Get your wishlist ready, because Lonely Planet has officially unveiled its 50 top vacation locations for 2024. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the travel publishing business, and its massive Best in Travel 2024 list is divided into five categories: top countries, regions, cities, sustainable travel destinations, and best-value locales. Mongolia is the No. 1 country, according to Lonely Planet, because of its “wide-open spaces, adventure activities, and distinctive culinary and musical culture.” Mongolia is the world’s most sparsely inhabited country, and the Mongolian government is eager to begin filling it up. This year, Mongolia named 2023–2025 the “Years to Visit Mongolia,” reducing entry requirements for international visitors and boosting infrastructure, including a new $650 million airport.
Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is ranked first on Lonely Planet’s list for its “unique rhythms”
Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is ranked first on Lonely Planet’s list for its “unique rhythms, an impressive array of locally inspired restaurants, and a steady rotation of arts and culture venues.” We also like it because of Nairobi National Park, which is just a short drive from the city’s core business sector and has over 400 species wandering the broad grass plains as skyscrapers glitter on the horizon. Paris, which will host the Summer Olympics and Paralympics in 2024, and Prague, another European capital that is no stranger to visitor swarms, are also on the list. According to Lonely Planet, the COVID-19 lockdown has allowed the Czech capital to “hit the reset button” and promote “slow tourism and attractions away from the crowds.”
Sustainability
Spain is the top sustainable travel destination for 2024, owing to the country’s initiatives to grow renewable energy, boost off-season travel, and attract visitors to rising locations such as Valencia, alleviating demands on hot places such as Barcelona. South Africa’s “wild beauty” is also mentioned, with Lonely Planet recommending travelers check out the country’s “impressive crop of ecolodges” dedicated to safeguarding Earth’s biodiversity. We also adore Babanango, South Africa’s massive new game reserve that is transforming the KwaZulu Natal region into a wildlife paradise.
Easy on the bank balance
Many people will be interested in the best-value category during these difficult economic times. The undervalued American Midwest is the top pick: in towns like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit, “you’ll find old warehouses transformed into art studios, new eco-design hotels, and many Michelin-starred restaurants,” according to Lonely Planet. Algeria is also recommended by the publisher as an underexplored area of Northern Africa. Lonely Planet claims travelers will find “well-preserved Roman sites and fine historic cities” as well as “an affordable, crowd-free experience” because it is a three-hour flight or less from much of Europe.
Regional destinations
When it comes to regional options, Lonely Planet recommends the Western Balkans’ forthcoming Trans Dinarica bicycle route. The 3,364-kilometer (2,090-mile) trail, which opens next year, traverses through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Serbia, passing through mountain ranges and the Adriatic Sea. Donegal, Ireland’s most northern county, features the country’s longest coastline and more than 100 beaches, and a visitor is likely to have one all to themselves. According to the Lonely Planet guide, “Here you’ll find the highest sea cliffs in Europe and miles of unspoiled coastal hiking trails.”
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024
Mongolia, India, Morocco, Chile, Benin, Mexico, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Croatia, and St. Lucia
