Tuscany is the only Italian destination in the Best in Travel 2024 ranking: it takes third place among the regions for slow life and for the recent Etruscan finds in San Casciano.
At the top, for the Regions, the Trans Dinarica cycle route in the Western Balkans, an itinerary between eight countries to discover Unesco sites, national parks and villages and the second Kangaroo Island which is recovering from the bushfires of 2020 and remains one of the great ecotourism destinations in South Australia.
Mongolia, with its wide open spaces and its particular culinary and musical culture, is at the top among the countries, followed by India and Morocco. The top city is Nairobi which is shedding its colonial spirit to welcome its unique rhythms, with an extraordinary array of restaurants inspired by local cuisine and a constant rotation of art and culture venues. Paris is in second place and Montreal is third.
Lonely Planet, the bible of travelers around the world, today announced the ten best countries, regions and cities to visit next year with the release of Best in Travel 2024, which returns to bookstores on the occasion of its 50th anniversary in a completely revamped special edition, from the cover to the color chapters of the Top 50. Also point out the best destinations for sustainable travel and affordable destinations.
Spain, in fifth place among the top regions, with the award given to the Basque Country, is first in the sustainable travel category for having made great strides to encourage off-season travel, expand renewable energy and bring tourism to hitherto neglected destinations. Also in the category of sustainability is the Portuguese Way, a scenic journey through Portugal and Spain that invites visitors to slow down and discover ancient cities.
The Midwest, one of the most underrated regions in the United States, with its buzzing cities and incredible food scenes, takes the top spot in the affordable destination category.
"Our proposals for this year aim to inspire and follow the instincts of the 2024 traveler. Best in Travel responds to the enthusiasm of those who want to explore the world in an authentic way, guided by locals and respecting sustainable values. With reimaginings of iconic destinations and 50 new ideas across five categories, we're confident that Best in Travel will usher in a year of incredible adventure," said Nitya Chambers, Senior Vice President of Content and Executive Editor at Lonely Planet.
"Never before have we felt the need to promote and share the values that make travel a fundamental activity to reduce the distances between peoples and cultures. Our list of destinations for 2024 is here for this," points out Angelo Pittro, director of Lonely Planet Italy. Among the new interpretations of best-known destinations, Mexico, some little-known wonders such as Uzbekistan, Donegal in Ireland and İzmir in Turkey. Slow travel is being enhanced, among other things, through the constant expansion of night trains in Europe.
Here are the top ten of Best in Travel: Countries: 1) Mongolia, 2) India, 3) Morocco, 4) Chile, 5) Benin, 6) Mexico, 7) Uzbekistan, 8) Pakistan, 9) Croatia, 10) St. Lucia.
Regions: 1) Trans D Cycle Route2) Kangaroo Island, South Australia, 3) Tuscany, 4) Donegal, Ireland, 5) Basque Country, Spain, 6) Southern Thailand, 7) Swahili Coast, Tanzania, 8) Montana, United States, 9) Saalfelden Leogang, Austria, 10) North of Scotland.
Cities: 1) Nairobi, Kenya, 2) Paris, France, 3) Montreal, Canada, 4) Mostar, Bosnia, 5) Philadelphia, United States, 6) Manaus, Brazil, 7) Jakarta, Indonesia, 8) Prague.
Czech Republic, 9) Izmir, Turkey, 10. Kansas City.
Sustainability: 1) Spain, 2) Patagonia, Argentina and Chile, 3) Greenland, 4) Wales Trails, 5) Portuguese Way, 6) Palau, 7) Hokkaidō, Japan, 8) Ecuador, 9) Baltic Trails, 10) South Africa, Ecolodge.
Best Value: 1) Midwest (USA), 2) Poland, 3) Nicaragua, 4) Danube Limes, Bulgaria, 5) Normandy, France, 6) Egypt, 7) Ikaría, Greece 8) Algeria, 9) Southern Lakes and Central Otago, New Zealand, 10) Night Trains, Europe.
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