As 2023 draws to a close, it’s only natural we find ourselves looking ahead to future adventures.

There’s plenty in store, from where we’re sitting.

Come February, Melbourne’s Fitzroy will be home to the Standard’s first Australian hotel. There’s the new Perth-Paris route that Qantas is set to launch in July, ahead of the Olympics. And that’s just the start of it. 

So, could 2024 be the year that finally you tick that must-see destination off your wish list? 

Here are the places we at The New Daily have at the top of our travel bucket lists.

In a perfect world, that’s where you’ll find us in the near future. And in the real world? For a dose of pragmatism, we’ve included some more plausible options, too. 

Matera, Italy

Angela Costanzo, senior editor

Sunrise at the ancient town of Matera in southern Italy. Photo: Getty

No.1 on my ‘If List’ is Matera in Basilicata, Italy, one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities.

Wedged between the mountains and the sea, Basilicata is craggy, wild and simply stunning.

Matera is the jewel in its crown, where ancient grottoes, hewn out of rock, teeter impossibly on the edge of ravines.

Throw in Basilicata’s incredible vineyards, unique regional specialties and heartbreakingly beautiful views for the complete package – history, nature, ambience, food and wine.

Instead, next year I’m choosing an adventure closer to home – a few weeks in Japan with two besties for a belated birthday treat.

Great food, Godzilla and terrible karaoke await.

Bhutan

Kirstie Clements, columnist

Tiger Nest Monastery, near Paro in Bhutan. Photo: Getty

One of my favourite trips just prior to lockdown was to Bhutan, and I would love to go back and hike the east-west trail.

The scenery, the clothing, the music, the Dzongs and monasteries are just astonishing.  

I also went to India for six weeks this year and only just scratched the surface, visiting  Mumbai, Hyderabad and Rishikesh.

Next time I’d like to go to Rajasthan and Jaipur for a month and soak in all that beauty. 

North America

Parker McKenzie, reporter

The three host nations of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Photo: Getty

My dream holiday is America, Canada and Mexico for the 2026 World Cup.

I backpacked through the west coast of the United States and a little bit of Canada when I was younger, but the opportunity for an extended holiday while watching the greatest sporting event in the world is too good an opportunity to pass up. 

Closer to home, I have tentative plans to visit Western Australia and see places like Rottnest Island and Margaret River.

I’ve only spent a few days there before, and I’d love to see what the rest of the state has to offer.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Ash Cant, news reporter

Colourful houses in La Boca, Buenos Aires. Photo: Getty

Next year, I’d love to visit my best friend in Buenos Aires.

I’m eager to experience all Argentina has to offer, from the friendly locals to the food, to all the colourful buildings. Plus, I have a free tour guide to help immerse me in the culture. (I’ll just have to avoid any chainsaw-wielding elected officials.)

However, I’ll probably find myself back in Western Australia to see my extended family.

I miss strolling down Fremantle and I do think Australia’s best beaches can be found in WA.

Samoa

Zara Falkiner-Rose, multimedia editor

Tu-Sua Ocean Trench, in Samoa.

Samoa is top of my travel bucket list, to explore the islands’ beaches, national parks and waterfalls, and to learn more about Samoan culture, history and food.

But, I think a trip to see friends in Japan is on the cards for 2024.

Exploring Sapporo in wintertime will be magical and I’m excited to visit Okonomimura – a food hall dedicated to types of Okonomiyaki – in Hiroshima. 

Liverpool, UK

Ross McGravie, night homepage editor

Anfield, home of Liverpool FC. Photo: Getty

The Beatles may be the main attraction for many, but it’s the prospect of hearing You’ll Never Walk Alone bellowed by the Kop as Liverpool work their magic on the Anfield pitch that’s luring me to the north-west of England. (Apologies to Tim Cahill and Everton).

More likely in 2024 is an overdue visit to Wilsons Promontory.

The southernmost tip of the Australian mainland is big on natural wonders – remote hiking trails, snorkelling and swimming off pristine beaches, and an abundance of wildlife literally at your doorstep each morning.

New Orleans, US

Ceri David, travel editor

The historic French quarter of New Orleans. Photo: Getty

New Orleans is top of my travel bucket list, though not for Mardi Gras, which looks like mayhem.

It’s a city that’s always fascinated me, especially since watching the (very underrated) show Treme, and I’d love to experience its unique identity for myself.

Jazz bars, street performers, great food, complex history – sounds like a perfect holiday to me.

Instead, because I have a six-year-old son who is equal parts delightful and unco-operative, I’m far more likely to find myself in Brisbane visiting Bluey’s World, which is scheduled to launch in August. (Cheese and crackers.)