2024 DESTINATION HOTLIST
W L
2024 DESTINATION HOTLIST
By Sorrel Ashton of Travel Counsellors
Here are my hand-picked recommendations about where to travel in 2024 . I ' ve focused on places that have more immersive and meaningful experiences to offer .
Valletta , Malta As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former European Capital of Culture , Valletta in Malta , has always been a cultural hotspot , but now is certainly the time to visit . The restaurant scene has exploded with the arrival of the Michelin Guide in 2020 , and Valletta is now among the most exciting places to eat in Europe . Along with food in Valletta , the so-called “ living museum ” city boasts a collection of rich history and stunning architecture , and is home to numerous museums , art galleries and cultural institutions . The ancient and picturesque Grand Harbour is worth a visit outright , but the city also serves as a launchpad to experience all that Malta has to offer .
The Kimberley , Australia Renowned for its dramatic and beautiful landscapes , The Kimberley is Western Australia ’ s untouched wild frontier , made up of natural rivers , towering waterfalls , spectacular gorges and thousands of islands off the remote sandstone coast . Covering a region larger than Ireland , the Kimberley has always been a difficult place to explore , but things are about to change . Thanks to several cruise lines , travellers will be able to take in the unspoiled scenery and captivating wildlife such as saltwater crocs ! Darwin and Broome serve as the gateway cities to this enchanting territory and themselves offer cultural insights into the local Aboriginal heritage , and experience the lesser travelled side of Australia .
The Deep South , USA Whilst a road trip is the classic traveling method for America ’ s landscapes , a train ride can equally be a great way to see the sights , and in the Deep South the future is bright for rail enthusiasts . The current structure allows travel from iconic Chicago through America ’ s musical heartland with stops in Jackson , Mississippi and Memphis , Tennessee , before arriving in the cultural mecca of New Orleans . The exuberant ‘ Big Easy ’ is the place to immerse yourself in American culture , and deep dive into the Creole lifestyle with a excursion into the Louisiana swamplands . 2024 will see the reopening of the Gulf Coast train line after 19 years following the damage inflicted from Hurricane Katrina . The current plan will see New Orleans linked with the city of Mobile , along a 100km stretch of beautiful Mississippi coastline , but the ongoing aim will see this line extended all the way to Orlando .
Pilanesberg National Park , South Africa For those with the Big Five of Elephant , Lion , Leopard , Buffalo & Rhino on their bucket list , a trip to the Nature Reserves of South Africa is a must , and the Pilanesberg National Park is an ideal location . Conveniently located three hours drive from Johannesburg , the fourth largest park in South Africa offers a rich diversity of flora and fauna in a malaria free environment . Whether you want to immerse yourself in a Safari tent in the bush , delve into the local culture at a family owned boutique , or savour a glass of local wine from a luxury 5 Star lodge , there ’ s something for everyone . Pilanesberg National Park is an ideal place for a first time safari , and the majority of the lodges include game drives .
Phu Quoc , Vietnam An emerging gem in the Gulf of Thailand is the beautiful Phu Quoc Island , only a short flight from a selection of major SE Asian cities , and synonymous with the words ‘ beach ’ and ‘ relaxation ’. Surrounded by calm , pristine oceanic waters , Phu Quoc enjoys over 150 kilometres of coastline , meaning you can spend every day at a different sunspot . For those wishing to indulge in nature , more than half of the Island is protected as a UNESCO biosphere reserve site , allowing you to trek through the National Park , or jump on a boat to the marine reserve . An assortment of five-star luxury resorts balance the natural beauty of the island , and are a great place to wind down with a cocktail before heading off to the Night Market to try as many seafood dishes as possible .
Do any of these take your fancy ? Follow me on instragram @ sorrel _ travel for more inspiration or get in touch any time to talk about your next adventure .
56 wirrallife . com