Lonely Planet reveal top destinations to visit in 2018

Lonely Planet reveal top destinations to visit in 2018

Pack your bags because Lonely Planet have announced 2018’s ultimate bucketlist destinations.

The results are in, Lonely Planet’s top destinations to visit next year are here, and some may just come as a surprise. (*Hint hint* one of our cities has made an appearance, and no it isn’t Melbourne or Sydney!)

Being the largest travel guide publisher in the globe, Lonely Planet carries a pretty high authority when it comes to what’s what in travel.

In its 13th year of collecting the world’s hottest destinations, experiences and trends for the year ahead, experts from Lonely Planet have got your 2018 travel itinerary sorted, detailing the top ten countries, cities, regions and best value destinations to inspire your next wanderlust plans.

This may come as a “What? No way!” moment, but making it to number three on the top ten cities to visit list, is our very own capital city, Canberra.

Noted as “criminally overlooked” by Lonely Planet, Canberra is the place to go to in 2018 for its cultural and gastronomical experiences, as well as for the number of events the city are hosting.

Next year, the capital is hosting a Test Cricket Match and the 100th anniversary of the WWI Armistice at the Australian War Memorial.

thumbnail_Milford Sound CREDIT Marconi Couto de Jesus Shutterstock

Milford Sound, New Zealand

Staying local, this year’s top ten countries featured our neighbours across the ditch, New Zealand, who ranked in fifth place. This is the second time our Kiwi friends have made it onto the list, with their last appearance in 2010.

The buzz about New Zealand may be the new bikers and hikers tracks, making it an attractive destination for adventure travellers.

“For the first time since the nine-track network was launched, a new Great Walk will be under construction: the Pike29 Memorial Track,” a Lonely Planet spokesperson said.

“This 45km route, which commemorates 29 miners killed in 2010, wends between Blackball and Punakaiki on the South Island’s west coast, passing through Paparoa National Park, and will offer hikers and mountain bikers a sensational experience.”

Coming in first place for the ten top countries to visit is Chile, followed by South Korea. The best city to checkout in 2018 was crowned by Seville, Spain, followed by Detroit – a contrary achievement to the city’s recent rank as the most violent city in the USA.

Ireland’s Belfast and the Causeway Coast is rated the best region to visit, with Lonely Planet detailing the area’s revitalisation of a funky boutique restaurant and bar scene and stunning coastal beauty.

If you are looking for the best value destination, then Tallinn in Estonia is your go-to for its budget-friendly creative neighbourhoods and foodie hubs.

You’ve tasted a teaser of the top few destinations, so now check out the full lists below.

Top 10 Countries 

Colourful houses at Valparaíso, Chile,

Colourful houses at Valparaíso, Chile,

1. Chile
2. South Korea
3. Portugal
4. Djibouti
5. New Zealand
6. Malta
7. Georgia
8. Mauritius
9. China
10. South Africa

Top 10 Cities

Entrance to Patio de Naranjas and Seville Cathedral (Spain).

Entrance to Patio de Naranjas and Seville Cathedral (Spain).

1. Seville, Spain
2. Detroit, USA
3. Canberra, Australia
4. Hamburg, Germany
5. Kaohsiung, Taiwan
6. Antwerp, Belgium
7. Matera, Italy
8. San Juan, Puerto Rico
9. Guanajuato, Mexico
10. Oslo, Norway

Top 10 regions

People visiting Giant s Causeway at the sunset in North Antrim, Northern Ireland

People visiting Giant s Causeway at the sunset in North Antrim, Northern Ireland

1. Belfast & the Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
2. Alaska, USA
3. Julian Alps, Slovenia
4. Languedoc-Roussillon, France
5. Kii Peninsula, Japan
6. Aeolian Islands, Italy
7. Southern USA
8. Lahaul & Spiti, India
9. Bahia, Brazil
10. Los Haitises National Park, Dominican Republic

Best Value Destinations

View over Old Town of Tallinn, Estonia.

View over Old Town of Tallinn, Estonia.

1. Tallinn, Estonia
2. Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
3. Arizona, USA
4. La Paz, Bolivia
5. Poland
6. Essaouira, Morocco
7. United Kingdom
8. Baja California, Mexico
9. Jacksonville, USA
10. Hunan, China

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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