My 2024 Travel Bucketlist

As we enter these last three months of 2023, I am starting to concoct some exciting things for 2024! Below are just some of the places I am considering right now and why (so you can think about doing them yourself!)

* * * Thailand * * *

Thailand is currently TOP of my list! From elephant sanctuaries to Buddhist temples to party islands to street food, Thailand is a backpacker’s dream. It is well known for being good for beginner travelers as well since the transportation is trustworthy, there are hostels and homestays everywhere, and everything is extremely cheap.

It is also a country that doesn’t require much planning if your timeline is flexible – if you meet a cool group of people going somewhere you want to go, you don’t have to hesitate to join them! There will be plenty of last minute hostels and tours available. So, just go with the flow in Thailand in 2024!

Visa Info: 30-day tourist visas upon arrival are standard, but you can pay extra to extend up to 60 or 90 days total.

* * * Vietnam/Laos * * *

These two countries are very different but I am putting them under one section since I haven’t done tons of research on either of them yet. Many people tend to do a whole backpacking trip around Thailand, Vietnam and Laos (sometimes throwing Cambodia and Malaysia in there too). This part of Southeast Asia is so cheap, so fun, and so full of culture that I pretty much want to see every part of it that I can.

There are a couple of big tours to do in Vietnam and Laos. Vietnam is well known for its Ha Giang Loop – a multi-day excursion around the stunning mountains of Northern Vietnam. Laos on the other hand offers multi-day trips down the Mekong River that runs along the Laos/Thailand border. Although they are all cheap, Vietnam is often considered the cheapest country in Southeast Asia!

Visa Info: Laos offers 30-day tourist visas upon arrival for US citizens with the option to extend it to be 60 days in total. Vietnam requires the application for a visa prior to entry providing a maximum length of stay of 90 days. Apply for an eVisa HERE

* * * Colombia * * *

Colombia is often considered dangerous and tends to have a pretty bad rep, however, everyone I have met that traveled around Colombia absolutely adored the country. After some research, I found that there is quite a large backpacker population and there are countless experiences to be had! With ziplines, bungee jumps, and waterfall rappelling, it’s a daredevils paradise. If those aren’t really your style, there are always salsa classes or the Amazon Rainforest to enjoy too!

Visa Info: 90-day tourist visas upon arrival are standard.

* * * Indonesia * * *

I have been to Bali and the Gili Islands, however, that is a very small portion of what there is to see in Indonesia! There is so much more to the country and I definitely want to go back and explore much more of it. If you make it to Bali, definitely try to check out Java, Sumba, Komodo, and Sumatra as well. These are all on my bucket list for whenever I make it back to Indonesia!

Visa Info: 30-day tourist visa upon arrival is standard with the option to extend an additional 30 days up to 4 times.

* * * New Orleans * * *

I’m actually not sure if this one will happen in 2024 but it is definitely on the bucket list. The food, architecture, and culture of New Orleans has always drawn me in (heavy emphasis on the food!!). Between ghost tours, swamp tours, jazz, and the nightlife, there’s something for everyone there and I can’t wait to experience it!

* * * Chicago * * *

Chicago is one of the top cities in the US and definitely has plenty to keep a person busy. Personally, I have lots of friends in Chicago and want to visit them, but I also know that it will come along with some amazing museums, fun nights out, and cool events.

Those are my 2024 Bucket List countries! I definitely recommend looking into any of these locations OR staying tuned for my blog posts about each of these locations throughout 2024!