Wanderlust 2024: three of the top destinations for your bucket list
Feed your wanderlust this year, from the wilds of Patagonia to a unique jungle escape in Thailand.
By Staff Writers, February 20 2024
In partnership with American Express
There’s an undeniable thrill that comes from travel – the rush of the unexpected, promises of new experiences and adventures, and endless opportunities to expand our knowledge of the world, its people and the kaleidoscope of different cultures.
As we look to the year ahead, desires to start mapping out travels near and far inevitably creep into our minds.
Will 2024 feature lavish affairs filled with five star hotels, champagne and fine dining, a small ship cruise, or a fresh discovery taking roads only recently opened for travel?
Swap the ordinary for extraordinary.
Banyan Tree AlUla
No matter your choice, budgeting for and booking such a trip in advance is essential, particularly if you have a taste for the finer things, such as flying in business and first class, and staying at swish hotels.
Paying off key elements in advance using the likes of American Express Plan It® Instalments is an alternative way to do this, because it allows savvy travellers to pay off the balance of their trip in instalments over three, six or twelve months at 0% interest, however, a fixed monthly fee applies*.
In fact, eligible American Express Credit Card Members can already access this pre-existing instalment plan feature, with no extra applications required.
Embarking on a new adventure is easier than you think.
In addition, members with a points earning credit card can continue to earn Points^ on these transactions, which can then be redeemed for reward flights or hotel stays.
In collaboration with American Express, Executive Traveller has compiled a bucket list of unforgettable experiences, alongside handy tips to help you navigate your 2024 travels with the skill of a seasoned pro.
Let adventures unfold in Patagonia
Straddling the southern reaches of Chile and Argentina, the vast expanse of Patagonia has long tempted intrepid explorers. One glimpse of the rocky snow-capped peaks, monolithic glaciers or the unique wildlife inhabiting it, and it’s easy to see why.
Whether traversed on foot, horseback, bike or even by boat, it’s a jaw-dropping region bound to leave you speechless more than once, and you don’t have to go without creature comforts when you visit either.
An untamed wilderness ready to be explored.
Tierra Patagonia
Tierra Patagonia – a luxury hotel belonging to the same group as Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island and the tented Longitude 131° lodge overlooking Uluru – is the place to stay.
Clad in grey weather-worn timber and architecturally designed to fade into the natural landscape of desert shrubs and tuft grasses, the hotel is stunning outside and in.
Wildlife comes to you in Patagonia.
Tierra Patagonia
At Tierra’s heart is a restaurant plating up Patagonian fare such as hearty stews and slow-cooked soups, alongside an enticing spa ready to soothe your muscles in the steam room, whirlpools, and glass-walled pool overlooking the mountains.
Its 40 rooms and suites are just as impressive. Each is like a warm embrace of blonde timber, cream furnishings and deep soaking tubs, backed by entrancing views of the landscape.
How to do it
Best time to visit: November to March, when the weather is warm and days are longer
Getting there: LATAM Airlines flies daily from Santiago to Punta Arenas Airport. Scheduled, shared airport transfers to Tierra Patagonia are included, while private transfers or transfers outside of scheduled times can be arranged for a fee.
Getting around: Two half day excursions or one full-day excursion are covered daily in your stay, in small groups with other guests. These include bucket list hikes to the base of The Towers in Torres del Paine, as well as visits to majestic lakes and cascading falls.
Language: English speaking travellers are in fine company in Chile, while those with a little Spanish in their vocabulary will be in their element. ‘Hola’ meaning hello, ‘adios’ for goodbye, and ‘por favor’ meaning please, are a few staples worth remembering.
Cultural tip: Chileans love to share a laugh. Their self-deprecating sense of humour is well matched to Australians, with jokes regularly peppering conversation.
Uncover a little-known ancient wonder in Saudi Arabia
Rocky mountains shaped by hot desert winds, the labyrinthine streets of a long-abandoned city, and stone-hewn Nabatean monuments and tombs which have stood undisturbed for almost 2,000 years.
