AAA's top bucket-list travel destinations for 2024 (2024)

Travel is all about novelty—new sights, new tastes, new experiences—so it’s always exciting for AAA Travel Advisors to see a newer travel hotspot getting more attention.

Another benefit? These up-and-comers are often less crowded and more affordable than the most popular spots. Here are the destinations our travel advisors are seeing increased interest in for the upcoming travel season—including culinary hotbeds in Peru and Japan, historic sites in Croatia and Ireland, natural beauty in Australia and Switzerland, and more.

1. Porto & the Douro river, Portugal

Even if you haven’t heard of Porto itself, you’ve probably heard of things named after it: Portugal is one, as well as port wine. The town sits at the meeting of the Douro river and the Atlantic Ocean in northern Portugal, and is the gateway to the increasingly popular Douro Valley wine region.

Founded as a Roman settlement in the 2nd century BC, Porto has a rich architectural heritage, from its preserved medieval core rising from the riverbank to the metal marvel of the Dom Luis I Bridge—a perfect vantage point to stroll across. Dine by the river in the Cais da Ribeira district and watch the traditional flat-bottomed rabelo boats float from shore to shore as they have for centuries.

From there, many visitors set off up the Douro for scenic views of terraced vineyards, visits to Portuguese estates known as quintas, and of course the chance to taste and learn about Portugal’s famous fortified port wines.

2. Lima, Peru

Many travelers to Peru only experience Lima briefly on their way to Machu Picchu. But the Peruvian capital, with its Spanish colonial past and a delicious culinary present, is making a name for itself.

The Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizzaro founded the city in the 16th century at the base of the mighty Andes. Visit the artwork and catacombs of the San Francisco Monastery, then head to the Plaza Mayor to gaze up at the massive vaulted ceiling of the Lima Cathedral.

At the intersection of European, South American, and Asian cultural influences, Lima has become one of the world’s premier foodie destinations, too. Local restaurant Central took the top spot on the prestigious The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2023 and was joined by 3 other Lima eateries. Travelers are often surprised to discover Peru is the birthplace of ceviche, considered a national dish, and Lima may be the best place in the world to enjoy it. You’ll find many of the top places to eat in the trendy Barranco and Miraflores neighborhoods, which also happen to have great beaches on the Pacific.

3. f*ckuoka, Japan

Speaking of foodie meccas, another up-and-coming destination is f*ckuoka (pronounced “foo-koo-OH-ka”), the largest city on Japan’s southernmost main island Kyushu. It’s famous for small open-air food stands known as yatai that serve street food like ramen, gyoza, and spicy caviar omelets. In fact, the pork broth style of ramen known as tonkotsu ramen is from f*ckuoka and is still a local specialty. Yatai are also famous for the opportunity to talk to your chef and your fellow diners; the stalls typically only seat about 8 people.

f*ckuoka has plenty to see beyond food, too, including the Shinto torii gate in the sea at Futamigaura beach, the oldest Zen Buddhist temple in Japan, and cherry blossoms in the spring. It enjoys smaller crowds than Tokyo and Kyoto, and it’s also a great base for further exploration of Kyushu via bullet train, including the history of Nagasaki, Kumamoto Castle, and Sakurajima, Japan’s most active volcano.

4. Split, Croatia

Dubrovnik, with its famous stone walls and starring role in the HBO series Game of Thrones, is one of Croatia’s most visited destinations—and its tiny Old Town has become one of the most crowded in Europe. About 100 miles northwest, its fellow Dalmatian city of Split offers much of the same coastal Adriatic charm with more room to breathe.

It was Split that the Roman emperor Diocletian chose as the site for his grand palace, built in the 4th century AD and still standing today as the city’s premier attraction. Klis Fortress on the outskirts of town offers great views of the city and is a window into the city’s history under Illyrian, Roman, Ottoman, and Austrian rule, plus a Mongol siege. And not to be outdone, both Diocletian’s Palace and Klis Fortress were on Game of Thrones, too.

Explore cobblestone seaside streets, enjoy fresh seafood right from the Adriatic, then go for a hike in the Forest Park Marjan for panoramic vistas.

5. Cairns, Australia

Located between the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforests, Cairns (pronounced “cans” by Australians) has made its name as a nature tourism destination par excellence. Travelers come from around the world to snorkel and scuba up close with the reef’s wildlife, from tiny clownfish and damselfish to reef sharks, giant clams, Maori wrasse, and even whales during migration season. For those who’d rather stay dry, there are also glass-bottom boats and helicopter tours, plus the Cairns Aquarium.

