These are the most exciting travel destinations for 2024, according to National Geographic

In November, National Geographic published its “The Cool List for 2024,” a collection of 30 destinations worldwide that are the most exciting places to visit next year.

Europe dominated the list, with 13 locations, including traveling the entire continent by train. Six places in North America were named on the list, with three in the United States.

As travelers continue to look for cheaper alternatives or “dupe travel,” places that are close to but not the tried-and-true tourist hotspots are rising in popularity.

Internet searches in the U.S. for travel dupes spiked throughout 2023, according to Google Trends data.

Europe

• Albanian Alps, Albania
• Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Emilia-Romagna, Italy
• Europe by train
• Galloway and Southern Ayrshire, Scotland
• Nordland, Norway
• North Yorkshire, England
• Pompeii, Italy
• Saimaa, Finland
• Tartu, Estonia
• The Euros, Germany
• Valletta, Malta
• Wales
• Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

A standout location in Europe is Tartu, Estonia. According to Nat Geo, Estonians consider the city to be the “country’s cultural and intellectual heart.” Tartu is 110 miles from Tallinn, Estonia’s capital city.

Tartu is home to the country’s oldest university, a designated UNESCO City of Literature, and was selected as one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2024.

The Americas

• Atacama Desert, Chile
• Lima, Peru
• New York, U.S.
• Miami, Florida, U.S.
• Dominica
• Nova Scotia, Canada
• Texas, U.S.
• Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
• Iberá Wetlands, Argentina

Three places in the U.S. ranked as the most exciting destinations in 2024. Texas stands out among the list because, in 2024, people in central Texas will be able to see the total solar eclipse set for April 8.

Forth Worth, San Antonio and Austin are expected to offer the best views of the astronomical event.

Austin, Texas, continues to be a city to watch. A SmartAsset study showed that home values have soared 354% in the city over the past 25 years.

A Henley and Partner’s 2023 wealth report named Austin the