Domestic and foreign media are looking at Da Nang with admiration and expectations as the city has been named as the most liveable city in Viet Nam, a beautiful place that looks like Singapore, and more. The past decade was considered as the golden period of the city’s tourism as the city has received countless international awards.
Da Nang is attracting tourists from far and wide with bookings soaring for this summer. Photo: ST
In 2022 alone, Da Nang was honored with prestigious international titles, including ‘Asia’s Leading Festival and Event Destination 2022’ awarded by World Travel Awards; the 21st position in the list of 25 most popular tourist destinations in Asia voted by Tripadvisor; one of 10 best cities in Southeast Asia voted by New York-based Travel & Leisure Magazine. Recently, Booking.com has unveiled that Da Nang on par with Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has been named among the most visited destinations by Vietnamese tourists. Hence, Da Nang has been able to deliver unbelievable results in its tourism industry.
Da Nang has emerged as one of the hottest travel destinations this summer. The city is attracting tourists from far and wide, with bookings soaring for the summer months. The attractiveness of the city is mainly attributed to a series of world-class events during this summer. Most notably, the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2023 attracted a large number of tourists at both home and abroad.
Data provided by the Da Nang Statistics Department showed that the city saw an increase of 95.6% over the same period in 2022 in the number of tourist arrivals to reach more than 700,000, in May 2023. In which, international visitor arrivals in the city were estimated at over 169,000. In particular, the number of visitor arrivals at tourist accommodation establishments was more than 2.8 million in the first 5 months of 2023, 3.1 times more than in the corresponding period of 2022.
In fact, Da Nang has recorded vertical growth in its tourism industry not only in recent years, but also in more than a decade ago. For the first time ever, Da Nang has set a target in 2016 to attract more than 5 million tourist arrivals.
However, in the first 9 months of 2016, tourist arrivals in the city reached 4.5 million, an 18.3% rise compared with the previous year. It is quite interesting that Da Nang has maintained such a high growth rate of tourist arrivals in the following years. Most notably, nearly 8.6 million tourist arrivals were recorded in 2019, of whom, 3.5 million were foreigners. For the first time in history, Da Nang has welcomed such a high number of international arrivals.
The Politburo’s Resolution No. 33 on the construction and development of Da Nang during the process of industrialization and modernization in Viet Nam, identified the tourism industry as Da Nang’s key economic sector, as well as identified Da Nang as a tourism hub of the country.
In its efforts to achieve the above-mentioned goals, the Da Nang government has recently created a tourism development strategy in Da Nang to 2030, with a vision to 2045. Under this strategy, by 2030, Da Nang will strive to become a hub for tourism and high-quality services, an innovative destination of Viet Nam and Southeast Asia. By 2045, the city will be named as the best place to visit in Asia.
It is clear that, Da Nang has developed its tourism development policy with a focus on promoting the development of the tourism industry at the regional and Asian level. Da Nang can use its subjective and objective factors to make it the top tourist destination in Asia. The city will adopt bold solutions in order to turn its goals into reality.
In order to achieve the above-mentioned goals, local residents have an important role to play in implementing the sustainable development goals for the tourism sector in addition to the determination of the city’s leaders and efforts of the tourism industry itself.
So many places to see in the world. So many people eager to see them.
International tourism reached about 90% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, and the United States issued a record number of passports. And if you visited any popular destination over the summer, you’d probably argue it was more crowded than ever.
So maybe it’s time to look at places that are still largely undiscovered, or alluring in the offseason, or frequently overlooked for their larger first cities or neighbors. Maybe it’s time to head to places that are making it easier for tourists to visit and those that pay close attention to encouraging tourism that’s sustainable.
With those things in mind, CNN Travel chose 24 places to consider as you make your 2024 plans:
Sumba, Indonesia
These dancing trees can be found along the mangrove forest near Walakiri Beach in Sumba Island, Indonesia.(Tengguo Wu/iStockphoto/Getty Images/iStockphoto via CNN)
For those looking for a beach destination that prioritizes community consciousness and sustainability, the Indonesian island of Sumba delivers.
RELATED: 8 of 2023’s worst destinations for overtourism. Here’s how to avoid the crowds next year
With its remote villages, untouched forests, ancient rituals and world-class surf breaks, Sumba is the perfect antidote to the crowds of Bali, which is just an hour’s flight away. It might not be internationally famous yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s small. Sumba is more than 4,000 square miles in size (more than 10,000 square kilometers) – twice the size of Bali.
