Lonely Planet’s Annual Best in Travel 2024 Released

New York, NY – Wednesday, October 25, 2023 – Today, Lonely Planet, the global travel authority, unveils its top destinations for the upcoming year with the release of  Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024. To honor the brand’s 50th anniversary, this 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.

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:  top countries, regions, cities, sustainable travel destinations, and best value locations. Each category features 10 destinations chosen for their topicality, unique experiences, ‘wow’ factor and ongoing commitment to sustainability and community.

“Our picks for this year’s Best in Travel seek to both inspire and follow the instincts of today’s traveler. Best in Travel 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 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.”

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024 delivers new takes on popular destinations while unearthing some lesser-known gems ripe for exploration. Mongolia, which has been named top country, is recognized for its wide-open spaces, adventure activities, and distinctive culinary and musical culture. 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 recognized 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.

As always Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024 delivers new takes on popular destinations such as Tuscany, Italy and Mexico, and 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 bouncing back strongly from the 2020 bushfires is Kangaroo Island, which remains one of South Australia’s great ecotourism destinations. Patagonia, Ecuador and the Western Balkans’ Trans Dinarica Cycle Route, an eight-country route, including Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, are amongst those which provide more responsible ways to connect with nature. The popular sun kissed country of Croatia is highlighted as it’s now easier to explore with the opening of the Peljesac Bridge shining a spotlight on the previously overlooked Peljesac Peninsula and a new highway making it possible to travel directly between Split and Dubrovnik.

Completely redesigned from cover to stunning, all-color chapters, the 19th publication of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel is available for purchase at shop.lonelyplanet.com. To accompany the print version, travelers can head to Lonely Planet’s website to explore interactive content on each of this year’s selections and immersive videos showcasing the beauty of Nairobi, Mongolia, Ecuador, Montana and Poland.

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024 – Complete List