Where to Travel in 2024 - Our Top Picks for the New Year

If you're looking for a destination that will blow your mind in 2024, look no further than Argentina. This country has it all: stunning scenery, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and plenty of exciting activities. First of all, you can't miss Buenos Aires, the capital and the heart of Argentina. Explore the colorful neighborhoods of La Boca and San Telmo, where you can see the birthplace of tango and watch street performers. And of course, you have to try the famous Argentine steak.

In case you've got a bit more time to travel, it's a great idea to make your way down south to Patagonia, which is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. Here you can hike through glaciers and mountains, see penguins and whales, and simply spend time taking it all in. One of the highlights of Patagonia is the Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive ice formation that is constantly moving and cracking. Fun fact, with a guided tour, you can even walk on top of it. 

But wait, there's more! Our last recommendation is to visit the Iguazu Falls, a massive waterfall on the border with Brazil. These falls are composed of 275 cascades that span 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) and reach heights of up to 82 meters (269 feet). You can admire the falls from both sides, but don't miss the opportunity to take a boat ride under them for an exciting and unforgettable adventure. Just bring a raincoat!

Next to Argentina lies Chile, a real paradise for nature enthusiasts. Prepare to be amazed by its diverse landscapes ranging from arid deserts to pristine fjords. Our favourite highlight is the stunning Atacama Desert, once home to no-one but a few llama herders but now one of Chiles top adventure destinations. The amazing region of Patagonia we described above is also partly located in Chile. Here you can hike through Torres del Paine National Park's granite peaks, past immense glaciers and bluer-than-blue lakes. 

A bit north of Patagonia, we recommend checking out the Saltos de Petrohué, a series of waterfalls and rapids that flow through a volcanic landscape in the Lake District. You can also visit the nearby Pucon and hike up the snow-topped Villarrica Volcano. From the village itself you can also plan a whole range of outdoor activities such as skiing, rafting, kayaking, and climbing.

Nestled along South America's Pacific coast is Ecuador – a small but extraordinary country bursting with natural wonders and cultural treasures. Explore the enchanting Galapagos Islands where unique wildlife thrives like nowhere else on Earth. Take some great pictures of Quito's colonial charm or venture into the Amazon rainforest for an encounter with indigenous tribes and exotic wildlife. This is why Ecuador is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your travel bucket list:

Colombia has been through a big transformation in recent years, emerging as a vibrant and safe destination for adventure travellers. There's plenty to see and do to keep you occupied for weeks on end. From the bright and colourful streets of Cartagena to the green coffee regions: it's a great place to be. Explore the surprising capital Bogota, learn to dance salsa in Cali, or explore Medellin's quirky art scene.

In case you're looking for something a little less ordinary, you can't miss Caño Cristales, the river of five colors. This natural wonder is located in the Serranía de la Macarena, a biodiversity hotspot where you can find exotic plants and animals. You can fly to Caño Cristales from Bogotá or Villavicencio, or take an off-road trip if you're feeling adventurous. Just make sure you have your yellow fever vaccine and some waterproof shoes.

But Caño Cristales is not the only attraction in Colombia. You can also visit the Valle de Cocora, a stunning valley where you can see the tallest palm trees in the world. You can hike, horseback ride, or bike through the lush green scenery and enjoy the fresh air. Don't forget to try some local coffee and cheese while you're there!

If all of this sounds too easy, and it's a rewarding trek you're after, then the Lost City trek in Colombia is made for you. This four-day journey will take you through the lush jungle, across rivers and up steep mountains to reach the ancient ruins of a mysterious civilization. Along the way, you will encounter friendly locals, exotic wildlife and breathtaking views. And don't worry, you won't get lost - the guides know the way and the hammocks are waiting for you at the end of each day.

If you're looking for a wildlife adventure that will make your friends green with envy, look no further than Eastern Africa. This region has it all: stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, rich culture and history, and some of the best beaches in the world.

Let's start with Tanzania and Zanzibar, where you can climb the highest peak in Africa, Kilimanjaro, and enjoy the views of the savannah below. You'll need some stamina and courage to reach the summit, but it's worth every step. After that, you can reward yourself with a relaxing stay on the exotic islands of Zanzibar, where you can enjoy the sun, sand and spice of life. On Zanzibar, you can also get active by volunteering as a teaching assistant at a local school, helping the teachers with English, math, science, art, sports, and other subjects. By interacting with the students you will learn about their lives and culture, and you can even opt-in for the optional culture week. 

Next up is Kenya and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Here you'll see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras and more in their natural habitat. You'll also get to meet the Maasai people, who live in harmony with nature and have a fascinating culture and traditions. Last but not least, let's talk Uganda, where you can trek through the jungles in search of gorillas. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these majestic creatures up close and personal. You'll also be supporting their conservation efforts and helping them survive in the wild. And if you still have some energy left, you can visit the stunning Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the source of the river Nile.

