Top 10 Places to Travel in 2024!
There’s no better way to kick off the New Year than by having an exciting adventure to look forward to. Whether you want to climb a volcano on the far-flung Cape Verde islands, hike pristine trails in the “other” Alps (Albania!), watch the midnight sun glowing across Greenland’s towering icebergs, or come face to face with chimp clans in Uganda’s forests, we’ve got a journey that will exhilarate you. Here are some of the unique destinations we’re most excited about for 2024, spanning multiple continents and bringing you plenty of wildlife, cultural connections, and one-of-a-kind hikes, always in the company of our acclaimed Trip Leaders.
Contact our Area Specialists at 1-800-368-2794 or email info@wildernesstravel.com to learn more about our unique adventures or to start planning your trip today.
Cape Verde Islands
This tropical island-nation off the West Coast of Africa is a captivating blend of pristine beaches, unique Cape Verdean Creole culture, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Our days are spent exploring four separate islands, with hikes along stunning volcanic calderas, walks on white-sand beaches, meetings with locals, including a Cachupa cooking class at a private home. Evenings are for sipping grogue (local rum) and hearing soulful morna music.
Franschhoek, South Africa
This small, welcoming town in the Cape Winelands has long been a pilgrimage site for oenophiles and gourmands—most of the vineyards and restaurants here are regular award winners. That’s why three of our four South Africa journeys include the option of a few days in this romantic region, where we’ll overnight in a spectacular wine estate and savor an exclusive “chef’s table” dining experience.
Kibale National Park, Uganda
Most WT travelers sign on for our Uganda journeys to experience the magic of sitting among a family of silverback gorillas in the wild, but many are surprised to find just how moving another stop on our itinerary is—tracking chimps in Kibale Forest National Park. The sensation of witnessing the complex social dynamics of these small primates—our closest living relatives—is just as remarkable.
Albanian Alps
One of the last wild mountain regions in Europe, the Albanian Alps are only just starting to be discovered for their Edenic scenery and traditional way of life. At the request of in-the-know WT travelers, we’ve added this exciting destination to our portfolio with a hiking and cultural journey led by our Balkans expert, Vlatko Bulatovic. Join us in exploring Albania’s national parks, Kosovo’s Silk Road-era town of Gjakova, Montenegro’s idyllic Grbaja Valley, and much more.
Ilulissat, Greenland
Known as the “birthplace of icebergs,” Ilulissat is a favorite of travelers who’ve joined us on our Northwest Passage and Western Greenland expeditions—and for good reason. The massive World Heritage-Listed Kangia Icefjord is just in back of this tiny town, spilling fantastically sculpted icebergs into the bay. We’ll see the colossal bergs up close on our “midnight sun” cruise and explore the town, which has more sled dogs than people.
Orkney Islands, Scotland
In addition to absolutely stunning landscapes, the Orkney Islands have a rich Viking heritage and some of the best-preserved Neolithic sites in the world, from the standing stone circle at the Ring of Brodgar, which predates Egypt’s pyramids, to the astonishingly intact prehistoric village of Skara Brae, uncovered by a storm in 1853. Join us in tracing the region’s storied history with the help of fantastic hikes, elegant whiskies, and legendary storytellers!
Australia’s Northern Territory
The “Red Center” is one of those places that’s even more surreal in person than in photographs. Our native Aussie Trip Leader James Fuss brings it to life on this new journey that traces an arc from the billabongs and petroglyphs of Kakadu National Park to the deep gorges of the MacDonnell Ranges and onward to the iconic sandstone monolith of Uluru. Expect epic adventure and respite: excellent food and wine, two nights in a desert camp, and swims in pristine watering holes.
Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Tongariro National Park is so unique that it actually holds two World Heritage designations: one for its moonscape of volcanic scenery and one for its cultural significance to the Māori. On our Hiker’s Journey to New Zealand, we’ll make the epic Tongariro Alpine Crossing, passing vibrant crater lakes, lunar landscapes, and steaming vents—it’s one of the greatest day hikes in the world!
Fernandina Island, Galápagos
The most pristine island in the Galápagos archipelago, Fernandina is beautiful, dramatic, and unspoiled. We visit this oasis on three of our four exceptional small yacht voyages, combining spectacular wildlife experiences, like snorkeling alongside endemic Galápagos penguins and marine iguanas, with absolute comfort (hot tub, anyone?).
Pakistan’s Hunza Valley
At the intersection of the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges lies the ancient Hunza Valley, a wildly romantic—and surprisingly untapped—destination that we’ll explore on breathtaking hikes to high glaciers, visits to families in friendly Ismaili villages, and travels on the famed Karakoram Highway linking the mountains of Pakistan and China. Overnights are in atmospheric restored forts and mountain lodges.
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Get inspired for your next journey with our 2024-2025 Catalog of Adventures! With award-winning photography and over 200 journeys around the world, it is truly a Dream Book that will grace your coffee table and feed your wanderlust.