(CNN) -- So many places to see in the world. So many people eager to see them.
International tourism reached about 90% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023 and the United States issued a record number of passports. And if you visited any popular destination during the summer, you'd probably say it was busier than ever.
So maybe it's time to look at places that are still largely undiscovered, or attractive out of season, or often overlooked because of their early cities or larger neighbors. Maybe it's time to head to places that make it easy for tourists to visit and that pay close attention to promoting sustainable tourism.
With those things in mind, CNN Travel chose 24 places to consider when making your 2024 plans:
Sumba, Indonesia
With its remote villages, ancient rituals and world-class surfing waves, Sumba is the perfect antidote to the crowds of Bali. Credit: Tengguo Wu/iStockphoto/Getty Images
For those looking for a beach destination that prioritizes community awareness and sustainability, the Indonesian island of Sumba is the answer.
With its remote villages, pristine forests, ancient rituals and world-class surfing waves, Sumba is the perfect antidote to the crowds of Bali, which is just an hour's flight away. He may not be internationally famous yet, but that doesn't mean he's small. Sumba is more than 10,000 square kilometers in size, twice the size of Bali.
It was the Nihi Sumba resort that put this island in the sights of luxury seekers when it first opened in 2012. More than a decade later, Sumba welcomed several new luxury eco-resorts. These include The Sanubari , a series of beachfront villas opening in 2022, and Cap Karoso , located in the southwest of the island. —Karla Cripps
The Turkish Black Sea coast
Frescoes cover the interior of the Rock Church of the Sumela Monastery in Turkey's Black Sea region. Credit: imageBROKER . com / Alamy
Much less known than the Mediterranean resorts of Turkey's Turquoise Coast, the Black Sea region, also known as Karadeniz , offers a very different side to the country. Less touristy and with a cooler, wetter climate that produces green landscapes and delicious black tea , the region has historic cities and towns, as well as beaches and adrenaline-inducing activities.
In summer, it's a refreshing escape from Turkey's swelter regions. Visitors can explore ancient streets still echoing with the sound of blacksmiths' hammers in Safranbolu, soak up beach life in Amasra and climb to one of the world's oldest monasteries, perched on a cliff in Sumela.
For thrill-seekers, there is rafting, and when winter brings heavy snowfall, the region's eastern Kaçkar Mountains transform into a heli-skiing paradise . —Barry Neild
Tartu, Estonia
Tartu is European Capital of Culture 2024. Credit: Mana Kaasik/European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024
Tartu, in southern Estonia, has been named European Capital of Culture for 2024, with a focus on kissing . One of the most famous places in this university city is its statue of two students passionately embracing, but here, in the "City of Good Thoughts", love is more altruistic than carnal.
Tartu is recognized as the intellectual center of Estonia, home to its oldest university, as well as the must-see Estonian National Museum and the impressive AHHAA Science Centre, the largest science museum in the Baltics.
The old town is the perfect place to base yourself, but just north of the city center, on the banks of the Emajõgi River, Supilinn (“Soup City”) is also worth a visit. This historic neighborhood full of pretty wooden houses was once a poor neighborhood, but is now becoming one of the most attractive places in the city. —Maureen O'Hare
Tainan, Taiwan
Tainan is known for its thriving street food scene. Fuzhong Pedestrian Street is shown here. Credit: Keitma/Alamy
Tainan, which will celebrate its 400th anniversary in 2024, has transformed into a hotspot for Taiwan on the international stage. This southern city overtook the capital, Taipei, by boasting the highest overall hotel occupancy rate in Taiwan over the past two years.
What makes it so special? Tainan is considered the street food capital of Taiwan and is loved for its beef soups and oyster omelettes, otherworldly natural landscapes (visit Tsao Shan Moon World), picturesque sunsets over salt farms, colorful ancient temples and cool new museums.
It is also listed among Booking 's top 10 sustainable tourist destinations . com in 2023. —Maggie Hiufu Wong
Northwest Michigan
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore features a number of hikes, including a strenuous one over the towering dunes leading to Lake Michigan. Credit: Deb Snelson/Momento RF/Getty Images
Refreshing Lake Michigan draws plenty of tourists in the summer, but northwest Michigan's shoreline, quaint towns, and rolling countryside have plenty to offer year-round. On Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City is a great base for exploring wineries on the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas or picking cherries or apples in season. Then, fall foliage is ready to spy, followed by winter's welcoming blankets of snow.
