Are These 5 Top Destinations On Your List?

“I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.”

Robert Louis Stevenson

We welcome guest author Karan Arora, who shares some of the top 5 destinations that should be on your travel list. The world is out there traveling, and it can be overwhelming to determine where to go next. Karan shares these fantastic places to consider. Whether doing it independently as we do or taking a tour, as in the links in the article , the key is GO. We have done both Italy and Iceland on the list, and we can’t say enough about both countries. We will be visiting Kyoto, Japan, in September, and the info here will guide us in planning our adventures.

---

In 2024, the world offers a wide variety of captivating experiences, promising to inspire, thrill, and immerse travelers in diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes. From the excitement of attending the Paris 2024 Olympics, where sportsmanship and global unity come together against the backdrop of one of Europe’s most iconic cities, to exploring the pristine wilderness of Antarctica aboard expedition cruises, there is something for every adventurer.

Explore the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands. Experience the ethereal Northern Lights in Norway’s Arctic Circle, and join in the lively festivities of Oktoberfest in Munich. History buffs can uncover the ancient mysteries of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat or challenge themselves with a trek along Peru’s legendary Inca Trail to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Whether you’re seeking natural wonders, cultural immersion, or adrenaline-pumping adventures, 2024 offers a variety of top-tier experiences that promise to leave a lasting impression on any traveler’s journey.

Visit Kyoto, Japan:

Embarking on a 4-day Japan tour that includes a visit to Kyoto offers travelers a profound cultural immersion into Japan’s rich heritage and traditions. Kyoto, renowned as Japan’s cultural capital, captivates visitors with its serene temples, historic tea houses, and meticulously landscaped gardens. The tour typically begins with exploring Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and the peaceful Fushimi Inari Shrine with its famous vermilion torii gates.

Delving deeper into Kyoto’s cultural tapestry, travelers can participate in a traditional tea ceremony, experience the elegance of a kimono dressing session, and savor authentic Kaiseki cuisine—a meticulously prepared multi-course meal showcasing seasonal ingredients. Kyoto’s charm extends beyond its historic sites; the bustling Nishiki Market offers a sensory delight with its array of local delicacies and traditional crafts. Whether strolling through Arashiyama’s bamboo groves or admiring the Zen rock gardens of Ryoan-ji Temple, a visit to Kyoto promises an unforgettable journey into Japan’s cultural heartland during a well-curated 4-day tour.

Check out the official tourism website of Japan

Northern Lights in Iceland:

In Iceland, the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, paint the night sky with mesmerizing hues of green, purple, and sometimes even red. These celestial displays occur predominantly in the winter months when the nights are longest and darkest, typically from September to March. The natural conditions in Iceland, including its clear skies and minimal light pollution outside of Reykjavik, provide ideal viewing opportunities for this spectacular phenomenon. Visitors often venture away from urban areas to locations like Thingvellir National Park or the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where they can witness the dancing lights against the backdrop of Iceland’s rugged landscapes, creating a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of the Arctic Circle.

Check out Iceland’s official tourism website .

Explore Machu Picchu, Peru:

Exploring Machu Picchu, Peru, is an awe-inspiring journey into the heart of Inca civilization. Nestled high in the Andes Mountains, this ancient citadel, often shrouded in mist, offers breathtaking views of lush green peaks and terraced landscapes. Believed to have been a royal estate or sacred religious site for Inca leaders, Machu Picchu’s well-preserved stone structures, including the iconic Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun, and Room of the Three Windows, showcase sophisticated engineering and architectural prowess. Accessible via the challenging Inca Trail or a scenic train ride from Cusco, Machu Picchu continues to captivate travelers with its historical significance, mystical ambiance, and stunning natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

Check out Peru’s official tourism website .

Safari in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania:

A safari in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, is a quintessential African wildlife adventure. Renowned for its vast savannas and diverse ecosystems, the Serengeti is home to the legendary Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing grounds. Visitors can witness this spectacular natural event, as well as encounter the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos—amidst the park’s varied landscapes, from open grasslands to riverine forests. Game drives at dawn and dusk offer the best chances to see predators on the hunt and other wildlife in action. The Serengeti’s rich biodiversity, dramatic sunsets, and endless horizons create an unforgettable safari experience, immersing travelers in the raw beauty and vibrant life of the African wilderness.

Check out Tanzania’s official tourism website .

Cuisine Tour in Italy:

Embark on a visit focused on culinary delights promises an immersive journey through the flavors and traditions that define Italian cuisine. A good starting point is Rome, travelers can indulge in authentic pasta dishes like cacio e pepe and carbonara, paired with local wines in trattorias tucked away in charming alleyways. Continuing to Florence, the tour explores the Tuscan culinary scene, renowned for its hearty ribollita soup, succulent bistecca alla fiorentina, and decadent gelato. In Venice, dining experiences include fresh seafood risotto and cicchetti (local tapas) in lively bacari (wine bars) lining the canals. Heading south to Naples, the birthplace of pizza, travelers can savor traditional Neapolitan pizza Margherita.

