In 2024, I left my city life behind and started traveling around the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Scandinavia, and Norway. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring parts of the world I had never seen before and fell in love with places that I never expected to. If you’re looking for travel inspiration, here are some of my top destinations of 2024.
Sweden
Sweden was one of my most notable escapes this year. I had the pleasure of visiting the fairytale town of Visby and a very brief late-night outing in Stockholm.
From what I saw of Stockholm, the nightlife was electric, with a warm atmosphere, but drink prices were fairly high. My time in Stockholm was very brief, but I would love to return for a city break to explore more of the city, try more of the local cuisine, and see the ABBA museum.
Located on the island of Gotland, Visby has rightfully been named a fairytale town. The streets have managed to maintain their medieval character while keeping up to date with independent shops and restaurants. There is a complete limestone defensive wall built around the town and several ancient churches built between the 13th and 16th centuries. Visby is packed with historical sites and gardens that are mostly free to roam and explore. If you’re planning a European adventure and cruising around this area, then Visby is definitely somewhere to consider. I visited in May 2024, and it turned out to be one of my favourite days out of the year!
Old Town Ibiza, Spain
Now, I never thought I would be an Ibiza advocate, but after venturing into Old Town Ibiza, I found it to be so much more than a party destination. The town is a wonderful mix of independent and mainstream shops, restaurants, bars, and beautiful beaches. There is nothing that can beat the feeling of enjoying a glass of Sangria while sharing a paella on the marina, soaking up the sun. If you are in the area, I also strongly suggest that you brave the hike to Castell De Eivissa (the Castle of Ibiza). At the very top, you can enjoy panoramic beach and water views and explore the medieval fortifications. The biggest downside to Ibiza is the expense. The price of food and drink is very high, and you are paying more for the experience over the quality. However, I did really enjoy my time here and definitely think it is worth a visit if it is one of your bucket list destinations.
Cagliari, Sardinia
My visit to Cagliari was another brief but worthwhile trip. The Sardinian capital is home to a vast amount of historical landmarks, mouthwatering local cuisine, and the stunning Poetto beach. A personal highlight was walking the stairs of the Bastion de Saint Remy to enjoy the panoramic views of the city. However, what made Cagliari stand out was the food. From looking around the local food markets to trying independent restaurants, Cagliari is a foodie’s heaven.
Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki has quickly become my favourite recommendations for a European city break. Known for its mix of unique architecture and natural beauty, Helsinki will give you a city break like no other. The city perfectly captures the metropolitan lifestyle without being too overwhelming. I started my day here at the Kauppatori markets and tried the infamous Finnish meatballs with cranberry sauce (which tasted incredible). Then I went on to explore the Helsinki Cathedral and Oodi Library to fully experience the neoclassical style of Helsinki. However, the reason I hold Helsinki so close to my heart is the nightlife. The city has countless pubs and bars with a warm and vibrant atmosphere. Usually, walking through an unknown city at night is daunting. But as I walked through the streets of Helsinki after dark, I felt an overwhelming sense of comfort. I’m desperate to return to Helsinki to see more of the city and try the renowned Finnish sauna.
Norway (Stavanger, Olden, Flåm)
This year I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time in Norway, specifically the Norwegian Fjords. The sheer beauty of this place was unbelievable and often didn’t feel real. If you love a hiking holiday or love being around nature, then you NEED to see Norway.
Starting with the city of Stavanger, located at the edge of Norway . Filled with Nordic-style wooden buildings, mainstream shops, and delicious restaurants, the city of Stavanger has a lot to offer. My biggest tip is to make the most of the excursions available. This is undoubtedly the best and safest way to see the breathtaking landscapes of Stavanger. However, if you do fancy embarking on your own adventure, I recommend taking the electric scooters to see the Sverd I Fjell. From the center of town, it’s super easy to find your way, and the journey takes you through the gorgeous residential areas of Stavanger. If you are doing this in summer, it is definitely worth taking a picnic and swimwear for a refreshing dip in the fjord while you are there.
