My Favorite New Destinations of 2024

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How do I sum up 2024 in travel? Busy. Maybe a bit too busy. Four new countries visited (Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Panama), lots of exploration in much-loved countries, and some incredibly fun road trips close to home.

This was also the year that I did a year of new Czech exploration — visiting a new destination each month of the year. From Liberec in the mountains to Valtice in South Moravia, I got to know my adopted country SO much better this year!

But as always, some destinations are better than others. Let’s take a look at the best of the best.

So what made the list of my favorite new destinations of 2024?

In 2012, I chose places like Iceland, Montenegro, and South Africa.

In 2013, I chose places like Japan, Berlin, and the Scottish Highlands.

In 2014, I chose places like Sri Lanka, New Orleans, and Skellig Michael, Ireland.

In 2015, I chose places like Nicaragua, Albania, and Chicago.

In 2016, I chose places like Puerto Rico, Alsace, and Western Australia.

In 2017, I chose places like Ukraine, the Florida Keys, and St. Petersburg, Russia.

In 2018, I chose places like Antarctica, Hokkaido, and St. Croix.

In 2019, I chose places like Newfoundland, Georgia, and Lake Orta, Italy.

In 2020, I chose places like Mexico City; Viñales, Cuba; and Vis, Croatia.

In 2021, I chose places like the Aeolian Islands, the Berkshires, and Valle d’Aosta, Italy.

In 2022, I chose places like Naples, Martha’s Vineyard, and Guanajuato, Mexico.

In 2023, I chose places like Ischia, Patagonia, and Perast, Montenegro.

As usual, I am only including destinations that I visited for the first time in 2024 — so that excludes destinations that I’ve visited before, including Florence, Paris, and Korčula. One exception: the Second Time Around award.

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Bhutan

There is no place in the world quite like Bhutan — of COURSE I had to put it at the top of my list! I’ve been so curious about this tiny Himalayan country sandwiched in between India and Tibet, which kept itself isolated from the world for so long. It’s like going back in time in so many ways.

I love how sustainability-minded Bhutan is, prioritizing the health of the country and the happiness of its citizens before chasing money. Bhutan is such a peaceful destination, the kind of place that makes you feel incredibly safe and relaxed throughout your visit.

What stood out the most for me in Bhutan was the stunning mountain scenery — especially getting to climb to Tiger’s Nest monastery — and the incredible beauty of the traditional Buddhist temples, which sadly I was not able to photograph. I’ll remember those rainbow colors forever, though.

A small river bridge with bright purple flowers in the foreground and tall mountains in the background.

Kate splaying her hands out wide with the tiny Tiger's Nest monastery built into the mountains behind her.

A group of people walking around a Buddhist temple, the women wearing long skirts and traditional jackets with big cuffs.

How to get to Bhutan: Fly one of the two national airlines, Druk Air or Royal Bhutan Airlines, into Paro. I flew from Kathmandu, the closest major city as the crow flies. You can also fly from New Delhi, Bangkok, or Singapore.

Best thing to do in Bhutan: Hike to Tiger’s Nest on your final day, once you’ve had plenty of time to acclimatize to the altitude and get to know Bhutanese culture. You’ll appreciate it far more than if you did it early on.

Where to stay in Bhutan: There are plenty of hotels to stay in Bhutan at a variety of price points. My personal favorite was the Thimphu Deluxe Hotel, which had SUCH a comfy bed and a nice bathroom.

A gray castle in France perched on top of a hill, surrounded by nice landscaping, including rows of small green bushes.

Loire Valley, France

I’m not a castle person — I get bored pretty quickly on castle tours. And perhaps that’s what kept me from visiting the Loire Valley, the castle-filled region southwest of Paris, until this year. But it turns out that I absolutely loved this place!

If you’re looking for small town charm in France, the Loire Valley has it in spades. This is the kind of French destination you dream of, with tiny bakeries, pretty gardens, traditional homes, and gorgeous scenery throughout. And the fact that it’s so close to Paris makes it super accessible.

