An African safari. An Amazonian adventure. A European fine-dining pilgrimage… Add these once-in-a-lifetime experiences (and more) to your 2024 wish list
We’ve all got one: a travel wish list of the dream destinations we long to see. And now’s the time to give yours a rewrite. Because whether you’re after intrepid adventure, the finest of dining or the party of a lifetime, 2024 has more incredible experiences than ever in store—these are the ones to tick off now.
Tanzania
There are safaris, and then there are safaris in the Ngorongoro Crater. The world’s largest caldera, the rim is 2,000 feet high and has its own climate; while the floor of the crater holds a grassy wildlife ecosystem teeming with more than 30,000 creatures including lions, leopards, zebras, jackals, and virtually every wild animal you should see at least once in your life. Across the Serengeti plains of Tanzania, safaris support local economies and conservation initiatives, so consider a safari camp or lodge that’s involved in a community development project, such as building schools or health clinics.
U.S.
Road-tripping made a comeback in the wake of the pandemic, and Route 66—the 2,400-mile artery through the heart of the U.S.—is as wish list-worthy as it gets. Start in Chicago (skip pizza in favor of the sneaky-good Polish food), linger in Santa Fe (don’t miss the sprawling Meow Wolf art installation), and get your Americana fix at the string of recently restored diners, gas stations, and motels on the “Mother Road” that snakes all the way to Santa Monica. It’s a journey that’s somehow both nostalgic and timely.
5 road trips to take once in your lifetime
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
At Rio Carnival, you can now party with a purpose. Yes, the world’s most iconic festa is still a bucket list-worthy eruption of vibrant colors, costumes, parades, dancing, samba, dancing, and more dancing. But a recent shift towards inclusivity and sustainability makes Carnival even more compelling, such as more prominent roles for Afro-Brazilian and LGBTQ+ performers. Support local communities by engaging in cultural tours, workshops, and samba schools that focus on the history and significance of Carnival, offering deeper insights into the festival’s roots.
Gion District, Kyoto
A bucket list, at its core, is about squeezing the most out of life in the limited time we have. This matches the ethos of the Japanese cherry blossom—or sakura—season, which symbolizes the fleeting beauty of life. Pay your respects to the Yasaka Shrine, deep in the historic district of Kyoto, where a large weeping cherry tree is dramatically illuminated at night. Then walk the Philosopher’s Path (lined with cherry trees) to reflect on where you’ve been, where you are, and all the adventures you have still in store.
Yellowknife, Canada
Timing is everything. This is never truer than when seeking the northern lights. And right now, the timing is excellent. The aurora borealis shines brightest at the peak of an 11-year solar cycle, and happily, scientists now expect this in 2024. (See our special report here.) You’ll find a good base of operations at Yellowknife, capital city of Canada’s Northwest Territories, aka the “Aurora Capital of the World,” which has very little light pollution and boasts 240 nights a year where the show is visible.
Seeking the northern lights in Yellowknife
Iquitos, Peru
The Amazon is a vital ecosystem facing environmental peril. Visiting it (responsibly) can support conservation efforts, and the time to do it is now, given the risks of deforestation and species extinction. From the lush green rainforest canopy to the scarlet macaw to the pink river dolphin, you will find stunning biodiversity that (literally) does not exist anywhere else on the planet. Peru‘s port city of Iquitos makes an ideal hub for exploration, providing easy access to the rainforest via the Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Reserve.
Copenhagen, Denmark
When a chef on FX’s The Bear needs to learn the world’s deepest culinary secrets, for inspiration, he travels to the waterfront city of Copenhagen, Denmark, to taste all the things. You can do the same. The cultural capital’s many Michelin-star restaurants focus on local and sustainable ingredients, such as Geranium’s edible clam shells, or Noma’s “The hen and the egg” where you cook the egg at your table (get in fast to experience it, as Noma closes at the end of 2024). None of this is cheap, but that’s why it’s on the wish list. Be sure, too, to experience the city’s boundary-pushing style: from its trendsetting boutiques, to the local penchant for cold plunges at harbor-front swimming area Kalvebod Bølge (pictured above).
Jeff Wilser is the author of seven books, a frequent traveler (living in 24 countries in the three years to 2020), and a contributor to The New York Times, GQ, and Fast Company.
