Bucket List of holidays in 2024

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As we step into the new year, travel dreams are unfurling again. Golden dunes of the Arabian Desert, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, snowcapped peaks of the Alps or palm-fringed coastal backwaters…where will your wanderlust take you in 2024f? Pick the next destination of your dreams from our bucket list. Be spoilt with a kaleidoscope of must-dos spanning culture, cuisine, adventure, natural beauty, entertainment and much more.

Andamans: Secluded beach escape

The archipelago of 572 islands off the eastern Indian mainland lying isolated in the Bay of Bengal is an idyllic Indian escape. With just 36 of the islands inhabited, and an even lesser number accessible for travellers, Andamans is the epitome of unspoilt seclusion. Imagine shimmering turquoise waters, thick jungles, pristine white sand beaches and Instagram-quality sunsets.

Romantic beach walks, adventurous water sports, historical museum tours, and lip-smacking coastal cuisine food awaits you on a memorable vacation in India’s most exclusive beach destination. Feel the thrill of kayaking in lush green mangroves. Gear up for adventure with water activities like kayaking in mangroves, scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing and jet skiing. Witness a memorable sunset from the white sands of Radhanagar Beach. Take a helicopter ride to view the coastline bordered by dense tropical forests. A brush with history awaits you at the British era Cellular Jail in Port Blair, where several Indian freedom fighters were held captive.

Dubai: Live life large

The most famous of the seven emirates that make up the UAE, Dubai is a throbbing metropolis crafted from the unforgiving Arabian desert, where tradition and futuristic vision co-exist in surprising harmony. Audacious architecture and palm-shaped islands contrast with charming dhows and exotic souqs to keep you hooked for days.

Dubai takes shopping to a whole new level with malls that resemble Italian palazzos and Persian palaces. Climate is no restriction here with manmade attractions like an indoor ski slope, a giant aquarium and an open-air botanical garden. On the other hand, Middle Eastern souqs tempt buyers with spices, jewellery, hookahs, textiles and artefacts. Nightcrawlers can hop from rooftop pubs to beach clubs, shisha lounges, or the world-class Dubai Opera. A tour of the Al Fahidi Historic District and the Dhow Wharfage comes highly recommended for culture vultures. Venture beyond the gloss of the city for a session of 4×4 dune bashing or camel riding in the desert. Add a sandboarding or quad biking spot and close with a Bedouin-style gourmet spread in a luxury camp under the twinkling skies.

Kerala: Deep dive into the culture

“The land of the coconut trees” is South India’s showstopper with its glorious coastline, lush backwaters, spice groves, tea-plantation studded hills, gushing waterfalls and abundant wildlife reserves. Cities like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram are famous for their architectural gems, historical bounties and multi-cultural riches, but equally enticing experiences lie hidden in the rural surrounds.

For those who are keen to explore Kerala’s age-old traditions, there is Kathakali (a dance form), Theyyam (trance-induced ritual) and ‘Kalarippayattu’ (martial art) as well as temple festivals and snake boat races. Cruise the backwaters on a traditional houseboat for a slice of everyday life. Experience the effect of Ayurveda, India’s traditional system of medicine, in a wellness spa, with a body massage and an oil bath. Familiarise your tastebuds with the delights of Malayali cuisine, where meals are served on a banana leaf and dishes are designed to achieve a harmonious balance of sour, hot, cool and sweet flavours. Come back with authentic souvenirs like tea, coffee, spices, banana chips, handicrafts, and Kathakali masks.

Maldives: Luxury Island getaway

The nation of 1192 islands embedded in the azure blue waters of the Indian Ocean is nothing short of a tropical paradise with its powder white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons. Fairytales come to life in the many all-inclusive resorts, where vacations are all about barefoot luxury, the glow of warm sunshine and salty sea breeze.

The essential ingredients of a lavish vacation in the Maldives are over-water bungalows with glass-bottom floors, floating breakfast trays in the private pools, and indulgent spa therapies. Mornings are best-spent jet skiing, windsurfing or snorkelling in the crystal blue waters to find marine life and coral. Afternoons go by lazying in hammocks under swaying palms. You can learn about the history of the Sultans that ruled the country in the three-storied National Museum. Or live like a local with a visit to the Male fish market. Signing up for a Maldivian cooking class is a great idea. Spoil yourself with a private champagne cruise to spot dolphins and witness a flaming sunset.

Switzerland: Picture perfect vistas

Switzerland, one of the world’s wealthiest countries, located in Central Europe, is known for its scenic beauty. Glacier-sculpted Alps, glassy lakes and Edelweiss-dotted alpine meadows are some of the iconic sights that Switzerland brings to mind. So are brown-white cows with musical bells, cuckoo clocks, cheesy fondue and wooden cottages. From cosmopolitan cities to historic towns and charming villages, a trip to this lovely country will leave you craving for more.

Winters in Switzerland are meant for skiing and snowboarding, while summers are ideal for hiking and biking trails. A journey on the cogwheel train to the crevassed ice landscape of Jungfraujoch and a ride to Mt.Titlis on the revolving cable car are almost mandatory. Medieval Bern, stylish Geneva, old-world Lucerne and hip Zürich are some popular pitstops on a Swiss itinerary. Discover the atmospheric castles, browse for goodies at the ancient markets and make merry at local festivals with gastronomic treats.

Punita Malhotra

Punita Malhotra is a passionate traveller, writer, blogger and content strategist, with expertise in travel, art, food, history, heritage and culture. Her articles have been published in The Independent, including Outlook Traveller, Matador Network, A Small World’ as well as inflight magazines of Air Vistara, Indigo Airlines, Air India, Air Asia and Jazeera Airways. She partners with innovation-obsessed travel brands to craft revitalizing, engaging, inspiring and stand-out content. She ‘stays travellous’ by penning her personal wanderlust stories through her blog, 100cobbledroads.