2024 turned out to be a year where travel destinations sparkled with renewed vibrancy. Italy felt nothing short of magical, Denmark radiated serenity, and three lesser-known American cities became unexpected delights. As Europe blossomed post-pandemic, travelers found joy in new hotel openings and peaceful urban retreats.
The Greek island of Tinos finally came into the spotlight in early summer, after years of whispers. Accessible via Mykonos, it’s a tranquil oasis nine nautical miles away, steeped in simplicity with unspoiled landscapes and charming harbor towns. The summer of 2024 marked the opening of Odera, a hotel embodying the island’s quintessential Greek hospitality. Its 77 rooms and suites, along with a wonderfully curated spa, offer a blue and white paradise to its guests.
Meanwhile, in Italy, Franciacorta beckoned as an emerging wine destination just outside Milan. Known as Italy’s answer to champagne, over 100 wineries await exploration. Within this idyllic landscape, L’Albereta stands out as a top-notch hotel, blending exquisite food with a passion for winemaking. This area captivates visitors with its seamless mix of stunning accommodations and rich culinary experiences.
Rome presented itself as the perfect winter getaway with its relatively warm weather compared to northern capitals. The allure of its still museums and churches, along with superb hotel offerings, makes it a top choice for starting a new year. The Palazzo Talia, a recently opened 17th-century marvel with interiors by Luca Guadagnino, adds to Rome’s charm and invites tourists back for more.
Across the Atlantic, a trio of American cities, known in aviation as ‘tertiary’ cities, welcomed travelers with open arms. Savannah, St Louis, and Minneapolis-St Paul, each distinct in character, shared a common love for good literature, impressive art galleries, and captivating new hotels. Among these, the St Louis Art Museum stands out for its contemporary exhibits that captivate any art enthusiast.
As summer graced Europe, and while many Italian cities bustled with tourists, Bari offered a more relaxed atmosphere. Though it attracted cruise passengers by day, they returned to their ships by evening, leaving the city for travelers to savor its history and southern Italian cuisine at their leisure. In this city, Vis Urban Suites, located in a mansion with Italian Art Nouveau style, impresses guests with its unique design and local ownership.
Returning to Denmark, the city of Copenhagen charmed with its community-minded Kanałhuset, where guests and locals gather for nightly communal meals. September’s warmth offered an unforgettable day of sunbathing and swimming in the harbor, vividly seizing the essence of Danish lifestyle and providing cherished memories.
2024 was a year when travel seemed to bloom to its fullest potential. From the enchanting landscapes of Tinos to the welcoming streets of Rome and the quiet allure of tertiary U.S. cities, each destination offered its own unique charm. Whether seeking serenity, history, or artistic pursuits, travelers discovered a multitude of reasons to explore the world around them.
Source: Forbes