We even got the perfect adventure tour for you, covering the best of Eastern Africa all in one go, with stops in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. You will get to see all the wildlife and nature you ever dreamed while getting to know the culture and history of this impressive region - including the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and your relax-moment on Zanzibar!

Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures and flavours that will make you question everything you know about Southeast Asia. The mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions that make Malaysia unique is definitely worth exploring. Start of with Kuala Lumpur, the capital and probably your point of entry. Snap some great cityscapes on top of the iconic Petronas Towers, enjoy the nightlife at Changkat Bukit Bintang (a street lined with pubs, clubs and restaurants) and explore the limestone Batu Caves and their Hindu shrines and temples. 

Outside the bustling Kuala Lumpur it's an entirely different vibe though. Ask us for highlights, and we'd mention the good times we had sampling mouthwatering street food in Penang's George Town, or diving into crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands of Langkawi or Tioman. If you want to explore Malaysia's nature and enjoy its tropical climate and wildlife, we'd suggest visiting the lush rainforests of Taman Negara and the Cameron Highlands. Don't worry about breaking the bank, Malaysia is very affordable and offers great experiences for every budget. Except Borneo, which is great but just quite pricey by comparison. You do get see orangutans, Bornean elephants, and proboscis monkeys (yes, those funny-looking ones with the giant nose!) here though, so we totally understand if you do want to go. Just save up some cash first!

India is a land of colours and flavours like no other. Set your taste buds on fire with the best curries you've ever tasted, experience vibrant festivals, and discover the real meaning of Indian hospitality. 

One of the most popular destinations in India is the northern region, where you can explore the capital city of Delhi, marvel at the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, and experience the colorful and vibrant culture of Rajasthan in Jaipur. Delhi is a city of contrasts, where ancient monuments coexist with modern skyscrapers, and where you can sample the best of Indian cuisine from street food to fine dining. The Taj Mahal is one of the wonders of the world, a stunning mausoleum built by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal and something you really have to see with your own eyes. Jaipur is known as the Pink City, because of the pink sandstone buildings that adorn its streets. Here you can visit the majestic Amber Fort, the ornate Hawa Mahal, and the lively bazaars.

If you want to experience a different side of India, head to the southern Tamil region and Mumbai. Tamil Nadu is home to some of the oldest and most impressive temples in India, such as the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, and the Rameshwaram Temple on an island with the same name, just off the eastern coast. The Tamil culture is rich and very different, with its own language, music, and dance. Mumbai is the financial and entertainment capital of India, a busy metropolis that never really sleeps. Here you can see the Gateway of India, a monumental arch that overlooks the Arabian Sea, visit the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient rock-cut sculptures, and enjoy the nightlife and glamour of Bollywood.

For adventurous souls seeking tranquility surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, Nepal is calling your name. Trek through the Annapurna Circuit or conquer Everest Base Camp for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Discover ancient temples and monasteries in Kathmandu's bustling streets, or find inner peace in Pokhara's serene lakeside setting. Nepal's majestic mountains and warm-hearted people will leave a permanent mark on your soul. Here are some of the reasons why:

• Kathmandu: The capital city of Nepal is a bustling metropolis that blends ancient temples, modern amenities, and colorful markets. You can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath, or shop for handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs in Thamel. Kathmandu is also the gateway to many trekking routes in the Himalayas, so you can easily arrange your next destination from here.
• Chitwan National Park: This is one of the best places to see wildlife in Nepal, as it is home to endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros, and the gharial crocodile. You can take a jeep safari, or a canoe trip to observe the animals in their natural habitat. You can also visit the Tharu villages and learn about their culture and traditions.
• The Himalayas: Nepal boasts eight of the ten highest mountains in the world, including the almighty Mount Everest. Whether you are a novice or an expert, you can find a trekking route that suits your level and interest. You can choose from the popular Annapurna Circuit, which takes you through diverse landscapes and cultures, or the Everest Base Camp Trek, which offers stunning views of the world's highest peak. You can also opt for less crowded but equally rewarding treks such as Langtang Valley, Manaslu Circuit, or Upper Mustang. No matter which trek you choose, you will be amazed by the scenery, the hospitality, and the challenge.
• If trekking doesn't satisfy your adventure hunger, You need to visit the beautiful lake city of Pokhara, where you can enjoy boating, paragliding, or bungee jumping. You can also visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, where you can meditate and learn about Buddhism. 

Nepal will make you fall in love with its people, its nature, and its culture. It is a place to have fun, learn new things, and even challenge yourself a little - if you make it here in 2024, your trip will be legendary!

So there you have it - our top travel picks for 2024! Whether you're an adrenaline junkie seeking thrilling adventures or a culture aficionado yearning for new experiences, these destinations offer something for every traveler. Pack your bags, embrace the unknown, and let 2024 be a year filled with unforgettable memories and life-changing journeys. Remember to always respect local customs and traditions when traveling and prioritize sustainable tourism practices to ensure these incredible destinations can be enjoyed by future generations. Happy travels!