As we bid a fond farewell to the year when travel came back to life (and beyond!), it's time to look forward to all the amazing places we'll be heading to in 2024. As a pioneer in community tourism, we are a traditional destination where long-distance travel is gaining popularity, giving travelers more time to make meaningful connections. We are glad that you want your trip to give back to the local people and bring you closer to the culture and traditions of the place. That's why we've compiled our annual list of popular travel destinations filled with mutually beneficial experiences and noteworthy reasons to visit.
1: Japan
Since reopening, travelers can't get enough of Japan, and bookings are also increasing in the Land of the Rising Sun. With a whopping 134% rise in 2024, this trend is set to continue with the launch of the Gelluxe collection, a new line of premium active travel. Our high altitude Japan itinerary includes hiking the remote Michinoku Coastal Trail, built to bring local tourism back to Iwate after the tsunami. Plus, we are one of the first major operators to include this hike!
Key suggestions: Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Michinoku Coastal Trail
On this 11-day trip from Tokyo to Kyoto, you'll discover villages outside Kyoto on foot and hike to Unotori Shrine in Fudai, Iwate Prefecture. There you will witness unique cultural performances that are virtually absent in other parts of Japan.
2: Portugal
Numbers don't lie. Portugal has seen notable growth, with the number of travelers tripling since 2019 and increasing by 33% compared to 2022. With its affordability, accessibility, fantastic food, culture and history, there are many reasons to experience this European gem. In North America, new direct flights to Porto will launch this summer from New York, Boston and Toronto on Azores Airlines. Since its star continues to rise, I would advise you to go before it gets more popular.
Key suggestions: Highlights of Portugal
During this seven-day trip from Lisbon to Porto, dine on traditional meals in one of Lisbon's oldest districts to the sounds of Fado by Portuguese folk musicians and immerse yourself in UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Monastery of Batalha. , the University of Coimbra, and the picturesque town of Sintra.
3: Uzbekistan
In general, Stans has become quite a popular destination when people want to check off big 'bucket list' destinations and travel to lesser-known countries. Uzbekistan saw a 53% increase compared to the previous year and a 16% increase in 2019. Explore two new cultural hubs: the stunning Tashkent Center for Islamic Civilization, scheduled to open in April 2024, and the Center for Contemporary Art, which opened in 2019.
Key suggestions: Highlights of Uzbekistan
On a 10-day trip from Tashkent, you will head into the desert to visit the Chashma complex, a pilgrimage site in the Nurata territory dominated by the ruins of Alexander the Great's fortress. Visit the remote Aydarkul Lake for a swim before spending the night in a local yurt camp to enjoy an authentic Uzbek dinner and an evening Kazakh song show.
4: India
The pace has picked up over the past year, with bookings from India doubling between 2022 and 2023. And the good news is that our partnership with National Geographic means exclusive experiences are included with every itinerary. Canadians are expected to be shocked now that their visas have been restored. For Australians and New Zealanders, Air India has added a new direct route from Melbourne to Mumbai from mid-December 2023. And in the UK, Virgin Atlantic has announced a new direct route from London Heathrow to Bengaluru, opening up a country beyond your own to explore. G Adventure Experience.
Key suggestions: National Geographic Travel Highlights with G Adventures North India
Your eight-day adventure from Delhi will take you to Jaipur, also known as the Pink City. There, you'll meet local historians and sociology scholars, learn about India's complex social structure and traditions, and discuss topics ranging from the country's belief system to architecture.
5: Mexico
Vibrant and colorful Mexico is proving more popular than before the pandemic due to the introduction of new travel destinations. This includes two Geluxe Collection premium activity itineraries that bring traditional beach destinations to life. Up 24% from 2019 and 28% from last year, Mexico continues to be hot.
Key suggestions: Mexico: Central Mexico and Yucatan Peninsula
The 14-day trip from Oaxaca to Tulum will take you through Oaxaca's cobblestone streets and markets, eating mole in Puebla, biking through agave fields and taking a break from the heat by swimming in a jungle sinkhole near Mérida.
6: Vietnam
Vietnam, another country that is late in reopening but has seen its traveler numbers double since 2022, offers great value for adventurous families. With delicious food, beautiful sights, and friendly people, children can learn about other cultures in a fun and interesting way. With more airlifts from Australia's largest cities through both Vietjet and Vietnam Airlines, Vietnam is poised to continue experiencing significant growth. Vietnam Airlines has also confirmed a return to daily frequency from London Heathrow to Vietnam this winter, with daily direct flights resuming in October 2023.
Key suggestions: vietnam family adventure
On your 12-day trip from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, you will visit Oodles of Noodles, a G for Good project that supports former street youth to help prepare and cook different types of noodles.
7: Greece
As travelers begin to flock back to Europe, Greece has seen massive growth of 90% compared to 2019 and 24% year-on-year. One of the best ways to escape the crowds and mingle with the locals is by boat. Sailing trips that take you to remote islands to enjoy local cuisine and culture are the epitome of community tourism. You can enjoy the unique highlights of each Greek island while spreading your wealth to lesser-known areas.
Key suggestions: Greece sailing – from Santorini to Santorini
On this 10-day trip from Santorini, your coastal experiences include a walk through the Syros Marketplace, discovering the beauty of the Venetian ruins of Paros, and hiking through the trails and paths of Sifnos.
8: Thailand
Thailand, which is making a huge comeback, is expected to enjoy an even bigger boom as travelers head to the country before the 'White Lotus Effect' takes hold, and filming for the third season is scheduled to begin in 2024. Traveler numbers are up 76% year-on-year, but it's still a solid choice for young travelers and backpackers looking for an affordable escape.
Key suggestions: From Bangkok to Hanoi: Chiang Mai, night markets and street bars
The adventure from Bangkok to Hanoi on the nine-day Roamies trip in partnership with Hostelworld includes a visit to Bangkok's Yimsoo Cafe, which provides training and economic opportunities for people with disabilities.
9: Korea
Since reopening, the country's popularity as a leader in Asian trends has proven to be a welcome surprise, with numbers doubling in 2023 compared to 2019. With the help of K-Pop and K-dramas, Korea also offers rich traditional culture, amazing food, and memorable experiences. .
Key suggestions: Korea's best
During your eight-day trip from Seoul, you will visit the city's highlights, visit folk villages, unique Korean temples, and Busan's bustling markets. You'll also learn about the dark history of North and South Korea and visit the demilitarized zone that separates the two.
10: Italy
Italy, another popular post-pandemic travel destination, is up 30% from 2019 and 24% year-on-year. If dream destinations are your top priority, it's no wonder that this perennial favorite is high on everyone's list. We do our best to help you get off the beaten path and really immerse yourself in beautiful Italian everyday life through our local living experiences.
Key suggestions: Local life in Italy – Amalfi Coast
On this eight-day trip from Naples, you will live like one of the locals, discovering the small villages, mountain trails and local customs of this unique and charming place. You'll also be based in a renovated 17th-century monastery, where you'll stay in bed.