We based in Amboise, a town with multiple castles and some rich history involving Leonardo da Vinci, who actually died here.

Another night was spent in a chateau hotel, which was so fun (especially since we were the only guests!). I find that the Loire Valley is a good place for a relaxing itinerary, rather than a busy trip.

An overhead view of small French cottages pressed tightly together.

Kate and Charlie taking a smiling selfie in front of a chateau perched on a river.

A bright, blooming garden surrounded by buildings and a Joan of Arc statue on horseback

How to get to the Loire Valley: You’re best off flying into any of the Paris airports (though Orly is closest) and renting a car. There are some routes you can get there by train, but it’s really helpful to have a car there.

Best thing to do in the Loire Valley: Spend your day visiting different castles in the countryside and enjoying the beautiful country roads at a nice, languid pace, enjoying plenty of French cuisine throughout your trip.

Where to stay in the Loire Valley: If you’re looking to explore the Loire Valley for a few days, I recommend basing in the town of Amboise. But if you want to stay in a chateau hotel, I loved our stay at La Borde en Sologne!

Read more: I wrote a bit about the Loire Valley in my April 2024 recap.

A seaside village in Spain with lots of small fishing boats parked in the harbor.

Basque Country, Spain

Visiting the Basque Country of Spain has long been a major priority of mine — and this year, I finally made it happen. Charlie and I, along with our friends Nick and Jack, road-tripped all over the Basque Country and the adjacent Rioja region for 10 days.

I loved how different this is part of Spain is to other parts I’ve visited. Much greener, more mountainous, and a bit more rainy. Parts of the Basque Country look like Scotland or Austria or Colorado. It’s a far cry from the desert of Andalusia.

And the FOOD. This is one of the best culinary regions on the planet, with cutting-edge dishes and a world-class pintxos culture. The nights out here are about grabbing all kinds of unusual pintxos and enjoying them while standing up, drinking plenty of red wine. Though honestly, I was probably the biggest fan of the ubiquitous anchovies and hot peppers skewers!

There is so much to love in the Basque Country, and I found it so refreshing — such a different and interesting culture. It also helped that Bilbao was a direct flight from Prague!

A view of the riverside city of Bilbao from above, with mountains in the background.

Kate taking a smiling selfie in sunglasses in front of a view of a long, curved beach, on a cloudy day.

one with fish in an orange sauce, one with beef on mashed potatoes, and a plate of anchovies, hot peppers, and olives.

How to get to the Basque Country: It’s best to fly or take a train or bus to Bilbao; once there, you can rent a car or explore by bus. San Sebastián has a small airport but is most easily accessed by a bus direct from Bilbao or Bilbao Airport.

Best thing to do in the Basque Country: Eat, eat, eat. It’s all about the pintxos crawls here, especially in San Sebastián.

Where to stay in the Basque Country: Nowhere we stayed was particularly remarkable, but make sure you get a place where you don’t have to walk to the other side of the city to pick up the keys, as we did in San Sebastián.

Read more: I wrote a bit about the Basque Country in my September 2024 recap — more coming soon!

A tall yellow castle with a red roof, surrounded by royal gardens and a cobblestone walking path.

Mikulov, Czech Republic

This year I decided to visit one new place in the Czech Republic every month of 2024. And my favorite destination by far was Mikulov! This small city in South Moravia, a stone’s throw from the Czech border, has so much of the charm of Český Krumlov, yet with a fraction of the tourists, nearly all of them Czech.

South Moravia is wine country, and here’s a fun fact — they keep most of the good stuff for themselves. And Mikulov is an excellent place to try so many of the wines, with plenty of wonderful restaurants and wine bars.

The town is capped off by a gorgeous castle, and you won’t believe how beautiful it gets at golden hour! I was just so bowled over by all the charm Mikulov had to offer.

And if you’re exploring the region, I also enjoyed visiting Lednice Castle (the rare castle that I absolutely LOVED) and the town of Valtice with its wine cellars. And if you’re driving from Prague to Vienna, or have a driver taking you that route, I would definitely recommend stopping here to explore a bit.

