We are looking forward to a busy year ahead and as such we are delighted to be able to share our travel hotspots for 2024. There are so many destinations waiting to be explored from the vibrant cityscape of Manchester to the picturesque countryside of Yorkshire, the delectable cuisine of Italy, and the history of Normandy. These are the places ready to spark wanderlust and adventure in your clients. Each destination on this list promises a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, making them must-visit spots for any avid traveler in 2024.

Manchester

The moment we mentioned Manchester having last year is only continuing into 2024. Expect to find the likes of Chanel hosting fashion shows on a street in the hipster Northern Quarter neighbourhood, the opening of the largest live entertainment arena, Co-Op Live and the renovation of the Grade-I listed John Rylands Library which is known for it’s Victorian Gothic architecture.

The city is easily accessible thanks to large investments in the international airport. It is also perfectly situated for visits to the likes of the Lake District, Yorkshire and north Wales.

There are an abundance of unique events taking place too. These include the RHS Urban Show at Depot Mayfield celebrates small space gardening and the International Brewing & Cider festival takes place in March. The city is also opening it’s first public park in over 100 years, Mayfield park.

As well as a number of boundary pushing eateries there are also some exciting hotel openings to keep an eye out for. There is Soho House & Mollie’s first property in the North of England, the 224 room Treehouse Hotel in Deansgate and Marriott’s The Reach at Piccadilly.

Belfast

Northern Ireland’s capital is celebrating a Year of Culture in 2024. The city will see 17 large scale projects that will focus on sustainability, connections, recovery, creativity and resilience. They are also working on a collaboration with the Eden Project which explores the relationship of Belfast with nature and the climate crisis.

For music lovers, Belfast is home to the likes of Van Morrison, Gary Lightbody (Snow Patrol) and Emmy-nominated composer Hannah Peel. It was listed as a UNESCO City of Music in 2021 with more than 80 music venues to choose from. There are also the city’s big bucket list attractions to explore such as the Game of Thrones Studio Tour and the incredible Titanic Belfast.

Belfast is the perfect base for exploring Northern Ireland with the Causeway Coast easily accessible for day trips. The city also offers great value for money for first time visitors to the island of Ireland.

Normandy

Whilst much of the world will have it’s focus on Paris in 2024, we recommend heading north to Normandy. June 6th marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in the region and will see many special events taking place including art installations, festivals, historical re-enactments and parades.

For art enthusiasts, Normandy is where the Impressionism movement was born and is easily accessible from the French capital. Between March and September this year, the Normandy Impressionist Festival celebrates 150 years since the first Impressionist exhibition.

Yorkshire

England’s largest county is a must visit for anyone passionate about the planet. Filled with rolling moors, vast forests, pretty stone villages, dramatic coastlines and picturesque lavender fields, Yorkshire is the perfect place to observe nature. Broughton Sanctuary is undertaking a rewilding project on the estate. It offers experiences such as foraging, moon bathing, walking trails and woodland dining. On the estate you will find kestrels, otters and hares to spot. Yorkshire’s National Parks will celebrate their annual Dark Skies festival again this year. There is also the Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta that is taking place at the 19th century Castle Howard.

For foodies, there are an abundance of Michelin mentioned restaurants across the county with 5 having achieved a distinction. From farm-to-table seasonal and traditional British to Asian fusion and contemporary Mediterranean, thus offering something for everyone.

Italy

There has never been a better time to visit Italy. The summer will see the first stage of the exciting Tour de France kicking off in Florence, Tuscany. It then makes it’s way through the pretty villages and vineyard topped hills of Emilia-Romagna. These regions are perfect for exploring slowly and enjoying la dolce vita with cucina contadina (farmhouse cuisine), world-class art and of course the breathtaking countryside.

Home to the world-renowned carbonara, Rome is having a foodie moment. The likes of Seen by Olivier, located on the top floor of the Anantara Palazzo Niadi Rome hotel, leans away from the typical traditional fare more commonly found in the city and offers and eclectic and inspiring mix of global cuisine to the Italian capital.

You can now also visit Pompeii in under 2 hours from Rome with a new direct train. The city’s frescoed first-century House of the Vettii which was excavated from 1894-1895 has recently reopened following a 20 year renovation. New discoveries across the city are happening regularly.

There are so many exciting destinations for your clients to explore in 2024. Get in touch to book any of our UK & Ireland travel hotspots for FIT and groups or any of our mainland Europe destinations for groups.

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