Where to travel this year? There are so many places that sounds alluring, you can get overwhelmed. Did you visit any of the destinations, I recommended for 2023?
To help you, I’ve gone through all the “Where to travel lists” looking for the best cultural experiences, anniversaries and celebrations in 2024.
Here you find carefully researched and selected 11 destinations I recommend for 2024, if you want to travel deeper than sunshine and cocktails.
Where to travel in 2024 for the cultural explorer:
TAINAN, TAIWAN
WHY GO NOW?
In 2024, Tainan celebrates it’s 400th birthday since the arrival of Dutch traders. It’s one of the reasons Tainan is featured in National Geographic UK’s list of Cool Cities 2024 and Wanderlust Editor’s Hot List 2024.
WHAT TO SEE!
Tainan used to be one of the most important trading hubs in East Asia. Explore the many old historical buildings like a 17th century fort or get scorched at the famous Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival taking place this year in Tainan in February/March. Find the special anniversary program Tainan400 here.
I haven’t been, but I would love to. A train runs between the two cities and takes 2.5 hours, so non-drivers like me can still get around.
TARTU, ESTONIA
Estonia is one of the 3 Baltic countries and is home to wild nature, medieval cities and surprisingly good food. Tartu is the oldest city in the Baltics and easily reached from the capital Tallinn with bus or train in 2 hours.
WHY GO NOW?
Tartu is one of the 3 European Capitals of Culture in 2024. Tartu is also UNESCO City of literature this year.
WHAT TO SEE!
The theme of the cultural year is “Arts of Survival” and you can find the program here. Also check the program for the Literature festival Prima Vista.
Tartu is home for one of the markers of the transnational UNESCO designation of Struve Geodetic arc, which is way more cool than it sounds. And a cathedral ruin straight out of Harry Potter.
I’ve visited all 3 Baltic States and you can find them on 12 Budget-Friendly European Cities for Culture Lovers
KHIVA, UZBEKISTAN
Uzbekistan is on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024 list. I visited the country in 2019, and they have some of the absolutely most stunning monuments in the world thanks to the riches of the Silk Road.
WHY GO NOW?
Khiva was named as 2024’s Tourist Capital of the Islamic world and just in time to for the remote city to be connected to the high speed train network in Uzbekistan.
WHAT TO SEE!
Being a Silk Road city and the capital of the former capital of the Khanate of Khiva, the old UNESCO-listed center has some astonishing sights like the Islam Khodja complex. Just wander and feel history.
Uzbekistan was on my list of destinations to try in 2020, but I haven’t been to Khiva. I recommend a Stay With the Locals in Nurata Mountains.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
WHY GO NOW?
(Only) 30 years ago on April 27 1994, apartheid officially ended in South Africa. For this reason, the city made it to Wanderlust’s Hot Travel List.
WHAT TO SEE!
BODØ, NORWAY
WHY GO NOW?
Bodø is another of the 3 European Capitals of Culture in 2024, and the first one ever to be north of the Arctic Circle.
WHAT TO SEE!
The main reason to go to Bodø is the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. Need I say more? This year, the frozen city will have a large cultural program.The biggest in 10 years, they write!
Bodø is also takeoff point for the Lofoten Isalnd – a very Insta-friendly place. I haven’t been, but follow me on my quest to Find Northern Lights on Svalbard, Norway
MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
One of my favourite countries. Old mosques, camel burgers, desert camps, mud fortresses and some of the best dates in the world.
WHY GO NOW?
Marrakech has been named as the Culture Capital in Islamic World for 2024 (not to be confused with the tourist capital Khiva). By going now, you can support the reconstruction after the devastating earthquake in 2023.
WHAT TO SEE!
Marrakech has a lot to offer. The old town is amaze of smells, history and nice riads. I highly recommend the small hidden House of Photography followed by dinner at the stalls of Jemaa el-Fna Square which is named as intangible cultural heritage site.
VIKING RING FORTRESSES, DENMARK
I gotta name my own country, when there’s finally something worth menitoning.
WHY GO NOW?
The five old Viking-age ring fortresses made it to UNESCO World Heritage List last year meaning that now the site interpretation will be imprved for visitors.
WHAT TO SEE!
The fortresses were all built by the famous Viking King Harold Bluetooth (yes Bluetooth is named after him) in the years 970-980. To be able to order such a large-scale building project shows a more united country and a strong king. Sadly, not too much remains of the 1000-year old constructions. Trelleborg and Aggersborg are the best preserved.
MONGOLIA
WHY GO NOW?
100 years ago, the first constitution was introduced with the creation of the People’s Republic of Mongolia. Better infrastructure and easier visa access also helps to make now the day and both Wanderlust and Lonely Planet include the country in their must see lists.
WHAT TO SEE!
BAD ISCHL, AUSTRIA
WHY GO NOW?
WHAT TO SEE!
The old imperial city was a favourite of emperor Franz Josef. Explore his villa as well as the composer Franz Lehar’s summer residence. Hit the Spa – an old cultural tradition here. Discover the full cultural capital 2024 program here.
NAIROBI, KENYA
Kenya is mostly known for its safari in Masai Mara or the beaches by the Swahili Coast, but it has a more to offer the cultural traveller.
WHY GO NOW?
First of all, because I just went and liked it. Secondly, Lonely Planet included the capital Nairobi in their Best In Travel 2024. Only 6 hours away, the city of Kisumu is hosting this years big event World Blacks and Africans Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC).
WHAT TO SEE!
The main sights in Nairobi is the National Museum telling about wildlife and the colonial history with some exceptional early skeletons. For me as a Dane though, the best experience was the farm of Danish author Karen Blixen. . For a more modern vibe, look up the city’s happening contemporary art scene.
MAZATLÁN, MEXICO
Science is culture, right? I must include this extraordinary natural phenomenon. And who doesn’t want to go (back) to Mexico?
WHY GO NOW?
The total solar eclipse will happen on April 8 2024 and pass right over Mazatlan. This year is also the 300th anniversary of the early Mexican constitution providing for a federal republic.
WHAT TO SEE!
Apart from the eclipse, Mazatlan was founded in 1531, and the old part of the city is worth a visit with 19th century colonial buildings, a theatre, the cathedral and beautiful squares in Centro historico. Mazatlan is renowned for the shrimps, so enjoy.
One day, I hope to catch this natural phenomenon. And go back to Mexico.
TRAVEL 2024
2024’s cultural travel list could also have included Australia, a country which changed its name 200 years ago from New Holland, and also was voted as the most desirable country by Wanderlust readers. Literary anniversaries include the 250th birthday of one of my favourite painters Casper David Friedrich in Germany, and I’m going to see a large exhibition of his works in February.
I hope you’ve been inspired. Since the damn late-late-late new Cairo museum is still not open, I’ve stopped including it in the list. But if it opens, go go go! Personally, I’m just sad, I can’t go to all of the interesting destinations on the list, but will try to get to Bodø. Safe travels!
Where are you going this year?
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