On your mark, bag set, go!
As the dawn of 2024 beckons, so does the promise of new horizons and unforgettable experiences. The year flown by has rightly been touted as the year of reverse-procrastination in travel books. With smartphone nomads proving over and over again that travel sparks the growth fuel, wanderlusts have concurred that it propels the ability to think wide, live free and love thou soul.
For the intrepid globetrotters, unveiling the top 7 short and long-haul international destinations that deserve a bookmark on the browser and a humble check-off this year. From awe-inspiring landscapes to vibrant cultural escapades, the list is a testament to the diverse tapestry of experiences awaiting you.
Bahamas
If you’re a snowbird who loathes the ruthless winters, then the sun-soaked turquoise water-lapping pristine beaches of Bahamas coupled with it’s tropical laid-back charm may be up your alley. Conveniently close, this check-in is just a couple of power-naps away from Canada.
Double-tap attractions: The historic charm of Nassau, the surreal beauty of the Exuma Cays and encounters with swimming pigs at Big Major Cay
Best time to visit: November to mid-December (beware of hurricane season!)
Flight time: Less than seven hours
Iceland
Embark on an epic Nordic escapade with this Arctic marvel taking the lead. Picture untamed landscapes boasting fiery volcanoes, majestic waterfalls, and the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights and a rhapsodical photo-dump to suffice you a lifetime. A hop, skip, and jump away, Iceland offers a surreal playground for the thrill-seekers.
Double-tap attractions: Geothermal wonders of the Golden Circle, the refreshing beer baths in Árskógssandur, puffin-watching from the bird-watching house on Hafnarhólmi, the otherworldly beauty of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the rejuvenating embrace of the Blue Lagoon
Best time to visit: Optimal from June to August, when the sun barely sets beckoning endless daylight for exploration
Flight time: Less than eight hours
Cuba
A lively palette of salsa beats, historical allure and an irresistible call to immerse in cultural richness and genuine warmth, Cuba blends the best of both natural and man-made world. Turning every frame into a celebration of life, this powerhouse of pulsating energy offers the perfect window to relish solace and social life under it’s magical skies.
Double-tap attractions: Havana's Old Town, Varadero beaches and the verdant landscapes of Viñales
Best time to visit: November to April
Flight time: Less than eight hours
Greece
Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, Greece boasts a legacy that spans millennia, from the ancient wonders of Athens – where the Acropolis stands sentinel over the city – to the golden islands scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas. The magnificence of this destination deep rooted in history and architecture is embedded not just with archaeological treasures but also with the warmth of its people, scrumptious culinary heritage and fresh seafood.
Double-tap attractions: Balos Lagoon for ancient ruins and white-pebbled beaches, the slopes of Mount Athos clustered with monasteries, the monument of the Golden Age of Athens - Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion
Best time to visit: April – June, September - October
Flight time: Over ten hours
Costa Rica
If biodiversity is your jam and the untouched elegance of nature beguiles you, then you may have just hit your holiday sweet spot with this one. An ecological wonderland that defines the essence of ‘Pura Vida’ living, this neighbourhood is an easily accessible haven for those seeking a balance of adventure and relaxation.
Double-tap attractions: The bountiful Playa Manuel Antonio and the world’s most biodiverse stretch - Corcovado National and Nosara & Playa Guiones for surfing
Best time to visit: December to April
Flight time: Over seven hours
Puerto Rico
This ‘Island of Enrichment’ is for the sun-and-surf devours. Posing as a seamless transition to dramatic topography and Hollywood-like setting, this tropical island is replete with good vibes, vistas and the Spanish-Caribbean flair. Here every by-lane tells a story, every street is a dance floor and every beach a party waiting to be started.
Double-tap attractions: Zip through the UNESCO-listed El Yunque National Forest, prance through the colorful streets of Old San Juan, and the magic of Mosquito Bay's glowing waters
Best time to visit: December to April
Flight time: Over seven hours
Portugal
Groovy tiles, picture-perfect beaches and the carnival of all things culture…and not to forget the idyllic sports tourism destination, Portugal does not disappoint. The cool cousin of everything European, this spot has worked it’s way up the hitlist to emerge as the most popular holiday pick among millennial travellers. Here's to sipping port wine under the stars and dancing until sunrise!
Double-tap attractions: The dazzling streets of Lisbon, the vineyard dancefloors of Douro Valley and the beach bashes of Algarve
Best time to visit: March to May
Flight time: Over eleven hours
Bon voyage and may your wander-score always rank high!