There are plenty of destinations that many travel enthusiasts aspire to see from around the world, as international tourism reached almost 90% of pre-COVID-19 levels in 2023.

And if you visit any popular destination during the summer, you’ve probably found it busier than ever.

So maybe it’s time to look at destinations that are still largely undiscovered, tempting in the off-season, or often overlooked for major cities. Maybe it’s time to head to destinations that are easy for tourists to visit and those that pay great attention to encouraging sustainable tourism.

Here are 10 destinations to keep in mind when planning your next trip in 2024:

Fujairah

One of the smallest in the UAE, Fujairah is as quiet as it is beautiful, full of gorgeous mountain ranges and pristine beaches, far less sophisticated than the Emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, providing an authentic and quiet atmosphere that is difficult to overcome.

Fujairah has a cooler climate than other emirates because of its mountainous location, yet winter months are certainly the best time to visit.

Snoopy Island, a snorkelling site resembling the famous cartoon dog character body, is a great attraction thanks to its clear waters and coral reefs, while cascading waterfalls in Wadi Al-Waqah National Park are other places to watch.

Morocco

Morocco has long been a favorite travel destination thanks to its diverse landscapes and stunning architecture, and it rebounded strongly after last September’s devastating earthquake.

While visitors tend to gather in popular cities like Marrakesh, Rabat, and Fez, the country certainly does not lack less crowded places that are arguably equally attractive.

Highlights include the city of Tetouan and the historic city of Meknes, which are among the nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Morocco has proven to be a global leader when it comes to sustainable tourism, with various initiatives launched to promote renewable energy generation.

The country is also home to a number of important eco-friendly hotels, including the Berber-run Kasbah Toubkal Hotel, located at the base of the stunning High Atlas Mountains.

Uzbekistan

Before the pandemic, Uzbekistan was on the verge of becoming the next big travel destination thanks to a series of ambitious reforms to transform the country into a world-class destination.

Providing visa-free access to citizens of 86 countries, Uzbekistan’s pristine landscapes and well-preserved architecture are ready, waiting to dazzle visitors.

To discover more about Uzbekistan’s location in the heart of the legendary Silk Road, a historic trade route stretching from China and India to the Mediterranean, travelers await the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Haifa.

Meanwhile, the mountain village of Santop, about 3 hours from Samarkand, was added to UNESCO’s list of ‘best tourist villages’ in 2023. It has been cited for its commitment to sustainable development, with a focus on nature, organic food, ecotourism, and mountain tourism.

Galicia, Spain

Galicia is an autonomous region at the northwestern tip of Spain, whose regional capital, Santiago de Compostela, has long been on the tourist map thanks to its stunning twelfth-century cathedral, which is the end point for the hundreds of thousands of pedestrians who embark each year on the Santiago de Compostela routes, a network of pilgrimage routes to the shrine of St. James of Zebedee in the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.

But even if you don’t plan on packing your walking shoes, the bustling city of Santiago should be on your radar.

For stunning views, head to Cabo Vesterra, a rocky peninsula that houses the picturesque Finnister Lighthouse.

Lighthouses are a special theme in Galicia; there are a total of 19 lighthouses, including the UNESCO-protected first-century Tower of Hercules, believed to be the oldest surviving Roman lighthouse in the world.

Macedonia, Greece

Athens and the Greek islands become more crowded every year, but in northern Greece, the Macedonian region is relatively free of overtourism. However, it has everything that visitors flock to other places in Greece to see, such as archaeological sites, cities rich in history, and abundant beaches.

This was the land of Alexander the Great. His father, Philip II of Macedon, was buried in Virginia, and his grave was turned into a world-class underground museum.

Nearby, there are Byzantine remains in the hilltop town of Feria and fascinating wineries such as Kir Yani in the hills surrounding Naousa.

Thessaloniki, the capital of the region and the second city in Greece, is a food hub as well as a mix of architectural and archaeological eras. Near the city are the sandy beaches of Halkidiki. Towards the border with Thrace are archaeological areas such as ancient Philippi and the city of Kavala, whose Ottoman past is visible in every building.

South Korea

Fortunately, traveling to the country is easier than ever, as the government waives K-ETA requirements—South Korea’s e-visa—for travelers from 22 countries until the end of 2024 as part of the Visit Korea Year campaign.

After exploring futuristic cities such as Seoul and Busan, visitors await the cultural and historical side of ancient Korea in Andong, dubbed the ‘Spirit of South Korea’, or the seven tombs of ancient Jaya Tomoli, newly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023.

Angola

The southern African country is struggling to make a change in the tourism landscape, recently introducing a tourist e-visa with quick approval. While the major tourist infrastructure may not be at that level yet, it is an opportunity to explore a country that is still far from the travel radar.

The capital city of Luanda has a reputation as an expensive festive city, but in the vast open spaces beyond, Angola has some stunning scenery and cultural fun.

Lubango features Portuguese colonial architecture and an impressive statue of Christ the King on a Rio hilltop.

Sumba, Indonesia

For those looking for a beach destination that prioritizes community awareness and sustainability, the Indonesian island of Sumba has it for them.

With its remote villages, pristine forests, ancient rituals, and world-class surf breaks, Sumba is the perfect antidote to the Bali crowds, just an hour’s flight away.

It may not yet be internationally famous, but its area is more than 10,000 square kilometers, twice the size of Bali.

Black Sea Region in Turkey

Although much less known than the Mediterranean yacht resorts on Turkey’s turquoise coast, the Black Sea region, also known as Karadenis, offers a completely different side of the country.

The area includes historic towns and villages as well as beaches and adrenaline-inducing activities.

In the summer, it serves as a refreshing retreat away from Turkey’s hotter regions.

Visitors can explore the old streets, enjoy the beach life of Amassara, and climb to where one of the world’s oldest monasteries clings to a cliff in Sumila.

Culebra, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a great getaway from island life, but what if you want to escape to a smaller place?

The small island of Culebra is located about 32 kilometers off the east coast of Puerto Rico, away from San Juan’s bustling nightlife.

The focus here is on outdoor activities and relaxation, such as Flamenco Beach, which is a great location for snorkeling and swimming.