{"id":875571,"date":"2024-01-22T18:43:42","date_gmt":"2024-01-22T17:43:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=875571"},"modified":"2025-07-15T14:39:44","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T13:39:44","slug":"destination-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/destination-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"This surprising destination is our top pick for 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The promise of a new year opens us up to 12 huge months of adventure. We asked the question to our Trafalgar staff at HQ \u2013 where are you most excited to visit in 2024? And the response? Perhaps not what you expected!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We had four special destinations emerge as compelling contenders for the coveted title of our top pick for 2024. But there can only be one winner!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the lush green landscapes of Vietnam to the timeless charms of Italy, each destination put forth has its own unique offering and reason to visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Florence<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

But in 2024, standing head and shoulders above the rest \u2013 Norway emerges as the top choice for our well-traveled staff. The country synonymous with awe-inspiring fjords and the ethereal Northern Lights feels at once familiar and yet adventurous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a look at the destinations our HQ staff put forward, and then look at the fjord-studded landscape of Norway to unravel the reasons why this Scandinavian destination outshines its competitors, making it the undisputed top pick for the year ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Runner-up destinations for 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Italy always charms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

From the ancient ruins of Rome to the art-laden streets of Florence and the romantic canals of Venice, Italy<\/a> seems to be a perennial muse and is always on our list of top destinations for good reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cItaly for me! And specifically Florence for the food, wine and the architecture,\u201d says Trafalgar\u2019s Steve. \u201cPompei is also on the wish list for the historical ruins and I\u2019ve always wanted to trek up Vesuvius.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“I want to go to the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy for the incredible food,\u201d says Jay. \u201cThere are a plethora of iconic ingredients and dishes that come from this region, and I want to sample the really good stuff. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cParmesan (my kryptonite) comes from there, as does Parma ham and balsamic vinegar. Authentic balsamic from Modena is so good, it can cost even more than Dom Perignon! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlso in Modena has an amazing restaurant that used to hold the title as best restaurant in the world – Osteria Francescana. There are so many fantastic restaurants there, and I want to go conquer them all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The country’s delectable cuisine, celebrated wines, and the warm embrace of its people add layers to the travel experience. Whether exploring the sun-soaked Amalfi Coast or immersing oneself in the artistry of Tuscany, Italy\u2019s promise of la dolce vita is irresistible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TAKE A TRIP: <\/em><\/strong>Best of Italy<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sizzling Spain in 2024 <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rich culture, flamenco rhythms, glorious weather and architectural wonders make Spain<\/a> another destination on our eternal hot list. From the energy of Barcelona’s Gaudi masterpieces to the historic grandeur of Madrid’s Prado Museum, to the sun-kissed beaches of Costa del Sol, Spain has it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis year it’s Madrid for me,\u201d says Trafalgar\u2019s Jamie. \u201cI really want to discover the cultural scene of Madrid, I’m interested in La Movida Madrile\u00f1a<\/em> and discovering Madrid by night, but also heading into the more rural surrounding areas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Spaniards’ zest for life can be found across the country, but there\u2019s no better place to get to know Spain than in the capital. Here you\u2019ll find a clash of Spanish culture as Spain\u2019s different diverse regions bring their food and traditions to the big modern city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TAKE A TRIP: <\/em><\/strong>Best of Spain<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oodles of noodles in Vietnam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVietnam! I can’t wait to eat delicious Vietnamese food at the source, from bo bun to bahn mi to a rich and hearty bowl of pho,\u201d says Trafalgar\u2019s Daniela. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI’m sure each dish tastes even better perched on a small stool at a night market. The scenery also looks insane, from the limestone karst mountains that shoot towards the sky, to lush rice terraces that snake across the hills, connecting quaint rural villages.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indeed, Vietnam<\/a> is a destination that combines history, culture, food and natural splendor, making this destination a hot pick for 2024. Journey from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil beauty of Ha Long Bay. Discover ancient temples, a vibrant street food scene, and navigate the Mekong Delta’s labyrinthine waterways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Vietnam promises authentic experiences, where tradition mixes with the energetic spirit of a nation on the rise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TAKE A TRIP: <\/em><\/strong>Highlights of Vietnam<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hunt for Nessie in Scotland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With rugged landscapes, ancient castles, and mystical allure, Scotland<\/a> emerges as a top choice in 2024. In this land of tartans and lochs, outdoor enthusiasts will find solace in the vast wilderness of the Scottish Highlands, and comfort in the historic charm of Edinburgh’s cobbled streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trafalgar\u2019s Ellie, who is based in the UK, says Scotland is