It was the Nihi Sumba resort that brought this island into luxury seekers’ sights when it first opened in 2012. More than a decade on, Sumba has welcomed several new luxury eco-resorts. These include The Sanubari, a series of beachfront villas that opened in 2022, and Cap Karoso, located on the island’s southwest. —Karla Cripps
Turkey’s Black Sea coast
Frescoes cover the interior of the Rock Church at Sumela Monastery in Turkey’s Black Sea region.(imageBROKER.com/Alamy via CNN)
Far less known than the Mediterranean yacht-magnet resorts of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, the Black Sea region, also known as Karadeniz, offers a very different side of the country. Less touristed and with a cooler, damper climate that produces verdant scenery and delicious black tea, the region has historic towns and villages as well as beaches and adrenaline-producing activities.
In summer, it’s a refreshing escape from Turkey’s more sweltering regions. Visitors can explore ancient streets that still echo to the clang of blacksmith hammers in Safranbolu, soak up beach life in Amasra and climb to where one of the world’s oldest monasteries clings to a cliff at Sumela.
For thrill-seekers, there’s white water rafting, and when winter brings heavy snowfalls, the region’s eastern Kaçkar Mountains transform into a heli-skiing paradise. —Barry Neild
Tartu, Estonia
Tartu is a 2024 European Capital of Culture.(Mana Kaasik/European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 via CNN)
Pucker up. Tartu, in southern Estonia, has been named a European Capital of Culture for 2024 — with special attention paid to kissing. One of this university city’s most celebrated sights is its statue of two students locked in a passionate embrace, but herein the “City of Good Thoughts,” the love-in is more high-minded than carnal.
Tartu is renowned as Estonia’s intellectual center, home to its oldest university as well as the must-visit Estonian National Museum and the impressive Science Centre AHHAA, the largest science museum in the Baltics.
The Old Town is the perfect place to base yourself, but just north of the city center on the banks of the Emajõgi River, Supilinn (“Soup Town”) is also worth a visit. This historic neighborhood filled with pretty, wooden houses was formerly a slum but is now becoming one of the city’s most desirable addresses. —Maureen O’Hare
Tainan, Taiwan
Tainan is known for its thriving street food scene. Pedestrian Fuzhong street is pictured here.(Keitma/Alamy via CNN)
Celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2024, Tainan has become a Taiwan hotspot on the international stage. This southern city has surpassed the capital, Taipei, to boast the highest overall hotel occupancy rate in Taiwan in the past two years.
What makes it so special? Tainan is considered the street food capital of Taiwan and is loved for its beef soups and oyster omelets, otherworldly natural landscapes (check out Tsao Shan Moon World), scenic sunsets over salt farms, colorful old temples and cool new museums.
It was also listed among Booking.com’s top 10 sustainable tourism destinations in 2023. —Maggie Hiufu Wong
Northwest Michigan
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore boasts a number of hikes, including a strenuous one over the towering dunes that leads to Lake Michigan.(Deb Snelson/Moment RF/Getty Images)
Refreshing, unsalty Lake Michigan lures boatloads of tourists in summer, but the shoreline, quaint towns and rolling countryside of Northwest Michigan have plenty to offer year-round. On Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City makes a great home base for exploring wineries on the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas or picking cherries or apples in season. Then fall’s foliage is ripe for peeping, followed by winter’s inviting blankets of snow.
From Traverse City, the scenic M-22 highway winds up the Leelanau Peninsula and hooks back down through Leland, home to a historic fishing village and a collection of interesting shops and galleries. Glen Arbor is another town worth perusing on the way to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where off M-109 an all-sand, 3.5-mile hike over massive dunes to the Great Lake and back preps hardy hikers for a delicious dinner.
Farm Club, a farm-restaurant hybrid seven miles from downtown Traverse City, serves beautifully prepared dishes showcasing the region’s ingredients — many grown on site — in a minimalist, barnlike space that spills outdoors. —Marnie Hunter
Trans Dinarica Cycle Route, Balkans
Launching in 2024, the Trans Dinarica Cycle Route will be the first and only bike route to link all eight countries of the Western Balkans. The 100-stage trail is designed for cyclists of all abilities and its 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) is made up of quiet asphalt roads, forest trails and bike paths.
Riders can enjoy Albania and Croatia’s spectacular coastlines, Kosovo’s national parks, Montenegro’s rugged mountains and lush woodland and sparkling rivers throughout Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Serbia.
