National Geographic Traveler has released a list of 30 places and experiences that make up its 2024 “Cool List.”
Nearly half of the list is in Europe, including locations as diverse as the ruins of Pompeii and the mountains of Albania, which the magazine calls “Europe’s rising stars.”
But whether you’re looking to explore one of the world’s great cities, travel for a sporting event, or simply spend time in a remote paradise away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there’s a great mix to be found here for every type of explorer.
City break
For great dining, museums and nightlife, visit the cities featured on National Geographic’s list.
Among the cities seeing increased recognition are China’s Xi’an, known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Terracotta Warriors, and Peru’s Lima, which has become one of the world’s most highly acclaimed culinary destinations.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s former capital, Tainan, is set to celebrate its 400th anniversary in 2024, making it a good time to try traditional street food such as eel noodles, turkey rice and tofu pudding.
State of Being
National Geographic has highlighted entire states in some cases: Two US states were highlighted: Texas and New York, both of which are roughly the size of entire European countries.
In addition to New York City, National Geographic recommends visiting the Empire State’s natural beauty, including Lake Placid and Niagara Falls, while Texas has some of the best spots to view the 2024 total solar eclipse.
In Victoria, Australia, where Melbourne is located, the new Great Victorian Bathing Trail is being credited with highlighting the region’s lesser-known hot springs.
National Geographic also celebrated Sikkim, a northern Indian state that sits in the foothills of the Himalayas near the borders of Bhutan and Nepal. The state’s highest peak is Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world.
The Canadian province of Nova Scotia, not just a province, is known for its Acadian culture. This people are made up of the descendants of the first French immigrants to Canada, and their cultural heritage is reflected in Nova Scotia’s delicious seafood cuisine.
Natural wonders
National Geographic’s list includes many beautiful natural tourist destinations.
Potential locations include Chile’s Atacama Desert (the driest place in the world), the lush Caribbean island of Dominica, and Madagascar’s Andrefana Dry Forest, famous for its baobab trees.
Scotland has expanded its UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve into Galloway and Southern Ayrshire, linking it into a national circuit route linking all 13 of Scotland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
See below for the complete list.
2024 “Cool List”
Albanian Alps, Albania
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Europe by Train
Galloway and South Ayrshire, Scotland
Nordland, Norway
North Yorkshire, England
Pompeii, Italy
Saimaa, Finland
Tartu, Estonia
Euro, Germany
Valletta, Malta
Welsh whisky
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Atacama Desert, Chile
Lima, Peru
New York
Miami, Florida
Dominica
Nova Scotia, Canada
Texas
Mexico, Yucatan Peninsula
Ibera Marshes, Argentina
Akagera, Rwanda
Andrefana dry forest, Madagascar
Sierra Leone
Sikkim, India
Tainan, Taiwan
Xi’an, China
Victoria, Australia
