Oct 31, 2010 8:29:37 PM
Lonely Planet’s top 10 countries for 2011
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Where in the world should you go next year? Our in-house travel experts, including Lonely Planet cofounder Tony Wheeler, have chosen their top 10 countries for next year based on scores for topicality, excitement, value for money and…that special X-factor. Here they are, in order of rank, from Lonely Planet’s latest book: Best in Travel 2011.
1. Albania
Not so long ago, when the Balkans were considered an ‘only for the brave’ travel destination, only the bravest of the brave trickled into Albania. Since backpackers started coming to elusive Albania in the 1990s, tales have been told in ‘keep it to yourself’ whispers of azure beaches, confrontingly good cuisine, heritage sites, nightlife, affordable adventures and the possibility of old-style unplanned journeys complete with open-armed locals for whom travellers are still a novelty. Sick to death of being dismissed with blinged-up crime-boss clichés, Albania has announced ‘A New Mediterranean Love’ via its tourist board. The jig is almost up – Albania won’t be off the beaten track for much longer.
2. Brazil
Famous for samba, football and cinematic scenery, Brazil has always been known for celebration (Carnaval being the most obvious manifestation of this national joie de vivre). Yet, Brazil rings in 2011 with even more cause for jubilation. Winning the bids to host both the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is undertaking a flurry of new projects, with billions of dollars earmarked for infrastructure (there’s even discussion of building a high-speed rail line between Rio and São Paulo). Despite the strong Brazilian real, travellers should benefit from the addition of thousands of new hotel rooms, while increased competition from low-cost airline carriers (including Azul, established by the Brazilian-born founder of JetBlue) should make travel across this vast country more affordable.
3. Cape Verde
Cape Verdeans might have known about the wider world forever, but it seems that the wider world is only just opening its eyes to Cape Verde. On the surface this is hardly a surprise; the country appears to be nothing but a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it dot of dust floating off the coast of Africa, but the islands have recently started catching sideways glances from European winter-sun tourists. This growing international interest is bringing enormous changes to an archipelago that looks and feels as if it were born from a Caribbean mother and an African father. But what is it that these tourists come for? When someone first mentioned trying to attract foreign visitors to their ‘dot of dust’ most Cape Verdeans must have laughingly thought ‘What can we offer a tourist here?’. The answer turned out to be quite a lot. Soaring mountains terraced in greens, a volcano with its head in the clouds, world-class watersports and sizzling, saucy festivals – but it was the sun that clinched the deal. With almost more days of sunshine than there are days in the year and with soft sandy beaches to boot, someone only had to say the words ‘winter sun’ and the islands were being marketed as the ‘New Canary Islands’.
4. Panama
For Panama, the world economic crisis offered a perfect excuse to hit the reset button. After an unchecked growth spurt created a clutter of casinos, gated communities and glass towers in the name of Trump, the investment slump has forced a return to basics. For travellers, there’s a return to the authentic – local heartland festivals, jungle treks and lodgings in sand-floor huts in the independent Comarca de Kuna Yala. With plenty of the country still pristine, true adventure is only a boat or bus fare away. In 2011 Panama City gets greener, with the anticipated unveiling of the BíoMuseo, an innovative Frank Gehry-designed space celebrating ecological diversity. Panama City’s new Cinta Costera (Coastal Belt) creates a green stripe of waterfront paths that finishes in Casco Viejo, a stunning historic neighbourhood remade after decades of neglect. Like elsewhere, climate change and habitat destruction are taking their toll here. Panama’s inch-long golden frogs, victims of a worldwide epidemic, are fast disappearing. But the Darién Gap, considered one of the world’s wildest places, still remains roadless. Countless Panamanian islands persist without name or a sole inhabitant. Costa Rica eat your heart out.