Riders can get more information and sign up for news of route updates, maps, accommodation and services at transdinarica.com. —MO
Culebra, Puerto Rico
A rusting tank makes for unusual beachcombing on Culebra’s Flamenco Beach.(cdwheatley/iStockphoto/Getty Images)
Puerto Rico is large and makes for a great island escape. But what if you want an escape from your great island escape? That’s where little Culebra comes in. It’s about 20 miles (32 kilometers) off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico and world away from San Juan’s noisy, rum-soaked nightlife.
The emphasis here is on outdoor activities and unwinding. Be sure to check out Flamenco Beach, curving for about a mile around a sheltered bay. It has little in the way of waves, making it a superb spot for snorkeling and swimming. And a graffitied tank — a US military relic — offers a striking photo op.
Much of the island is a natural refuge, and you can also go hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and fishing. Take a day trip or stay over and make it your main destination. —Forrest Brown
Angola
Cristo Rei in Lubango towers over a landscape that most tourists have yet to discover.(Eric Lafforgue/Art In All Of Us/Corbis/Getty Images)
This southern African nation is trying hard to make a break on the tourism scene, having recently introduced a quick-approval tourism e-visa. While major tourism infrastructure might not be up to speed yet, it’s a chance to explore a country still off the travel radar.
The capital of Luanda has a reputation as a pricey party city, but out in the wide-open spaces beyond, Angola has some jaw-droppingly spectacular scenery and cultural treats. Second city Lubango offers Portuguese colonial architecture, an impressive Rio-style Christ the King hilltop statue and access to the Tundavala Gap, a giddying plunge from cool tablelands into shimmering dusty plains.
Also worth a look: the dramatic 1,300-foot-wide (396 meters) Calendula Falls and Atlantic coastline surfing paradises such as Barra do Kwanza and Cabo Ledo. —BN
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Tourists walk among the Hopewell Rocks at low tide along the Bay of Fundy.(Eric Carr/Alamy via CNN)
Not to be confused with St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland, Saint John is located in New Brunswick — also on Canada’s east coast. This charming little city is an excellent base from which to enjoy the nearby Bay of Fundy, famed for having the world’s highest tides.
The city itself is filled with historic architecture, including the Saint John City Market, a National Historic Site of Canada. Built from 1874 to 1876, it’s filled with shops and food venues. A five-minute walk away is the Saint John Arts Centre. Set in the city’s historic Carnegie Building, it’s the only former Carnegie Library in eastern Canada.
In terms of accommodation, there are seaside cottages, hotels, motels, campgrounds, historic inns and B&Bs. Food here is as excellent as you’d expect from a maritime city in Canada, with a broad range from cheap eats to fine dining. —KC
South Korea
Andong Hahoe Folk Village showcases the traditional side of South Korea.(Sanga Park/iStock/Getty Images)
With word that “Squid Game” — still the most-watched show on Netflix — is set to return with a new season in 2024, it’s time once again to embrace the K-wave.
Thankfully, travel to the country is easier than ever before. The government is waiving its K-ETA requirement — the electronic travel visa for South Korea — for travelers from 22 countries till the end of 2024 as part of its Visit Korea Year campaign.
This is a country that truly has it all. After exploring futuristic cities such as Seoul and Busan, the cultural and historic side of old Korea awaits at Andong, dubbed the “Spirit of South Korea,” or the seven cemeteries of the ancient Gaya Tumuli, newly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2023. —MHW
Albania
Theth National Park. Albania. One of the most beautiful travel destinations in Europe.(SzymonBartosz/iStock/Getty Images)
Sandwiched on the Adriatic coast between Greece and Montenegro, it’s astonishing that Albania wasn’t more popular as a beach destination before. But its wallet-friendly prices have seen tourism boom here over the past few years — so much so that in 2023, record numbers of Italians flocked across the Adriatic for their bargain summer breaks.
2024 sees the opening of a new airport at Vlorë, on the coast, which will make those beach trips easier. But there’s far more to Albania than its coast. The country has a rich culture, including Christian and Muslim history, with historical centers in towns such as Berat and Gjirokastër, as well as jaw-dropping mountain landscapes (Theth is the most popular).
