Vacation inspiration: Top travel destinations for 2024

More and more destinations around the world are taking steps to counter the effects of overtourism, encouraging travelers to be more aware of the impact their trips can have on both the environment and the local population.

With that in mind, thoughts are already turning to vacation plans for 2024. Earlier this month, Condé Nast Traveler shared its recommendations, using its reader feedback to draw up its eagerly awaited “Reader’s Choice Awards”, listing the best cities and destinations of the year.

Japan took first place in this ranking, ahead of Italy and Greece, while Victoria in Canada and San Sebastián in Spain were hot tips for upcoming city-breaks.

For its part, the renowned Lonely Planet travel guide publisher has now shared its travel inspirations for 2024, resulting in its “Best in Travel” pick for the year ahead. By sounding out authors, bloggers and publishers, the guide’s team has drawn up several lists, each featuring 10 entries.

In the country category, Mongolia takes first place, ahead of India and Morocco. As for cities, Paris is in the spotlight in view of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, although the French capital comes second to Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.

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Looking across the board at Lonely Planet’s full selection of trendiest destinations – country, city, region, sustainable destination, value destination – the Balkans stands out as a recurring theme. The guide tips the Balkan peninsula as a solid idea for a getaway, listing Croatia as one of the trendiest countries in 2024. The regions category, meanwhile, spotlights the Trans Dinarica Cycling Route, which crosses Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia. Lonely Planet also recommends visiting the Bosnian city of Mostar, or opting for the Danube Limes in Bulgaria for an inexpensive change of scenery.

Finally, for those in search of off-the-beaten-track escapism, Lonely Planet recommends a hike in Wales, or a trip to the Japanese island of Hokkaido, unless you’re tempted by Tanzania’s Swahili Coast. Finally, destinations such as Spain, Morocco, Southern Thailand and Egypt, which have long been considered must-sees, remain timeless options.

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Lonely Planet’s top 10 travel destinations for 2024

Countries

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

Regions 

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

Cities

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

Value destinations

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