Mongolia tops the list of destinations for 2024

The list was released as Lonely Planet turns 50 this year, and the magazine's popular Best in Travel 2024 list is expanded across five categories.

Mongolia tops list of countries

Lonely Planet's No. 1 country is Mongolia, for its "vast expanses, adventurous activities, and unique music and food culture." Despite having the world's most sparse population, Mongolia is boosting tourism by relaxing entry regulations, upgrading infrastructure, and building a new $650 million airport.

Other countries that made the top 10 list included India, Mexico, Croatia, St. Lucia and lesser-known countries like Benin and Uzbekistan.

City: Nairobi

Lonely Planet picks Nairobi, Kenya's capital, as its top destination for its "unique vibe, impressive array of locally inspired restaurants" and cultural and arts venues.

Nairobi National Park, just a short drive from the city's central business district, is home to more than 400 species living on vast grassy plains, with high-rise buildings far on the horizon.

Paris (France), host of the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, is also on the list, along with Prague (Czech Republic) - another European capital that is no stranger to many tourists.

Lonely Planet said the COVID-19 lockdown has allowed Prague to "reboot" and promote "slow tourism and attractions away from the city centre".

Sustainable Destination: Spain

The top sustainable travel destination for 2024 is Spain, thanks to its efforts to expand renewable energy, promote off-season tourism and bring tourism to emerging destinations like the port city of Valencia, thereby easing pressure on major tourist spots like Barcelona.

South Africa's "wild beauty" also made the Lonely Planet list, where visitors are advised to explore the country's impressive eco-region, committed to protecting its biodiversity.

South Africa also has Babanango, a new game park that is turning the country's KwaZulu Natal region into a wildlife wonderland.

Affordable destination

This is a list that is especially popular in these tough economic times. Lonely Planet said the traditionally underrated US Midwest was the highlight of the list, with cities like Chicago, Milwaukee and Detroit.

Here, "you'll find old warehouses converted into art studios, new eco-design hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants," writes Lonely Planet.

The magazine also recommends Algeria, an undiscovered corner of North Africa that's less than a three-hour flight from Europe. Lonely Planet says travelers will find "well-preserved Roman ruins and stunning historic cities" as well as "affordable, uncrowded experiences."

Regional destinations

When it comes to regional options, the Trans Dinarica cycling route in the Western Balkans is Lonely Planet's top pick.

Scheduled to open next year, the 3,364km route will pass through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Serbia, passing through mountain ranges and the Adriatic Sea.

Donegal - the north-west region of Ireland, has the longest coastline in the country with over 100 beaches and chances are you'll have one to yourself.

"Here you'll find the highest cliffs in Europe and unspoiled coastal walking trails," writes Lonely Planet.