The archaeological site of Hegra is one of AlUla's unexpected wonders.
It’s actually an emerging tourist region of northwest Saudi Arabia known as AlUla: the former capital of two ancient kingdoms and a once-vital crossroad of the caravan trade.
With Saudi Arabia now inviting more travellers inside its borders, AlUla’s well-preserved Old Town and the more than 100 Nabatean tombs of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Hegra Archaeological Site are once again open for business – and an extraordinary addition to your bucket list.
Embrace the adventurer within in AlUla.
Banyan Tree AlUla
Alongside the ancient splendour are modern hotels including Banyan Tree and Our Habitas, astonishing reflective art installations, hot air balloons and nature reserves home to wild animals such as leopards, ibex and gazelles, and more.
How to do it
Best time to visit: October to April, timed for the cooler winter weather.
Getting there: Qatar Airways, Saudia Airlines, flydubai and flynas all operate direct flights in and out of AlUla International Airport (ULH). e-Visas are available for 49 countries (including Australia), while holders of US, UK, or Schengen visas can apply for a visa on arrival.
Getting around: Hire cars with or without drivers are readily available. Alternatively, buses and shuttles can take you where you need to go.
Language: Saudi Arabia’s official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken in AlUla and around the country. When greeting locals, a friendly ‘Marhaba’ (hello) and ‘Salaam aleikum’ (peace be upon you) never goes astray.
Cultural tip: LGBT travellers, unmarried couples and solo females are all welcomed in AlUla. As always when visiting the Middle East, modest dress and respect for local customs and traditions should be followed.
Wildlife and whimsical design in Thailand
Some hotels are all about the destination, while others are a destination themselves. InterContinental Khao Yai is both: a gateway for catching glimpses of wild elephants in the jungle and a sumptuous escape where history and design collide.
One of the resort's exquisite rail car suites.
InterContinental Khao Yai
That last point is thanks to American architect and designer Bill Bensley, who has crafted an escape that’s both a throwback to days of old, yet distinctly modern at the same time. This is most evident in the hotel’s 12 upcycled train carriages.
Now converted into luxury suites, each rail car is bespoke, from the Classic Garden View taking cues from the splendour of the 19th century, to the monochromatic Premium Terrace on the shores of Swan Lake.
The same aesthetic panache flows throughout the hotel’s 65 suites and villas, alongside its bars and eateries including the cerulean Terminus Bar and eccentric French restaurant Poirot.
Elephant spotting in the national park should definitely be in your itinerary. Hotel staff can help arrange an ethical tour, during which you may also get the chance to observe other wildlife such as monkeys and deer.
How to do it
Best time to visit: November to April, which sees clear skies and cool weather.
Getting there: Khao Yai is three-hours drive from Bangkok. Hotel staff can arrange a taxi or transfer. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can catch the train from Bangkok to Pak Chong station, from which public transport and taxis can see you the rest of the way.
Getting around: The simplest option is a self-drive hire car, though guided tours are plentiful and a good way to get a feel for the local culture and way of life at the same time.
Language: English is widely spoken in Thailand, but if you do want to throw in some local lingo, then ‘sawadee krub’ and ‘sawadee ka’ meaning hello for men and women, respectively, is a great place to start.
Cultural tip: When finishing a meal, it’s customary to leave a small amount on the plate, as a sign it was a pleasing meal. If wiped clean, it signifies there wasn’t enough food.
In the world of travel, planning and financial management is your trusted co-pilot. Whether it’s a trip to AlUla, Patagonia, or Khao Yai that sets your heart aflutter, Plan It® Instalments are a way to unlock the wanderluster inside you.
Ready to start ticking your bucket list off sooner than later? Try Plan It® Instalments today on eligible American Express Credit Cards.
American Express income and credit approval criteria applies. Cards are offered, issued, and administered by American Express Australia Limited ABN 92 108 952 085, Australian Credit Licence No. 291313.
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American Express income and credit approval criteria applies. Cards are offered, issued, and administered by American Express Australia Limited ABN 92 108 952 085, Australian Credit Licence No. 291313.