Start your bucket list: Lonely Planet just unveiled its 50 most sensible destinations for the year ahead.
The publishing empire celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and its exceptional Best in Travel 2024 list covers five categories: the most productive countries, regions, cities, sustainable destinations and places with the most productive value for money.
The number one country is Mongolia, selected through Lonely Planet for its “wide open spaces, adventurous activities, and unique food and music culture. “It is the least populous country in the world and the Mongolian government is in a position to start. filling it up a bit. This year, it declared the 2023 to 2025 era “Years to Stopover in Mongolia,” alleviating access needs for foreign travelers and infrastructure, adding a new $650 million airport.
Other countries in the top 10 have favorites like Mexico, Croatia and St. Lucia, as well as lesser-visited places like Benin and Uzbekistan.
The most sensible city in Lonely Planet’s ranking is Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, which the giant loves for its “unique rhythms, impressive array of local restaurants, and constant rotation of arts and cultural venues. ” We also love it for Nairobi National Park, a short drive from the city’s central business district, where you can see more than 400 species roaming the grassy plains while skyscrapers shimmer on the horizon.
Paris, host of the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, is also on the list, as is Prague, a European capital that is no stranger to tourist crowds. Lonely Planet claims that the Covid-19 lockdown has allowed the Czech capital to “reset button” and announce “slow tourism and attractions away from the city centre”.
The most sensible sustainable destination for 2024 is Spain, due to the country’s efforts to expand renewable energy, spice up the off-season and attract tourism to emerging destinations, such as the port city of Valencia, relieving pressure on hotspots like Barcelona.
South Africa’s “rugged beauty” is also mentioned, and Lonely Planet recommends that visitors check out the country’s “impressive crop of eco-lodges” committed to protecting the Earth’s biodiversity. We also love Babanango, South Africa’s wonderful new park that is transforming the KwaZulu Natal region. in a glorious paradise.
The most advantageous category will be especially attractive to many in those times when wallets are scarce. The underrated Midwest is the recommendation here: In cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit, “you’ll locate old warehouses-turned-art studios, new eco-designed hotels, and numerous Michelin-starred restaurants,” states Lonely Planet.
The editor also recommends Algeria as an underexplored corner of North Africa. Noting that it’s a three-hour flight or less from much of Europe, Lonely Planet says visitors will find “well-preserved Roman sites and charming historic towns” and “an affordable, crowd-free experience. “
When it comes to regional options, the upcoming Trans Dinarica cycling route in the Western Balkans is one of Lonely Planet’s most sensible options. Inaugurated next year, the 3,364-kilometer (2,090-mile) route passes through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Serbia, traversing mountainous levels and the Adriatic Sea along the way.
Donegal, Ireland’s northwesternmost county, has the longest seafront in the country and over a hundred beaches, and there’s a good chance a guest will have one to themselves. According to Lonely Planet, “here you will find Europe’s highest sea cliffs and miles of pristine coastal hiking trails. “
Countries
Mongolia
India
Morocco
Chile
Benin
Mexico
Uzbekistan
Pakistan
Croatia
Saint Lucia
Regions
Western Balkans TransDinarica Cycle Route
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Donegale, Ireland
Basque Country, Spain
Southern Thailand
Swahili Coast, Tanzania
Montana, United States
Saafelden Leogang, Austria
Towns
Nairobi, Kenya
Paris, France
Montreal, Canada
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Manaus, Brazil
Jakarta, Indonesia
Prague, Czech Republic
Izmir, Turkey
Kansas City, Missouri
Durable
Espana
Patagonia, Argentina and Chile
Greenland
Trails in Wales
The Portuguese Way / Caminho Português de Santiago
Palau
Hokkaido, Japan
Ecuador
Baltic routes of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
Eco-Friendly Accommodations in South Africa
Value
Midwest, United States
Poland
Nicaragua
Danube Lemons, Bulgaria
Normandy, France
Egypt
Ikaria, Greece
Algeria
South and Central Otago Lakes, New Zealand
Night Trains, Europe
El-CNN-Wire™