2024’s must-visit spots: Panama, smaller US cities, Greece, Thailand, first-time cruises
Image courtesy of Wieteke Maris
I started this year with a bang as an independent travel advisor with Fora. My heart and work have been in travel forever, and now I’m putting all I have learned into my new adventure as a small business owner. There is nothing I love more than being the matchmaker between you and your perfect destination!
As a travel advisor, I can tap into my community of fellow travel advisors for (data-driven) intel on trending destinations, and I’ve put together a 2024 Hot List. In 2024, expect rising stars (hola, Panama), as well as tried & true classics in destinations like Greece. Read on to learn what’s trending in travel this year (plus where to stay, of course).
1. Panama
Image courtesy of Isla Palenque
Why I chose it: Costa Rica, Belize, I love ya. But Panama, which at times was overlooked, is now taking center-stage. This Central American country perfects the combo of city and seclusion: enjoy a weekend of culture and history in Panama City’s Casco Antiguo, followed by island escapes that the crowds haven’t found yet. And it’s easy enough to get to, with frequent flights from around the US. This is the trip I’m planning for my family!
Hotel happenings: Panama City’s top places to stay are two new properties, Hotel La Compañia and the Sofitel Legend. Two fantastic options walking distance from anything you’ll want to do.
Spend a weekend in the city, then fly west to David, the entry point to two private islands. Choose Islas Secas for the ultimate splurge hideaway in stunning casitas (romantic). Or, Isla Palenque, a small barefoot beach retreat for a laid-back luxury experience complete with wild monkeys swinging from the trees over outdoor soaking tubs.
Perks at Hotel La Compañia: Welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Perks at Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo/ Islas Secas Private Island & Reserve / Resort at Isla Palenque: $100 food/beverage credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
2. Smaller U.S. Cities
Image courtesy of Ace Hotel New Orleans
Why I chose it: Move over, LA and NYC: smaller cities are having a moment. Second-tier cities (that are sometimes overlooked) are an easy way to maximize a weekend trip. You can eat well, stay somewhere stylish, and make it back to the office by Monday morning.
Hotel happenings: Austin has always been a hotspot for hip hotels, but now other Texan cities are stepping up their game: Fort Worth recently welcomed Auberge’s Bowie House. I know that Houston technically isn't a small city, but worth mentioning while on the topic of Texas: The Thompson opened a hotel in downtown Houston (don’t miss the Thompson Denver, either).
Out west, keep an eye on Mollie, a new boutique mountain hotel in Aspen, and the exciting renovation of Mii Amo in Sedona.
And, New Orleans is back, big time. The hip Virgin Hotels New Orleans opened in 2021. Nobu Hotel and Restaurant New Orleans are set to open at the end of this year. For a more hipster vibe, there is always the Ace. I loved the location in the Warehouse District (close to the art galleries, perfect for my art-loving clients).
Perks at Thompson Houston and Denver / Mii Amo / Virgin Hotel: hotel/resort credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & early check-in whenever possible.
Perks at Four Seasons, New Orleans: When you book Four Seasons with me, you'll enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. I'll be pleased to give you more details.
3. Greece
Image courtesy of Wieteke Maris
Why I chose it: I get it: Greece is always a place people want to go. But now is the time to venture to the islands you haven’t heard much about yet. Plus, the Athenian Riviera has gotten a major upgrade with One&Only Aesthesis, making it a great escape located outside of the city’s center.
Hotel happenings: In Corfu, Angsana attracts all types of travelers, families included, or look at Kos, where the adults-only, ‘sexy’, OKU Kos awaits with a private beach and locally sourced cuisine.
Although Crete is larger than the other Greek islands, I love it for its down-to-earth vibe. You can’t go wrong with Domes Zeen Chania, designed to resemble a traditional Greek village. And Chania is such a lovely town to wander in. Or, check into Phaea Blue Palace, a new boutique property withmany rooms offering private pools.
