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Paris aerial panorama with river Seine and Eiffel tower, France. Romantic summer holidays vacation destination. Panoramic view above historical Parisian buildings and landmarks with sunset sky
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10 Trips of a Lifetime to Take in 2024

Let 2024 be the year you stop dreaming about that bucket list trip and finally book it. From riding the rails through Alaska’s stunning scenery to hiking along Japan’s under-the-radar coastline, these are the best trips to take in 2024. 

Paris, France: Olympics Travel Package

RIO DE JANEIRO - MARCH 18, 2016: A large set of Olympic rings shines in bright sunlight against blue sky.
lazyllama | Adobe Stock

The City of Light will be even more abuzz than normal as Paris hosts the 2024 Summer Olympics. The games will be hosted in iconic locations, so this is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch skateboarding in the Place de la Concorde, beach volleyball in the Champ de Mars, and equestrian events in the Palace of Versailles. 

If snagging a hotel room and tickets to a game seems impossible, don’t worry—official packages that combine Olympic tickets and accommodations are available. 

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile: Journeysmiths

Hiker at mirador condor enjoying amazing view of Los Cuernos rocks and Lake Pehoe in Torres del Paine national park, Patagonia, Chile
dsaprin | Adobe Stock

Located towards the bottom of Chile, Torres del Paine National Park feels like the end of the earth. This rugged and wild place rewards intrepid visitors with stunning scenery around every turn. The best way to see the highlights of Torres del Paine is via the W Trek, a hiking trail that leads to the views of the most iconic sites in the park. 

Although the W Trek traditionally involves camping or sharing rooms in a hostel-style refugio, bespoke travel company Journeysmiths can plan a custom trip along the trek with luxury resort accommodations instead of tents.  

Hidden Gems of the Greek Cyclades, Greece: Kensington Tours

traditional white houses in Pyrgos village, the hidden gem of Santorini, Cyclades islands Greece - amazing travel destination
Melinda Nagy | Adobe Stock

If every time you opened a social media app recently you saw another friend in Greece, it’s not a coincidence—tourism to this vacation hotspot has exploded over recent years. Enjoy all the best parts of Greece, without the crowds, on Kensington Tours’ Hidden Gems of the Greek Cyclades tour, which visits the lesser-known islands of Milos and Naxos. 

The itinerary includes unique experiences like a citron liquor sampling at a local distillery and a private tour of Byzantine and Venetian relics.

Under the Northern Lights: Iceland & Greenland: Exodus Adventure Travels

South Iceland Broad-Church at dusk near Hvolsvollur, Iceland, under a spectacular Northern Lights display
mandritoiu | Adobe Stock

To spot the Northern Lights, it’s best to head somewhere with minimal light pollution—like the middle of the Arctic. Exodus Adventure Travels’ Under the Northern Lights trip does just that, taking guests on a cruise around the remote coasts of Iceland and Greenland. 

Although seeing the aurora borealis, polar bears, and whales isn’t guaranteed, you’re sure to see incredible mountains, fjord, and massive icebergs along the way.

Madagascar Adventure: World Expeditions

The Tsingy Rouge (Red Tsingy) in the region of Diana in northern Madagascar.
Picturellarious | Adobe Stock

Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, and this remote island is home to an incredibly diverse ecosystem where you can find lemurs, chameleons, Baobab trees, and rainforests.  

Traverse this unique country on World Expeditions’ 21-day Madagascar Adventure trip. On this extended tour, you’ll hike colorful sandstone canyons and swim in natural pools in Isalo National park, hike through the limestone pinnacles of Tsingy de Bamaraha, canoe along the Manambolo River, and more.

Alaska Railroad, Glaciers, Rails, and Trails Package

Seward, Alaska: Alaska Railroad (ARR) Class II railroad. Passenger train engine 4320. Coastal Classic Train takes passengers between Seward and Anchorage on the Kenai Peninsula.
EWY Media | Adobe Stock

An Alaska trip might conjure up visions of cruises, but there’s a better way to immerse yourself in The Last Frontier—on a land-based trip, like Alaska Railroad’s Glaciers, Rails, and Trails journey. This 11-day package includes a variety of day trips featuring scenic train rides, glacier and wildlife cruises, glacial river float trips, and jetboat tours.

You’ll see the state’s highlights with stops in Kenai Fjords National Park, Denali National Park, and National Wild River Park.

Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Michinouk Coastal Trail: G Adventures

Beautiful view of the Gozanoishi Shrine on the shore of Lake Tazawa in Semboku, Akita, Japan
Suwandi Chandra/Wirestock Creators | Adobe Stock

Long known for its backpacker-budget trips, G Adventures recently branched out and launched The Geluxe Collection. These upgraded experiences combine active adventures with luxury accommodations and transport. Check out the new travel style on G Adventures’ Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Michinoku Coastal Trail trip, an 11-day journey highlighting the best of Japan. The trip starts in Kyoto and ends in Tokyo, and visits Lake Tazawa and Jodogahama Beach along the way.

During the day, you’ll enjoy unique activities like creating crafts using bark from wild cherry blossoms or tasting sake at a 330-year-old brewery. At night, you’ll stay in four-star accommodation like the lakefront Tazawako Rose Park Hotel.

Cycle New Zealand: Otago Rail Trail: Intrepid Travel

Three people cycling the Otago Central Rail Trail in a row towards Middlemarch, South Island, New Zealand
Janice | Adobe Stock

The best way to see New Zealand? On two wheels. Intrepid Travel’s Cycle New Zealand Otago Rail Trail trip follows the spectacular Otago Central Rail Trail, a flat and traffic-free path that was voted New Zealand’s favorite ride for two years in a row.

The biking journey takes you on a loop from Queenstown to Omakau Ophir, Wedderburn, Hyde, and Middlemarch. In addition to cycling, there are opportunities to add some adrenaline in the form of bungy jumping or jet boating.

Sailing the Caribbean: National Geographic Travel

Turquoise colored sea with ancored catamarans, Tobago Cays, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Caribbean sea
vadim.nefedov | Adobe Stock

See the gems of the Caribbean in style on National Geographic Travel’s Sailing the Caribbean tour. This eight-day cruise takes place aboard the elegant square-rigger ship the Sea Cloud, a beautiful historic boat that was once the private yacht of Marjorie Merriweather Post. This elegant ship has just 30 staterooms, allowing for a much more intimate experience than a typical cruise.

The itinerary travels through some of the Caribean’s lesser-visited islands, including Dominica, Bequia, and Terre-de-Haut.

Disney Parks Around the World: Adventures by Disney

beautiful view of Disneyland park , Paris, France
dogmer | Adobe Stock

The Disney Parks Around the World trip is the ultimate splurge for true fans of the mouse. This luxury adventure costs $114,995 per person for 24 days and visits 12 Disney theme parks as well as three iconic real-world landmarks (the Taj Mahal, Pyramids of Giza, and the Eiffel Tower.)

You’ll travel in style on a private jet, and receive special behind-the-scenes access at many of the parks. 

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