National Geographic’s annual “Best of the World” list is far more than a simple compilation of destinations; it is a meticulously curated mandate for how and where we should be traveling. The 20 selections for 2024 emphasize a profound shift toward experiential travel, placing environmental conservation, cultural authenticity, and sustainable community impact at the forefront of the global itinerary. From the untamed, turquoise waters of the Western Balkans to the ancient, newly unearthed streets of Pompeii and the conservation triumphs of Rwanda, this year’s list champions destinations that are either on the cusp of discovery or are redefining their identity through tourism. It is a guide to traveling with both wonder and responsibility, challenging explorers to seek out stories that matter and to tread lightly upon the most precious corners of the planet.
The Call of the Wild: Nature and Preservation
The 2024 list places a strong emphasis on destinations that are making monumental strides in conservation, inviting travelers to witness the raw power of nature while supporting its preservation. These are places where biodiversity is king and wilderness experiences are immersive.
Sierra Leone, for instance, makes the list for its impressive efforts in expanding its network of national parks and dedicated conservation areas, protecting crucial rainforests and coastal environments. This is a deliberate invitation to experience a nation actively rebuilding and protecting its natural heritage. Similarly, the dramatic, largely untamed landscapes of the Western Balkans, particularly along the coast of Albania and its neighboring countries, are highlighted for their incredible hiking potential and biodiversity. These regions offer a vital look at Europe’s last wild frontiers, encouraging hikers to embrace sustainable, long-distance trails that support remote villages. The selection of sites like Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway also champions sustainable infrastructure, demonstrating how iconic natural wonders can be managed responsibly for millions of visitors.
Stepping Back in Time: History and Heritage Journeys
Several of the year’s top experiences focus on connecting with history in tangible, immediate ways, celebrating both ancient civilizations and the revitalization of recent cultural centers. These journeys are about learning from the past to understand the present.
The selection of Pompeii, Italy, is particularly compelling, not just for the existing ruins, but for the groundbreaking new excavations that are continuously revealing layers of domestic life, art, and tragedy that have been sealed for two millennia. This invites travelers to witness history actively being uncovered. In the Americas, Guatemala is championed for its deep, accessible Mayan heritage, moving beyond the most famous sites to encourage respectful engagement with contemporary indigenous communities and their living traditions. The list also includes Antioquia, Colombia, highlighting the region’s remarkable cultural and political revitalization. The focus here is on the power of community-driven renewal, celebrating a vibrant artistic scene and a determined cultural rebirth that offers a powerful lesson in resilience.
Adrenaline and Awe: Adventure and Celestial Wonders
Adventure remains a core pillar of the list, but for 2024, it is defined by experiences that combine high-octane activity with environmental respect and a deep sense of awe. This is travel that pushes personal boundaries against the backdrop of unparalleled wilderness.
Tasmania, Australia, is strongly featured for its rugged, untouched wilderness areas, championing its world-class, multi-day hiking trails that offer deep immersion into pristine landscapes. The emphasis here is on low-impact adventure tourism that allows the traveler to explore the raw beauty of the island’s remote interior. Meanwhile, the list also includes a rare, specific temporal event: the Total Solar Eclipse viewing in Texas, USA. This selection underscores a philosophical point: the greatest travel experiences are sometimes fleeting, reminding us to seek moments of shared, celestial awe. Finally, Transylvania, Romania, is noted for its potential as a sustainable adventure destination, promoting eco-tourism and hiking in the Carpathian Mountains, often linked to the region’s strong traditions and wildlife conservation efforts.
The Urban Renewal: Culture, Cuisine, and Community
Not all of the year’s best experiences are remote. Several selections celebrate cities that are redefining themselves through diversity, gastronomy, and a commitment to urban cultural excellence. These are centers of human creativity and community integration.
Lima, Peru, receives high praise, cementing its status as a global gastronomic capital. The city is celebrated for its culinary innovation, blending indigenous ingredients and techniques with modern artistry. Traveling to Lima is framed as a culinary pilgrimage that supports a diverse network of producers and chefs. In North America, Toronto, Canada, is highlighted as a model of successful urban diversity. The city’s dynamic, welcoming atmosphere and thriving arts scene make it an essential destination for those seeking a modern metropolitan experience defined by multiculturalism and progressive social values. These urban selections show that some of the richest cultural experiences are found in places where different communities actively intersect and collaborate.
Travel with Purpose: The Ethos of Experiential Tourism
Ultimately, the unifying theme across all 20 experiences is a mandate for traveling with a heightened sense of purpose and ethical awareness. The list encourages consumers to use their travel dollars to support sustainable development and conservation success stories.
The inclusion of destinations like Akagera National Park in Rwanda is exemplary of this ethos. The park is praised not only for its successful reintroduction of species, but also for its community-based conservation model, where local populations directly benefit from and participate in the protection of wildlife. This type of experiential tourism offers a profound exchange rather than simple consumption. The 2024 list is thus a powerful guiding document that moves beyond simple aesthetics. It tells travelers that the “best” experiences are those that leave both the visitor and the destination enriched, healthier, and more connected to the vital, ongoing global efforts toward sustainability and cultural respect.
