Are you looking for interesting places to go this year? Through their annual Best of the World 2024 list, National Geographic offers some unusual ideas for you to try.
Without further ado, these are the most exciting activities you can’t miss this year.
Experience live music legends in Kyoto
The live music scene in Japan’s former imperial capital is energetic and explosive. Rock, swing, and even Irish music reverberate into the night at places like Jittoku and Field. There is a community to share what you love, regardless of your interests—from punk to jazz.
Explore a magnificent river in Colombia
A big portion of Colombia’s population resides near the Magdalena River which spans almost a thousand miles from the Andes to the Caribbean. River cruises offered by AmaWaterways depart from Cartagena via Mompós and arrive in Barranquilla after seven nights. Vallenato and cumbia music performances showcase the culture of this powerful river.
Dive with sharks in Western Australia
Every year, between March and July, between 300 and 500 whale sharks congregate along the reef, making it one of the largest gatherings on Earth. Divers who follow ethical guidelines give the sharks space, refrain from feeding them, and don’t use flash photography.
Between July and October, roughly 40,000 humpback whales migrate along the Coral Coast.
Hike a volcano in Panama
The “1,000 Kilometers of Trails” project, recently created by Panama, aims to introduce green tourism and outdoor recreation to rural communities and protected areas.
The Ruta de la Caldera, a network of five paths encircling the dormant Valle de Antón volcano, is the first trail to emerge from the gate.
Traveling to Route 66 in New Mexico by car
The highway passes through Albuquerque for about eighteen miles, making it the longest urban segment in the United States. Additionally, the ongoing restoration of vintage neon signs along Central Avenue is giving it a half-million-dollar makeover.
Make a stop at the recently opened West Central Route 66 Visitor Center, which features an outdoor amphitheater and a museum, as you cruise along the brightened strip. Events like drive-in movies, artisan markets, and lowrider car shows will take place at the center.
Uncover ancient art in Algeria
The largest national park in Africa is located in Algeria, and it is home to one of the largest collections of prehistoric rock art anywhere in the world. A geologic wonderland of sandstone towers, arches, and sculpted outcrops is Tassili n’Ajjer National Park. However, the story doesn’t end with these rock forests.
Visitors might consider also visiting Tassili to see the remarkable mountain range of Ahaggar National Park, which is the other great geologic marvel of the Algerian Sahara.
Horseback safari in Kenya
Two stables housing thoroughbreds and ex-polo ponies for riders of all skill levels are located at the 32,000-acre Borana Conservancy. Riders can reserve rides for the half-day, full-day, or overnight. September through July is the best time to visit.
Since horses are viewed by wildlife as just another animal, riding a horse across the landscape is quite an exciting experience.
Olympic marathon in Paris
As part of efforts to make the Summer Olympics in Paris, France in 2024 more inclusive, spectators will have the opportunity to run their own marathons for the first time.
A 26.2-mile loop connecting Paris and Versailles, starting at the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and ending at Les Invalides on the banks of the Seine, will accommodate 20,024 qualifying lottery winners. The event is scheduled to take place on August 10th.
Ski tour UNESCO sites in Georgia
With the assistance of outfitters like Svaneti Ski and Georgia Ski Touring, attendees can now take advantage of some of the best backcountry skiing in the Caucasus, in Georgia. Skiers can take excursions in Svaneti to the medieval Ushguli villages, which are among the highest continuously inhabited in Europe, or the breathtaking Gvibari Pass. December through April are the ideal months to witness this.
Bear watch in Katmai National Park
Brown bear populations in Alaska’s Katmai National Park are among the highest in the world. Taken with tourism businesses like AK Adventures, a guided trip along the Katmai coast offers an alternative perspective of the park, away from the crowded viewing platforms of the Brooks Camp Visitor Center.