5. Bulgaria
For those who looked, Bulgaria has always had its moments – in its biggest cities, on its snow-capped peaks and great-value ski fields, on its golden-sand beaches and in ancient Black Sea port towns. Yet, over the years, with history’s contribution, Bulgaria has got lost amid its more famous neighbours. From the south, the Ottoman soldiers of present-day Turkey ran Bulgaria for 500 years. Legendary toga-clad Greeks to the south mocked Bulgaria’s strong wines (before adopting the same). More recently, the Romanians claimed the share of fame via distinguishing Latin bloodlines and Transylvania’s mystic, fangy appeal. Bulgaria sometimes feels like the odd guy out in this corner of Europe. But things are changing. Now proudly part of the 21st-century EU, Bulgaria has enjoyed more attention – and self confidence. Its ski slopes are de facto destinations for Europeans looking for cheaper alternatives, empty patches of lovely Black Sea beaches can still be found, and its quietly brilliant wine industry is flourishing. Whatever happens, Bulgarians will take it in their stride. As one local song goes, ‘We win, we lose…either way we get drunk, we’re Bulgarians!’ That oughta be on a T-shirt.
6. Vanuatu
For those in search of authentic experiences, Vanuatu is hard to beat. From mighty mountains and thunderous waterfalls to remote villages, from huge lagoons to tropical islets, there’s so much on offer, far from the crowds. Don’t expect ritzy resorts and Cancun-style nightlife; with a good choice of family-run guesthouses in traditional villages and a smattering of comfortable, romantic hideaways, it’s tailor-made for ecotourists. With 83 islands, you’re spoilt for choice. Vanuatu has recently seen an increased number of direct flights from Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Fiji and the Solomon Islands – go now, before the secret’s out.
7. Italy
Italy is a beguiling, beautiful, charismatic mess. The press might be largely owned by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, stories of corruption, bribery and sex scandals might be everyday news, and the economy might be in the doldrums, but this is still one of the world’s most magnificent places to be. The food is delicious, sunshine is plentiful, scenery and towns are sublime, and there is millennia-worth of art to look at. There are 44 Unesco World Heritage Sites here, more than in any other country. That Italy is celebrating only 150 years as a country in 2011 (it was unified in 1861) highlights how clearly it still feels like a collection of regions. Local people hail from their region; their nationality comes second. Each region has a pronounced character and qualities worthy of the small nations they once were, which makes it particularly rewarding to explore Italy bit by bit.
8. Tanzania
It’s true, Tanzania is a place of great marvels – Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar… The names slip off the tongue like a roll call of Africa’s most alluring destinations. But that’s not all. It also has great herds of elephants in Ruaha, treeclimbing lions around Lake Manyara, chimpanzee sanctuaries in Gombe and Mahale and packs of wild dogs in Selous. There are also sunsets on the Rufiji River, when the water boils with hippos and crocodiles. In fact, the country has the whole panoply of east Africa’s wildlife – including such rarities as the red colobus monkey, black rhino, hawksbill and leatherback turtles and Pemba flying foxes – concentrated in an unrivalled collection of parks and reserves. So you think you’ve seen it all? We’re betting Tanzania still has a surprise or two for you.
9. Syria
Heard the one about Bashar al-Assad and the US Ambassador? Well it’s no joke. After five years of cold-shoulder treatment relations have thawed and Syria is officially off the naughty step. There’s a definite upwardly-mobile attitude taking over the streets, thanks in part to the state-controlled economy slowly being overhauled and the noose of the ‘Axis of Evil’ tag no longer hanging around the nation’s neck. Savvy tourists can lord it up like a pasha, staying in lovingly restored Ottoman palaces and sipping cappuccino after shopping it up in the souq. But with all this modernisation it’s good to see some things are still the same. Out east the Bedouin still herd their scraggly sheep and welcome strangers into goat-hair tents for tea. Aleppo and Damascus’ Old Cities remain mazes where the best maps won’t work, and the countryside is still a vast open-air museum, strewn with the abandoned playgrounds of fallen empires. With hospitality still a national obsession, the attitude to visitors hasn’t changed
either.
10. Japan
Japan has an ill-deserved reputation as an expensive destination where the English language is in short supply. But US$100 cuts of Kobe beef and the occasional Lost in Translation moment aside, Japan is surprisingly affordable and user-friendly. Before you go, stop by your local travel agency and purchase a Japan Rail Pass, which grants you unlimited access to the country’s sophisticated transport network. While Tokyo was ultimately unsuccessful in its bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics, the campaign resulted in increased English signage across the country. So, if Japan has been on your travel wishlist for a while, make this the year that you fi nally see the birthplace of sushi, sake and sumo.
Planning travel in 2011? You need Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel.
