Epic trips for 2024 you should start planning now

29.12.2023 - 20:39 / lonelyplanet.com

As 2023 draws to a close, there is nothing more exciting than the prospect of planning an unforgettable trip for the coming year. If travel is on your bucket list for 2024, you're not alone. Get some inspiration with these 21 unique events happening across the globe that are worth traveling for. 

Key dates: February 9–17

If you're feeling the urge to start the year off on a high note, the Rio de Janeiro Carnival in Brazil is a celebration not to be missed. In the week leading up to Lent, Brazilians don colorful, shimmering costumes and dance every night away in Rio’s packed streets. Expect samba dancing, music until the wee hours of the morning, and experiences unlike any other. 

Key dates: April 29–May 5

Craving a desert escape with nonstop inspiration? AfrikaBurn is a six-day event that brings people from across the world to the arid landscapes of Quaggafontein in South Africa. Aiming to “create a world anew,” AfrikaBurn is an extension of Burning Man in the US, and is known for its radical inclusivity and endless opportunities for creative expression. 

Key dates: Mid-July (2024 dates yet to be announced) 

If Croatia had a national scent it could well be lavender, with the country's fields creating a mesmerizing purple spectacle worth catching a glimpse of. Each year, the island of Hvar honors its lavender plants with a festival where you can sample perfumes and lavender-flavoured pastries, attend concerts and visit exhibitions on the history of the flowering plant. 

Key dates: First week of March

Calling all wine lovers: every grape-harvest season, the normally quiet city of Mendoza in Argentina transforms into a lively hub of celebration for the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia. From harvesting the grapes to sampling the finished product, you will get an insider look at the Argentinian wine industry. Beyond sipping on the local delicacy, you can enjoy Mendoza's cuisine, watch the massive parade and see folk songs and dances. 

The festival can start as early as January, but the main parade and performances begin in the first week of March. 

Key dates: July 11–15

Mongolia is known for its expansive landscapes and stargazing potential, but each year you can also experience ancient Mongolian traditions and celebrate its long history at the Naadam Festival. The main celebration takes place in Ulaanbaatar and features opening and closing ceremonies, plus competitions in Mongolia's "three manly sports" of wrestling, horse racing and archery.

The event in Ulaanbaatar will require tickets, but entrance is typically free to community Naadam Festival events across the rest of the country.

Key date: September 24

In South Africa, National Braai Day is an extension of Heritage Day. The country is known for its 11