5 Travel Experts Share Their 2024 Dream Destinations
It’s time to start planning your travel for the coming year. Interested in experiencing the luxe dude ranch life? Going old school and sipping martinis in West Hollywood? Island hopping in the South Pacific? We checked in with five Scouted travel advisers for the dynamic destinations that should be on your radar, both domestically and abroad. Read on to discover where they plan on jetting off to in the new year and get inspired to book that trip. Bon voyage! To find a Scouted travel expert, consult The Scout Guide Directory.
Alaska
“Alaska offers the kind of exotic adventure travelers are seeking, while still being relatively close to home. For adventure travelers who are looking for genuine, individualized experiences, including families, my favorite destination for fly fishing is the Iliamna River Lodge, about 200 miles southwest of Anchorage. Each day we take a float plane to access different remote, backcountry freshwater fishing, and return to the lodge for gourmet meals. If laying over in Anchorage, the historic Hotel Captain Cook is a great option.”– Antonio Rodrigues, owner and adventure travel director at Front Range Anglers in Boulder, Colorado
Los Angeles, California
“I’m looking forward to my upcoming stay at The Pendry West Hollywood. It’s the perfect jumping off point, giving you easy access to all the hottest restaurants and cocktail bars. Funke and ADKT are on my list for meals, as well as a martini at the Sunset Tower. The shops and people watching on Robertson Boulevard and La Cienega Boulevard are also sublime. I’m dying to go to the home decor store, L’Eclaireur.” – Caroline Labbé, co-owner of Labbé Travel in Jackson Hole Wyoming and Park City, Utah
Montana
“With the rise of shows like Yellowstone, 1883, and 1923, dude ranch vacations have never been more popular. In that vein, I’m excited to check out The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Montana, in the coming year. This five-star resort has private homes, luxury camping options, and even fantastic tree hauses. Activities include fly fishing, horseback riding, and even cattle drives. It’s fantastic for anyone wanting to live out a scene from their favorite show. There are also options for ATV adventures, aerial adventure parks, hiking, and more. Of course, those looking to pair their adventure with a side of pampering will enjoy the exceptional spa services.” – Tiffany Watt, owner and travel agent at DPP Travel in Beaufort, South Carolina
Santa Barbara, California
“My next getaway is to Santa Barbara, a special destination where we’re ticking off another National Park on my dad’s retirement bucket list—Channel Islands National Park. I always love itineraries that mix adventure and relaxation. On this trip, we]ll enjoy a sailing excursion to the islands for snorkeling, swimming, and whale watching. We’ll also spend time exploring downtown Santa Barbara, hit the local beaches, and stop at charming eateries like the iconic Brophy Bros on the wharf and McConnell’s for ice cream. Santa Barbara has many kid-friendly attractions and parks that are not to be missed. Some favorites include the Santa Barbara Zoo, the Natural History and MOXI museums, and Shoreline and Kids World parks. For accommodations, the Four Seasons Biltmore and Rosewood Miramar Beach both offer a wide range of activities, fantastic pools, and luxurious spas for a little indulging. At the Rosewood, the Miramar Mokes and Jollies are incredibly fun for exploring the area, and the Biltmore has a wonderful complimentary kids program to keep the little ones entertained while parents enjoy resort activities.” – Allie Justman, owner of Helm & Rudder Travel in Austin, Texas
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
“My family is going on a New Year’s ski trip. Since it’s a bit early in the ski season, I researched the best spots for December skiing and Steamboat Springs was a top pick. We’re not avid or even annual skiers, but it’s just something fun and adventurous to do after a few trips to warm and beachy destinations. We’ll spend at least one night in Denver, at the Limelight Hotel. Then take the long, scenic drive to Steamboat Springs (fingers crossed we see elk), where we’ll stay in a condo. We’re hoping to spend some time at Strawberry Park Hot Springs, for some much needed relaxation apres ski. We plan on flying home from Hayden to avoid a second drive on those mountain passes in the wintertime, but want to experience that beauty and possible elk viewings at least once.” – Julie Arbelaez, chief frog at Peace Frogs Travel/Outfitters in Charlottesville, Virginia
Tahiti & Bora Bora
