrier Reef, as well as to the UNESCO-listed Daintree Rainforest and wonderous Atherton Tablelands.
If you are still undecided on where to go in 2024, Queensland will not disappoint.
2. Nova Scotia, Canada Natural Wonders
With the recent announcement of new direct routes scheduled for Halifax in 2024, Nova Scotia is garnering a lot of attention.
The popularity of Air Canadas direct flight from London Heathrow to Halifax, the provincial capital, has caught the eye of WestJet, who are set to launch their own routes from Gatwick in April and Edinburgh in June.
Nova Scotia is, after all, simply stunning. One of the three provinces that make up the Canadian Maritimes, it boasts over 13,000 km of spectacular coastline, with craggy cliffs that give way to secluded bays, sheltering traditional fishing villages.
In the north of the province is Cape Breton Island, best known for the Cabot Trail, a 298 km circular scenic drive that offers breathtaking views along the coast and out over the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Western Nova Scotia is separated from neighbouring New Brunswick by the Bay of Fundy, where the scenery changes before your eyes as 15 metre high tides rush in and out. This natural phenomenon carries nutrients out to sea, stimulating plankton growth, that in turn attracts minke, humpback and the endangered North Atlantic right whales.
Take your chance to visit Nova Scotia in 2024 before everybody else!
3. Borneo One-of-a-Kind Wildlife
The worlds third largest island, Borneo is a paradise for wildlife lovers. Of the 220 species of mammal that live in its ancient rainforests and coastal mangroves, 44 can be found nowhere else in the world.
To holiday in Borneo is to immerse yourself in nature. In Sepilok you can see orangutans and sun-bears, and on Selligan Island, turtles waddling ashore to nest. Join a river cruise from Sukau Rainforest Lodge for an excellent chance to spot hornbills and probiscis monkeys, or head to Danum Valley where, with a little patience, you might just witness a heard of pygmy elephants emerge from the jungle; an unforgettable experience.
Whilst the unique wildlife will always be Borneos main allure, the island also offers an expanding range of luxury resorts to rival those found in Thailand and other South East Asian destinations.
The stylish Shangri-la Rasa Ria has its own 3 km long beach and 64 acre forest reserve. 15 minutes in a speedboat from Kota Kinabalu, the stilted villas at Gaya Island Resort offer beautiful sunset views, backdropped by the mountains on the mainland.
Why not combine Borneos highlights and Gaya Island for the ultimate 2024 holiday?
4. Garden Route, South Africa Scenic Self Drive
Whilst the 200 km between Mossel Bay and Storms River marks the official Garden Route, most visitors to this stunning stretch of South African coast will start in Cape Town and continue to Port Elizabeth, covering 750 km in all.
Its a journey through rugged mountains, rolling vineyards and luscious forests, even before you drop down to the oceans edge.
Passing through the charming towns of Montagu and Calitzdor (famous for its port wine) youll reach Outdshoorn in the Little Karoo, famous for its ostrich farms and the nearby Cango Caves, an underground world of hidden chambers and huge limestone halls, lived in by Khoekhoe and San people for thousands of years.
At least a two night stay is recommended in Kynsna, where you can enjoy a boat cruise across the beautiful saltwater lagoon to Featherbed Nature Reserve, or visit Knysna Elephant Park.
Between May and February, a colony of fur seals resides on the rocky headland near Plattenberg Bay, the town itself boasting a 15 km beach, overlooked by boutique hotels, including The Old Rectory and Milkwood Manor.
In Tsitsikamma National Park, if you dare to step out on to the well-photographed Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge, youll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of forest-clad cliffs rising up from the sea.
The Garden Route offers a wonderful diversity of scenery without particularly lengthy drives. Combine Cape Town, the Garden and an Eastern Cape safari for a complete South African holiday in 2024.
5. Fiji Beach Holidays in 2024
Close you eyes and picture paradise in your mind, and it probably wont look too different to Fiji.
An archipelago in the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji is made up of over 300 islands, each with a luscious green centre, surrounded by white sand beaches, lapped by crystal clear, tropical waters.
From luxurious resorts like the adults-only, 5-star Tokorikiin the stunning Mamanucas Islands, to the rustic beachfront villas found on Castaway Island there is range of accommodation to suit all tastes. Wake up early for sunrise yoga, go snorkelling after breakfast, then enjoy a beachside massage as the sunsets over the sea.
To explore some of the archipelagos more remote and uninhabited islets, you can join a small ship Fijian cruise, such as Captain Cook Cruises, that recently launched three and four day expeditions on the stylish MS Caledonian Sky. Setting sailing from Vita Levu, youll visit the Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands, stopping at a traditional Fijian village for a lovo feast and kava ceremony, in between plenty of beach time.
Can there be a better destination for a 2024 beach holiday than Fiji?
6. Yellowstone, America National Park Splendour
Americas oldest and one of its most Magnificent National Parks, Yellowstone, has been brought back into the limelight thanks to the recent hit TV drama (available in the UK on Channel 5).
The park is vast with diverse landscapes and offers unparalleled opportunities across the 2.2 million acres. There are a variety of hiking trails and scenic driving routes, with a selection of accommodation to choose from, including log cabins, canvas tents and luxury hotels.
A great place to start your adventure is Upper Geyser basin, home to the incredible Old Faithful geyser. Watch as waters arc high into the air every 90 minutes. Then explore the surrounding areas on the walking trails to find colourful hot springs and mud pools, surrounded by pristine backdrops that take your breath away.
Yellowstone is home to one of the largest high-elevation lakes in North America, where you can go fishing or boating 2,356 metres above sea-level. Just over an hours drive to the north, are the wildlife havens, Hayden and Lamar Valley, home to elk, moose, wolves, black bears and a variety of bird life.
