Trending holiday destinations for 2024

There’s nothing like a new year to make you want to book a holiday, and Booking.com have narrowed down the dreamiest destinations to consider in 2024. 

From adventures for an adrenaline rush to tropical escapes, these trending hotspots can make anyone live their best life. Take the stress out of holiday planning by checking out the many accommodation options available on Booking.com - all while earning 10 Virgin Points per £1 as a member of Virgin Red for a limited time.  

Don’t forget you can also find your holiday accommodation with Booking.com all over the world, including destinations served by Virgin Atlantic like New York, Shanghai, Barbados, Cape Town and Las Vegas. Earn Virgin Points on your flight and your stay with Virgin Red.  

So where in the world should you go? Are you a foodie or an adventure-seeker? A water-lover or naturist? There’s something for everyone in 2024, so check out the top trending holiday destinations for the year as revealed by Booking.com’s annual travel predictions research*. 

Rotorua, New Zealand  

There’s more to New Zealand than Lord of the Rings tours and the capital city of Wellington. Head to the southern shore of the North Island and visit Rotorua, a city renowned for geothermal activity – think steaming geysers and bubbling mud pools – and indigenous Māori culture. Named after the lake its set on, Rotorua has spectacular hot springs (check out the Wai-O-Tapu sacred waters) while fans of water sports can try the exhilarating whitewater sledging on Kaituna River or ride a craft down the crater lakes.  

Rotorua is also a great place to learn about Māori culture, the indigenous people of New Zealand also known as Aotearoa. Visit Whakarewarewa – the only living Māori village in the country – and Tamaki Māori Village where visitors can enjoy traditional hāngi feasts (steam cooked banquets) that’s only a short drive from the city.   

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Valkenburg, Netherlands  

Just over two hours away from Amsterdam lies Valkenburg, a city in the province of Limburg that is just as pretty in the summer as it is in winter. With the famous marlstone caves, some of which date back to the Middle Ages, the South Limburg Steam Train and the Valkenburg Castle ruins, the country's only castle built on a hill.  

The most popular time to visit is during the Christmas holidays thanks to its famous underground market with stalls selling waffles smothered in melted chocolate alongside miniature villages and local treats. Above ground the entire town becomes a winter wonderland covered with numerous events for all ages to enjoy.  

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Beppu, Japan 

With water-centric travel likely to become one of the year’s hottest trends, the spa resort in the city of Beppu is worth considering for a visit. Located along the southern coast of Kyushu Island, the ‘Onsen Capital of Japan’ has more natural hot springs than anywhere else in the country and is perfect for visitors wanting to immerse themselves into Japanese bathing culture.  

Other things to do include the ‘Hells of Beppu’, a collection of eight geothermal springs, and Mount Tsurumi, a volcanic mountain accessible via the Beppu Ropeway that has panoramic views from the top.  

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Portland, Oregon, United States 

Celebrated as one of the greenest cities in America, Portland embraces nature and its quirky local culture in equal measure. The biggest city in Oregon has embraced cutting-edge sustainable architecture like the Natural Capital Center, which has floors made entirely of recycled rubber tires, and boasts zero waste markets and eco-friendly cafes with delicious coffee and treats.  

Find out why it’s known as the ‘City of Roses’ with a visit to the International Rose Test Garden, take advantage of the cycling lanes and visit the many parks and leafy gardens, and don’t forget to take a tour of the Colombia River Gorge to see the stunning waterfalls that flow nearly a mile deep.  

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Buenos Aires, Argentina 

Foodies looking for fresh culinary experiences need look no further than Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital city. From new Michelin-star restaurants serving local faves with a modern twist to street food markets and trendy bakeries, Buenos Aires is fast becoming the international destination of choice for foodies.  

Head to La Boca or El Caminito for steak cooked on a traditional open-fire grill, taste the moreish dulce de leche alongside other traditional dishes. Of course, there’s lots more to do and see in the capital including the century old El Ateneo Grand Splendid (a grand theatre turned into a book shop), the street museum of El Caminito, and the many tango clubs and classes.  

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So what are you waiting for? Book your dream holiday with Virgin Red and Booking.com to earn 10 Virgin Points per £1 for a limited time.  

Haven’t signed up to Virgin Red yet? It’s never too late to start earning more rewards. Find out how.  

*Destinations had to be in the top 1,000 most booked on Booking.com between 1 August 2022 and 31 July 2023. The resulting list was then sorted by year-over-year increase. The destinations were slightly curated to ensure geographic distribution. 

The small print

Virgin Red's terms and conditions and booking.com terms and conditions apply.  

Please be aware of the following key terms and conditions:   

• To earn Virgin Points, you need to make your purchase by accessing Booking.com via the Get points button on the Virgin Red app or website and completing your transaction within one browsing session. If you go direct to Booking.com you will not earn points.  

• Virgin Points will be credited within 120 days after your completed stay. No Virgin Points will be rewarded for no-shows or cancelled bookings.  

• Available points will vary depending on location of your booking:  

UK/Europe: 10 Virgin Points / £1 for bookings made between 09:00am GMT on 15 January and 11:59pm GMT on 5 February 2024.  USA, South Africa & Caribbean: 1 Virgin Point / £1   Rest of world: 5 Virgin Points / £1  * Minimum 15% saving available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties indicated by the “Early 2024 Deal” badge on the search results and room selection pages. Bookings must be made before 10:00 am CET on 01/04/24 for stays with check-in from 01/01/24 and check-out on or before 01/04/24. Discount applies to the cost of room only (excluding any additional fees or taxes). If you make any changes to your booking you may lose your discount and be liable for the full amount. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion except Genius discounts. Room rates labelled “Partner Offer” are excluded from this promotion. This offer is provided by the participating property and subject to availability.