After the pandemic hibernation, people traveled the world in droves in 2023 to see all the faraway destinations they missed or never had a chance to visit. For 2024, we anticipate that travelers will make a concerted effort to seek out more meaningful experiences.
Of course, “meaningful” is subjective. For one person, that could be a wildlife safari. For another, it could be supporting a beloved island ravaged by wildfires. Forbes Travel Guide’s list of 24 places around the globe covers it all, appealing to those who enjoy sports, art, food and more. But the destinations all share a commonality: they promise to leave you with a lasting impression.
Most people come to Grand Cayman for Seven Mile Beach, but it’s also an under-the-radar destination for its vibrant culinary scene. Look no further than restaurants such as Five-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman’s seafood-centric Blue by Eric Ripert and specialty bars such as Five-Star Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa’s Library by the Sea (its literary-themed cocktails are a novel concept), which will host renowned mixologists from around the globe all year. The island also is home to the Cayman Cookout, an excellent winter culinary festival helmed by Ripert that draws top chefs. It all solidifies the island’s status as a verifiable foodie paradise.
What better way for the International Olympic Committee to debut four new summer events (hello there, breakdancing!) than on Paris’ massive stage? While the world’s attention will be on tracks, courts and pools around France’s capital from July 26 to August 11, the city’s top hotels will be competing for luxury travelers’ attention. One contender we’re keeping our eyes on is Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. Though the gorgeous property is 75 miles from central Paris congestion, it offers enough tennis, mountain biking and horseback riding that you’ll feel like you’ve won the gold with a stay.
A charming UNESCO World Heritage Site in coastal Portugal, Porto quietly keeps creeping up travelers’ list of must-visit European cities. Being less than 200 miles from fast-paced capital Lisbon is one reason for the attention. The region’s famous wine, in production since the 1750s, is another tasty one. While the city offers a host of wineries to toast, it’s the remarkable hotel growth — new properties like Altis Porto Hotel and The Lince Santa Clara have been announced for 2024 — that we’re thirsty to learn more about.
Big Sky, Montana
This rugged mountain town is climbing to new heights of luxury. The 2021 opening of Montage Big Sky marked the town’s arrival as a luxury ski resort destination, bolstered by the expansion of Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. With a 400-inch snowfall average, the destination has an obvious appeal for skiers. However, it also has a culinary side worth sampling. The inaugural Savor Big Sky Winter Wine Dinner (Jan. 21) will have renowned New York City-based chef Nick Anderer as the host, only strengthening Big Sky’s reputation as a burgeoning dining destination. The town’s ascent continues through the year with the Savor Big Sky food and wine festival returning this summer and the luxurious One&Only Moonlight Basin debuting next winter’s ski season.