Wanderlust is here, and it’s not going anywhere. 64% of global travelers say they’ll reduce other areas of their personal spending to prioritize trips in 2024. If you’re still searching for a fantastic vacation spot for next year, stop looking.
Lonely Planet’s Picks
Lonely Planet’s vast network of local travel experts, writers, and publishing partners named the most sought-after destinations of 2024 across five key categories. Each category features ten destinations chosen for their topicality, unique experiences, ‘wow’ factor, and ongoing commitment to sustainability and community.
So, What Places Are On The List?
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024 includes new takes on popular destinations such as Tuscany, Italy, and Mexico. It also unearths some lesser-known gems like Uzbekistan, Donegal, Ireland, and Izmir.
Slow Travel, a favorite topic with Lonely Planet readers, is celebrated by highlighting the Camino Portuguese hiking trail and the continued rise of night trains in Europe. Also shortlisted is Kangaroo Island, which remains one of South Australia’s great ecotourism destinations.
What’s The Top Country to Visit in 2024?
Mongolia, which has been named the top country, is recognized for its wide-open spaces, adventure activities, and distinctive culinary and musical culture, reflecting its location between Russia and China.
What Other Countries Did They Pick?
Get your passport ready! The list includes North America’s Mexico and stunning St. Lucia and Africa’s Benin and Morocco. It also highlights India, Chile, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and The Balkan’s Croatia.
What’s Their Top City?
The top city, Nairobi, Kenya,was chosen for its unique rhythms, an impressive array of locally-inspired restaurants, and a steady rotation of arts and culture venues.
What Other Urban Destinations Made the Cut?
Far-flung destinations like Manaus, Brazil, and Jakarta, Indonesia, made their cut. Europe’s Paris and Prague, as well as Bosnia’s Mostar and Turkey’s Izmir, are highly recommended for 2024. For those who want to stay closer to home, check out all that Montreal, Philly, and Kansas City has to offer (besides Taylor Swift appearances).
What Regions Are Ripe for 2024 Exploration?
The Western Balkans’ Trans Dinarica Cycle Route, an eight-country route that prioritizes the discovery of Unesco sites, national parks, and villages, takes the top region spot. If you can work remotely, why not book a more extended stay and explore the whole region?
More Hand-Picked Regions
Europe has always been a big draw, and this 2024 ‘Best of’ list includes Tuscany, Italy Donegal, Ireland, País Vasco, Spain, Saalfelden Leogang, Austria and Far North Scotland.
Or take a look at Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Tanzania, Southern Thailand, or East Africa’s Swahili Coast, Tanzania.
Long beloved among nature lovers, perhaps 2024 is the time to book a domestic trip to stunning Montana.
Sustainable Tourism Winners
With its efforts to boost off-season travel, expand renewable energy, and bring tourism to previously overlooked destinations, Spain is recognized as the top sustainable travel destination.
Who Else Is Keeping Nature in Mind?
For those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, book a trip to:
- Patagonia of Argentina & Chile
- Greenland
- Wales’ trails
- The Portuguese Way / Caminho Português de Santiago,
- Palau, Micronesia
- Hokkaido, Japan
- Ecuador
- Baltic Trails of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
- Eco-lodges in South Africa
What Destinations Give Travelers The Best Bang For Their Buck?
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.
Take Cincinnati, For Example
Cincinnati is the largest metro area in Ohio and Kentucky, and its central Midwest location is within one day’s drive for half of all Americans. Its airport offers 50 or more non-flights on 11 airlines with the lowest airfares in the region.
It’s racked up awards such as the 9th Best Metro Area to Visit in Summer and One of the Top Places to Visit in the U.S. by Travel & Leisure magazine. But unlike some of the other destinations on those ‘Best Of’ lists, Cincy is a fraction of the price of other U.S. cities and has all the things to do for a big city vacation.
More Big Value Places
You can still have a big adventure on a smaller budget in:
- Poland
- Danube Limes
- Romania
- Normandy, France
- Europe’s Night Trains
- Nicaragua
- Egypt
- Ikaria, Greece
- Algeria
- Southern Lakes & Central Otago, New Zealand
Looking for Authentic Experiences Around the World?
“Our picks for this year’s Best in Travel seek to both inspire and follow the instincts of today’s traveler. It is the pinnacle of Lonely Planet’s travel inspiration, embodying the essence of authentic and sustainable exploration. It caters to the desires of travelers who yearn for genuine experiences, guided by local expertise,” said Nitya Chambers, SVP of Content and Executive Editor of Lonely Planet.
“To celebrate 50 years of travel, we’re offering a window into the sights, cultures, and communities of 50 incredible destinations, each a representation of where the future of travel (and Lonely Planet) is headed in years to come.”
Got a Traveler On Your Holiday Gift List?
To celebrate their 50th anniversary, a special edition of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel returns to its best-selling print format, in addition to its popular digital and social media content, offering an expanded list of 50 must-visit destinations from all around the globe—a perfect gift for travel lovers in your life.
Here’s The Safest Places to Travel In the World
International travel is booming. One-third of Americans said they are more interested in vacationing outside the U.S. But when news reports show U.S. State Department warnings about travel to certain countries, violence in some international destinations, or individual travel horror stories, it can put your dreams of exploring the world on the back burner.
Well, get your passport back out. Here are the safest countries and cities around the world for you to explore without worry.
Here’s The Safest Places to Travel
Travelers Beware: The 8 Most Common Travel Scams Around The World
A shocking 52% of Americans surveyed byScams.infohave either lost money to travel scams or know someone who has, with the average amount lost totaling $380. So keep your money in your pocket by preparing to face these most common scams targeting tourists around the world.
Travelers Beware: The 8 Most Common Travel Scams Around The World
10 Surprising U.S. States That Wowed Travelers
While Hawaii, Orlando, Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas, and other popular vacation destinations seem to get tons of attention and visitors, there are 50 glorious states to explore across America. Travelers are experiencing more of them, and here’s what they said.
10 Surprising U.S. States That Wowed Travelers
