Trends: ten safe destinations for 2024

It sometimes seems as if travel is becoming increasingly difficult. But that’s really not the case as   fortunately, the world is much bigger than we imagine and the places to discover (or rediscover) are always more numerous than the trips we manage to take. At Onirikos we have identified ten destinations where, with our advice and guidance, travel is safe. Happy reading.

Evergreen 

Japan, with its millennial history and rich culture that ranges from art to Noh theatre and Kabuki, is an enchanting country. From the vibrant modernity of Tokyo to extraordinary natural sights ranging from  majestic Mount Fuji to the glorious subtropical islands of Okinawa, it is all captivating. Not to mention the cuisine and those ancient ceremonies which are endlessly  fascinating. The high standards of hospitality and outstanding courtesy added to an instinctive warmth and kindness means that anyone arriving feels immediately at ease. And not only: Japan is a safe destination with a very efficient public transport, two more reasons to make the experience even more enjoyable.

Magical and exotic

Vietnam and Cambodia, often combined in a single trip, are two extraordinary destinations for their history, culture and natural beauty. In Vietnam, the green rice paddies and Halong Bay always amaze and remain indelibly imprinted on one’s heart while the ruins of Angkor Wat, the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake and the pristine beaches fringing remote islands make Cambodia a place yet to be discovered. A warm welcome, a kind heart and genuine sense of hospitality are the common threads running through many extraordinary itineraries in he country.

Nature at its most spectacular

Lapland is one of the best places in the world to observe the Northern Lights, a magical spectacle that paints the night sky in brilliant, vibrant colours. Scientists predict that 2024 will be an exceptional year for this extraordinary phenomenon as it will be more easily visible than at any time in the past decade. So this is the ideal time to book a trip north.

A gourmet destination

Chicago is unanimously considered one of the gastronomic capitals of the world. With restaurants offering cuisines from all over the globe, this city of America’s first skyscrapers is a foodies’ paradise. Here you can sample anything from pop dishes, such as deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, to sophisticated and innovative haute cuisine from celebrity chefs in starred restaurants.

Time travel 

Back to Peru. This destination is hugely in vogue, especially among sophisticated travellers, for its unique experiences and adventures that range from discovering the treasures of pre-Columbian civilisations such as Machu Pichu to sampling the haute cuisine of the Andes. And we are not just talking about ceviche and quinoa: Lima’s Central by Virgilio Martinez is number one on the list of the 50 Best Restaurants of the World! And then you can explore the Amazon on board Aqua, a small five-star luxury ship that reaches the most remote corners of the river. Finally, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the windows of Belmond’s Andean Explorer, which in two nights connects Cusco and Arequipa, and from there enjoy a stay at the Relais & Chateaux Cirqa, housed in a monastery dating from 1540 and situated right in the heart of the Unesco site.

A salve for ‘Mal d’Afrique’

Dalla cosmopolita Cape Town all’atmosfera provenzale delle Winelands, ai paesaggi sconfinati della savana, per ripercorrere i capitoli di una storia interessante che passa attraverso i quartieri variopinti della città, la vittoria sull’Apartheid, i ricordi di Nelson Mandela a Robben Island. E poi la natura: i fiori della Garden Route, il fynbos che ricopre distese infinite, le balene che arrivano dall’Antartide per partorire e addestrare i cuccioli; i big five nel Parco Kruger, il più grande del Paese.

Destination Mustang

You may never have heard of it, but the tiny kingdom that lies between Tibet and China is a total novelty on the international tourism map. Closed to outsiders until 1992 when the first carriage road was built, Mustang has preserved its language, ancient traditions and one of the purest forms of Buddhism. In August 2023 the Shinta Mani opened, the first five-star hotel in the region and one of a series of eco-lodges beloved by aficionados of both mountains and creature comforts.

Nature’s kingdom

Iceland is once again top of the list for Italian travellers in 2024. The goal is simple: to immerse yourself in the purest form of nature less than a three-hour flight away! Volcanoes, glaciers, grasslands with wild horses, boiling geysers and cosy thermal waters which, to the Icelanders, are what the sauna is to the Finns. Try the infinity pool at the Sky Lagoon: 75 metres, 39 °C and 360-degree views over the magnificent surrounding landscape.

In search of spirituality

The Italian region of Umbria is still undiscovered region, authentic and off the beaten track. But in 2024, it is ready to claim its place as a luxury destination. Hotels such as the new Borgo Dei Conti (opening next June) or the sumptuous Reschio Castle (pictured) testify to this transformation, clearly outlining Umbria’s promising future in the luxury sector. The added value of the region? Authenticity, natural beauty, an extraordinary cultural heritage, unexplored paths, small villages rich in traditions and emblematic characters. For example, St. Francis and St. Clare were both from Assisi.

One island, a thousand episodes

Following the success of The White Lotus, filmed in the theatrical new Four Seasons hotel in Taormina (pictured), Sicily has become one of Italy’s most sought-after destinations. The TV series revealed the beauty of the island, its enchanting beaches, clean sea and idyllic landscapes, attracting visitors from all over the world. But there’s so much more: archaeological sites, historic towns,  deep-rooted traditions, extraordinary cuisine ranging from arancine di riso (rice balls) to pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines) and from cannoli filled with fresh ricotta to refreshing granita.