It’s 2024 and you’re ready for your next Vacation, but where to next? Let’s Face it, when it comes to spending your hard-earned money and using all that PTO you racked up, picking the perfect destination can be tough. Do you opt in for an adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both? Do you go for tried & tested or dive headfirst into the unknown? If your travel plans are looking more indecisive than a husband and wife agreeing on which restaurant for dinner, don’t fret. As a 407 & Beyond Travel Agent (and travel enthusiast) I spend countless hours scrolling through breathtaking destination photos and dreaming up new adventures. I have handpicked my top 5 destinations to visit in 2024, and I am ready to take you on a little tour.
- The Florida Keys- Key West, I’m looking at you!
This may sound a little cliché but imagine driving down a road that’s hugged on both sides by the bluest waters- Welcome to the Florida Keys. If you’re looking for a more relaxing luxurious trip, Hawks Cay Resort located on a quiet island called Duck Key is worth checking into. The resort has a lot to offer for any age and makes for a great multi-generational family trip. If you’re up for traveling all the way down to Key West, let me tell you, it’s as close to a pirate’s life as you can get without finding buried treasure (though the key lime pie & sunsets are treasure enough). Spend a day snorkeling around the only living coral reef in the U.S. or take the Old Town Trolley Tours and hop on and off at all the popular spots in Key West. If you fancy a bit of history, or you just love cats then The Hemingway Home & Museum definitely merits a visit. Now, here’s a little musical side note for you. The late and great Jimmy Buffet found his inspiration in the laid-back, carefree paradise, Key West. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” state of mind for your vacation, the Margaritaville Beach House is where you’ll want to stay!
- Santorini, Greece- Bucket List Beauty
Ah, Santorini. A place I haven’t been to yet, but trust me, it’s at the top of my list. From what I’ve heard, the sunsets there make even the biggest Instagram skeptics want to take a zillion photos. Picture This: whitewashed buildings, skies painted the most vibrant shades of orange and pink, and you sipping on assyrtiko wine, thinking “is this place even real?”. I’ve been told Oia is THE SPOT for the most iconic sunset views, and honestly, could there be a more perfect canvas for creating memories (and envy-inducing Instagram stories)? If you’re traveling all that way to visit Santorini why not make the most of your vacation and see more. Virgin Voyage’s Greek Island Glow itinerary allows you to visit multiple destinations in Greece including Mykonos, and Santorini. The stops have late night departures and even an overnight stay in Mykonos. Such a great option to visit multiple destinations in Greece with plenty of time to explore at each stop and the time spent on the ship traveling to each port is an experience on its own!
- Sedona, Arizona- Magical Red Rocks
Another gem on my bucket list. They say Sedona is where you go to find your vortex- Hopefully, it’s not the kind that sucks you into buying more souvenirs than your suitcase can hold. Known for its stunning red sandstone formations, Sedona is a whole experience. Can you imagine hiking trails that offer panoramic views? Oh, and the stargazing is out of this world, literally!! For quite some time I’ve had my heart set on taking the Arizona & Utah adventure with Adventures by Disney. The 2024 itinerary is packed full of things to do in Sedona like a Diamondback Gulch Off-Road Tour, sightseeing & shopping with an expert local guide! Plus it includes accommodations at the luxurious Enchantment Resort in Sedona, need I say more?
- The Carolinas: Asheville & Charleston
Now hear me out, I am all about making the most out of your vacations. For this one, make it a road trip because why visit one when you can experience both Asheville & Charleston in a single trip! Start in Asheville, NC where the beer flows as freely as the waterfalls surrounding the city. It’s artsy, it’s edgy, and it’s nestled right in the Blue Ridge Mountains- basically, nature’s version of a gigantic bear hug. While soaking up Asheville’s vibrant atmosphere, you can’t miss out on the chance to explore America’s largest home, Biltmore Estates.Trust me, the estate’s gardens and winery are just as enticing as its history. And If you’re wondering where you’ll lay your head, the Embassy Suites in downtown Asheville is my recommendation. Aside from giving you mountain views from your room that will outshine any postcard, the suites are spacious and include complimentary made to order breakfast to start the day on the right foot because let’s face it, exploring everything Asheville has to offer requires ample energy. Plus, in girl math, what you save in breakfast costs means more money for souvenirs. Pro Tip: After a long day of wandering through the area when you head back to the Embassy, treat yourself to dinner at their Rooftop Italian restaurant which serves up the most breathtaking mountain views, providing a meal that’s memorable in itself.
For the second half of your trip head to Charleston, SC where history drips from every cobblestone, and the food scene is so good, it’ll have you writing love letters to shrimp and grits. For accommodations, if you’re aiming to be in the center of the historic district of Charleston, there are countless options that offer just that, giving you the convenience of being able to explore some of the best of what Charleston has to offer nearby. However, if you’re looking for something that combines the luxury of a top tier resort with the serenity of the sea, I suggest Wild Dunes Resort’s SweetGrass Inn. With tons of resort activities, dining options, and a short walk to the beach this place is a vacation in itself, especially after all the adventures hiking around Asheville. Perfect for creating lasting vacation memories on Charleston’s shore. Honestly, making the road trip to transition from the mountains to the coast gives you the opportunity to check off so many boxes on your list of vacation needs with so many options to fit all budget types. It’s like having the best of both worlds!
- Somewhere in the ocean- Aboard Royal Caribbean’s the Icon of the Seas!
Okay, let’s talk about Cruise Vacations, because why settle for one destination when you can wake up in a new one every day? The cruising industry is booming and Royal Caribbean’s newest ship the Icon of the seas is making some big waves, not just for being the largest cruise ship in the world but for everything the ship has to offer! In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with choosing any of Royal Caribbean’s 28 ships for your vacation. Think about it, Unlimited food (Hello, midnight pizza), tons of activities and entertainment for you to do while on the ship and don’t forget to add a drink package because yes, cocktails do taste better when drinking them in the middle of the ocean! Plus, from my experience the kids never complain when you drop them off at the Adventure Ocean kid’s club (which btw is no extra cost) & that means all you mommas out there get time to relax by the pool, kid free. It’s like getting the whole vacationing experience, but on steroids. Budgeting for a cruise is a breeze since most things are included in the price you pay. I don’t know about you, but nothing stresses me out more than swiping my card to pay for things while on my vacation. Since everything is paid for in advance, it’s basically free in girl math!
Ready to start packing?
Remember, picking a destination is just the start – making sure it’s the right fit is key. And hey, if you still can’t narrow it down to just one destination, there is one magical place that you might have heard of where you can trot around 11 countries in a single day. You guessed it, Epcot World Showcase at Disney World! Where else can you snack on a crepe in France for breakfast and end your evening with fireworks in Japan? All jokes aside, if picking the perfect destination spot still feels daunting or you’re just passionate about having your travel plans polished to perfection, it’s time you have a chat with a 407 & Beyond Travel Agent. As my brother would say, we’re the Gandalf to your Frodo in the realm of travel planning. For those of you non Lord of the Ring fans, he is basically saying we’re Vacation Planning Wizards ready to guide you through the maze of options, settle those pesky indecisions, and illuminate the path to your next big adventure! We’re ready to keep everything in check including up to date travel advisories because the only surprises we like are the ones that involve room upgrades and unexpected fireworks, right?
Every destination offers something unique! Wherever you choose to go, just make sure it’s somewhere that makes your hearts sing. Happy Travels!
