CNN Travel has curated a selection of 25 must-visit destinations, ranging from Bequia in the Caribbean to India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Explore our list and gain insights into our choices. Discover what’s in store for aviation and rail travel in 2025 and learn from the misadventures of the worst-behaved travelers of 2024 to avoid similar pitfalls in the upcoming year.
As we gear up for another exciting year of travel and storytelling, our team at CNN Travel reflects on their favorite experiences from 2024:
– Lilit Marcus (Hong Kong) journeyed to the enigmatic land of Bhutan and was captivated by the warmth of the Bhutanese people.
– Julia Buckley (Italy) shadowed Monica Poli, a volunteer guarding tourists against pickpockets in Venice, shedding light on the issue of rising petty crimes in Italy.
– Forrest Brown (Atlanta) delved into the history of American cuisine to uncover the 20 greatest dishes, sparking a newfound appreciation for culinary traditions.
– Tamara Hardingham-Gill (London) draws inspiration from heartwarming tales like that of a gay man and his best friend navigating life in Italy with their husbands.
– Karla Cripps (Bangkok) explored the origins of Thailand’s beloved mango sticky rice, gaining a deeper appreciation for this iconic dessert.
– Maureen O’Hare (London) embarked on a mesmerizing journey aboard the Caledonian Sleeper train, traversing from bustling London to the serene Scottish Highlands.
– Francesca Street (London) uncovered the enduring bond of friendship through the story of four friends recreating a treasured vacation photo over 50 years later.
– Marnie Hunter (Atlanta) ventured to Macon, Georgia, for CNN Travel’s America’s Best Towns to Visit project, immersing in the town’s rich musical history and cultural heritage.
Additionally, stay updated on the latest travel openings worldwide, such as the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s recent $150 million renovation in Ohio.
Visitors can explore a wildlife center and garden, delve into the ancient oceans of the Buckeye State, and even undergo an earthquake simulation experience. In a picturesque scene in Florence, Italy, individuals stroll through the historic Vasari Corridor, a passageway dating back to the Renaissance era – as captured by Remo Casilli/Reuters.
Italy boasts two noteworthy developments: a formerly secret passageway within one of the country’s most renowned cityscapes has now opened to the public for the first time. Additionally, Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain has recently welcomed visitors once more following a period of renovation, just in time for the Jubilee Holy Year.
Meanwhile, in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City celebrates the long-anticipated opening of its inaugural metro line after encountering over a decade of delays. Aspiring travelers aiming to visit these destinations must ensure they possess a valid passport. CNN Underscored, a product review and recommendation guide affiliated with CNN, has highlighted 13 top covers and cases designed to safeguard and elevate the style of this essential travel document.
Pushing the boundaries of the coffee experience, envision a scenario where one finds themselves in the lush landscapes of Laos, enjoying a locally sourced coffee break while overlooking a cascading waterfall. Now, elevate this experience by savoring the brew while suspended 1,000 feet in the air on a zipline.
In other exciting news, a French city emerges as Europe’s latest hub of cultural vibrancy, distinct from the ever-glamorous Paris. A journey described as akin to visiting the moon leads travelers through what is regarded as the world’s most spine-chilling ocean crossing.
Recent events in aviation saw the discovery of another stowaway aboard a Delta flight, with the uninvited passenger being found on Christmas Eve. Venturing underwater, the Faroe Islands proudly host the world’s sole underwater roundabout, while a network of subsea tunnels works to reduce travel times within this remote archipelago.
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