The Best Places to Go in North America and the Caribbean in 2024
Grenada
Go for: new direct flights, luxe resorts, and a spicy carnival celebration
All-new direct flights will mean Grenada will get all the attention it deserves – perfectly timed for the luxury hotels and resorts that are on their way.
While it may have traditionally been overlooked in favour of other Caribbean destinations, Grenada has proven itself a worthy contender for travelers, especially those based on the East Coast. Starting in November 2023, JetBlue is launching a direct service from Boston to join existing nonstops from JFK. Air Canada’s service has also ramped up to up to four flights per week between Toronto and Grenada.
New hotels and resorts are in the pipeline, including Six Senses’ first Caribbean resort, La Sagesse, set to open in early 2024 across 38 acres near ocean-side adventures. By January 2024, Beach House by Silversands will debut, featuring a blend of beachfront and cliffside villas and suites. Furthermore, IHG is breaking ground on a 150-room resort anticipated to open in 2025.
August is a popular time to visit: Spicemas, Grenada’s Carnival, brings weeks of parades, food, dancing, and performances, welcoming a growing number of travelers heading to the Spice Island.
Washington DC
Go for: a transformed dining scene led by culinary heavy hitters
The Square, an ambitious food hall, is aiming to flip the script on DC’s dining scene.
Oysters, crab cakes, and cocktails are on the menu at Cashion’s Rendezvous in The Square.
The culinary landscape of Washington DC saw a tremendous evolution in 2023. Notable entries included The Bazaar by José Andrés, serving American classics, and the innovative Love, Makoto, featuring a sushi bar and izakaya. Death & Co. followed with uniquely crafted drinks, adding more flavor to the vibrant food scene.
Furthermore, this winter will witness Pastis, a New York City favorite, expanding to Union Market, accompanied by exciting openings from various renowned chefs, enhancing DC’s status as an exciting culinary destination.
Nayarit, Mexico
Go for: design-forward stays amid breathtaking landscapes – and prime surf conditions
NICO, a new micro-hospitality concept designed to offer ocean and jungle views in every direction.
The stylish interiors of just five suites at NICO.
Riviera Nayarit is becoming a top destination, stretching nearly 200 miles along Mexico’s Central Pacific Coast. The area, once known for sleepy fishing villages, now features luxury, with properties like Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, and new boutique hotels like NICO.
The construction pace trends upward with W Punta de Mita undergoing renovations, including the opening of Rubra restaurant. Notably, Rosewood Mandarina will welcome guests by the end of 2024, nestled amidst nature’s beauty.
Barrio Viejo, Tucson, Arizona
Go for: a historic melting pot galvanised by delicious dining and cultural programming
Teatro Carmen, a historic performing-arts venue and important community gathering spot, will soon unveil a new look.
One-of-a-kind, hand-glazed tiles at the studio of local artist Carly Quinn.
Tucson, a hub for travelers seeking outdoor adventure, is revitalizing its downtown, particularly in Barrio Viejo, which is secured to receive a National Historic Landmark designation in 2024. The neighbourhood will further embrace its cultural heritage, expected to spark even more restaurant and gallery openings.
Teatro Carmen is being restored as a vital community space, poised to offer live performances and cultural exhibitions alongside local shops and cafes.
Big Sky, Montana
Go for: a new version of luxury in a beloved mountain resort
As Big Sky Resort readies itself for its 50th anniversary, a growing downtown and burgeoning five-star experiences bring new energy to the much-loved winter escape.
The iconic Big Sky Resort, renowned for its extraordinary lifts and ski runs, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with upgrades and enhancements to the lodging experience. The new Lone Peak Tram will allow speedy access to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
Plans for sustainable practices are underway, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, enhancing the region’s appeal as a responsible travel choice.
Detroit, Michigan
Go for: a transformed waterfront, stylish downtown, and fresh digs
Detroit is creating its own blueprint for urban renewal – a revitalised waterfront, stylish hotels, and exciting new public spaces await.
In 2024, Detroit is set to unveil a host of new hotels, revitalized green spaces, and cultural attractions, including the highly anticipated Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park. This development promises fresh opportunities for urban recreation and improved access to nature.
New accommodations like AC Hotel and redeveloped spaces next to Bonstelle Theatre are expected to elevate the visitor experience, particularly around events like the NFL Draft.
Dominica
Go for: showstopping nature, secluded villas, and immersive wellness
New villas at six-star Secret Bay come with expansive views over the mountain peaks of Dominica and the Caribbean Sea.
Dominica’s lush national parks are rife with native birds like the blue-faced Amazon.
Known as the Nature Island, Dominica presents pristine landscapes and abundant outdoor activities. In 2024, initiatives toward sustainable tourism will ramp up with the introduction of a geothermal plant and the world’s longest cable car system.
Luxury accommodations like Secret Bay will enhance guest experiences, melding wellness with the natural beauty of Dominica’s environment.
Mobile, Alabama
Go for: an all-year celebration of the city’s African American history
Remembering the Avenue, a civic practice exhibition that enlists the local community in mapping the history and futures for historic Davis Avenue, will run through 2024.
Clotilda: The Exhibition at the new Africatown Heritage House is part of a wave of significant new cultural programming in Mobile.
In 2024, Mobile will see the return of passenger trains connecting it to New Orleans, enriching the city’s cultural narrative through new exhibitions and heritage sites honoring its African American history.
A complete refresh of the Admiral hotel will coincide with the city’s Mardi Gras celebrations, adding to Mobile’s growing attractiveness as a cultural destination.
Northwest Territories, Canada
Go for: unmatched stargazing through an Indigenous lens
Kayaking alongside beluga whales and other intimate wildlife-spotting adventures await travelers in this unique region.
The Northwest Territories promise a unique cultural experience with Indigenous-led tours showcasing the region’s rich heritage. Travelers can engage in kayaking and wildlife safaris and enjoy unparalleled views of the Northern Lights during the solar maximum in 2024.
Quebec, Canada
Go for: off-the-beaten-track nature and cultural immersion
Come summer, Inuit-owned Ungava Polar Eco-Tours will explore unpopulated islands like Gyrfalcon Islands in Ungava Bay.
From musk ox sightings to some of the highest tidal elevations, Quebec’s northernmost regions offer unparalleled natural immersion.
Quebec invites travelers to experience its culturally rich landscapes, with Nunavik providing unique opportunities for wildlife viewing and cultural experiences. Upcoming tours promise to connect visitors to the heart of Inuit practices and landscapes.
Santa Fe
Go for: Indigenous design spotlights, a brand new museum, and the 100th anniversary of a beloved cultural event
Old Man Gloom meets his fiery end at the Burning of the Zozobra, a beloved annual cultural event that turns 100 in 2024.
Santa Fe blends cultural richness with artistic innovation in 2024. Events highlighting Indigenous fashion and art are scheduled alongside the centennial celebration of the Burning of the Zozobra, offering visitors a taste of vibrant local traditions.
Upstate New York
Go for: bucolic lodging, winter adventures, and exceptional stargazing
Exceptional new lodgings like Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection make the Hudson Valley a top draw for travelers from further afield.
The stunning landscapes of Upstate New York are attracting visitors year-round, with a focus on outdoor activities and leisurely retreats. The Hudson Valley and Adirondacks are gearing up for exciting events around the solar eclipse in April.