In 2023, Albania got Europe’s first wild river national park, around the 168-mile (270-kilometer) Vjosa River — or to go really off the beaten track book a self-drive tour with Drive Albania. —Julia Buckley
Chile
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is a pilgrimage site for hundreds of thousands of long-distance walkers each year.(samael334/iStockphoto/Getty Images)
Stretching about 2,700 miles from top to toe, long and slim Chile offers a little something for everyone. In the north, spectacular landscapes simulate Mars on Earth in the Atacama Desert, where the 51-room Our Habitas Atacama emphasizes sustainability. The new hotel is a good fit for the “world’s leading green destination,” a title Chile just picked up at the World Travel Awards for the second year in a row.
The natural world puts its best foot forward all over the country: Thousands of miles of Pacific coastline to the west, the towering Andes in the east and lakes, volcanoes and wild Patagonia in the south.
World-class skiing in July and August — a welcome break from the sweltering Northern Hemisphere — is two hours or less from the capital, Santiago. And the new high-altitude Parque Nacional Glaciares near the city protects land in the country’s most populous and historically little-protected area. —MH
Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia
The biodiverse Abrolhos Islands are home to sea lions, dolphins, wallabies, lizards and more.(Bill Bachman/Alamy via CNN)
Every year there’s another installment in the soap opera surrounding the Great Barrier Reef — will it be de-listed by UNESCO? Has the coral regrowth gone well this season?
For tourists who’d rather not wade into the situation, there’s another way to experience some of Australia’s gorgeous underwater bounty. About 37 miles (60 kilometers) off the coast of Western Australia, the lesser-known Abrolhos Islands are home to some of the most beautiful scenery of the country’s Coral Coast, above and below the water.
Humpback whales pass through in the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, and lucky travelers may catch a glimpse of Australian Sea Lions. There are no hotels on the islands, so intrepid visitors can either overnight in the town of Geraldton or splash out for a liveaboard boat, which provides opportunities to watch brilliant sunsets over the Indian Ocean and scuba dive in the early hours when the fish are at their most active. —Lilit Marcus
Macedonia, Greece
People promenade by the sea in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second city.(Hemis/Alamy via CNN)
Athens and the islands get more crowded every year, but in northern Greece, the region of Macedonia is relatively free from overtourism. Yet it has everything visitors flock elsewhere in Greece to see: archaeological sites, history-rich towns and beaches galore.
This was the land of Alexander the Great. His father, Philip II of Macedon, is buried at Vergina, where his tomb has been turned into a world-class subterranean museum displaying the finds. Nearby, there are Byzantine remains in the hilltop city Veria, and superb wineries such as Kir-Yianni in the rolling hills around Naousa.
Thessaloniki — the region’s capital and Greece’s second city — is a gastro hub as well as a mishmash of architectural and archaeological eras. Near the city are the sandy beaches of Halkidiki; toward the border with Thrace are archaeological spots like ancient Philippi, and the city of Kavala, whose Ottoman past shows in every building. —JB
Panama
It may be most famous for the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal, but this Central American country is so much more than a transit destination.
Not only does Panama have a vibrant capital city with a historic old quarter that’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the country also holds over a dozen national parks, including Parque Nacional Volcán Barú, the highest point in Panama.
Panama City is also the only world capital with a tropical rainforest within its city limits. Visitors keen to delve further into Panama’s cultural landscape in a sustainable way can book community-based tourist adventures through a digital portal called SOSTUR Network, which connects travelers with rural communities and tourism businesses. —Tamara Hardingham-Gill
Galicia, Spain
People bike along a bicycle route on Paseo de Montejo in Mérida, the capital of Yucatán state.(megapress images/Alamy via CNN)
Empty beaches bordered by the wild Atlantic Ocean and framed by the rugged landscape of the Islas Atlánticas National Park. Mouth-watering seafood. And a historic city forever entwined with the famed Camino de Santiago. Welcome to Galicia, an autonomous region in the northwest tip of Spain.
Galicia’s regional capital city, Santiago de Compostela, has long been on the tourist map thanks to its striking 12th-century cathedral, which is the endpoint for the hundreds of thousands of walkers who embark on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage each year. But even if you weren’t planning on packing your walking boots, bustling Santiago should be on your radar.
And for spectacular views, head to Cabo Fisterra, a rocky peninsula home to the picturesque Finisterre lighthouse. The former lighthouse residence is the Hotel O Semáforo de Fisterra. Lighthouses are a bit of a theme in Galicia — there are 19 in total, including the UNESCO-protected 1st-century Tower of Hercules, believed to be the world’s oldest surviving Roman lighthouse. —Francesca Street
Singapore’s offshore islands
The city-state of Singapore shows urbanism at its finest: biophilic skyscrapers, neon-lit supertrees and six-star hotels all outdoing each other to redefine “luxury.” But venturing off the peninsula is quickly becoming a more interesting option.
