Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2023

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February is when the temperatures are at their coldest in this premier Japanese hub for skiing and snowboarding, and the season even offers an opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to try ice fishing on the top of a frozen lake. ​​ Sapporo Snow Festival – Hokkaidō’s most famous festival, featuring snow and ice sculptures and giant slides – is held in February, bringing a huge number of well-wrapped-up visitors. Mexico 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. 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. Slow Travel, a favourite topic with Lonely Planet readers, is celebrated by highlighting the Portuguese Way hiking trail and the continued rise of night trains in Europe. Whilst the popular sun kissed country of Croatia is now easier to explore with theopening of the Peljesac Bridge shining a spotlight on the previously overlooked Peljesac Peninsula and a new highway means it's now possible to travel directly between Split and Dubrovnik. Istria realised many years ago what a goldmine it was sitting on, and developed an excellent infrastructure for active and gourmet holidays,” says travel writer Mary Novakovich. “You'll find routes throughout the peninsula for walking and cycling that take in the region's wineries, olive oil producers and some friendly farmstays — known as agroturizam.”

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.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 Michelin-starred restaurants, rustic farmers markets bursting with fresh goods, world-class wineries, tangy cider and classically brewed beer - Kent is literally overflowing with fine things to eat and drink. Fresh from vine and hop, sea and land, our food and drink produce rival the best in the world when it comes to freshness and flavour.

Yes, December can be bitingly cold in Prague – but that doesn’t mean it’s not a magical time of year, and the perfect month to find a traditional cozy pub to warm up and sink a tall Czech beer. Hearty Czech cuisine warms you up, and the cobblestone streets are illuminated with twinkling lights. Don’t miss the Christmas markets: the biggest is in the Old Town Square and runs until the end of the month – with mulled wine, gingerbread biscuits, seasonal gifts and musical performers. There’s hardly a wrong time to visit the Caribbean – yet February sees a high influx of visitors hoping to escape cold-weather countries. St Lucia’s independence from British rule in 1979 is celebrated on February 22, and marked by parades and celebratory events island-wide. Come prepared to party. Hokkaido, Japan 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.” 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.Lonely Planet also singles out the National Trust’s project to turn a disused railway bridge into a High Line-style park called Castlefield Viaduct. Recognising Kent’s Heritage Coast’s unique combination of history, heritage and iconic natural landscapes, Lonely Planet have given our glorious coastline their official stamp of approval as the only UK destination to feature within this year’s illustrious round-up. Already recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Kent’s Heritage Coast is home to stunning sandy beaches, iconic chalk faces, a thriving cultural and creative scene, heritage hotspots, and an exciting, rolling programme of events. Algeria, 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.

This small Pacific nation offers uninhabited tropical beaches where you can live out your scuba-diving dreams. Visiting in April guarantees warm and sunny weather for diving, snorkelling and swimming – although it is possible to go to Palau throughout the year, as the country does not experience typhoons. Ikaria, GreeceIf 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 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 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