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Dec 20, 2023
What a year it’s been...again! International travel is back in a huge way, and shows no sign of slowing down. In 2023, we saw people spreading their wings and returning to amazing destinations like South East Asia, Japan, the southern tip of South America, Morocco and South Africa, along with perennial south and western European favourites. Curious what the "hot" destinations are shaping up to be in 2024? So were we! So we crunched our booking numbers and can reveal the following ten destinations as the new year's leaders.
Knowing that many people are planning to travel to these destinations in 2024, you may wish to plan your visit there during low or shoulder season, or to consider branching out from the major cities to smaller, less touristed spots as a part of your vacation plans. For instance, Tokyo and Kyoto are extremely popular destinations in Japan this year - it could be refreshing to add on a place like the beautiful peninsula of Izu, only 1.5 hours from Tokyo. Wherever you decide to go, know that you've got local guides waiting on the ground to make your trip that much more of a personal experience.
Top Travel Destinations for 2023
Tokyo
Ever since ToursByLocals’ inception in 2008, Tokyo has been an extremely in-demand destination, regularly occupying a spot in our top five most popular places to book a tour. After nearly 3 years of pandemic shut-down, tourism to Japan roared back in 2023, making it one of the most popular destinations in the world.
There are direct flights to Tokyo from all over, with more routes popping up all the time. The city offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and food adventures to locals and travellers alike. The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. And it’s not all skyscrapers, glass and concrete; Tokyo also offers a number of lovely and calm green spaces in the city center and within relatively short train rides at its outskirts.
We have a feeling that sakura (cherry blossom) season is going to be particularly popular this year, so if you’re travelling to Tokyo in the springtime, you’ll want to book tours very soon.
Rome
No surprise to see Rome sitting right near the top of the list! The Italian capital city will always be a firm favourite, along with Italy's other star destinations.
Start your day here by tossing a coin into the iconic Trevi Fountain, perhaps making a wish for endless gelato. Wander through the Colosseum, where history echoes in its walls, imagining the roars of ancient crowds. Don't forget to strike a pose at the Spanish Steps before indulging in a pizza feast at a local trattoria. Cap it off with a sunset stroll along the Tiber River, breathing in the magic of this timeless city as the lights dance across the skyline. Rome's a marvel that will always promise adventure at every turn!
Kyoto
Boasting 17 World Heritage sites and a stunning array of Buddhist temples and Shintō shrines, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japanese history and culture. But while this ancient city is one of the world's most culturally rich places, its true beauty can sometimes lie hidden behind modern facades. When you take a Kyoto tour with a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll discover the 'real' Kyoto - the Kyoto of your dreams.
Walk with your guide around Old Kyoto, through winding alleys lined with traditional narrow wooden houses. In Gion Corner you can experience dance performances by apprentice geisha, and learn about the traditional Japanese arts of puppetry and flower arranging. Your guide will want you to see Kinkaju, the shimmering Golden Pavillion, and the beautiful Kiyomizu Temple - especially during the spring Cherry Blossom season. As in Tokyo, we expect spring time to be a particularly busy season for visiting Japan in 2024, so if you’re hoping to go at cherry blossom time, book your guide soon! These tours sold out last year.
Santiago
Santiago, Chile, is a fantastic place to visit during the North American winter; with its warm and captivating blend of culture and natural beauty. Wander through Barrio Lastarria's historic streets, a fusion of art galleries and charming cafes. Don't miss the Plaza de Armas and its historical landmarks, like the Palacio de la Moneda, offering a glimpse into Chilean history. For a stunning view, ride the funicular to Cerro San Cristóbal at sunset, where the Andes backdrop turns golden, creating a breathtaking scene.
Beyond the city, local guides will share with you the adventure that awaits in the Cajón del Maipo, a gorge perfect for hiking and relaxing in hot springs. Nearby Maipo Valley boasts renowned vineyards, a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. Santiago serves as a gateway to Chile's diverse landscapes, blending culture, history, and the allure of the outdoors seamlessly. Never been? Maybe this is the year to add it to your list!