A town square in the Czech Republic with a white column in the center, surrounded by blue and yellow houses.

A long piece of smoked salmon flaked with piles of cream and rolled-up cucumber and radish slices.

A view of a cobblestone path leading through a small Czech town with orange roofs.

How to get to Mikulov: If you’re flying in, Vienna is the closest airport. If you’re coming by public transit, you’re best off taking a bus from Brno, which takes a little over an hour. While there’s a train station in Mikulov, this train line runs between small towns.

Best thing to do in Mikulov: This is not a town with a big to-do list: it’s all about enjoying the feeling it gives you. But I definitely recommend strolling the grounds of the castle in the golden light of late afternoon.

Where to stay in Mikulov: We stayed at Hotel Tanzberg, which I really loved and recommend. And the restaurant here served the best meal we had in South Moravia.

Read more: I wrote a bit about Mikulov in my August 2024 recap.

View from the top of the Hotel Valley Ho, overlooking a circular pool surrounded by lots of palm trees.

Scottsdale, Arizona

When it came time for my three best friends from high school and I to celebrate our 40th birthdays together, we knew we wanted a fun city that was different from our usual New England haunts — and so we went to Scottsdale!

This was the perfect destination for a four-day getaway — yes, even in June, when Scottsdale is at its hottest and most sizzling. We spent our days museum-hopping, pool partying, and eating SO much good food!

While a lot of people assume that Scottsdale is for rich people, or mainly a spa-and-do-nothing destination, there is SO much more to explore here. I was impressed by the wine scene and the art-oriented activities in particular.

In short, I would absolutely love to come back and see more!

A garden full of cacti and succulents, with a brown dirt path leading toward a tall brown mountain.

Kate and her two friends in floppy hats and sunglasses, with the modern red building of Taliesin West behind them.

A man playing a guitar on stage in a pub, and the walls are covered with dollar bills.

How to get to Scottsdale: Scottsdale is just a 20-minute drive from Phoenix’s airport. We found it easy to get around by Uber (and the occasional driverless Waymo!).

Best thing to do in Scottsdale: Visit Taliesin West! This is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous buildings, and it’s so cool to see how it was built into the natural landscape. Get brunch and make-your-own Bloody Marys afterwards at Hash Kitchen.

Where to stay in Scottsdale: We stayed at the Hotel Valley Ho, which I absolutely loved and would stay at again in a heartbeat.

A view of the port in the island town of Ponza, with ferries parked and colorful houses up against the coast.

Ponza, Italy

After falling in love with so many Italian islands — like Ischia and the Aeolian Islands — I wondered if Ponza could even hold a candle to the others.

My take? Ponza is a lovely island if you’re looking to relax. Not quite as interesting or full of things to do as the other big hitters, but a nice place to spend a few low-key days. The island is small, and you can explore by motorbike, or just hang out in Ponza town.

Boat trips are the big thing to do here, and you can take them to one of the outlying islands — Palmarola or Zannone — or just a boat ride to the most famous beach, Spiaggia di Frontone, which is only accessible by water.

Ponza is located in the region of Lazio and is a popular getaway for Romans. If you’re looking for getting from Rome to Naples the fun way, I suggest you island-hop from the mainland to Ponza to Ventotene to Ischia to Naples!

People jumping off a boat into bright teal water.

Kate and Charlie taking a smiling selfie at night while holding gelato.

A long line of rowboats parked up against a cement wall in Italy, as the sun sinks into the sea behind them.

How to get to Ponza: You can take a ferry from the Lazio mainland: the towns of Anzio, Formia, and Terracina have frequent ferry departures to Ponza, and you can get to all of them by train from Rome. Alternatively, you can take the ferry that goes from Naples to Ischia, then Ventotene, then Ponza.

Best thing to do in Ponza: Take a boat trip! There are so many different boat trip options, but they all involve swimming and beach time! We took one to Palmarola.