From Traverse City, scenic Highway M-22 winds around the Leelanau Peninsula and returns through Leland, home to a historic fishing village and a collection of interesting shops and galleries . Glen Arbor is another town worth visiting on the way to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore , where, off M-109, a 3.5-mile sandy hike over massive dunes to the Great Lake and back Prepare hardy hikers for a delicious dinner.
Farm Club , a farm-restaurant hybrid seven miles from downtown Traverse City, serves beautifully prepared dishes showcasing the region's ingredients (many of them grown on site) in a minimalist, barn-like space that's spreads outdoors. —Marnie Hunter
Trans Dinarica Cycle Route, Balkans
The spectacular scenery is a big draw along the new cycle route in the Balkans. Credit: Matevz Hribar Cycle Route/Trans Dinarica
The Trans Dinarica cycle route, which will be launched in 2024, will be the first and only cycle route linking the eight countries of the Western Balkans. The 100-stage trail is designed for cyclists of all levels and its 4,000 kilometers are made up of quiet paved roads, forest paths and cycle paths.
Cyclists can enjoy the spectacular coastlines of Albania and Croatia, the national parks of Kosovo, the rugged mountains and lush forests and crystal clear rivers of Montenegro in Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Serbia.
Passengers can learn more and sign up to receive news about route updates, maps, accommodations and services at transdinarica.com . -MO
Culebra, Puerto Rico
A rusty tank makes walking along the beach unusual at Culebra's Playa Flamenco. Credit: cdwheatley/iStockphoto/Getty Images
Puerto Rico is big and makes for a great island getaway. But what if you want to escape your great island getaway? That's where the little Culebra comes in. It's about 20 miles off the east coast of Puerto Rico and a world away from the loud, rum-soaked nightlife of San Juan.
The emphasis here is on outdoor activities and relaxation. Be sure to visit Flamenco Beach , which curves for about a mile around a sheltered bay. It has few waves, making it a great place for diving and swimming. And a graffitied tank, an American military relic, offers a surprising photo opportunity.
Much of the island is a natural refuge and you can also go hiking, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and fishing. You can take a day trip or stay and make it your main destination. —Forrest Brown
Angola
Cristo Rei in Lubango towers over a landscape that most tourists have yet to discover. Credit: Eric Lafforgue/Art in All of Us/Corbis/Getty Images
This southern African nation is striving to make a name for itself on the tourism scene, having recently introduced a fast-approval e-visa for tourism . While major tourism infrastructure may not yet be up to date, it's an opportunity to explore a country that's still off the travel radar.
The capital Luanda has a reputation for being an expensive party city, but in the open spaces beyond, Angola has spectacular landscapes and cultural delights. The second town, Lubango , offers Portuguese colonial architecture, a stunning Rio-style statue of Christ the King on a hilltop, and access to Tundavala Gap, a dizzying dive from cool plateaus to shimmering dusty plains.
Also worth a look: the spectacular 396-metre-wide Calendula Falls and Atlantic coast surfing paradises such as Barra do Kwanza and Cabo Ledo. —BN
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Tourists walk among Hopewell Rocks at low tide along the Bay of Fundy. Credit: Eric Carr/Alamy
Not to be confused with St. John's, the capital of Newfoundland, Saint John is located in New Brunswick, also on the east coast of Canada. This charming little town is a great base for enjoying the nearby Bay of Fundy , famous for having the highest tides in the world.
The city itself is filled with historic architecture, including Saint John's City Market , a National Historic Site of Canada. Built between 1874 and 1876, it is full of shops and food places. A five-minute walk away is the Saint John Arts Center . Located in the city's historic Carnegie Building, it is the only former Carnegie Library in eastern Canada.
As for accommodation, there are seaside cabins, hotels, motels, campsites, historic inns and B&Bs. The food here is excellent as you would expect from a maritime city in Canada, with a wide variety from budget lunches to fine dining. —K.C.
South Korea
Andong Hahoe Folk Village shows the traditional side of South Korea. Credit: Parque Sanga/iStock/Getty Images
With the news that “Squid Game” (still the most-watched show on Netflix) will return with a new season in 2024, it's time to once again embrace the “K wave.”
