I'm a travel expert and here are my top destinations for 2024
With 2024 expected to be a big one for travel, Brits look set to cast aside the cost of living crisis and dedicate their hard-earned cash to holidaying and having fun.
Attracted by bronze-skinned influencers, unique experiences and captivating landscapes, holidaymakers are no longer satisfied with just a hotel pool and some sunshine. From the beaches of Ibiza to the history of Istanbul, fun-loving travellers are looking for something more for 2024.
With incredible deals to be found in the January travel sales, I predict that we'll be sipping cocktails on Thai beaches, enjoying a cold beer in Budapest or having fun with the family in Dubai before the year is out.
READ MORE: I've found the best January travel sales from British Airways, easyJet, TUI and more
Ibiza, Spain
There is more to the Spanish island than just nightclubs (Getty)While the White Isle may have a reputation for nightlife and crazy parties, Ibiza is also one of the most family-friendly places to visit in The Balearics.
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Just a short two-and-a-half-hour flight from the UK and with plenty of upscale hotels, sandy beaches and a wide range of attractions to choose from, Ibiza is expected to be a big hit with families for 2024. From underground caves to wild watersports and even exploring the island on mountain bikes, Ibiza offers the perfect blend of relaxing Spanish charm and high-octane adventure to keep everyone happy on your next family holiday.
How to get there
Ibiza is well served by most British airlines with flights leaving from the UK every day. Some of the cheapest deals can be found with budget airlines like easyJet and Ryanair, while British Airways, Jet2, Tui and more also operate flights from airports across the country.
Where to stay
The stunning Occidental Ibiza is an upscale hotel that caters for families with three swimming pools, a children's play area and an entertainment programme. Prices start from £139 a night in May.
The Invisa Hotel Club Cala Verde is another family-favourite on the island, offering stylish accommodation, tennis, football, volley ball, a splash park and a kids club for as little as £94 a night.
Flight and hotel deals in Ibiza
- First Choice - three-night stays from £137 per person
- On The Beach - seven-night stays from £236 per person
TUI - seven-night stays from £331 per person
Thomas Cook - seven-night stays from £348 per person
Dubai, UEA
Dubai is expected to remain popular in 2024 (Getty)Dubai offers everything you could want from a luxury holiday, including extravagant hotels each competing to be more opulent than the next. From the iconic Burj Al Arab to the resorts lining Jumeirah Beach, tourists are enticed by the allure of picture-perfect beaches, incredible designer shopping malls, five-star hotels and exclusive restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
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While it's difficult to do Dubai on a budget, the higher prices don't appear to be deterring the thousands of British holidaymakers set to land in the UEA this year. Recognised as the ‘World’s Most Popular Destination, 2023’ in the ‘Travellers Choice Best of the Best Destination 2023’, awards by Tripadvisor, the seven-hour flight could see you land in one of the most Instagrammable locations in the world this year.
How to get there
Emirates flies to Dubai from London (Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted), Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Etihad also fly directly from the UK to the UAE.
Where to stay
There are some incredible hotels in Dubai, many of which come with higher price tags. If you feel like splashing out the Raffles The Palm is an opulent five-star resort with prices from £350 per night, while the iconic Burj El Arab can offer you an upscale suite for over £1,000 a night.
If your budget is a little bit more realistic, the Lemon Tree Hotel, the Beach Walk Hotel Jumeirah and the Grand Mercure Dubai City all offer upscale rooms in central Dubai locations from around £130 a night.
Flight and hotel deals in Dubai
- British Airways - three-night stays from £499 per person
TUI - four-night stays from £692 per person
Virgin Holidays - five-night stays from £750 per person
- Emirates - five-night stays from £919 per person
Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey offers incredible beaches and affordable five-star hotels (Getty)In recent years Turkey has become very popular with British tourists looking to enjoy luxury living for less. Offering incredible beaches with crystal clear turquoise waters, acres of ancient history and plenty to see and do, the most popular resorts in Dalaman, Antalya and Oludeniz attract holidaymakers year after year.
But it is the Turkish city of Istanbul that is hotly tipped for 2024, with its rich cultural history, diverse attractions, vibrant nightlife and friendly locals. Straddling both Europe and Asia, the city is a heady mix of Ottoman, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and even Balkan influences, making it a fascinating place to stay.
If you only know Turkey for its fabulous beaches and opulent hotels, 2024 could be the year to visit Istanbul instead.
How to get there:
Wizz Air offers flights from the UK to Istanbul from £42 return, while other airlines including easyJet and British Airways also offer direct flights to the Turkish city.
