Are you looking for somewhere new to head away on your vacation this year? As travel becomes more accessible, tourists have the opportunity to visit places that may not have been on their radar ten years ago.
Sure, Paris and Rome are beautiful, but what about the tropical island of Siargao in the far east of the Philippines or the adorable town of Bacalar in southeastern Mexico? These hidden gems are on the rise and are only going to get more popular in the coming years.
In this article, we will fill you in on the best up-and-coming travel destinations in 2024 so you can get ahead of the game and enjoy them without the crowds.
Tbilisi, Georgia
The trendy capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, is set on the banks of the Kura River in the east of the country and has been a destination largely unnoticed by travelers. If you're a fan of good food, amazing wine, and examples of old soviet architecture, you'll fall in love with Tbilisi.
You won't be short of things to do when you get here. You can walk around the Old Town to admire the quirky buildings in Sololaki, admire the towering Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, and hop on the cable car to visit the famous Mother of Georgia.
After a long day of sightseeing, there's nothing more satisfying than diving into a traditional dish like khachapuri with a glass of traditional Georgian wine. If you really want to better understand the country's 8000-year wine history, you should tour one of the city's wineries.
Siargao Island, The Philippines
The stunning tear-drop-shaped island of Siargao sits off the northeast coast of Mindanao in the Philippines. This dreamy paradise is the country's surfing hub with endless white sandy beaches like Algeria Beach, azure waters, coconut palm trees, and secret rock pools.
Between July and November is Siargao's surfing season; this is when the sea conditions are at their best for catching some serious waves.
Even if you're not a surfer, there's still so much to see in Siargao, including the dreamy Sugba Lagoon, the picturesque Cloud 9 Beach, and the gorgeous Tak Tak Falls.
Bacalar, Mexico
Located in the south of Quintana Roo State in Mexico is Bacalar, a little town perched up beside the Bacalar Lagoon, famously known as the "Lagoon of Seven Colors."
Over the past few years, this sleepy town has started to get a lot of attraction for its lagoon because of its unique ice-blue color. You can take day tours around it to catch a glimpse of the fascinating Cenote Esmeralda, Isla de los Pájaros, and much more.
In addition to the boat trips, spend your days in Bacalar exploring the historic San Felipe Fort, relaxing at Los Rapidos, or doing some stand-up paddleboarding on the lagoon for sunset.
For dinner time, Mr. Taco serves up some amazing Mexican fare that you won't be able to resist.
Juayua, El Salvador
In western El Salvador, you'll find the colorful town of Juayua. It's on the Ruta de las Flores, which is a long road dotted with little settlements filled with amazing murals and flowers; one of the towns is Juayua.
Juayua's colonial architecture and creative street art are only the start of what this exciting up-and-coming destination has going for it. Take on the treacherous 7 Waterfalls Hike, where you'll climb through caves and scale cascades surrounded by dense green jungles.
Foodies will love the weekly Food Festival in the town center. Pull up a seat and indulge in a barbecued feast, Salvadorian style!
Berat, Albania
The Albanian city of Berat, famously called 'the City of Thousand Windows,' is a historical treasure in the south of the country. Come gaze at the endless Ottoman-styled houses adorned with countless windows perched up uniquely on the edge of a hill.
As the sun starts to set, walk up to have a look around Berat Castle, a 13th-century fortress looking out over the Osum River. While you're up there, you'll be able to see some of the well-preserved majestic Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques, too.
Chiang Dao, Thailand
Escape the crowds on the beaches in the south and head north to one of Thailand's best-kept secrets, Chiang Dao.
A mountainside getaway that most Thais have only heard of, Chiang Dao is a couple of hours' drive from Chiang Mai and is loved for its enchanting landscapes, outstanding temples, and awe-inspiring rice paddy fields.
Get lost in the Chiang Dao Cave, where locals come to pray at the many Buddha statues that are there. You don't have to be a Buddhist, either; tourists are welcome!
Have a dip in the Chiang Dao Hot Springs. These bubbly baths are situated beside a little stream and are a great way to put your feet up and be totally immersed in nature.
End your afternoon with a warm cup of arabica overlooking the massive Doi Luang Chiang Dao. One place we recommend is the Chiang Dao Mountain View Cafe.
The White Desert, Egypt
Widely unknown to many travel enthusiasts, the White Desert in eastern Egypt has started to see an increase in visitors over the years. However, it's nowhere near as popular as the likes of the Sahara excursions in Morocco or the Dubai Desert.
Egypt's White Desert is unlike anywhere else on the planet. Camp overnight in one of the country's most remote areas with a Bedouin driver. You'll be able to spot endless chalk-white spires, sleep out under the stars, and sandboard down massive dunes.
There are so many up-and-coming destinations grabbing the attention of curious travelers looking for something different these days. These seven places are a must-visit now before it's too late. Undoubtedly, they will be overrun with large groups of tourists in the next decade, so you need to get there now while there's still time.
Get your pen and paper ready because it's time to get off the beaten path and discover parts of the world that are lesser known to the average person.
