Want to take a city trip in 2024? According to Booking.com, you should visit these top destinations
The end of 2023 is in sight, which means it’s time to make new plans for 2024. Feel like taking a city trip next year? A trip to a city that might just surprise you? Booking.com has compiled a top 10 of cities you must visit in 2024.
And… there’s actually a Dutch city on the list too. But probably not a city that immediately comes to mind…
1. Beppu, Japan
The number-one city trip in 2024 according to Booking.com is one you’ll have to splash out for. Japanese Beppu isn’t exactly around the corner. But honestly, you’ll get a truly fantastic trip in return. Beppu is a city on the southern coast of the Japanese island of Kyushu. The city is best known for its hot springs, which turn the place into one huge spa resort. From the warm, bright-blue water, you look out over forests and mountains. In the city itself, you can enjoy incredibly delicious food, from fresh Japanese ramen to world-famous Japanese snacks. One thing is certain: you’ll come back completely recharged.
2. Vlorë, Albania
Albania is a little like what Croatia used to be: undiscovered. More and more travelers are discovering how wonderful the country is. According to Booking.com, next year we really should visit the Albanian coastal city of Vlorë. The city is the perfect mix of history, culture and beach. Yes, those beaches… Such a clear-blue coastline feels almost Caribbean. Vlorë is still a hidden gem, but before you know it, it will be as crowded as Croatia’s Split. Book quickly!
3. Mérida, Mexico
Backpackers who have been to Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula will probably recognize Mérida. Skipped this city during your backpacking trip? Well, that means booking another return ticket. You can fully immerse yourself in Mayan culture and even take a trip to Chichén Itzá, one of the seven wonders of the world. And this is something we particularly love: there are plenty of restaurants here where you can eat traditional Mexican food.
4. Portland, United States
Keep Portland weird is the slogan of the capital of the American state of Oregon. Well, then let’s lend a hand, shall we? Portland surprises you with all the culture, art and music you’ll find on every street corner. You can even turn your visit to the city into a beer-crawl if you want: there are no fewer than 65 breweries to visit. Recover in the large Washington Park, where you can even visit the zoo. Yes, you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained in Portland.
5. Valkenburg, the Netherlands
A surprise takes a beautiful fifth place in the top 10: Valkenburg! Even for Dutch people from outside Limburg, this city feels a little foreign. Is it because of the Limburg dialect? Because of the unusually many hills? I don’t know, but I do know that Valkenburg really gives you that holiday feeling. Visit the caves and castle ruins during the day, then sit down in the evening for a slice of Limburg vlaai, with a local beer, of course. You can also spend the night in divine surroundings in Valkenburg. Literally, in a church. If that doesn’t make for a memorable city trip!
6. Buenos Aires, Argentina
According to Booking.com, Buenos Aires is completely hot and happening in 2024. My question is more: has the Argentine capital ever not been hot and happening?! It has everything: colorful buildings, history, tango, good wine, delicious food… This is the kind of place where you’ll want to linger during your visit to Argentina. While you’re there, a visit to restaurant Don Julio is a must. This restaurant is among the world’s top 50 best restaurants.
7. Chemnitz, Germany
Berlin, move over. We want to go to Chemnitz! The city in the German state of Saxony is seriously upcoming. Especially if your heart beats faster for art and culture, this city is worth the trip to Germany. You can visit promising art collections and impressive museums, such as the Industrial Museum. Chemnitz was already named European Capital of Culture in 2015. And even though 2015 now seems like an eternity ago, Booking.com understands that we can still have a great time here in 2024.
8. Rotorua, New Zealand
Are you going to New Zealand (probably for that one time in your life)? If it isn’t on your itinerary yet, adjust your travel plans and add Rotorua. New Zealand itself has named this city ‘New Zealand’s Most Beautiful City’ several times. Booking.com sees its appeal too, which is why Rotorua is in the top 10 best cities for 2024. The main attraction? The hot springs, created by volcanic activity. Looks incredibly cool, right?
9. Panglao, Philippines
One Google search for Panglao and you’ll be sold. Besides being the ultimate destination for relaxation, Panglao is also a paradise for partygoers. You can hop from bar to bar here while watching the sun sink further into the sea. Or rise, if it turns into one of those nights.
10. Cairns, Australia
Cairns is the perfect base for a dive in the Great Barrier Reef. But taking a dive into the city itself is just as great! You can walk along the promenade for hours, with the bright-blue sea beside you. In the evening, you can dive into the bars again—for yes, there are plenty of them in backpacker city Cairns. Up for something daring? How about bungee jumping in the middle of Cairns’ jungle? Believe me, if there’s anywhere you can tick off your entire bucket list, it’s this Australian city. It makes perfect sense, then, that it’s in Booking.com’s top 10.
Also read:
- 5 of the most bizarre food experiences from travels around the world
- I traveled through North America for 5 months, and these are the most typical things I ate
- Travel around the world with Anthony Bourdain in your backpack
Source: Time Out
