Biarritz, France

David Duchon-Doris

Once a pearl of the Belle Époque and now a mecca for surfers, laid-back Biarritz is currently making a comeback with fabulous new openings and a modern Basque cuisine. Anyone longing for nostalgic beach vibes is guaranteed to find what they are looking for here on the beach promenade. And you'll be the envy of your Instagram feed with pictures of the iconic colorful striped umbrellas. On the hotel front, the newly renovated Regina Experimental Biarritz is back on top form - including fantastic views of the coast. Youthful and particularly cool is the hotel Le Garage, which - as the name suggests - used to be a garage. Today, the trendy boutique hotel revives the surfer spirit that has been indispensable in Biarritz since the 1950s. Foodies can look forward to culinary highlights - Basque cheesecake is a must - and you should definitely book a table at De Puta Madre in summer, where the food is at least as surprising as the cheeky name of the restaurant.

Best time to travel: May to September

Salzkammergut, Austria

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As the European Capital of Culture 2024, attention is fully focused on the idyllic spa town of Bad Ischl and the Salzkammergut region. A total of 23 municipalities in the inner Alpine region are joining forces to focus on the region's cultural heritage. In addition to a jam-packed program, the picturesque region, which stretches across the provinces of Upper Austria, Salzburg and Styria, attracts visitors with crystal-clear lakes, imposing mountains and fairytale towns such as Hallstatt and Bad Ischl, where historic buildings such as the Imperial Villa meet sporting activities at any time of year.

Best time to travel: all year round

Sardinia, Italy

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A coastline of almost 2,000 kilometers, fine sandy beaches, turquoise blue water and a hilly interior, perfect for hiking - Sardinia isn't known as the Caribbean of Europe for nothing. Coupled with the joie de vivre of southern Italy - not to mention the warm hospitality - the island is a dream summer destination. The south in particular is increasingly worth a trip, as you can immerse yourself in the diversity of the region away from the crowds. Those who prefer to hang out on the beach are spoiled for choice: Porto Pino should definitely be on the bucket list. The capital Cagliari attracts visitors with the typical flair of a southern Italian port city, while the north of the island will boast the newly renovated and guaranteed spectacular Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda from May.

Best time to visit: April to May and September to October

Scotland, United Kingdom

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From the dramatic Highlands to vibrant cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland features one wow moment after another. History buffs can immerse themselves in 900 years of history and explore the mystical Eilean Donan Castle or the famous Balmoral Castle. There's also the fairytale Craigievar Castle, which will reopen its doors in spring after extensive renovation work. Nature lovers, on the other hand, will be amazed by the lush green landscape and rugged coastline. Next year will also bring many new features: Everyone is talking about the brand new Perth Museum, which will open on Easter weekend. The 100 Princes Street, which opens its doors in spring, promises to be the most stylish hotel in Edinburgh. Meanwhile, the W Edinburgh (including the hyped SUSHISAMBA restaurant) is already attracting attention with its extraordinary architecture. In Glasgow, on the other hand, you can look forward to a new Soho House - the first in Scotland.

Best time to visit: May to June and September to October

San Sebastian, Spain

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Gourmets reach for the stars here in the Basque Country - the Michelin stars, to be precise. No other European city has such a high concentration of top culinary awards. Gourmets often book months in advance to get a place at the two-star Mugaritz or the Arzak. The hotel and restaurant Akelarre can even boast three stars. The brand new Nobu Hotel San Sebastián invites you to a culinary experience par excellence in the usual brand manner. The chic Lasala Plaza Hotel with its rooftop pool is also worth a visit, not to mention the luxurious and idyllic Hotel Villa Soro. Away from meals that resemble a religious experience, San Sebastián has a fantastic coastline and unbeatable waves for surfers.

Best time to travel: June to September

Oaxaca, Mexico

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Mexico is undoubtedly a paradise for sun worshippers, but destinations such as Cabo and Tulum are no longer insider tips. Away from the dream beaches, the colorful Oaxaca in the interior of the country is increasingly emerging as the place to be for anyone who wants to delve deeper into Mexico's cultural heritage. It's not only a gastronomic hub, but also a place to enjoy the colorful architecture and dazzling festivals such as the Guelaguetza parade at the end of July. The kaleidoscope of accommodation ranges from mystical and rustic, such as the Grana B&B, to minimalist and luxurious, such as the Casona Sforza boutique hotel to the ultra-stylish Escondido Oaxaca. Not to be missed: Mezcal, chocolate and mole make up the region and are an absolute must. If you are planning a long-distance trip to warmer climes at the end of October, you can take part in the incomparable festivities in Oaxaca to mark the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

Best time to travel: April to October

Jaipur, India

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Many long-distance travel enthusiasts have not been back east since 2019, but forecasts predict that this will change in 2024. Travel restrictions finally feel like a distant memory and the thirst for adventure is rapidly increasing. For a dazzling get-away in winter, few places are as impressive as Jaipur, also known as the 'pink city' due to its landmark Hawa Mahal (pictured). Historic forts, royal palaces and lively bazaars coexist seamlessly with modern malls and luxurious hotels. Many took advantage of the pandemic-related break to carry out renovations and now shine in new splendor. One particular gem is the recently opened hotel Villa Palladio Jaipur, which - much like the city itself - shines in all shades of pink and red.

