Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024

Mongolia

Lonely Planet has announced its Best in Travel Destinations 2024. 

To mark the publishers 50th anniversary, the Best in Travel 2024 has expanded from the top 10 best cities, countries, and regions to include best value and best sustainable destinations. 

Over the past 50 years Lonely Planet has printed over 150 million guidebooks covering 221 countries and other titles showcasing the wonders of the world for travellers. 

Now in its 19th year Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel is voted for by the publishers global community of staff, local writers, and partners. 

It looks to provide expert insight into lesser-known destinations and new takes on popular places. 

New cycling trails, train and flight services making destinations more accessible, bids for UNESCO world heritage status and ongoing commitment to sustainability, community and diversity have all contributed towards this year’s list. 

Best Countries 

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

Mongolia 

For seekers of wide-open spaces, adventures and culture, the capital is teeming with people and unique attractions. Squeezed between Russia and China, Mongolia seems hard to reach given recent geopolitical events in its two large neighbours. But Mongolia’s doors are open and a tourism campaign has eased visa restrictions through 2025. www.discovermongolia.mn 

India 

There are lot of new ways to explore the world’s most colourful country, new flight services are providing easy access to much    loved hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Goa and Kerala and India’s railways are in for a revamp, with stylish new trains rolling out across the network. Or take a 2,000-mile boat trip on the MV Ganges Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise. www.incredibleindia.org

Morocco 

There’s nothing quite like wandering the Sahara Desert on camelback, hunting for bargains in a Marrakech souk and exploring the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen. But this North African country made our list in 2024 thanks to the buzz from its historic performance at the World Cup, its ascension to the echelon of the world surf circuit, and its revived music festival, Mawazine. Research for Best in Travel 2024 took place prior to the 2023 earthquake which severely affected areas south of Marrakesh. We suggest travellers check for the latest updates on individual locations. Now more than ever tourism income can help support the country’s recovery. www.visitmorocco.com/en 

Mexico 

For travellers seeking adventure, culture, history, food and art, this year in there are new transportation options along with a celestial event. Take the freshly launched train to Caribbean beaches and ancient Maya ruins; view the 2024 solar eclipse from the golden sands of Mazatlán; or try a road trip to bohemian beach towns along Oaxaca’s rugged and beautiful coast. www.visitmexico.com/eng/home-2 

Chile 

Chile

A country of salt flats, rainforests, volcanoes, glaciers, and fjords. Change permeates the air across the country with expanded parklands, a new president and plans for a new equity-minded constitution. Chefs in Santiago are untapping the potential of endemic ingredients. Vintners are finding more natural ways to make wine. Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is imagining a sustainable future while rewilding efforts in Patagonia are restoring biodiversity. www.chile.travel/en

Benin 

This bijou West African country punches above its weight in its charisma, history and cultural power. Once the site of the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey, it is also the spiritual home of voodoo, a fascinating and often misunderstood religion. Beat a path to Benin’s palm-fringed beaches and some of the best national parks this side of the continent. www.lonelyplanet.com/benin 

Uzbekistan 

From oasis to oasis follow the trading networks of centuries past. High-speed rail and a convenient domestic flight network have replaced the camel caravans once connecting prosperous fortress towns, yet the ancient cultural hubs of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva still evoke the era of the Silk Road. In the Nuratau Mountains, a community based tourism initiative shows visitors the life of shepherding communities. www.lonelyplanet.com/uzbekistan 

Pakistan 

The country has long lured travellers from all over the world, and its overdue for a resurgence. Following easing of political tensions, adventure tour companies are returning to Pakistan’s buzzing bazaars, Mughal-built mosques, alpine valleys, and snow-dusted Himalayan passes. Every rupee you spend helps the country rebuild after the devastating floods of 2022. www.tourism.gov.pk 

Croatia 

Sun-kissed coastline, myriad islands, dramatic mountains, and historic walled cities and the Vis archipelago has been recognised as a UNESCO Geopark With its entry into both the border-free Schengen Area and the Eurozone, travel in Croatia is even easier. The opening of the Peljesac Bridge and new highway means it’s now possible to travel directly between Split and Dubrovnik, without passing through Bosnia. The Bridge has also shone a spotlight on the previously overlooked part of the Croatian coastline, the Peljesac Peninsula. www.visit-croatia.co.uk 

St Lucia 

Known for its white sand and ceruleantinged waters, St Lucia is shifting its focus to make the island’s cultural heritage, distinctive traditions, and creative proclivities more accessible, an ideal experience for Carib-ophiles searching for something beyond the typical all-inclusive stay. www.stlucia.org/en_UK/ 

* www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel 

* samantha@goshpr.co.uk