Stay Minutes Away From Gaudí's Masterpiece at These Beautiful Airbnbs Near Park Güell

The start of a new year is often the time people resolve to tackle bucketlist travel goals: rafting the Colorado River, scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the poles. But how does an entry- to intermediate-level adventurer start preparing to make those big dreams a reality?

Sometimes you need a break from reality and the fast-paced lifestyle so many of us live. That reset and breath of fresh air is exactly what I found in central Wisconsin this fall as the weather started to change. Looking out of the plane window on my flight in, all I could see were changing leaves and greenery for miles. In Wisconsin, nature and wellness experiences are readily available for all, whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or just reconnecting with yourself.

It’s that time of year again: the season for plotting out where to travel in the New Year. Staying closer to home is just as on-trend as venturing to faraway destinations for 2024. This skips the hassle of passport renewal and paves the way for spontaneous getaways to storybook cabins under unpolluted skies and lodges near national parks, part of Airbnb’s predicted trends for the year. Here’s a taste of what these trending and wish-listed Airbnbs in the United States offer for 2024.

Universal Studios is looking to England for its next theme park. The attractions operator has bought land in Bedford, 45 minutes outside of London, and may build its next big project there.  

Visiting Disneyland is a dream come true for many theme park fans, but finding the right hotel can be challenging. With only a handful of on-site options and dozens of Good Neighbor and other off-site hotels, the options are as limitless as Minnie Mouse's ever-changing wardrobe. But if you’re willing to be like Tiana and dig a little deeper, you can find the ideal hotel for your family, no matter your budget, group size, style preference, or how close you want to be to California's Disneyland Resort.

Founded as recently as 1886, Johannesburg went on to become the largest city in South Africa. It was the long-time home of the country’s first Black president and is now a burgeoning student hub with a progressive mindset. Nelson Mandela’s House and the Soweto township along with the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill are vital components of any Jo’burg itinerary before heading to Kruger and beyond.

Soaring 828 meters over Dubai, the Burj Khalifa has clung to its status as the world’s tallest building for more than a decade. Levels 124 and 125 are dedicated to 360-degree observation decks although the viewpoints from the waterside parks will leave you equally agog. Even better, how about from the balcony or rooftop pool of your accommodation in Downtown Dubai? These dazzling Dubai Airbnbs near the Burj Khalifa are worth shelling out for – especially when they come with a view.

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, floats off the western coast and is bordered by the Andaman Sea. Comprising alabaster-white beaches, snorkeling in crystalline waters, and a splash of cultural sights, Phuket is a Thailand-in miniature destination with something to offer revelrous backpackers as well as honeymooners, and families. These Airbnbs in Phuket with private pools and million-dollar views give you a preview of the third outing of White Lotus.

If there’s one park in the US National Park system that displays how beautiful the western states can be, it’s Zion National Park. And it’s well-loved: the national park is the most visited in Utah and one of the most popular in the entire park system.

Paris is the global capital of romance but the 2024 Olympics and Paralympic Games bring yet another reason to summer in the City of Lights. The Games is that rare sporting event that works its magic on all kinds of travelers and adds a unique twist to a vacation. In addition to the Olympic Village in the suburb of Seine-Saint-Denis, major landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, and Place de la Concorde will be transformed into venues. Pencil in a date night at one of these romantic Airbnbs close to the Paris Olympic sites.

Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is presided over by the Alhambra and those snow-capped ranges. Despite the stronghold summoning travelers by the droves, the Andalusian city slips under the radar and offers a rich cultural experience minus the crowds of Spain’s largest cities.

Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates capital, is scattered across a sequence of islands. Beyond the mega malls and golden beaches, the chief emirate will keep you busy with kayaking in the mangroves, ogling art at the Louvre, and marveling at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. In between sights, you can sip 24-carat gold cappuccinos and collect trinkets in souks. The slower pace makes Abu Dhabi a choice destination for families, honeymooners, and remote workers. Make a date to stay at one of these deluxe Airbnbs in Abu Dhabi’s coolest neighborhoods.