What are the top travel destinations of 2024?

The ultimate vacation inspiration, Japan tops the list of Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards. (Envato Elements pic)

More and more destinations around the world are taking steps to counter the effects of overtourism, encouraging travellers to be more aware of the impact their trips can have on both the environment and the local population.

With that in mind, thoughts are already turning to vacation plans for 2024. Earlier this month, luxury lifestyle and travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler shared its recommendations, drawing on reader feedback to draw up its Reader’s Choice Awards, listing the best cities and destinations of the year.

Japan took first place in this ranking, ahead of Italy and Greece, while Victoria in Canada and San Sebastián in Spain were hot tips for upcoming city-breaks.

Meanwhile, the renowned Lonely Planet guide has also shared its inspirations for 2024, resulting in its “Best in Travel” pick for the year ahead. By sounding out authors, bloggers and publishers, the guide’s team has drawn up several lists, each featuring 10 entries.

In the country category, Mongolia takes first place, ahead of India and Morocco. As for cities, Paris is in the spotlight in view of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, although the French capital comes second to Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.

Looking across the board at Lonely Planet’s full selection of trendiest destinations – country, city, region, sustainable destination, and value destination – the Balkans stands out as a recurring theme. The guide tips the Balkan peninsula as a solid idea for a getaway, listing Croatia as one of the trendiest countries in 2024.

The region category, meanwhile, spotlights the Trans Dinarica Cycling Route, which crosses Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia. Lonely Planet also recommends visiting the Bosnian city of Mostar, or opting for the Danube Limes in Bulgaria for an inexpensive change of scenery.

Finally, for those in search of off-the-beaten-track escapism, Lonely Planet recommends a hike in Wales, or a trip to the Japanese island of Hokkaido, unless you’re tempted by Tanzania’s Swahili Coast. Destinations such as Spain, Morocco, Southern Thailand, and Egypt, which have long been considered must-sees, remain timeless options.