faux 2,190 Posted January 3, 2015 Share Posted January 3, 2015 Lonely Planet is the largest travel guide book publisher in the world. - Wikipedia Our line-up of countries hitting their stride, celebrating anniversaries or begging to be discovered is guaranteed to have you reaching for your passport. Feast your eyes on Lonely Planet's top 10 countries for 2015. #1 Singapore Singapore has an extra reason to party in 2015: it’s her Golden Jubilee. Since sealing its independence in 1965, Singapore’s heritage buildings, hawker centres, green spaces and shopping malls have lured travellers, but new developments have elevated the experience. First there’s Marina Bay, a new entertainment precinct, then there’s the new crop of swanky hotels, new attractions like the National Art Gallery and the Singapore Sports Hub, and more than a dozen metro extensions in development. #2 Namibia The sands of Namibia turn silver this year as the country celebrates its 25th anniversary of independence. The country has made ground-breaking progress in sustainable development: the first African country to include protection of its environment within its constitution, Namibia empowers local communities to contribute. With stories of habitat loss elsewhere in Africa dominating the news, word of Namibia’s conservation successes hasn’t gained traction. Explore it before you have to share it. #3 Lithuania As of 1 January 2015, Lithuania will be the newest member of the eurozone, the final step in its journey from reluctant Soviet republic to fully fledged European nation. Travelling in Lithuania is going to get easier when it comes to electronic payments and finding an ATM. And why visit? The Curonian Spit is one long line of gorgeous beaches, backed by Europe’s largest moving sand dunes. Then there’s Vilnius’ baroque old town, which earned Lithuania one of its entries on the World Heritage list. #4 Nicaragua Despite the draws of Nicaragua’s quaint colonial (albeit bullet-holed) towns, riotous folkloric fiestas and enchanting Caribbean islands, the stigma of its war-torn past has kept the wider travel community at bay. Then came Mukul, the nation’s first fully fledged five-star resort, followed by Yemaya Island Hideaway and Spa. Nicaragua has now garnered a name as an emerging luxury ecotourism destination, and foodies are raving about the restaurants morphing Managua into a culinary capital. #5 Ireland There’s a whole lot of love for the old country, which carries a burden of expectation skewed towards the sheep-on-the-road, thatched-roof image – slightly at odds with the modern Ireland of motorways and macchiatos. Ireland is stunningly scenic, its traditions – music, dance, whiskey and beer – firmly intact. And this year is the year of the Wild Atlantic Way, a 2500km scenic drive that snakes its way round every nook and crook of the western seaboard from Donegal to Cork. #6 Republic of Congo The Congo (not to be confused with neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo) stands on the cusp of a new era. It’s got oil, it’s got timber, it’s got an expanding infrastructure and after turbulent years it’s finally safe and stable. Right now foreign tourists are as rare as an albino gorilla, but the Congolese government has set to work rehabilitating old national parks, establishing new ones and updating tourism infrastructure. For those ready to heed the call of the wild, the Congo awaits. #7 Serbia This astonishingly inexpensive country is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. But get in quick: the genre-jumping Exit Festival – annexing a medieval fortress in Novi Sad each July since it began as an anti-MiloÃ…¡ević protest – was awarded the Best Major European Festival title. Belgrade is being mentioned in the same panting breaths as Berlin and Ibiza. And Serbia’s killer skiing, spa-hopping and Drina River rafting are luring thrillseekers away from pricey playgrounds in ‘the other Europe’. #8 Philippines The Philippines 7100+ islands have dive-tastic coral reefs, sunbathe-ready white sands, swaying palm trees and nipa-palm thatched huts. Plus in 2015 the government is laying on all sorts of special events to raise the profile of the archipelago. And if there’s one thing Filipinos know how to do, it’s party – expect street parades, food festivals, sports tournaments and live music. Now that Philippine Airlines has gained approval for direct flights to Europe, America and Australia, why wait? #9 St Lucia This ravishing island of emerald mountains and golden beaches is still little-visited except for cruise-ship traffic. With primo diving and snorkelling, hikeable rainforests, and even a drive-in volcano, it’s got all the right stuff for the off-the-beaten-path adventurer. Nature-lovers can swim alongside dolphins, watch sea turtles laying eggs on Grand Anse beach, or observe iguanas. Thrill-seekers should climb the Piton mountains, kitesurf Sandy Beach, or dive coral-crusted undersea walls. #10 Morocco Developments such as budget flights are certainly bringing Morocco’s surf beaches, mountain valleys and palm groves closer to Europe. None of the country’s Maghrebi mystique is gone, but travelers can now explore the stirring landscapes and Berber culture in comfort and style. And anyone visiting in 2015 will see the city of Fez come into its own, as a host of glamorous, high-end openings have brought it a new level of sophistication. See more at http://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel/countries You'll also find out Top Cities and Top Regions! 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Badlands 16 Posted January 3, 2015 Share Posted January 3, 2015 Why don't you include the other 5? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paco 3,040 Posted January 3, 2015 Share Posted January 3, 2015 wasnt it AP a long time ago? i'm sure i've already seen this Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StarryNight 10,106 Posted January 3, 2015 Share Posted January 3, 2015 #7 Serbia YAAAS One secret that hasn’t yet been spilled? The Serbs themselves. While famous natives – think Palme d’Or–winning director Emir Kusturica, controversial performance artist Marina Abramović and a certain Novak Djoković – steal the spotlight, it’s the everyday Serbs that may prove to be the country’s greatest drawcard. Forthright, fun-loving and all too ready to welcome visitors with a hearty backslap and a glass of rakija (fiery local moonshine), they’re more than the stereotypical scoundrels Hollywood would have us believe. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonsterOfSpain 8,318 Posted January 3, 2015 Share Posted January 3, 2015 Visit Spain 2k15, the 3rd most visited country in the world with more than 60 million (and it keeps growing!) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PEDRO98 1,003 Posted January 3, 2015 Share Posted January 3, 2015 not going to spend money in a country where being gay is illegal. sorry singapore Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
calmar 22,064 Posted January 3, 2015 Share Posted January 3, 2015 Wasn't planning on going to any of these places this year :noparty: 俺の勝利は揺るぎない Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingOfSpain 10,010 Posted January 3, 2015 Share Posted January 3, 2015 Visit Spain 2k15, the 3rd most visited country in the world with more than 60 million (and it keeps growing!) Yass get dem coins http://gagadaily.com/forums/topic/227246-ceremony-gagas-videography-megarate/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raphy 0 Posted January 3, 2015 Share Posted January 3, 2015 Countries pay biggg money to be on that last. It's irrelevant, go where your eye catches you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonsterOfSpain 8,318 Posted January 3, 2015 Share Posted January 3, 2015 Yass get dem coins We need them to get out of the crisis because Rajoy doesn't seem to get us out. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
popper 3 Posted January 3, 2015 Share Posted January 3, 2015 Slay Ireland at #5. Y'all should visit Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
faux 2,190 Posted January 3, 2015 Author Share Posted January 3, 2015 wasnt it AP a long time ago? i'm sure i've already seen this don't ruin my thread :madge: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melech 9,900 Posted January 3, 2015 Share Posted January 3, 2015 Slay Lithuania And come to germany Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
amenART 429 Posted January 3, 2015 Share Posted January 3, 2015 I just wanna go to Paris and NYC Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houdini 103 Posted January 3, 2015 Share Posted January 3, 2015 Singapore lol this is a country not tallest than a metropole and includes only skyscrapers lol Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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