From the most in-demand beach vacations to the cheapest vacations of 2024, some vacations are destined to sell out next year.
We've spoken to hotels, travel companies and tour operators to find out which trips you should book immediately to avoid disappointment. So grab your bank card, go online and book an exciting holiday (or two) for the coming year.
Sporty parties in the south of France
While the 2024 Olympic celebrations will put Paris in the spotlight, other parts of the country are also playing a role. Marseille is preparing for football and sailing, but with very limited seating available, tickets are difficult to obtain. Official hospitality partner On Location still has some space available in late July and August, including a two-night stay at the Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port, as well as tickets to a football match and skiff race, from £3,535 pp B&B.
On the Whale Trail in New Zealand
This country is strengthening its car-free reputation with the opening of two new walking and cycling trails in 2024. The Kawatiri Coastal Trail runs along a dramatic stretch of the west coast with views of the lofty Paparoa Range and its seal and penguin colonies. Meanwhile, The Whale Trail will follow the migration route along 210 kilometers of the South Island coast by autumn 2024. Pure Trails' West Coast Wilderness Cycle and Kawatiri Trail is fully booked for March, but there is one more departure in May 2024 .From £1,350 per person full board including bike hire but excluding flights.
Romance in the 'new Bali'
The Indonesian government a few years ago designated the beach-rich Mandalika region of Lombok as one of the ten 'new Balis' in an effort to introduce visitors to less-visited parts of the country. Since then, Lombok Airport has undergone an upgrade and boutique hotels are now opening along the sands. Unlike old Bali, this region is still a relative secret, but that won't be for long - travel deals site Holiday Pirates has picked Lombok as one of its most popular destinations for 2024. Tui spent a week at Pullman Lombok Mandalika Beach Resort, from Room Only from £1,232 per person, including international flights.
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Cinematic wanderings in the Southwest
Gillian Anderson's upcoming film The Salt Path will shine a light on the 630-mile South West Coast Path, which stretches around Britain's most south-westerly points on a path from Minehead to Poole. Based on the novel of the same name, it is the true story of a couple who journey through it after unexpectedly finding themselves homeless and facing a devastating medical diagnosis. Expect the kind of sweeping West Country landscapes that will make you want to head out straight away. Self-catering accommodation in the area is booking up quickly, but Luxury Coastal still has some summer availability in a three-bedroom apartment with fantastic sea views near the path at Penlee Point in Cornwall, from £2,339 per week.
Texas cowboy country
Fort Worth may be America's fastest growing city, but its past border crossing is clearly visible. Although it borders more sedate Dallas, this is a place where you can still attend Friday night rodeos at the Cowtown Coliseum and explore local saloons - but the more modern hotels and attractions also add a cool touch. Surrounded by the theaters and museums of the Cultural District, the newly opened Bowie House features luxurious rooms, Bricks and Horses restaurant, serving steak straight from the ranch, and weekly live music from local musicians. Book now before the (gold) rush. Doubles from £480 per night; British Airways and American Airlines fly direct from London to Dallas Fort Worth.
A bargain in Portugal
According to Skyscanner, Faro offers the best value in the world for a holiday, with airfares falling by 24 percent between 2022 and 2023. Bargain prices typically lead to a rapid increase in bookings, according to global travel expert Laura Lindsay, so hold on to your travel details. travel now before the question And costs go up. A week at 3HB (the city's only five-star hotel) during half term in May costs from £887 per person per room for a family of four with easyjet Holidays, including flights.
Cherry blossoms in Japan
The gentle flowers of spring are the stuff of social media legend, but after a large increase in tourists to Japan, they are becoming increasingly difficult to see. According to Inside Japan's James Mundy, many operators will stop selling sightseeing trips by 2024. However, the company has new small group tours in the flowering season with limited availability, including a 14-night Majestic Japan trip with time in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone National Park and Kanazawa, known for its incredible Kenrokuen Garden. From £7,300 pp including sightseeing and some meals, but excluding flights.
Idyll in the Indian Ocean
Sri Lanka is on every long-haul tour operator's hot list and as demand increases, more and more hotels are opening in unexpected areas. From Uga Riva, a boutique hotel in an old mansion that once welcomed Gandhi, to Kayaam House on a stretch of golden beach in Tangalle and the luxury villas of Kotiyagala in Yala National Park (open in March), these special places are destined to fill up fast. hit - according to tradingeconomics.com, tourism increased by 153.5 percent year-on-year in November 2023. Red Savannah (01242 787800, redsavannah.com) has nine nights in Sri Lanka from £6,225pp including flights and most meals.
Time for yourself in Morocco
After the tragic earthquake of 2023, many tour operators have released new packages to bring visitors back to Morocco - and solo travel is having a moment. Specialist operator Flavors has just launched holidays to the country, but they are already sold out. Book one of the last places on the week-long Marrakech itinerary in April or November, which includes cooking classes, yoga and pilates, as well as time to explore the city. From £2,199 pp full board, excluding flights.
Double the fun on the Athenian Riviera
Long popular with Athenians themselves, the coastal stretch that stretches south of the city is now firmly on the tourist map thanks to a stream of new hotel openings, hip suburbs like Glyfada and a handy tram line connecting the area to Athens' monuments . From summer 2024, visitors can stay at 91 Athens Riviera, a new glamping resort in chic Voula. With only 28 very luxurious 'tents' it is guaranteed to be a sold-out success.
