Pack Your Suitcase: These Are the Countries Lonely Planet Says You Should Visit in 2024

I feel like I only just unpacked my suitcase. But being the travel enthusiast I am, I can’t help myself, and I’m already making new vacation plans. Sound familiar? Get inspired by Lonely Planet’s new list of top destinations you absolutely have to visit in 2024.

Yes, France and Spain are great. So great, in fact, that I’ve been there countless times by now. Time for something different. Because change is good for you, right? Lonely Planet’s new top 10 is packed with destinations you might not put on your list so quickly. But given their rich cultures, stunning nature and — well, we are FavorFlav after all — delicious cuisines, these are destinations that are truly worth a visit. Come on, request those vacation days and go!

1. Mongolia

Mongolia tops the list, something of a forgotten child among travel destinations. Unjustly so. With its rugged nature and impressive culture, Mongolia is a stunning destination. The capital, Ulaanbaatar, is an impressive mix of modern and historic buildings. Many tourists go for the real Mongolian experience by sleeping in a nomadic tent and eating with the locals. Fun fact: Mongolia is the country where ice cream was invented. So, not Italy, as you probably thought — just like everyone else. I want to book a ticket right now for this bizarre fact alone.

2. India

When you think of India, you probably immediately picture busy streets full of cows and shouting market vendors. Yes, it’s still a densely populated country, but India is an incredibly diverse destination. You can visit colorful temples, including the world-famous Taj Mahal, and climb the Himalayas. And what about that wonderfully spicy cuisine? From classic curries to buttery-soft chicken, hardly any cuisine is as fragrant and colorful as Indian cuisine. If you want a preview, your best bet is to sit down at Rasoi restaurant in Amsterdam. For a moment, you’ll think you’re already in New Delhi.

3. St. Lucia

The words ‘white beach’, ‘palm trees’ and ‘sun’ are probably enough to convince you. But that’s not the only thing that draws you to the paradisiacal destination of St. Lucia. There’s also an incredible amount of culture and history to immerse yourself in during a trip. For example, you can visit archaeological sites that are hundreds of years old. And with a bit of luck, you’ll be there during a festive parade full of music and colorful outfits. The cuisine? You’ll mainly find plenty of fish, especially fish cakes and lobster. Plus curries, rotis and ‘pepperpot’: a spicy mix of rice, banana, vegetables and meat.

4. Mexico

Mexico, Mexiiiiiicoooo… It has been sung to us, shouted and whispered: pack your things and go to Mexico. Whether you want to chill on the beach, visit ancient Mayan temples or head into the jungle, Mexico has it all. And of course — though we secretly knew this already — an incredibly delicious cuisine. Try some typical Mexican street food, such as tlacoyos: an answer to the traditional quesadilla.

5. Morocco

I’ve always found Morocco a fairytale-like destination. The blue-and-white houses in the mountains, the souks with colorful stalls and fragrant delicacies, and the dark desert beneath a starry sky — Morocco has something magical about it. It’s no coincidence that the North African country therefore occupies a well-deserved fifth place in Lonely Planet’s top 10. Another reason I want to go there: because I’m sure I could eat the best couscous of my life there.

6. Chile

When I think of Chile, I mainly think of rows of vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. And the delicious wines that come from there. So you should definitely go to Chile for the wine. But also because you can visit Patagonia, which many nature lovers consider the most beautiful piece of nature on Earth. Yes, in Chile you can spend one day drinking wine in the sun and the next day trudging up a snow-covered mountain. And with such a long coastline, it’s no surprise that you’ll find incredible surf spots here — complete with the laid-back vibe that comes with them. And do you like empanadas? Empanada de pino is the national snack that you can buy pretty much anywhere in Chile.

7. Benin

Honestly, I really didn’t know Benin before. What a shame! The African country, Nigeria’s neighbor, is absolutely beautiful. You can visit impressive nature parks with wild animals and wander along beaches lined with palm trees. Did you also know that this country is the spiritual home of voodoo? Who knows, you might even be able to attend a ceremony during your visit. When it comes to food, expect plenty of rice. But it’s dressed up nicely, with beans, fish or meat and spices.

8. Uzbekistan

Another underrated gem on the list: Uzbekistan. Even though you’ll be saying plenty of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ while you’re there. The country is particularly known for its beautiful tall buildings, expertly tiled with colorful mosaics. Tip: visit the Nuratau Mountains, where you can walk along ancient sheep trails and join a family for a traditional meal. What will you get? Probably ‘plov’: rice with mutton, onions, carrots and raisins, fried in sheep’s fat. Or ‘Laghman’: noodle soup with mutton and vegetables. Yes, you do need to be somewhat fond of sheep there.

9. Pakistan

During your visit to Pakistan, expect an explosion of color. Residents wear robes in every color of the rainbow, houses look like beautifully colored coloring books, and buses and cars are canvases for creative expression. It means that visiting this Asian country is bound to put you in a good mood. You’ll experience explosions of flavor in Pakistan too. Meat is eaten frequently, and the dishes pack plenty of heat. If I may give you a tip: be sure to try the Pakistani version of dal during your visit. You won’t quickly make lentil soup this delicious at home.

10. Croatia

You don’t necessarily have to spend hours and hours on a plane for a unique destination. No, according to Lonely Planet, we can also ‘just’ go to Croatia. The country has been growing in popularity for years, but according to the renowned travel guide, it is still a destination we should visit in 2024. What do you do when you’re there? Well, visit the bright blue Plitvice Lakes, for example. Or go on a cultural discovery tour in the capital, Split. And one thing you definitely do is eat well. Brudet — a fish stew from Dalmatia — should not be missing from your culinary bucket list. And if you’re looking for a fantastic hotel in Croatia, we have a great tip for you: Grand Hotel Brioni is reason enough to want to go on vacation to Croatia…

Read also:

• 5 of the most bizarre food experiences from travels around the world
• Europe’s most notorious dishes to avoid during your vacation
• Know before you go: 12 French dishes you might want to avoid

Sources: Time Out, Lonely Planet