If you’re looking to explore the world and enjoy a laid-back travel experience without jostling with the crowds in some of the world’s most overtouristed spots, then it might be time to step back from the most popular destinations and look to trending travel destinations instead.
These are destinations that are having a moment right now.
Each of these trending destinations has been chosen as the winners of Superboxtravel’s Best in Travel 2024 Awards.
10. Dallas, TX
You don’t have to jet-set around the world to have a great time in a trending destination.
Dallas is the 10th most popular trending destination for 2024 thanks to its big foodie scene, rich history, live music, and arts.
Dallas may be the third largest city in Texas, but it is the city with the biggest urban arts district in the country. The Dallas Museum of Art is home to works from artists like Van Gogh and Warhol, and the Nasher Sculpture Gallery boasts pieces by Picasso and Rodin.
Dallas is unique and has a ‘bigger in Texas’ feel. Whether you’re looking for great sports, fine dining, or world-class shopping, there’s nowhere better to go.
9. Curacao
Everyone’s talking about the Caribbean, but Curacao still has the charm and allure of an undiscovered destination.
The highlight of a trip to Curacao is exploring the stunning capital of Willemstad. With its Dutch-style waterfront pastel buildings, this is like an open-air museum, and many of the buildings are UNESCO World Heritage sites due to their age and importance.
Curacao also boasts 35 beaches which are a great place to play, relax, and enjoy water sports. Diving and snorkeling are popular here too.
Add in a great nightlife that ranges from relaxed and understated to wild and wonderful, and it’s easy to see why Curacao is trending right now.
8. Malta
Malta is one of the most underrated but fascinating countries in Europe. This island nation sits in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, so you can enjoy a typical sun, sea, and sand vacation.
But it is also home to a rich cultural heritage and the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any country in the world.
The locals are friendly, and the food is good. The stunning landscapes make a beautiful backdrop to both beach days and cultural exploration. And the ancient temples here are older than the pyramids, even if they aren’t as famous.
If you only visit one European destination in 2024, then make it Malta.
7. Cali, Colombia
If you’re looking for a lively vacation experience or if you love to dance then Cali is the place to be. It is commonly known as the Rumba and Salsa capital of Colombia, and the city has regular street parties and dance parties.
Cali is surrounded by mountains, forests, and nature parks, which makes it a dream destination for outdoor adventurers. The nature is the main attraction here, and this is a particularly popular destination for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.
Make sure you take time to wander the streets of the city and explore its old town. Take in the street art and visit the many museums dedicated to Colombian art and the country’s rich history.
6. Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands offer everything you’re looking for from a tropical escape but without the overwhelming crowd levels.
Sun, sea, and sand are abundant here, and the islands are renowned for offering a luxurious tropical experience. Perhaps the best thing about the Cayman Islands is the beaches.
The most famous is the award-winning Seven Mile Beach, which is a white sand stretch with great facilities. A whole resort has sprung up around this beach, making it a great place to stay.
Other attractions of the Cayman Islands include the abundance of diving and snorkeling sites, the unspoiled nature both above and below the shoreline, and the fascinating heritage sites to explore on Cayman Brac.
5. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Mexico is the number 1 must-visit destination for American travelers in 2024. It has seen incredible numbers of arrivals in 2023, and that trend is only set to continue.
Puerto Vallarta is a popular trending destination, particularly with American tourists, thanks to its gorgeous beaches and stunning sunsets. But what makes this destination really stand out from the crowd is the food.
Whether you’re looking for international dishes or traditional Mexican cuisine, Puerto Vallarta is renowned for being home to the best restaurants in Mexico.
Other reasons to add this destination to your bucket list include its welcoming community and party atmosphere, small-town feel, and its close proximity to an abundance of natural attractions for adventure lovers.
4. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is a relatively new town that was only developed 45 years ago, but it has grown rapidly into a trending destination.
And because the Dominican Republic is a developing country, the prices on the ground here are incredibly affordable.
Arriving in Punta Cana feels like arriving in paradise. You’ll find palm groves, natural beauty, and an abundance of wildlife. Perhaps the main attraction is the white sand beaches, and travelers love Punta Cana for its coastal location.
Although things may seem relaxed and peaceful during the daytime, Punta Cana comes alive at night. With beach clubs, nightclubs, and luxurious casinos to explore, you can party the night away here.
3. Tulum, Mexico
The 2nd (but not final!) Mexican destination to make this list is Tulum.
While this beautiful paradise location boasts the same sugar sands and cobalt waters as many other Mexican resort towns it is its rich history that makes Tulum unique and sets it apart as a trending location.
Tulum was once the location of a Mayan walled city, and the ruins are incredibly well preserved. If you’re a history buff looking for a cultural break then you’re also close enough to take day trips to the Mayan structures at Chichen Itza, Coba, and El Ray too.
Behind the picture-perfect beaches, Tulum has a jungle location. This is a great place for nature lovers to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. You can spot spider monkeys, iguanas, and crocodiles, and you may even catch a glimpse of a jaguar.
2. Osaka, Japan
Japan has emerged as one of the most popular countries for 2023, and most people head to its capital city of Tokyo. But if you want to explore Japan without following the crowd, then why not try Osaka instead?
This trending destination is known as the food capital of Japan. It also boasts edgy eye-catching architecture and has a thriving art and museum scene.
The people in Osaka tend to be friendlier and more welcoming than those in Tokyo. And Osaka is perfectly placed as a base to explore some of Japan’s other iconic destinations.
You can take the train from Osaka to the ancient city of Kyoto in just 15 minutes, where you can explore incredible temples or the famous bamboo forest. In 30 minutes from Osaka you can be in Nara where you can interact with the bowing deer.
Head back to Osaka for the evening, though. It’s a fun party city, and the nightlife here is incomparable.
The number 1 trending destination for 2024 according to Travel Off Path is Bacalar, Mexico. This is a hidden gem of a beach destination and is just an hour away from the Belize border or 215 miles south of Cancun.
Bacalar is a magical town in the Yucatan Peninsula but it’s still a bit of a hidden gem for foreign travelers.
What really makes this place stand out from the crowd is the colors of the incredibly turquoise water in its freshwater lagoon. At 26 miles long this is the largest freshwater body of water in Mexico.
Bacalar is a great place to paddleboard and for culture vultures it boasts a fascinating fort. The San Felipe Fort was completed in 1733 and was designed to protect Bacalar from pirates. It houses a museum full of local pirate history.
When you’re ready for some downtime, head to downtown Bacalar. The downtown area here is small but perfectly formed. You’ll find great restaurants and shops as well as colorful murals seemingly around every corner.
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