From there, you can explore the nearby Amalfi Coast, renowned for its lemon-infused dishes and fresh seafood. Conclude in Bologna, known as Italy’s gastronomic capital; highlights include rich ragù alla bolognese served with handmade tagliatelle and a visit to Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and balsamic vinegar producers. Throughout the trip, seek out cooking classes, market visits, and tastings, providing an intimate understanding of Italy’s culinary heritage and regional specialties. A culinary adventure of Italy promises a delectable and enriching experience for food enthusiasts seeking to savor the country’s diverse flavors and gastronomic traditions.

Check out Italy’s official tourism website .

Check out our Country Travel Guides on our Destinations Page

Accommodations

There are many fantastic accommodations in these incredible destinations. Below are two of our favorite booking sites. If you plan to book your travel, use them to find your perfect accommodation.

It is important to price out accommodations on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is Europe-based. Not all properties appear on both, so it is ideal to check both out. Our personal first choice is Booking.com . If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.

© 2024 All Rights Reserved

Want to learn how we earn our free travel? Check out Want to travel for free? Let us show you how

Our Top Recommended Travel Products and Services

Travel Insurance

Squaremouth.com
Our favorite travel insurance site!

We could not be stronger advocates of being well-insured—not just for the little stuff but for the big things like medical emergencies. We never leave home without it. Our go-to place is Squaremouth.com . It does a fantastic job with its user-friendly interface and uses top-rated and reputable insurance carriers. They also mediate on your behalf if you have problems.

To empower you as a consumer, we suggest you read our blog post on the importance of travel insurance and how to get the best coverage from top-rated companies for an affordable price.

buy now

MedjetAssist
Medical transport back home from anywhere in the world

They are the premier global air medical transport. One caveat to travel insurance is that medical evacuation usually gets you to the closest facility to care for you. Medjet gets you back to the U.S. to the hospital of your choice once you are stable enough to fly. A Medjet membership is only for medical transport. Medjet Horizon offers expanded coverage. They have individual trip policies starting at $99 and annual policies for around $300. Most of their policies limit the age to 74.

To learn more about how Medical Evacuation membership with Medjet Assist works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.

Buy now

Accommodations and Airfare

Expedia and VRBO
Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours

Expedia is a US-based company whose mission is to power global travel for everyone and everywhere. focuses on independent travel, and using sites like Expedia makes that possible. Every aspect of travel you need, from airfare, accommodations, rental car, and cruises to activities to do at your destination, can be booked on Expedia .

Book now

Booking.com
Hotels, Home rentals, BNBs, Flights, and other Transportation & Tours

Booking.com connects millions of travelers to memorable experiences, various transportation options, and incredible places to stay – from homes to hotels and much more. It is one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces for established brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes. It is our preferred booking site.

Book now

Transportatio n

Daytrip
Personalized city-to-city private car transfer service

Daytrip is an affordable private car service for city-to-city transfers around the world. We love their service, and it costs much less than renting a car. You can enjoy comfortable, stress-free travel with the added bonus of scenic sightseeing stops along your journey. For example, we used them between Budapest and Vienna, making some fantastic stops along the way. Their professional drivers and customizable routes ensure a smooth ride while allowing you to explore hidden gems and local attractions.

To learn more about how Daytrip, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.

Book now

Travel Experiences

Viator
The leading marketplace for travel experiences

Viator believes that making memories is what travel is all about. And with 300,000+ experiences to explore—everything from simple tours to extreme adventures (and all the niche, interesting stuff in between)—making memories that will last a lifetime has never been easier. We use them often during our travels and love their liberal cancellation policy.

Explore now

Communication products for seamless connectivity overseas

GigSky International eSIM Data Plans
Local Prices. No Roaming. Fastest Networks.

GigSky eSIM keeps travelers seamlessly connected worldwide without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or facing unexpected roaming charges. With affordable data plans and instant activation, you can enjoy reliable internet access in over 190 countries, making travel more convenient than ever. They have a great offer, a 100 MB data plan for free, and no credit card is required. They are that confident you will love their product!

Enjoy 10% off all GigSky Plans (except cruise and inflight) with our discount code WCOMPASS10

To learn more about how GigSky, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.

SHOP NOW

Shopping

Amazon Storefront
An excellent source for all travel essentials and guides that we have vetted ourselves

Amazon is one of the most comprehensive online shopping sources in the world. Teams worldwide provide lower prices, better selection, and rapid delivery on behalf of customers. They offer a vast inventory, and their 1.7 million small and medium businesses worldwide selling on Amazon.com offer extensive options to customers.

Shop now

This article contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!