Where to travel in 2024 – Finnair recommendations
Are you looking for your next perfect travel destination? Look no further! We asked our Finnair team members to recommend their favourites for the new year. Whether you enjoy hiking in the nature, exploring big cities or taking it easy by the beach, we’ve got you covered. See our top picks for 2024 and start planning your next adventure.
Tokyo / Hakone
“Looking for a break from the heat of the city? Hakone, a village located within Fuji-Hakone-Izu national park is just an hour train ride away from Shinjuku station. Join a cruise on Lake Ashinoko, visit the famous Hakone-Jinja shrine and admire the beautiful nature and vistas to Mount Fuji from ropeway or several hiking trails around the area.
After a day full of activities stay overnight in a spa hotel or visit one of the public onsens (hot springs) found in the surroundings before heading back to Tokyo. Hakone Freepass (6,100 JPY for two days from Shinjuku) grants the visitor return train transfer from Tokyo, bus transfers within Hakone area, sightseeing cruise and even unlimited rides in the ropeway network.”
– Valtteri Murto, Co-pilot
Phuket
“The magical southernmost island always equals guaranteed fun, sun and lovely local people, not to mention the excellent Thai cuisine. The Finnish owned Raya Divers offers snorkelling trips and diving courses also in Finnish both in Phuket & Khao Lak. Khao Lak has one of the world's most beautiful national parks, the Similan Islands, while day trips from Phuket to nearby islands ensure that you find your Nemo during your holiday.
My favourite beach in Phuket is Nai Harn and a pro tip is to do an overnighter in Raya Yai or Koh Yao Yai islands, away from the busier Phuket. For a longer holiday by the Andaman Sea, I would also combine some nights in Koh Lanta for total relaxation.”
– Annika Moilanen, Junior Developer
Madeira
“If you wish to combine beach holiday with varied nature experiences in a compact area, I highly recommend travelling to the island of Madeira. During a one-week holiday, you'll have time to enjoy sunbathing, hiking in the mountains above the clouds, and the splashing of the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t miss visiting the magical Fanal Forest, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The easiest way to get around Madeira is by rental car; the roads are in good condition and the traffic is smooth. The best time to travel to Madeira is during the summer months, because the temperatures remain moderate even then and the risk of any rainy days is small.”
– Emmi Sallinen, Digital Product Manager
Kittilä
“I wholeheartedly recommend Kittilä, a port of many activities around the year. Visit the Arctic hills, enjoy the colours and weather of the season, and get to know the local culture to the fullest. You can easily reach different villages for cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, biking, hiking, swimming, and culture and arts. Visit the Särestöniemi Art Museum, take a short hike at Pirunkurun ponnistus at Ylläs, speed down the Levi Black slope, stop by the charming skiing track cafés, or make a longer wilderness hike in the national parks to listen to the silence. Top your experience by dipping in the clearest of lakes!”
– Anna Suntio, Content Lead
Málaga / Granada
“Historical Granada is an excellent destination for a day trip from Málaga, although there is plenty to see and do even for a longer period. Granada’s most popular attraction is the Moorish palace and UNESCO World Heritage site Alhambra, but I do recommend you also climb up the labyrinthine streets to one of the viewpoints in the Moorish district of Albaicín (Mirador de San Nicolás is the most famous one), eat tapas in the old Jewish neighborhood of Realejo (especially in the area near Campo del Príncipe), buy souvenirs in the Alcaicería bazar, visit the city’s cathedral and the surrounding squares, bathe in a hammam and enjoy flamenco in the caves of Sacromonte.
The best time to visit Granada is during spring or autumn, but during the winter you can enjoy the slopes at Europe’s southernmost ski resort Sierra Nevada, which is located about 30km from the city of Granada.”
– Alexandra López Koivisto, Senior SEO Specialist
New York
“Being one of the world's most global cities, it has plenty of everything for everyone. Whether you would like to visit a Broadway musical or a game of some major league sports team, NYC is the place to go to. If those are not for you, just walk around and visit all the famous places you have seen in the movies, TV series or news broadcasts. For shopping, head to 5th Avenue or to one of the outlet malls nearby. There is so much to see that you can visit it again and again. It doesn’t matter what time of the year you go, there’s always something to do in New York City for every season.”
– Riku Kohvakka, Manager, Flight Planning
Dubai
“Dubai is an ever-evolving city, and its attractions will keep you busy throughout your holiday. In winter the heat calms down making outdoor activities more favourable. The Dubai Miracle Garden lives up to its name, not just because of the more than 100 million blooming flowers nor keeping babies entertained, but it also fulfills the needs of an avgeek. Pro tip: Local bus runs from the Mall of the Emirates, making it possible to shop, ski and sunflower on the same trip.”
– Jere Moberg, Strategic Slot and Schedule Manager
Nice
“Nice and Côte d'Azur is my destination for 2024 and should be yours too! The French Riviera is steeped in history and stories, and has so much character. Getting from Nice to all the beautiful smaller cities for a day trip or even a couple of nights is super easy and cheap using the train. I love to explore Nice itself, but always also take the train to Villefranche-sur-Mer to enjoy the cosy small street bars and restaurants and historic sites of James Bond films and Rolling Stones recording studios. From there, I travel to the citron and limoncello capital Menton. All these places offer plenty of great seafood, friendly people, swimming, and of course, some pétanque and pastis. And the destinations won’t end there as the French Riviera has tons of colourful, unique small cities full of art, culture and cuisine, and you can get to them so easily from Nice.”
– Timo Arnald, Chief Information Security Officer
Zurich
“Zurich is the gateway to many wonderful experiences in the Alps, and summertime is the best time to explore the wonderful mountain scenery. Thanks to the comprehensive train network, many atmospheric cities and idyllic villages are easily accessible. For example, you can travel to the picturesque Lake Constance coastal town of Bregenz in a couple of hours from Zurich, as well as to the charming and compact capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz. From many alpine towns, it’s easy to do day trips to the nearby mountains and fall in love with the fairy-tale-like scenery.”
– Marika Kortesalmi, Customer Engagement Manager, Finnair Plus
Los Angeles
“Los Angeles is the city of stars. This beautiful coastal city in California has something for everyone. From Hollywood to beaches and all the way to the world-famous amusement parks. My personal favourite activity in LA is Disneyland Park in Anaheim California. Disneyland is truly a place where your dreams come true.”
– Joonas Myller, Cabin Crew
Discover all our destinations at Finnair.com.