Looking for exciting places to travel this year? You’ll want to get your passport ready as Lonely Planet has just released its top 10 countries to visit this year.
It’s no surprise that Chile topped the chart, especially with a capital like Santiago that sports a dynamic cultural landscape and a vibrant food scene. Lonely Planet has described the country’s beauty aptly, “Chile is a sinewy sliver of a nation, isolated from the rest of South America (and indeed the world) by the soaring Andes to the east, the vast Pacific Ocean to the west, the bone-dry Atacama Desert up north and the impenetrable wilds of Patagonia down south.”
1. Chile
The country’s capital, Santiago, has crept up on the travel radar recently, offering scenic views, innovative culinary scene and a metropolitan area that bristles with energy.
2. South Korea
A vigorous, ever-changing K-pop scene, kimchi and face sheet masks have lured visitors to its energetic capital, Seoul, but PyeongChang is set to steal the spotlight this year – the county in Gangwon province will be hosting the Winter Olympics from Feb 9 to 25.
3. Portugal
The sun-kissed Lisbon with timeworn charm is reason enough to visit Portugal, but you’ll be equally enthused by Porto’s medieval churches, Madeira’s cornucopia of wine and a surfing trip to the little fishing town Peniche. Don’t forget the famous custard tarts from Pasteis de Belem in Lisbon too.
4. Djibouti
Dubbed Africa’s hottest new travel destination, Djibouti is designed for the adventurous. Hike up the dormant Ardoukôba volcano or snorkel with whale sharks in the Bay of Ghoubbet.
5. New Zealand
Nature lovers would relish New Zealand’s swoon-worthy mountains and vast landscapes. But the highlands in winter proffer a different scenery and experience altogether. Glaciers meander through valleys flanked by snow-covered peaks, replicating those epic Lord of the Rings scenes you’ve watched too many a time.
6. Malta
Hate the rain? Malta gets more than 300 sunny days a year. Its stunning prehistoric temples and hidden coves aside, this tiny archipelago between Sicily and the North African coast is surrounded by clear blue waters, much to the delight of avid divers and snorkelers.
7. Georgia
You might already know about the well-known Vardzia, a sprawling cave monastery dating to the 12th century. What you probably didn’t know is that Georgia is so proud of its wine heritage that airport immigration officials often welcome travellers with a bottle of red.
8. Mauritius
Mark Twain quoted an islander saying, “You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven was copied after Mauritius.” How can anyone refute that when the idyllic tropical island is replete with luxury hotels on sandy beaches with volcanic mountain backdrops?
9. China
How does one pick a spot in a country that aims to excel in everything? Here are some cities to begin with: Beijing for its architectural feats; Shanghai for the food, Guilin for the Karst hills and Chengdu for the cute, giant pandas.
10. South Africa
South Africa's main attractions – beaches, national parks, safari trips and lush winelands – will be fortified by the Nelson Mandela Centenary 2018 celebration. This year marks the 100th year since Mandela’s birth, and 27 years since he was released from prison.
