Put away the darts and take down the world map. If you’re trying to pick a region to travel to in 2020, Lonely Planet has chosen its top 10 regions to visit next year.
Each year Lonely Planet starts with nominations from its vast community of staff, writers, bloggers, publishing partners and more. The nominations are then whittled down by a panel of travel experts to just 10 countries, 10 regions, 10 cities and 10 “best value” destinations.
Here are the Top 10 regions. Learn more about these destinations and what to do while you’re there at www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel.
1 Central Asian Silk Road
How awesome would “traveled the Central Asian Silk Road” look on your annual holiday newsletter? The Silk Road was a network of trade routes connecting the East and West, and was key to economic, political, religious and cultural growth.
2 Le Marche, Italy
One of 20 regions of Italy, Le Marche is known for the luxurious Italian footwear made there. And you may need a good pair of shoes. The region is exceptionally hilly, and equally as beautiful.
3 Tōhoku, Japan
Tōhoku is a remote, scenic region with a colder climate, thanks to the Siberian High — icy winds from Siberia that can rake the area.
4 Maine
Go for the lobster, stay for the dramatic, rocky coastline, low, rolling mountains, dense forests and Instagram-worthy waterways and lighthouses.
5 Lord Howe Island, Australia
Lord Howe Island is actually a chain of islands that offer a sheltered coral reef lagoon, forested hills, sandy beaches and a few volcanos and pyramids thrown in.
6 Guizhou Province, China
Guizhou is a landlocked province in Southwest China, rich in culture and fascinating sights, including waterfalls and covered bridges, called Wind and Rain Bridges, built by the Dong people.
7 Cadiz Province, Spain
The Province of Cadiz in southern Spain, has 44 municipalities and is known for its beaches and extensive nature reserves, giving the region an unspoiled feel.
8 Northeast Argentina
The Northeast region of Argentina is filled with wetlands and the most powerful waterfall system in the world, leading some to call the region the perfect place for those seeking peace and those seeking high adventure.
9 Kvarner Gulf, Croatia
The Adriatic’s Kvarner Gulf is a deep bay, dotted with islands and fringed with beaches.
10 Brazilian Amazon
If it’s rainforests, savannas and wetlands you crave, head for the Brazilian Amazon.
