Fora's Take on Travel + Leisure’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024

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Fora Author Fora Travel

The Modern Travel Agency

Fora Travel

    Blue Apple Beach

    Image courtesy of Blue Apple Beach Hotel, Cartagena

    Our community is all about staying on top of the latest trends for 2024. Fueling our fascination with all things new & hot in travel, we’ve tapped into inspiration from several of our favorite travel outlets to see what’s trending for 2024. (Our first in the series covered Condé Nast's Gold List 2024).

    Here, we share our perspective on Travel + Leisure’s iconic 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024. While narrowing down the list was no easy feat — we wouldn't say no to any of these destinations, from Hokkaido to Aspen — we’ve chosen nine of our top picks. These choices are based on booking trends in the Fora community, as well as trending destinations on our radar (based on hotel openings and recent FAM trips). Plus, we shine a spotlight on the hotels from T+L’s list, and the perks you unlock by booking through a Fora Advisor (we offer perks at more than 40 of the hotels mentioned in T+L’s list).

    Inspired to book your 2024 vacation? Reach out to start planning your trip today.

    Fora’s Highlights of Travel + Leisure’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024

    1. Cartagena, Colombia

    Blue Apple Beach

    Image courtesy of Blue Apple Beach

    Travel + Leisure spotlighted this South American metropolis as a star on the rise in 2024 – and we see why. First, Delta launched new flights to Cartagena from Atlanta in late 2023, which will be a game-changer given Atlanta’s airport accessibility and status as an international hub. In addition, the 2023 opening of Casa Pestagua — a 17th-century mansion-turned-hotel — has design lovers flocking to the city.

    Also on T+L’s list is Blue Apple Beach, the city’s chic hotel & beach club. Read our spotlight on Portia Hart, the founder of Blue Apple Beach.

    2. Texas

    Fort Worth, Texas

    Fort Worth, Texas


    T+L reported Texas (specifically, the Fort Worth area) as a destination to watch – and we’re here for a Texas moment in general. In fact, for the first time in Fora’s history, Austin is in the top five destinations booked in the US for 2024, and we spotlighted the destination in our Hot List this year. 

    Other news in the Lonestar State: Fort Worth recently welcomed Auberge’s Bowie House, and the Thompson came to downtown Houston. 

    Perks at Auberge’s Bowie House: $100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

    Fora Perks at Thompson Houston: $75 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & early check-in whenever possible.

    3. Big Sky, Montana

    Ranch at Rock Creek

    Image courtesy of Ranch at Rock Creek

    A veritable wonderland of rugged wilderness, Out-West charm and excellent resorts, Montana is one of our top-booked destinations year after year. For 2024, T+L spotlighted Big Sky thanks in part to the upcoming opening of One&Only, which will majorly upgrade the destination’s luxury quotient.

    Where to stay in the meantime? We can’t get enough of the Ranch at Rock Creek for its luxury dude ranch vibes. For an ultra-romantic setting, head to the green o.

    Perks at the Ranch at Rock Creek: $100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

    Fora Perks at the green o: $300 activity credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, extended check-in/out whenever possible.

    Read more: The Best 9 Hotels in the American West


    4. Austria

    Vienna

    Vienna


    On the heels of Fora’s epic FAM trip to Eastern Europe – where Vienna was the standout star – our eyes are on travel to Austria this year. 

    T+L spotlighted Austria’s buzzy newcomer Rosewood Schloss Fuschl as a reason to visit Austria this year. Opening in Spring 2024, this 15th-century castle outside Salzburg is all about next-level wellness. 

    Check out the best hotels in Vienna for a few more of our favorite spots.

    5. Portugal (specifically, cruising)

    Douro River Portugal

    Douro River, Portugal

    Another destination from Fora’s 2023 FAM trips, Portugal has seen a steep rise in popularity over the past few years thanks to its endless appeal. Whether you’re looking for a beach escape in Comporta or artisanal charms in Porto, this country has what you’re looking for. 

    T+L spotlighted cruising in Portugal as a 2024 trend, and for good reason. They highlighted Tauck & Ama Waterways – two of Fora’s preferred partners — as cruise favorites, which offer once-in-a-lifetime explorations of the country. 

    Read more: Where to Stay in Portugal: 13 Fora-Approved Hotels


    6. Bangkok + Thailand

    an infinity pool overlooking the ocean

    Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

    T+L flagged Thailand’s capital city as a destination to watch in 2024, and we couldn’t agree more. First, with the White Lotus set to film in Thailand in 2024, we know that this destination will soar in popularity. (Check out our roundup on the White Lotus Season 3 hotels, featuring the Four Seasons Resort at Koh Samui). 

    And in the country’s vibrant, ever-evolving capital, we couldn’t be more excited about the new Aman Bangkok, which opens later this year. The hotel will deliver all the trappings of an Aman (sleek suites, over-the-top service) and epic city views from the rooftop infinity pool.

    Fora Perks at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui: When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.

