There’s a whole world out there worth discovering but it can be a challenge to cover it all on your own. So, when I had 10 luxury travel advisors and supplier executives at a table in Las Vegas for Signature Travel Network’s annual Sales Conference, I had to ask them where they were going in 2024. Here’s what they told me:
Christine Smith, Global Escapes: Australia
Although it’s a haul, “it’s such an amazing destination that people mostly misunderstand.” Australia is a great pick for people interested in the outdoors, nature, food and Aboriginal culture. “It really checks all the boxes.”
Jonathan Alder, TravelStore: Komodo Island, Indonesia
Komodo has the clear, blue water travelers expect when they visit Bali. The neighboring island of Flores has just two luxury hotels from which you can charter a boat for the day into the national park.
Michelle Crews, Elevations Travel: Slovenia
Slovenia a great idea for someone who’s considering Europe but has already done many of its popular destinations. It’s off-the-beaten-path but still has plenty of nature and activities for travelers to enjoy.
Wendy Taylor, Preferred Travel & Company: Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
With tour operator Natural Habitat, guests had time to speak with the indigenous people and support their businesses. A bonus: The hotel has a hydroponic farm, so despite being in the tundra, dishes included fresh herbs and vegetables.
Aimee Price, Explora Journeys: The Mediterranean
Sailing the Mediterranean with Explora Journeys presents “fantastic value.” The voyages visit smaller ports and smaller destinations, taking guests to places they haven’t necessarily gone on a ship.
Claudio Nielsen, Delta of Scandinavia: Denmark, outside of Copenhagen
While Copenhagen remains a popular destination, getting outside of the capital city to explore Denmark’s countryside, culture, gastronomy and history is key. Jutland, in particular, is a must-visit.
Dalia Gibu, Abercrombie & Kent South America: Pantanal, Brazil
Brazil’s tropical wetlands are a great spot to see jaguars in the wild. In addition, “you can mix it with Iguazu Falls and Rio, so you could do your Botswana-Victoria Falls-Cape Town-style trip, but in Brazil.”
David Tobin, Dream Escape: Donegal, Ireland
The “amazing county called Donegal is like going back in time 200 years.” Travelers can expect small pubs with peat fires, plus friendly staff and guests who will talk to anyone who comes through the door.
Paul Tomasch, ICS Travel Group: Laos
Laos is “a wonderful country that’s truly Asia. The country is about 30 years behind Thailand right now and in another 30 years, it will be 60 years behind “because the movement is so slow.” Here, you will experience the energy and happiness from the people, who are among the poorest in the world.
Victoria Batten, Langham Hotels and Resorts: Hong Kong, China
The international market hasn’t quite gotten back to Hong Kong, so it’s an opportune time to being among the first travelers back in 2024. It’s a great destination that will soon be fully revitalized.
For more insight, see our full conversation, which touched upon multi-generational travel, indigenous experiences and secondary destinations.
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