To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Lonely Planet―best known for their super detailed travel guides―have released a list of 50 countries and destinations to look out for in 2024!
If you still haven’t decided where to go for your next destination, then how about getting some inspiration from their list of top 10 countries to travel to in 2024:
Mongolia
Vast steppes, cozy yurts and a unique nomadic culture—that’s Mongolia for you!
For those looking for a retreat from modern life, the wilds and people of Mongolia welcome you with open arms.
Although these nomadic peoples have mostly adapted to the modern world, they still retain their unique customs and heritage from life on the steppe with horseback riding, hearty meat dishes and their Tibetan Buddhist faith.
Instead of flying to tourist traps in 2024, learn about the Mongol’s glorious empire at the Gengis Khan Statue Complex, take a horse through its many national parks and gaze at the vastness of the Gobi Desert.
And once you’re done, indulge in some buuz dumplings with some friendly locals inside a cozy yurt!
India
The vast nation of India is home to a whole host of diverse peoples and is an inheritor of thousands of years of culture and history, which makes it a perfect place for your 2024 vacation!
If you haven’t been to India, then you’re sleeping on some of the most gorgeous palaces and places of worship in Asia.
From ancient Hindu temples to Mughal monuments, there’s no shortage of striking architecture to admire here. So it’s no wonder that India has almost 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to its name!
That’s not to say that India is lacking in natural beauty. On the contrary, the grand glaciers and peaks of the Himalayas, magical lakes and biodiverse wetlands make India one of the world’s most beautiful places to visit for a nature lover.
Morocco
For 2024, Lonely Planet recommends one of the northernmost countries in Africa—Morocco!
Thanks to its hot and arid weather, Morocco has sunny weather and picturesque scenery no matter when you visit.
And there’s definitely plenty to see! Step into its four imperial cities of Fez, Rabat, Meknes and Marrakesh and travel back through time to a world of grand town gates, imposing walls and unbelievably colourful Islamic architecture. Of particular note is the town of Chefchaouen with its mesmerizing azure blue houses and the imposing and ancient Fes el Bali gate.
Thrillseekers are also encouraged to visit southern Morocco, which is home to a part of the harsh yet alluring Sahara Desert. Once you’re done drinking in the dunes, cool off at one of northern Morocco’s many beaches, with breathtaking views of both the Mediterranean and Atlantic!
Chile
If you’re looking for a place that has a little bit of everything, then Chile should be on your 2024 itinerary!
This is because this South American paradise has many faces for as many tastes. Want to feel the burn? Then head to the far northern deserts. Want some subzero temperatures? Then move down south to the sub-Antarctic regions. There’s even pleasant Mediterranean areas too!
Chile’s diversity doesn’t stop at temperature either. Thanks to its spanning multiple latitudes, it also has wildly different geographical features such as salt lakes, flat grasslands and vast deserts in the north together with mountain lakes, massive glaciers and alpine slopes in the south.
And that’s not even mentioning the local food! Indigenous Mapuche and colonial Spanish cultures blend together in Chile’s many foods and traditions. Taste the premium beef and quality seafood in the empanada roll and wash it all down with some fine wine. Or watch the cheeky twirls and back-and-forth of the cueca dance.
Benin
Africa has so many unexplored gems for the 2024 traveller hungry for new experiences, but Benin has to be one of the more obscure destinations!
Located in West Africa, this tiny nation is one of the most peaceful nations in the region despite its dark history of slavery, coups and colonialism. These days, Benin is more known as the birthplace of the animist voodoo religion and a center of rich, historical heritage.
To fans of history and culture, make sure to stop by the port city of Ouidah, where the history of slavery is explored and while the practice of voodoo is celebrated. Abomey is a frequent stop thanks to the ruins of the former Dahomey Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As for those looking for some nice watery views, head to the waterborne village of Ganvie—the so-called Venice of Africa. Or if you just want to chill, kick back at the resort town of Grand-Popo with its pristine sands and sweeping ocean views.
Mexico
Wild landscapes, warm people and flavorful food—Mexico is a sun-baked paradise with history and culture.
Once the heart of the Aztec Empire and later home of the Mayans, Mexico has dozens of massive and mysterious temple complexes.
From the impressive Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza to the mysterious celestially-inspired Teotihuacan complex, these playgrounds for the imagination inspire visions of once-bustling cities.