Postcard-worthy Naxos embodies the ideal Greek vacation for me: secluded laid-back luxury, a slower pace of life, and full of adventures. We stayed at the low-key Sport Hotel Flisvos, which offered a perfect blend of comfort and authenticity and is right on the water. For travelers seeking a serene and sustainable retreat, I recommend the eco-luxury villas from the Naxian Collection. This hotel is a true family affair, producing their own wine and olive oil. Divine!
Mykonos is anything but under-the-radar, but the chic eco-minded Cali Mykonos (which opened in 2023) is on the quieter side of the island, and it’s a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Finally, One&Only, an expert in spectacular hotels in distinctive locations, opened Aesthesis, on the Athenian Riviera (translation: far enough from the crowds of Athens, but close enough for a day trip to see the sites).
Perks at Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa / Domes Zeen Chania / Blue Palace / Naxian Collection / Cali Mykonos: $100 hotel/resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Perks at One&Only Aesthesis: You'll score VIP perks at One&Only hotels thanks to Fora's partnership with One&Only Resorts.
4. Thailand
Image courtesy of Six Senses
Why I chose it: Two words: White Lotus. In 2023, we saw Sicily bookings skyrocket due to the popularity of White Lotus. And the destination’s popularity isn’t going anywhere, especially with the announcement of the new Neos Airlines direct flight from NYC to Palermo, starting summer 2024. Since the show’s creator Mike White is set to film in Thailand, I am pretty sure this destination will similarly soar.
Thailand offers all kinds of experiences, from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of the islands. From exploring ancient temples and savoring street food to trekking through the lush jungle or relaxing on the beach. The last time I visited Thailand, backpacking in my early 20s, feels like a lifetime ago. Now, I'm excited to explore the country again, this time indulging in slightly more luxury accommodations.
Hotel happenings: There is the much-anticipated Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, which opens this year. Expect spectacular service and equally spectacular city views from the rooftop infinity pool.
Speaking of Bangkok, Kimpton is a great option. This is a true urban sanctuary in the middle of the bustling city. Also new and on my radar is the new InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, which includes a series of historic train carriages restored into suites.
Up north, the Raya Heritage Chiang Mai, set on the banks of the river Ping, celebrates Chiang Mai’s rich culture and crafts. A great base from which to explore Northern Thailand.
And go beyond Phuket, stay at the Six Senses for a castaway barefoot experience on the little island Yao Noi. Heavenly.
Perks at Kimpton: daily breakfast, $100 value-added amenity, upgrade and extended check-in upon availability, guaranteed 2:00 pm late check-out, VIP level
Perks at InterContinental Khao Yai Resort / Raya Heritage Chiang Mai: $100 hotel/resort credit, welcome amenities, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Perks at Six Senses: Upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible, daily breakfast, complimentary, 50-minute massage for up to two people.
5. First-time cruises
Image courtesy of HX
Why I chose it: 2023 was the year that non-cruisers became cruisers, and I'm fascinated. The trend isn’t going anywhere, and interest in cruising — especially on less stereotypical cruises— is on the rise. I have yet to take my first-ever cruise, but admit that I’m intrigued by these new options.
Cruise happenings: Interesting is Virgin Voyages, with Virgin’s Valiant Lady on its way to its newest home port, San Juan. Now the ship can visit the lesser Antilles, adding many new destinations to its lineup, and the signature Scarlet Lady will introduce longer itineraries across the Mediterranean.
Luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent purchased Crystal Cruises (now re-envisioned as simply Crystal). Expect a whole new level of luxury at sea in 2024 to the tune of a $150 million Italian refurbishing. Also new in the luxury cruising world is Explora Journeys, which welcomed its first guests in 2023 with the Explora I.
And my eyes are on the Four Seasons yacht, which takes its maiden voyage in 2025 — and when reservations open up, they’ll go fast.
What caught my attention, especially with my sons in mind, is the expedition cruise. For example with the newly rebranded HX (Hurtigruten). The brand unveiled its much-anticipated voyages to West Africa late last year. Or the Alaska Coastal Wilderness expedition with Lindblad & National
Geographic. Both offer intimate and eco-friendly cruises, with active adventures on- and off-board.