2024 was an incredible, travel-filled year. I visited three continents, spending the majority of the year in New Zealand after I finished my Lap of Australia. Each year, I write an annual recap post on the best places I visited during the year.
There’s no specific criteria for a place to make it onto the list – it can be somewhere I’ve been before, or a new destination. I just have to think it was a great place! You can catch up on the best places I visited in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023. Here are all the best places I visited in 2024!
New Zealand
Is it a cop out to say all of New Zealand? Because wow, this country is incredible. I never expected I would love it so much, and definitely didn’t think I’d still be living here in 2025. The hype is real for New Zealand – so many people have said it’s their favorite country in the world. Well, I can absolutely see why they think that. There is an unbelievable amount of natural diversity here: dramatic mountains, fjords, rainforest, and volcanoes. The people are kind and friendly, and there’s a lot to learn about indigenous Maori culture. If you haven’t already been to New Zealand, it should be on your bucket list!
Read More: How Much Does it Cost to Travel New Zealand for 6 Weeks? Moving to New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa: How to Start Your Life, How to Save Money Traveling New Zealand on a Budget
Tasmania
One of my favorite states in Australia, and definitely one of my favorite months of my Lap, was Tasmania. It had everything I wanted: spectacular sandy beaches, rugged mountain hikes, beautiful lakes, unique wildlife… I could go on. It was the highlight of my time in the Land Down Under, and even a month wasn’t quite enough time to see it all. I loved Tassie with all my heart, and it’s a place that will stay with me forever.
Read More: The Best Hikes in Tasmania, Australia, 49 Spectacular Places You Must Visit in Tasmania, A One-Month Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary, The Best Free Camps in Tasmania, 12 Tips for a Road Trip Around Tasmania
Grampians National Park
I detoured off the Adelaide-Melbourne drive and the Great Ocean Road to spend a few days hiking in the Grampians, and I’m so glad I did! It was hard to pick which hikes to do, since there are so many good ones here. But I loved Mount Difficult – and got really lucky with the weather on the day I did this hike. This national park is definitely worth adding on a few days to your itinerary if you’re driving the Great Ocean Road!
Read More: The Best Hikes in the Grampians National Park, Victoria
Vic High Country
One of the most underrated parts of Australia? The High Country in Victoria. I came here on the recommendation of a friend, to hike Mount Feathertop. And I was blown away! There were too many hikes for me to squeeze into my few short days here – I also loved Mount Buffalo National Park. The drive up and over the mountains isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s a spectacular region to explore.
Read More: A Hiker’s Guide to the Victoria High Country, Australia
Mackenzie Region & Twizel
Of course, I couldn’t make this list without my adopted town of Twizel in New Zealand. But really, the entire Mackenzie Region has been one of my favorite destinations of the year! From gorgeous walks and relaxing in the hot pools at Lake Tekapo, to the stunning hikes around Mount Cook, to the beautiful views as you drive SH8 around the shores of Lake Pukaki, there is a lot to see and do here. I feel so lucky to call this place my home, and I’m so glad I came back to experience the region in summer!
Wanaka
Wanaka is another super popular place in New Zealand that is definitely worth the hype. The town is small and friendly, at the edge of a stunning lake and surrounded by mountain peaks. The vibes are immaculate – it’s a place to come and chill, enjoy the natural scenery, and enjoy life. One of my favorite days of my New Zealand road trip was hiking Roy’s Peak, swimming in the lake, and having a big ice cream afterwards. I’ll never forget that day!
Read More: The Most Epic Hike in Wanaka: What to Know About Roy’s Peak
Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman, in the northwest corner of the South Island of New Zealand, was somewhere I instantly loved. Driving into the area, I immediately proclaimed, “I LOVE IT HERE!” The beaches are out of this world – I loved doing a kayak trip and hiking back! Swimming at Split Apple Rock – even though the water was pretty chilly – was memorable too. Don’t miss this beautiful part of New Zealand.