Best time to travel: November to February

Quebec, Canada

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Between adventures in the great outdoors and relaxed city breaks, travelers looking for variety will find themselves in Quebec in 2024. As a hotspot for Indigenous Travel Experiences, visitors can look forward to authentic experiences that also support the First Nations. Not to be missed is the Biennale of Contemporary Native Art, which gives Canada's indigenous art a well-deserved stage. From summer, the Inuit-led Ungava Polar Eco-Tours offer five-day excursions to the uninhabited Gyrfalcon Islands - a highlight that is second to none. The country's forests are a place of energy, where the Hotel Sacacomie (image) in particular offers an incomparable experience in the midst of nature.

Best time to travel: June to September

Mauritius

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In the 1980s and 1990s, the island in the Indian Ocean was considered the honeymoon destination par excellence. But as the resorts along the gleaming white beaches got older, things became quieter around the East African paradise. With a growing number of top hotels - Four Seasons, One&Only (image), LUX* and Shangri-La - a new hype has been sparked in Mauritius that is not only being followed by newlyweds. While the glitterati are practising the chic art of doing nothing in the modern resorts, adventure-seekers are plunging into the indescribable water world and get to explore the fabulous natural diversity.

Best time to travel: May to December

Osaka, Japan

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For first-time visitors, it's probably a jump in at the deep end, but for Japanophiles it's a breath of fresh air: Less crowded than Tokyo and not as polished as Kyoto, the focus in lively Osaka is on fun and food. Whether it's delicious street food, traditional specialties or fine dining, foodies are on cloud nine here. In the old Shinsekai district, which was inspired half by New York and half by Paris, you can immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the city. Ōsaka Castle, on the other hand, provides insights into Japan's rich history, and the skyline can easily keep up with other metropolitan areas. If you dare, explore the city as the locals do: nimbly and fearlessly on a bicycle. Hotels like the Conrad Osaka are the perfect example of modern Asian opulence with exciting architecture. Next year will also see the highly anticipated The Osaka Station Hotel and the guaranteed outstanding Four Seasons Osaka in one of the city's tallest buildings.

Best time to travel: all year round

Atacama, Chile

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The opening of the new Our Habitas Atacama alone is reason enough to pay a visit to the driest desert outside the polar regions. The wildly beautiful retreat along the Pacific coast impresses with its authentic design, laid-back luxury, top wellness and outstanding gastronomy. Above all, however, it offers the perfect base from which to explore the kaleidoscopic beauty of the desert. Guests can take part in hiking and cycling tours, as well as mountain climbing and paragliding. Adventures range from arid salt flats to Mars-like valleys, past Laguna Miscanti, a mesmerizing pond between the peaks of the Andes, and elegant flamingos at Laguna Chaxa. A magical journey into the Atacama Desert is all about connection - with nature, which makes you feel humble, but also connects you with the locals, who give you a warm welcome and introduce you to the local traditions.

Best time to travel: March to May and September to November

Umbria, Italy

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With some of the oldest towns in Italy, including the medieval cities of Spoleto, Orvieto and Assisi, the country's only landlocked region is a bottomless barrel of art, culture and history. New hideaways such as the Hotel Castello di Reschio (pictured), which is located in a thousand-year-old castle, are also worth every trip. Surrounded by untouched nature, the estate with eight farmhouses and a fairytale hotel invites you to take an indescribably beautiful break in central Italy. The highlight? The estate's own horses, which you can also ride out on, and the cooking courses in the Accademia di Cucina della Bottega.

Best time to visit: April to June and September to October

Guadeloupe

© Oliver Hoffmann

No one can resist the beauty of the Caribbean. Guadeloupe, an archipelago with over twelve islands, is perfect for island hopping and sailing trips. The six inhabited islands - Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante, La Désirade and the two Îles des Saintes with the picturesque bay of Terre-de-Haut (pictured) - offer cultural variety and a fabulous mix of Creole and French cuisine. The adventurous can indulge in all the pleasures that Island Life has to offer: Whether snorkeling, diving or hiking, there's no chance of boredom here. Those who prefer to slow down and relax are spoiled for choice - here, one dream beach follows the next. The Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin nature reserve boasts mangroves, coral reefs, mudflats, lagoons and wildlife and can be admired on an unforgettable boat tour.

Best time to travel: December to May