In 2024, several travel destinations are making waves globally, captivating the hearts of adventurers, honeymooners, and culture enthusiasts alike. From the vast savannas of Kenya to the serene beaches of Sri Lanka, the mystique of Bali, the luxurious allure of Qatar, and the cultural crossroads of Azerbaijan, these destinations offer unique experiences that cater to diverse travel preferences. Below, we delve into the details of each trending destination.
1. Kenya:
“Home to the gorgeous fauna, unique local tribes, breathtaking outsets, and peacefully luxurious hospitality, Kenya is gaining traction from India for diverse travel requirements including honeymoons, adventure-themed group and family tours, Executive MICE Escapades (In case you want to mention this or else we are fine to remove this completely, have kept the option open for you), etc.
The region’s crisp, fresh air can be experienced during a calming walk or a game ride in Masai Mara. The lingering taste of salt will leave you in awe every time you take a dip in the sea. A sundowner with the African Sun setting around and the sky ablaze with colours, with the odd giraffe or zebra in the background is an experience of its kind! The stay just gets finer with delicious food made from the freshest local produce paired with a nice glass of wine. And of course, a warm, comfortable boutique hotel or an African luxury glamping haven, to rest at the end of an exhilarating day.
Beyond the Great Migration, Kenya has a lot of attractions like The Swahili Coast, The Northern Circuit, The Western Highlands, The Great Rift Valley, Lake Turkana, Lake Victoria, Nairobi National Park, etc. The Swahili Coast is a treasure trove of attractions. A beautiful piece of land that has an abundance of sunlight, seashore and soft clear sand which attracts global travellers around the year. The coastline has extravagant white beaches with adrenaline-rushing watersports including diving and snorkeling. Widely-ranging wildlife, charming tribes and intriguing safari activities can be experienced at the Northern Circuit. The circuit is home to several species including elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The Laikipia Plateau is home to rhinos. Lake Turkana is the world’s biggest desert lake and is popularly known as the Jade Sea given the water’s exclusive colour. There are infinite other ways where Kenya intrigues travellers from across the world, Equipped with best-in-class safari glamping resorts, hotels, regional cuisine, and memories to experience each day, it will remain a treasured destination for travellers from across the world in 2024.”
– Aman Shah, CEO, Wild Whispers – Nairobi, Kenya
2. Sri Lanka:
Experience the history, culture and adventure “Tropical waters, lazy beaches, exciting watersports, rich local flavours, and relaxed beachfront resorts, Sri Lanka stands as the alluring destination for global travellers, the ancient island destination is a key tourist attraction for travellers from the world over. The country’s friendly travel policies, modern infrastructure, and commitment to preserving its natural beauty have made it a favourite among not only the budget-conscious travellers but also the globe trotters and the quintessential wanderlust aficionados seeking luxurious unique and exclusive getaways.
With a history that goes back 2,500+ years, Sri Lanka compliments the natural waterbodies, diverse wildlife, world-renowned tea plantations, beautiful rainforest, pristine white-sand beaches, and towns rich with history and culture of the bygone era.
The most popular beaches for both locals and international tourists are Unawatuna Weligama, Mirissa, Hiriketiya, Arugambay Kalpitiya, Tangalla and Passikuda to name a few, These beaches offer a range of activities to explore including Sailing, dolphin & whale watching, snorkelling, and other thrilling water sports.
For those seeking adventure safaris, the country boasts a wealth of stunning national parks. If you like spotting wild cats in their natural habitat, Yala is a must-visit to witness leopards. Wild elephants can be seen in Udawalawe and Wasgamuwa.
For travellers who are enthusiastic about history Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are the sites to check the region’s age-old ruins. A visit to Sri Lanka is not complete if you don’t visit the majestic natural waterfalls such as the Ravana Falls and not mention the internationally famous train ride to Ella. “
– Shaleen Shanthikumar, Director, The Serendipity Collection, The Serendipity Experiences.
