2024 is almost here! Per Mastercard data, “Travelers are increasingly seeking unique experiences in destinations across the world, with spending on experiences up 65%. Total travel spending growth was up 3.5% year-to-date through September.”
The beginning of the year is an awesome time to plan a vacation because it really can help you set the pace for the rest of the year. Planning a major trip can take a lot of time (or none at all when using a travel agent 😉) so I always start to plan as early as possible. Plus, I like to plan my personal vacations early in the year because it gives me something to look forward to. As I work each day, I feel like I am working for and toward something special, which always seems to drive my workforce as well!
I’ve rounded up my Top Places to visit in 2024 to help you get a jump start on thinking about or planning your vacation for this year!
1. Walt Disney World
Now more than ever is the time to visit Walt Disney World! There have been so many new and exciting changes to all the parks! Epcot is undergoing a major overhaul and new rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and the Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana experience have opened. Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Hollywood Studios opened last year and Rise of the Resistance is still as popular as ever! Park reservations are no longer required to enter the parks (excluding early January 2024 dates) and dining plans have returned! This is a great way to pay for your meals before you even arrive at the parks. It gives you an “all-inclusive” feel and is one less purchase to have to worry about making once you arrive.
There is something for everyone when visiting Walt Disney World. Whether it’s a family vacation, an adult-only trip, or a quick getaway, Walt Disney World has it all and makes it a great destination to visit in 2024. Disney only requires a $200 deposit to book your Disney vacation. At this great price for a deposit, it gives you plenty of time to pay your deposit and then make payments at any time until your final payment is due (which is 30 days prior to check in). Planning a 2025 Disney vacation? 2024 has not opened for booking at this time, but you do have the option to book for the end of the year to start making payments toward your trip. Then, when your dates open for 2025, I can move you to the following year. It’s a great way to pay off your trip over a longer period. Contact me for more information about that!
2. Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando is your one-stop for all things Harry Potter. It is also one of my favorite places to visit in Orlando! Universal is currently running a great ticket promotion: Buy 2 Park Days and get 2 Park days FREE. Pay for 2 and play for 4! How awesome is that?! Visit Diagon Alley at Universal Studios or the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure, and be fully immersed into a different world. With their park-to-park tickets, you can travel between the parks via Hogwarts Express and visit 2 great theme parks in one day. Universal Orlando is known for some great attractions including Rip Ride Rockit, The Hulk, The Revenge of the Mummy, and classic favorites like E.T. These 2 theme parks sit next to Universal’s Volcano Bay: The only water park with an “active” volcano and water rides that can be utilized with a Tapu Tapu wait system allowing you to enjoy your day without having to wait in line. Universal Resorts are close to the parks. Universal recently opened Jurassic World VelociCoaster and it is amazing. This high-speed rollercoaster is located at Islands of Adventure and is awesome. Not only can you ride this new attraction, but Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is still a fan favorite (and my all-time favorite theme park ride!) Minion Land recently opened at Universal Studios and it is SO cute! Read all about Minion Land and the newest park attraction in this area.
In order to book a Universal vacation, the deposit is $50 per person and the final payment is due 45 days prior to check in. You can also make small payments until your final payment is due!
Thinking of planning a vacation to Universal in 2025? EPIC Universe will be Universal’s fourth theme park opening and it looks to be (literally) epic!!
3. All-Inclusive Resorts: Featuring Sandals & Beaches Resorts
Looking for 5 Star service? Look no further. Sandals Resorts has everything you need to really experience everything you need for a luxury all-inclusive vacation for adults only. Visit gorgeous beaches in Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua, the Bahamas, Grenada, and Barbados. All-inclusive service includes gourmet dining, bars serving premium liquor and wine, land and water sports, golfing, and PADI-certified scuba diving at most resorts. If you’re looking for a destination wedding or honeymoon, Sandals is the leader in Caribbean destinations, and I definitely see why! If an all-inclusive vacation is on your list along with top-notch service, this is the resort for you! With an easy $98 deposit for Sandals Resorts, it’s a great way to book your vacation to the Caribbean.
Beaches Resorts are the sister resorts to Sandals. Beaches are family-friendly and all-inclusive, so you still get the great service within this brand. Visit Beaches Resorts in Negril, Ocho Rios, and Turks and Caicos.
I just got back from Beaches Turks and Caicos. Read my review about that resort here!
4. All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico (Hello Palace & Le Blanc Resorts!) offer affordable luxury for their guests. Some all-inclusive resorts are adult-only, making them a great place to spend time relaxing and enjoying one another. Most all-inclusive resorts include meals, drinks, airport transfers, entertainment, and activities. Some all-inclusive resorts will include spa treatments, excursions, and activities.
Some of my favorite resorts in Cancun and Cabo are the Palace and Le Blanc all-inclusive resorts. Stay 4 nights at any of these resorts and you will also receive complimentary round-trip airport transportation. At a $50 deposit, this is an awesome deal for you when looking for a low deposit rate. The best thing about all-inclusive resorts in Mexico is that there is something for everyone, no matter what you are looking for!
Read about my favorite resorts in Mexico on these blog posts!
How to get a free cabana in Mexico
6. Cruises
Cruising is back! Cruising is more popular than ever with cruising open to everyone and no more restrictions on who can sail. With cruises making a comeback, pricing is starting to increase quickly availability is limited, so if you’re considering it, you may want to start planning sooner rather than later.
Read all about my experience with Disney Cruise Lines here!
Read all about my experience on Mariner of the Seas as well as Freedom of the Seas! You want to experience their private island!
7. Europe
Many cruise lines have returned to sailing through Europe! Have you ever been on a river cruise and want to experience great cities through some amazing countries? I work with great vendors that provide great itineraries for river cruises or tours throughout Europe! I have traveled pretty extensively through Europe: Ireland, England, Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Italy, and even Russia. I have so much knowledge that I can share with you when traveling abroad.
This past year, I visited Amsterdam and Egypt. Amsterdam was a self-paced trip and Egypt was a private tour. There are so many great ways to experience these countries and I can help you find the best type of trip for your needs.
8. Disneyland
Disneyland is still celebrating their 100th anniversary. The “Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland so cute!!. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway has also reopened along with Mickey’s Toontown. It is so cute! I loved Disneyland and the vibe here compared to Disney World. It is so laid back! Make it a split stay and visit Disneyland AND Universal Hollywood to visit the new Super Nintendo World that has opened at Universal Hollywood.
9. Aulani – A Disney Resort in Hawaii
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, is the place to stay for a Hawaii family vacation that immerses you in local culture with Disney magic. You’ll get to enjoy a beachside resort on the island of Oahu, with the Disney flare. It’s a great resort choice for families when visiting Hawaii in 2024.
10. Egypt
Egypt was one of the most magical places I have ever been. This trip was a bucket list experience and I highly recommend putting Egypt on your list. If you’re looking to book a “bucket list” trip but don’t want to travel as far as Egypt, I have several other destinations that you can visit! History and beautiful archaeological sites exist all over the world.
Why Should You Plan Your Bucket List To Egypt Now
What is on your travel list for 2024? There are so many destinations and your opportunities are endless! Travel more, and worry less. This can still be the year for you! I’d love to help you plan your next vacation!
Love and Travel Dust,
Molly
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