In our opinion, it’s always a good idea to be in planning mode your next vacay. Not sure where to start?
We teamed up with our mates at Webjet to uncover some of 2024’s coolest travel destinations that will make all your mates jealous. From snorkelling through shimmering coral reefs and cycling through jungle-cloaked islands, to dancing the night away in a neon-soaked city—we’ve sussed out a stack of incredible vacays with your name on it.
Feeling the pinch when it comes to holiday funds? You can lock in 12 months interest-free* on Webjet bookings of up to $10k with Zip Money. That means when you check out with Zip—our fave BNPL provider—you can lock it in now and spread out the holiday costs over time. Now there’s no excuse! Book in your annual leave team, these are the six trending destinations that you need to visit in 2024.
Seoul, South Korea
An achingly cool city, where temples, teahouses and tradition blend seamlessly with fashion, cutting-edge technology and karaoke, a trip to Seoul is one you won’t soon forget. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history with a visit to Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Listed spot home to ornate pavilions and a secret garden.
A true shopping mecca, stock up on all your K-beauty faves and discover burgeoning fashion labels at Myeondong’s Shinsegae Department Store and Yeouido’s The Hyundai—an architectural wonder. Dine like a local at Tongin Market, where you can buy a chain of special gold tokens and exchange them for lunch. Peruse the stalls, fill up your container with moreish Korean dumplings and tteokbokki—stir-fried rice cakes smothered in an umami sauce that’s both sweet and spicy —then tuck into your haul in the upstairs dining area. Gwangjang Market (for the kimbap rolls) and Bamdokkaebi Night Market, are others to add to your must-visit list.
Finally, it wouldn’t be a trip to Seoul without a night (or two) out in the neon-soaked city. Head to buzzing Hongdae where you’ll find bars and supper clubs like Cocoon and Noise Basement for dancing the night away, and iconic karaoke spot Su Noraebang. Warm up your vocal cords and check out the best flights and holiday packages to Seoul here.
Hobart, Tasmania
Hobart should be at the top of any culture seeker or culinary connoisseur’s must-visit list. Perched on the edge of the Apple Isle, old warehouses and colonial cottages sit snugly beside elegant sandstone buildings, distilleries, bars and art galleries.
Let your nose guide you to award-winning eateries that rival the food scene in Melbourne, with meals at innovative restaurant Dier Makr, 25-seat intimate eatery Templo, Italian hotspot Fico and The Agrarian Kitchen—whose ever-changing menu heroes local produce.
And of course, a trip to Hobart isn’t complete without a stroll through the iconic Salamanca Markets where you can fill your canvas bag with fresh oysters, truffles, cheeses and sourdough. Then work it all off with a hike to the summit of Kunanyi (Mt Wellington). Your calf burn will be rewarded with sweeping views of the harbour city. Round out your trip with a visit to Australia’s most eclectic and thought-provoking museum, MONA. Pro tip: book a seat in the Posh Pit on the ferry there, and enjoy bottomless bubbles and tasty snacks while cruising in a camouflaged catamaran. Keen to explore this vibrant city? Head here to check out the best flights and holiday packages to Hobart.
Palawan, Philippines
Awash with natural beauty that will leave your jaw firmly on the powder-white sand, Palawan is the kind of place you dream about. Dazzling turquoise waters encase this emerald archipelago that teems with exotic wildlife, lush rainforest and a rich tapestry of underwater playgrounds.
Endless adventures abound in Palawan—start with a dive at Coron Island, where you can explore the haunting husks of Japanese Shipwrecks from 1944. And you can’t miss Tubbataha Reefs National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage spot home to a dazzling coral shelf where marine life like giant wrasse, rays and hammerheads mingle.
Surfers should head to El Nido, whose beach puts the Maldives to shame—with a jungle-cloaked backdrop and waters brimming with over 800 species of fish. For something truly goosebump-inducing, check out Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, where you can float through cathedral-like caverns on one of the world’s longest underground rivers. Already picturing yourself on the beach? Check out the best flights and holiday packages to Palawan here.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
With towering limestone cliffs and jungle-clad islands encasing glittering emerald water, Ha Long Bay’s postcard-perfect vistas make it an easy choice for your next 2024 sojourn. One of the best ways to discover the unparalleled beauty of this UNESCO site is by boat. Ranging from luxury to budget, there’s a plethora of cruise options to choose from.
Whatever option you choose, kayaking amongst the karsts is non-negotiable. Seeing their magnificence up close is something you’ll reminisce about for years to come. Adventure seekers can also rock climb the cliffs, hike through the islands or even explore them on two wheels—Cat Ba Island has several trails that will see you cycling between lush forests and rice paddies (you can even zipline there).
For a real pinch-me moment, be sure to check out Ha Long Bay’s many floating villages. Our fave is Cua Van floating fishing village, a cluster of colourful houseboats and rafts strung together, with fishermen perched on the edge bringing in the day’s haul. Ready to climb aboard? Check out the best flights and holiday packages to Ha Long Bay here.
Cairns, Queensland
Where else in the world can you snorkel among a kaleidoscope of fish in the world’s largest coral reef in the AM, then meander through a rainforest older than the Amazon in the PM? Cairns, of course. If you’ve been sleeping on this jewel in North Queensland’s dazzling crown, it’s time to take notice, because this slice of paradise is home to not one but two UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Base yourself at one of the many hotels situated along the esplanade and eat and drink your way through the city’s buzzing night markets and waterfront bars—the sunsets here are phenomenal. By day, your options are endless. See the reef from above with a helicopter ride, or below, with a snorkelling tour alongside a Master Reef Guide, the true guardians of this beautiful place. And be sure to carve out some time to explore the Wet Tropics, a labyrinth of greenery home to a slew of native animals. The best way to immerse yourself in this ancient land is with a local Kuku Yalanji guide. Ready to explore this breathtaking spot? Check out the best flights and holiday packages to Cairns here.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
A beguiling city of contrasts, swap your yearly Bali sojourn for something a little different this year, with a memory-making trip to Colombo. A melting pot of culture and religion, here you’ll find red-tiled colonial buildings rubbing shoulders with modern hotels and bustling street markets overflowing with fragrant spices.
Delve into the city’s multi-ethnic history with visits to Fort Station, Gangaramaya Temple and the Red Mosque. Cut about the city in a tuk-tuk, stopping to explore the plethora of colour and flavours at Pettah Bazaar, where you’ll fill your bag with spices, fruit and textured fabrics. Just make sure you sample kottu rotti, a famous Sri Lankan street food—finely chopped flatbread filled with mixed veggies, egg and chicken.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a short train ride to Mount Lavinia Beach. Here you’ll find bars and restaurants fringing the ocean slinging ice-cold beers and fresh seafood curry—the people-watching is also top-notch. When the sun goes down, back in the city the adventures are endless. Have sunset cocktails at the famous Galle Face Hotel built in 1864, shop handmade wares along Paradise Road and indulge in a tea tasting (it’s the home of Ceylon tea). Keen to explore this gem for yourself? Check out the best flights and holiday packages to Colombo here.
Finding it hard to narrow down the travel bucket list? Head to Webjet to scope all the best flight and package deals you can lock in right now. Don’t forget to check out with Zip Money to score 12 months interest-free* on Webjet bookings up to $10k.
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