As the cold, dark winter creeps in, there’s one surefire way to cheer yourself up, and that’s by planning and booking your travel for 2024.
But where should be on your bucket list for the upcoming new year?
One source of inspiration for many travelers is the annual Best In Travel list of trending destinations from legendary guidebook company Lonely Planet.
As part of this year’s rankings, Lonely Planet has revealed its top 10 cities to visit next year, as voted for by its global network of staff, writers, and partners.
Among the list are some iconic and historic European favorites, some underappreciated North American hotspots, and a few off-path curveballs too.
So, grab your diary and start planning your travel to some of the best cities on the planet:
Prague, Czech Republic
Visiting the enchanting city of Prague is about as close to time travel as you can get without climbing inside a DeLorean.
The ‘City of a Hundred Spires’ is a beautiful medieval city of great historical and artistic importance on a par with almost anywhere else in Europe, yet generally much more affordable.
Friendly folks, great beer, and bustling market squares await you in this iconic city, but be sure to plan carefully as the prime summer months of July and August get very busy – spring or fall are far quieter times to visit.
If the Czech capital is high on your list, then our top tips for travelers will help you plan your visit in more detail.
Montreal, Canada
The largest city in Canada’s Quebec province, Montreal offers a different experience with each of the passing seasons.
Throughout spring and summer, Montreal becomes a colorful patchwork of flowers and festivals, with highlights including the Papier Art Fair, Montreal Folk Festival, and International Jazz Fair.
Montreal’s fall foliage is also not to be missed, and the fall is also a perfect time to visit the unique Biosphere Environment Museum.
A perfect blend of art, culture, and the outdoors, Montreal can be enjoyed in a more affordable way with the city’s Passeport MTL – a pass that gives you entrance to multiple attractions for overall better value.
If you’re still on the fence, then it might help to know that Canada was recently ranked as the third safest country in the world to visit.
Philadelphia, United States
This iconic American city is known as being a fantastic destination for foodies, with its cheesesteaks, hoagies, and tomato pies famous around the country.
Many of these tasty delights can be bought in affordable and friendly local restaurants, but ‘Philly’ has its fair share of fine dining too, for those who prefer to splash out.
Philly is also a city of iconic landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, the Museum of Art (the steps in front of which were made famous in the movie Rocky), and the many museums of Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
If all that food and culture is too much, then a relaxing walk along the banks of the Schuylkill River is a wonderful way to pass the time, day or night.
Kansas City, United States
2024 looks set to be a memorable year for Kansas City with the modern and relatively new single terminal at its airport getting rave reviews, the redeveloped Pennway Point district, and a host of new hotels and bars set to open, including the riverfront Origin Hotel.
The city lays claim to being a true all-year-round destination, with events occurring every month in its theatres, museums, and public spaces.
Kansas City was also ranked as one of the cheapest cities to visit in the U.S. this year and is known as being a great digital nomad hub too.
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Very much an under-the-radar city in Europe, Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a beautiful riverside town that is rich in history and affordable too.
Located on the Neretva River, Mostar’s name comes from the word for bridgekeepers, and it is easy to see why thanks to its central attraction, the Old Bridge.
The beautiful valley in which Mostar is situated is a great place for hiking and other outdoor activities, while its location in the Balkans makes it a good base to visit nearby Sarajevo and even Split in Croatia.
Rounding off the rest of Lonely Planet’s top 10 cities for 2024 are:
- Nairobi, Kenya
- Paris, France
- Manaus, Brazil
- Jakarta, Indonesia
- Izmir, Turkey
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