The natural splendor continues on shore, where visitors can ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway through Queensland’s ancient rainforest, or soar above it on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Farther north, the Daintree Rainforest is one of the few places in the world where you can see rainforests, white sand beaches, and coral reefs all together at the shore.

6. Crete, Greece

Among themany Greek islands, the blue-domed houses of Santorini and the hip Mykonos scene draw much of the attention. But head further south and you’ll come to Crete, Greece’s largest island and one that offers everything a traveler might ask for: rich history, several major attractions, unique food culture, vibrant nightlife, magnificent nature, and pristine beaches.

The first prehistoric European civilization of note, the Bronze Age Minoans, flourished on Crete and its majestic palaces can still be visited. One is the Palace of Minos at Knossos, home of the Minotaur in Greek myth, and an extensive archaeological site today.

On the culinary front, discover Cretan cuisine like mizithra, a soft cheese made from goat or sheep milk, one of many Cretan cheeses; dakos, a bruschetta-like dish of tomato and mizithra served on paximadi, a Cretan bread; hirina apakia, an herby smoked pork that’s marinated for days; and, for the adventurous, fried snails.

7. Kilkenny, Ireland

Kilkenny isn’t a big town, but its idyllic medieval Irish character has still made it one of Ireland’s most visited cultural centers. The Irish abbot Saint Canice founded a monastery here in the 6th century, and in the 13th century, St. Canice’s Cathedral was built on the same site. (The name Kilkenny is derived from the Irish Cill Chainnig, or “Church of Canice.”) It still stands today as Ireland’s second-largest cathedral. Marvel at its fine stained glass windows, then climb to the top of the nearby 9th-century Irish round tower, the oldest structure in town and 1 of only 3 climbable round towers in Ireland.

The other main draw is Kilkenny Castle, built by the Normans in the 12th century. Its storied history includes a siege by Oliver Cromwell, whose army destroyed its south wall (still missing to this day).

Visit the castle to learn about the powerful Butler family who ruled here for more than 500 years. Then stroll the “Medieval Mile” that connects the castle and the cathedral to find local arts and crafts shops, museums, restaurants, and of course real Irish pubs.

8. Nice, France

There are few cities in the world that Americans love more than Paris, but Nice’s sun-kissed Mediterranean glamor is drawing more of them to the south of France these days. It has big-city amenities with great restaurants and cafes plus an active nightlife. There’s art old and new, from the Baroque architecture of Nice Cathedral to the Marc Chagall National Museum. And of course, there’s the seaside Promenade des Anglais, where you can walk or ride along the beach or soak up the famous Riviera sunshine.

Nice is also the gateway to the rest of the French Riviera. Hop over to nearby Cannes and Saint-Tropez to see why they’ve become synonymous with luxury. Or visit the tiny country of Monaco—the second smallest country in the world—and the historic Monte Carlo Casino.

9. Lucerne, Switzerland

It’s hard to imagine a more heavenly setting than the western shore of pristine Lake Lucerne, with views of 2 mighty Alps, Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, and the river Reuss flowing by. That’s where you’ll find Lucerne, deep in the heart of Switzerland. Lucerne’s natural beauty became a draw in the 19th century, earning visits from notables like Queen Victoria and Mark Twain. Many hotels from that era remain in business today, including the 170-year-old Schweizerhof Hotel.

Take in the colorful and well-preserved medieval Altstadt, where you’ll find Switzerland’s oldest clock. Cross the famed 14th-century Chapel Bridge and marvel at the paintings that adorn its iconic wooden roof. Then journey to the top of Mount Pilatus via the world’s steepest cog railway (open May to October) or via panoramic cable car (open year-round) and get a panoramic view of the town and lake from more than 6,800 feet above sea level.

10. Singapore

An economic heavyweight packed into an area smaller than Memphis, Tennessee, Singapore is one of the world’s most exciting cultural crossroads. There are 4 official languages—English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil—but English is the most spoken, a key advantage for American visitors. Every major Asian cuisine is well-represented here, and the architecture runs the gamut from historic Chinatown shops and British colonial hotels to gleaming skyscrapers in avant-garde shapes.

And while it may be the second most densely populated country in the world, there are also lots of open spaces, like the Gardens by the Bay park. Here you’ll find both outdoor tropical gardens, complete with massive “Supertrees” that have become a city icon, as well as indoor gardens, including the world’s largest greenhouse.

Even the airport is a destination: Changi Airport has the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex. That’s part of why Changi has been rated the world’s best airport by Skytrax 12 times, the most of any airport, and took home the title again in 2023.

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