Comments
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1 November 2010 7:25PM
julzetraveller
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Newcastle. I've been here for 32 years and it's fantastic. But don't tell anyone.
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2 November 2010 2:08AM
tomstar86
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Talk about lazy journalism. The Tanzania section is just copy and pasted from the country page! Tsk tsk, LP.
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2 November 2010 5:58AM
digitravel
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Albania is a wonderful place to visit! During the summer you can relax in the undiscovered beaches. During the winter you can visit the marvelous climate of the mountains and the historical cities. You can get more help for hotel bookings and tours at www.digi-travel.com a local tour operator.
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2 November 2010 7:23PM
jmphoto
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Albania?!?! Number 1?!?!?!
Wow. I went there last year when I was travelling through the Balkans, and whilst there were positives there were a lot of negatives. Transport infrastructure is non-existent, slow and chaotic. The beaches of Dhermi and Drymades were covered in litter and broken beer bottles, prices were nothing like those quoted before arrival etc.
If you wanted to promote an unsung Balkan country how about Bosnia? The beauty amongst the scars of Sarajevo or Mostar far out-weigh anything to be found in Albania.
Obviously just my 2 cents...
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2 November 2010 8:27PM
pall_mall
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@jmphoto: Bosnia? Really Bosnia? man you're kidding me! i mean i know that bosnia is a destination but not the kind that you are talking about! i dont know when you were in albania, but i know fore sure one thing: that you are wrong about the infastucture. traffic might be chaotic because albanians dont like to follow rules, and you might be right for prices because when they see that you are tourist they give the prices in euro. come one!! it happens in every country: it happened to me in italy,greece, germany, poland :) beaches? great! alcoho? gooood!! ladies!!!! Awesome! a lot of interesting places to visit! what do you want more? take a deep breath and let's do it again!!
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2 November 2010 10:35PM
seanieboy
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Great News for Cape Verde! Incredibly informative, always updated, beautifully designed...MyCapeverdeInfo.com is the only website you will ever need when researching what to do in Cape Verde.
http://capeverde.mydestinationinfo.com/
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2 November 2010 11:02PM
hyllus
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I have been 2 times in Albania, in 1993 and this year 2010, all what I can say is that is a magic country. With very panaromic views I never have seen in other countries in Europe. Albania has much to do but there is a miracel change since my first visit in 93. Infrastructure is not very well but a new highway to the north just has finished, the highway passes through the valleys once impassable. But as I have heard the government's priorities are roads, which have changed a lot. There are many ancient places to visit, like Butrint in the border with Greece, Sarande. Apollonia in Fier, Kruja in Central Albania Rozafa castel in Shkodra(northwest). You must visit Albania to understand it.
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3 November 2010 12:58AM
ujvara
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I loved the article! Thanks for the tips. I would just love it if the pictures had tags on the countries, because sometimes it doesn't say where is it and it would be nice to know. Thanks!
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3 November 2010 1:37AM
guillermorj
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Wow... As a Costa Rican, what is the deal against us? Envied by the north, by the south, and it seems the Panamanians have transmitted such envy to the rest of the world. Come on... Panama may have the big buildings, but Costa Rica has everything else...
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3 November 2010 2:31AM
vsimic
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I agree with jmphoto, Albania is beautiful country but Bosnia offers more than people know. visit www.exploringbosnia.com and check just part of Bosnia
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3 November 2010 3:45AM
groundflegg
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I believe Lonely Planet just tries to be controversial. Shetlands better than Great Barrier reef? you must be joking. Apart from the fact it frequently rains there and is always windy and usually very cool, it cannot be better. It is totally different. Obviously Lonely Planet tries to push places that need tourists. Incidentally last winter went to NSW Australia. one would think judging the comments of the coordinating author in the intro. that all one wants to do is party. I have never read such a load of old tosh. Get real, even Aussies do not spend time partying and going to the beach, many we met rarely go to the beach, mostly they just work like us.
Generally I would say that Lonely Planet guides have really deteriorated in quality of information.
