by From the most popular beach escapes to the cheapest holidays of 2024, some holidays are destined for sell-out success in the coming year.
We’ve spoken to hotels, travel companies and tour operators to find out which tours you should book now to avoid disappointment. So grab your bank card, go online and book yourself an exciting holiday (or two) for the coming year.
A celebration of sport in the South of France
While the 2024 Olympic celebrations will focus on Paris, other parts of the country are also playing a part. Marseille is gearing up for football and sailing – but with very limited seats available, tickets are hard to come by. Official hospitality partner On Location still has space in late July and August, including a two-night stay at Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port, plus tickets to a football match and a skiff race, from £3,535pp B&B.
On the New Zealand Whale Trail
This country is boosting its car-free credentials with the opening of two new walking and cycling trails during 2024. The Kawatiri Coastal Trail takes in a dramatic stretch of the west coast with views of the high Paproa Range as well as seal and penguin colonies. . Meanwhile The Whale Trail will trace the migration route along 210 kilometers of the South Island coast by autumn 2024. The West Coast Wilderness and Kawatiri Trail cycle tour is fully booked for March, but there is one more event in May 2024. From £1,350pp. full program including bike hire but excluding flights.
Romance in the ‘new bali’
The Indonesian government recognized the beach-heavy region of Mandalika on Lombok as one of ten “new Balis” a few years ago, in an effort to bring visitors into less-visited parts of the country. Since then, Lombok’s airport has been upgraded and now boutique hotels are opening up along the sand. Unlike the old Bali, this region is still a relative secret but it won’t be for long – the site of travel deals Holiday Pirates has selected Lombok as one of the hottest destinations for 2024. Tui has a week at Pullman Lombok Mandalika Beach Resort, from Room only £1,232pp including international flights.
The film is set in the South West
Gillian Anderson’s upcoming film The Salt Path will shine a light on the 630-mile South West Coast Path, which runs around the most south-westerly points in the UK on a route from Minehead to Poole. Based on the novel of the same name, it is the true story of a couple who embark on a journey after unexpectedly becoming homeless and facing a devastating medical diagnosis. Expect the kind of breathtaking Westland scenery that makes you want to quit immediately. Self-catering properties in the area book up quickly, but Luxury Coastal still has some summer availability at a three-bedroom apartment with incredible sea views next to the boardwalk at Penlee Point in Cornwall, from £2,339 per week.
Cowboy country in Texas
Fort Worth may be America’s fastest-growing city, but its past is well known beyond its borders. Although it is near the more stately Dallas, this is where you can still catch Friday night rodeos at the Cowtown Coliseum and tour local saloons – but more contemporary hotels and attractions also add a cool slant. Surrounded by the theaters and museums of the Cultural District, the just-opened Bowie House comes with stately rooms, Bricks and Horses restaurant serving straight-from-the-ranch steaks and weekly live music from local musicians. Book now before the (gold). Doubles from £480 per night; British Airways and American Airlines fly direct from London to Dallas Fort Worth.
Market break in Portugal
Faro offers the world’s best value for holidays according to Skyscanner, with airfares falling 24 per cent between 2022 and 2023. Bargain prices usually lead to a rapid increase in bookings, according to its global travel expert Laura Lindsay , so lock in your ride now before claiming and costs rise. A week at 3HB (the only five-star in town) during May half-term costs from £887pp single room for a family of four with Easyjet Holidays, flights included.
Cherry blossom in Japan
The spring pillow blossoms are the stuff of social media legend but, following a surge in tourist numbers to Japan, they are becoming increasingly difficult to spot. Many operators have stopped selling tours to see them through 2024, according to Inside Japan’s James Mundy. However, the company has new small group tours in flower season with limited availability, including a 14-night Majestic Japan tour through time in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone National Park and Kanazawa, known for its incredible Kenrokuen garden. From £7,300pp including tourism and some meals but excluding flights.
Indian Ocean Idyll
Sri Lanka is on every tour operator’s hot list and, as demand increases, more hotels are opening in unexpected areas. From Uga Riva, a boutique hotel in an old manor house that once welcomed Gandhi, to Kayaam House on a stretch of golden beach in Tangalle and the luxe Kotiyagala Villas in Yala National Park (to open in March), these special places are there. to fill up quickly – tourism was up 153.5 percent year-on-year in November 2023 according to tradingeconomics.com. Red Savannah (01242 787800, redsavannah.com) has nine nights in Sri Lanka from £6,225pp including flights and most meals.
Time alone in Morocco
After the tragic earthquake of 2023, many tour operators have released new packages to bring visitors back to Morocco – and solo tours are having a moment. Specialist operator Flavors has just launched holidays to the country but they are already selling out. Get one of the last places on his Marrakech itinerary that lasts for a week in April or November, which includes cooking, yoga and pilates classes as well as time exploring the city. From £2,199pp full board, excluding flights.
Double the fun on the Riviera of Athens
Long popular with Athenians themselves, the stretch of coast that runs south of the city is now firmly on the tourist map thanks to the number of new hotel openings, hip suburbs like Glyfada and a tram line conveniently connects the area with the monuments of Athens. From the summer of 2024, visitors can stay at 91 Athens Riviera, a new glamping resort in chic Voula. With only 28 highly rated tents, it’s sure to be a huge success.