Also, for shutterbugs looking for colonial-era buildings, the colourful Spanish cathedrals, facades and town squares of Merida are definitely a must-visit.
All that sun can’t go to waste, so go soak up the rays in one of Mexico’s glorious beaches. Dive into Cancun’s world-renowned and crystal clear waters, sunbathe on the pristine sands of Mazatlan or retreat into the wild and rugged coasts of Oaxaca. Whether it’s the Gulf of Mexico or the Pacific, you won’t be lacking sun and sea.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a Central Asian gem that holds some of the Islamic world’s most beautiful art and architecture with some old-fashioned Soviet grandeur.
The city of Bukhara is one of the epicenters of Uzbekitan’s Islamic architecture. At the Ark Fortress, its gigantic thick, rounded walls warn off any intruders without a single word uttered while its imposing gate guards its single opening.
Meanwhile, the capital Tashkent is home to most of the nation’s Soviet-era monuments.
Your first, or rather many, stops are its metro stations! These palace-like stations have opulent chandeliers, decorated columns and marble tiling more reminiscent of a Hilton than public transport. The intricately drawn murals celebrating Islamic art and Uzbek astronauts also adorn the station’s wall, giving a typically boring transit space life and colour.
Lastly, the boxy and shipping container-like Soviet train cars just add to the out-of-time feel of the stations.
Pakistan
Moving to South Asia, Lonely Planet recommends the underrated Pakistan, home of majestic mountains, plains and historical monuments.
Pakistan’s mountains are home to dozens of valleys, each holding a slice of paradise. One of these is the Hunza Valley with the impenetrable, almost vertical Passu Cones and the beautiful neon-blue Attabad Lake.
Another is the Swat Valley, which has countless pretty lakes, serene forests and picturesque villages dotted around its alpine landscapes.
But, if you’re more of a culture or history fan, then Pakistan’s massive cities might be your jam. This is especially true for the city of Lahore, where you can marvel at the iconic white walls of the Lahore Fort gleaming under the sun or the grand brownish-red Badshahi Mosque which proudly stands in front of a vast square occasionally filled with worshipers.
Croatia
One of the Balkan’s many jewels, Croatia’s climate is temperate and Mediterranean, which means mild winters and pleasant summers. Add to that its fairytale towns and cities, clear waters and excellent wines, and you have one of Europe’s most attractive destinations.
Of particular note is Dubrovnik, whose famous castle walls and towers ring the town and its densely packed buildings. These winding walls seem to jump straight out of a fantasy tale, which isn’t surprising considering Dubrovnik and many locations in Croatia are featured in the Game of Thrones fantasy series. Not only that, the sparkling blue waters of the Adriatic Sea can only add to the charm and magic of this seaside city.
Besides historical monuments, Croatia is also famed for its extensive coastlines and beaches on its mainland and many islands. Despite being more pebbly than sandy, its beaches more than make up for it with gorgeous sweeping views of the Adriactic and pleasant weather.
If you want secluded bays with excellent swimming and boating, then the Pakleni Islands are perfect. Or if you want Insta-friendly beaches, the “Golden Horn” of Zlatni Rat will wow you with its distinctive sands cutting into the azure blue waters.
Saint Lucia
Even with so many prime holiday spots in the Caribbean, Saint Lucia is not your everyday island destination! From the peaks of the Pitons mountains to the idyllic Jalousie Beach, Saint Lucia truly earns its name as a Shangri-La on Earth and deserves a spot in your 2024 vacation plans!
When you arrive at the historical capital of Soufriere, walk among the vintage French and Caribbean-styled buildings while basking in its charming small-town feel. Once you’re done, stretch your legs on the many hiking trails out of town and get a good look at the steep, twin peaks of the Pitons dropping off into breathtaking ocean views.
Next, take a relaxing mudbath or marvel at the steamy sulphur springs at the Sulphur Springs Park, a unique attraction only possible thanks to the volcanically active Mount Soufriere.
Of course, you can’t call it an island vacation without some sun, sand and surf!
The classic Anse Chastanet beach just north of Soufriere has clear and shallow waters, making them perfect scuba diving spots for admiring Saint Lucia’s diverse coral and fishy inhabitants. If you still can’t get enough of the Pitons, then bring your camera to Jalousie or “Sugar” Beach, where you can get both of these St. Lucia landmarks in one perfect shot!