Fortunately, traveling to the country is easier than ever. The government will remove the K-ETA (the electronic travel visa for South Korea) requirement for travelers from 22 countries until the end of 2024 as part of its Visit Korea Year campaign.
This is a country that really has it all. After exploring futuristic cities like Seoul and Busan, the cultural and historical side of ancient Korea awaits you in Andong, nicknamed the “Spirit of South Korea”, or the seven cemeteries of the ancient Gaya Mounds , recently inscribed as a World Heritage Site. Humanity by UNESCO in 2023. —MHW
Albania
Albania has a rich culture, including Christian and Muslim history, with historic centers in cities such as Berat (pictured). Credit: Tuul and Bruno Morandi/The Image Bank Unreleased/Getty Images
Located on the Adriatic coast between Greece and Montenegro, it's surprising that Albania wasn't a more popular beach destination before. But its affordable prices have sparked a tourism boom here in recent years, so much so that in 2023, a record number of Italians crossed the Adriatic in search of their bargain summer holidays.
A new airport will open in Vlorë on the coast in 2024, making trips to the beach easier. But Albania is much more than its coast. The country has a rich culture, including Christian and Muslim history, with historic centers in towns such as Berat and Gjirokastër, as well as stunning mountain landscapes (Theth is the most popular).
In 2023, Albania gained Europe's first wild river national park, around the 270-kilometre Vjosa River , or to really get off the beaten track, book a tour with Drive Albania . —Julia Buckley
Chile
The new Our Habitas Atacama hotel emphasizes sustainability in Chile's Atacama Desert. Credit: Kleinjan Groenewald/Courtesy Habitas Atacama
Stretching approximately 4,345 kilometers from head to toe, long, thin Chile offers something for everyone. In the north, spectacular landscapes simulate Mars on Earth in the Atacama Desert, where the 51-room Our Habitas Atacama emphasizes sustainability. The new hotel fits well with the “world's leading eco-destination”, a title that Chile has just won at the World Travel Awards for the second year in a row.
The natural world is at its best throughout the country: thousands of kilometers of Pacific coast to the west, the imposing Andes to the east and lakes, volcanoes and wild Patagonia to the south.
World-class skiing in July and August (a welcome break from the sweltering northern hemisphere) is two hours or less from the capital, Santiago. And the new high-altitude Glaciers National Park near the city protects land in the most populated and historically underprotected area of the country . —MH
Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia
The biodiverse Abrolhos Islands are home to sea lions, dolphins, kangaroos, lizards and more. Credit: Bill Bachman/Alamy
Every year there is another installment of the soap opera about the Great Barrier Reef : will it be removed from the UNESCO list? Has the coral regrowth gone well this season?
For tourists who prefer not to immerse themselves in the situation, there is another way to experience some of Australia's magnificent underwater riches. About 60 kilometers off the coast of Western Australia, the lesser-known Abrolhos Islands are home to some of the most beautiful scenery on the country's Coral Coast, both above and below the water.
Humpback whales pass through during the southern hemisphere winter and lucky travelers may catch a glimpse of Australian sea lions. There are no hotels on the islands, so intrepid visitors can spend the night in the town of Geraldton or enjoy a cruise, which provides the opportunity to watch brilliant sunsets over the Indian Ocean and snorkel in the early hours, when the fish are more active. —Lilit Marcus
Macedonia, Greece
People walk along the sea in Thessaloniki, Greece's second city. Credit: Hemis/Alamy
Athens and the islands become busier every year, but in northern Greece, the Macedonia region is relatively free of overtourism. However, it has everything that visitors flock to other places in Greece to see: archaeological sites, cities rich in history, and beaches galore.
This was the land of Alexander the Great. His father, Philip II of Macedonia, is buried in Vergina, where his tomb has been converted into a world-class underground museum displaying the finds. Nearby, there are Byzantine remains in the hilltop town of Veria, and magnificent wineries such as Kir-Yianni in the hills surrounding Naousa.
Thessaloniki, the capital of the region and the second city of Greece, is a gastronomic center and a mix of architectural and archaeological eras. Near the city are the sandy beaches of Halkidiki; towards the border with Thrace are archaeological sites such as ancient Philippi and the city of Kavala, whose Ottoman past is shown in each building. —J.B.
Panama
The historic center of Panama City is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Credit: Bogdan Lazar/Alamy
It may be most famous for the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal, but this Central American country is much more than a transit destination.
