(CNN) — Kick off your bucket list, Lonely Planet just revealed its top 50 travel destinations for the coming year.
The travel publishing empire celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and its record Best of Travel 2024 The list is expanded to five categories: the best countries, regions, cities, sustainable travel destinations and best value locations.
Country No. 1 is Mongolia, chosen by Lonely Planet for its “wide open spaces, adventure activities, and distinctive food and music culture.” It’s the least populated country in the world and the Mongolian government is ready to start filling it up a bit. This year he said that from 2023 to 2025 “Years to visit Mongolia” relax entry requirements for international travelers and improve infrastructure, including a new $650 million airport.
Other countries in the top 10 picks include favorites such as Mexico, Croatia and Saint Lucia, as well as lesser-visited places such as Benin and Uzbekistan.
Urban destinations
The top city in the Lonely Planet ranking is Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, which the travel giant loves for its “unique rhythms, impressive range of locally inspired restaurants and constant rotation of arts and cultural venues.” We also love it for Nairobi National Parkjust a short drive from the city’s central business district, where you can spot more than 400 species roaming the grassy plains while skyscrapers twinkle on the horizon.
Paris, host of the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, is also on the list, as is Prague, another European capital that is no stranger to tourist crowds. Lonely Planet says the Covid-19 lockdown has allowed the Czech capital to “hit the reset button” and promote “slow tourism and attractions away from the city center”.
Sustainability
The top sustainable travel destination for 2024 is Spain, due to the country’s efforts to develop renewable energy, boost off-season travel and attract tourism to emerging destinations, such as the port city of Valencethereby alleviating pressures on hotspots like Barcelona.
South Africa’s “wild beauty” is also discussed, with Lonely Planet recommending visitors discover the country’s “impressive crop of ecolodges” committed to protecting Earth’s biodiversity. We like too BabanangoSouth Africa’s new great wildlife park that is transforming the KwaZulu Natal region into a wondrous wildlife paradise.
Facilitates bank balance
The most advantageous category will be of particular interest to many in these times of wallet pinching. The underrated American Midwest is the best tip here: in cities like Chicago, Milwaukee and Detroit, “you’ll find old warehouses transformed into art studios, new eco-designed hotels and numerous Michelin-starred restaurants”, explains Lonely Planet.
The editor also recommends Algeria as an under-explored 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 beautiful historic towns” and “an affordable experience and without crowds.
Regional destinations
When it comes to regional picks, the Western Balkans’ upcoming Trans Dinarica Cycle Route is a top pick by Lonely Planet. Opening next year, the 3,364-kilometer (2,090-mile) trail passes through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Serbia, crossing ranges mountains and the Adriatic Sea along the way.
Donegal, Ireland’s most northwesterly county, has the country’s longest coastline and more than 100 beaches – and there’s a good chance a visitor will have one to themselves. According to Lonely Planet, “Here you’ll find Europe’s highest sea cliffs and miles of unspoilt coastal walking trails. »
Lonely Planet’s Best Trip 2024
Countries
Mongolia
India
Morocco
Chile
Benign
Mexico
Uzbekistan
Pakistan
Croatia
St. LUCIA
Regions
Western Balkans Trans Dinarica Cycling Route
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Donegal, Ireland
Basque Country, Spain
Southern Thailand
Swahili Coast, Tanzania
Montana, United States
Saalfelden Leogang, Austria
Cities
Nairobi, Kenya
Paris, France
Montreal Canada
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Manaus, Brazil
Jakarta, Indonesia
Prague, Czech Republic
Izmir, Türkiye
Kansas City, MO
Sustainable
Spain
Patagonia, Argentina and Chile
Greenland
Trails of Wales
The Portuguese Way / Caminho Português de Santiago
Palau
Hokkaido, Japan
Ecuador
Baltic trails of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
South Africa Ecolodges
Value
The Midwest, United States
Poland
Nicaragua
Danube Limes, Bulgaria
Normandy, France
Egypt
Ikaria, Greece
Algeria
Lakes of South and Central Otago, New Zealand
Night trains, Europe
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. company. Discovery. All rights reserved.