Looking for a dose of travel inspiration to kickstart your 2024 adventures? Fortunately, our editorial team has curated a list of enticing suggestions for you. Explore each destination, from South America’s high desert to Portugal’s undiscovered Azores Islands and the USA’s burgeoning cities.
The Azores, Portugal
Portuguese archipelago The Azores dots the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. On its most-visited (yet quiet) São Miguel Island, emerald terrain outlines craggy shorelines and groups of breathtaking hydrangeas line roads. Those flying from Lisbon to New York City can take advantage of Azores Airlines’ new 12-hour stopover in the isle’s biggest town, Ponta Delgada. When here, rent a car and venture to Miraduro da Vista do Rei for an elevated view of Sete Cidades—a jaw-dropping crater lake—and then after that, head to Furnas to soak in the hot springs of Poça Dona Beija.
Stay Here: Octant Furnas, an Azorean spa retreat with bubbling thermal pools.
By Brandon Berkson
Pondicherry, India
Southern India’s Pondicherry fuses Indian and French culture due to the latter ensuing colonial rule over the territory until it merged with the newly independent India in 1954. Colorful French Colonial architecture and canopying trees line the pedestrianized streets here. Experience an architecture and history tour with the Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage, live your best brunch life by ordering the Masala Tofu Scramble at the iconic Café des Arts, and dine in Coromandel Café’s plant-filled courtyard. If you have the time, opt to check out Auroville, an internationally endorsed ongoing experiment in human unity and transformation of consciousness, which, for its thousands of residents who have come to live there from all around the world, focuses on sustainable living alongside the future cultural, environmental, social, and spiritual needs of mankind.
Stay Here: Dune de L’orient, a boutique hotel with a charming courtyard in the town’s French Quarter.
By Brandon Berkson
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s downtown area is full of excitement (but often overlooked). Visit Millennium Park’s art installations like the Instagrammable Cloud Gate (it’s nicknamed “the bean”), grab a charred hot dog from The Wieners Circle (expect local delicacies with an offensive yet hysterical staff), and laugh at The Second City. This comedy club has bred a wealth of Saturday Night Live stars.
Stay Here: The Emily Hotel, a boutique hotel in one of Chicago’s trendiest yet tourist-free neighbhorhoods.
By Brandon Berkson
Málaga, Spain
Home to yacht-studded docks, pristine Mediterranean beaches, and endless golf courses, Marbella has long beckoned travelers to Spain’s Costa del Sol. However, the oft-forgotten capital of the region––Málaga––offers a little something for everyone. Spend each day exploring the ancient architecture of Alcazaba, Pablo Picasso’s influence on his birthplace at Museo Picasso Málaga, as well as the various gardens and parks.
Stay Here: Retreat to Soho Castillo Santa Catalina within the exclusive neighborhood of El Limonar, overlooking the Bay of Málaga.
By Megan Shelton
Atacama Desert, Chile
Nature lovers and adventure seekers will find themselves drawn to the Atacama Desert. Situated north of Chile on the Pacific Coast of South America, the Atacama is flush with natural wonders such as the Salar de Atacama salt flats, Puritama hot springs, Tatio geysers, and various volcanoes. This remote location experiences arid weather and virtually no rain, providing over 300 cloudless nights each year, making it one of the best locations for stargazing.
Stay Here: The sustainably-led Our Habitas brand recently opened its 11th “home” in San Pedro de Atacama, Our Habitas Atacama, providing guests with accommodations and programming to synchronize with the surrounding environment.
By Megan Shelton
Taipei, Taiwan
Delta will launch direct flights from Seattle to Taiwan this summer for the first time, opening new doors to the island’s vibrant cityscape plus awe-inspiring nature. Follow the miles of jungle trails unfurling from the city center to summit Elephant Mountain, amble along the streets of the Dadaocheng historical district; and spend evenings trying local cuisine at Raohe Night Market.
Stay Here: While visiting, make Grand Victoria Hotel Taipei your home base—just a stone’s throw from Taipei’s best restaurants and nightlife spots. The property’s Victorian-inspired architecture and verdant grounds will surely make its mark on guests as it already has the city.
By Megan Shelton
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, a lively coastal city in Georgia, seamlessly melds historical charm with modern allure, embracing Southern hospitality from its timeless Antebellum architecture and moss-covered Forsyth Park to the Savannah Riverwalk, where patrons can stroll along the riverfront with cocktails in hand—legally. For history enthusiasts, museums such as the Telfair Academy and Owen-Thomas House provide insight into Savannah’s complex American Civil War and slavery background. Savor Southern flavors at The Olde Pink House, an iconic tavern housed in a historic 18th-century manor.
Stay Here: Debuting in 2024, Hotel Bardo Savannah transforms Savannah’s iconic Forsyth Park mansion into a 149-room boutique hotel.
By Britney Eschelman
Soho, London
Soho, nestled in London’s West End, is renowned for its vibrant bohemian atmosphere and is often considered the city’s beating heart. The cherished neighborhood serves as an artistic hub, a haven for shopaholics, and a playground for gastronomes, boasting timeless pubs such as the infamous Red Lion alongside upscale stores lining Regent Street, including the luxurious second-hand designer brand Luxe Dressing London.
Stay Here: Recently launched in London’s Soho neighborhood, Broadwick Soho is reminiscent of a 1920s British townhouse with 57 elegantly appointed guestrooms.
By Britney Eschelman
Byron Bay, Australia
Byron Bay, in the far northeastern corner of New South Wales, is captivated by stunning beaches, including The Pass, for surf enthusiasts and sunset admirers alike. Small villages, such as Bangalow Township, allow tourists to live like a local with Aussie-inspired Italian restaurants like Ciao, Mate! to dine at.
Stay Here: Encompassing 55 acres, Sun Ranch stands as an ultra-chic estate in the pristine countryside of Byron Bay, honoring the seductive interiors of California ranch homes from the ‘70s.
By Britney Eschelman