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3 November 2010 3:48AM
dchaverri
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@guillermorj; I don't get why you get mad because a single line. I'm a costarrican too, and since Panama is next to us, and turning into green massive tourism, that means direct competition to Costa Rica, that's it. It doesn't even say something offensive, and there's no trace of "envy" there, is a simple phrase, so is weird that someone gets offended for nothing
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3 November 2010 5:44AM
travelamplified
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I've been to 3 of the top 5 in the last few months - Albania, Brazil and Bulgaria. I agree with LP. Albania is awesome and if you avoid August, you can completely avoid the crowds. Ruins, beaches, undocumented castles - I recommend renting a car (very cheap to organise) and taking a flash light with you for castle exploration. Everyday was an adventure.
I've just spent the last few weeks in Bulgaria and fell in love with it. Again we rented a car for 17 Euros a day total. Veliko Tarnovo and Plovdiv were my highlights.
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3 November 2010 7:03AM
ditraveling
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Sheesh, I have a whole lot more traveling in my lifetime to do as I've only been to 1 of these 1o countries. While this may be a list to other LP readers, I'll consider this my own personal checklist!
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3 November 2010 11:55AM
ld10
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Albania rocks. There is so much to see, discover and enjoy there. The food is delicious, and the whole experience is nothing but great. No wonder is chosen number ONE. Well Bosnia was left out of the list but it is mentioned in the comments. Don't be jealous neighbours, there is nothing wrong with a number one country nearby. Who knows, travelers who go to Albania might pass by to visit you too. Great for you my beautiful Shqiperi!
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3 November 2010 7:11PM
spacest
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The English signs in Japan were added for the 2002 World Cup, not the 2016 Olympics.
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4 November 2010 12:11AM
ashmantoronto
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Yes, Panama! I love Panama =) It's so inexpensive too, and for backpackers it's a great deal. $25/day is a plenty. Head to San Blas in the Kuna Yala...it's paradise!
http://ashmantravels.wordpress.com/2010/02/02/a-blast-in-san-blas/
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4 November 2010 4:06AM
dctrip
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This is such an awesome list. It's great that people want to make their way through it. The Balkans are great and still such a unique experience when in Europe.
Try this out for an itinerary:
-Start in Italy and enjoy all that Italy is already famous for.
-Take a ferry over to Albania and make your way up and down the country. There are all kinds of options and Durres/Tirana are great hubs from where to head north or south for amazing natural beauty and great food. The folks at Albania Express - http://alb-exp.com/welcome.aspx - have some neat trip ideas so give them a call.
-Drive to Pogradec in eastern Albania and cross over to Macedonia. Check out Lake Ohrid on both sides of the border and then make your way through Macedonia into Bulgaria.
-Wrap up your European adventure with a few days in Bulgaria.
There you have it - you've hit 3 of the 2011 top destinations (with Macedonia as a bonus)!!!
Share pics and stories if you go :)
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4 November 2010 12:18PM
wisdomhurts
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@ jmphoto - you have no idea what you are talking about.
I visited 6 out of these 10 countries & I can definitely agree that Albania deserves to be ranked #1. I was there this past summer (and plan on visiting this winter) & WOW did I have a GREAT time! The country has rapidly changed, & new & more things are being built. The south is amazing for resorts, beach, stuff like that, & also historical places to visit. The middle of Albania, like Tirana for example, is where a lot of new and improved things are being built & you'll never get bored. Northern Albanian has beautiful mountains & historical places to visit.
Also, I never felt like I was in danger in Albania & I don't even speak the language. Crime rate has lowered and change has improved. I highly recommend Albania for people to visit & in the future, Albania will definitely be a big-successful country.
Cheers!
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4 November 2010 12:44PM
hmhn5
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4 November 2010 2:09PM
emma69
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Albania is remarkable, I was there in 2001,2005 and also in 2009. It is really a great country,The wildlife was spectacular. I seen bears,wolfs,lynxes and also wild boars. You just have to get out in the mountains, it really is beautiful. After you are done with the mountains, hit the beaches, they are really great. I prefer the beaches in Vlore and Saranda. Albania has better beaches then Italy. And also a must see are the towns of Berat and Gjirokastra. They are phenomenal! Albania is a small country, but it has so much to see, from waterfalls to old castles. check out Albania, I have and I went back three times, I am from Denmark and trust me, it is worth it!!
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4 November 2010 2:25PM
georgekian
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Go SYRIA !











