24 life-affirming travel ideas for 2024 — as recommended by you

At Rough Guides, we’ve long-loved hearing from our readers – discovering what travel experiences have raised your pulse, tantalised your taste-buds, and left you feeling on top of the world. We recently asked you to share your most memorable travel moments, to inspire travellers for the year ahead. Whittled down from several hundred suggestions, here are 24 life-affirming travel ideas for 2024.

See snow monkeys in Nagano, Japan

For many a wildlife lover, seeing Japanese macaques (AKA snow monkeys) bathing in their hot spring habitat is a hands-down joy of the highest order.

To find out for yourself, head to Jigokudani Monkey Park in Japan's Nagano prefecture. The sight of them bathing, socialising and generally monkeying around against a forested backdrop of bubbling pools is something else.

You said: "We loved everything about the country, but one of our top experiences was seeing the snow monkeys. It's been on my bucket list for so long and really lived up to my expectations. Can't wait to go back!"

Reader’s tip: stay at a local ryokan — we loved ours!

Swim in the Black Lake, Montenegro

Something of an emerging destination, Montenegro is a magnificent place to explore charming villages and lesser-known coastal towns while taking in the glory of the great outdoors.

Arguably, there’s no better place to do the latter than in UNESCO-designated Durmitor National Park. Characterised by fragrant pine forests and jagged limestone peaks, the park’s glacial Black Lake (Crno Jezero) is the jewel in its crown. 

You said: "It was cold but so, so beautiful, and not busy when we visited in September."

Editor’s tip: for more Montenegro inspiration, browse our Epic Montenegro trip.

Soak up art in the Verbier sun

We love rediscovering familiar destinations in fresh ways. And, thanks to the reader who shared the joys of visiting Switzerland's Verbier in summer, we've added a new idea to our European travel wish list.

You said: “It's famous for being a ski destination, but Verbier is absolutely beautiful in the summer sunshine. There's a thriving arts scene there too, which I don't think many travellers realise. 

"As part of a local art festival called PALP, I visited an exhibition on the theme of Death. It sounds depressing, but it was fascinating! At one point I found myself lying in a coffin and looking up at the stars — unforgettable!"

Discover more: read up on spending summer in the Swiss mountains.

Dine with bush babies in Kenya's Shimba Hills

And the award for the most "say what, now?" response goes to…! We’ll hand you over to our reader to dish the deets on this unusual dining experience.

You said: “We struck it lucky with an impromptu decision to de-camp from the Kenyan coast for a couple of nights. After a day on safari, we sat down for a meal on the verandah of the amazing Shimba Hills Lodge — only to be joined by a family of bush babies who wasted no time in helping themselves to fresh fruit!

"At the same time, we could hear elephants somewhere out there in the bush. Totally incredible and unexpected!"

Reader's tip: “Another unforgettable experience in Kenya was taking a trip to Wasini island. I’ll never forget the moment a giant turtle appeared just a couple of feet beneath me during a snorkelling stop-off. Magical!”

Relish rum on a Santiago de Cuba roof terrace

While Havana’s heady allures cannot be overestimated, Santiago de Cuba is something else. Handsome, historic and hailed Cuba’s most Caribbean city, it’s known for its music, fiery festivals and legendary eponymous rum. 

You said: “After visiting the Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca fortress, we headed up to a random rooftop bar in the hope of grabbing a quick drink before leaving the city. A couple of mojitos later, we found ourselves changing plans and deciding to stay a few days — and that wasn’t just due to the rum.

"This spot (Casagranda Hotel) seemed to condense so many facets of Cuban life in one place —  vibrant music, dancing and (yes!) amazing rum against a city-scape that couldn’t be anywhere else in the world.” 

Discover more: browse our customisable Cuba Completa itinerary – it includes Santiago de Cuba.

Encounter puffins in Pembrokeshire

Famed for its Coast Path — Britain’s only coastal national park —  West Wales’ Pembrokeshire is one of the most beautiful places in the UK. 

