Hot list

Our pick of the best up and coming destinations to visit in 2024

Sustainable break, SalzburgerLand, Austria

Often thought of as a winter destination, SalzburgerLand in Austria, close to the German border, is becoming more fashionable in summer, with people inspired to visit the mountains for the combination of warm sunshine with a cooling breeze, and the sustainability factor. The area is home to more organic producers and farms than any other region in Europe offering a natural, sustainable and ethical escape.

One gorgeous location for wellness is Leogang – a pretty village at the foothills of the Leoganger Rocky Mountains – becoming the go-to destination for beautiful spa hotels with stunning al fresco swimming lakes, and the surrounding mountains are a rambler’s dreams.

You can’t visit the area without visiting the city of Salzburg and taking The Sound of Music tour, where you’ll visit all the classic locations from the iconic film. The city is also home to some beautiful architecture, as well as a relaxing café culture. There’s nothing more rewarding at the end of the day than tucking into a cup of creamy coffee and a slab of chocolatey sachertorte or apple strudel.

Flying solo, Lombok, Indonesia

Solo travel is set to be a key trend in 2024, with many looking to escape the routines of everyday life. Indonesia has long been a go-to destination for those looking to explore independently, but for anyone craving an experience similar to what Bali used to offer before mass tourism, Lombok is the place to go. It’s known for its stunning natural landscapes, including pristine beaches, waterfalls, and lush greenery ensuring you’ll enjoy making the most of this stunning island.

Its tourist infrastructure is taking shape, boasting a recently modernised airport with regular connecting flights from Singapore, plus a wave of new hotels, resorts, and retreats. Senggigi beach is a surfer’s paradise, and a hot spot for nights out, while those wanting a more rugged adventure should head to Mount Rinjani, to explore this marvellous volcano. For a small island there’s lots to see, and guided local tours are great for solo travellers.

City escape, Lisbon, Portugal

Next year will be the year of the ‘microcation’, a trend of quick getaways and long weekends to fit round busy schedules, and top of the destination list is the vibrant city of Lisbon. It’s a short trip from the UK and is relatively cheap once you arrive, offering a lot of bang for your buck.

This hilly costal capital has stunning views across the sea, and the old city’s pastel-coloured buildings are the picture-perfect backdrop. Explore the city and enjoy the area of Belém with its UNESCO World Heritage monument, the mediaeval quarter, and the beautiful leisure spaces such as the Parque das Nações.

Along the coastal roads you’ll find stunning beaches and coves for pure escapism, but for those that like the action there are several surfing beaches to get the heart pumping. Ride the trams around the old city streets or take on the challenge of walking the steep hills and cobbled paths. Best of all there’s a lovely year-round warm climate and delicious cuisine, especially its array of seafood, to ensure this laid-back capital is top of your travel list.

Long-haul adventure, Melbourne, Australia

Known for endless hours of sunshine, vast outbacks, beautiful scenery, magical wildlife, and some of the best diving reefs in the world, Australia is a real bucket-list destination. And this year the city of Melbourne is a place to make dreams come true with exciting new experiences, stylish hotels, and glam restaurants.

New to the area is a hop-on and hop-off wine tour of the Bellarine Peninsula’s best producers, plus the re-opening of the Geelong Arts Centre, for performing art, live music and theatre, and BBC Earth’s immersive experience arrives in the city. If you love sports then Melbourne is known for hosting some of the world’s best sporting events, from the Grand Prix to the Australian Open and Melbourne Cup. It’s also a haven for foodies, rooftop bars and shopping, with the Fitzroy district the place for street markets and retro diners. If you’re looking for one of the best places to eat, we’d recommend Melbourne’s iconic Studley Park Boathouse. Situated on the Yarra River, this boat has been transformed to a dining, drinking and entertaining space.