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Lonely Planet unveils best travel destinations for 2019
Sri Lanka has been voted the number one destination for travel by Lonely Planet for 2019.
Its annual Best in Travel list, released this week, said the country is ‘decidedly having its moment in the equatorial sun and change is coming swiftly’.
"Already notable to intrepid travellers for its mix of religions and cultures, its timeless temples, its rich and accessible wildlife, its growing surf scene and its people who defy all odds by their welcome and friendliness after decades of civil conflict, this is a country revived," it said.
"There’s now more than ever for families, adrenaline junkies, eco-tourists, wellness seekers and foodies of all budgets. Even the north and east, including areas previously off limits, difficult to reach or lacking in services, deliver new discoveries."
Germany took second place, with ‘sparkling new museums’ set to open in Weimar, Dessau and Berlin, while Zimbabwe came third, described as ‘one of Africa’s safest destinations’ and blessed with ‘ultra-friendly locals, Big Five-filled national parks, World Heritage-listed archaeological ruins, forested mountains and, of course, the mighty Victoria Falls’.
The list (in full below) is initially based on nominations from Lonely Planet’s editors, researchers, locals and influencers, and is then decided upon and ranked by a panel of judges.
"These are the places to experience in 2019," said Tom Hall, Lonely Planet’s editorial director. "They might be coming into their own, celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime event or simply have been overlooked for too long – whatever the reason, now is the time to plan a trip."
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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