National Geographic Traveller has identified 30 destinations and experiences that it has included in its 2024 ‘cool list’ – a roster of the best places to visit next year. Among these, two Italian locations stand out: Emilia-Romagna and Pompeii.
The places mentioned, about half of which are in Europe and therefore easily reached from Italy, were selected by the magazine for their excellent food, museums and nightlife.
Let’s take a detailed look at the award-winning experiences, places and events.
Why Pompeii and the Emilia-Romagna region have been included in the Cool List
Emilia-Romagna is recommended as a stop along the route of the 2024 Tour de France, which will start in Italy. On June 29 and 30 it will cross the villages and vineyard-covered landscapes of Emilia Romagna. Visitors are encouraged to catch the finish line in the seaside town of Rimini and also visit Bologna to savor the region’s renowned cuisine.
For those who want to learn more about the ancient in Italy, National Geographic also suggested a trip to Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which can be reached from Rome – one of the most popular stops for tourists in Italy – in less than two hours thanks to a new direct train from ‘the Eternal City’.
Why Emilia Romagna is amongst Europe’s top seven retirement locations.
Pompeii had previously been recognized by The Time as one of the 50 most beautiful and evocative places in the world to visit in 2023.
Beyond these two Italian gems, the ‘Cool List’ spans a diverse array of destinations across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Highlights include the rugged Albanian Alps, the bustling city of Xi’an in China, and the lush Andrefana Dry Forests of Madagascar. The list also features entire regions and states, such as Texas in the United States, which is expected to offer prime viewing spots for the 2024 total solar eclipse.
The breadth of the ‘Cool List’ reflects National Geographic’s aim to cater to a wide range of travelers, whether they seek outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or culinary experiences. The inclusion of both well-known and emerging destinations also suggests the magazine’s desire to showcase the world’s evolving tourism landscape. With new transportation links, rewilding projects, and anniversary celebrations, the list promises to inspire wanderlust and fuel travelers’ curiosity in the year ahead.
