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Albanian Alps, Albania -

Starting in Europe, National Geographic has placed Albania’s Alps on the list. The country has attracted many tourists due to its proximity to the beautiful Adriatic Sea, but these mountains offer challenging trails that will make any hiker giddy with excitement!

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Belfast, Northern Ireland -

Northern Ireland’s capital city arrives on this list and is accompanied by a yearlong program of culture and creativity, dubbed Belfast 2024. The city has invested much time and money into becoming a European Capital of Culture, and the rewards will certainly be reaped this year.

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Emilia-Romagna, Italy -

This is considered one of Italy’s greatest cycling destinations. The clandestine villages and rolling hills of Emilia-Romagna are set as the first stage of the Tour de France in June. Not to mention that it is also known as a culinary haven.

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Europe by train -

If you wish to find yourself dipping into the nostalgia from the golden age of rail travel, then boarding a sleeper train in Europe is just the trip for you. European nighttime rails are coming alive across the continent, and many countries are releasing stylish trains that take you across lavishly beautiful routes.

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Galloway and Southern Ayrshire, Scotland -

The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire region of Scotland became the country’s first UNESCO biosphere reserve for a reason. This area—which covers almost 3,790 sq mi (9,800 sq km)—includes forests, coasts, and historic villages.

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Nordland, Norway -

Nestled in the northern region of Norway is the county of Nordland, which boasts some of the most impressive landscapes in the world. In summer, mountain biking and fishing are the go-to attractions, while winter offers dogsledding.

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North Yorkshire, England -

If you visit the Yorkshire countryside, you'll find a 1,000-acre (400-hectare) area of Broughton Sanctuary estate that has been returned to nature, all so that visitors can reconnect with the wild environment.

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Pompeii, Italy -

The ruined city of Pompeii that famously fell victim to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius is also an idyllic travel destination, especially now that there is a new direct train from Rome.

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Saimaa, Finland -

The region of Saimaa has recently gained an extra draw by becoming a European Region of Gastronomy. Along with its culinary mastery, this corner of Europe is also full of hiking trails and historic towns.

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Tartu, Estonia -

The Estonian city of Tartu has long been considered by the locals as the country’s summer capital. In fact, while this European Capital of Culture hibernates during the cold winter, it seems to come alive once summer arrives.

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Hamburg, Germany -

Soccer fans may find themselves drawn to Germany during the month of June, when the UEFA European Championship will be hosted by 10 cities across the country, including Hamburg. But when the players are off the field, tourists can see all the best museums, architecture, and culture that the nation has to offer.

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Valletta, Malta - This Mediterranean marvel of Malta has been the shooting ground for many filmmakers. Most notably, though, is the recent sequel to the 2000 blockbuster ‘Gladiator,’ which sees beautiful Valletta—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—once again recreated into ancient Rome.

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Whisky in Wales -

The origins of whisky may very well be traced to Scotland and Ireland, but Wales does have its own distilleries that have competed avidly for global attention. Lovers of this liquor would be remiss if they don’t try to sip from the Welsh source.

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Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland -

The Wild Atlantic Way, a winding tourism trail that covers 1,600 mi (2,500 km) of Irish coastline, is sure to be a go-to for intrepid explorers. Any traveler that follows this road trip will be offered adventure laden with cuisine, architecture, and exquisite ocean views.

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Atacama Desert, Chile -

Moving on to the Americas, Chile’s Atacama Desert offers a dry oasis for travelers who find themselves drawn to the beauty of such a hostile environment. The Desierto Florido National Park is a safeguard for the region’s flora, which have adapted to some of the world’s harshest conditions.

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Lima, Peru -

The Peruvian capital city is known vividly for its culinary stardom. In fact, two restaurants in Lima appeared in the top 10 of The World's 50 Best Restaurants, with Central taking first place.

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New York State, USA - The US state of New York has much to offer this year. Indeed, 2024 will see the 100-year anniversary of Niagara Falls, the oldest state park in the entire United States.

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Miami, USA -

The city of Miami is seeing many improvements across its cultural front, including the opening of the Museum of Graffiti, the transformation of land into a linear park, and the arrival of a gallery from Marquez Art Projects (MAP).

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Dominica - The island country of Dominica is nicknamed the "Nature Island of the Caribbean" for a reason. In fact, it is one of the rare places where the unending beauty of the Caribbean Sea is vastly overshadowed by the magnificently wild interior.

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Nova Scotia, Canada - This peninsula province of Canada is thoroughly enticing for any traveler, regardless of desire. The territory juts out into the Atlantic and offers a plethora of seafood, music, and traditional lighthouses.

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Texas, USA -

This US state has many beautiful wonders to offer, including historical and natural parks, as well as the ever-present space observatories.

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Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico -

The recent discovery of the Mesoamerican city of Ocomtún has added a lot of intrigue to the Maya civilization and its lost presence in Mexico. But if these archaeological revelations do not tempt you, then the area’s dry forests and scrublands surely will!

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Iberá Wetlands, Argentina -

The Argentinian government’s recent efforts in reintroducing wildlife back into the Iberá Wetlands have proven fruitful. Animals—such as anteaters and jaguars—that were once nowhere to be found in the region have seen their populations flourish in this national park.

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Akagera, Rwanda -

Over in Africa, Akagera National Park in Rwanda is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2024. This patchwork of woodland, savanna, and swamps is teeming with wildlife. Surprisingly, the park was once decimated in 1994, and it is only recently that efforts have been made to restore it.

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Andrefana Dry Forests, Madagascar -

Last year, the boundaries of the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—expanded to include the Andrefana Dry Forests. The reserve includes some of the world’s most distinctive flora and landscapes, including Madagascan baobabs and jagged limestone rocks.

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Sierra Leone -

Wide sandy beaches and a mountainous plateau make Sierra Leone one of the top places to visit this year. The country is more accessible than ever before thanks to its recently-refurbished international airport, and the capital city’s long-held history of African culture is truly a wonder to behold.

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Sikkim, India -

National Geographic has also included Sikkim on their list, a small corner of the Himalayas that often gets overlooked as a travel destination. But the region holds beautiful mountain monasteries, hiking trails, and colored festival displays that showcase the Indian state’s vibrant culture.

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Tainan, Taiwan -

Taiwan’s oldest city, Tainan, is marking its 400th birthday in 2024. The city’s quadricentennial celebrations are a perfect opportunity to highlight its many architectural and cultural influences, from Dutch, to Spanish, and even Japanese.

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Xi'an, China -

If you find yourself visiting the Shaanxi province of China, you will assuredly be keen to lay eyes on the more than 8,000 soldiers of the Terracotta Army. This year marks the 50th anniversary since the soldiers were excavated.

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Victoria, Australia -

The last destination on this list is the only place from the Australasian region. The Australian state of Victoria offers many sublime treats, including hot springs and beaches that overlook the Bass Strait.

Sources: (National Geographic)

See also: Lesser-known countries you didn't know existed

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