3. Bali:
“Bali has slowly gained prominence as the most-picked destination for the international traveller market, especially the burgeoning Indian travellers. Home to natural landscapes that are a feast to the eye and the camera, Bali welcomes one and all to rejuvenate and unwind amid the blissful outset of black sand beaches, strips of lush forests, calming waterfalls, temple towns, and beelines of aesthetic cafes and bars for a wholesome immersive experience.
The cyan-shaded clear sea waters crash into the shore which creates a calming scene to enjoy for the longest. For the sundowners, the skies add the extra zing with the expansive play of orange and red hues looking like a freshly painted canvas. Nusa Penida, Gili Islands, remain unexplored for their tranquillity and underexplored. Tanah Lot remains eminent for the ultimate spiritual experiences and admiring the age-old architecture. If you love waterfalls, Gitgit and Sekumpul must be your pick for an ideal scenery to experience. Do not miss out on Ubud which showcases Bali’s rich art and history which you can pack as souvenirs for your loved ones.”
– Ms Niluh Werdiani, Managing Director at Tria Uma Wisata, as the leading DMC in Bali
4. Qatar:
“A culmination of a desert, beachfront, ancient architecture, modern skyline with skyscraping towers, deeply rooted culture, scrumptious local cuisine, and enthralling luxury hospitality and excursions to explore – the destination has to be Qatar. A popular attraction in the Middle East following several events of international interest, including the recently concluded World Cup 2022, Qatar sees international travel traffic around the year to experience its unique magnificence year-round.
From exploring The Museum of Islamic Art sitting on an artificial peninsula near Doha is home to worldly treasures that date back to the 7th Century! Souq Waqif must not be missed as these locales offer the best streetside shopping experience and souvenirs that you cannot blind an eye to pack for home! For the love of sand and sea, Khor Al Adaid or Inland Sea is the place where dunes meet the sea shore, a feast for the eyes for sure.
One cannot miss out on visiting Purple Island, Fuwairit Beach, Al Safliya Island, Umm Bab Beach, Al Shamal Beach, Al Thakhira Beach, Al Wakrah Beach, and Al Aaliya Island, etc., for the abundance of serenity, birds, and expansive breathtaking views. Apart from the exciting land and sea-based excursions and activities, Qatar goes a notch higher and brings air-based adrenaline-rushing activities to the tourists too with its exceptional expertise in Paratriking and Hot Air Balloon rides.”
– Mr Manoj Kumar Tiwari, General Manager, Regency Travel & Tours
5. Baku & Azerbaijan:
“Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan showcases a diverse mix of cultures influenced by both the eastern and western regions. One can explore sacred temples, cave paintings and age-old architecture in the ancient destination. The capital of Baku is richly known for its history at the centre and modernization sprawling across with the Flame Towers as its surreal cover. The Old City – a UNESCO World Heritage Site fortifies several treasures within it. The attractions in the destination include the Palace of the Shirvan Shahs and Maiden’s Tower. Leaving Baku, the Gobustan National Park offers breathtaking views thanks to the presence of giant boulders, and both natural and manmade caves. In those cases, one can try and spend time exploring innumerable rock engravings and art that date back several thousand years. Lined with a chain of luxury hotels Baku is a calm place to plan a serene vacation.
Azerbaijan has a plethora of attractions that must not be missed including the Absheron National Park, Garasu Volcano, Naftalan Oil Resort, and Gobustan. Located in the Azizbeyov region, Absheron National Park is home to some fascinating flora and fauna of Azerbaijan which must be witnessed. The country is scarcely known globally for its highest number of mud volcanoes across the world. With 350 mud volcanoes, Garasu Volcano steals the spot of them all given its mud-spewing range of over 1,000 metres into the air. Naftalan resort, popular for its Naftalan crude oil is known to have several healing properties which has led to a boost in medical tourism to the country. Gobustan – an archaeological reserve gives detailed insights about the region’s ancient civilizations through the fascinating 6,000 rock drawings that spread across over 500 hectares.”
– Mir Muse Baghirzade, Sales Director, Turalux
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