Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Lonely Planet's best travel destinations for 2016


Travel giant Lonely Planet has released its "Best in Travel 2016" lists, highlighting the places leisure travelers should visit.

Topping the must-visit country list is Botswana, which the lonely planet calls "wild Africa at its best".

Those who are into diving should book a flight to Palau, a Pacific island nation dubbed as "the underwater Serengeti".

Top 10 Countries for 2016
1. Botswana
2. Japan
3. USA
4. Palau
5. Latvia
6. Australia
7. Poland
8. Uruguay
9. Greenland
10. Fiji

Lonely Planet also suggested traveling to Transylvania in Romania. This region is not just about vampire folklore as it also offers activities for adventure-seeking travelers.

UNESCO world heritage site Valle de Viñales in Cuba placed third in the top region list to visit.

Top 10 Regions for 2016
1. Transylvania, Romania
2. West Iceland
3. Valle de Viñales, Cuba
4. Friuli's wine regions, Italy
5. Waiheke Island, New Zealand
6. The Auvergne, France
7. Hawaii
8. Bavaria, Germany
9. Costa Verde, Brazil
10. St. Helena, British Territories

Meanwhile, the coastal town of Kotor in Montenegro was named Best City for 2016. Known for its Venetian-style architecture, Kotor boasts of having one of the most beautiful harbors in the world.

On the sixth spot is Mumbai in India. "A powerhouse of fashion, finance and film," Lonely Planet sees that Mumbai is set for a stellar 2016 with India's booming economy.

Top 10 Cities for 2016
1. Kotor, Montenegro
2. Quito, Ecuador
3. Dublin, Ireland
4. George Town, Malaysia
5. Rotterdam, Netherlands
6. Mumbai, India
7. Fremantle, Australia
8. Manchester, UK
9. Nashville, Tennessee
10. Rome

For the list of value destination, Estonia topped the list. This European country offers rich history, vast forestation and adventure activities.

Southeast Asian country Timor-Leste made the list, with Lonely Planet describing it as a highly-affordable destination.

Top 10 Best Value Destinations for 2016
1. Estonia
2. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Vietnam
3. East Africa
4. New Mexico
5. Bosnia and Herzegovina
6. Galicia, Spain
7. Quebec City, Canada
8. Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast
9. Timor-Leste
10. Western Australia

---Mornings @ ANC

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com