With the pandemic a distant nightmare in the past, many people are starting to pack their bags in hopes of traveling somewhere. So here are ten incredible cities to add to your 2024 travel bucket list.

1. Antananarivo, Madagascar

Right off the bat, we're starting with an underrated location. Antananarivo, or “Tana,” is the capital and largest city of the island state of Madagascar. It features sites like the Rova of Antananarivo, a former royal palace complex that overlooks the entire city.

A four-hour drive Eastward will lead you to the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, where thousands of unique species live. However, there are safety concerns when traveling to Antananarivo, and people should always lock their doors and windows when staying in a hotel.

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2. Munich, Germany

Aside from the famous Oktoberfest held annually, the Bavarian capital also boasts museums like the Alte Pinakothek and Neue Pinakothek, which houses the works of Goya, Rembrandt, and van Gogh. Munich is also home to one of the world's best football/soccer clubs, FC Bayern Munich, who have won a record six Champions League and 33 Bundesliga titles.

The Neuschwanstein Castle is within the snow-capped Bavarian Alphs in the countryside; located near the German-Austrian border, it serves as an inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Munich's beer gardens also allow visitors to savor local tradition (Don't try if under legal drinking age).

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3. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is famous for its open-air markets, ornate Buddhist temples, and delicious street food. The Grand Palace, home to the Thai royalty since 1782, is arguably the city's most popular tourist destination. But if you are into shopping luxury brands, then the malls within the Siam Paragon complex will offer you a great experience with brands such as Gucci and Prada.

Other popular places to shop and enjoy nightlife are the city's Chinatown and Khao San Road. The tour on the Chao Phraya River offers a grand view of the magnificent city center.

However, with all that said and mentioned, the one thing that needs to be acknowledged is that Thailand is extremely politically unstable. There was a coup d'état as recently as 2014, and protests and demonstrations frequently take place in Bangkok. For this reason, its government has internet censorship; any criticism against the king may result in arrest.

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4. Anchorage, USA

Alaska is a real dream for any outdoor enthusiast, from skiing and biking to dog sledding—the Last Frontier has it all. Anchorage serves as the takeoff point for adventurers who heed the call of the wild; the adjoining Chugach National Forest is made up of varied topography, everything from mountain peaks and glaciers to forests and valleys. This adventurous soul of Alaska is sure to send cold shivers up your spine.

But if you want a more tranquil Alaskan experience, you can take a cruise across Prince William Sound, a famous orca-watching site. In addition, Alaskan seafood is something you just cannot miss in Anchorage; dishes like the Colossal King Crab Legs and Wild King Salmon are to die for. Going to the Kenai Fjords National Park also contributes to an unforgettable travel experience.

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5. Oslo, Norway

Yet another cold city on the list. As the capital and most important city of Norway, Oslo is renowned for its sustainable design. Frognerparken is the most popular public recreational space in the city, covering an area of 110 acres.

Within walking distance from here is the Oslo Cathedral, built in the late 17th century and used by the Norwegian royalty to deal with public affairs since then. Walking South for fifteen minutes brings one to the medieval Akershus Fortress. Last but not least, the Oslo Opera House serves as a city landmark, playing host to the National Opera, Ballet, and Theater. Even if you do not attend a concert, you can still walk up to its roof and observe the epic Oslo Fjord.

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6. Copenhagen, Denmark

There is much to do in Copenhagen. The city has plenty of museums—the National Gallery of Denmark, the National Museum of Denmark, and the Design Museum—where tourists can have a look into both Danish history and culture. On top of that, great public transportation allows visitors to get where they want, such as the Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world.

If you come to Copenhagen during Christmas, check it out as it will be decorated into a winter wonderland. Besides, the restaurants here are super great, seafood with fresh material at Fiskebaren, gourmet street food from Døp, organic food at Gro Spiseri.

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7. Reykjavik, Iceland

The final Scandinavian city on this list is Reykjavik. The Icelandic capital is a hub of creativity and culture typical of Scandinavian countries. Iceland is also one of the world's leader pioneers in geothermal energy, meaning you can relax in one of the city's thousands of geothermal pools.

Iceland's natural scenery is also something you cannot miss; its glaciers and Northern lights make up an awing experience exclusive to the country. Iceland is also known for its unique musical talent, with the likes of Sigur Rós and Laufey achieving worldwide success in their respective genres. It is definitely the most musically-talented city on this list.

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8. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio has stunning beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, where thousands of people gather together to have fun: playing football on the beach, swimming in the water, or simply having a drink. You also might stumble upon the next Neymar playing street football with his friends if you walk between the colorful buildings and samba clubs in neighborhoods such as Santa Teresa and Lapa.

The Carnival celebration in the city is a spectacular event that happens annually and attracts global viewership. Climbing up the famous Christ the Redeemer Statue gives you one of those epic views you will ever see.

However, it is worth pointing out that not all areas of Rio are safe. You could get pickpocketed unknowingly while visiting one of the many impoverished favelas, such as Rocinha. If you take care of your personal belongings, though, you should be okay.

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9. Saint Petersburg, Russia

As the former capital of the Russian Empire, this city has numerous iconic Russian architecture, such as the former residence of the Tsar, the Winter Palace, and the Church of Christ the Savior on Spilled Blood, where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated. Furthermore, the city hosts the Mariinsky Theatre, adored by locals and tourists alike for its elegant ballet and opera performances.

And suppose you want to experience the city leisurely. In that case, you can embark on a canal tour that will allow you to see every corner of the city, or you could take the elevator to the tip of the Lakhta Center building—Europe's tallest skyscraper, and enjoy the view from there.

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10. Lhasa, China

Lastly, and my personal favorite on this list, is Lhasa. With an elevation of about 3,600 m (11,800 ft), Lhasa is a city steeped in spirituality and history. It has several famous Tibetan Buddhist sites, such as the Potala Palace (shown in the image below), constructed in the mid-17th century.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Tibet. Besides that, you can also visit the Jokhang Temple, considered “the heart of Lhasa,” one of the most important sites in Tibetan Buddhism. You can also explore the Tibetan wilderness by taking a two-hour drive to the serene Yamdrok Lake, which will leave plenty of photos in your album.

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In conclusion, the ten cities here each offer a unique cultural adventure, with many things you can do and see; whether that be food, scenery, or meeting new people, each destination has something to meet your needs. As you plan your next travel, consider these places as pathways where you can broaden your understanding of our world and enjoy yourself. Safe travels!