Holiday inspiration and travel ideas for 2024

Thinking to take a trip but not sure where to go? Check out my holiday inspiration and travel ideas for a range of unique travel experiences…

If you’re anything like me you’ll have a never ending wish list of destinations and experiences to tap into for your holiday inspiration. If not, you’re in luck because we’ve got you covered with a diverse selection of short breaks, experience travel and holidays to whet your wanderlust.

Top holiday inspiration and travel ideas

Read on for my top picks of the best holiday destinations for 2024. I hope they inspire you too…

Hiking Adventures in Japan

Japan has been top of my travel wish list for a few years now. Add in a love of the outdoors and hiking and this self-guided adventure in Japan has all the hallmarks of my perfect trip.

Inside Japan Tours organise small group tours & self-guided trips which include some of Japan’s best multi-day hikes. The sacred pilgrimage trails of the Kumano Kodo and the ancient Nakasendo Way samurai route are just some of the epic hikes included on this tour. 

Visit mountains, see waterfalls and enjoy bathing in natural hot springs and onsen pools. The outdoor and natural element of this trip contrasts beautifully with urban life and city stays in Tokyo and Osaka and cultural Kyoto. 

Accommodation is in traditional in family-run accommodation with plenty of opportunities to sample the best of Japanese cuisine and street food.

Split & Brac – a two-centre holiday in Croatia

My first visit to Croatia was back in 2006. We flew into Split, hired a car and explored some of the islands. Looking at this two-centre holiday to Split and Brac from Completely Croatia has filled me with a yearning to return to Croatia.

Split is Croatia’s historic second city and it sits on a picturesque seafront overlooking the Adriatic. The UNESCO listed Diocletian’s Palace and exploring the old town’s medieval charm are must-dos. The city’s narrow lanes are filled with cosy bars and restaurants serving the freshest seafood. Accommodation is in a beautiful, family-run 4 star hotel.

A stay on the isle of Brač is the perfect accompaniment to cultural Split. The island is best known for its white-pebble beach Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) and countless other bays and coves. The island’s main town, Supetar, has a lively harbour area. The island is famous for its white limestone of which many buildings are constructed. There’s an old monastery to discover and good hiking on the island. Accommodation is in a beautiful 5 star boutique hotel.

Cooking and wine-tasting in Puglia

As far as I’m concerned, there’s no better way to get to know a place than through its food. This cooking and wine-tasting break by Long Travel definitely appeals to my tastebuds.

To get an authentic taste of local life you’ll stay in a masseria. This traditional farmhouse in Puglia is surrounded by olive groves and beautiful countryside. On the menu is traditional Italian fare with a cooking class, and wine-tasting. 

You’ll also learn about the oil and wine production. There’s free time to explore the ancient nearby town of Lecce or to relax by the pool. Car hire is included so you could also visit a nearby beach.

A romantic trip to Sikkim in India

For lovers of the outdoors the stunning Yumthang Valley of flowers in Sikkim should be on your wishlist. Sikkim is part of the Himalays and had a dramantic landscape which includes India’s highest mountain, Kangchenjunga at 8586m. There are also glaciers and alpine meadows with thousands of wildflowers which bloom in huge swathes across the valley. March to April, is the flower blooming season where you can see acres of pretty flowers in full bloom which makes it a beautiful honeymoon destination. Check out Sikkim honeymoon packages for more infomation.

Mahlatini – South Africa and the Seychelles

If luxury, adventure and relaxation are your thing, this one’s made for you. An exciting two-centre South Africa and Seychelles holiday from Mahlatini ticks all the boxes. 

Start your epic adventure in South Africa with exciting game drives, luxury safaris in the Kruger or head to the open wilderness of the Eastern Cape. If you like your wine then head to the area’s majestic winelands.

You’ll need to relax after all this adventure so the second part of your trip takes you to the pristine beaches and turquoise seas of the Seychelles. Barefoot luxury awaits on this paradise isle. Truly the trip of a lifetime.

