Lonely Planet's Ultimate Travel Destinations in 2024

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The travel publishing empire is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. As part of the celebration, the empire has released its highly anticipated Best in Travel 2024 list, which covers five categories: top countries, regions, cities, sustainable travel destinations, and best-value locations.

Taking the coveted number one spot for top country is Mongolia. Lonely Planet, the renowned travel guide publisher, selected Mongolia for its vast open landscapes, thrilling adventure activities, and unique culinary and musical culture. Known as the world's most sparsely populated country, Mongolia is ready to welcome more visitors. The Mongolian government has declared 2023 through 2025 as the designated "Years to Visit Mongolia," making it easier for international travelers to enter the country and enhancing infrastructure. Notably, a new airport with a budget of $650 million has been constructed to further improve travel accessibility.

Other countries to make the 10 top picks include popular favorites such as Mexico, Croatia and St. Lucia, as well as lesser visited spots such as Benin and Uzbekistan.

City destinations

Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, takes the top spot on Lonely Planet's list. The renowned travel company is captivated by Nairobi's "unique rhythms, impressive selection of locally inspired restaurants, and vibrant arts and culture scene." We share the same admiration for Nairobi National Park, conveniently located just a short drive away from the bustling central business district. Here, you can witness over 400 species freely roaming the expansive grass plains while admiring the glistening skyscrapers on the city's skyline.

Paris, the proud host of the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, also secures a place on this list. Prague, another European capital that is no stranger to tourist crowds, also earns a well-deserved spot. According to Lonely Planet, the Covid-19 lockdown has allowed the Czech capital to rejuvenate and focus on promoting "slow tourism" and attractions that lie beyond the city center.

Sustainability

Patagonia, including Torres del Paine national park, is one of Lonely Planet's picks for 2024.

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Spain has been named the top sustainable travel destination for 2024 due to its commendable efforts in expanding renewable energy, promoting off-season travel, and diverting tourism to emerging destinations like the port city of Valencia. This initiative aims to alleviate the strain on popular tourist spots like Barcelona.

South Africa's captivating wilderness also receives recognition, as Lonely Planet suggests exploring their remarkable selection of ecolodges that prioritize the preservation of Earth's biodiversity. Moreover, the introduction of Babanango, a remarkable game park, is transforming South Africa's KwaZulu Natal region into a mesmerizing wildlife haven.

Easy on the bank balance

In these financially challenging times, the best-value category is sure to captivate many. Look no further than the often underestimated American Midwest for unparalleled experiences. Cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit boast a fascinating juxtaposition of repurposed warehouses turned art studios, cutting-edge eco design hotels, and a plethora of Michelin-starred restaurants, according to Lonely Planet.

Regional destinations

According to the publisher, Algeria is an undiscovered gem in Northern Africa. Highlighting its proximity to Europe, with a flight time of three hours or less, Lonely Planet describes the country as offering "impressive Roman ruins and charming historical cities" along with an "affordable and uncrowded experience."

The Western Balkans' upcoming Trans Dinarica cycling route is highly regarded by Lonely Planet as a top choice for regional picks. Spanning across Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Serbia, this 3,364-kilometer (2,090-mile) trail offers stunning views of mountain ranges and the Adriatic Sea. Similarly, located in Donegal, the most northwestern county of Ireland, one can find the country's longest coastline and over 100 breathtaking beaches. According to Lonely Planet, visitors to Donegal have a high chance of discovering their own secluded beach, as it boasts not only the highest sea cliffs in Europe but also miles of pristine coastal hiking trails.

Lonely Planets Best in Travel 2024

India: A big country with a whole lot to love, including Gadisar lake in Rajasthan.

Roop_Dey/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Countries

Mongolia

India

Morocco

Chile

Benin

Mexico

Uzbekistan

Pakistan

Croatia

St. Lucia

Macedonia is one of the countries visited by the new Trans Dinarica cycling route.

Ilan Shacham/Moment RF/Getty Images

Regions

Western Balkans Trans Dinarica Cycling Route

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Donegal, Ireland

País Vasco, Spain

Southern Thailand

Swahili Coast, Tanzania

Montana, USA

Saalfelden Leogang, Austria

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Cities

Nairobia, Kenya

Paris, France

Montreal, Canada

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Manaus, Brazil

Jakarta, Indonesia

Prague, Czech Republic

Izmir, Turkey

Kansas City, Missouri

Sustainable

Spain

Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

Greenland

Wales trails

The Portuguese Way / Caminho Português de Santiago

Palau

Hokkaido, Japan

Ecuador

Baltic Trails of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania

Eco-lodges of South Africa

Poland is easy on the eye and on the pocket, says Lonely Planet.

joe daniel price/Moment RF/Getty Images

Value

The Midwest, USA

Poland

Nicaragua

Danube Limes, Bulgaria

Normandy, France

Egypt

Ikaria, Greece

Algeria

Southern Lakes & Central Otago, New  Zealand

Night trains, Europe