Get your wishlist fired up, Lonely Planet just revealed its 50 top travel destinations for the year ahead. The travel publishing empire turns 50 this year, and its bumper Best in Travel 2024 list is expanded across five categories: top countries, regions, cities, sustainable travel destinations and best-value locations. The No.1 country is Mongolia, chosen by Lonely Planet for its “wide-open spaces, adventure activities, and distinctive culinary and musical culture.” This is the world’s most sparsely populated country and the Mongolian government is ready to start filling it up a little. The “wild beauty” of South Africa also gets a nod, with Lonely Planet recommending visitors check out the country’s “impressive crop of ecolodges” committed to protecting Earth’s biodiversity. Pointing out that it’s a three-hour flight or less from much of Europe, Lonely Planet says visitors will find “well-preserved Roman sites and fine historic cities” and “an affordable, crowd-free experience.”Regional destinationsWhen it comes to regional picks, the Western Balkans’ upcoming Trans Dinarica cycling route is a top choice by Lonely Planet.

Source: CNN October 31, 2023 20:40 UTC