With drier weather and more sunshine, August is a great time to explore Ecuador’s 10 national parks and eco-friendly cloud lodges – and Día de Independencia (August 8) and the procession of La Virgen del Cisne (August 15) are big events on the cultural calendar. If you’re not pushed for time, a brand new digital-nomad visa means tourists can enjoy extended stays in one of the world’s most biodiverse countries. Far North, Scotland From camel rides through the Arabian desert to bronzing yourself on the world-famous Palm, holidays to Dubai never disappoint. This city is an idyllic desert at its heart, on which a glorious cosmopolitan city sits atop. From Downtown Dubai where visitors marvel at the magnificent Burj Khalifa, to the private beaches there’s certainly no shortage of things to do in the so-called City of Gold. And no Dubai holiday will be complete without a spot of shopping – whether in one of the world-class air-conditioned malls or at the traditional flea markets along the Creek. Lonely Planet has revealed its annual list of Best in Travel with a roster of 30 top destinations recommended to visit in 2023 Deceptively vast and blessed with a ridiculous amount of stunning coastline – 540km (335 miles) to be exact – this is where you may find you’ve scored an entire beach to yourself. Kangaroo Island invites guests to indulge in its unique local produce, encounter adorable Australian wildlife and discover some of the country’s best beaches. And the island is a total show-off during the Aussie summer months of January and February.

If visitors to France fancy something other than the Olympics, the region of Normandy is hosting the Normandy Impressionist Festival from March to September next year to celebrate 150 years of Impressionism. The event will bring visitors into the heart of a 19th-century movement that turned art on its head with its radical, soulful focus on outdoor scenes and the effects of light. The program includes open-air theater performances and dance cafes, art exhibitions and workshops, plus forest walks, stargazing, sound- and-light shows and romantic picnics straight out of a Renoir. Spain Our panel of travel experts gathered early in the year to review the nominations of Lonely Planet’s global network. Those hundreds of recommendations were discussed and debated, ranked for the topicality and uniqueness that makes them unmissable for Best in Travel 2024 during Lonely Planet’s 50 th anniversary year. March welcomes the start of spring in Uzbekistan, as blossoming apricots grace the landscape. As the month unfolds, expect warm and moderately dry weather, with temperatures ranging from 14°C (57°F) to 30°C (86°F). Seize the opportunity to explore the storied cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva; immerse yourself in mountainous retreats; or embark on an artistic and cultural journey in the capital city of Tashkent. Normandy, France A Mexico visit in January or February means dry and relatively cooler days, providing some relief in humid coastal destinations. It’s also whale-watching season along the Pacific Coast. In Mazatlán, February is carnival time: the 2024 festival is the 126th edition. Kangaroo Island, Australiais a city that prides itself on good living – which isn’t hard thanks to its seaside location, fresh Aegean cuisine, and a blend of rediscovered heritage and revitalized contemporary culture that draws visitors from teeming Istanbul. With its mild winters and refreshing breezes caressing the city from the bay, İzmir’s allure as a year-round destination is undeniable. Yet September, as the summer heat mellows, might be the ideal time to explore this city. South Africa In 2024, Saalfelden Leogang, an Austrian mountain resort, is embracing a sustainable future with a new solar-powered chairlift and an array of guided outdoor activities. Visit in winter for skiing or snowboarding – or in summer, when you can hike, bike and swim in the lake at this family-friendly mountain playground. Mongolia

