What's in the cards in the world of travel for next year – from key tourismdevelopments and anniversaries to new festivals and global events
From key tourism developments and exciting new launches to new festivals and global events, adventure travel specialist World Expeditions chooses the top destinations for active travellers to explore in 2024… and why.
NEPAL
2024 marks the centenary of the third ill-fated attempt of British mountaineers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine to summit the mighty Mount Everest. In the 100 years since, the Himalaya have become an almost mainstream destination attracting trekkers and climbers from all over the world.
If you want to take in the majesty of the world's most iconic peaks on a trekking holiday but feel that it's becoming too mainstream, World Expeditions recommends heading west towards the Gokyo Lakes. Their 17-day Gokyo & Renjo La trek weaves slowly through Sherpa villages and yak pastures, and this route avoids the busier trails. It also gives you stunning panoramic views, particularly as you weave their way to the top of the 5,360m/17,585ft Renjo La pass. Maybe mention the Gokyo Lakes?
- Bonus: You get to see much 'more' of the Everest summit compared to the Base Camp, as you are not that close!
World Expeditions is completing an extensive renovation of its permanent eco-campsites in the Everest and Annapurna regions for the 2023-24 trekking season. With almost 50 years of experience in the region and full service expedition-style adventures, travelling in remote, lesser-known areas is achievable, sustainable and can be done with added comfort.
INDOCHINA
With 2024 marked as a 'Visit Laos' year, the country is hoping to draw the attention of travellers to the fact that, during the pandemic, it opened its first long-distance railway line. Aimed primarily at tourists, the 262-mile railway connects capital Vientiane, at the south of the country close to the border with Thailand, with the Chinese border in the north in less than four hours (as opposed to a 15-hour car journey). With Vietnam having recently introduced a new, multiple-entry e-visa and Siem Reap preparing to welcome a brand new international airport, travelling around Southeast Asia is set to become easier than it has been for years.
Vietnam and Cambodia are known for their iconic attractions, and for a good reason, but Laos, which celebrates 2024 as a 'Visit Laos' year, is the true hidden gem of the region. Tourism in Indochina is still recovering from the pandemic, making 2024 a great year to visit sans the crowds.
On World Expeditions Bike, Hike & Kayak Laos and Cambodia, you can combine the best of the two countries into one compact and exciting multi-activity itinerary. In 12 days, this adventure visits the must-see sites and truly gets you off the beaten path.
JORDAN
This year sees Jordan embarking on an ambitious $300-million plan to revamp the baptism site of Jesus – and although the new tourism project will not be ready until 2030, there are plenty of reasons to visit the country in 2024. Launching in May, the new, multi-day Medaina cultural festival will take place in Petra and Wadi Rum, while developments such as the recently unveiled Petra Museum mobile app aim to make the destination even more visitor-friendly.
In response to increasing customer interest, World Expeditions has added a new multi-activity itinerary, Jordan Hike & Bike. Over eight days, this unique multi-activity trip combines hiking in Petra and the Wadi Rum, cycling parts of the Jordan Bike Trail, ascending Jordan's highest peak and floating on the Dead Sea.
JAPAN
2024 marks 60 years of Japan's 'shinkansen' high-speed trains, which launched in 1964 – and whether you want to visit the now-open Japan National Stadium, the main venue of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, or are intrigued by 'Any Wear, Anywhere', the new initiative that allows visitors to travel light by renting clothes when they land, Japan will always draw travellers. Visitor arrivals have been growing steadily since the country dropped all border control measures last May and it is already one of the most in-demand destinations for World Expeditions.
Perfect for anyone looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, the new Shikoku Self-Guided Pilgrim Hike with World Expeditions incorporates the iconic route's most picturesque temples, shrines and scenery. Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's main islands, is famous for its 750-mile pilgrim trail and unspoilt nature.