10 Holiday Destinations Ala National Geographic 'The Cool List 2024'

National Geographic has chosen 30 exciting countries to visit in 2024. They call it The Cool List 2024. Out of these 30 countries, this could be an inspiring travel guide for all you Ballers!

Each destination will surely bring exciting and special experiences for those who love traveling to new places. From numerous newly opened luxury hotels, major construction projects, distinctive culinary tourism, and new train routes that ease travel — there are various options for international holidays! See more below.

1. Albanian Alps, Albania

Looking for a different kind of European adventure? It's time to explore Albania. Located in the northern interior, the Albanian Alps are also one of its main attractions.

The beaches along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas are also a magnet for curious tourists. If you like more challenging activities, you should go trekking in these mountains. Here, you can encounter lynx cats roaming in fir forests and wildflowers covering the valley floor.

Additionally, there's an eight-day self-guided tour from Walks Worldwide that will take you through the mountains, staying in traditional homestays, and stopping at Theth village, the starting point for the hike to the Peaks of the Balkans.

For outdoor-loving travelers, you also need to pack your belongings in a waterproof backpack. You should also anticipate the local weather by wearing comfortable clothing and gear. Bringing an umbrella or raincoat is also recommended if the weather suddenly becomes cloudy or rainy.

Your experience will be even more exciting as Albania is now more accessible thanks to a series of new routes. Recently, Ryanair began operating to the capital Tirana from Edinburgh, Manchester, and Stansted, while Wizz Air will operate from Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Liverpool.

2. Belfast, Northern Ireland

2024 will be a year of change for the capital of Northern Ireland. Since 2010, the number of visitors has continued to increase. This is also thanks to the new Titanic Experience museum, the filming location of the popular series Game of Thrones! You can take this opportunity to explore the history of the Titanic ship on a self-guided tour. Visitors can get an authentic experience of the sights, sounds, smells, and stories of the Titanic, even stories about the people and the city that were part of its history. How exciting, right?

There's also a collaboration with the Eden Project Cornwall, also known as the Eden Project. This is the largest greenhouse project in the world for research, conservation, and nature tourism. Belfast has also officially become a UNESCO City of Music in 2021 and will host over 80 music venues that will feature unmissable performances!

3. New York State, USA

New York isn't far behind! This year will see many exciting things happening across New York State. From the New York State Parks celebrating their 100th anniversary since their establishment to Niagara Falls adding the Heritage Gateway Project.

The latest news is that Niagara Falls will treat visitors to panoramic views from a newly rotating observation deck. Then, the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center will transform into Great Lakes 360, a venue showcasing local wildlife. In fact, it will later be known as a museum featuring unique animals from the Niagara River and the vast Great Lakes ecosystem.

This project will expand the aquarium and establish a campus in downtown Niagara Falls. This will be the first most impressive expansion in Niagara Falls' 58-year history.

On the other hand, Olympic fans can enjoy sporting excellence at the new Lake Placid Olympic Museum, precisely at the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, held in the northern part of the city.

4. Galloway and Southern Ayrshire, Scotland

Still in an outdoor destination like windy mountains to dense forests traversed by rivers, the natural beauty of Galloway and Southern Ayrshire made this area Scotland's first UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2012.

This place is even more special because its boundaries have also been expanded to over 3,780 square miles. This expansion is also culturally important, as the village of Alloway falls within the new boundaries. That village is the birthplace of Robert Burns, the legendary poet who wrote the epic poem Tam o' Shanter. Now, for those who love poetry or want to try other skills, you can join writing retreats with local poets or tours offered by Biosphere Guides. They are experts in creative writing to bushcraft.

Reportedly, this Biosphere will also be part of Scotland's new UNESCO Trail, which was just launched earlier this year. This trail connects 13 beautiful places in Scotland, from Glasgow, the City of Music, to the pine-covered mountainous areas of the Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve on the northwest coast.

5. Nordland, Norway

In 2024, the magnificent beauty of Nordland will be celebrated with the eagerly awaited opening of Six Senses Svart. This will be the world's first energy-positive hotel, fully self-sufficient from its own solar power. Its innovative design will be combined with a Nordic-inspired spa and waste-free dining options.

Furthermore, there is much to attract adventurers to explore the coast, dotted with fjords formed by melting glaciers between towering cliffs, throughout the year, from mountain biking and fishing in summer to dog sledding in winter.

Nordland also offers a rich cultural experience, with the city of Bodø being one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2024, featuring various art and music events.