Singapore is developing some of its smaller, uninhabited islands by, well, not developing them. Just a ferry ride away from the mainland, Lazarus Island is now home to a few rentable tiny houses made with reconstituted wood and powered by solar energy. Nearby, Sisters’ Island will open the country’s first marine park — including a sea turtle hatchery and coral protection area — in 2024.
Already open for exploring is St. John’s Island, where a 1.7-mile trail highlights native plants and flowers while shining a light on the island’s colorful history, which included a period as a quarantine center during a cholera outbreak. It’s a fitting place to think about life after a pandemic. —LM
Mérida, Mexico
The Yucatán Peninsula is best known for its tropical beaches, but venture inland, and you’re in for an unexpected urban treat.
“Mérida’s uniqueness comes from a blend of Mayan and colonial heritage,” said David Casanova, who has a real estate YouTube channel on Yucatánstate’s capital citywith his wife, Megan Sequeira Casanova. “The city’s excitement starts with its diverse cuisine and friendly locals and expands to its year-long favorable weather.”
In town, Paseo de Montejo is lined with historic mansions, museums, art galleries and local vendors. The Casanovas tout the city’s boutique hotels, including Kuka y Naranjo. For nearby getaways, there’s Progreso Beach (less than an hour away), fascinating Mayan ruins and underground water caves called cenotes.
If you’re concerned about personal safety in Mexico, the US State Department rates Yucatán and Campache states as the two safest as of December. —FB
Morocco
Tétouan in northern Morocco is home to a UNESCO-listed medina.(Gordon Sinclair/Alamy via CNN)
A longtime travel favorite thanks to its diverse landscape and spectacular architecture, Morocco has bounced back determinedly after a devastating earthquake this past September.
While visitors tend to congregate in popular cities such as Marrakech, Rabat and Fes, the country certainly isn’t short of less crowded spots that are arguably just as alluring. Standouts include Tétouan, the city near the first Regis Hotels and Resorts Morocco property, and the historic Meknes, which is among the country’s nine UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Morocco is proving to be a world leader when it comes to sustainable tourism, with the launch of various initiatives to boost its renewable energy generation. The country is also home to a number of significant eco-friendly hotels, including the Berber-run Kasbah du Toubkal, located at the base of the spectacular High Atlas Mountains. —THG
Florida’s freshwater springs
Visitors at Wakulla Springs will find refreshing 70 F (21 C) degree water.(Yvette Cardozo/Alamy via CNN)
How would you like to immerse in water clear as gin any day of the year? You can do that in some of the 1,000 or more recognized fresh-water springs scattered around northern and central Florida.
These pristine natural pools provide stable temps and visibility for swimming, tubing, snorkeling, diving, wildlife viewing and more. Here are a few of the best:
Wakulla Springs has a swimming area in 70 F (21 C) degree water, and the state park offers a boat ride tour. The depth at the vent is about 185 feet (56 meters). Rainbow Springs is considered one of the most beautiful in the state. Ginnie Springs, a privately owned site, is renowned for its diving and cavern. —FB
Texas Hill Country
In the heart of Texas, Hill Country boasts its own natural springs. One prime spot, Krause Springs in Spicewood, lures visitors with more than its spring-fed pool and natural swimming hole — there’s also a butterfly garden full of magical wind chimes. And the Blue Bonnet Cafe — home to some of the world’s most divine cream pies — is just a short drive away in Marble Falls.
Meanderers will also find rolling hills and hiking trails, winding rivers, wineries, barbecue, music and dance halls, plus an explosion of wildflowers in March and April. And in 2024, April also brings a celestial spectacle to Hill Country — the total solar eclipse on April 8.
Gruene Hall in New Braunfels is legendary among Texas’ historic dance halls, and Luckenbach, a tiny hamlet outside the larger German-influenced town of Fredericksburg, has a dance hall and regular pickers’ circles under the oak trees. —MH
Fujairah
One of the smaller and lesser-known emirates of the United Arab Emirates, Fujairah is as mellow as it is beautiful. Filled with spectacular mountain ranges and pristine beaches, it’s significantly less developed than the likes of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offering an authentic and tranquil vibe that’s hard to beat.
Fujairah has a cooler climate compared with the other emirates because of its mountainous setting, but the winter months are definitely the most pleasant time to visit.