Read More: Kiwi Paradise: A Travel Guide to Abel Tasman National Park
Tongariro National Park
I feel so lucky that the weather changed last-minute, and I was able to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike. It was one of my favorite days of the trip, and remains a top experience from my year in New Zealand. There are other places to visit, too – Tawhai Falls was used as a film location in Lord of the Rings, and even just driving through with views across to Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe made my jaw drop.
Read More: Tongariro Alpine Crossing: What to Know About New Zealand’s Most Epic Day Hike
Hobbiton Movie Set
Of course, no list of destinations could be complete without a mention of the Hobbiton Movie Set, located in Matamata, New Zealand. The Lord of the Rings filmmakers brought the Shire to life, and visiting it was a top life experience. It’s a truly unique, special place to visit – especially if you’re a LOTR fan. I’ll never forget my visit here; it was one of the best days of my life.
Read More: What to Know About Visiting Hobbiton Movie Set: A Dream Come True
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota
I grew up going on canoe trips to the Boundary Waters, but hadn’t been on one as an adult – my last BWCA trip was 19 years ago! Getting to experience a family canoe trip again was so meaningful to me. But, after traveling all over the world (literally) since my last trip, it was also a reminder of just how special this part of Minnesota is. Listening to the loon calls while watching the sun set over the lakeshore and canoeing along the International Border between the US and Canada were top highlights from the trip. I hope to have more trips here when I’m back in Minnesota!
New Ulm, Minnesota
I’ve never been to New Ulm before – and as far as I’m aware, I’ve never really even been to this part of southern Minnesota before, either! But I did a daytrip out to New Ulm from the Twin Cities and had the best time. I was really in town to tour Schell’s Brewery, which is where they make my favorite beer in the world (Grain Belt Nordeast). But the town itself was charming and cute, and there were some nearby walks and state parks I would have explored if I’d had more time. This is a perfect destination for a daytrip or weekend away from the cities!
New cities in the South of France
I spent the majority of October traveling around France – some places, like Toulouse, I’d visited before. But there were many places that were new to me! And on the whole, I enjoyed my time in all of them immensely. I had a brief visit to Lyon, before a week in the countryside in La Garde-Adhémar, then traveling onto Marseille, Avignon, and Arles. These are all fantastic cities, with lots to see and do. I could have spent more time in all of them! I particularly loved Avignon – it reminded me of my beloved city of York in the UK, with its historic city walls and pretty cobblestone streets.
The Pyrenees
I visited the Pyrenees for the first time this year, and WOW. I was blown away! I loved my day hiking around Coumebière near Aulus-Les-Bans – the mountains were simply spectacular. I also loved my daytrip to Foix, on the edge of the Pyrenees. I did two hikes and visited the historic castle, which is my favorite kind of day. This is a part of Europe I know I will absolutely be returning to, in order to explore more.
Andorra
My 49th country was a good one – Andorra surprised me in the best ways! I really didn’t know what to expect, besides that I wanted to stay a few days (a lot of people just visit Andorra la Vella or the border towns for a day of tax-free shopping) and hoped to go hiking. It was an interesting destination, but I loved my time here! Hiking in Vall d’Incles and up to Estany de Cabana Sorda was my highlight from Andorra. But I also enjoyed my hikes around Andorra la Vella. Too many people rush through here in an effort to “tick off” the country, but I recommend giving yourself a few days to actually explore!
York and Yorkshire
I had a very brief visit to the UK at the end of September, spending a week back home in York. I was nervous going back – what if I didn’t like it anymore? What if it didn’t feel like home? Well, York is the best city in the world, and Yorkshire really is God’s Own Country. It was amazing to be back in my favorite city. I did some of my favorite Yorkshire walks, and in general just really enjoyed my time here. I love this place, and it’s home for me. I’m looking forward to going back in a few months!
Read More: All of my York posts and Yorkshire posts!
So there you have it: all the best places I visited in 2024! From Australia and New Zealand to Minnesota and France, I saw a lot this year. I’m excited for what 2025 has in store for me and my travels!
Thank you all for following along on my adventures this year!
What was the best place you visited in 2024?
