In January, a cruise to Antarctica, and in February, a trip to New Zealand: 12 cities worth visiting in 2024
Now is a great time to plan your vacation. Choose the time to travel and the country you want to discover.
Journalist and traveler Christopher Elliot spends 365 days a year on the road. He has compiled a list of the 12 best places to see in 2024, according to The Seattle Times.
January: Antarctica
You will want to travel to Antarctica in the Southern Hemisphere's summer. The temperature is relatively mild, and the usually stormy Drake Passage is calmer. At the end of December, I flew to Ushuaia, Argentina, and boarded the Hurtigruten Expeditions MS Fridtjof Nansen for a 10-day cruise to Antarctica, arriving on the White Continent just before New Year's Eve. It was impressive. Even though it may seem a bit risky, you shouldn't miss trekking across the ice to see the penguins. If you're really brave, try a polar plunge in the icy water.
February: Doha, Qatar
Qatar is one of the most underrated destinations in the world. The weather in late winter is almost perfect - warm days, cool nights. My sons and I spent time wandering around the world-famous Souk Waqif, a bustling market where you can buy almost anything, but the main activity seems to be drinking coffee and smoking vanilla-scented hookah (we tried the coffee but skipped the hookah). The highlights of our visit were a tour of the Qatar National Museum, which explains the origins of this glittering metropolis, and a trip to the desert to see the monoliths of American sculptor Richard Serra.
March: Christchurch, New Zealand
Christchurch, located on the South Island of New Zealand, resembles another planet. March marks early autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, yet the hills maintain a vibrant shade of green. If you've ever watched any of the Lord of the Rings movies, you'll recognize this place, but it offers much more than spectacular cinematic landscapes. Christchurch is a welcoming city with excellent coffee shops (my favorite is Espresso Studio by Fushoken) and fantastic restaurants that won't break the bank. I spent a few days strolling around Hagley Park in the city center and marveling at the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. Make sure to venture out of the city to explore the mountains.
April: Kyoto, Japan
If you have the chance to visit Kyoto in April, seize it. Cherry blossoms typically bloom in mid-March and reach their peak in early April. But even if you miss the cherry blossom season, Kyoto is a must-see destination. The former Japanese capital is replete with ancient temples and shrines. It's also an ideal place to learn how to make sushi from the masters at Kyoto Sushi Making or, if you're battling jet lag, to find a spot that serves authentic ramen. My sons and I kept returning to Kyoto Engine Ramen, tucked away in a narrow alleyway and always bustling with expats struggling with time zone adjustments.
May: Hoi An, Vietnam
Vietnam was the most surprising destination of my 2023 travels. I spent a long weekend in Hoi An, located in the central part of the country, and I'm still captivated by its natural beauty, with its lush green mountains and picture-perfect beaches.
Hoi An is an ancient city filled with temples and has a rich history shaped by various cultural influences, including Chinese and French. Make sure to visit the market and take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River at dusk, when colorful lanterns illuminate the water. Also, don't miss trying pho for dinner at Anantara Hoi An Resort.
June: Fukuoka, Japan
For a unique experience in Japan, beyond the typical destinations of Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo, consider visiting Fukuoka. It's arguably the friendliest city I've encountered in Japan. If you're traveling from another city, I highly recommend taking the shinkansen (bullet train), a marvel of engineering. Fukuoka also offers excellent shopping opportunities. We stocked up on green tea before returning to the States. If you have the chance, take a boat to Iki Island—it's worth it. And if you do, don't miss dinner at Iki Retreat.
July: Santiago, Chile
Chile boasts some of the world's best skiing and snowboarding, making mid-winter in the Southern Hemisphere an ideal time to visit. Just a short drive from Santiago, you'll find top-notch resorts like Portillo. Even if you visit Chile in the summer, you can still admire the snow-capped Andes Mountains and dream of world-class skiing in the Southern Hemisphere.
August: Seoul, South Korea
It may sound unconventional, but one of the highlights of my visit to Seoul was strolling through the Gyeongui Line Forest Park, a 3-mile-long urban park built on a former railroad line. It traverses some of Seoul's most renowned neighborhoods, offering countless coffee shops and restaurants to pause and take in the scenery. Of course, Seoul also boasts must-see cultural attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jogyesa Temple. However, what stands out most about Seoul for me is its vibrant coffee culture and warm hospitality.
September: Los Angeles
Early fall is an ideal time to experience Los Angeles. Hotel prices, particularly in tourist areas, tend to drop during the shoulder season. I adore Los Angeles in early fall, and if you find yourself near the beach, don't miss the Santa Monica Pier History Walk tour, which delves into the background of this iconic landmark. And who can resist a ride on an old carousel?
October: Chiang Rai, Thailand
The Golden Triangle region, where Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand meet, used to be known for its opium trade. Today, tourism is developing here. Although the rainy season is over, it's still not too crowded, so almost all the temples will be at your disposal, and you can take long walks in the rainforest or along the rice fields without dodging buses with visitors. There are elephants here, and there may be no better place to see them than the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, which also offers spectacular views of the Ruak River and beyond to Myanmar and Laos.
November: Siem Reap, Cambodia
I am speechless when I attempt to depict the experience of witnessing the sunrise over Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument globally, situated in Siem Reap. It's a monumental historical site swallowed by the jungle, displaying an impressive scale that I've never encountered before and likely never will again. Arrive at the main temple complex before dawn to witness the sunrise. Accessing Siem Reap is now much more convenient thanks to the new international airport, and the city offers plenty to explore. However, the main draw of this destination is its temples. You'll need a minimum of three days to grasp the vastness of Angkor Wat, but it will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience.
December: Hobart, Tasmania
There's no finer place to spend the end of the year than Hobart, Australia. It's the height of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, and Hobart stands out as one of the most captivating Australian cities to enjoy this season. You can observe the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race from the Battery Point suburb or take a ferry to the Mona Museum of Old and New Art, one of the quirkiest art museums globally. If you can venture outside the city, explore Cradle Mountain and encounter Tasmanian devils at the Devils@Cradle Sanctuary.