Snoopy Island, a snorkeling spot that looks like the famous cartoon dog lying on his back, is a top draw thanks to its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, while the cascading waterfalls of the Wadi Wurayah National Park are another must-see. —THG
Greenland
The jaw-dropping landscapes of Greenland — an autonomous territory of Denmark situated northeast of Canada — are set to get a little more accessible for international travelers this year.
New international airports are opening in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, and the coastal city of Ilulissat. These aviation hubs promise longer runways that will be able to handle larger commercial aircraft. The climate crisis is a visible, real threat in Greenland, and investment in the tourism sphere is increasing as changing climates pose roadblocks to traditional industries.
Learn more about how Greeenland is adapting, and the stories of the Inuit people who’ve lived in the region for thousands of years at the Icefjord Centre in Ilulissat on the West Coast. Colorful Ilulissat is also home to the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, which offers the staggering sight of a bay filled with floating icebergs. In general, nature is the main event in Greenland, with other highlights including whale watching, dog sledding and Aurora Borealis sightings. —FS
Uzbekistan
Shah-i-Zinda mausoleum in Samarkand is among the rich religious and cultural sites in Uzbekistan.(Tuul & Bruno Morandi/The Image Bank RF/Getty Images)
Before the pandemic, Uzbekistan was poised to be the next big thing in travel thanks to a series of ambitious reforms to transform the country into a world-class destination.
Now, its time has finally come.
Offering visa-free access to citizens of 86 countries, Uzbekistan’s untouched landscapes and well-preserved architecture are ready and waiting to awe visitors.
For greater insights into Uzbekistan’s position at the heart of the fabled Silk Road, a historic trade route that ran from China and India to the Mediterranean, the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva await. Meanwhile, the mountainous Uzbek village of Sentob — about 3.5 hours from Samarkand — was added to UNESCO’s list of “Best Tourism Villages” in 2023. It’s been cited for its commitment to sustainable development, with a focus on nature, organic food and eco and mountain tourism.
Getting around the country is easy thanks to the high-speed Afrosiyob Express train, connecting capital Tashkent with Samarkand and Bukhara. —KC
Charleston, South Carolina, has once again enchanted Travel + Leisure readers, winning the top spot in the 2023 World’s Best Awards’ favorite cities in the US category for the 11th year in a row. Last year, the South Carolina city earned a coveted spot in the WBA Hall of Fame.
Readers especially loved Charleston’s thriving culinary scene and easy walkability, all done with Southern charm.
Sean Pavone/Getty Images
The dining scene, of course, highlights Southern cuisine, with fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, hush puppies, and she-crab soup as staples. Charleston’s must-try dishes include the okra soup at Bertha’s Kitchen; biscuits from Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits; deviled crabs from Dave’s Carry-Out; and crab rice from Hannibal’s Soul Kitchen.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
The restaurant hype continues to surge with several new openings in the last few years, such as Bevi Bene Brewing; Sorelle, which just opened in February 2023 with a wine room and a pizza counter; and Raw Lab, an omakase-style raw bar. Perhaps the biggest restaurant news of this year is the opening of Filipino restaurant Kultura, by Chopped champion Nikko Cagalahan, who just started welcoming diners this month.
Other additions to the Charleston culture scene include the long-awaited International African American Museum in June 2023. The luxury offerings are also on the rise, with a new Soho House coming in next year.
The new hot spots add a fresh perspective to a city steeped in history — another aspect that resonates with T+L readers. Fort Sumter National Monument; Historic Charleston City Market; Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum; Magnolia Plantation and Gardens; Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens; and Rainbow Row all offer a look into Charleston’s past. The Charleston Heritage Federation preserves its history through centuries-old homes and museums, while the Historic Charleston Foundation holds an annual Festival of Houses and Gardens in the spring for an inside look at some of the nation’s most beautiful homes.
Multi-city flights are a smart way to see more destinations in one go, by adding extra legs to your trip. Find out how to book multi-city flights with Skyscanner.
FAQs
A multi-city flight is a single travel booking that allows you to visit several cities during one trip. They are typically less expensive than booking one-way flights between multiple destinations—and they’re easier. A multi-city flight will keep your itinerary tied together.
Booking a multi-city trip gives you the chance to cover more ground, making the most of your travels (not to mention cheap flight deals). It’s much more convenient (and less confusing) to book all your flights at the same time. Our multi-city search tool makes it easy to compare flights so you can get the best deal without having to go to multiple sites. You can even book with different airlines.