Alongside countless coves and beaches that give the Caribbean a run for its money (hello, Barafundle Bay), the county is an elite destination for high-octane adventures. For example, coasteering was invented here.

Pembrokeshire also brims with family-friendly activities that please all ages, including taking a boat trip to Skomer island to see its puffins.

You said: "After boarding a boat at Martins Haven, we got to see seals and a couple of dolphins on the way to Skomer island — what a way to kick off a magical day! On the island, we saw countless cute Atlantic puffins around their burrows, and enjoyed walking the trails.”

Editor’s tip: puffins return to their nesting sites on Skomer in April and stick around until August. Though the biggest numbers are seen in June through to mid-July, consider visiting in April to avoid peak tourist numbers, and see the island blanketed with bluebells.

Take a South Dakota cave tour

Alongside providing an excellent run-down of life-affirming experiences in South Dakota, one reader's response revealed how travel can bring folks together through rekindling fond memories as new ones are made.

You said: “My 25-year-old daughter and I went to South Dakota and visited areas I had gone to when I was a young girl with my family. We saw the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, Wall Drug, the Corn Palace at Mitchell. 

"We also went on a cave tour. It was special because it was with my daughter, who shared a fun experience, and I got to relive some of my childhood and share that with my daughter.”

Editor’s tip: for maximum subterranean magic in South Dakota, visit Wind Cave National Park — the world’s densest cave system.

Go glamping with kids in Kent

We love a spot of staycation camping action, not least when the British weather throws a spot of unexpected adventure into the mix.

That’s certainly the case in the following reader’s experience, which also showcases how travel can bring us closer together — quite literally when you’re sharing a tent!

You said: “I spent last weekend glamping at Port Lympne Safari Park near Canterbury, Kent, with my husband and our children (3 and 5yrs). We slept in a safari tent, although didn't actually do much sleeping due the thunderstorm raging outside! 

"Although the weather was a disaster, it was electrifying to be snuggled up with my children while the rain hammered down on the canvas and the wind shook our tent. Plus, we could hear the occasional roar from the lion enclosure!”

Editor’s tip: read up on magical places to visit with kids.

Ski Red Mountain in British Columbia, Canada

Lovers of snow-based activities, take note. One of our respondents — a skier for some 25+ years — raved about a recent trip to Red Mountain in British Columbia, Canada.

Fear not if you’re a newbie. Though Red Mountain is renowned for its steep technical terrain, it also has great options for beginners. 

You said: “I went skiing for a week around Red Mountain in British Columbia, Canada. It was a combination of alpine and Nordic skiing with a life-long friend — we’ve been travelling from one excellent skiing location to another every February for over 25 years. This was no exception, and included one day of cat skiing. Excellent snow, excellent skiing!”

Discover more: read up on brilliant things to do in British Columbia.

Live your best Lisbon life on a food tour 

Ideal for short breaks and longer stays alike, with tonnes to do off the tourist trail, Lisbon is an utter delight for travellers who love their grub. 

No trip to Lisbon would be complete without tasting the city’s classic pastéis de nata (custard tarts). Then there’s all those regional bacalhau (salt cod) specialties and variations on caldo verde soup.

To have your fill of the best local fare, book a food tour, or take a cookery class.

You said: “Everything made us happy — lovely unfussy hotels, a pleasantly warm autumn climate, great food and drink, especially fresh seafood (try gambas com alho — shrimp with garlic) and local wines. It was probably the most relaxed city trip I've made.” 

Editor’s tip: to combine a couple of things Lisbon is best known for, take a tour that combines food and Fado — soulful traditional music that has its origins in the city.

Be dazzled by dolphins in Mallorca

First-time visits to a destination often result in the most life-affirming moments. Unexpected experiences that stop you in your tracks and leave you utterly enchanted. That's exactly what happened during one reader's first trip to Mallorca.

