The popular travel guide Lonely Planet has revealed its list of the top travel destinations for the year ahead, with 50 ideas to inspire your itineraries.
Extending on its regular annual suggestions for best countries, regions and cities to visit in the coming year, to mark its 50th anniversary, two new categories – places that offer the best value, and most sustainable travel destinations – have also been introduced.
The lists are complied into a new book for those wanting to explore the world’s most exciting destinations. According to Lonely Planet, each category features ten destinations chosen for their topicality, unique experiences, ‘wow’ factor and ongoing commitment to sustainability and community.
New Zealand enters the list of 50 once, in the selection of destinations that offer the best value. Southern Lakes & Central Otago was chosen for its stunning scenery and plethora of outdoor activities that the guide suggests doesn’t have to cost a lot.
Among the suggestions were the appeal of exploring the area’s golf courses, winter sports and wineries and activities such as cycling and hiking in the area. One particular highlight it suggests is to “park your bike in the rack and savor a craft beer from Altitude Brewery, along with cheap eats, at Atlas Beer Cafe in Queenstown, an affordable hotspot that’s popular with with local bikers”.
The number one country on the list is Mongolia, chosen by Lonely Planet for its wide-open spaces, adventure activities, and distinctive culinary and musical culture.
“For seekers of wide-open spaces, adventures and culture, Mongolia has much to offer,” Lonely Planet shares. “The capital is teeming with people and unique attractions. Squeezed between Russia and China, Mongolia seems hard to reach given recent geopolitical events in its two large neighbors. But Mongolia’s doors are open and a tourism campaign has eased visa restrictions through 2025.”
Western Balkans’ Trans Dinarica Cycle Route, a 3364km, eight-country route, including Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, topped the list of best regions to explore. Australia’s Kangaroo Island, Australia’s third-largest island was second on this list, with the guide explaining the area was bouncing back strongly from the 2020 bushfires and remains one of South Australia’s great ecotourism destinations.
The top city, Nairobi, was chosen for its unique rhythms, impressive array of locally-inspired restaurants, and steady rotation of arts and culture venues.
With its efforts to boost off-season travel, expand renewable energy, and bring tourism to previously overlooked destinations, Spain is recognised as the top sustainable travel destination.
The Midwest, one of the USA’s most underrated regions with bustling cities and incredible food scenes, takes first prize in the best value category.
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024:
Countries
Mongolia
India
St Lucia
Mexico
Morocco
Chile
Benin
Uzbekistan
Pakistan
Croatia
Regions
Trans Dinarica Cycling Route, Western Balkans
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Montana, USA
Donegal, Ireland
Tuscany, Italy
País Vasco, Spain
Southern Thailand, Thailand
Swahili Coast, Tanzania
Saalfelden Leogang, Austria
Far North Scotland, Scotland
Cities
Nairobi, Kenya
Paris, France
Montréal, Canada
Mostar, Bosnia
Philadelphia, USA
Manaus, Brazil
Jakarta, Indonesia
Prague, Czech Republic
İzmir, Turkey
Kansas City, Missouri
Sustainable
Spain, Europe
Ecuador, South America
Patagonia, Argentina & Chile
Greenland, Europe
Wales’ Trails, Europe
Caminho Português de Santiago, Portugal
Palau, Australia & Pacific
Hokkaidō, Japan
Baltic Trails, Baltics
South Africa, Africa
Value
The Midwest, USA
Poland
Nicaragua
Danube Limes, Bulgaria
Normandy, France
Egypt
Ikaria, Greece
Algeria
Southern Lakes & Central Otago, New Zealand
Night trains, Europe
