If you’re a regular on this blog, you probably know that I already did a travel bucket list for 2023 last year. And I also just recently recapped all the travel destinations I actually ticked off that list. Which really put me in the mood to start thinking about the places I want to visit in 2024! So let’s jump into my dream travel destinations for next year.
Dream Travel Destinations in France
Paris
Paris will never not be on my list of dream travel destinations! Although I went just over a year ago (read all about that trip here), I wouldn’t say no to going again right now!
However, I actually already know for a fact that I will be traveling to the city of lights and love again in the summer of 2024, as my boyfriend and I got tickets to see some of the Olympics! Not only am I super excited to see the matches (we’ve got hockey, tennis and badminton!), but also to experience the atmosphere in and around the venues. I imagine it’s going to be just so great and inspiring.
Furthermore, there are so many things in Paris that I have not had the chance to visit yet. Versailles being one of those places. However – I would imagine that the grounds are going to be packed with tourists while the Olympics are on, even more so than on a normal summer’s day. So maybe this means I have to go back to Paris again? To be continued…
Nice & Èze
From Paris, I would love to travel to the Côte d’Azur – Nice, to be exact. After visiting Marseille last year (read here & here), I knew I wanted to go back there, as it is so breathtakingly beautiful! So, Nice is the obvious choice. But since I don’t like to stay in just one place for too long, I already looked into cities and – most importantly – hiking routes around there! That’s how I came across the Verdon natural park, that really reminds me of Les Callanques in Marseille. I absolutely loved hiking there, so would imagine I’m going to enjoy doing so in the Verdon park as well. Another smaller city I would love to visit while in Nice is Èze, a rather small town in between Nice and Monaco. It looks absolutely beautiful, so really excited to explore there!
Dream Travel Destinations in Italy
Lago Maggiore & Lago di Como
It has been way too long since I’ve last been to Italy! The last time was in 2021 – okay, that doesn’t sound that long ago. But to me, Italy is one of the top three travel destinations in the world. Convince me I’m wrong, I dare you! Plus, I have a very dear friend that actually is from a town near the Lago Maggiore, who on a regular basis gets me very jealous by posting the most magnificent pictures of her home town! So I guess I should really be a good friend and accompany her the next time she goes, right?
Both Lago Maggiore and Lago di Como offer the best of both worlds to me: water and mountains. I love hiking anywhere, but hiking near the sea or a lake just hits different! The contrast of the cliffs or woods and the blue of the water is just too beautiful. And of course, Italy is the top spot to go to when it comes to food! I have yet to meet somebody that doesn’t like Italian cuisine.
Milan
Because Milan is only about an hours drive away from Lago Maggiore (depending on where you’re staying), taking a trip there is a must! There is so much to see and explore, and something for everyone as well! Whether you’re into architecture, fashion or arts, you’re in for a treat. And most famously, you can marvel at The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, housed in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. I’m not into art, but that sure is something I would look at!
Cinque Terre
The last stop in Italy is Cinque Terre, about a 3 hour drive away from Milan. Famous for its rather colorful houses, Cinque Terre is a cute little town on the Italian Riviera. It became a world heritage in 1997, and since it is also conserved as a national park, no big changes can’t be made to the structure of the town. So basically: It’s going to stay a beautiful as it is forever!
While Cinque Terre is right by the sea, it’s not the spot for your typical beach holiday. Only Monterosso al Mare has a little bit of sandy beach. But since I am much more for hiking anyway, this pans out perfect for me!
Dream Travel Destinations in the United Kingdom
Cornwall, England
From warm and sunny Italy to most likely chilly and much moodier Cornwall, England. I am absolutely obsessed with England/Great Britain, so there’s always going to be at least one place in my travel destinations list. I’m not crazy about hot temperatures anyway.
What I am crazy about however is landscapes and hiking – you have probably figured that one out already. So putting Cornwall onto my dream travel destinations list is another no-brainer. And again, you get the best of both worlds with this one: sandy beaches and beautiful hiking trails. Can’t wait to explore!
The Lake District, England
And here we have even more of what I love the most: water and hiking trails! The national park of the Lakes has the tallest mountains of England, ranging from 978 m to 931 m. To people from Italy or Switzerland that would probably be equivalent to small bumps in the road. But since I live in the north of Germany, I’m going to go with mountain! Regardless of the height, the landscape looks absolutely beautiful!
Be warned though: the Lake District is a region with A LOT of rain – even for British standards!
The Highlands, Scotland
Anybody here who recognizes that bridge? Well you can actually become your best wizard self and take the West Highland Line to get to the Scottish Highlands! That in and off itself is an absolute dream! But you also get to marvel at the stunning landscape rushing by your window – if that’s not magical I don’t know what is!
Putting this last travel destination on my list for 2024 has me realizing that I’m apparently really craving some time away from cities (and people?)… so much green, so much vastness, so little things to distract the eye… I am not made for city life, that much is true!
What are your dream travel destinations for 2024?
There you go guys, all of my dream travel destinations for the new year! Will I be able to go and see them all? Probably not, but that isn’t the point of this list, anyway… Writing it down helps me organize my thoughts, look deeper into potential travel spots, and maybe help a couple of you readers along the way. Please make sure to let me know your dream travel destinations – or maybe even places you have been to and would recommend! And be sure to follow me on Instagram, where I’ll be sharing any adventures I get up to in the meantime!
Lots of Love,
Lena