A mere 50 years after launching their first guide book ” Across Asia on The Cheap” the Lonely Planet guides have released their take on the Best destinations for 2022 – countries, regions and cities.
With many of us still dealing with the effects on our lives of Covid-19 I think we are all looking forward to getting away, that’s if we have not already done so!
Interesting to see that the Cook Islands tops the country’s poll. A group of 15 spectacular islands in the South Pacific certainly seems the ideal place to get away from the crowds and relax in pure paradise.
Norway and Belize are countries I long to visit with both offering fresh air, an eco-friendly outlook as well as nature and spectacular scenery in abundance.
Top 10 Countries
1. Cook Islands
2. Norway
3. Mauritius
4. Belize
5. Slovenia
6. Anguilla
7. Oman
8. Nepal
9. Malawi
10. Egypt
Another country or in this case region topping this poll is Iceland. Tourists are attracted here due to the country’s wild nature, the eco-friendly and slightly quirky lifestyle. Then there are attractions including its capital Reykjavik, the Northern Lights and the region winning this category – the Westfjords.
Great to see two of my favourites in Japan and Canada in the top ten and a surprise for me is Kent’s Heritage Coast in the United Kingdom.
Top 10 Regions
1. Westfjords, Iceland
2. West Virginia, US
3. Xishuangbanna, China
4. Kent’s Heritage Coast, United Kingdom
5. Puerto Rico, US
6. Shikoku, Japan
7. Atacama Desert, Chile
8. The Scenic Rim, Australia
9. Vancouver Island, Canada
10. Burgundy, France
As far as the list of cities goes there is another island winner known for its space, nature and incredible scenery – New Zealand.
Notable inclusions are both Taipei and Lagos which would not immediately spring to my mind as the perfect city find however I am always open and willing to be educated!
Top 10 Cities
1. Auckland, New Zealand
2. Taipei, Taiwan
3. Freiburg, Germany
4. Atlanta, USA
5. Lagos, Nigeria
6. Nicosia/Lefkosia, Cyprus
7. Dublin, Ireland
8. Merida, Mexico
9. Florence, Italy
10. Gyeongju, South Korea
Just finally – for a publication to get so many column inches with this list it amazes me that it is very difficult to find any mention of these awards on their website. Maybe the person in charge of dishing out these awards and updating the website is on a beach in the Cook Islands – stranger things have happened ;-)?
Till next time…I hope you enjoyed these best destinations for 2022.
