Each year the Chinese zodiac calendar flips to a new year, and in 2024 we welcome the Year of the Dragon. Each year is represented by an animal on a 12-year cycle, and this year the Dragon represents power, transformation, and auspicious beginnings.
Symbolizing strength and fortune, the Year of the Dragon encourages boldness and exploration. It’s an ideal time for travelers to plan a 2024 travel calendar aligned with their astrological profiles, personality and desires.
For those whose birthdays align with the Dragon, characterized by ambition, charisma, and a thirst for adventure, here are five destinations tailored to your astrological charts.
From breathtaking mountain treks to serene coastal getaways, let’s look at the celestial influences shaping your personal 2024 travel calendar, according to Chinese zodiac and astrology.
What does Year of the Dragon mean?
In the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Dragon holds significant symbolism and reverence. Representing power, strength, and good fortune, the Dragon is one of the most auspicious and revered creatures in Chinese culture.
Those born under the sign of the Dragon – 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 – are believed to inherit its noble traits, including ambition, charisma, and a fearless spirit.
As a symbol of transformation and renewal, the Year of the Dragon is often associated with new beginnings and exciting opportunities. People around the world celebrate the Year of the Dragon with festivities, rituals, and hopes for prosperity and success.
Here’s your 2024 travel calendar for the Year of the Dragon.
Be bold in Machu Picchu, Peru
The “Lost City of the Incas” is one of the most iconic and mysterious archaeological sites in the world. Located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, it takes strength and courage to conquer Machu Picchu. It’s why this Latin American destination resonates with the Dragon’s bold spirit.
The 15th-century abandoned Inca civilization and UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its breathtaking location, perched atop a ridge overlooking the Urubamba River valley. Trekking through the ancient ruins offers a sense of adventure and discovery that aligns with the Dragon’s love for exploration.
Visiting Machu Picchu during the Year of the Dragon could be seen as a symbolic journey of self-discovery and transformation. The Dragon symbolizes new beginnings and opportunities. Exploring this ancient wonder connects you with the rich history and spiritual energy of the Andean region while embarking on your own personal quest for growth and fulfillment.
GET INSPIRED: Land of the Incas
Explore ever-evolving Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is a vibrant and dynamic city that pulsates with energy and innovation. That makes it an ideal destination for those born in the Year of the Dragon. Japan’s capital city embodies the spirit of the Dragon – bold, ambitious, and constantly evolving.
This mega-metropolis offers plenty of diversity, from exploring traditional Shinto shrines to diving headfirst into the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya. Tokyo offers a range of experiences that cater to the Dragon’s curiosity and thirst for exploration.
Better yet, Tokyo is known as a global hub for innovation and creativity. Dragon travelers will feel inspired after attending a futuristic robot show, sampling innovative cuisine in world-renowned restaurants, or browsing the latest fashion trends in trendy Harajuku.
DRAGON DESTINATION: Classic Japan
Embrace the spirit of adventure in Iceland
The Year of the Dragon is often associated with power, strength, and a sense of adventure. It’s why Iceland, with its rugged landscapes, volcanic terrain, and otherworldly beauty, is the perfect match for your 2024 travel calendar. This small country offers a sense of raw, elemental power and untamed wilderness where fire and ice collide.
Iceland’s geothermal activity and dramatic landscapes, loaded with majestic waterfalls, glaciers, and geysers, offer a chance to connect with nature. Iceland forces you to challenge yourself and embrace the Dragon’s spirit of adventure.
Whether hiking across lava fields, soaking in hot springs, or chasing the Northern Lights, Iceland’s enchanting beauty and rugged charm provide the perfect backdrop for Dragon travelers on a transformative journey of self-discovery.
TAKE A TRIP: Iceland including the Blue Lagoon
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Santorini, Greece is perfect for personal transformation
How does a picturesque Greek island relate to Chinese zodiac signs? Easy, the Year of the Dragon is about transformation. Whether watching the sunset from Oia’s iconic blue-domed churches, sailing around the island’s caldera, or sampling local delicacies in quaint tavernas, it’s easy to get swept up in Santorini’s enchanting beauty, leading to moments of personal reflection.
Known for its breathtaking sunsets and stunning landscapes, Santorini captivates the Dragon’s adventurous and romantic spirit. The island’s volcanic history and mythical allure evoke a sense of mystery and can inspire personal transformation. For those born in the Year of the Dragon, Santorini offers a relaxed opportunity to connect with nature and beauty.
GET INSPIRED: Best of Greece
Embrace endless possibilities in Beijing, China
Where better to visit during the Year of the Dragon than Beijing, the capital city of China itself. The mega city is one of contrasts, where traditional hutongs (alleyways), historic temples, and vibrant markets sit alongside Beijing’s modern skyline. It’s a place of possibility, which suits the Dragon’s ambitious traits.
It’s easy to access iconic sights such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. Each strong landmark represents and reflects the Dragon’s regal nature.
Plus red is a lucky color. You’ll find the vibrant hue across the political, cultural, and educational center of the country. As the heart of China, Beijing easily represents the Dragon’s spirit of power, ambition, and grandeur.
TAKE A TRIP: Classic China
Where will our 2024 travel calendar take you during the Year of the Dragon? Let us know in the comments….