INTRODUCTION
Make 2024 your year of treasured family vacations. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a relaxation enthusiast, or a culture connoisseur, there's a perfect vacation destination for you. We've scoured the globe to bring you the top 5 vacation destinations to explore in 2024. These destinations offer natural beauty, rich culture, and thrilling experiences, making them ideal locations to create cherished memories. We're favoring Orlando, Phuket, Puerto Vallarta, Mont Tremblant, and Cartagena this year. Here's why! Let us know in the comments if you agree.
VACATION DESTINATION 2024 #1: ORLANDO, FLORIDA
Orlando is a city that needs no introduction; it's the epicenter of magical experiences, home to some of the world's most famous theme parks. For an extraordinary family vacation or a romantic escape, Orlando delivers enchantment and is captivating at every turn.
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Widely considered to be the most magical place on the planet, Walt Disney World is a must for all families. Cinderella Castle is an unforgettable experience. The hair-raising rides and action-packed arcade and video games centers throughout the park ensure there is never a dull moment. Plus, there's a good chance you'll even bump into your favorite Disney character while you're there.
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO
If there's a Harry Potter fan in your family, they'll go wild for Universal Orlando Resort. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios is a unique and never-to-be-forgotten adventure. Plus, there are even more escapades to be found on the Islands of Adventure, where the heart-pounding continues, with rides that will give you something to talk about for years to come. Truly thrilling.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
It's always good to have some education mixed in with your fun. That's exactly what you get with a visit to the Kennedy Space Center. It makes for a fantastic family day trip. Get involved in the magnificence of space exploration in 2024 when you visit Orlando. There's a reason over 1.5 million people descend upon this attraction each year. You'll be star-struck by the time you leave.
VACATION DESTINATION 2024 #2: PHUKET, THAILAND
If it's an island adventure you're after, with a great dose of culture thrown in for good measure, then you'll love Phuket, Thailand. There are few places in the world that can rival this vacation destination when it comes to stunning beaches. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and is commonly referred to as the Pearl of the Andaman Sea.
KATA BEACH
A much quieter beach than the popular Patong Beach, Kata is set away from the hustle and bustle. A 1.5KM strip of golden sand, it is an ideal place to soak up the sun and read that book you've been wanting to read for so long. If it's peace, quiet and relaxation you want, you'll find it here. You'll also find some great seafood eateries and some beach shacks to throw down a few cold beers.
BIG BUDDHA
This huge statue sits on the top of Nakkerd Hills and is an incredible sight to behold. At 45 meters tall it can be seen from Phuket Town and Karon Beach. It was built from concrete and then coated in white marble. Visitors are blown away by the image of such a large, beautiful sculpture and it is recommended that you don't leave Phuket without seeing it.
OLD PHUKET TOWN
This colorful, brightly-painted part of Phuket Town is a delight to stroll through. Visitors who come here love the shopping it offers, whether it be the delicious ice-cream from the street-side ice-cream parlors or the top quality batik-style shirts that are on offer at the evening markets. You'll also have to try the traditional fried bananas from the local vendors, as well as the Hokkien Asian noodles.
VACATION DESTINATION 2024 #3: PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO
Set on Mexico's Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta offers everything you could want in a romantic couple's-only vacation in 2024. If you want to experience a combination of relaxation, rich culture, incredibly delicious cuisine and stunning natural beauty, you will be hard-pressed to beat Puerto Vallarta.
BOCA DE TOMATES BEACH
This relatively unknown gem in the North part of Puerto Vallarta has some of the best seafood restaurants in town. Most of the restaurants along the oceanfront are frequented by locals, so you'll save a dollar or two by eating here as opposed to the more tourist-centric restaurants in Vallarta. You'll also notice the portions are way bigger. Plus the views are stunning.
MALECON BOARDWALK
Did someone say 'shopping'? Well, you'll find plenty of that here. There's also a huge selection of bars and restaurants to choose from. The 1KM long boardwalk is where you'll find some of Vallarta's best tequila bars. It's always lively here, so if letting your hair down is what you like to do, you'll feel at home. The locals are super-friendly too.
