8 holiday hotspots to put on your radar in 2024

1. Montenegro

A Balkan beauty filled with Instagram-worthy scenery, historic towns and pretty beaches, Montenegro has been sneaking on to adventurous holidaymakers' radars for a while now. And according to TravelSupermarket data, it's continuing to make an impression with a 156% increase in searches last year compared to 2022.

Some thanks can be given to new hotel debuts in 2023, including the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, as well as the launch of a gondola lift that connects coastal Kotor to the lush landscapes of Lovcen National Park.

This year promises its own set of exciting openings too, with the welcome of luxury resorts from big hitters Rixos and Ritz-Carlton, plus a new Jet2 flight route between Birmingham and Tivat, set to fly from May to October.

Montenegro’s abundance of outdoor activities is also turning heads. On the coast, windsurfing and kayaking are top of the itinerary, while inland, hiking and mountain biking are popular picks.

2. Tunisia

Like your beach escape with buckets of sunshine and at a price that won’t make your wallet wince? You may have noticed Tunisia popping up more and more as an affordable beach destination and you’re not alone – data from TravelSupermarket HQ points to this North African hotspot being a hit in 2024, too.

With vast golden beaches and fantastic resorts lining the Mediterranean coast, all-inclusive holidays are Tunisia's calling card. You’ll find the best deals in Hammamet and Sousse – the former is even one of the cheapest all-inclusive holiday destinations for summer 2024. Summer temperatures peak in the low 30s meaning a blast of sunshine is all but guaranteed, with the mercury rarely dropping below the mid-teens even in winter.

Beyond your sun-lounger, the buzzing souks in Monastir and Mahdia give Marrakech’s famed marketplace a run for its money. Bargain hunters can haggle for colourful hammam towels, handmade ceramics and exotic spices, while history buffs won’t want to miss out on El Jem’s Roman amphitheatre.

3. Paris

The City of Lights is no stranger to a city break round-up list. But an exciting line-up of events including the reopening of the Disneyland Hotel (January 25), the Olympic Games (July 26 - August 11) and the Notre Dame restoration (set for December) are keeping Paris high on travel wishlists in 2024.

If you’re lucky enough to have tickets for the Olympics, book your accommodation as soon as possible – hotel prices are already skyrocketing for July and August. The rest of us should stick to the shoulder seasons for a more affordable city break (note that the Paralympics runs until September 8).

Spring is a great time to see the city's gardens in full bloom and the Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés’ Festival brings a musical buzz come May. Or, visit in autumn for fiery foliage and to see the impressive Olympic venues while they’re still shiny – new builds include the 8,000-seat Adidas Arena. The Eiffel Tower is also undergoing an amazing transformation in time for the Games.

4. Sri Lanka

Whether you’re seeking tropical shores or a culture hit, Sri Lanka is this year’s Asia pick. Just take its food scene – 2024 marks the first year of the country’s new food festival, Gourmet Galle, in which celebrated international chefs invite you to an exclusive dinner in some of the country’s most beautiful hotels and villas.

Even if you’re not a foodie, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Sigiriya and Kandy are sure to satisfy any culture craver, while the palm-fringed beaches of Mirissa and Weligama keep tourists returning to their sun-soaked shores, especially thanks to a boom in luxury wellness hotels along the coast.

The continuing development of the new Pekoe Trail is also making it easier to experience the island’s lush interior. The 300km (186-mile) hiking route across Sri Lanka’s highlands will take travellers through tea plantations, local villages, rainforest and more.

5. Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

With castaway-vibe beaches and world-class watersports that can be enjoyed without the price tag, Sharm el Sheikh has some serious holiday hype this year – up 129% in searches.

The popular Red Sea resort was a top choice for holidaymakers seeking an all-inclusive beach break in 2023 thanks to its affordability (the sterling has skyrocketed against the Egyptian pound since December 2021). Near-guaranteed sunshine throughout the year, plus tons of glamourous beachfront hotel options, have helped maintain its appeal for 2024 too.

For activities, there’s plenty to get stuck into beyond your sun-lounger. Home to thriving coral reefs and a diverse array of marine life, Sharm el Sheikh is Egypt’s go-to diving destination, while above the water there’s windsurfing, parasailing and yachting on offer. To really get your adrenaline pumping, take to the dunes for a 4x4 buggy ride or, for a once-in-a lifetime adventure, book a camel safari in the desert and spend a night camping beneath the stars.

6. Albania

Dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Med’, Albania caused quite a stir in 2023 as an up-and-coming beach destination. And it’s not hard to see why: it’s got sparkling seas, a coastline pocketed with sandy beaches and cost of living prices far lower than its Greek island neighbours.

New flight routes from both Ryanair and Wizz Air have kept it firmly on the radar in 2024 for a budget beach break. Top beach resorts include Dhërmi, Himarë and Ksamil, each with their own charms to suit all types of traveller – whether you’re after lively beach clubs and tavernas open until late or family-friendly seaside spots with all the essential holiday amenities at your fingertips.

Albania’s inland beauty is also part of the draw. Bordering Montenegro in the north, the Albanian Alps show the country’s wild and rugged interior at its best. Head to the Valbona Valley or Theth National Parks for a treasure trove of hiking trails through unspoiled countryside.

7. Cape Verde

Adrift in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa, the Cape Verde archipelago is quintessential island paradise – think beaches lined by swaying palms, turquoise seas and a laidback local vibe that’s too hard to resist. New TUI flights from the UK in summer 2024 and a 25% increase in searches on TravelSupermarket suggests Cape Verde is firmly on the map for holidaymakers this year.

Boa Vista and Sal are the most popular islands for a package beach holiday thanks to their all-inclusive hotels, family-friendly beaches and attractions to suit all ages. Boa Vista’s desert-like dunes and wildlife-rich waters are made for quad bike tours and whale watching boat trips, while Sal’s powder-soft sands and renowned windsurfing conditions are sure to entice any type of beach bum.

Head further afield and São Vicente is a hub of cultural sites and grooving nightlife. Or, if you’re seeking true tranquillity, make for Brava’s lush hinterlands – it’s nicknamed ‘the island of flowers’ for a reason.

8. Paros, Milos and Ios, Greece

Forget Santorini’s white-washed shores and Mykonos’ beach clubs – it's the other Cyclades we’re about this year. Say hello to the three Cycladic sisters rising through the ranks: Paros, Milos and Ios.

Made all the more accessible by the launch of the inter-island airline, Cycladic, in 2022, they’re in the spotlight following a growing trend for multi-destination and island-hopping holidays.

Sleepy by day and alive by night, Paros is about laidback beach days and evenings in lively tavernas and beach bars. Island capital, Parikia, and Naoussa are the tourist hubs, where cobblestoned streets, ancient churches and waterfront seafood restaurants charm those who have already made it here.

For secret coves and picturesque scenery that will make you forget Santorini’s crowded shores in a heartbeat, Milos is a must for off-the-beaten-track beaches and old-school Greek charm. Ios – only accessible by ferry or boat – is the place to be if you’re all about golden beaches by day and legendary parties come night.

*Research based on TravelSupermarket search data from 2022 and 2023.