Where to stay:
Take a Turkish bath at the Elysium Taksim Hotel with its exquisite interiors and exclusive bar and restaurant for as little as £90 per night, or soak up the old-school ambience and retro charm at the The Galata Istanbul Hotel MGallery from £110 per night.
Offering excellent value for money, it's easy to find good quality hotels and hostels in Istanbul for much less than you would expect to pay in other European cities.
Flights and hotel deals in Istanbul
- British Airways - two-night stays from £178 per person
- Love Holidays - seven-night stays from £258 per person
- EasyJet - three-night stays from £258 per person
- TUI - four-night stays from £273 per person
Abu Dhabi, UAE
The iconic Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi (Getty)The capital of the UAE is a little more conservative than its neighbour Dubai, but it is becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination for those in the know. With lots of luxurious hotels to choose from, as well as beautiful beaches, incredible food and a rich cultural history, Brits come for the sunshine but stay for the warm welcome they receive.
Whether you want to take a desert safari complete with a camel ride or simply sit it out around the pool in five-star luxury, Abu Dhabi may not be a budget destination but it is certainly one worth visiting this year.
How to get there
Emirates and Etihad both fly directly from the UK to Abu Dhabi. Other operators including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic will also get you there.
Where to stay
Treat yourself to something really special with a stay at the opulent Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers with its 74th-floor observation deck, 12 award-winning restaurants and bars, and a full spa with 13 treatment rooms.
Holidaymakers looking for something a little less expensive could still feel like royalty with a seven-night stay at the Southern Sun Hotel that offers an outdoor pool, sauna and gym.
Flight and hotel deals in Dubai
- British Airways - three-night stays from £510 per person
TUI - four-night stays from £692 per person
- Emirates - six-night stays from £948 per person
Virgin Holidays - three-night stays from £971 per person
Budapest, Hungary
Explore the streets of Budapest in 2024 (Getty)The coolest destination for city breaks and urban adventures, the ancient city of Budapest has something for everyone.
Nestled away on the banks of the Danube, Budapest has uber-trendy bars and restaurants, Ottoman-era spas, incredible architecture and interiors, fabulous food markets and a wealth of trendy coffee shops to sit and watch the world go by in. Generally considered to be a more affordable option than some other European cities such as Paris or Berlin, Budapest should be high on your list of places to visit this year.
With cheap flights available from budget airlines you could hit the city on a whim, or book a city break with a hotel stay included to explore in comfort.
How to get there:
Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet all offer cheap flights to Budapest, with most UK carriers operating flights between Hungary and the UK.
Where to stay:
Spend a night or two in the five-star, historically-themed Mystery Hotel, with its wellness spa and eclectic interiors. Prices start from £148 per night for a superior room.
If you would rather stay somewhere a little more modern the Kozmo Hotel offers upscale bedrooms, a fitness centre and a trendy bar for £122 per night.
Flight and hotel deals in Budapest
- Wowcher - four-star, two-night stays from £69 per person
- Love Holidays - three-night stays from £115 per person
- British Airways - three-night stays from £149 per person
- EasyJet - three-night stays from £210 per person
Thailand
Thailand has something for everyone (Getty)The Kingdom of Thailand has always been popular with holidaymakers, independent travellers and gap-year students. With a return to pre-Covid numbers expected in 2024, the Southeast Asian paradise will be one of the hottest tickets of the year.
From full moon parties to five-star resorts, Thailand has something for everyone. There are ornate temples and opulent palaces, incredible beaches and beautiful views as well as water sports, rock climbing, kayaking and so much more. Foodies will love the wealth of flavours on offer, and the night bazaars and street markets are a must-see for serious shoppers.
How to get there:
Flying from London to the Thai capital of Bangkok takes around 12 and a half hours, meaning that most flights will feature at least one stop. Emirates offers a good range of flight times with stops in Dubai, as does Qatar Airways.
Often the cheapest way to get to there is to combine different airlines and layovers with budget airlines including easyJet, Scoot and Wizz Air offering flights that will get you there eventually.
Where to stay:
Thailand offers hotels to suit every budget. Some of the most famous resort destinations of a picture-perfect stay include Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the Four Seasons on Koh Samui and the Amanpuri villas on in Phuket.
Travellers looking to spend more money at the bar and less on accommodation can still find some incredibly idyllic places to stay for less. The Baan Bophut Beach Hotel Samui has deluxe suites for £127 per night, while the Sea Dance Resort has beach bungalows for £158 per night.
Flight and hotel deals in Thailand
- Love Holidays -seven-night stays from £614 per person
- First Choice - seven-night stays from £875 per person
- TUI - seven-night stays from £947 per person
- Virgin Holidays - seven-night stays from £1088 per person
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