ZONA ROMANTICO
When we said that Puerto Vallarta is a great getaway for couples, we weren't kidding. They've got an entire zone that is dedicated to romance. Zona Romantico is a great choice for a romantic evening meal for 2. There is (what seems like) an infinite number of restaurants to choose from. The area is also known for its wide choice of LGBT bars too. There is also a great selection of cafes to choose from and some boutiques for shopping.
VACATION DESTINATION 2024 #4 : MONT TREMBLANT, QUEBEC, CANADA
Although it is an all-year-round vacation destination, with a plethora of activities to enjoy whatever the season, Mont Tremblant (in our opinion) is best experienced during winter. Then, it becomes a true winter wonderland. This picturesque town is home to golf courses, lakes, ski-resorts, spas and hiking trails. You'll be guaranteed an adventurous vacation here, if that is what you are after. Alternatively, sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery that surrounds this gem.
THE MOUNTAIN
At 875 meters high, Tremblant Mountain has over 100 ski trails to choose from. It is part of the majestic Laurentian Mountains. On Tremblant itself, there are over 750 acres of terrain and it is widely considered one of the world's best skiing destinations. The breathtaking natural surroundings of Canada's great outdoors are second-to-none and can be truly appreciated with a visit to this natural marvel.
THE VILLAGE
Surrounded by rugged countryside, the pedestrian village of Mont Tremblant is surprisingly lively and vibrant. Visitors here will find a wide array of dining options, as well as rejuvenating Scandinavian-style spas and ice-rinks. At nighttime, you'll be blown away by the exhilarating entertainment options. There are Irish Bars, Sports Bars, nightclubs, Jazz Bars and Country Music Dance Halls to name just a few of the great options you'll have when the sun goes down. You may also wish to visit Casino de Mont-Tremblant if you're feeling lucky,
THE NATIONAL PARK
See some of the regions protected lakes and forests, and check out some of the tranquil riverside spots for a picnic. Parc National du Mont-Tremblant contains natural beauty that should be experienced first-hand by every true nature lover. At over 1500KM in size, this region will have you lost-for-words as you take in the very best of Canada's environmental wonders. Take part in some of the activities offered, such as hiking, kayaking or cross-country skiing.
VACATION DESTINATION 2024 #5: CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA
Rich history is to be found in every square kilometer of this Colombian port city. Set on the Caribbean Sea, it is an up-and-coming tourist destination and a place that is quickly gaining a reputation as a tropical paradise waiting to be discovered. The beaches are stunning, the cuisine is to die for and the shopping is cheap and in abundance.
THE OLD TOWN
The Old Town of Cartagena is by far its most popular attraction for tourists. There are monasteries, churches, old mansions and palaces every where you look. Strolling along the old cobbled streets, you will feel like you were transported back in time, until you stumble upon one of the many modern boutiques, in which they will be selling the latest trends in fashion at a price that is a fraction of what you would pay at home.
PLAYA DE BOCAGRANDE
White sand beach, towering palm trees, sparkling waters. Sounds like a dream, right? Well in Playa de Bocagrande, it is the reality. There are a lot of top quality hotels, fine-dining restaurants, trendy bars and local shops on this beach too. Plus you will have a wide range of activities to choose from. Visit the Caribe Jewelry Museum & Factory, only a 5 minute walk away, or take a boat trip to the beautiful Rosario Islands.
STREET FOOD
Take a stroll along the streets of Cartagena and indulge in some tantalizing local flavors. Try the Carimanolas; delicious torpedo-shaped, deep-fried snacks that are made from yuca dough and filled with your choice of meat. You'll also love the Patacon con Queso; a crispy snack made from green plantains and topped with melted cheese. Plus, sample the local fruit - especially the local oranges, known as Nispero, and the sliced, unripe mangoes, known as Biche.
CONCLUSION
So, have you already planned your 2024 trip yet? If not, give some thought to these 5 vacation destinations. Whether you seek the excitement of Orlando, the colonial charm of Cartagena, the relaxation of Puerto Vallarta's beaches, the winter wonder of Mont Tremblant or the exotic beauty of Phuket, Thailand, these destinations are sure to leave you with life-long memories. Make 2024, a year to remember with these vacation destinations.
Jeff's Vacations Staff