From gazing up at the unpolluted night sky to dancing the night away in this year’s European Capital of Culture, there are plenty of epic experiences that have flown under the radar of tourists in years gone by.
So, whether you’re looking to embrace a more sustainable means of travel or you want to get a little off the beaten track, we’re here to share some unmissable experiences to check out this year. Here are ten new and exciting traveller experiences for your 2024 bucket list.
10. Yamang Bukid in Puerto Princesa, The Philippines – explore a boutique tea plantation
Kicking off our list of new and exciting traveller experiences for your 2024 bucket list is a tour of the fantastic Yamang Bukid in Puerto Princesa in the Philippines.
An eco-tour of this boutique tea plantation lasts five to six hours, during which you will enjoy a guided tour from a DOT-accredited guide who will explain the incredible barrio-inspired landscapes and tell the stories of the illegal Loggers-Turned-Farmers who work here.
More info: HERE
Address: VMR4+FQW, Unnamed Road, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
9. Aura Skypool at The Palm Tower, Dubai– swim in the sky
Fancy swimming in the world’s highest swimming pool? Aura Skypool has only been open for a couple of years but has quickly become one of the main attractions in Dubai.
Offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and harbour stretching out into the distance, taking a dip in this fantastic infinity pool is an experience you won’t soon forget. You can also check out some unconventional travel destinations here.
More info: HERE
Address: Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Tower – 50th Floor – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
8. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train – travel from Paris to Istanbul by train
Travel in style from Paris to Istanbul on the luxurious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. This Belmond Train experience will cost a pretty penny, but travelling in first-class luxury, taking in the breathtaking surroundings as you hurtle through the European countryside, is more than worth it.
Various other journeys are offered, including one from London to Venice and Amsterdam to Verona. So you can choose the route that best suits you.
More info: HERE
7. Bhutan’s ‘Mindfulness City’ – the perfect gateway to the world’s happiest country
Known as the ‘happiest country in the world,’ Bhutan is located in the Himalayas, offering dramatic landscapes, enriching spirituality, and ancient monasteries and dzongs.
Envisioning the world’s first carbon-negative country, BIG designed a futuristic ‘Mindfulness City’ on the Bhutan-India border. Built around a series of bridges, the new city will connect people to nature, past to future, and local to global, offering the perfect gateway to the country.
Address: VFGP+CR3, Gelephu, Bhutan
6. Discover Melbourne’s 170-year-old Pentridge Prison – an urban retreat in a former prison
The Interlude is a brand new urban wellness retreat taking over the site of Melbourne’s 170-year-old Pentridge Prison.
Once home to some of Australia’s most notorious prisoners, this exciting new retreat is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing escape offering 19 beautiful suites and an extraordinary subterranean swimming pool. Check out more fun things to do in Melbourne here.
More info: HERE
Address: 1 Pentridge Blvd, Coburg VIC 3058, Australia
5. Dark Sky Tourism – witness the night sky in all its glory
Also named ‘astrotourism’, Dark Sky Tourism is one of the fastest-growing travel trends of recent years. Set to be the number one trend in travel this year, this is certainly one of the best new and exciting traveller experiences for your 2024 bucket list.
Some of the best places to witness the night sky in all its glory include New Zealand’s Mackenzie region, the USA’s Texas Hill Country, and Sweden’s Lapland.
It is also a perfect experience for you and your special one. Check here for some other travel experiences you can enjoy with your partner.
4. Expedition cruises – a new way to sail the seas
As travellers become more conscious of their environmental and social impact, many people are turning their back on conventional cruises.
Thus enters the growing phenomenon of expedition cruises. With the convenience of exploring regions by boat, expedition cruises are much smaller, carrying fewer passengers, and are often led by highly trained guides who give in-depth insight to guests about each place they visit.
3. Slow safaris – discover a wider range of wildlife
Another shift towards a more conscious form of travelling, slow safaris have seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years.
A move away from traditional fast-paced safaris that focus on spotting Africa’s big five, these slow safaris travel at a much more relaxed pace, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the present and take in the magic of your surroundings.
2. Bodø, Norway – the 2024 European capital of culture
You might have spots such as Oslo and Bergen on your list of destinations already, but have you ever even heard of Bodø?
Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2024, this eclectic Norwegian city is located in the Nordland county of northern Norway and offers plenty to be discovered.
More than 1,000 performances, concerts, art exhibitions, and other exciting events are planned to take place throughout the city this year, so 2024 really is the best time to visit.
1. The Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka – immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s hill country
Topping our list of new and exciting traveller experiences for your 2024 bucket list is the fantastic Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka’s hill country.
Numerous publications have ranked Sri Lanka as one of the main up-and-coming destinations for 2024, so there really is no better time to visit – and the Pekoe Trail is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of this fantastic South Asian island.
A 300 km hiking trail exploring the central highlands, guests will have the chance to experience the country’s unique terrain, history, culture, food, and local communities.
More info: HERE
Address: Hantana Rd, Sri Lanka
