Need some travel inspiration? These are the best places we visited in 2024

While the rising cost of living has seen many Aussies cut back on budgets, some keen holiday makers have still managed to travel in 2024.

From local trips within Australiato far flung places including Japan and Morocco, the team have shared some of their holiday highlights for this year.

There's plenty of inspiration if you're planning a trip in 2025.

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Lyon, France

April Glover: "The best place I went was Lyon in France. The old town was so charming and it's a foodie's paradise as it's the world capital of gastronomy.

"It has a lot of the feel of Paris without the tourists and easy to get to by train. I rode my bike around this city and was one of my favourite memories of the trip."

Ha Giang, Vietnam

Chantelle Bozicevic: "I went to Ha Giang in Vietnam, so many people say it's the best thing they've ever done while travelling and for good reason.

"I did the Ha Giang Loop which was four days on the back of a motorbike driving through the most incredible scenery in the mountains.

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"The whole experience was surreal, the views were unbelievable, the local food was delicious, and we got to experience so many fun cultural activities.

"I would 100 per cent recommend to anyone who wants a bit of an adventure when they're travelling."

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Morocco

Lara Long: "My favourite destination I travelled to in 2024 is definitely Morocco. I fell in love with its uniqueness, divine cuisine and beautiful landscapes.

"No two cities were the same, from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, the laid back chill vibe of Essaouira, vibrant souks of Fes and the sheer beauty of the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert, there is so much to offer.

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"The Moroccan locals are friendly people adding to your experience, not to mention a treasure trove for the avid shopper.

"Morocco felt extremely safe, rich in culture and I would highly recommend as a bucket list destination."

Nashville, USA

Karishma Sarkari: "Nashville in the USA was awesome. There's so much to see and do, though it is a bit Vegas-like in spots and has become Bachelorette/Bucks night central (which is a little off-putting).

"From there, you can drive three-ish hours in one direction to get to Dolly Parton's theme park, Dollywood, three-ish hours in the other direction and you're in Memphis, where you can visit Elvis Presley's Graceland."

New York, USA

Serena Seyfort: "I thought going to New York City for the first time would be anti-climatic because it has such rave reviews - but it did not disappoint.

"Even in grey weather, exploring the city was incredible.

"It's true there's no shortage of things to do, and we particularly loved The Met, Summit One Vanderbilt and Central Park."

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Barcelona and Japan

Sarah Swain: "I got to go to my first ever ship 'christening' in Barcelona for work which was actually so emotional. I also stayed in one of the world's most luxurious new hotels, Raffles at the OWO to find out how the other half lives (very well it seems).

"Holiday-wise my first visit to Japan was a highlight. It had never been on my list but I am glad my husband persuaded me to go.

"My favourite place was a rescue cat cafe, which also has model trains, in Osaka. The sights, food and people were all fantastic - not to mention the shopping."

Byron Bay, NSW

Erin Christie: "I took three days of leave just to spend a bit of time in Byron Bay, NSW.

"It's my go-to place when I need an affordable trip out of Sydney. As per usual, it did not disappoint - best food, best views, best vibes."