Places to Visit in 2024

✔ Hey there! Guess what? There’s this awesome new direct train from Rome to Pompeii that just started running. No more hassle of changing trains at Napoli Centrale station – you can now hop on the train in Rome at 8:53 am on Sundays and be in Pompeii by 10:40 am.

✔ How cool is that? And here’s the best part – you get the whole day to explore Pompeii’s incredible history. The return train leaves Pompeii at 6:40 pm, bringing you back to Rome at 8:55 pm.

✔ Just in time to hit up a trattoria for a bowl of Rome’s famous carbonara. Yum! And wait, there’s more! The House of the Vettii, this first-century gem in Pompeii, just finished a 20-year renovation.

✔ It’s got some mind-blowing frescoes that give you a peek into ancient Roman life. Plus, in the Regio IX area, they made more discoveries in 2023 – think jewelry, human remains, and a fresco showing off some fancy food art. As the Italian Culture Minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, puts it, “Pompeii is a treasure chest that always reveals new treasures.” So, if you’re into uncovering ancient secrets, this is your chance.

  5. Banff, Canada  

✔ Hey, did you know Banff National Park was the first-ever national park in Canada? It dates back to 1885, making it the third national park globally. And don’t sleep on Jasper National Park—Canada’s biggest, covering a whopping 11,000 square kilometers. UNESCO even gave it a nod in 1984.

✔ The history here is pretty cool. Like, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site in Banff? It’s got traces of the first human activity.

✔ You can practically feel the stories waiting to be uncovered. Now, if you’re heading there, you can’t miss the Banff Gondola, Mount Norquay Chairlift, Sunshine Gondola, and Lake Louise Gondola & Chairlift. And guess what? Columbia Icefield and skywalk await—walking on a glacier! How insane is that? The Canadian Rockies are a jackpot of nature and history.

✔ Our attractions are like a storybook waiting for you to dive in. Imagine cruising up 4,000 feet in under 20 minutes on the biggest gondola in Canada at Kicking Horse.

✔ Grizzly Bear Refuge, mountain sunsets on the Sunset Explorer tour, and the Ultimate Rockies Explorer tour take you through Banff National Park in a day of earth, water, and ice adventures. It’s not just sightseeing; it’s an unforgettable journey. You won’t stop talking about it.

  6. Paris, France  

✔ Paris, the City of Light, has this incredible vibe that pulls in millions of people each year. And you know what? Add in a touch of nature with trees lining the streets and the warm glow of streetlamps—it’s like a painting coming to life. And then there are those effortlessly chic Parisians, strolling along the cobbled paths and elegant bridges.

✔ You can bet they’re off to a market, a café, or catching a film. Now, Paris isn’t just about the big stuff. Sure, you’ve got world-class museums, top-notch fashion, and a uniquely Parisian vibe, just like Hemingway described in “A Moveable Feast.”Dive into the charm of Musée d’Orsay, shop your heart out on Champs Élysées, explore the boutiques in Le Marais, take in the breathtaking view from the Eiffel Tower, or go all out with a day trip to Versailles Palace. And hey, don’t forget the joy of just wandering around the different districts or treating yourself to a street crepe.

✔ Paris is all about those simple, magical moments that stay with you. Alright, if you’re thinking about hitting up Paris, here’s the lowdown. The prime time? June to August and September to October.

✔ Let me tell you, from June to August, Paris is living its best life. The weather is like a dream—highs hitting the sweet spot in the high 70s, and the sun is putting in overtime. It’s practically perfect.

✔ The weather is still rocking, and the crowds start to chill a bit. The air gets that crisp edge, and it’s a touch more wallet-friendly compared to the summer madness. You get all the Parisian charm without the full-on tourist frenzy.

  7. Donegal, Ireland  

✔ Donegal, now that’s a spot that ticks off all the good stuff on your Ireland vacation list. Imagine a castle with that stoic charm, a coastline that’s wild and untamed, and the kind of “craic” that’s all about good times and great company.

✔ It’s like hitting the Irish jackpot. So, first things first, there’s this 15th-century Donegal Castle that’s just dripping with history.

✔ You can practically feel the stories seeping through the stone walls. And then, of course, you’ve got to swing by one of those classic Irish pubs. Picture this: a pint of Guinness in a place that’s been slinging drinks since the 1700s.

✔ It’s not just a drink; it’s a sip of history. But here’s where Donegal kicks it up a notch—the festivals. We’re talking high-spirited, full-on Irish celebration.

✔ It’s like the whole town comes alive, and you’re right in the middle of it. Good luck forgetting that experience! Now, let’s talk coast.

✔ Take a drive along Donegal Bay, let the scenery soak into your soul, and brace yourself for the Slieve League cliffs. These bad boys are almost three times as tall as those famous Cliffs of Moher. Yeah, it’s a jaw-dropper. And if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, hop over to the islands.

✔ They’re like time capsules, holding onto the Gaelic language and culture like it’s the most precious thing in the world. Donegal, my friend, is the Ireland trip you didn’t know you were missing out on. Here’s to soaking it all in.