Where to stay in Ponza: Grand Hotel Santa Domitilla is one of my favorite places I’ve stayed in Italy in recent years! A super lovely boutique hotel with an excellent restaurant and a lovely pool area, including a private spa with a cave that you need to reserve in advance.

Read more: I wrote a bit about Ponza in my July 2024 recap.

A tiny, cartoon-like island with palm trees sticking straight up out of it.

San Blas Islands, Panama

When we looked toward Panama for our pre-USA destination this year, there was one place I especially wanted to visit: the San Blas Islands. Also known as Guna Yala, these islands are an autonomous region run by the Indigenous Guna people.

To get here, you need to book a trip — and once you arrive, you’ll be shuttled between the most photogenic little islands, which look like something out of a cartoon. The kind of island that you drew as a kid, tiny and flat with tall palm trees sticking out of it.

Depending on your program, you’ll probably get to explore several islands — some that are more local, some that feel like beach clubs. You’ll probably visit at least one natural swimming pool, where the water is suddenly shallow and you can walk around with ease! And if you’re really lucky, you’ll spot a starfish or two.

The Guna people also make the most beautiful art — traditionally embroidered pieces of fabric called molas. I picked up a few to bring home, and I can’t wait to see them hanging on my wall!

This is a great place to get off the beaten path and enjoy the simple life for a few days. I’m so glad that we decided to prioritize San Blas when visiting Panama.

A small quiet island at sunrise, with colors lighting up the sky and palm trees swaying.

Kate and Charlie taking a smiling selfie while standing in shallow clear water, a boat behind them.

A row of colorful embroidered pieces of fabric hanging on a line.

How to get to the San Blas Islands: You need to book a tour: either a day tour, overnight tour, two-night tour, or even longer. Tours include transportation from Panama City, leaving around 5:00 AM and coming back either in the morning or afternoon.

Best thing to do in the San Blas Islands: You are here to CHILL. Enjoy it! But if you’re looking for any island in particular, we enjoyed Nugnudub, which felt a bit like a beach club.

Where to stay in the San Blas Islands: Most of the time, you are put where they send you. We stayed on Flamingo Island and Aroma Island, which both had very basic huts. Flamingo Island had an overall better atmosphere with chairs to sit in around the island, though Aroma Island had ensuite bathrooms and better phone signal.

Read more: I wrote a bit about the San Blas Islands in my November 2024 recap.

Kate standing in a bright pink jacket on top of a rocky formation, surrounded by clouds and fog.

Bohemian Switzerland and Saxon Switzerland

Fun fact: neither of these regions are part of Switzerland the country — they are regions along the Czech-German border that were named by an explorer who thought the region reminded him of Switzerland. In fact, Bohemian Switzerland (the Czech side) and Saxon Switzerland (the German side) make a perfect day trip from Prague!

Some of the most famous sites here are the Tisá Rocks, pictured above, where The Chronicles of Narnia was filmed. It makes an ethereal atmosphere year-round (I’d love to see it underneath a light dusting of snow!).

Another great place to visit is Wild Gorge, which requires a climb in and out, but is a wonderfully green paradise where you can take a boat ride along the river.

On the German side (don’t forget your passport, the Germans often check at the crossing but the Czechs never do), you can visit the Bastei Bridge — a beautiful stone bridge that served no purpose beyond aesthetics, but boy, is it pretty to look at.

So many people come to Prague and don’t see any of the nature that the Czech Republic has to offer. I’m so glad I came here this year — on a tour with the wonderful Northern Hikes — and I hope more visitors take this day trip.

A ladder made of wooden planks set amongst a calm river in a gorge

Kate standing on a stone platform overlooking a landscape of tall jagged rocks interspersed with a forest.

A stone bridge set amongst rock formations and forests.

How to get to Bohemian Switzerland: I don’t recommend doing it independently, as it’s a bit complicated and you’ll need a car. I recommend booking a tour with Northern Hikes! I absolutely loved their easy tour; it was a perfect day out.

