As travelers continue to look for cheaper alternatives or “duck trips,” locations that are close to, but not tried-and-true tourist attractions are growing in popularity.
Internet searches for travel ducks in the U.S. skyrocketed throughout 2023, according to Google Trends data.
Europe
Albania, Albania, Northern Ireland, Belfast, Italy, Emilia-Romagna, Europe by train, Scotland, Galloway and South Ayrshire, Norway, Norway, England, North Yorkshire, Italy, Pompeii, Finland, Saimaa, Estonia, Tartu, Euro, Germany, Valletta, Malta, Wales, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
An outstanding place in Europe is Tartu, Estonia. Estonians consider the city the “cultural and intellectual center of the country,” according to Nat Geo. Tartu is 180 miles from Estonia’s capital, Tallinn.
Tartu is home to the country’s oldest university, is a UNESCO City of Literature, and was named one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2024.
National Geographic named Tartu, Estonia as one of the most exciting destinations in 2024.
Photogabritz | iStock | Getty Images
Americas
Atacama Desert, Chili Lima, New York, Peru, Miami, USA, Dominican Nova Scotia, USA, Texas, Canada, Yucatan Peninsula, USA, Ibera Marsh, Mexico, Argentina
Three US locations have been ranked as the most exciting destinations for 2024. Texas stands out on the list because in 2024 Central Texans will be able to see a total solar eclipse scheduled for April 8th.
Forth Worth, San Antonio, and Austin are expected to offer the best views of this astronomical phenomenon.
National Geographic named Texas as one of the most exciting destinations in 2024.
Simoncle | E+ | Getty Images
Austin, Texas continues to be a hot city. According to research by SmartAsset, home prices in the city have increased by 354% over the past 25 years.
Henry & Partners’ 2023 Wealth Report names Austin as the fastest growing city for billionaires in the United States. The Texas city saw a 102% increase in millionaires from 2012 to 2022, according to the report.
Africa
Red woodpecker, Rwanda Andrejuana dry forest, Madagascar Sierra Leone
According to Nat Geo, Sierra Leone is a country to watch in 2024. Freetown’s international airport will undergo a major renovation in 2023, and many roads will also be renovated.
The report states that tourism is blooming in West Africa. Sierra Leone’s first Hilton is scheduled to open next year. Next year, the company plans to expand its portfolio into other properties in the country.
National Geographic named Sierra Leone one of the most exciting destinations in 2024.
Shah Jaman / 500Px | 500Px | Getty Images
Asia
India, Sikkim, Taiwan, Tainan, China, Xi’an
The Indian state of Sikkim is one of the smallest states in the country.
In this region you can go trekking and visit mountain monasteries. More than a quarter of India’s Sikkim state is covered by Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
National Geographic has named Victoria, Australia one of the most exciting destinations for 2024.
Prasit Photography | Moments | Getty Images
Australia
Australia may be known for its beaches, but Victoria has a rich history of mineral-rich hot springs. The report focuses on the Great Victoria Bath Trail, a 560-mile road trip through the major city of Melbourne that connects hot springs and beaches.
Don’t miss: Want to be smarter and more successful with money, work and life? Sign up for our new newsletter!
Get CNBC’s free Warren Buffett investing guide. This guide compiles the millionaire’s #1 advice for everyday investors, the dos and don’ts, and three key investment principles into a clear and simple guidebook.