  8. Tokyo, Japan  

✔ Hey, have you ever heard of Japan? It’s like this amazing blend of ancient history that goes back a whopping 30,000 years and the coolest modern vibes you can imagine.

✔ They call it the Land of the Rising Sun, and for good reason. Now, everyone talks about Tokyo, and sure, it’s a must-visit. But let me spill the beans—Japan’s got way more up its sleeve. Think cherry blossoms. I’m talking about a whole country wrapped in these soft, dreamy hues during spring.

✔ It’s like walking through a painting. From buzzing cities to chill coastal getaways. it’s a rollercoaster of experiences. So, whether you’re exploring the urban jungle of Tokyo, getting lost in cherry blossom magic, chilling on postcard-perfect beaches, or just letting go in an onsen, Japan’s got a little bit of everything.

✔ It’s a journey through time, culture, and landscapes that’ll stick with you. The Land of the Rising Sun is a trip you won’t forget. Oh, Tokyo is like an animated wonderland, you know?

✔ It’s this mega city that’s nuts about anime, and the whole place is just buzzing with life. Picture this: people hustling down sidewalks, cars racing through streets, subway trains doing their thing underground, and ships sailing in and out.

✔ It’s like a constant dance of movement. But here’s the kicker, when you decide to slow down in Tokyo, it’s a whole different story.

✔ The locals, who are like tech wizards, might breeze past monuments and parks daily (except during cherry blossom season when everyone flocks to the green spaces), but the museums and historical spots are in a league of their own. It’s a photo paradise, a sushi lover’s dream, and a shopping haven.

  9. Nordland, Norway  

✔ Have you heard about Nordland? It’s this magical place filled with glaciers, towering peaks, and these tiny fishing towns that feel straight out of a storybook. And the best part?

✔ You can catch the stunning Sámi traditions playing out under the midnight sun or the Northern Lights. Now, get ready for a game-changer because next year, Six Senses Svart is making its debut.

✔ It’s not your regular hotel—it’s the world’s first energy-positive one, rocking its solar power and giving off those eco-friendly vibes.

✔ Talk about luxury! Adventurers, this place is calling your name year-round. Summer is all about mountain biking and fishing, and when winter kicks in, dog sledding is where the real magic happens. And let me tell you, the drive along the E10 through the Lofoten Islands is something out of a dream. But Nordland isn’t just nature; it’s got culture too.

✔ Bodø is gearing up to be the European Capital of Culture in 2024, bringing in a whole bunch of artistic and musical events.

✔ Nordland is like this perfect blend of tradition and innovation, waiting for you to explore its wonders.

✔ It’s this picturesque mix of steep mountains meeting the calm lowlands that hug the Norwegian Sea.

✔ The scenery is like a painting come to life—stunning. But hey, Nordland isn’t just about looking pretty; it’s got some serious attractions up its sleeve.

✔ Ever heard of the Lofoten Islands? They’re a traveler’s paradise, considered among the best in the world. And if you’re into Vikings, you’ve got to check out the Lofotr Viking Museum at Borg. But the adventure doesn’t stop there! Travel a bit south, and you’ll stumble upon Vega, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

✔ What’s the deal? Well, it’s all about living the age-old lifestyle of fishing and harvesting eider duck down. It’s like stepping into a storybook of tradition and history.

✔ Nordland isn’t just a place; it’s a whole experience waiting to unfold. Mountains, seas, Vikings, tidal currents—this region’s got it all.

  10. Berlin, Germany  

✔ Germany is a real treasure, you know? It’s got this awesome mix of culture, lively folks, and beer that can rival the best.

✔ Whether you’re a history buff soaking up art and architecture or just looking to have a blast at Oktoberfest, Germany’s got you covered. Now, these folks at Best Ten Universe took their time, factoring in everything from sights and food to culture, accessibility, and bang for your buck.

✔ They even got the lowdown from experts and fellow travelers to create the ultimate list of the best places to hit up in Germany.

✔ It’s like they’ve cracked the code to the perfect German adventure. Let me tell you about Berlin—this city has this incredible vibe, you know?

✔ It’s been more than three decades since the Berlin Wall came down, and ever since, it’s been on this amazing cultural rollercoaster. Museums, fashion, food that’ll make your taste buds sing, and nightclubs that redefine the party scene—Berlin’s got it all. But here’s the thing, Berlin doesn’t shy away from its dark past. Not at all.

✔ You’ve got places like The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Topography of Terror, and the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, standing tall and solemn, reminding everyone of the history it holds.

✔ It’s like a city that wears its heart on its sleeve, honoring the past. Yet, Berlin is on the upswing.

✔ Spend an afternoon in a cozy cafe soaking in the atmosphere, kick back in a Biergarten with a cold one, or dive into an all-night dance fest at one of the legendary clubs. That’s the proof right there—Berlin is alive and vibrant, and it’s all about embracing the good times.