Not only does Panama have a vibrant capital with a historic old town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but the country also has more than a dozen national parks, including Volcán Barú National Park, the highest point in Panama.
Panama City is also the only capital in the world with a rainforest within its urban limits. Visitors interested in delving deeper into Panama's cultural landscape in a sustainable way can book community tourism adventures through a digital portal called Red SOSTUR , which connects travelers with rural communities and tourism businesses. —Tamara Hardingham-Gill
Galicia, Spain
The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of thousands of walkers each year. Credit: samael334/iStockphoto/Getty Images
Empty beaches bordered by the wild Atlantic Ocean and framed by the rugged landscape of the Atlantic Islands National Park . Delicious seafood. And a historic city forever intertwined with the famous Camino de Santiago . Welcome to Galicia, an autonomous community in the extreme northwest of Spain.
Galicia's regional capital, Santiago de Compostela , has long been on the tourist map thanks to its impressive 12th-century cathedral, which is the end point for the hundreds of thousands of walkers who embark on the Camino de Santiago each year. . But even if you weren't planning on packing your hiking boots, bustling Santiago should be on your radar.
And for spectacular views, head to Cape Fisterra , a rocky peninsula home to the picturesque Finisterre Lighthouse. The former residence of the lighthouse is the Hotel O Semáforo de Fisterra . Lighthouses are a theme in Galicia – there are 19 in total, including the UNESCO-protected 1st-century Tower of Hercules , believed to be the oldest Roman lighthouse in the world. —Francesca Street
Singapore's coastal islands
St. John's Island is one of the retreats that awaits visitors leaving the city. Credit: David ChiaFF/Alamy
The city-state of Singapore showcases urbanism at its finest: skyscrapers, neon-lit supertrees, and six-star hotels all outdoing each other to redefine “luxury.” But venturing off the peninsula is quickly becoming a more interesting option.
Singapore is developing some of its smaller, uninhabited islands by, well, not developing them. Just a ferry ride from the mainland, Lazarus Island is now home to some cost-effective small houses made from reconstituted wood and powered by solar energy. Nearby, Sisters' Island will open the country's first marine park, including a sea turtle hatchery and coral protection area, in 2024.
It's now open for exploring St. John's Island, where a less than 3-kilometer trail highlights native plants and flowers while shedding light on the island's colorful history, which included a period as a quarantine center during a cholera outbreak. It is an appropriate place to think about life after a pandemic. —LM
Merida, Mexico
People ride bicycles on a cycle route on Paseo de Montejo in Mérida, the capital of the state of Yucatán. Credit: megapress/Alamy Images
The Yucatan Peninsula is best known for its tropical beaches, but venture inland and you'll find an unexpected urban treat.
“Mérida's uniqueness comes from a mix of Mayan and colonial heritage,” said David Casanova, who runs a real estate YouTube channel in the Yucatán state capital with his wife, Megan Sequeira Casanova. "The excitement of the city begins with its varied cuisine and friendly locals and expands with its favorable year-round climate."
In town, Paseo de Montejo is lined with historic mansions, museums, art galleries, and local vendors. The Casanovas promote the city's boutique hotels, including Kuka and Naranjo . For nearby getaways, there's Progreso Beach (less than an hour away), fascinating Mayan ruins, and underground water caves called cenotes.
If you are concerned about personal safety in Mexico, the US State Department ranks the states of Yucatán and Campache as the two safest in December. -FB
Morocco
Tetouan, in northern Morocco, is home to a UNESCO World Heritage medina. Credit: Gordon Sinclair/Alamy
Morocco, a long-time travel favorite thanks to its diverse landscape and spectacular architecture, is rebounding determinedly after a devastating earthquake last September.
While visitors tend to flock to popular cities like Marrakech, Rabat and Fez, the country certainly has no shortage of less crowded places that are arguably just as attractive. Highlights include Tetouan, the city near Regis Hotels and Resorts ' first property in Morocco, and historic Meknes, which is among the country's nine UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Morocco is proving to be a world leader in sustainable tourism, launching various initiatives to boost its renewable energy generation. The country is also home to a number of major eco-hotels, including the Berber-run Kasbah du Toubkal , located at the base of the spectacular High Atlas Mountains. —THG
Florida's freshwater springs
Visitors to Wakulla Springs will find warm waters. Credit:Yvette Cardozo/Alamy
How about submerging yourself in gin-clear water any day of the year? You can do so at some of the 1,000 or more recognized freshwater springs spread across northern and central Florida.
