2024 Awaits: Your New Year’s Travel Goals

The mere mention of the Maldives can elicit visions of pristine beaches with breathtaking white sand and bungalows perched delicately over unblemished turquoise waters. In short, the Maldives really is the perfect tropical haven. 

With over 1,200 islands within 26 atolls, the Maldives is a place where you can embrace your inner beach baby. Think surfing the noteworthy swells of the North Male Atoll or exploring the two underwater wrecks located in the Lhaviyani Atoll of Kuredo which is known as the best diving resort.

To keep the beachy vibe going, the Baa Atoll is actually a Unesco protected biosphere reserve that houses the largest gathering of manta rays in the world. Then, at the end of a long day in the water you can head back to your overwater bungalow and enjoy the sunset. 

When people think of Norway the mind wanders to locations where you can best view the magic of the Northern Lights. However, a luxury escape to Norway can include much more than searching for Aurora Borealis. 

Whether exploring Norway by sea thanks to a cruise or on foot, centring your trip around the Fjords is a worthwhile endeavour. Essentially narrow inlets of ocean between cliffs, there are well over 1000 fjords in Norway, some of which span over 29 kilometres. 

While the views from fjords in Nordjford, Bergen, Flam and even Aurlandsfjord are breathtaking, they only set the scene for life in Norway. In fact, they act as the backdrop to charming small towns complete with cobblestone lanes and activities like kayaking and hiking. 

The Alps are known around the world. However, some people don’t know that the Alps extend across places like Liechtenstein, France, Germany, Italy and Slovenia. With 14% of the total surface area of the Alps located in Switzerland, this is definitely the location to explore them.

Complete with classic alpine scenery, a journey to the Swiss Alps is almost like taking a step into another world. From skiing villages like Zermatt to Lugano - affectionately dubbed the Monte Carlo of Switzerland - life is just different here. 

You can take in the breathtaking views on the Matterhorn, stroll down lakeside promenades in Lugano, admire preserved mediaeval architecture in Lucerne and indulge in gourmet chocolate in Zurich. Life is so blissful in the Swiss Alps.

Perfect for thrill-seekers and those looking to engage with an entirely unique culture, New Zealand is a destination which has something for everyone. Think sprawling national parklands, world-class adventure activities and cultural explorations. 

While Wellington might be the capital of New Zealand, Queenstown is definitely the adventure capital of NZ. Adrenaline junkies can participate in everything from bungee jumping and zip lining to various water sports like jet boating.

For those looking for something a little slower paced, consider touring the town of Matamata in Waikato as it’s actually the Hobbiton movie set. You can even explore New Zealand’s heritage and natural wonders in Waitomo by taking a boat ride through the glowworm grotto.

When you think of Colombia, pictures of city streets buzzing with life immediately come to mind. However, Colombia is actually the second-most biodiverse nation in the world, making their party scene just as good as their natural wonders.

To explore all that this diverse landscape has to offer, look to visit places like Cartagena which is a stately town complete with cobblestone streets. In the capital of Bogota, visitors are treated to historic downtown precincts that showcase bright buildings and museums aplenty. 

For adventure seekers, places like the Amazon jungle and Magdalena will be calling to you. See the Amazon via a boat ride or walk the remote trails. In Magdalena, embark on a 4-5 day trek through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains to find the ruins of the Lost City. 

Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, it’s also one of the most intriguing. This island country has somehow managed to cultivate a landscape where rich tradition can stand together with elements of modernity and somehow look seamless.

Kyoto is a great example of this duality. Steeped in history, Kyoto is home to landmarks like the Golden Pavilion, one of the most recognised Buddhist temples in the world, along with the Heian Shrine which houses a replica of the Imperial Palace. It’s also a paradise for foodies. 

No visit to Japan is complete without exploring Tokyo. Showcasing the best of contemporary culture, Tokyo is equal parts stimulating and educational. Another city rising in popularity is that of Kobe. This port city is known for its mountain views and the unique Kobe Port Tower.

With so much to do and see in Spain it can feel like there is no time to sneak in a siesta! From taking in the abundance of World Heritage Sites to indulging in the best food and drink you will ever taste, the days and nights are long. 

Celebrating the best of Spanish offerings is Madrid. There are world class museums to be enjoyed along with the Art Walk which is deemed a World Heritage Site. Oh, and don’t forget, the wine soaked tapas crawls that are seemingly available every night.

For cultural sightseeing, look no further than Barcelona and Seville. In Barcelona, you will find avant garde architecture and the Sagrada Familia. In Seville, beauty is found in horse drawn carriages and the abundance of flamenco stages. 

Thanks to Tik Tok travel tips and Instagram stories, Greece well and truly is the word on social media. In European summer it can be a challenge to go a single day without seeing the white housing structures situated on the cliffs of Santorini. 

Thankfully there is much more to Greece than being a social media phenomenon. From the capital of Athens to island groups like Paros, Milos and Ios, each location is a unique adventure. In Greece, no two days will be the same. 

Take Athens for example. One day you can be exploring the Acropolis, the next, you might find yourself bar hopping or walking through the flea markets. Greece really has something to offer for every traveller, whether you want to party in Mykonos or chill on the beaches in Milos.

Beautiful in all seasons, Austria excels at all aspects, whether you are talking about scenery, natural beauty, activities and culture. With so much natural beauty, it’s not hard to set the scene of what an Austrian adventure might look like. 

From the banks of the Danube to the finest museums and of course, the concert halls, Vienna is a celebration of the past and the present. Moving away from the fast pace of city life, Bregenzerwald is a rural corner of Austria made for activities like cross country skiing.  

A trip to Austria wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Salzburg. With so much to do and see, you can visit this destination year round. In winter, delight in the Christmas markets lining the streets. In summer, take in the breathtaking sights made famous in the Sound of Music. 

Put simply, Madagascar is a dream. As the world’s fourth largest island, every corner of Madagascar delivers. Whether you’re looking for a luxury escape or an outlandish adventure, this is the place for you. 

Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is a hub of natural wonders. Look in one direction and be blown away by the white beaches and fauna. Look in the other direction and find endemic flora. 

Trademark spots in Madagascar range from Antananarivo where lakes and canals abound, Nosy Be where water sports and whale watching are world class and Lemur Island which is home to four species of lemurs.