Amelia Romine ‘24, Photo Editor
As we transition into the New Year and settle into 2024, we start thinking about all the upcoming time we have off. Whether it is winter, spring, or summer break, time off allows many people to do what they love: travel around the world. Here are some spectacular places to visit this year should the funds suffice:
- French Polynesia:
French Polynesia consists of more than 100 different islands that are close to Australia. The islands have many beautiful places to visit; whether you love seeing waterfalls, going on hikes, or even snorkeling—this is the place for you. The beaches have beautiful, crystal clear waters and white sands, making for the perfect place to relax. You can also choose to go snorkeling and take a look at all the amazing tropical fish. Tripadvsior said, “The heart-shaped island of Mo’orea makes a wonderful base for divers and snorkelers eager to explore its surrounding barrier reef system.” If the beach is not your forte, the islands have many hiking trails with beautiful views from mountains, tropical forests, and even extravagant waterfalls. Although this is one of the most expensive destinations to which to travel, the memories and beautiful sites are sure to be worth the bill.
- Paris, France:
Paris is the capital of France, but is also known as the ‘City of Lights’. It is renowned for its cultural scene. This year, Paris will be hosting the summer Olympics, an international sporting event known around the world. The Olympics will attract many tourists, making it a very popular destination to visit this year. Paris is a lovely place to travel to due to the variety of art and historical buildings to see. Some main attractions in Paris include the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre; it draws in many tourists because of its architecture and history. Some of the lesser known attractions in Paris are known as Jardin du Palais Royal, pretty royal gardens, and Sainte-Chapelle, a gothic style chapel. Although Paris is a more costly place to travel, it all depends on your travel style. Overall, Paris is a beautiful place to visit this year, and you will not regret seeing the ‘City of Lights’.
- Kobe, Japan:
Kobe is located in central Japan on Osaka Bay. It is one of Japan’s largest cities and is known for its Kobe Beef, the most desired of this type being their world-famous Wagyu steak. Many tourists also visit Kobe to take in a unique culture through shopping, eating, and walking around and viewing different attractions. There are many historical museums in Kobe, so tourists can learn more about the history and culture. A very well-loved museum is the Kobe City Museum and it is known for its Namibian art collection. Kobe, Japan is a wonderful place to visit if you are looking for somewhere different and not so bright or tropical.
- Madagascar:
Madagascar is an island located off the southeastern coast of Africa. Although many people are intimidated to travel here because of the wildlife, it is a beautiful island to see. This year a new luxury exploration camp is opening up called the Mandrare River Camp, which will offer luxury tents along the banks of the Mandrare River, good food, welcoming staff, and many fun activities. The camp benefits the island by making it a more popular destination with a nice place to stay. In Madagascar, there are many amazing and fun things to do, including going on nature and wildlife tours, swimming in the beautiful waters, or visiting all the outstanding national parks. There are many outstanding sites to see and things to do while in Madagascar, and it is a place not many tourists have gone. It can be an unsafe destination if you visit, so make sure to be cautious, but it is an amazing experience. Even though it is an expensive place to travel it is well worth the visit.
- Cuzco, Peru:
Cuzco is an ancient capital of the Incan Empire, and it is a top bucket list destination for many to visit this year. There are tons of historical sites to see and the beauty from the cultural scene is amazing. Travel guides said, “Cuszco holds a unique charm that’s hard to put into words.” The city attracts many tourists for multiple reasons including: the archaeological remains of Inca stonework and Spanish colonial architecture. Overall, this is a great destination to visit this year due to all the fascinating culture and architecture.
There are many great places to travel around the world, but these are the top destinations to visit this year. Whether you like more thrilling adventures, enjoy seeing dangerous wildlife, or just want to explore a new city by walking around beautiful streets and experiencing the local scene, all these places have activities for you. By traveling to these destinations you will embark on many new adventures and create lasting memories.
Lyon Life 