Wales’ southwest is far less crowded with tourists than the north – and has an air of the untouched and untamed. The best period to visit starts in April, when rainfall is low and temperatures milder. A hike along the Wales Coast Path is the best way to explore this protected shore. Palau But as travel has rebounded, we noticed people are craving more meaningful experiences and are being much more intentional with how they select the places they want to visit. With that in mind, we’ve reimagined our list, with our top destinations sorted not by country, region or city, but by the best type of trip to be had in each place. It’s always best to avoid the rain-drenched monsoon season from May to September, unless you’re heading to arid Ladakh, in the far north. Benin Bev Craig, Leese’s successor, said: “When Lonely Planet says there is something for everyone here, it’s the result of long-term planning and partnership. We’re proud to be the only UK city on this list.”For much of the year, Spain’s Basque Country is under a constant drizzle – but by June the sun is out, and so are the locals. Outdoor terraces, bars and beaches come alive as people gather to linger over seafood and pinxtos. Try San Sebastián for its culinary scene and crescent-shaped cove; Bilbao for bar-hopping and museums; or try any of its scenic hiking trails. We love the Wine and Fish trail that traverses through the region's vineyards and coastal towns. Jakarta, Indonesia For those seeking a trekking experience away from snowy summits, the Anti Atlas Mountains in Morocco are perfect in March, when you can embrace tranquil hikes and the season of wildflowers and blooming trees. Don’t miss the annual almond blossom festival in Tafraoute, held in February or March to coincide with the vibrant flowering and harvest of almond trees. Uzbekistan We are thrilled to unveil Best in Travel 2024. Fifty destinations chosen by a travel-obsessed team that promise to inspire and awe, delight and excite, charm and captivate. From beachcombing to village-hopping, volcano-climbing and indulging in fresh, lip-tingling ceviche, Nicaragua’s pleasures are plentiful. And in 2024, the country will offer visitors something even more special: it’s a prime viewing destination for the total eclipse on April 8. Observe it from atop a volcano for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Wales

In a time marked by listicles and AI, what makes our selections unique is our people. We have real human beings on the ground all over the world discovering what’s new and evaluating old favorites, who are dedicated to making sure you have the guidance and recommendations you need to get you where you want to go. The Kent art scene is absolutely thriving, making it a truly exciting time to visit the area. Browse around independent galleries, immerse yourself in creative culture, discover inspiring local talent, and let your imagination run wild…Kent is ready and waiting to spark your creativity… Factory’s opening production will be an immersive Matrix films-themed dance, music and visual effects experience directed by Danny Boyle. In 2024, Greenland will get two new airports, in Nuuk and Ilulissat, allowing for direct flight connections between this icy land and North America. Once there, you can enjoy unique local experiences. For dog-sledding and the northern lights, spring is the ideal time to visit – and coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Arctic Sounds music festival next April. If you’re looking for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, wildlife-spotting and endless hours of sun, though, you can’t go wrong in August. PolandAlgeria, the USA's Midwest, Greek island of Ikaria and Normandyare just a few of those great value and often overlooked destinations, ideal for the cost-conscious traveller. Top cities include the sizzling, culturally cool Nairobi, Kenya, scenic Mostar, Bosniawith its infamous bridgeand the revitalized Izmir, Turkey. For those seeking to enjoy the great outdoors, the new Western Balkans' Trans Dinarica Cycle Routeis set to open in 2024 and Far North Scotland is bidding for UNESCO status for its unsung boggy interior and a coastline of heartbreaking beauty. Another huge driver of the burst in Kent’s artistic culture is the Turner Contemporary in Margate, just along the coast – head to this internationally-renowned gallery for exhibitions and displays of contemporary and historical art in a striking, sea-front building. The Isle of Thanet is sprinkled with exciting galleries, quaint independent shops, cosy cafés and innovative artists with Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate proudly standing as some of the most exciting In its 19 th year Lonely Planet's Best in Travel hotlist, voted for by their global community of staff, local writers, and publishing partners, provides expert insight into lesser-known destinations and new takes on popular places. New cycling trails, train and flight services making destinations more accessible, bids for UNESCO world heritage status raising the profile of un-sung locations, 'wow' factor and ongoing commitment to sustainability, community and diversity have all contributed towards this year's list. Beautiful, wild and windswept Donegal boasts the longest coastline in Ireland and over 100 beaches – so even though summer attracts large crowds, finding a spot of solitude should be no problem. While you can never depend on the weather in Ireland, you’ll generally have a better chance of clear skies in July, making it an ideal time to hike Europe’s largest sea cliffs at Slieve Liag, or any of the Wild Atlantic Way’s coastal paths. Earagail Arts Festival takes place in July, offering the chance to connect with the Irish language and local traditions. Montana, USA