Should consider booking a multi-city flight if you are in-between a few destinations but can’t decide on one. Booking a multi-city flight will help you lock in several different destinations at once so you can travel in the most convenient and affordable way possible.
How to use Skyscanner’s multi-city flight search
On the Skyscanner flights homepage or app, select ‘Multi-city’ at the top of the search panel. Then:
Enter up to six legs of your journey, selecting your departure airport, destination and dates from the drop-down menus. You don’t have to just focus on one region or continent, like Europe. You can criss-cross the world with multi-city flights.
Choose the number of passengers and cabin class you wish to search for.
After hitting ‘Done’, you’ll be taken to a page that displays all of the results for the flights you’ve chosen.
Use the filters along the left-hand side to choose preferred departure and arrival times, airlines, airports, total journey duration, and maximum number of stops. You can even choose to only see flights with lower CO2 emissions.
If you would like to drill down into your journey, click ‘Select’ on your preferred result. This will then open a details window. From here, you can see the details for each flight by using the arrows to expand the box.
Remember: by clicking on ‘multi-city’ instead of ’roundtrip’ or ‘one way’, you can book and travel to more than one destination with one simple searchmaking it a great way to hunt down the best deals.
Multi-city trip inspiration #1, USA
Ready to reacquaint yourself with the States? These multi-city flights will help you explore some of the USA’s most exciting destinations, all in one go.
Las Vegas – Hawaii – San Francisco
The USA is a vast destination, with endless places to visit. Who would’ve thought you could combine the exciting cities of Las Vegas and San Francisco with the laid-back beaches of Hawaii? Start your journey with a flight to buzzing Las Vegas. You’ll need about three days to work your way along the Strip, with its neon casinos, blockbuster shows and decadent dining spots. Schedule in some other essential attractions such as The Neon Museum and the Red Rock Canyon before changing gears with your flight to Honolulu, Oahu. This is also perfect for restoring your balance after a stint in Sin City.
Spend your first few days surfing or simply sipping mai tais at the famous Waikiki Beach, in Oahu. Then, head to the postcard-pretty Kauai island for hiking, waterfalls and shaved ice.
Ready to return to urban landscapes? The last leg of your trip, San Francisco, will fulfill your American dream with its dynamic architecture, hilly vistas, and magnificent Golden Gate Bridge. Hop on the cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf to join the local hipster contingent for shopping and food truck sampling. Take a cruise to Alcatraz island to learn its unique history of incarceration. And don’t leave the city without splurging on at least one bottomless brunch.
Multi-city trip inspiration #2, USA
Head south for an American multi-city trip with a culinary and musical focus, from New Orleans to Memphis, and Nashville.
New Orleans–Memphis–Nashville
Start things right in the Big Easy. Even if you don’t visit during Mardi Gras (but you should if you can), New Orleans is one of the USA’s top places for partying. Start with the mandatory walk along Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, and sway to jazz emanating from the many all-night bars, takeaway cocktail cup in hand.
The next day, pay a peaceful visit to the beautiful St. Roch Cemetery, a Catholic graveyard of brilliant white, decorative tombs, before heading to Tremé for the jazziest church service on earth at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Then, spot alligators at the Barataria Preserve, inside the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, and visit at least one Creole restaurant like Arnaud’s before you leave.
Your multi-city flight schedule takes you to Memphis next. The rock ‘n’ roll, blues and soul heart of Memphis can best be experienced at places like Graceland. It’s Elvis Presley’s former home that’s since been converted into a museum complex. Make sure to take a stroll down Beale Street to sample some famous Memphis soul food alongside live music in some of the world’s most historic venues, like BB King’s Blues Club.
The last leg of your trip is the mecca of country music, Nashville. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for an insight into the lives and work of legendary artists like Johnny Cash. Take a stroll downtown to see some of the many murals that dot the city and have a picnic at Sevier Park, with some take-out craft beer from 12 South Taproom. Browse vinyl at record store Third Man Records, which is owned by White Stripes singer Jack White, and set aside a day for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a World Heritage Site, before you head home.