For nature lovers and adventure seekers, Americas National Parks make the perfect fly drive holiday for 2024.
7. Botswana The Best Safari in Africa?
Botswana; a captivating jewel in Southern Africa renowned for its pristine wilderness and unparalleled safari experiences.
To experience a magnificent oasis teeming with wildlife, including the Big 5, a visit to the UNESCO-listed Okavango Delta which comprises a dry peninsula into the wetlands, is a must. The diverse landscapes offer a unique safari experience by Makoro, a traditional dugout canoe that gives travellers a different perspective of the African bush. Glide past elephants as they play in water, watch crocodiles dart from the shores and pay attention to the moving rocks, or is it the back of a hippo?
Located in the far North East, Chobe National Park is a mosaic of grass and woodland, famous for its large elephant herds. Here you can expect thrilling game drives and boat safaris along the Chobe River, spotting a variety of wildlife, including lions, hippo, giraffe, zebra and so much more.
Botswana safari lodges offer a variety of accommodation and safari styles. At the luxurious Chobe Game Lodge, located within the National Park itself, you can watch the wildlife parade across the river, islands and floodplains on a 250m elevated boardwalk and enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in a open sided, 4WD. Other options include tented camps, such as Gunns Camp, where you can enjoy walking and Mokoro safaris and private views overlooking Chiefs Island.
Beyond the wildlife, Botswana captivates with its diverse landscapes. The expanses of the Kalahari Desert are home to ancient tribes like the San people, offering you a chance to connect to the rich cultural heritage of the country and learn traditions of the locals.
Holidays to Botswanadeliver an authentic safari adventure that leaves indelible memories of nature and the raw beauty of Africa.
8. New Zealand An Adventure for All
New Zealand; a land of incredible diversity, jaw dropping landscapes and fascinating culture.
Whilst most travel magazines focus on the majestic mountains and fjords of the South Island, well start our journey amongst the amazing coastlines, geothermal wonders and rolling green hills of the North Island.
After exploring Auckland, New Zealands largest city, head north to the picturesque Bay of Islands. Here you can spot dolphins from the shore or on a catamaran cruise, then relax on the long sandy beaches of Urupukapuka Island. Travel back past the city, and youll reach the geothermal landscapes of Rotorua, where geysers erupt, and magical encounters occur at the nearby Waitomo Glowworm caves.
Crossing the Cook Strait to the South Island is an experience in its own right as you cruise past incredible scenery of Charlotte Sound on the Interislander Ferry. Do give yourself time to explore the top of the South Island before heading to the Southern Alps and Fiordland National Park. Kaikoura, on the east coast, is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching, and the lesser-visited Abel Tasman National Park is home to fur seals and little blue penguins.
Continuing south, stop at the Franz Josef Glacier for a unique hiking experience and Hokitika Gorge for incredible views across the turquoise river, before letting the serene waters of Milford Sound take your breath away.
Whether you visit the North Island, South Island or both, a 2024 holiday to New Zealand will be one youll never forget.
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Holidays for 2024 by Freedom Destinations.
9. Puerto Rico Beyond the Beach
A Caribbean holiday in 2024, what more can you ask for? Puerto Rico is a tropical haven with a rich history, vibrant culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. A tropical gem, where you can do as much or as little as you want.
The powdery white sands and brilliant blue ocean will have you questioning which beautiful beach to lay on from one day to the next. Whether you choose the popular family-friendly Luquillo Beach, located on the northeast coast or take a day trip to the Isla De Culebra for a slice of paradise at Flamenco Beach, there is a perfect location for everyone.
Venturing beyond the beach, youll discover the colonial charm of Old San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here youll find colourful buildings and cobblestone streets, and can learn about life on the island under Spanish rule at the Castillo San Felipe del Morro historic fort.
For nature enthusiasts, El Yunque National Forest is a must; a lush rainforest filled with cascading waterfalls, exotic flora and diverse wildlife. Likewise a visit to one of Puerto Rico three bioluminescent bays (there only five in the world!), where microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates make the water glows a neon blue-green colour when disturbed by a splash or a paddle.
And why not pair Puerto Rico with a holiday to the USA? There are direct flights from most major cities, including New York, Washington D.C. and Austin, Texas. From Miami, the flight time is just under 2 hours 30 minutes.
10. Cambodia Cultural Experience
Cambodia is a cultural holiday destination that blends ancient history with incredible natural wonders. Cambodian culture is deeply influenced by Theravada Buddhism, which is demonstrated by the architecture, rituals and the daily life of locals.
Start your journey in Siem Reap, with a visit to the iconic Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This incredible temple, is the worlds largest religious monument, showcasing breathtaking Khmer architecture. The intricate detail is mind blowing by itself, but pair this with a beautiful backdrop of the surrounds and youll find yourself standing still in time.
Travelling south, nature enthusiasts can explore South East Asias largest freshwater lake, Tonle Sap, where floating villages provide a unique glimpse into local life and you can experience the lifeblood of the Cambodian fishing industry.
A scenic, 4 hour journey further south, youll reach the capital city, Phnom Penh. This incredible city boasts tradition and a deep history, with popular attractions including tours of the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the sombre Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school during the Pol Pot regime in 1975 1979.
If museums are not for you, exploring the vibrant markets, sampling delicious Khmer cuisine, and witnessing traditional Apsara dance performances are unforgettable cultural experiences also found in the city.
The Cambodia experience is truly like nothing you could imagine, awe-inspiring heritage and natural beauty leaves an impression on any holiday maker, perfect for 2024.
Still Deciding Where to Go in 2024?
So, where will you go in 2024? If you would like to find out more about any of the destinations above, our team of Travel Experts would be pleased to help. Alternatively, more great 2024 holiday destinations can be found here.
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