Lonely Planet is a publisher known and loved by everyone who considers themselves a traveler rather than a tourist. The company, which in 2023 has completed half a century dedicating body and soul to creating the best travel guides, is always right in its recommendations. Like this beautiful inland Cantabrian town which is considered the most beautiful in Spain and which we told you about recently.
As they do annually, Lonely Planet has published its detailed Best In Travel list , which highlights a series of destinations that they consider perfect for a trip for next year. Its most recent edition looks with the best eyes at these ten countries around the globe.
Morocco
The country closest to Spain on the list is none other than Morocco. Just under 60 kilometers separate, through the Strait of Gibraltar, the point of Tarifa and the point of Cires, the northernmost and southernmost extremes of the European and African continents. Just because of the short distance, it should already be an essential trip in 2024 for anyone living in Spain.
Benin
Without leaving Africa, we find the other African country on this list, Benin. Located in the west of the continent, it often goes unnoticed due to its size compared to its neighbors Ghana and Nigeria. However, what was the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey from 1600 to 1900 is home to a fascinating culture worth knowing first-hand.
Croatia
The only European country included in the Best In Travel 2024 country list may not be the first European destination you would think of, but it is no less special. In the heart of the Balkan peninsula is Croatia, which since its entry into the euro on January 1, 2023 has become one of the great discoveries of many travelers on the continent. If you haven’t been yet, its capital, Zagreb, will make you fall in love instantly.
Chili
The South American country that Lonely Planet has chosen as the best to visit in 2024 is Chile. Its coastline, almost 6,500 kilometers long, is bathed by the Pacific Ocean and throughout the entire territory you can find some of the most impressive natural wonders on the planet . Among many others, the Salar de Atacama or the El Tatio geyser field, located in the heart of the Andes mountain range.
Mexico
The other Latin American country on the list could not be other than Mexico, of which Lonely Planet highlights its gastronomy, art, culture and history . In 2024 it will be a privileged place from which to contemplate a solar eclipse and, in addition, it will be the year of inauguration of some railway connections between several of its most interesting historical places.
St. Lucia
Without leaving North America, we go by air or by sea to beautiful Saint Lucia. The Caribbean island is a classic Honeymoon destination, but any excuse is good to travel there and see its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
India
India is full of places that are surely on many people’s lists of dream destinations, such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kerala or Goa . Traveling around the country will be easier than ever for next year, as a renovation of its railway tracks is planned. But if what you like is water, you have to get on board the MV Ganga Vilas, the longest river cruise in the world.
Pakistan
Bordering India to the east is precisely another of the countries on the Best In Travel 2024 list, Pakistan. Although its geopolitical situation is currently not the best, it seems to be getting closer to recovery . Its mountainous routes, such as the highway that links Pakistan and China through the Hunza Valley, and the views from its highest points have impressive views.
Uzbekistan
The third of the Asian countries included in Lonely Planet’s list is Uzbekistan. Traveling from one end to the other takes any traveler back to the times of ancient trade routes. If you are looking for a natural retreat, the remote villages of the Nuratau Mountains are the perfect place for you.
Mongolia
Finally, one of the most fascinating countries in East Asia: Mongolia. Formerly known as the Mongol Empire, Mongolia is home to centuries of history and has monuments and palaces that any architecture fan dreams of visiting. As a curiosity, Mongolia is one of the largest countries in the world but also the least densely populated . Half of its total population resides in its capital, Ulaanbaatar.
