Christopher Elliott, an expert at American newspaper USA Today, spent 365 days in 2023 traveling around the world. Based on this experience, he compiled a list of 12 must-visit cities in 2024 along with the best time of year to go.

During the journey, he spent multiple weeks in each city on his list. "I shopped at the markets, explored the cities, and befriended locals. Sometimes I even brought my college-aged sons along for the adventure," he wrote.

Below are the 12 best destinations to visit in 2024 and the ideal time of year for each:

 January: Antarctica

Elliott sailed from Ushuaia, Argentina and boarded the Hurtigruten Expeditions MS Fridtjof Nansen for a 10-day voyage to Antarctica in late December, arriving at the White Continent just before the new year. It was magnificent.

Though it seems daring, don't miss the opportunity to walk on ice and see penguins up close. If you're really brave, take a polar plunge into the icy waters.

 February: Doha, Qatar

Qatar is one of the most underrated destinations in the world. However, the late winter weather is nearly perfect – warm sunny days and cool evenings. Spend time wandering the world famous Souq Waqif, a bustling market where you can buy nearly anything.

Highlights include an afternoon at the Qatar National Museum explaining this glittering city's origins, and a desert tour to see American artist Richard Serra's monumental rock sculptures.

 March: Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island feels like another planet. March is early autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, but even then the hills remain vibrantly green. You'll recognize the locale if you've seen any of "The Lord of the Rings" films, but there's much more beyond those epic backdrops.

 April: Kyoto, Japan

Cherry blossoms start blooming in mid-March and usually peak in early April. But even if you miss sakura season, you really need to get here. Japan's ancient capital has countless temples and shrines to explore. It's also the place to learn sushi-making from masters at Kyoto Sushi Making or, as you try to adjust to the new time zone, find an authentic ramen joint.

 May: Hoi An, Vietnam

"Vietnam was the biggest surprise of my 2023 travels. I spent long weekends in Hoi An, in the country's central region, and I'm still processing at the natural beauty there, with steep green mountains and painting-like beaches. Hoi An is an ancient town full of temples and rich history with diverse cultural influences. Be sure to hit the market and head out to the Thu Bon River at sunset, when the boats drift by with their colorful lanterns," the author wrote about the ancient town.

 June: Fukuoka, Japan

If you're looking for something different in Japan beyond Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo, visit Fukuoka. It's perhaps the friendliest city in Japan.

 July: Santiago, Chile

Chile has some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world and there's no better time to visit than midwinter in the Southern Hemisphere. Even if you visit Chile in summer, you can still gaze upon the Andes frosted in snow and think about world-class winter sports in the southern half of the globe.

 August: Seoul, South Korea

The best part of visiting Seoul is walking the lengthy Kyungui Line Forest Park, a 3-mile long urban park that was once an old railroad line. It will take you through some of Seoul's trendiest neighborhoods with countless cafes, restaurants to stop and take in the scenery, like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jogyesa Temple.

 September: Los Angeles

Early autumn is truly the best time to visit L.A. Hotel prices, especially in touristy areas, tend to plummet after peak season. You'll fall in love with L.A. in early fall and if you find yourself near the beach, take the historic walking tour of Santa Monica Pier, recounting the iconic landmark's storyline.

October: Chiang Rai, Thailand

The Golden Triangle region where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet was once infamous for opium trade. Today it’s all about tourism. Though rainy season has passed, it’s still not crowded so you’ll practically have temples to yourself for contemplative walks through jungles or rice fields without dodging hordes of tourists.

November: Siem Reap, Cambodia

Experiencing sunrise at Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, is sublime. Siem Reap is now far more accessible thanks to the new international airport and there’s plenty to do in town. But this destination is all about the temples. You’ll need at least three days to grasp the scale of Angkor Wat.

December: Hobart, Tasmania

There may be no better place to unwind at year’s end than Hobart, Australia. It’s the height of Southern Hemisphere summer and Hobart is one of Australia’s most exciting cities to enjoy summer. Watch the Sydney to Hobart yacht race from the Battery Point suburbs or take a ferry to the peculiar Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).