A Photo Tour Of Lonely Planet’s ‘Top 10 Best Value Places To Visit In 2018’


Yes, we are still watching the leaves turn and enjoying the gentle chill of October, but it’s not too early to start planning your 2018 travel itineraries. If you want the best deals, you should be locking some price trackers on cities right now and determining when you can get the best deals. But, first, you need to know what cities to visit. Thankfully, Lonely Planet has just released their Best in Travel list for the coming year, and it includes a list of the best value destinations.

After all, what’s the point in saving on a flight if you have to live on water and bread to afford your lodging?

You likely know Lonely Planet, as they are the largest travel guide publisher in the world and dominate the internet. They are respected because they give these lists great consideration, drawing from the input of their most experienced travelers. Then, a panel of in-house travel authorities short-lists destinations using criteria like wow-factor, topicality, and novelty before the locales are compiled in a book for people who want the best travel agenda possible.

“These are the places you shouldn’t miss next year,” asserted Lonely Planet’s US magazine managing editor Alex Howard. “From Alaska to South Africa, our community of travel experts have named the top places to experience. Whether they’re coming into their own, celebrating an anniversary or have seen a resurgence in recent years, all these destinations are worth a visit in 2018.”

What follows is a list of the Lonely Planet’s picks for the top value destinations. You will be inspired. We promise.

10. Hunan, China

Hunan Province is located in the south-central part of the Chinese mainland, and it isn’t the most extensive or most populated part of the country. However, packed into 80,000 square miles is some of the most exquisite natural beauty in the world. And, if things like peach blossom land, Phoenix ancient town, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and Mount Yuelu aren’t enough, Hunan is also home to the world’s longest glass bridge.

China is a fairly inexpensive destination in general, so you can get food and lodging for under US$10. And, if you want to get really fancy, it’s unlikely you will spend more than twice that for the best that the area has to offer.

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9. Jacksonville, USA

Florida is catnip to tourists. With its climate, beaches, big cities, and attractions, it’s perfect for a vacation. Conventionally, Miami Beach, Orlando, and Key West have gotten all the attention, but savvy travelers are now turning their attention to Jacksonville. Thanks to the coastline, local farms, and St. Johns River, the restaurant scene is booming with fresh, seasonal goods. Plus, there are 22 miles of rolling turquoise waves and soft white sand to enjoy at the city’s easternmost edge. Surfers come here for some of the state’s best waves, but the coast is just as popular with fisherman and families. You can enjoy craft beer at low, low prices and the cheapest hotel rates, as well.

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8. Baja California, Mexico

The Baja Peninsula is separated from the rest of Mexico by the Gulf of California, which leaves it sort of sitting all by itself next to the rest of the vibrant country. But, that doesn’t mean it’s totally ignored. People visit Cabo San Lucas in droves. But, the more charming, laid-back towns are the ones you should hit. Vacation in Pescadero or Todos Santos and go to the nearby Playa Las Palmas (you walk through a palm grove to get there) to sit on the unspoiled beach to watch whales. Also, consider the wine region in Valle de Guadalupe. Lonely Planet calls it Napa with a more appealing price tag.

Be sure to load up on ceviche and fish tacos while you are vacationing. They are a ridiculous bargain and insanely fresh.

7. United Kingdom

If you have always wanted to visit England, Scotland, Wales, and/or some Offshore Islands, 2018 is a great time to do it. Traditionally, the UK has wielded the high value of its pound like a cudgel on tourists, but Brexit changed that. The dollar is riding so high against the pound sterling that you can visit parts of these countries affordably. This could be your chance to make it to London or Glasgow, but you can stretch your budget even farther by heading to areas like Devon, Cornwall, York, and Bath.

Avoid school holidays, when tourists are out in droves and prices spike.

6. Essaouira, Morocco

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Marrakesh is the popular Moroccan destination, but Essaouira is a more relaxed alternative. It’s an Instagram dream, complete with a blue and white inner city surrounded by sweet little ramparts and large stone gates. The beach invites rolling waves and the colorful port is dotted with bright blue boats. Getting there is fairly easy, as low-cost carriers offer flights from multiple destinations. But, you can also fly into the Marrakesh airport and take a three-hour bus trip if you find cheaper flights on that route.

For people really trying to budget, there are boutique hotels that are affordable. Plus, the food is delicious and completely wallet-friendly.

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5. Poland

It used to be that everyone looking for beautiful medieval cities and inexpensive European travel headed to Prague or Budapest. But, now, it looks like you are better off heading a little farther east and enjoying the forests, mountains, beaches, and lakes of Poland. Most people hit Kraków for all of its history, but Warsaw is a can’t miss spot if you are looking for hip hangouts. Its right bank is one of the coolest places in Europe to party right now, as hipsters have begun flocking there from nearby Berlin. And, the natural beauty of the country is supreme. People don’t talk about it enough.

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4. La Paz, Bolivia

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More and more people are looking at Bolivia as a must-see when traveling through South America. La Paz is its administrative capital and the center of its tourism industry. You can indulge in strenuous outdoor activities like cycling the Death Road, a former highway beloved by thrill seekers. Or, explore the nightlife; La Paz was voted an Ultimate Party City in 2009. And, everyone has to take a trip on the Teleférico, the cable car transit system that extends above the city. Lonely Planet asserts you can make it here on less than US$30 a day without missing out on great food or activities.

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3. Arizona, USA

Arizona has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, so it’s understandable that Lonely Planet would hype this as an affordable destination for people who are looking to do a little camping. To jeep things wallet-friendly, they advocate for roadside motels, campgrounds, and hikes. The Grand Canyon is the obvious draw. But, don’t overlook Kartchner Caverns State Park, home of the world’s longest stalactite formation; Petrified Forest National Park, one of the world’s largest and most vividly colored groupings of petrified wood; or The Painted Desert, filled with rocks that range in hue from deep lavender to rich reds and oranges.

Also, the hidden gem of Havasu Falls is not to be missed… if you can brave the ten mile hike in.

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2. Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain

If the idea of traveling to the Canary Islands to ride on a camel and dine in a candlelit cave doesn’t entice you, you might not be an adventurer. This is a unique location that many people mistakenly reduce to a simple seaside holiday. Legend holds locals would hide from pirates in the island’s underground caverns, and now, you can explore them. You also have the rocky formations of Hervideros, the breathtaking views from Mirador del Rio, and the pristine beaches of Órzola.

Plus, Lanzarote has established a tourism infrastructure that makes it easy for people to find inexpensive meal, lodging, and car rentals.

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1 camel, 2 camel, 3 camel, 4…

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1. Tallinn, Estonia

The capital of Estonia, Tallinn is one of Eastern Europe’s most picturesque towns. It’s a delightful labyrinth of medieval streets punctuated by spires. Because it is small, and the tourist areas are safe, you can get around easily (and inexpensively) by foot. Or, you can but a Tallinn Card and use the trams, trolleys, and buses. It’s also connected to most European hubs, so a budget flight is no problem. In a trip, you can take in rural Estonian taverns and a hot food truck scene, and everything is Instagram perfect.

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Tallinn

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