Wow, what a whirlwind year it’s been! And if you’re like us, you’re dreaming of what the next year of travel will bring. In this post, from Europe to South America, to Asia and the South Pacific, each of our TuGo bloggers will share where they’re dreaming of for the year ahead. Read on!
Linnea
Dreaming of Northern Europe: Scandinavia & Netherlands
First up, Copenhagen, Denmark. I’ve been dreaming about visiting this charming town for a while now, as I’m naturally drawn to interiors, design, and Scandinavian influences. For those that know me well, it’s no surprise that this city is on my list!
On the same trip, I’d love to visit Amsterdam, Netherlands, with some friends. I’ve heard great things about the food, culture, and nightlife, so I’d love to visit this city in the summertime. While in Europe, I also plan to see a concert or two, because the concert choices are endless—due to the number of large venues and number of shows!
Marie
Discovering Prague, Czech Republic, one meal at a time
Looking forward to the year ahead, some might say my travel goals for 2024 are lofty, but these are bucket list destinations, and if you don’t openly talk about them, they may never happen!
Czech Republic is home to one of the most beautiful cities in the world — Prague. With its fairytale-like castles, cobblestone streets, and picturesque bridges, Prague has been my dream destination for a long time! I can see myself strolling through the Old Town Square, admiring the intricate details of Gothic buildings.
Melissa
Relaxing in Fiji
As an archipelago of over 300 islands, Fiji has a lot to offer any type of traveller. Being a fairly seasoned traveller, but now bringing along an infant for the adventures, our travel style has shifted a bit. While pre-baby, I would have preferred to island hop (which appears to be an awesome option, if that’s what you’re going for); but this year, I’m looking for a one-stop destination where I don’t have to travel too far to experience it all.
That’s why I’m dreaming of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island. While touristy, we can stay in the resort area of Denarau Island, but venture out to relax on Coral Coast beaches, explore lush rainforest in Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, experience the wildlife sanctuary of Kula Eco Park and more.
Tip: Tropical cyclones are common from November to April, so aim to plan your vacation around Fiji’s winter/dry season.
Monique
Dancing the Samba in Bahia, Brazil
Bahia, Brazil, has been a constant fixture on my ever-expanding travel bucket list, and I hope to tick it off next year. While Rio and Sao Paolo tend to grab all the attention, when it comes to Brazilian destinations, there’s just something enchanting and unique about Bahia that sets it apart.
The city is a vibrant cultural hub, overflowing with history and traditions; it’s also the mecca for the Afro-Brazilian music and dance scene, particularly Samba and Capoeira, seen throughout their famous Carnival celebration. From social media, I’ve caught glimpses of visitors trying out Samba classes, and it looks super fun and is something I want to do when I visit.
It’s not just the cultural abundance that draws me to Bahia; the city also offers stunning turquoise water and powdery white sand beaches. For me, being an island girl, this is pure paradise. I can already visualize myself lounging on the beach, basking in the sun—what’s better than that?
Lastly, the food: Brazilian cuisine has become a staple for me over the years. So, I can’t wait to try the local delicacies in Bahia, particularly the rich and hearty Feijoada on rice, accompanied by a refreshing glass of Caipirinha.
Suki
Immersing in the history and beauty of Kyoto and Hokkaido, Japan
My dream destination for 2024 is Japan. I last visited Japan in 2013; it’s been over a decade and I’m dying to visit this gorgeous country again! On my previous trip, I visited Tokyo and Nagasaki. This time, I’m dreaming of historical Kyoto and beautiful Hokkaido.
Kaiseki ryori is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, and there’s no place better to experience it than in the ancient capital where the style was first developed—Kyoto. Of course, for another taste of history, I’ll have to visit the street food stalls at Fushimi Inari-Taisha. Famous for its 800 red torii gates, known as the Senbon Torii, this shrine at the base of Mount Inari is a must-visit for foodies and culture buffs alike.
Nighttime is the time to relax, and what’s better relaxation than simmering in a hot spring with breathtaking views? I’ll be visiting Sounkyo Hot Springs in Hokkaido, to fulfill this dream of mine. I might even head over to Snow Monkey Park to see cute little macaques enjoying the bubbling hot waters!
Thomas
Savouring the Wonders of Florence and other European Delights
Next spring, I’m going to Europe with my family. First, I’m going back to Italy with my in-laws; there will be 11 of us! Our itinerary includes Rome, Florence and Cinque Terre.
I’m most looking forward to Florence as it’s one of my favourite cities in the World – this will be my 4th time visiting. The streets are filled with art and beautiful architecture. It’ll be fun to share my love for the city with my family and take them to my favourite eateries and cocktail bars. I like revisiting places as I feel less pressured to check sites off my to-do list and can focus on exploring neighbourhoods at my leisure.
Directly after Italy, I’m flying to Copenhagen to meet my parents for 6 days. None of us have been to Denmark before so I’m excited to discover a new country. (Little did I know it was one of Linnea’s dream destinations too!)
Copenhagen will be our home base but we’re planning day trips to Frederiksborg Castle, in Hillerød, and to Helsingør. I’m mostly looking forward to the traditional Scandinavian breakfast featuring rye bread and pickled herring. I’m usually not a breakfast person but this was one of my food highlights when I visited Iceland and Sweden.
We hope we’ve given you some great insights and have inspired you to travel the world in 2024. But remember, no matter where you travel, even if you travel within Canada, emergency medical travel insurance should always travel with you.
Happy travels ahead,
TuGo’s Bloggers
