Tripadvisor is out with their top trending destinations for 2024 and 2 of the top 3 spots are right here in Florida. Being a Southwest Florida resident, I’m right in the sweet spot, mid way between both. One is an island, and one is a beach town. Both are amazing, which is why Tripadvisor is highly recommending both Florida locations.
The Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best winners represent less than one percent of the listings on their site. So when they come out with these awards, we tend to take notice. The top destinations are based on reviews and opinions over the past twelve months.
The Top Trending Destination for 2024
Napa. Not the auto parts store, the place in California. Napa is an ideal place for a weekend or week-long getaway for wine lovers. The area is also covered in fine dining and unique places to stay. Aside from the wineries, there’s also many other ways to see the countryside. One option allows you to drive a Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin DB9 Convertible sightseeing across the countryside. It’s about $800 for the 1.5 to 2 hour drive, depending on your speed, but what an amazing way to see the sights.
Another way to see everything is in a hot air balloon. For about $250 a person you can tour the vineyards and countryside from high above. There’s also bike tours for those of you who may want to move a little slower. Or you can just hang out in one of the many establishments drinking wine. It is Napa after all. Just keep in mind if you’re traveling this winter, it can snow in Napa.
Florida’s Top Trending Destinations
Although I’ve never reviewed a trip on Tripadvisor, I have been to both of these Florida locations. Both are amazing. So whether you’re in Southwest Florida looking for a little getaway close to home, or from the frozen areas up north, here’s two top trending destinations for you to check out.
St. Petersburg
My first taste of St. Pete was a spring break trip back in the 90’s. But there’s so much more. Amazing beaches, secluded islands, and generally great weather. Check out Pier 60 in Clearwater or take a trip to Busch Gardens. Boating, dining, major sports teams and history are all on tap. Literally, with a trip to Ybor City in Tampa. St. Pete hasn’t gone totally family friendly, however. You can still see bikini clad servers serving shots while hanging upside down from the ceiling. I think that’s why St. Petersburg is the number 2 top trending destination in the country. There’s so many different ways to visit.
Marathon
The island of Marathon is the third top trending destination of 2024. Marathon is actually a collection of 13 islands in the Florida Keys. There you’ll find some of the best boating anywhere, including deep-sea, reef or flats fishing. When you’re not fishing they have waterfront restaurants, jet-ski tours, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and of course, lounging on the beach. Kid friendly activities include a visit to the Dolphin Research Center or the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters. And the sunsets? Spectacular.
Vehicles drive along the Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
