This once carefully guarded city boasts three other fortresses; Barone is the most visit-worthy, thanks to its excellent visitor’s center and interactive exhibits. Where To Go When, the ultimate trip planner for every month of the year, is a beautifully illustrated book that is both practical and inspiring. For every month of the year it presents 30 recommendations of destinations that are at their best during each month, whether due to their climate, or value or because there's a lot going on. In 2024, Greenland will get two new airports, in Nuuk and Ilulissat, allowing for direct flight connections between this icy land and North America. Once there, you can enjoy unique local experiences. For dog-sledding and the northern lights, spring is the ideal time to visit – and coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Arctic Sounds music festival next April. If you’re looking for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, wildlife-spotting and endless hours of sun, though, you can’t go wrong in August. Poland is a city that prides itself on good living – which isn’t hard thanks to its seaside location, fresh Aegean cuisine, and a blend of rediscovered heritage and revitalized contemporary culture that draws visitors from teeming Istanbul. With its mild winters and refreshing breezes caressing the city from the bay, İzmir’s allure as a year-round destination is undeniable. Yet September, as the summer heat mellows, might be the ideal time to explore this city. South Africa Deceptively vast and blessed with a ridiculous amount of stunning coastline – 540km (335 miles) to be exact – this is where you may find you’ve scored an entire beach to yourself. Kangaroo Island invites guests to indulge in its unique local produce, encounter adorable Australian wildlife and discover some of the country’s best beaches. And the island is a total show-off during the Aussie summer months of January and February.

best places to visit in Croatia - Lonely Planet 16 best places to visit in Croatia - Lonely Planet

While lowland regions of China swelter in summer heat, summer is the time to explore the high Tibetan plateau, when temperatures are pleasant and trails are free of snow. Cupping the northeastern arc of the plateau, Gansu province is popular with domestic tourists, renowned as the gateway of the ancient Silk Road and the home of jaw-dropping grottoes, notably at Mogao near Dunhuang. But away from those hot spots, you’ll find peace, along with rich Tibetan culture and wild landscapes, particularly in Gannan prefecture south of provincial capital Lanzhou. Here, the chants of lamas waft across Xiahe from Labrang Monastery – one of the six great monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism; walk the 3.5km (2-mile) kora (pilgrimage circuit) around reputedly the world’s longest stretch of prayer wheels, before refueling on momo (Tibetan steamed dumplings). Aarhus and Jutland, Denmark Poland – a country that offers a ‘superb range of quality travel experiences’ – ranks in second place, while Nicaragua, complete with ‘surf, sun, colonial villages, tropical forests, lost islands and more’ for budget travellers, ranks third. It’s always best to avoid the rain-drenched monsoon season from May to September, unless you’re heading to arid Ladakh, in the far north. Benin Best in Travel is Lonely Planet’s heart and soul of travel inspiration, responding to the enthusiasm of travellers who want to explore the world in a way that is authentic, led by local guidance and has sustainable values at its core. With new takes on iconic destinations and 50 fresh ideas across five categories, we’re confident Best in Travel opens up a year of incredible adventures.'

Get your wishlist fired up, Lonely Planet just revealed its 50 top travel destinations for the year ahead. Top tip: At night seek out a “ ruin pub”– an atmospheric drinking venue artfully created in a once-abandoned building.

visit in July 2023 - Lonely Planet Best places to visit in July 2023 - Lonely Planet

Midwest USA is the world's number one destination for value in 2024, according to Lonely Planet. It says that chefs, artists, and designers have been lured to cities like Detroit (above) over the past 10 yearsBritain at its most spellbinding: The mesmerising winning shots in the Landscape Photographer of the Year 2023 contest, from misty hills to a magical full moon This small Pacific nation offers uninhabited tropical beaches where you can live out your scuba-diving dreams. Visiting in April guarantees warm and sunny weather for diving, snorkelling and swimming – although it is possible to go to Palau throughout the year, as the country does not experience typhoons. Ikaria, Greece My night in Britain's most haunted building, where I slept in a room said to be inhabited by a witch - and took photos that captured 'glowing spiritual energy' For much of the year, Spain’s Basque Country is under a constant drizzle – but by June the sun is out, and so are the locals. Outdoor terraces, bars and beaches come alive as people gather to linger over seafood and pinxtos. Try San Sebastián for its culinary scene and crescent-shaped cove; Bilbao for bar-hopping and museums; or try any of its scenic hiking trails. We love the Wine and Fish trail that traverses through the region's vineyards and coastal towns. Jakarta, Indonesia Next year, Scotland’s Far North is vying for Unesco World Heritage recognition thanks to its rich biodiversity and critical role in carbon sequestration. The wild and boggy terrain is home to mist-shrouded mountains, rivers, a diverse wildlife population and restaurants that emphasize local, foraged ingredients. A late-August visit ensures comfortable temperatures for exploring the great outdoors – without the nuisance of midges. The Baltic Trails

visit in Spain - Lonely Planet 8 of the best places to visit in Spain - Lonely Planet

There are breathtaking road trips – and there are literally breathtaking road trips. The Khardung La is both. This 5600m (18,373ft) pass near Leh, amid the Indian Himalaya, was a key thoroughfare on the Silk Road and is now one of the world’s highest drivable highways. Crossing it by bus is an adventure; crossing it astride a classic Enfield Bullet motorbike even more so. Either way, both mountain views and soaring altitudes will leave you gasping. The roads here are only open for a few months a year, so make the most of the warm, snow-free conditions. Bikers could zigzag up from Manali ( Himachal Pradesh) to Leh ( Ladakh) – one of the world’s best mountain rides. Or fly from Delhi to Leh to visit the town’s Tibetan-style palace and stupas before taking the Khardung La into the isolated Nubra Valley. The rest of the cities top 10 is comprised of Manaus in Brazil (sixth); Jakarta, Indonesia (seventh); Prague (eighth) and Izmir in Turkey (ninth).There’s hardly a wrong time to visit the Caribbean – yet February sees a high influx of visitors hoping to escape cold-weather countries. St Lucia’s independence from British rule in 1979 is celebrated on February 22, and marked by parades and celebratory events island-wide. Come prepared to party. Hokkaido, Japan I've been visiting Berlin for more than 30 years - here's why it's Europe's most exciting city, from great art and compelling museums to an unrivalled music scene