2024's Top Travel Destination Picks

1. Cook Islands

Keen to bask in another South Pacific paradise that's not Fiji? We introduce the stunning Cook Islands which are awaiting you halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii. Fifteen of them in fact, scattered over an area of 2 million square kilometres, all promising stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and friendly locals! 

You can enjoy a range of activities such as snorkelling, diving, fishing, and exploring the island's unique fusion of Polynesian heritage through its music, dance, and art. The islands are also home to a number of protected areas, such as the Rarotonga National Park, home to native birds and butterflies, crystal clear lagoons and hidden waterfalls.

From adults only to family friendly hotels, resorts, villas and self-catering apartments, the Cook Islands have you covered... especially because the best season to visit this beautiful tropical destination is - anytime it suits you, because it's warm and sunny all year round!

2. Japan

Did you know that Japan is the the number 1 tourist destination in the world, despite being closed to the rest of the world for 2 years due to COVID-19? It's such a unique and fascinating country with a rich culture, diverse history, and natural beauty that it's no wonder it's in top spot!

Here are some top things to do in Japan:

• Explore the modern and busy cities of Osaka and Tokyo.
• Visit shrines and the ancient temples of Kyoto
• Ski in the Japanese Alps
• Be mesmerised during the cherry blossom festivals
• Soak in the hot springs (onsen) of Hakone.

Still need more?

Check out their natural treasures, such as the northern island of Hokkaido, home to volcanoes and forests, and the southern island of Okinawa, known for its tropical beaches.

With its cutting-edge technology, delicious food (sushi, sashimi, tempura and ramen anyone?) and unique shopping opportunities, there's something for every traveller here. So why not book that ticket to Japan and see if it truly deserves its number 1 ranking?

3. United Kingdom

The head of the monarch may have changed, but the pomp, ceremony and history of the United Kingdom remains. The United Kingdom's rich history, culture and links to Australia make it a popular tourist destination for Australians. Whilst London, home to iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Tower of London is an obvious must-do destination, some of the UK's other top tourist attractions include the:

• Picturesque countryside of the Lake District, the Cotswolds, and the Scottish Highlands.
• Historic cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and York.
• Sandy beaches and coastal towns of Cornwall and the south coast.
• The Welsh mountains natural beauty and the UNESCO World Heritage site, Jurassic Coast in Dorset.
• Filming locations for Harry Potter, James Bond and period dramas including The Crown, Peaky Blinders, Jane Austen & Bridgerton.

With music festivals, breweries and distilleries, fine and budget dining, exhibitions, theatres, castles and shopping all on offer, the UK won't disappoint, even if you have been before!

4. Australia

Due to border closures, many of us were forced to take a holiday in Australia, poor us. I think it's safe to say, we reacquainted ourselves with Australia and discovered why so many international tourists visit every year. Whilst the borders have reopened, let's remember how many great places and things there are to do in our own backyard and support our local travel industry. 

So if you're still not keen to take out your passport, then get reacquainted with all the amazing attractions and things to do in Australia! Have you visited or done all the places on this list?

• The wonder of the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru (Ayers Rock), the Twelve Apostles and Kakadu.
• The stunning beaches and coastal towns of the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, and the Whitsunday Islands (actually, we may be labelled as biased, but we think all of Australia's beaches are stunning!)
• Explored our rich Indigenous culture.
• The diverse and vibrant cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.
• A snow trip to one of our highlands snow resorts in New South Wales or Victoria. 
• Canberra - our nations capital and it's array of museums and galleries capturing the nations history.
• The rugged outback of the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
• A road trip to visit any number of quintessential regional Australia towns.
• The beautiful wineries and bushland of the Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley, Margaret River and the Yarra Valley.
• The diverse environment and foodie trail in Tasmania.

You can keep that passport packed away for a little longer if you like, your backyard beckons!

5. Canada

If you want to experience a white Christmas and of course do a little skiing or snowboarding, Canada is a great option. It also has a lot to offer all year round. Of course, Niagara Falls and exploring the Rockies may come first to mind when you think of Canada, this vast country offers travellers much, much more.

Want natural beauty? Check out stunning Banff National Park, unique wildlife and wilderness of the Arctic and the Northwest Territories and the breath taking coastlines of British Columbia and the Maritimes.

Need the city life? Vibrant and cosmopolitan Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver can help.

Chase the Northern Lights? Well you're in luck, because Canada is one of the best places in the world to view them!

Action? You can hike, ski, ice skate and fish your way through this country (Vancouver is a particularly outdoorsy place). Or simply enjoy a poutine (the quintessential Canadian snack food) and enjoy the action of an ice hockey game.

Looking for history?  The adorable, picturesque towns and villages of Prince Edward Island and the Laurentians will get your camera working overtime.

Oh Canada, such a big country and lots of things to do!