6. Pompeii, Italy

Pompeii is the right destination for those seeking an old classic view and atmosphere, especially for travelers delving deeper into ancient Italian history. Visiting Pompeii is now easier, thanks to direct trains from Rome station, taking less than two hours!

Before returning to Rome, don't miss out on enjoying Rome's signature carbonara at a local trattoria. You can then visit the renovated House of the Vettii in Pompeii, which has just been completed after 20 years.

In the Regio IX area, many new discoveries have added to its rich history, including jewelry, some human remains, and still-life paintings. As Italy's Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, stated, "Pompeii is a treasure chest that constantly reveals new treasures."

7. Saimaa, Finland

For Finns, the appeal of this city isn't just its fresh air, charming forests, and lakes. Its delicious local cuisine is also worth trying! Reportedly, this year its reputation as a culinary destination will soar when Saimaa is designated a European Region of Gastronomy.

Many of Saimaa's delectable dishes are sourced from its rich forests and waters: from wild game, Chanterelle mushrooms, wild-picked blueberries, and vendace fish.

In Lemi, the traditional Särä dish, roasted lamb and potatoes, is a major culinary attraction, while markets in Lappeenranta and Mikkeli offer a variety of foods ranging from local pickles to Finnish caviar and fresh strawberries.

Meanwhile, producers like Ollinmäki Winery are pioneers in Finland's developing wine industry. Travelers exploring Europe will not only find a diverse array of delicious local foods, but also hiking trails with beautiful views, historic manors, and ancient towns.

Don't miss a visit to Savonlinna, a city 65 miles to the east, famous for its castle and the origin of lörtsy, a crescent-shaped pastry filled with meat and rice.

8. Valletta, Malta

This amazing and special place is the setting for the sequel to the 2000 blockbuster film, Gladiator. Reportedly, the film was shot here and is scheduled to be released in late 2024!

You'll enjoy the sight of Malta's golden stone under the beautiful Mediterranean light, perfect for creating the ambiance of ancient Rome and its war arenas.

Photos from the filming location reveal impressive replicas of the Colosseum and other Roman buildings, erected behind the sturdy walls of the 17th-century Fort Ricasoli on the eastern part of Malta island, near the capital Valletta.

Not only Gladiator, Ridley's latest biopic, Napoleon, also used the beauty of the Grand Harbour area as the backdrop for the French naval city of Toulon.

The city of Valletta not only inspires filmmakers but also attracts tourists from all over the world. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city offers spectacular views of the shimmering sea horizon, towering townhouse balconies, and narrow streets filled with the life of its residents, providing an unforgettable experience.

9. Sierra Leone, Africa

A holiday in Africa could be a different destination choice, Ballers! There is now a new international airport in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, marking the promising beginning of tourism development. With improved infrastructure and road upgrades, access to natural beauty is easier than ever.

Sierra Leone is indeed famous for its rich natural beauty, increasingly appealing to tourists with community-led ecotourism projects. From Bureh Beach, offering the country's first surf school, to the Tasso Ecotourism Project on Tasso Island, which protects the endangered Timneh grey parrot.

Bunce Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also offers a rich historical experience, given its role in the transatlantic slave trade. Accommodation options are also more numerous, including new hotels like Hilton and Estuary Resort, ready to welcome tourists.

10. Victoria, Australia

Soaking in the hot springs along the Great Victorian Bathing Trail certainly offers a unique and different experience! These hot springs and sea baths are actually underrated, Ballers. With a route length of about 560 miles, this journey connects six already open locations.

Additionally, there are hot springs and luxury spas such as Alba on the Mornington Peninsula and Metung Hot Springs on the Gippsland Peninsula. With two more locations, Phillip Island Hot Springs and 12 Apostles Hot Springs and Resort, set to open this year.

That's the latest info on several holiday destinations from various countries according to National Geographic's The Cool List 2024. How about it, Ballers? Have you decided which countries are on your wishlist for 2024?

For outdoor adventures, choose a compact and waterproof travel companion like the All-Day Backpack collection for women's backpacks and men's backpacks. However, if you want to enjoy the view from a luxurious hotel balcony, make sure you bring the right luggage for your needs!

Use a 20-inch suitcase for a short trip of about 2-5 days, or a 24-inch suitcase for a longer trip of about 7-14 days. Good news for Ballers who want to personalize their polycarbonate suitcases: various fonts and colors are now available! Add a personal touch to your favorite suitcase and order now only on Baller's official website.