Available for the first time since the return of travel as a print title, annual bestseller Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2024 is available as a special edition that is sure to set the travel agenda for the year to come. Online, travellers can explore a selection of destinations via immersive videos featuring local experts, including

“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 travel inspiration offering, responding to the urgent 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.” Nitya Chambers, SVP Content and Executive Editor commented.

As always Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2024 delivers new takes on popular destinations such as Japan, Tuscany, Italy and Mexico, and unearths some lesser-known gems like Uzbekistan, Ikaria, Greece and Izmir, Turkey. Slow Travel, a favorite topic with Lonely Planet readers, is celebrated by highlighting the Camino Portuguese hiking trail and the continued rise of night trains in Europe.

Featured in the Top 10 Best Value category, the Southern Lakes and Central Otago regions of New Zealand (including the towns of Queenstown and Wanaka), beckon travellers to embrace a leisurely pace, reduce their environmental impact, and enjoy new cycling routes, rich local culture, and exquisite cuisine and wines.

Best in Travel also takes time to reflect on how travel is a privilege not enjoyed by everyone in the world in the same way. “Travel remains a privilege, with ethnicity and nationality determining whether your journey can be made on a whim or is necessary for survival. Desperation drives dangerous journeys. Many depend on transport links to escape conflict zones and other dangers the world over. In years to come, we would love to once again wholeheartedly recommend returning to some much-loved destinations and experiences that currently cannot be visited due to instability and conflict. In the meantime, consider setting aside some of your travel budget to support those impacted by conflict and natural disaster. “

How were the 50 Best in Travel destinations selected? Each year, Lonely Planet's Best in Travel starts with nominations from Lonely Planet's vast community of staff, contributors from around the world, publishing partners and more. To mark Lonely Planet's 50th year, nominations were then whittled down by its panel of travel experts to 50 destinations. Across lists celebrating the top countries, regions, cities, sustainable travel destinations and best value locations, each inclusion is chosen for its topicality, unique experiences, 'wow' factor and its ongoing commitment to sustainability, community, and diversity.

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the brand, Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2024 list is the essential gift-giving for the traveller in your life. $27.99 RRP, available at all bookstores nationally.