Recently updated on March 13th, 2024 at 01:56 pm
Wondering what the best places to visit in 2024 are? Get inspired by the Trafalgar bucket list, with 12 of the best places to visit in each month of 2024. From chasing the sun to following the festivals, here’s your month-by-month travel bucketlist for 2024.
January: Sydney, Australia
Ring in the new year with a bang in Sydney, Australia. The coastal city shines in January with its iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks display over the Sydney Harbor Bridge, one of the first in the world to ring in the New Year. The festivities continue with endless events and festivals like the Sydney Festival and the warm summer weather is perfect for enjoying the world-famous beaches, like Bondi and Manly. If you’re a sports fan, the Australian Open kicks off in January in nearby Melbourne. Or why not hop over to the hidden gem of Adelaide, recently named the coolest city in Australia.
Experience Sydney on: Highlights of Australia and New Zealand
February: Vietnam
Enjoy a second New Year celebration with a trip to Vietnam in February. Vietnam celebrates the Lunar New Year, or Tết, and the festivities combined with the great weather, makes February an excellent month to visit. In the North, including Hanoi and Sapa, you’ll find cool weather, glowing Old Quarters, and glimmering rice fields. In Central Vietnam, popular destinations like Hue and Hoi An are warm and buzzing with new year celebrations. Down in Southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh and the Mekong Delta enjoy sunny skies perfect for exploring the cities and rivers.
Experience Vietnam on: Vietnam and Cambodia Uncovered
March: Kyoto, Japan
One of the best places to visit in 2024 is Kyoto and March is a great month to do it. March signals the start of the Hanami (flower viewing) season, casting the city in a spectacular display of cherry blossoms. The mild March weather is perfect for exploring temples and festivities, like Higashiyama Hanatouro, where the Higashiyama district is lit up with lanterns and illuminated artworks. Enjoy a magical evening stroll along the glowing paths, witness the annual geisha dances, known as Miyako Odori, and indulge in seasonal cuisine like sansai (wild mountain vegetables) and takenoko (bamboo shoots).
Experience Kyoto on: Splendors of Japan
April: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is your perfect April destination, as the city bursts into bloom with the tulip season. The nearby Keukenhof Gardens showcase millions of tulips, while Amsterdam’s canals and parks also light up in colorful flowers. The milder spring weather is perfect for strolling the cobblestone streets or enjoying a leisurely bike ride. You can also catch the King’s Day (Koningsdag) festivities, an orange-filled celebration held for the king’s birthday on 27 April. From markets and music to boat parties on the canals, this is one of the biggest festivals in the Netherlands.
Experience Amsterdam on: Best of Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg
May: Sicily, Italy
Sicily is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in 2024. As Europe warms up, Sicily offers the perfect climate in May before the summer crowds. The island’s Mediterranean climate brings sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for exploring ancient Greek temples, Mount Etna, charming towns, seasonal cuisine, and the beautiful beaches. Sicily’s landscapes are awash with wildflowers in May, and you can catch traditional festivals like Infiorata di Noto, where the streets are carpeted in intricate flower petal artworks.
Experience Sicily on: Southern Italy and Sicily
June: South Africa
June is winter in South Africa, making it a fantastic time for wildlife enthusiasts to visit. With sparse vegetation and animals congregating around water sources, you’ll enjoy exceptional game viewing in iconic parks like Kruger National Park. The cooler temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities, from hiking in the Drakensberg to exploring the Cape Winelands. June also marks the start of the whale-watching season along the Western Cape’s coast. And there’s plenty of festivals like the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, one of the most important cultural events in the country.
Experience South Africa on: Best of South Africa
July: Tromsø, Norway
With the Midnight Sun high in the sky, July is an extraordinary time to visit Tromsø in far northern Norway. You can explore the region’s breathtaking fjords, mountains and islands, under 24 hours of surreal daylight. Go kayaking, spot whales, enjoy the summer festivals, and bask in the pleasant temperatures. It’s an unconventional summer getaway that offers a unique insight into life and culture in the Arctic.
Experience Tromsø on: Nordic Adventure
August: Edinburgh, Scotland
August in Edinburgh is all about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world. The city bursts with energy as artists, comedians, and performers take to the streets and venues, providing endless entertainment. Alongside the Fringe, the prestigious Edinburgh International Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo offer remarkable cultural experiences. The atmosphere is electric, all backed by the city’s stunning architecture and historic charm.
Experience Edinburgh on: Real Britain
September: Porto, Portugal
As the European summer rush dwindles, September is the perfect time to discover Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city. The crowds have gone home and you’ll get perfectly mild weather for strolling along the Douro River, exploring the historical Ribeira district, and tasting the world-famous Port wine at its source. Be sure to catch the Festival do Douro and enjoy the season’s harvest and local flavors, wine tastings in cellars, and river cruises.
Experience Porto on: Treasures of Spain and Portugal
October: Canadian Rockies, Canada
If you’re looking for outdoor magic in October, look no further than the Canadian Rockies. As fall sets in, the landscape transforms into a spectacular canvas of fiery reds, oranges, and golds. With the summer crowds gone, you can enjoy a more tranquil experience at popular spots like Banff and Jasper National Parks. Wildlife viewing is at its prime, with elk and deer in their mating season, while cooler temperatures and fewer bugs make for ideal hiking conditions. If you’re lucky, you catch an early snowfall in October and get the unique opportunity to enjoy winter sports among the beautiful fall foliage. You could even witness the first aurora borealis displays as the nights darken.
Experience the Canadian Rockies on: Spectacular Canadian Rockies
November: Cusco, Peru
With is proximity to the iconic Machu Picchu and its rich culture and history, Cusco is one of the best places to travel in 2024. November is the sweet spot for visiting Cusco, as the rainy season hasn’t yet begun and the tourist rush has subsided. It’s the perfect time to explore the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in a more relaxed way and truly absorb this ancient Incan capital. The weather is pleasantly mild and the surrounding Sacred Valley is lush green. You’ll also have the chance to see local cultural festivals like Todos los Santos (All Saints Day), with traditional foods and celebrations providing a fascinating insight into Peruvian culture.
Experience Cusco on: Highlights of Peru
December: Vienna, Austria
What better destination to close out the year than Vienna? The city is magical in December as it fully embraces the festive spirit. The cobbled streets are draped in glowing lights and glittering decorations, and the Christmas markets overflow with mulled wine, gingerbread and carolers. You can also explore the city’s regal history, like the opulent Schönbrunn and Hofburg Palaces or catch a show at the world-famous opera house, in the city where Mozart composed his most famous concertos.
Experience Vienna on: Germany and Austria
What are your recommendations for the best places to visit in 2024? Let us know in the comments below!