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In case you were unable to take that foreign vacation that you’ve been putting off for a while now, worry not. There’s still some time left in 2023 and then there’s always 2024, for which you can start saving to indulge in a super luxurious holiday that you and your loved ones deserve to go on. But apart from money, you need to decide on a destination that you would wish to spend your precious savings to enjoy those few days to relax, rejuvenate, party and explore unique offerings, right? USA News conducted a study recently and has come up with the 10 best holiday destinations that you can choose from to enjoy your special time. Let’s take a look at the top 10 list in no particular order. (Image: Shutterstock)
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1. Paris, France: The City of Light is a perennial tourist destination, captivating visitors with iconic attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. The city’s unmistakable charm, reflected in its quaint cafes, trendy shopping districts, and Haussmann architecture adds to its timeless allure. What sets Paris apart is its ability to surprise and delight every visitor, making it an eternal favorite. (Image: AP)
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2. Bora Bora, French Polynesia: Despite its modest 12-square-mile size, Bora Bora, a French Polynesian island, exudes sheer tropical beauty. Its picturesque beaches, lush jungles, and ultra luxury resorts on surrounding islets, create a paradise-like setting. The island’s dormant volcano, offers a great photo opportunity and a challenging hiking experience. (Image: Shutterstock)
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3. Glacier National Park, Montana, US: With its snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows and azure lakes, Glacier National Park stands as one of America’s most visually stunning parks. Boasting over 700 miles of hiking trails and 13 designated camping areas. This crown jewel of Montana offers abundant outdoor activities. In winters, visitors can indulge in snowshoeing and skiing, while in summers, vacationers can enjoy a swimming in Lake McDonald and whitewater rafting on the Flathead River. (Image: Reuters)
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4. Rome, Italy: As you step into Italy’s captivating capital city, prepare to cross off several must-see landmarks from your bucket list, including the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. Visitors can explore some of Italy’s greatest treasures, such as St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, located in Vatican City. To escape the tourist crowds, take a twilight stroll along the charming cobblestone streets of Trastevere or savor local delicacies like pistachio gelato at Mercato Centrale Roma. (Image: Joseph Barbosa)
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5. Swiss Alps, Switzerland: Enchanting snow-covered mountains, charming towns, and flower-strewn meadows make the Swiss Alps a year-round fairy tale destination. Winter beckons with world-class skiing and ski delights in exclusive locales like St Moritz and the picturesque Zermatt, home to the craggy Matterhorn. In the warm months, visitors can hike through the verdant valleys of Swiss National Park or take part in lively festivals of the foothill city of Montreux. A visit to Jungfrau Region is a must to experience the idyllic mountain villages of Grindelwald and Murren. (Image: CNBCTV18.com)
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6. Maui, Hawaii, USA: Maui, a Hawaiian island unlike any other tropical destination, offers a variety of experiences. Drive along the captivating Road to Hana, witness the lush coastline from a helicopter, snorkel with sea turtles, or unwind on white or black sand beaches is something you will enjoy in this offbeat destination. Don’t miss the surreal sunrises at Haleakala National Park, home to one of the world’s largest dormant volcanic craters. (Image: Reuters)
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7. London, England: London, boasts of buzzing neighborhoods that blend historical landmarks with modern-day attractions. Thus, offering tourists with endless possibilities to explore the many attractions in the city. First-time visitors should try a tour, where they can visit top spots like the Tate Modern art institution, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Borough Market, and the British Museum. A classic afternoon tea or a visit to a local pub for a traditional Sunday roast provides an authentic taste of London’s charm. (Image: AP)
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8. Maldives: The Maldives is an outstanding vacation spot in the Indian Ocean, located southwest of India. It offers a dreamy tropical retreat, with white sandy beaches, and amazing resorts that mix with crystal clear blue waters consisting of over 1,000 islands. This once-in-a-lifetime vacation destination allows travelers to fill their days with beach trips, spa treatments, and thrilling snorkeling or scuba diving excursions. (Image: William D’Souza)
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9. Turks and Caicos Islands: Located to the North of the Dominican Republic, this exquisite collection of approximately 100 islands and cays is known as Turks and Caicos a Caribbean wonder, popular among honeymooners. It boasts of sparkling white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and nearly 350 miles of vibrant coral reef. For an unforgettable experience, lounging on Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales is a must. Those seeking a more active getaway can take part in snorkeling, scuba diving, and horse riding along the captivating coast. (Image: Reuters)
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10. Tokyo, Japan: Entering Japan’s frenetic capital Tokyo, is an extraordinary experience. The city’s bustling streets and flashing neon signs create an electric energy, and an abundance of top attractions. Food enthusiasts will delight in Tokyo’s fresh sushi and hearty ramen, with the city boasting more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other place in the world. Shopaholics can indulge in must-have designer products. (Image: Reuters)