Battlefield Tours with TourHound

If you’re into WWII and WWII history then TourHound will help you research your trip. This is the perfect resource for anyone looking to visit battlefields to learn more of the history, pay their respects or just reflect. 

Our family lost two brothers in the First World War – my great, great uncles. George on the last day of the Battle of Loos in Belgium and Jasper somewhere in France in 1915. I’d love to take my Dad to visit their memorials and TourHound is the perfect site for researching escorted tour holidays and trips.

Sri Lanka – Wildlife, Culture and Beach

This Sri Lanka holiday with Experience Travel Group is a biggie on the bucket list. See the best of Sri Lanka from the jungle to train journeys and tea plantations paired with cultural heritage, wildlife and beautiful beaches. 

This Sri Lanka holiday can be tailored to your personal interests. Packed with unique experiences your personal chauffeur/guide will ensure your journey runs smoothly. 

Accommodation is in tried and tested boutique hotels with a unique angle. You’ll discover the wildlife, culture, and diversity of this amazing island country in the best possible way..

Austria in the Summer

The mountains are calling. Austria in the summer is all about getting outdoors. Think picturesque lakes, magnificent mountains, hiking, biking and spa hotels. I spent time in Alpbach in the summer, my first visit to the Alps in summer, and I can’t wait to get back there. Holiday inspiration indeed.

Austrian Alpine villages are the prettiest ever with colourful flowers flowing over chalet balconies with a backdrop of imposing mountains. We loved Mayrhofen in Austria when we visited in July for fabulous hikes, mountain views and lakes.

Hiking in the mountains is glorious, the gorges are stunning and the emerald lakes have to be seen to be believed. Austria in summer is the perfect place to get outdoors, off-grid and immersed in nature.  

A UK Gourmet Break

Let’s not forget the UK. I love exploring closer to home on a staycation just as much as a trip overseas, especially when the hotel is surrounded by vines in one of England’s oldest vineyards. 

Three Choirs Vineyard in Gloucestershire makes for a fabulous gourmet break. Learn about the wine-making process from grape to glass, tour the vineyard and taste a selection of wines. The restaurant serves excellent food, designed around the seasons and sourced locally.

Martin Randall – Gastronomic Small Group Breaks

Whilst on the subject of quaffing, how does a trip by train to the Champagne region in France appeal? Explore some of the best Champagne houses in Reims, Épernay and the surrounding villages in a private group.

A four-day tour with Martin Randall Travel is led by an expert lecturer on food, wine and history which brings the tour alive. You’ll also meet the growers and producers. By the end of this trip you’ll know a Moët from a Dom Pérignon and a brut from a demi-sec. I’ll drink to that. 

All four nights are spent in Reims at the modern Hôtel de la Paix.

Nordic Experience

Seeing the Northern Lights has been one of my travel dreams for years. This natural phenomena has so far eluded me but I’ll seek them out eventually.  Autumn and winter is the best time to catch the dancing skies and Tromsø, ‘the capital of the Arctic’, is your destination with Nordic Experience.

Of course, it’s not all about the Aurora and days can be spent on a choice of excursions. Head out to sea for whale watching, mush your own team of huskies, dash through the snow on a snowmobile safari or go reindeer sledding and learn about Sami history. 

The city of Tromsø has lots to offer too, including museums, the Cathedral and panoramic views from its cable-car ride.

Adult-only Small Hotels in the Mediterranean

Finally, you can’t go far wrong with an escape to the Med with Simpson Travel. Adult-only hotels in Greece, Turkey and Italy are carefully chosen by Simpson Travel for their character, style and exceptional locations. 

These holidays are made for relaxing and enjoying good food in beautiful destinations. Perfect for a romantic break, celebration holiday or trip with friends.

Hopefully, this article has provided some holiday inspiration for the coming year. Which trip do you like the sound of most? I’m finding it hard to choose…