Next, we have the village of Olden, located in Vestland County at the heart of the Norwegian fjords. Olden is a hiker’s paradise, with astounding landscapes that seem too good to be true. Other than hiking, there is not a lot to do here, but that only adds to its beauty. In Olden, you are truly with nature and nothing else. It is a destination that everyone must see at least once in their lifetime.
Top tip: If you are cruising to Olden, you must watch the sail-away. The locals play music and wave flags, creating an incredibly special experience.
Last but certainly not least, we have the village of Flåm. Flåm is another great spot for ramblers but with a little more going on. In the center of the village, you have a selection of shops, food stalls, a café, a pub that provides beer tasting, and a restaurant. My favorite thing to do in Flåm is hike to the waterfall for an incredible view of the village. Another standout excursion is the sauna on the fjord. This can be a bit pricey but is well worth the experience of going from the sauna to the icy fjords. Something I didn’t get to experience but would highly recommend is the Flåm railway. This is a round trip to Myrdal that takes you on a journey through the fjords. This is one of the best ways to fully experience the Nordic landscapes, especially if you have mobility issues.
Gibraltar
If you’re looking for an experience like no other, then a trip around the Gibraltar Rock nature reserve is perfect. Starting with a visit to the Pillars of Hercules, a historical landmark that binds Gibraltar with Greek mythology. On a clear day, this is where you will be able to spot Morocco. Continuing up the rock, explore the tunnels of Gibraltar, which span around 34 miles and took over 200 years to build. Mostly used in World War II, these tunnels are rich in history that help you understand the long backstory of Gibraltar. Moving on to one of my favorite experiences, St. Michael’s Cave. The unique rock formations have now been converted into a theater that houses ballets, concerts, and a spectacular light show. It’s well worth taking time to sit and enjoy the surroundings of St. Michael’s Cave; it’s hard to fathom how much beauty can be held inside the rock. From here you can venture further up the rock and where you start to see Gibraltar’s monkeys. I have never seen monkeys so close in their natural habitat. Finally, we have the top of the rock with a full view of the island. This is where you will be able to see the meeting of the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas, with views of mainland Spain on one side and the African coastline on the other.
By biggest tip for Gibraltar is to check the weather and visibility before venturing up the rock. It’s not rare for fog or clouds to hang over the top of the rock, completely spoiling the view. You can see the nature reserve via cable car, hiking, or with a tour guide. My favorite way to see the nature reserve is with a tour guide. You will see these cars dotted around the center or near the cruise terminals. Ranging around £50, this includes your tickets for the nature reserve and is probably the safest and most efficient way to see Gibraltar.
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Rich in art, culture, and history, Palma de Mallorca has been a firm favourite of mine for a long time. The city has something for everyone, ranging from beach clubs and rooftop bars to historical landmarks and cathedrals. Palma de Mallorca has so much to offer. There are plenty of mainstream and designer shops to peruse and more independent stores as you walk further into the old town. Another big win for me is the sheer number of high-quality restaurants and bars at affordable prices. Some of my favorites include Brunchit, Mama’s Pepper Pizza, and the Skybar Restaurant at Hotel Almudaina; a beautiful rooftop restaurant with a full view of the city and very reasonable prices.
I will always suggest Palma de Mallorca for a short escape with friends. It has a lot of similarities to locations like Ibiza but is far more relaxed and a lot cheaper!
Paris, France (Disneyland)
This year I kicked off my travels in the beautiful city of Paris. It comes as no surprise that this trip remained one of my favourite holidays of the year. There is simply so much to see and do. Paris serves as a global hub for art, culture, fashion, and luxury cuisine, meaning there is something for everyone. But if I am being completely honest, the main reason we visited Paris was for Disneyland. I am a huge theme park fan, and Disneyland Paris did not disappoint. Although the park is not as big as the American parks, Disneyland Paris has its own character, with all the same Disney magic. With constant upgrades being made to both parks, I’m excited to return at some point in the future. If you want more information on what it’s like to visit Disneyland Paris in January, check out my previous blog!
And there we have it, my favorite destinations for 2024. I hope this has helped to spark some inspiration for your travel plans in 2025. I have many more adventures planned for the future, so be sure to sign up for my mailing list to stay up to date with everything travel-related.