You said: “We were hiking in the scrubland behind a beach on the east coast, enjoying the wild flowers and hoopoes in the early springtime. We stopped to climb an abandoned stone lookout tower and scanned the sea. 

"What we first took to be waves breaking far out at sea turned out to be splashes made by a gigantic pod of leaping dolphins."

Discover more: read The Mini Rough Guide to Mallorca.

Chill out in hot springs in the Philippines

Though on many travellers’ radars as a result of having so many beautiful, relatively undiscovered beaches, the Philippines is also a fabulous place to enjoy unforgettable hikes across jungle-clad peaks. 

Being part of the Pacific Ring of Fire — a tectonic plate with 90% of the world's earthquakes, and round 75% of its volcanoes — the country is also blessed with a bounty of bubbling hot springs. There’s no more satisfying way to ease your post-hike muscles — and make new buddies, if this account is anything to go by:

You said: "Relaxing in the hot springs and then the cool flowing water near Banaue in the Philippines was unforgettable. I met some travellers at the guesthouse and it was fun to share the experience with them. We walked back through the rice fields in the rain — beautiful.”

Discover more: our Gorgeous Philippines itinerary includes Banaue, along with tonnes of other (ahem) other gorgeous experiences.

Marvel at scarlet ibises in Trinidad

Located on the west coast of the island, Trinidad’s Caroni Swamp is a breathtakingly beautiful wetland area. 

Presenting an ecologically important, diverse landscape of marshes, mangroves and mudflats, Caroni has long attracted wildlife lovers. That's especially so for avian aficionados who come to bedazzled by Trinidad’s national bird — the scarlet ibis.

You said: “We boarded a small pirogue and spent a couple of hours spotting masses of wildlife. Alongside dozens of birds, our guide pointed out a tree boa coiled right above our heads, and a silky anteater way up high.

“Just before dusk, we paused at a spot of open water and waited. One by one, then in ever-increasing numbers, flashes of crimson feathers darted through the sky. The scarlet ibises were coming home to roost, transforming emerald foliage into a Christmas tree adorned with bright red ornaments. One of the best experiences of my life.”

Editor’s tip: love wildlife? Visit Trinidad’s Grand Rivière between March and August to see giant leatherback turtles come ashore to lay eggs. While you’ll witness the biggest numbers of laying turtles earlier in the season, visiting from June means you’ll also see hundreds of cuties hatching.

Camel trek in Erg Chebbi, Morocco

Exploring Erg Chebbi, Morocco's highest dunes, is a highpoint point of any visit to this fascinating country. 

Better still, book an immersive trip in the company of a local guide to camel trek the desert and stay overnight in a tent.

You said: "We did an unforgettable overnight desert trek by camel, trusting the steady steps along knife edge dunes with only the sound of the Bedouin talking to his camels.”

Editor’s tip: visit nearby Lakje Dayet Sriji (AKA Lake Merzouga) during the June-September wet season to see thousands of flamingos.

Be romanced by a rail adventure in Uzbekistan

Melding majestic mosques, mausoleums and minarets with Silk Road treasures and Soviet-era sights, Uzbekistan is an utterly unique — and utterly forgettable — destination.

To make your most of your time in Uzbekistan, consider following in the footsteps of the Rough Guides’ reader who experienced the life-affirming kindness of strangers on a remarkable train trip.

You said: "My favourite part was taking an old Soviet style train for seven hours from Khiva to Bukhara, especially the local family sharing their tea, bread and sweets with me. The people of Uzbekistan were so welcoming and sweet.”

Discover more: read up on more reasons to visit Uzbekistan.

Feast in a Costa Rican rainforest 

With an admirable rep for pioneering sustainable travel, Costa Rica — one of the most biodiverse places on the planet — lives up to its life-affirming pura vida ethos at every turn. 

