Lonely Planet has revealed the top 10 countries, cities and regions to visit next year with the release of Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2022. Best in Travel 2022 is Lonely Planet's 17th annual roundup of the world's most popular travel destinations and the must-see see travel experiences for the coming year. This edition places special emphasis on the best sustainable travel experiences to ensure travelers have a positive impact wherever they choose to travel.
The Cook Islands – one of the smallest countries in the world – with their remoteness and proud independence are in the coveted first place of travel destinations for 2022, while Norway is in second place and Mauritius in third place.
Lonely Planet's top region for 2022 is Iceland's Westfjords, a region of the island nation untouched by mass tourism, in which the municipalities work together to protect and promote their spectacular landscapes. In second place is West Virginia, USA, followed by Xingshuabanna, China.
The frontrunner Auckland, New Zealand, has been recognized for its thriving cultural scene, with a focus on local creativity, with Taipei (Taiwan) in second place and Freiburg (Germany) in third place.
Each year, Lonely Planet's Best in Travel Lists are compiled with nominations from Lonely Planet's large community of contributors, writers, bloggers, publishing partners and others. The nominations are then narrowed down to just 10 countries, 10 regions and 10 cities by a jury of travel experts. They have been selected for their timeliness, unique experiences, wow factor and ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
Cook Islands
Norway
Mauritius
Belize
Slovenia
Anguilla
Oman
Nepal
Malawi
Egypt
Westfjords, Iceland
West Virginia, USA
Xishuangbanna, China
Kents Heritage Coast, UK
Puerto Rico
Shikoku, Japan
Atacama Desert, Chile
The Scenic Rim, Australia
Vancouver Island, Canada
Burgundy, France
Auckland, New Zealand
Taipei, Taiwan
Freiburg, Germany
Atlanta, USA
Lagos, Nigeria
Nicosia / Lefkosia, Cyprus
Dublin, Ireland
Merida, Mexico
Florence, Italy
Gyeongju, South Korea
