The Latest Travel Woes: Places You Won’t Be Able to Visit in 2024

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Smithsonian Castle. Credit: Victoria Pickering

This year has truly been a whirlwind of catching up on lost time. With the pandemic finally easing its grip, tourists are flocking back to Europe’s bustling cities and America’s majestic national parks, eager to rediscover the treasures they were barred from during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, as we step into the new year, it seems that some of our favourite travel destinations will remain out of reach in 2024.

The iconic Centre Pompidou in Paris, renowned for its inside-out design, is preparing to close its doors for a colossal 260 million euro modernisation programme after this summer’s Olympics. This means that art aficionados will need to seek out other modern art collections such as the Palais de Tokyo or the Musee de Quai Branly instead.

Disney enthusiasts will be disheartened to learn that Splash Mountain in Orlando and Anaheim will be shuttering for renovations inspired by “The Princess and the Frog.” But fear not – Asia’s Disney parks have some exclusive attractions up their sleeves.

Noma, once revered as the world’s finest restaurant, will bid adieu to its loyal patrons in 2024. However, it will rise from the ashes in 2025 as a “trailblazing test kitchen dedicated to the art of food innovation and the craft of new flavours.” Meanwhile, why not indulge in Central, currently hailed as the world’s premier restaurant, in Lima?

Prepare to bid farewell to the legendary “Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway – after an astounding 35-year run, the curtain has fallen for the final time. But fret not, for there are countless other spectacular shows to captivate audiences in New York City.

The world-famous Pergamonmuseum in Berlin, with its breathtaking Ishtar Gate, will remain off-limits until 2027 due to extensive upgrades. Thankfully, visitors can still marvel at the museum’s treasures at Das Panorama and explore the neighbouring attractions on Museum Island.

The Elephant Trunk Rock in Taiwan, a beloved photographic gem for many years, has crumbled into the sea, closing its doors for good. Nonetheless, Taiwan offers an abundance of other enchanting locations waiting to be explored.

The iconic Park Hyatt in Tokyo is taking a hiatus for refurbishments and is poised to unveil its new look in 2025. In the meantime, perhaps consider indulging in other top-tier accommodations in Japan?

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, scarred by fire in 2019, is slated to reopen in December 2024 following an extensive restoration. In the interim, there are numerous resplendent churches scattered across France to behold.

The Smithsonian Castle in Washington, DC is presently closed for maintenance. While awaiting its grand reopening, other museums within the capital are primed to receive eager visitors.

Leonardo Da Vinci’s Italian vineyard has been acquired by a billionaire and is no longer open to the public. Fret not, for there persists an abundance of his renowned masterpieces to admire in galleries throughout Italy.

And lastly, the Star Wars-themed Galactic Cruiser at Walt Disney World has ceased operations in 2023. However, for aficionados of the Star Wars saga, there are real-life filming locations waiting to be explored, promising an unforgettable journey beyond the stars.

Therefore, if your travel plans for 2024 encompass any of these destinations, it may be wise to consider alternative options or make the most of the circumstances. It’s all part of the thrill of travel – you truly never know what surprises the world may have in store for you!

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