Here’s how one of you combined Costa Rican culinary culture and rain forest magic at one fell sunset-suffused swoop:

You said: “We were in Monteverde, Costa Rica, and had the most amazing, delicious double anniversary celebration dinner with our friends at San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience."

"We arrived before sunset and watched the sky change colour in our individual glass cabin while enjoying a specially curated nine-course meal that took us on a tour of the provinces of Costa Rica.”

Editor’s tip: while in Monteverde, take a guided tour of the cloud forest to spot resplendent quetzals, sloths and hundreds of hummingbirds.

Enjoy exhilarating opera in Palermo, Sicily

Presided over by Mount Etna, Sicily is a firecracker of a destination. We’re talking fine food, wonderful wine, extraordinary ancient sites and — thanks to its location — a richly diverse cultural heritage. 

If that wasn’t enough, sometimes the best things in life (and Sicily) are free. Such was the experience of the reader who shared their joyous opera experience on the largest island in the Med.

You said: "We enjoyed an evening concert outside the Teatro Politeama by the Sicilian symphonia and world class opera singers. Great view, perfect acoustics — and it was free!"

Discover more: explore our Legend and Legacy itinerary to uncover more Sicilian trip ideas. 

Gorge lionfish on a Grand Cayman beach

With breath-taking beaches, magical dive spots, and a laidback vibe, Grand Cayman is a diamond of an island.

It’s also a wonderful place to eat fresh, healthy seafood while also doing a little something to help the health of Caribbean reefs. Find out why in this personal account of a trip to Grand Cayman:

You said: "After cycling and snorkelling around Grand Cayman’s quiet East End (about as different from Albert Square as you can imagine!), my husband and I decided to round off a perfect day with dinner of local lionfish."

“Not only is the meat more-ishly tender and buttery, but these blighters are an invasive species to the Caribbean. So, the more you eat, the fewer there are in the sea to wreak damage on reefs. We enjoyed ours steeped in fresh lime while sat at a beach bar fronted by the Caribbean Sea — so sublime, so tasty!"

Editor's tip: love wildlife? Walk the 3.7km Mastic Trail through 2 Grand Cayman’s wild interior to see the Grand Cayman parrots, Caribbean doves, the West Indian woodpecker and (harmless) Cayman racer snakes. 

Cook yourself happy in Bangkok

Boasting awe-inspiring temples, crazy nightlife, thronging markets, and an unbelievable number of places to eat, Bangkok is intoxicating, intense and unlike anywhere else. 

To uncover the city’s soul, explore Chinatown by night. Here a strip of gold shops, market stalls and street-side restaurants serve a bedazzlement of culture and cuisine at one fell swoop.

Better still, take a cookery class — there’s no better way to engage with local culture, while also coming away with a full belly, and the satisfaction of having learned a new skill.

You said: “We took an unforgettable cooking class in Bangkok — went shopping for the freshest ingredients and then made the best Pad Thai we have ever tasted!”

Discover more: love your grub? Browse our Bangkok Culture itinerary for ideas about how to experience the city through food-focussed lens.

Take a different track to Machu Picchu, Peru

No stranger to bucket lists, Machu Picchu's majesty certainly fulfils our life-affirming criteria.

Here, high above Peru’s Urubamba River valley (AKA Sacred Valley), 250-million-year-old rocks play host to impossibly-sited 600-year-old palaces, temples and terraces.

Though visited by tonnes of tour groups these days, Machu Picchu still possesses the power to spark off the beaten track adventures — though not necessarily in the way you'd expect, as revealed by one reader's experience...

You said: "We couldn’t afford train tickets, so my boyfriend and I hiked along the train track! We knew we’d end up at Machu Picchu, so we just kept hiking, loving the added sense of adventure while being wowed by the scenery. Every time a train came past, we stood aside and all the passengers hung out the window and waved at us — fun, joyful and exhilarating, all at once!"

Discover more: read up on ancient sites in Peru beyond Machu Picchu.

