10. Costa Rica
Famed for its simple life—or pura vida—no country is better suited to the trend of slow travel than Costa Rica.
Named Travel + Leisure's 2024 Destination of the Year, this biodiverse nation welcomes donors seeking laid-back luxury, adventure, and everything in between.
From the surf-crashed shores of Guanacaste to the powdery Caribbean coast, travelers will be awed by the region's rich emerald jungles and National Parks, home to wild-roaming jaguars, capuchin monkeys, and humpback whales.
Best for donors seeking:
- Adventure, Nature, Surf, Wellness & Relaxation
Auction item ideas:
9. Quebec, Canada
Making both Condé Nast and Travel + Leisure’s top travel lists, The French-speaking Nation of Quebec will draw in more donors than ever this year.
A quick hop across the border, Montreal flaunts its European charm at every turn, from lively street festivals and terrace culture to French-infused fine dining and inspired world cuisine.
Donors seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience will find unparalleled immersion in nature just hours from the city, from luxury wellness retreats to wilderness tours and majestic National and Provincial parks.
Best for donors seeking:
- Nature, Culinary, Culture, Relaxation & Wellness
Auction item ideas:
8. Japan
Growing in popularity since 2023, Japan is on every savvy traveler’s radar this year. But donors are looking beyond Tokyo for the best this nation has to offer.
All eyes are on Niseko, Asia’s #1 ski playground. Nestled in the shadow of the majestic Mt. Yotei, this bucket-list ski destination boasts the finest powder in Japan for those seeking alpine thrills outside the usual circuit.
For a more traditional take, cultural capital Kyoto promises refined cuisine, a rich artisan scene, and imperial history against a backdrop of magnificent gardens, temples, and shrines.
Best for donors seeking:
- Adventure, Culinary, Culture, History, Ski
Auction item ideas:
7. St. Lucia, Caribbean
Framed by its majestic Piton mountains and jungled-fringed beaches, this Caribbean island is as close to Eden as donors can imagine.
Fifteen-time winner of the World's Leading Honeymoon Destination, its laid-back attitude and paradisical views have consistently beat out the likes of Hawaii, the Seychelles, and the Maldives.
A blend of upscale luxury and authentic Carib culture means donors can experience the island their way: from lazy days unwinding on Sugar Beach to exploring the island's natural riches and distinct heritage.
Photo credit: Adobe Images
Best for donors seeking:
- Beach, Culture, Nature, Relaxation & Wellness
Auction item ideas:
6. Montana, USA
Big Sky Country will be as popular as ever with donors this year, thanks to the state's awe-inspiring scenery, year-round appeal, and beloved Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.
Snatching spots in the Top Ski Resorts of 2024, the pristine powder and uncrowded slopes of Big Sky and Whitefish make Montana a powder-junky's dream.
Miles of magnificent backcountry and new crop of wellness retreats are also shifting travelers back into the slow lane, with an emphasis on farm-to-table food, drink, and traditional ranch culture.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Best for donors seeking:
- Adventure, Nature, Relaxation & Wellness, Ski
Auction item ideas:
5. The Cyclades, Greece
“Is there anywhere more popular than the Greek islands right now?”
With their glittering waters and timeless whitewashed villages, the Cyclades promise donors a picture-postcard vision of Greece.
This enchanting cluster of islands offers travelers their pick of vacation scenes, from the dazzling nightlife and beach clubs of Santorini and Mykonos to the sleepy coastal towns of Paros.
New inter-island airline routes also make island hopping a breeze, giving donors even more to discover, from a UNESCO-endorsed culinary scene to sun-kissed beaches, iconic architecture, and ancient Greek history.
Best for donors seeking:
- Beach, Culinary, Culture, History, Luxury
Auction item ideas:
4. France
Hosts of the 2024 Olympics, Paris is poised to steal the spotlight this year. But there's still plenty for donors to love beyond the City of Lights.
France's iconic wine regions are a sure draw for donors seeking refined cuisine, picturesque landscapes, and world-class wineries.
The Loire Valley's fairytale chateaux and classic Cabernet promise the quintessential French experience. Provence also remains as popular as ever thanks to its idyllic lavender fields, exquisite wines, and Mediterranean clime.
Best for donors seeking:
- Culinary, History, Luxury, Relaxation & Wellness, Wine
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3. St. Martin
Sister island to glamorous St. Barths, St. Martin promises donors a more authentic, laid-back island experience.
Peacefully shared by the French and Dutch nations, this paradise of white and wave-swept sands embodies a vibrant cultural fusion not found anywhere else.
From the pristine beaches and refined French cuisine to rich Caribbean culture and lively Dutch nightlife, there's a pace to match any donor's preference.
Best for donors seeking:
- Beach, Culinary, Culture, Luxury, Nature
Auction item ideas:
2. Tuscany, Italy
The most popular fundraising destination of 2023, Tuscany's travel renaissance is far from over.
Donors will continue flocking to this timeless Italian region for world-class wines, enchanting emerald valleys, and artistic and archaeological treasures.
Among the highlights: the breathtaking vineyards and olive groves of Val d'Orcia, where farm-to-table dining encapsulates la dolce vita, and the picturesque medieval hilltop towns of Cortona, Siena, and Montepulciano.
A stop in UNESCO World Heritage site, Florence, is a must for larger-than-life views of some of the world's most iconic artwork.
Photo credit: Adobe Stock
Best for donors seeking:
- Culinary, Culture, History, Wine
Auction item ideas:
1. Mexico
Few Mexican destinations can dazzle you with ancient Maya ruins, azure Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico waters and colonial cities all in one fell swoop.
Mexico's sun-kissed sands, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine have long held the hearts of donors. But 2024 promises even more to love.
While Vallarta and Cabo will remain firm donor favorites, all eyes this year will be on the Yucatán Peninsula thanks to the newly constructed Mayan Train.
Connecting the glittering beaches and wellness retreats of the Mayan Riviera to ancient cenotes, archaeological sites, and charming colonial towns, getting the most out of Mexico will be easier than ever.
Voted the #1 city in the world, Oaxaca is also an intriguing fundraising option for those traveling off the tourist track. This UNESCO heritage site balances a rich artistic and culinary scene with boho surf towns, pristine beaches, and jaw-dropping coastlines.
Best for donor seeking:
- Beach, Culinary, Culture, History, Relaxation & Wellness
Auction Item Ideas:
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