Lonely Planet has this week released its list of best counties to travel in for next year. According to the company, these destinations represent not only amazing slices of cultural, historical and natural interest; they’re also interested in how sustainable the region’s tourist trade is, and what impact it has on the natural environment.
Let’s take a look at some of the high-ranking countries featuring on the list.
Bhutan
This landlocked nation in South Asia is among the world’s smallest, with a population of less than a million. It holds the distinction of being the world’s only carbon-negative economy, and is on course to become fully organic next year. One of the most notable government measures on this front concerns the tourist industry: those travelling to Bhutan must contribute a daily fee toward conservation efforts. Consequently, those that do manage to gain entry are allowed to wander through the Buddhist temples and pine forests in near isolation. It’s an unforgettable experience – for those who can afford it. To get the most from your visit to Bhutan, it’s worth going with an experienced tour operator like Jules Verne, who’ll ensure that you don’t miss a thing!
England
It might surprise many natives of the UK that England should reach second place. After all, we’re so familiar with the charms this country has to offer, that we often fail to be suitably impressed by them. The Lonely Planet roundup identifies Britain’s coastline as a major draw, with the opening of the compete England Coast Path in 2020 sure to be of interest to hikers from around the world. Once complete, it’ll be the world’s longest managed coastal path – so if you’re looking to take in the seaside, it’s probably the best way to do it.
North Macedonia
Claiming third place in the list is a country which has undergone considerable change over the past few years. A dispute with neighbouring Greece was finally resolved in 2018, and Macedonia became known as ‘North Macedonia’.
What hasn’t changed is the tourist-friendly attractions and gastronomy on offer. In 2020, new routes to the tiny St. Paul the Apostle Airport on the shores of Lake Ohrid opened up, making it easier than ever to pay a visit to this tiny, beautiful slice of the Balkans. Experienced hikers will want to make this country just one stop on a longer trip across Europe. The High Scardus Trail was established more than two thousand years ago by Roman pioneers, and it offers stunning views across neighbouring Kosovo, Albania and Macedonia. The Slavic term ‘shara’, meaning colourful, is derived from ‘scardus’. The changing colour of the grasslands makes it obvious why this is the case!