Paris
Paris typically sits right at or near the top of our most popular destinations, spring, summer, winter or fall, but 2024 may shake the city from its perennial spot at the top. As host of the Summer 2024 Olympics, Paris will see a different sort of summer season than past years: will this major global event draw more tourists, or keep them away in fear of crowds? If you’re dreaming of the City of Lights, this could be a good year to consider a low season trip, perhaps in very early spring, or late Fall, post-olympics, once life has returned to normal for Parisians.
And when you’re there, be sure to check out these fabulous day trips from Paris, when you’re ready to explore beyond the city.
Buenos Aires
We have a big soft spot for Buenos Aires, as a large chunk of the ToursByLocals staff team is based in the Argentinian capital. It’s the land of football and grand boulevards, empanadas and maté, tango and nightlife. The city bursts with grand colonial facades and colourful, crumbling buildings, living side by side. Distinct neighbourhoods all have their own flavour, and the local guides in Buenos Aires are excited to welcome you and share with you their favourite places.
With a surge of travellers wanting to take bucket list trips to Antarctica, Buenos Aires is seeing more people including it as part of a larger trip to the tip of South America. We suggest timing your visit with the beautiful Jacaranda blooming season, in November (late spring in the southern hemisphere).
Athens
The first thing that comes to mind when we think of Athens is antiquity, but local guide Panos (one of the busiest guides on our site in 2023!) shares that the city’s modern art scene is flourishing: “In the past couple of years the city has been embellished with the new Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation and the new National Museum of Contemporary Art, while at the same time the National Gallery was refurbished and expanded. Here, one can view masterpieces from Greek and international painters, like El Greco and Picasso. Lovers of modern art can also visit the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Center in the southern suburbs of Athens: this is a new National Digital Library and the new Opera House of the city, designed by the water by the famous architect Renzo Piano.”
Our suggestion for Athens? Considering going in low-season, when the cruise ships aren’t in port. Or if you go in high season, book your tour early. Athens was one of our busiest destinations in 2023, and it’s looking likely it will be again.
Barcelona
Barcelona has long been a fan favourite among ToursByLocals travellers. With its warm climate, coastal breezes, and incredible food and drink, this fascinating city is also incredibly fun.
Much of Barcelona's charm lies in Gaudí's fantastical structures like Sagrada Família and Park Güell. You can wander the historic Gothic Quarter, feel the buzz of La Rambla, and dive into tapas heaven at La Boqueria market. Relax on sunny beaches or explore art at the Picasso Museum and Joan Miró Foundation. Barcelona's mix of history, art, delicious food, and vibrant energy welcomes travellers of all kinds! Its temperate climate makes it a lovely place to go when much of Europe is still feeling the chill of late winter.
Lisbon
Sitting astride seven hills and overlooking the majestic Rio Tejo, lies the exquisite city of Lisbon. Replete with centuries-old history, yet exuding a youthful vibe, the city is a delightful place to explore.
The sights in Lisbon are plenty - from St Jerome Monastery to Belem Tower - and walking around its many enchanting neighbourhoods with your very own Portuguese guide is a wonderful way to discover the city. Take a bright yellow tram through the narrow cobbled streets of the Moorish Alfama quarter and enjoy lunch on a patio while listening to traditional Fado music. Shop the upscale boutiques in trendy Chiado, and take the steep funicular ride to the Bairro Alto for the city's best nightlife. And save time for a short day trip to Sintra! This colourful, magical place is unforgettable.
We think local guide Ines sums up why you should come here perfectly: “Life is short and Lisbon is amazing. Great weather, great food, such welcoming people, vibrant cultural life, great cityscape, amazing nature around it...what else do we need in life?”
London
London has had several banner years of visitors post-pandemic, as a weak pound and several remarkable royal occasions have fueled traveller interest. But even without these incentives, London is always going to be a place that beckons people who love everything from hidden Roman history to Victorian literature, to a cozy pint in a centuries-old pub where Shakespeare once sat. It’s a city that tells stories around every corner, especially if you explore it with a local guide.
It’s also our duty to remind you that England is so much more than just London. Local guides have a fabulous roster of day tours that take you out of the capital and into the towns, villages, coast and countryside England is famous for. Bath, Oxford, Stonehenge, Dover, Salisbury, Cambridge… north, south, east or west, you’ll find a day’s adventure waiting for you!
