Exciting Travel: The Cool List For 2024 According To National Geographic

National Geographic has released The Cool List 2024, including 30 destinations that it considers the most exciting places to visit. When it comes to Europe, 13 locations were listed, including traveling the whole continent by train. Meanwhile, North America was featured, with three cool destinations to choose from. Meanwhile, the trend continues with travelers seeking out cheaper alternatives to the most popular tourist hotspots. Moreover, according to Google Trends data, travel-related Internet searches in the US spiked throughout 2023, promising another great travel year. Read on to find out more about National Geographic’s choices for the Cool List for 2024.

National Geographic’s The Cool List for 2024

As mentioned, Europe topped the list with 30 exciting destinations to visit next year including the following:

• Albanian Alps, Albania
• Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Emilia-Romagna, Italy
• Europe by train
• Galloway and Southern Ayrshire, Scotland
• Nordland, Norway
• North Yorkshire, England
• Pompeii, Italy
• Saimaa, Finland
• Tartu, Estonia
• The Euros, Germany
• Valletta, Malta
• Wales
• Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Meanwhile, Tartu in Estonia was among the best, a city that is located 110 miles from Tallinn, the country’s capital. According to National Geographic, Estonians consider the city as the “country’s cultural and intellectual heart.” Moreover, the city hosts the country’s oldest university, which is a designated UNESCO City of Literature. Tartu was also selected among the European Capitals of Culture for 2024.

The Americas on National Geographic’s list

Meanwhile, the Americas were also well represented, including some US and Canadian destinations as follows:

• Atacama Desert, Chile
• Lima, Peru
• New York, U.S.
• Miami, Florida, U.S.
• Dominica
• Nova Scotia, Canada
• Texas, U.S.
• Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
• Iberá Wetlands, Argentina

Coming in as No. 1, the Atacama Desert is a desert plateau nestling on the Pacific coast of South America in Chile. Meanwhile, in the US, New York and Miami are featured for 2024. However, Texas is one cool location that truly stands out, as central Texas will get to experience the total solar eclipse set to happen on April 8, 2024. Moreover, Austin, Fort Worth and San Antonio will reportedly offer the best views of the event.

Africa on the Cool List for 2024

• Akagera, Rwanda
• Andrefana Dry Forests, Madagascar
• Sierra Leone

The continent of Africa is also represented on the Cool List for 2024, with Akagera in Rwanda coming tops. Meanwhile, Sierra Leone is a country to watch next year, according to National Geographic. This is because Freetown’s international airport went through a major renovation in 2023 and many roads were also upgraded. According to the report, West Africa is becoming more popular with travelers, especially after Sierra Leone opens its first Hilton in 2024.

National Geographic and Asia

• Sikkim, India
• Tainan, Taiwan
• Xi’an, China

While only three locations in Asia hit the cool list, one of the above is truly going places. Sikkim in India is reportedly among the smallest states and invites travelers to go trekking and visit the mountain monasteries. This area is so important that more than 25 percent of Sikkim is covered by a UNESCO World Heritage Site – namely Khangchendzonga National Park.

Heading down to Australasia

• Victoria, Australia

Only one destination in Australia came out as being cool and while the country is famed for its beaches, Victoria has so much more. According to the report, the Great Victoria Bathing Trail is something everyone should experience. Meanwhile, the trail links thermal springs and sea baths, visited on a 560-mile road trip of Victoria, that also heads through the city of Melbourne.

Read on to find out more about National Geographic’s Cool List for 2024 here.