Best thing to do in Bohemian Switzerland: Honestly, it’s all good. But I think the Tisá Rocks and the Bastei Bridge have the greatest payoff for photographers, and I wouldn’t skip either of those. You could skip Wild Gorge if you had to.

Read more: I wrote a bit about Bohemian Switzerland in my October 2024 recap.

A bird's eye view of Portland, Maine, with rows of suburban streets with triple-decker houses, leading up to a coastline.

The Second Time Around Award: Portland, Maine

Each year, I like to give an award to a destination that I’ve visited before but that I grew to love in a much greater way. This year, it’s Portland, Maine! When my friends moved to Portland a few years ago, I started visiting more regularly, and this year I planned a more research-heavy trip so I could write about it.

Okay, so here is my unfettered opinion about Portland: Why isn’t this city a major tourism juggernaut in itself?! It should be SO much more popular than it is!! People should be doing weekend trips here from New York and Boston!

So, what gives? Honestly, I think it’s for two reasons — the other Portland in Oregon is more famous, and Maine is categorized in people’s minds as a destination you go to for beaches and rural life. Portland is treated like a gateway rather than a standalone city.

But I love this place. I think that Portland is home to some of the nicest people ever (similarly to Asheville, NC, everyone is SO DAMN NICE!), and there is an amazingly creative food scene here. Plus, the fact that the city is plunked down in the middle of some gorgeous nature is a bonus.

Give Portland some real attention. Make it your main destination!

A brewery in Maine with a small flower garden in front and a rainbow flag flying.

Kate smiling in front of a giant stuffed Sasquatch in a museum.

A small pink cottage with a golf cart parked in front of it.

How to get to Portland, Maine: You can fly directly into Portland, Maine. If coming from Boston, I recommend taking the Downeaster Amtrak (FYI, it leaves from North Station, unlike the other trains!), which takes 2.5 hours. The drive from Boston takes an hour and 45 minutes. Uber’s a great way to get around the city.

Best thing to do in Portland, Maine: If you’re visiting between Memorial Day and Labor Day, take the ferry to Peakes Island and visit the Umbrella Cover Museum, a delightful tiny museum that will leave you so happy for visiting!

Where to stay in Portland, Maine: I’m lucky enough to have friends to crash with here, but there are a handful of cool hotels — I won’t speak to any as I’m not up for researching right now, but I’m sure I’ll stay at one someday.

Read more: I’m working on my Portland post now, but for now you can read about it in my June 2024 recap.

A pretty, colorful, Greek city set on a turquoise bay.

My Travel Wishes for 2025

So, what am I hoping for in 2025? So far I have three trips to new destinations planned.

Charlie and I and our friend Nick are returning to Mexico next year! We’ll be revisiting some of our favorite spots, including Mérida, Bacalar, Mexico City, and Oaxaca. After, we’ll be visiting the US and attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans (I haven’t been to Mardi Gras since 2014) and Austin for SXSW (first-time visit to the city!).

In June, Charlie and I will be going to Athens and Crete for about a week. I’ve barely visited Greece — just quick visits to Santorini and Corfu — so I’m excited to be exploring in more depth.

And in September, I will be heading on a very adventurous trip — to Madagascar! I’ll be joining a group trip, and it looks INCREDIBLE, visiting so many cool places from the Tsingy stone forest to the Avenue of the Baobabs to the tropical islands off Nosy Be. I’ll also be visiting the French island of Réunion for a few days on my own.

Is there anything else I’m hoping for? Within Europe, there are a few places on my list. Svalbard. Gdánsk. More of the south of France. More of Piemonte in Italy, especially the Langhe region. The Egadi Islands or Pantelleria in Sicily.

Further afield, Charlie and I have talked a bit about visiting Japan and Taiwan much later in the year. Okinawa would be new to both of us.

And honestly, part of me feels pressure to visit NEW COUNTRIES so that I can get closer to 100, my big goal (I’m currently at 89). I’d also like to visit more of Africa, since I’ve been to shamefully little of Africa compared to other continents.

But we will see how the year unfolds!

What were your favorite new destinations of 2024?

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