“My next trip is to the South Pacific. We will be traveling to Tahiti and staying at the breathtaking resort The Brando. This is the pinnacle of a private island experience and has won many awards for its sustainability, while still maintaining an exquisite level of luxury for guests. We plan on spending time on the water, taking advantage of the many excursions the resort offers, as well as spending time in the capital city of Papeete to purchase some Tahitian pearls. After that we will be heading to Bora Bora and staying at the Four Seasons. In between relaxing on the beach, I’m hoping to swim with the whales and dining at Jean Georges’ Lagoon Restaurant, at The St. Regis.” – Caroline Labbé, co-owner of Labbé Travel in Jackson Hole Wyoming and Park City, Utah
Greenland
“Next on my travel agenda is a Greenland Expedition Cruise. The northern lights have always been a dream, and after an incredible Arctic expedition to Svalbard, the call of the untouched Arctic landscapes and captivating wildlife has been impossible to resist. Experiencing the aurora borealis at sea is a vision I can’t wait to bring to life. Having already had an exceptional journey with Quark Expeditions, I’m eagerly anticipating sailing with this outstanding team once again. The demand for polar expeditions is growing, giving travelers access to more destinations and itineraries, while advancements in vessel stability and sustainability have significantly enhanced the expedition experience. Polar adventurers will also benefit from a broader array of immersive activities. For instance, Quark’s Ultramarine ship is equipped with two helicopters for inland exploration, zodiacs and kayaks for coastal excursions, a spa and gym for wellness, and a team of highly experienced lecturers who truly bring the destination to life. The northernmost islands offer a serenity that is both grounding and calming. It’s the perfect chance to fully disconnect.” – Allie Justman, owner of Helm & Rudder Travel in Austin, Texas
Medellin, Colombia
“Several years ago we went to Medellin, Colombia, to see the famous La Ferias de las Flores (Festival of the Flowers) that happens in the city every August. I had been hearing about the festival from my in-laws for many years and it was an incredibly beautiful experience. Summer 2024, we plan to return and visit a few places we missed on the first trip. I’m excited to visit the Museo del Oro in Bogota and eat some fantastic Colombian street food. We will also go to Barichara, considered one of the prettiest colonial towns in the country and to one of the most popular cities, Cartagena, which gives us a little time on the coast. I hope to stay at the Hotel Casa San Agustin in Cartagena, which just seems like a dreamy end to our vacation.” – Julie Arbelaez, chief frog at Peace Frogs Travel/Outfitters in Charlottesville, Virginia
Jordan & Egypt
“Petra and the pyramids are becoming more popular with the understanding we are losing these sites to weather and erosion. Many people, myself included, want to see these amazing wonders before they are lost. For this reason, I plan to venture to Jordan and Egypt next year for a land and water adventure. We will start our Egyptian adventure in Jordan at the fabulous St. Regis Amman, and then move on to Petra, to visit the historical city of Raqmu and relax at the luxurious Movenpick Resort Petra. Before our cruise, we will transition to Cairo with a stay at the magnificent Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence, and visit The Egyptian Museum, King Tut’s Treasures, and the Alabaster Mosque. We will then hop on a flight to Luxor and join the AmaWaterways cruise on the AmaDalhia for a trip up the Nile. As we cruise, we will enjoy our luxury suite accommodations—there are only 36 cabins for 72 passengers—while visiting the Valley of the Kings and Queens, markets, palaces, temples full of history, and other historical sites, including e Abu Simbel, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ramses II.. At the end of our cruise, we’ll spend a final evening at the fantastic Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence before boarding our flight back to the U.S.” – Tiffany Watt, owner and travel agent at DPP Travel in Beaufort, South Carolina
**Destination submitted before recent conflicts in the region. Please confirm travel is advisable and safe before departing.**
Christmas Island, Republic of Kiribati
“For adventure travelers, the ability to access and experience a remote, wild, or off-the-beaten-path destination is in and of itself a luxury. Christmas Island, part of the Republic of Kiribati, checks all those boxes. Exploring Christmas Island with a guide is like entering another world. Mother nature provides all the luxury in Kiribati, which lies 2,500 miles off the coast of Hawaii, with iconic saltwater flats and long horizons. It’s a dream destination for a saltwater angler.” – Antonio Rodrigues, owner and adventure travel director at Front Range Anglers in Boulder, Colorado
Front Range Anglers appears in The Scout Guide Boulder. Labbé Travel appears in The Scout Guide Park City. DPP Travel appears in The Scout Guide Beaufort & Bluffton. Helm & Rudder Travel will appear in The Scout Guide Austin. Peace Frogs Travel/Outfitters appears in The Scout Guide Charlottesville.
