BEST VALUE
Elaborating on why Midwest America has been named best for value in 2024, Lonely Planet says that it offers ‘cooler-than-you-think cities full of creativity, diversity, and food to rival those on either coast’.
It continues: ‘Over the last decade, chefs, artists, and designers have been lured to cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit, offering more space and lower costs.
‘Now, old warehouses have transformed into art studios, new eco-design hotels and many Michelin-starred restaurants.’
Poland – a country that offers a ‘superb range of quality travel experiences’ – ranks in second place, while Nicaragua, complete with ‘surf, sun, colonial villages, tropical forests, lost islands and more’ for budget travellers, ranks third.
The rest of the top 10 is made up of the Danube Limes in Bulgaria and Romania (fourth); Normandy in France (fifth); Egypt (sixth); Ikaria (seventh); Algeria (eighth); Southern Lakes and Central Otago region of New Zealand (ninth) and the night trains of Europe (10th).
Commenting on the ranking, Nitya Chamber, SVP Content and Executive Editor says: ‘Our picks for this year seek to both inspire and follow the instincts of 2024’s traveller.
‘Best in Travel is Lonely Planet’s heart and soul of travel inspiration, responding to the enthusiasm of travellers who want to explore the world in a way that is authentic, led by local guidance and has sustainable values at its core.
‘With new takes on iconic destinations and 50 fresh ideas across five categories, we’re confident Best in Travel opens up a year of incredible adventures.’