Beautiful woman sunbathing on a sandbank surrounded by a turquoise ocean from above
Summer 2024 could be the busiest tourist season ever.
In the first quarter of this year, global tourism reached 97% of pre-pandemic levels. A few 285 million people traveled internationally between January and March, an increase of 20% compared to the same period in 2023.
Indicators suggest that high numbers of Americans in particular will travel in the coming months. Between October 2022 and September 2023, the State Department has issued 24 million passport books and cards– the highest number in U.S. history.
TSA plans to screen record numbers of travelers this summer and is already experiencing unusually high traffic. Although it has historically been busiest during the major holidays, it recorded one of the busiest days ever (with 2.8 million travelers) on May 17.
With all this global travel on the horizon, where should tourists travel in summer 2024?
My advice is to avoid tourist hotspots in Europe, especially destinations where locals actively oppose increased visitor numbers. Instead, head to one of the three destinations I recommend for unique and fascinating travel experiences.
Paros, Greece
Greek village of Naoussa, Paros island, Greece
With thousands of islands, breathtaking views and sparkling Mediterranean waters, Greece is an ever-popular tourist destination.
It welcomes 31.3 million tourists each year, making it the 13th most visited country in the world. Its popularity shows no signs of waning, and if last year's travel trends are anything to go by, Greece is expected to be busy again this summer.
Last summer, Greece's most popular neighborhoods were, by most accounts, overcrowded. The Acropolis was criticized by so many visitors that the authorities had to cap the number of daily visitors at 20,000. Massive queues for photo ops formed at iconic locations across Mykonos and Santorini.
Instead of battling the crowds, those looking for a dose of Greek island-inspired relaxation should seek out Paros, a low-key alternative to Mykonos and Santorini.
It's a Cycladic island, just like its two more famous counterparts, so the appeal is much the same. It features whitewashed buildings draped in bougainvillea and beautiful Aegean beaches, as well as an attractive assortment of restaurants, hotels and shopping spots.
Exploring by boat, visiting Antiparos (its smaller sister island) for serene and unspoilt beaches, enjoying local seafood dishes and visiting ancient ruins are some of the best things to do here.
Even though Paros currently constitutes a quieter alternative to the overly touristy Greek islands, its star is rising. It’s listed as one of Condé Nast Traveler’s “24 Best Places to Go in 2024,” and stars like Tom Hanks and Jeff Bezos have been spotted in Paros and its waters.
New luxury hotels like Cove Paros and Avant Mar have recently opened, and it's easier to access than ever, with new airlines (Saudia, Etihad Airways, British Airways, etc.) now serving the Cyclades.
Mauritius
People enjoying horseback riding on a tropical sandy beach facing the lagoon, aerial view, Indian … (+)
For white sand beaches, inviting blue waters, luxury resorts and a vibrant cultural scene, there are few better places to visit than Mauritius.
Mark Twain best described the beauty of this island country when he said: “First Mauritius was made, then Paradise, Paradise being copied from Mauritius. »
Mauritius is part of the Mascarenes, a group of islands that float in the Indian Ocean about 1,000 miles off the coast of southeastern Africa. Its remoteness and stunning natural beauty made it a favorite for the jet set in the 1980s.
Today, a new wave of hospitality has arrived. New luxury resorts are opening their doors and existing ones are being restored. It was named “the best of the best destinations” by Tripadvisor for 2024. I predict that the popularity of this island will take off soon.
Mauritius is a water sports enthusiast's paradise, with world-class boating, kitesurfing, scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. On land, there are forests, waterfalls, national parks and exotic flora and fauna.
Mauritius is also culturally fascinating. At different times in its history, the Portuguese, Dutch, French and British settled on the island. Slavery brought people from East Africa, and workers were imported from India, China, and other countries.
Today, the island is ethnically, linguistically and religiously diverse. It is the only African country where Hinduism is the most practiced religion. It has no official language; instead, its residents fluctuate between Mauritian Creole, French, and English depending on their needs.
Mauritian cuisine is widely celebrated and reflects the ethnic diversity of its population. The dishes combine Indian, Creole, French, Chinese, African and Persian influences.
Visitors can learn about Mauritian history and culture at the Intercontinental Slavery Museum, which traces the country's slave trade, and the House of Digital Art, which features art installations and immersive experiences.
Sri Lanka
Fishermen on stilts at sunset, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, another island country floating in the Indian Ocean, is a land of lush green highlands and stunning beaches. Its appeal lies in a mix of surfing and wellness cultures, similar to Bali before its boom in popularity and resulting over-tourism.
Centers for yoga, reiki, breathing and other wellness practices have sprung up around the island in recent years. Some of these resorts, like Kalukanda House and Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, combine wellness concepts with luxury amenities and accommodations.
Sri Lanka is a country for nature lovers, home to 22 national parks. Its mountains and thick subtropical jungles are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Visitors spot elephants, otters, sloth bears and elusive leopards while on safari.
The Pekoe Trail, a 186-mile trail completed in 2023, takes hikers through the central highlands, including local villages, tea plantations and sacred shrines. You can also explore Sri Lanka by train, traveling with ease while admiring panoramic views and enjoying a unique cultural experience.
In the lowlands and along its coasts, Sri Lanka offers fine sandy beaches with foamy, surfable waves. There are beach towns with trendy hotels and cocktail bars, as well as quiet strips of untouched sand.
Mirissa Beach, known for its calm, crystal clear waters and rock formations, is among Tripadvisor's 'Best of the Most Beautiful Beaches' for 2024.
Unlike some of the most popular tourist destinations in the world (especially in Europe), Sri Lanka is currently keen to attract more visitors. Its tourism authority is investing in marketing campaigns to attract more people, while Anti-tourism protests are intensifying in the Canary Islands, Venice and Amsterdam, among others.
Sri Lanka is still recovering from a bombing, the pandemic, a severe economic crisis and other recent incidents. Tourism is a major source of income for the country, and visiting the country can help put money into the hands of locals.
With all that Sri Lanka has to offer, combined with the marketing efforts of its tourism authorities and the proliferation of wellness and luxury hotels, I see Sri Lanka growing in popularity this summer and beyond.
It is included in Travel + Leisure's “50 Best Places to Travel in 2024” list and its southern and central regions appear in Condé Nast Traveler's “24 Best Places to Go in 2024” list.
