2024’s Must-Visit Hotspots + Top Travel Destinations

Next year is going to be another big year for travel. According to CNBC, in 2024, Americans are more likely to choose hidden-gem destinations over tried-and-true tourist hotspots for their vacations. Travel + Leisure has unveiled a feature titled "Where to Go in 2024," which deviates from the usual recommendations such as New York City or Disney World. Instead, they focused on highlighting lesser-known places.

The travel magazine enlisted its staff to curate a list of destinations travelers should consider exploring in the coming year. These picks span various categories, including big-city thrills, cultural immersion, culinary experiences, waterfront destinations, and more.

Under the category of big-city thrills, international destinations such as Bangkok, Istanbul, Paris, and Montreal are featured. Meanwhile, within the U.S., cities like Louisville, Kentucky, Kansas City, Missouri, Fort Worth, Texas, and Cleveland, Ohio, make the list.

Louisville is highlighted for its upcoming 150th-anniversary celebration of the Kentucky Derby on May 4, along with its year-round rich history and cultural offerings. Kansas City earns its place on the list, not only for being a hub of the "Swelce" (Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce) dating phenomenon but also for becoming a destination for sports fans. This is especially true with the opening of the first-ever purpose-built stadium for women's pro sports by the Kansas City Current in March.

Fort Worth has been recognized for providing “classic Western experiences” and contributing $3 billion to tourism last year. Meanwhile, Cleveland is highlighted for its "big city thrills," starting with the NCAA Women's Final Four at the state-of-the-art Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in April. This is followed by a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

The Pan-American Masters Games will add to Cleveland's attractions from July 12-21. Then in November, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will return. Cleveland is also undergoing significant changes, with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History nearing completion of its $150-million expansion, featuring updated exhibits and new public spaces in University Circle.

See more destinations spotlighted by Travel + Leisure here.

Most of the time, if you're traveling outside of the U.S., you need a current passport to do it. But there are some places outside of the country where you can visit without a passport.  And that's good news for many Americans. A significant portion of Americans, roughly 55 percent, do not possess one.

Last year, the State Department reported that out of the 333,287,557 individuals residing in the United States, an estimated 55 percent, or a substantial portion, did not possess a passport. This figure, based on the total number of 151,814,305 valid U.S. passports in circulation, highlights the fact that a significant majority of Americans have yet to get one.

You don't always need a passport to visit some awesome places. There are U.S. islands and territories, like the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands, where you can hop on a plane and explore without a passport. However, it's important to note that the travel landscape can sometimes be confusing, as there are other U.S. territories, like Guam, where a passport is necessary for entry.

When it comes to closed-loop cruises, which are voyages departing from the U.S. and returning to the same port, travelers have a bit of leeway when it comes to passport requirements. According to Ilisa Oman, a travel agent at One World Family Travel, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows passengers on these cruises to travel without providing proof of a passport. Instead, a state-issued driver's license or identification card usually suffices.

Keep in mind that there are exceptions to this rule. It’s always best to check in with your cruise line for more information about your travels.

To make your trip planning a breeze, we've got your back with a list of cool destinations where you, as a U.S. citizen, can travel passport-free. Whether you don't have one or simply prefer to explore without the hassle of carrying one, we’ve got you covered.

This Caribbean island is part of the U.S. Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and even a tropical rainforest. If you're a U.S. citizen traveling from anywhere within the U.S., you don't need to hassle with a passport to visit this paradise. It's worth mentioning that starting from May 2025, there's this thing called the Real ID Act that kicks in. If your state isn't compliant with this Act, you'll need to bring your trusty passport to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico. So, make sure to check if your state is all set with the Real ID Act before planning your trip.

If you're craving island vibes, you might want to check out St. Croix. It is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won't need to worry about bringing your passport when traveling to and from this island.

The Northern Mariana Islands, a collection of 14 tropical wonders has sandy shores, azure waters, and an array of thrilling activities like windsurfing, cavern dives, and jungle treks. And yes, U.S. citizens can venture to these remote islands without the need for a passport. However, it's important to remember that you'll need to carry a government-issued proof of identification along with you during your visit.

St. Thomas, a Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and Danish colonial architecture. As a U.S. citizen, you won't need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas. However, it's important to note that if you plan to explore the neighboring British Virgin Islands, a valid passport will be required. For your adventures on St. Thomas, it only requires a government-issued ID with your photo.

St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island is home to the  Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, where you can embark on thrilling adventures like scuba diving, hiking, and even discover prehistoric archaeological sites. Since St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can leave your passport at home when traveling there.