Uncover wine culture in Calvi, Corsica

A magnificent Mediterranean island that’s part of France, but also feels Italian, Corsica’s captivating coastline is matched in loveliness by its mountainous interior.

Grandly — and understandably — known as the Île de Beauté, it’s a gorgeous destination for gourmands who love the scenic outdoors. 

To experience the best of both, it doesn’t get better than taking a tasting tour of Corsica’s centuries-old vineyards. As is often the way with travel, the island's soul is revealed through its food and drink, and the people and places that produce it. 

You said: “We loved our tour of Calvi's vineyards with lunch in amongst the vines. The tour was brilliant, the lunch setting unexpected. It was magical – Calvi's vineyards are tucked between the mountains and sparkling Med."

Editor's tip: walk one of the Gorge de Spelunca trails. Following an old mule track, the scenic 3-hour downhill path from Evisa to Ota comes especially recommended.

Savour acai berries in Paraty, Brazil

Located on Brazil's Costa Verde (Green Coast), between the lush Atlantic Forest and the sparkling water of the Bay of Ilha Grande, is the historic town of Paraty. 

A five-hour bus ride southwest from Rio, Paraty is home to well-preserved colonial architecture, colourful buildings, waterfalls and of course, beaches. And, according to one reader, it's the perfect place for travellers to recover after Brazil's most extravagant festival...

You said: “After the intense thrill of Rio Carnival, I followed the crowd of friendly, fatigued partygoers out of the city – and ended up in Paraty. I quickly fell in love with the cobblestone streets and unspoilt beaches. I stayed far longer than I intended, in part because I was addicted to snacking on the açaí berries there – dark purple and deliciously sweet."

Discover more: for a refreshing treat in cafes across southern Brazil, order açai – a sorbet-type snack made from the frozen paste of the açai berry, native to the Amazon rainforest. Up the sweetness by asking for it completo – topped with sliced bananas, honey, and granola.

Hike yourself happy in Madeira

With esteemed UNESCO status, Madeira’s unique levadas serve as a glorious gateway to exploring the island’s natural beauty on soul-stirring hikes. 

“But what’s a levada?”, we hear you ask. Dating back to the early 15^th-century, these manmade channels were created to transport water around the island, thereby enabling the irrigatation of agricultural fields. 

As such, levadas played a pivotal role in putting Madeira on the map as one of the largest producers of sugar in Europe.

Today, many levada irrigation channels have an adjacent, accessible path. Take your pick from dozens of trails that traverse the likes of Laurissilva Forest — a 20-million-year-old subtropical rainforest with UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

You said: “I went to Madeira alone and had a blast walking through levadas, and enjoying ponchas when I returned from the hike. While walking the lush levada scenery I had lots of time to think.”

Discover more: think you know Madeira? You might think again after shaking off Madeira misconceptions.

Witness a total eclipse on 8^th April 2024

While this has yet to happen (so can't come with a reader recommendation!), we can say with confidence that the total eclipse of the sun on 8^th April 2024 will be one of those life-affirming moments witnesses will never forget.

Nicknamed the Great North American Eclipse, some 32 million folks living in the 115-path of totality will get to observe the phenomenon.

Where to see it

Mexico

The path of totality will cross parts of the states of Sinaloa, Durango and Coahuila. Mazatlan is one of the best places to see the solar eclipse. Make sure to read our article about how to see the solar eclipse in Mazatlan.

USA

Parts of Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine will strike it lucky.

Canada

Areas of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland fall within the path.

We say: while lots of scenic locations lie within the path of totality — among them Niagara Falls and Petit Jean State Park — think of the crowds and start planning your trip pronto! 

Discover more: see what NASA has to say about where and when to witness 2024’s total eclipse of the sun. 

For more 2024 travel inspiration, check-out our customisable itineraries.

You might also want to read our experts’ guide to the 24 best travel destinations for 2024.