her destination pick for 2024. \u201cIt seems like one of the easiest places to go, but I still haven’t visited. I want to experience Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands to hunt for Nessie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the birthplace of many great legends and home to warm people and hospitality, it\u2019s easy to see why Scotland is always on our minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TAKE A TRIP: <\/em><\/strong>Scotland’s Highlands Islands and Cities<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our destination pick for 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Drumroll for our 2024 destination please\u2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chase the Northern Lights in Norway in 2024<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From the majestic cliffs of Preikestolen to the charming streets of Bergen, Norway<\/a> captivates with its pristine outdoor landscapes. But what sets it apart in 2024? The promise of the most spectacular Northern Lights display. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI would love to travel to Finland or Norway this year to see the Northern Lights,\u201d says Victoria from Team Social. \u201cScientists believe that 2024 will bring the best auroras in 20 years!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clearly she\u2019s not the only one paying attention to the news about the Northern Lights<\/a> being more vibrant than ever in 2024. The best place to see them is deep in the north, beyond the Arctic Circle where the lights will dance across the sky during long and dark winter nights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sophie echoed her thoughts: \u201cSame as Tori for me either Norway or Iceland for the Nothern Lights.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bruno says: \u201cThumbs up for Norway!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best sightings are anticipated in Troms\u00f8<\/a>, known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” during the winter months, especially from late September to early April. When darkness blankets the Arctic skies, the dance of the Northern Lights in Norway brings a magical lightness with its otherworldly spectacle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

TAKE A TRIP: <\/em><\/strong>Nordic Adventure<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED BLOG: The 12 best places to visit in 2024: The Ultimate Trafalgar Bucket List<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s your top destination pick for 2024? Let us know where you\u2019re planning to travel to in the comments\u2026 <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The promise of a new year opens us up to 12 huge months of adventure. We asked the question to our Trafalgar staff at HQ \u2013 where are you most excited to visit in 2024? And the response? Perhaps not what you expected! We had four special destinations emerge as compelling contenders for the coveted […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":875572,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[4910],"tags":[22599],"class_list":["post-875571","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inspiration","tag-2024-travel"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThis surprising destination is our top pick for 2024<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We had four special destinations emerge as compelling contenders for our top pick for 2024. But there can only be one winner!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/destination-2024\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"This surprising destination is our top pick for 2024\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"We had four special destinations emerge as compelling contenders for our top pick for 2024. But there can only be one winner!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/destination-2024\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Real Word\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-01-22T17:43:42+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-07-15T13:39:44+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Northern-Lights-Norway-Tromso.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1440\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"810\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Daniela Sunde-Brown\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Daniela Sunde-Brown\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/destination-2024\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/destination-2024\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Daniela Sunde-Brown\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/71cd184f5acdfc37f3bc7c3333e9f21c\"},\"headline\":\"This surprising destination is our top pick for 2024\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-01-22T17:43:42+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-15T13:39:44+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/destination-2024\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1097,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/destination-2024\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Northern-Lights-Norway-Tromso.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"2024 travel\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Inspiration\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/destination-2024\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/destination-2024\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/destination-2024\\\/\",\"name\":\"This surprising destination is our top pick for 2024\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/destination-2024\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/destination-2024\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Northern-Lights-Norway-Tromso.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-01-22T17:43:42+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-15T13:39:44+00:00\",\"description\":\"We had four special destinations emerge as compelling contenders for our top pick for 2024. But there can only be one winner!\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/destination-2024\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/destination-2024\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/destination-2024\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Northern-Lights-Norway-Tromso.