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Tourists at the Plaza Mayor and 16th century Catedral de Yucat‡n. Cathedral of Merida dedicated to San Ildefonso in the city Merida, Yucat‡n, Mexico. (Photo by: Marica van der Meer/Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to set your sights on the horizon and begin planning your incredible journeys for 2024. To ignite your wanderlust and fuel your travel dreams, Booking.com has curated a list of the most sought-after destinations for the upcoming year, based on travel trends.

These are the places that are making waves, beckoning both intrepid explorers and those seeking fresh experiences in well-loved corners of the globe. Whether you’re drawn to hidden treasures off the beaten path or you’re looking for a twist on your favorite vacation spot, these 2024 travel picks have got you covered.

So, without further ado, let’s delve into the tantalizing world of travel and discover why these ten destinations have captured our hearts, and why they should be at the top of your travel itinerary for 2024!

  1. Beppu, Japan

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TOPSHOT – Toutists visit the Chinoike jigoku Spring, the Hell of the Blood Pond, hot springs (Onsen) in Beppu, near Oita on September 23, 2019. – The Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup is taking place in Japan from September 20, 2019 to November 2, 2019. (Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

Nestled along Kyushu’s pristine coast, Beppu is a haven of hot springs and natural wonders. Dive into the city’s numerous onsen (hot spring baths), embark on mountain hikes, or marvel at the vibrant geothermal wonders of Beppu Jigoku (Hell of Beppu).

  1. Vlorë, Albania

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This photograph taken on March 24, 2023, shows a boat on the Bay of Laurel on the coast of the Karaburun peninsula, the habitat used by Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus), some 17.5 nautical miles from the coast of Vlore, southern Albania. – Cutting through the azure waves in the Ionian Sea, a team of Albanian marine biologists scan the coastline before descending on a hidden cave, with the hopes of finding the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. Once abundant, the monk seals of the Mediterranean now only number in the hundreds, making the animal one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world. (Photo by Adnan Beci / AFP) (Photo by ADNAN BECI/AFP via Getty Images)

In the heart of southwestern Albania, Vlorë boasts stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a tapestry of ancient ruins. Sunbathe on its pristine beaches, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Butrint Archaeological Park, or set sail to Sazan Island National Park.

  1. Mérida, Mexico

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Tourists at the Plaza Mayor and 16th century Catedral de Yucat‡n. Cathedral of Merida dedicated to San Ildefonso in the city Merida, Yucat‡n, Mexico. (Photo by: Marica van der Meer/Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Mérida, a colonial jewel in southeastern Mexico, beckons with its Mayan ruins, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. Wander among the ruins of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and Ek Balam, visit the Mérida Cathedral, and savor Yucatecan delights.

  1. Portland, Oregon

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4th of July 2011 Independence Day Fireworks display along Willamette River waterfront with Portland Oregon USA downtown city skyline and Hawthorne Bridge against blue hour night sky (Photo via Getty Images)

Portland, Oregon, is your gateway to independent coffee shops, microbreweries, and a culture that’s uniquely its own. Discover the tranquil Portland Japanese Garden, get lost in Powell’s City of Books, or hike through the urban wilderness of Forest Park.

  1. Valkenburg, Netherlands

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Daily life in Valkenburg aan de Geul or Valkenberg with people enjoying the sun at the terraces of the cafes and restaurants, as the shops reopen after the winter lockdown to fight the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. Valkenburg is a historic Dutch town in the province of Limburg with Geul river with the famous coffee places, bars, taverns and restaurants, a travel and tourism destination. The town was affected by the summer 2021 floods after the extreme weather, heavy rainfall and high water levels resulting evacuations. Valkenburg, the Netherlands on February 5, 2022 (Photo by Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Valkenburg, a charming Dutch town, reveals its secrets in caves, festive Christmas markets, and the hauntingly beautiful medieval castle. Unearth the mysteries of Valkenburg Caves, soak up the holiday cheer in December, or explore the enchanting Valkenburg Castle ruins.

  1. Buenos Aires, Argentina

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BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – MARCH 08: An aerial view of the Congress as people gather during a demonstration to mark the International Women’s Day on March 8, 2021 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This year the main demand is to stop the femicides and transvesticides, after 50 have been officially registered in the first two months of 2021. (Photo by Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images)

The sultry capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, is a seductive blend of tango, succulent steaks, and electrifying nightlife. Witness an alluring tango show, tour the iconic Casa Rosada (the presidential palace), or stroll through the hallowed Recoleta Cemetery, the resting place of Argentina’s luminaries.

  1. Chemnitz, Germany

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06 September 2023, Saxony, Chemnitz: The warm light of Indian summer falls on the castle district in Chemnitz. The rural idyll between the castle pond and the castle church with its lovingly restored historic houses, which are among the oldest in the city, has developed in recent years into a popular destination with rustic restaurants. Photo: Hendrik Schmidt/dpa (Photo by Hendrik Schmidt/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Set in the heart of eastern Germany, Chemnitz showcases its industrial heritage, contemporary art scene, and a vibrant music culture. Delve into the Chemnitz Museum of Industry, soak in the artistic wonder of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chemnitz, or catch a live concert at the Chemnitz Opera House.

  1. Rotorua, New Zealand

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New Zealand North Island, Rotorua area Wai-O-Tapu (Sacred Waters). Thermal pool whose colours are caused by the natural minerals bubbling to the surface and reacting with the atmosphere. It is an area associated with the immense pressures attributable to the Indian / Australian Plate rising and overlapping the Pacific Plate causing a fault line which enables heat from below the earth’s crust to radiate upwards towards the surface and form geothermal features. (Photo by In Pictures Ltd./Corbis via Getty Images)

Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island is a geothermal wonderland, brimming with Maori culture and adventure sports. Soak in the healing waters of a geothermal hot spring, embrace Maori traditions in a cultural village, or get your adrenaline rush with bungee jumping or white-water rafting.

  1. Panglao, Philippines

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Philippines. Panglao island. (Photo by: Giovanni Mereghetti/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Panglao Island in the Philippines is a tropical paradise with its ivory beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests. Relax on pristine beaches, dive into the Bohol Sea for unforgettable snorkeling and diving, or explore the unique geological spectacle of the Chocolate Hills.

  1. Cairns, Australia

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CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 14: People are seen on Vlassof Cay to view the solar eclipse on November 14, 2012 in Palm Cove, Australia on November 14, 2012 in Cairns, Australia. Thousands of eclipse-watchers have gathered in part of North Queensland to enjoy the solar eclipse, the first in Australia in a decade. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Cairns, Australia, is your gateway to the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef. Dive or snorkel in the vibrant reef, embark on a boat adventure to the Daintree Rainforest, or explore the rich indigenous culture at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.

These remarkable destinations are just a taste of what 2024 has in store for your travels. With an abundance of choices, you’re bound to find the perfect spot for your next getaway. So, pack your bags and get ready for the new year, full of new adventures!