5 Unique Destinations to Visit in 2024
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People love to ask this question: Where should I travel? Well, our team of travel experts is answering, so gather close and listen up. If you’ve got your heart set on travel next year, these are the 5 destinations that are at the top of our list and that should be at the top of yours.
Sorrento, Italy
Located in the Campania region of Southern Italy, Sorrento is a charming town that boasts stunning landscapes, a rich history, and a vibrant local culture.
The main pedestrian pathway of Corso Italia is often crowded and has restaurants, bars, and shops that cater to tourists. Although it’s a small town and you’ll probably naturally end up exploring many side streets, we recommend ducking off that beaten walkway to find places you may enjoy. Quiet street? Take a chance and meander down it - you might find something intriguing!
We also recommend taking a stroll down the pedestrian-only Via Marina Grande to reach Marina Grande, packed with restaurants and bars. If you want a luxe place for cocktails and a sunset view, try the patio bar at Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria. For a quieter drink with a sunset view, walk along the streets closest to the water to the nearby town of Sant’Agnello and find a cozy restaurant or hotel bar by the cliffside to enjoy. If you’re heading down to Marina Piccola, there are a number of ways to get there by foot, but our favorite ways start in the Villa Comunale di Sorrento park where there is a stairway that goes down to the beach or a lift that you can pay to take as well.
Pro tip: No trip to Sorrento would be complete without trying the famous limoncello, a delicious lemon liqueur made from the region’s abundant lemon trees.
Resources for your dream trip to Sorrento:
Florence, Italy
Florence is a gem of a city located in the heart of Tuscany and is one of our personal favorites. The birthplace of the Renaissance and home to famous works of art and architecture (the Uffizi Gallery, Brunelleschi’s Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio bridge), Florence is a romantic must-see for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Italian art, history, and culture.
If you're a foodie explorer like us, it’s important to mention that Florence is also a must-taste city. Each region of Italy has its own unique cuisine and Florence’s Tuscan cuisine, including dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina and bites like Crostini, is not to be missed. And of course, enjoy some of the best Tuscan wines!
Whether you’re exploring the city on foot or by bike, the architecture of Florence is sure to take your breath away.
Resources for your dream trip to Florence:
Sacred Valley, Peru
The Sacred Valley is located in the heart of the Andes Mountains and is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet. From soaring peaks to valleys and pristine lakes, the natural beauty of this region is truly awe-inspiring. People often pass through the area on their way to Machu Picchu, but we think it’s worth spending two to three days here.
This region is also home to a rich culture, where people still practice many traditional Quechua traditions and customs. The people of the Sacred Valley are friendly and hospitable, and they're always eager to share their history and heritage with visitors. Whether you’re sampling the delicious local cuisine, learning about traditional weaving techniques, or simply chatting with locals in the market, you’ll find that the people of the Sacred Valley are a highlight of any trip to Peru.
No trip to the Sacred Valley would be complete without experiencing a traditional Pachamanca (a delicious meal cooked in the ground using hot rocks) or trying some cañazo (locally distilled spirit made from sugar cane) or chicha (homemade corn beer).
Pro tip: Chuncho, a restaurant in the main plaza of Ollantaytambo, makes great cocktails with Caña Alta, their award-winning cañazo. If you want to try some chicha, wander the streets and look for a stick with a red plastic bag or tarp wrapped around it hanging out of a home’s window or doorway. It means the family inside has fresh chicha for sale.
Resources for your dream trip to the Sacred Valley:
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is often referred to as the cultural heart of Japan, and for good reason. The city is home to over 2,000 temples, shrines, and gardens, each with its own unique history and beauty. From the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine to the stunning Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto is a true feast for the eyes and the soul.
But Kyoto isn’t just about ancient traditions. The city is also a hub of modern innovation, with world-renowned universities, cutting-edge technology, and a vibrant startup culture. This blend of ancient and modern makes Kyoto a truly unique destination with something for everyone.
Kyoto’s beauty expands far beyond its city limits. The prefecture is home to stunning seaside and forest landscapes and to one of the largest tea-producing regions in Japan. Venture out to the northern coast or into the heart of Kyoto’s forested mountains and you’ll find a bounty of passionate craftspeople continuing ancestral cultural legacies into modern times – from tea producers to rice farmers and fishermen, to indigo dyers, papermakers and knifemakers.
Resources for your dream trip to Kyoto:
Walla Walla, WA
A stateside pick that might catch you by surprise! Hear us out, Walla Walla should definitely be considered if you’re looking for something a little closer to home but still filled to the brim with thoughtful exploration and connection.
Nestled in Southeastern Washington’s wine country, Walla Walla is a food, wine, art, and outdoors-lovers paradise. Truly something for everyone. How one small town can have so many perfect restaurants and picturesque wineries is beyond us. The town was also named Friendliest Small Town by Rand McNally/USA Today Best of the Road.
Pro tip: If you’re traveling to Walla Walla, we recommend you plan your trip in the fall or late spring. That way you can miss the dead heat of summer and the tourists but avoid the cold winters.
Resources for your dream trip to Walla Walla:
Walla Walla Wine Weekend (Contact us for more information!)
Do any of these destinations pique your interest? We are going to each one in 2024 and we’d love for you to come with us!
No matter where you travel, we always recommend purchasing travel protection to safeguard against sudden changes or cancellations. If you don’t already have a preferred vendor, you can check out ours - Travel Insured - which offers a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy.
