On October 25, 2023, Lonely Planet identified the World’s Top 50 Cities. It has also released the world’s top countries, regions, those with the best value, and sustainable destinations to visit in 2024. Read on to find out more about where to travel in the world next year.

Lonely Planet reveals best travel destinations for 2024

While celebrating its 50th anniversary, Lonely Planet has revealed its annual list of trending destinations to visit in 2024. Its Best in Travel 2024 has expanded from the previous top 10 cities, countries and regions to include more categories. Meanwhile, the two new categories are best value and best sustainable destinations. This leads to a total of 50 locations around the world offering amazing travel experiences in 2024.

Speaking of the new Best in Travel hotlist, Nitya Chambers, SVP Content and Executive Editor made a statement:

Our picks for this year seek to both inspire and follow the instincts of 2024’s traveler. Best in Travel is Lonely Planet’s heart and soul of travel inspiration, responding to the enthusiasm of travelers who want to explore the world in a way that is authentic, led by local guidance and has sustainable values at its core. With new takes on iconic destinations and 50 fresh ideas across five categories, we’re confident Best in Travel opens up a year of incredible adventures.

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel hotlist was voted for by its global community of staff, publishing partners and local writers. It offers expert insight into lesser-known travel destinations and also features new takes on already popular locations. Among the trends are making train and flight services more accessible. It also features UNESCO World Heritage status of previously unknown locations, as well as the location’s growing sustainability, community and diversity contributions, as well as the “wow” factor of each destination.

Spain tops Lonely Planet sustainable travel list

The popular tourism country, Spain has come out tops in the sustainable travel list after its huge strides to boost off-season travel, spreading visitors across the year and the expansion of renewable energy.

Wales has also been recognized in the list of destinations leading the way in sustainability. This comes as the UK country reveals its revamped railways, giving more options for exploring the nation. Moreover, Ecuador, Patagonia and the Baltic Trails of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are high on the list for offering responsible ways to connect with nature. On top of this, following the devastating bushfires in 2020, Kangaroo Island once again remains one of Australia’s top ecotourism destinations.

Slow travel on Lonely Planet

One popular topic of Lonely Planet readers is slow travel. One example is the continued promotion of night trains in Europe, as well as the Portuguese Way hiking trail. Another is the popular nation of Croatia which made it easier to explore the country after the opening of the Peljesac Bridge. This takes slow travelers to the previously unknown Peljesac Peninsula. Meanwhile, it also offers a way to drive directly between Dubrovnik and Split.

Travel value for money

Among those destinations that offer great value are Algeria, the Midwest of the US, the Greek island of Ikaria and Normandy. Top cities for budget-conscious travelers include Nairobi, Kenya, Mostar in Bosnia and the revamped Izmir in Turkey.

Best locations for the great outdoors according to Lonely Planet

For those travelers seeking the great outdoors, the new Dinarica Cycle Route is set to open in the Western Balkans in 2024. Moreover, Far North Scotland is bidding for UNESCO status for its stunningly beautiful coastline and its boggy interior.

Breaking down Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024

Best Sustainable:

1. Spain
2. Patagonia, Argentina & Chile
3. Greenland
4. Wales Trails
5. The Portuguese Way, Caminho Portgues de Santiago
6. Palau
7. Hokkaido, Japan
8. Ecuador
9. Baltic Trails of Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania
10. South Africa’s Eco Lodges

Best Value:

1. The Midwest, USA
2. Poland
3. Nicaragua
4. Danube Limes, Bulgaria & Romania
5. Normandy, France
6. Egypt
7. Ikaria, Greece
8. Algeria
9. Southern Lakes & Central Otago, New Zealand
10. Night trains of Europe

Best Cities:

1. Nairobi, Kenya
2. Paris, France
3. Montreal, Canada
4. Mostar, Bosnia
5. Philadelphia, USA
6. Manaus. Brazil
7. Jakarta, Indonesia
8. Prague, The Czech Republic
9. Izmir, Turkey
10. Kansas City, Missouri

Best Country:

1. Mongolia
2. India
3. Morocco
4. Chile
5. Benin
6. Mexico
7. Uzbekistan
8. Pakistan
9. Croatia
10. St Lucia

Best Region:

1. Western Balkans’ Trans Dinarica Cycling Route
2. Kangaroo Island, South Australia
3. Tuscany, Italy
4. Donegal, Ireland
5. Pais Vasco, Spain
6. Southern Thailand
7. Swahili Coast, Tanzania
8. Montana, USA
9. Saalfelden Leogang, Austria
10. Far North Scotland

For more information about Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024, visit its website here.