These pristine natural pools provide stable temperatures and visibility for swimming, tubing, snorkeling, diving, wildlife viewing and more. These are some of the best:
Wakulla Springs has a swimming area in 70°F (21°C) water and the state park offers a boat tour. The depth at the vent is about 56 meters (185 feet). Rainbow Springs is considered one of the most beautiful in the state. Ginnie Springs , a privately owned site, is famous for its diving and caverns. -FB
Texas Hill Country
Luckenbach, a small hamlet near Fredericksburg, is a magnet for music lovers in the Texas Hill Country. Credit: Pierce Ingram/Texas Travel
In the heart of Texas, the Hill Country has its own natural springs. A prime spot, Krause Springs in Spicewood attracts visitors with more than just its spring-fed pool and natural swimming hole: There's also a butterfly garden filled with magical wind chimes. And the Blue Bonnet Cafe , home to some of the world's most divine cream pies, is just a short drive away in Marble Falls.
Meanderers will also find rolling hills and hiking trails, winding rivers, vineyards , barbecue halls, music and dancing, plus an explosion of wildflowers in March and April. And in 2024, April will also bring a celestial spectacle to the Hill Country: the April 8 total solar eclipse.
Gruene Hall in New Braunfels is legendary among historic Texas dance halls , and Luckenbach, a small hamlet outside the larger German-influenced town of Fredericksburg, has a dance hall and regular gathering circles under the oaks. —MH
Fujairah
The lesser-known emirate, Fujairah, boasts beautiful beaches and spectacular mountain landscapes. Credit: Stefan Tomic/E+/Getty Images
One of the smallest and least-known emirates in the United Arab Emirates, Fujairah is as peaceful as it is beautiful. Full of spectacular mountain ranges and pristine beaches, it is significantly less developed than places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and offers an authentic, tranquil atmosphere that's hard to beat.
Fujairah has a cooler climate compared to other emirates due to its mountainous surroundings, but the winter months are definitely the most pleasant time to visit.
Snoopy Island, a diving spot that looks like the famous cartoon dog lying on its back, is a top attraction thanks to its crystal-clear waters and coral reef, while the waterfalls of Wadi Wurayah National Park are another must-see. . —THG
Greenland
The Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the most impressive landscapes in Greenland. The autonomous territory of Denmark will welcome new airports in 2024. Credit:Sharpshooters/VWPics/AP
The stunning landscapes of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark located northeast of Canada, will become a little more accessible to international travelers this year.
New international airports are opening in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, and in the coastal city of Ilulissat. These aviation hubs promise longer runways that will be able to accommodate larger commercial aircraft. The climate crisis is a visible and real threat in Greenland, and investment in tourism is increasing as climate change hampers traditional industries .
Learn more about how Greenland is adapting and the stories of the Inuit people who have lived in the region for thousands of years at the Icefjord Center in Ilulissat on the west coast. Colorful Ilulissat is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, which offers the stunning view of a bay filled with floating icebergs. Overall, nature is the main event in Greenland, with other highlights including whale watching, dog sledding, and northern lights sightings. —FS
Uzbekistan
The mausoleum of Shah-i-Zinda in Samarkand is among the rich religious and cultural sites of Uzbekistan. Credit: Tuul and Bruno Morandi/The Image Bank RF/Getty Images
Before the pandemic, Uzbekistan was poised to be the next big travel destination thanks to a series of ambitious reforms to transform the country into a world-class destination.
Now, finally your time has come.
Offering visa-free access to citizens of 86 countries, Uzbekistan's pristine landscapes and well-preserved architecture are ready and waiting to wow visitors.
To better understand Uzbekistan's position at the heart of the legendary Silk Road, a historic trade route that ran from China and India to the Mediterranean, the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva await you. Meanwhile, the Uzbek mountain village of Sentob, about 3.5 hours from Samarkand, was added to UNESCO's " Best Tourist Villages " list in 2023. It has been cited for its commitment to sustainable development, with a focus in nature, organic foods, ecology and mountain tourism.
Getting around the country is easy thanks to the Afrosiyob Express high-speed train, which connects the capital, Tashkent, with Samarkand and Bukhara. —K.C.
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