    7. Paris  

    La Fantaisie Paris

    Image courtesy of La Fantaisie Paris

    We’ve said it once & we’ll say it again… Paris is always a good idea. T+L highlighted the Olympics as one of the reasons the City of Light is on their radar (even more so than usual, that is). In addition to the games, we’re particularly excited about La Fantaisie, Paris, which opened in late 2022. Boasting an idyllic garden setting, this luxury hotel is designed by the legendary Martin Brudnizki and is already a major player in the Paris hotel scene.

    8. Malaysia (via Train with Belmond)

    Lankawi, Malaysia

    Langkawi, Malaysia

    The travel industry is buzzing with news of the Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond Train, which was recently relaunched after four years. The iconic train is a veritable fantasy of the bygone era, complete with lavish, velvet-trimmed interiors, fine dining and a piano bar. Routes take travelers through lush landscapes and include excursions like cooking classes, tiger safaris, wellness experiences and boat trips through pristine marine parks.

    9. Alaska

    sky scene Alaska

    Alaska

    This paradise for outdoor adventurers and landscape-lovers is more accessible than one might think. T+L spotlighted this US state as one to watch for 2024, in part due to the multitude of adventure cruises exploring its natural wonders. These include the Regent Seven Seas Explorer, which traveled to Alaska for the first time in 2023. And in the Fora community, bookings for 2024 are already up to 80 percent of the total booked for 2023, signaling travel to Alaska is on the rise.

    Other hotels on the list (all bookable through Fora):

    Europe:

    • Rosewood Munich

    • Pier 5 Hotel, Ålborg, Denmark

    • Nunne Boutique Hotel, Tallinn, Estonia

    • Chateau des Fleurs, Paris

    • Grand Mazarin, Paris

    • Hôtel Dame Des Arts, Paris

    • Hôtel des Grand Voyageurs, Paris

    • Hotel Plaza Athénée, Paris

    • Sommero, Norway

    • Six Senses Svart, Norway

    • Il Capri Hotel, Campania, Italy

    • Hotel La Palma, Campania, Italy

    • Convento di Amalfi, Campania, Italy

    • Son Bunyola, Mallorca, Spain

    • The Lodge Mallorca, Spain 

    • Zel Mallorca, Spain

    • Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor, Spain

    • Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, Mallorca, Spain


    Asia

    • Villa Palladio, Rajasthan, India

    • The Johri, Rajasthan, India

    • Anantara Jaipur Hotel, Rajasthan, India

    • Shinta Mani Mustang, Nepal

    • Peninsula Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey 

    • Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul, Turkey

    • Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel, Thailand

    • Club Med Kiroro Peak, Japan

    • Club Med Kiroro Grand, Japan

    • Dar Tantora, Saudi Arabia

    • Kayaam House, Sri Lanka

    • Ahu Baym Sri Lanka

    • Uga Riva, Sri Lanka


    North America

    • Métis Crossing, Alberta, Canada

    • Hotel Cleveland, Ohio

    • Fidelity Hotel, Cleveland, Ohio

    • The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth, Texas

    • Sea Ranch Lodge, Sonoma, California

    • Dawn Ranch, Sonoma, California

    • Appellation, Healdsburg, California

    • Origen Hotel KC, Kansas City, Missouri

    • Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Nevada

    • The Myriad Hotel, Louisville, Kentucky

    • Derby City Hotel, a Canopy by Hilton, Louisville, Kentucky

    • Hotel Genevieve, Louisville, Kentucky

    • Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton, Canada

    • Honeyrose Hotel, Montreal, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Canada

    • Four Seasons Montreal, Canada

    • 21c Museum Hotel, St. Louis, Missouri

    • Moonlight Basin, Big Sky, Montana

    • Montage Big Sky, Montana

    • Mollie Aspen, Colorado 

    • Mello on the Beach, Anna Maria Island, Florida

    • Joie Inn, Anna Maria Island, Florida

    • Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, Hawaii


    Africa

    • Angama Amboseli, Kenya

    • andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa

    • Madwaleni River Lodge, South Africa

    • Sala Beach House, South Africa

    • Homestead, South Africa

    • Mokete, Botswana


    Oceania

    • Flockhill Lodge, New Zealand

    • The Clifftops at Anderson Cove, New Zealand

    • Mayfair, Christchurch, New Zealand

    • Observatory Hotel, Christchurch, New Zealand

    • Huka Lodge, New Zealand

    • Le Mas Barossa, Australia

    • Sequoia Lodge, Australia

    • The Vineyard McLaren Vale, Australia

    • Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia


    Caribbean, Central & South America

    • Sendero Hotel, Costa Rica

    • Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

    • InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, Dominica

    • Anichi Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Dominica

    • Tranquility Beach Resort, Curio, a Collection by Hilton, Dominica 

    • Coulibri Ridge, Dominica

    • Four Seasons Resort Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol, Mexico

    • Soho House Beach Club, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

    • Park Hyatt Los Cabos, Mexico

    • Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, Mexico

    • St. Regis Los Cabos, Mexico

    • Barracuda Hotel & Villas, Bahia, Brazil


    Inspired to book your 2024 vacation? Reach out to start planning your trip today.

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    Author - Fora Travel
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