The Best Places to Go in 2018

Image: PHOTO: Seville, Spain, is a top city in 2018. (photo via Pixabay/JaimePF55)
Image: PHOTO: Seville, Spain, is a top city in 2018. (photo via Pixabay/JaimePF55)
Janeen Christoff
by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 6:17 PM ET, Tue October 24, 2017

Lonely Planet has released its Best of 2018 list of places to travel in the coming year.

Travelers around the world turn to the list of top countries to compose their travel wish lists. But the list highlights top cities, regions and budget travel destinations as well.

Earning the accolade for top city next year is Seville, Spain.

If the charming Spanish city wasn't feeling the love enough after its debut as Dorne in "Game of Thrones," topping the list of Lonely Planet's 10 best cities for next year might just change that.

Regardless of why you go, you won't regret traveling to the charming city where you can see Real Alcazar, Catedral de Sevilla and La Giralda, Plaza de Espana, Flamenco dancing and more.

Detroit is second on the list of cities.

Business travelers are drooling over Detroit's renaissance as a high-end tech city but leisure travelers are taking notice too and traveling to the city for its ultra-hip distilleries, bike shops, galleries and more.

Canberra, Australia, has long been overlooked and shines in the number three spot with its national treasures, cultural attractions and gastronomic scene. The capital city also has a number of noteworthy events that make the destination an intriguing destination this year.

Hamburg, Germany, is no stranger to best of lists lately. It was one of the top cities for a weekend getaway in a study conducted by weekenGo. Now, the city enjoys a spot on Lonely Planet's Best Cities list at number four.

The city of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is number five on the list and travelers will want to head there for its massive arts center and cultural and music complex as well as modern attributes such as a light-rail system that links the city to hiking hot spot Xiaogang Shan Recreation Area.

Antwerp, Belgium, is on the list at number six. In 2018, the city will celebrate Antwerp Baroque 2018 with a roster of events throughout the year.

Matera, Italy, number seven on the list, is the European Capital of Culture in 2019-so get there before it's big in 2018.

The resilience of the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, earned it a number eight spot on the list. A swift recovery after the hurricane, a budding gastronomic scene, exuberant nightlife are just a few of the reasons to visit Puerto Rico. Traveling to the island is also a great way to use tourism dollars to help locals rebuild.

Guanajuato, Mexico's landscapes were just featured on the silver screen, serving as the backdrop for Pixar's latest "Coco." Visitors will surely want to check out its natural wonders and ornate architecture in real life.

Additionally, it's a top destination for adventure and wellness with cycling and yoga classes as well as a variety of destination spas.

Oslo, Norway, is number 10 on the list of best cities and it's no stranger to fame. The city was featured on "The Bachelorette" this summer.

10 Best Regions

The 10 best regions, of course, span the globe.

Included on the list were Belfast & the Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland; Alaska; Julian Alps, Slovenia; Languedoc-Roussillon, France; Kii Peninsula, Japan; Aeolian Islands, Italy; the U.S. South; Lahaul & Spiti, India; Bahia, Brazil; and Los Haitises National Park, Dominican Republic.

10 Best Value Destinations

When it comes to travel, value is an important consideration.

Frugal travelers budgeting on a shoestring can find good bang for their buck in these destinations: Tallinn, Estonia; Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain; Arizona; La Paz, Bolivia; Poland; Essaouira, Morocco; U.K; Baja California, Mexico; Jacksonville, Florida; and Hunan, China.


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