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Northern-Lights-Norway-Tromso.jpg\",\"width\":1440,\"height\":810,\"caption\":\"Northern Lights in Norway near Tromso\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/destination-2024\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"This surprising destination is our top pick for 2024\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/\",\"name\":\"Real Word\",\"description\":\"Travel articles, insights and stories from Trafalgar\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Real Word\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/04\\\/TT_RealWorld_Opt01-horizontal-Black.svg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/04\\\/TT_RealWorld_Opt01-horizontal-Black.svg\",\"width\":643,\"height\":83,\"caption\":\"Real Word\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/71cd184f5acdfc37f3bc7c3333e9f21c\",\"name\":\"Daniela Sunde-Brown\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/daniela-sunde-brown_avatar-500x500.jpg\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/daniela-sunde-brown_avatar-500x500.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/daniela-sunde-brown_avatar-500x500.jpg\",\"caption\":\"Daniela Sunde-Brown\"},\"description\":\"I'm an Australian travel and food writer, based in Lisbon. I'm usually planning my adventures around a restaurant I've found, or local sweet I want to try!\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/daniela.sundebrown\\\/?hl=en\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/author\\\/danielasundebrown\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"This surprising destination is our top pick for 2024","description":"We had four special destinations emerge as compelling contenders for our top pick for 2024. But there can only be one winner!","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/destination-2024\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"This surprising destination is our top pick for 2024","og_description":"We had four special destinations emerge as compelling contenders for our top pick for 2024. But there can only be one winner!","og_url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/destination-2024\/","og_site_name":"Real Word","article_published_time":"2024-01-22T17:43:42+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-07-15T13:39:44+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1440,"height":810,"url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Northern-Lights-Norway-Tromso.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Daniela Sunde-Brown","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Daniela Sunde-Brown","Estimated reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/destination-2024\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/destination-2024\/"},"author":{"name":"Daniela Sunde-Brown","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#\/schema\/person\/71cd184f5acdfc37f3bc7c3333e9f21c"},"headline":"This surprising destination is our top pick for 2024","datePublished":"2024-01-22T17:43:42+00:00","dateModified":"2025-07-15T13:39:44+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/destination-2024\/"},"wordCount":1097,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/destination-2024\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Northern-Lights-Norway-Tromso.jpg","keywords":["2024 travel"],"articleSection":["Inspiration"],"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/destination-2024\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/destination-2024\/","url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/destination-2024\/","name":"This surprising destination is our top pick for 2024","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/destination-2024\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/destination-2024\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Northern-Lights-Norway-Tromso.jpg","datePublished":"2024-01-22T17:43:42+00:00","dateModified":"2025-07-15T13:39:44+00:00","description":"We had four special destinations emerge as compelling contenders for our top pick for 2024. But there can only be one winner!","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/destination-2024\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/destination-2024\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/destination-2024\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Northern-Lights-Norway-Tromso.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Northern-Lights-Norway-Tromso.jpg","width":1440,"height":810,"caption":"Northern Lights in Norway near Tromso"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/destination-2024\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"This surprising destination is our top pick for 2024"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/","name":"Real Word","description":"Travel articles, insights and stories from Trafalgar","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#organization","name":"Real Word","url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TT_RealWorld_Opt01-horizontal-Black.svg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TT_RealWorld_Opt01-horizontal-Black.svg","width":643,"height":83,"caption":"Real Word"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#\/schema\/person\/71cd184f5acdfc37f3bc7c3333e9f21c","name":"Daniela Sunde-Brown","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2025\/06\/daniela-sunde-brown_avatar-500x500.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2025\/06\/daniela-sunde-brown_avatar-500x500.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2025\/06\/daniela-sunde-brown_avatar-500x500.jpg","caption":"Daniela Sunde-Brown"},"description":"I'm an Australian travel and food writer, based in Lisbon. I'm usually planning my adventures around a restaurant I've found, or local sweet I want to try!","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/daniela.sundebrown\/?hl=en"],"url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/author\/danielasundebrown\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/875571","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/59"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=875571"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/875571\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/875572"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=875571"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=875571"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=875571"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}