IN CELEBRATION of its 50th anniversary, travel guide Lonely Planet has revealed the top 50 destinations for 2024.
We’re all about getting more bang for our buck right now, and that’s why Sophie Swietochowski has pulled out the best-value spots for next year.
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- Lonely Planet’s Best In Travel 2024 out now, £11.99, shop.lonelyplanet.com.
THE MIDWEST, USA
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THE Midwest region has been named the best-value destination for 2024, but there are many more reasons why this area is perfect for a visit.
The past few years have seen the transformation of abandoned factories into arty hotels, and an influx of hot spots, including Michelin-star restaurants.
With the solar eclipse arriving in April, Cleveland and Indianapolis are popular picks as they are both lying within the path of totality – the track of the moon’s shadow across Earth.
POLAND
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WITH 17 Unesco World Heritage sites and 23 national parks, Poland has so much more to offer than just affordable hotels and low-cost grub – although these certainly give the country appeal if you’re on a budget.
For traditional Polish food, head to the capital, Warsaw, or if you are more of an adventurer then hire a bike and cycle through the World-Heritage-listed Białowieza National Park.
The natural wonder has the largest free-living population of European bison in the world.
NICARAGUA
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IF spending a sunny afternoon in a hammock, under the shelter of a palm tree on an empty sandy beach sounds like your thing, then the Corn Islands of Nicaragua are the place for you.
The country is one of the top budget destinations in Central America and attracts hordes of surfers every year.
It is great for wildlife lovers as it boasts over 78 nature reserves.
Once you have left the hammock, take a picturesque hike on the isle of Ometepe, with its twin volcanoes.
BULGARIA
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THE Danube Limes have been nominated for inclusion on the Unesco World Heritage list in 2024 – and for good reason.
These ruins of the Roman military frontier are a remarkable sight to behold.
They also date back to the early centuries of the first millennium.
If you are big into history and love ancient structures, then make sure to visit Baba Vida, one of the most well-preserved medieval castles in Bulgaria, while you’re here too.
IKARIA, GREECE
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FORGET the pricier Greek resorts of Santorini and Mykonos.
Next year is all about Ikaria, named after Icarus.
According to Greek mythology, the son of master craftsman Daedalus crashed on the island when he flew too close to the sun.
There is a reason the islanders here have one of the highest life expectancies in the whole of Europe.
It’s all down to the laid-back culture, with afternoon siestas and fresh, homemade food.
NORMANDY, FRANCE
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THE rural haven in northern France has apple orchards and patchwork meadows, all just a short distance from the French capital of Paris.
When you’re not tucking into Camembert, shellfish or sipping on local cider (for which the region is famous), venture to the Impressionist Festival.
The event takes place from March to September next year, and has open-air theatre performances, forest walks and stargazing to tempt you.
EGYPT
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FANCY spending all day flopped by a pool in a lush resort? Or perhaps you’d rather explore the ancient tombs of Luxor?
Well you can do both in Egypt and, best of all, you won’t need to spend a fortune.
If it’s history you are interested in, the Grand Egyptian Museum will open next year.
Ditch the expensive flights and book a budget airline to a resort town.
Rumour has it low-cost flights will launch in 2024.
ALGERIA
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YOU may not have heard much about the breathtaking citadel of M’Zab Valley in Algeria.
That’s because there is a selfie ban in this region to prevent it becoming another “most Instagrammable” destination.
Head into the desert to admire the mighty rock formations or delve into history at the ancient Roman site of Djemila, in the mountains.
These archaeological vestiges are said to be one of the world’s most beautiful examples of ruins.
