Lonely Planet likes to highlight fantastic and lesser-known corners of the world every year in their ‘Best in Travel’ book. This year was a laundry list of inspiring locales to tempt the spirit of itchy-footed travelers the world over. We’ve already covered the ‘countries‘ and ‘best value‘ destinations. So we thought we’d keep the ball rolling with Lonely Planet’s ‘best regions‘ to hit up in 2018.
This is always an interesting ripple in the ‘throwing the dart at the map’ modus operandi of travel. Covering a fair bit of ground requires a little planning and that old brash go-with-the-flow explorer’s attitude. You can stay in a five-star hotel one night and then sleep on the precipice of a mountainous canyon the next night. That’s a pretty dope way to look at travel and makes exploring a regions one of the wisest uses of your time and money.
You get it. So let’s take a look at where Lonely Planet wants to see you Instagramming in 2018.
10. Los Haitises National Park, Dominican Republic
Los Haitises feels like a set from Indiana Jones. Rock outcrops jut from the blue seas everywhere you look. Dense rainforests seem to flow directly into the sea — each tree like an octopus trying desperately to get home.
The park is full of caves, rivers, birds, and trail after trail through the dense rainforest, and these trails almost always seem to lead to an unspoiled beach. What more could you want in a tropical paradise?
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9. Bahia, Brazil
The state of Bahia on Brazil’s central eastern coast is a deeply cultural experience. The western reaches extend into the Brazilian high deserts with towns and cities peppered throughout the arid mountains and valleys. The eastern reaches are some of the best beach spots and food-centric towns in the country, with amazing stretches of sand and outstanding flavors.
A traveler could spend a year exploring Bahia and only scratch the surface of this ancient and colonial, yet modern and vibrant corner of Brazil. So maybe 2018 is the year to start scratching.
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8. Lahaul & Spiti, India
High up in the Indian Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh, nestled next to the borders of Pakistan and China, sits the region of Lahaul and Spiti. The heart of this region is found in the river valleys that cleave the massive mountains in pieces. In those valleys, you’ll find villages, temples, and a pulsating culture of survival and spirituality.
Some have said that living at that altitude that it’s hard not being more in tune with the ethereal. And, maybe, they’re right. It’s worth checking out for yourself at the very least. Maybe you too will find god. Or maybe you’ll just find the best momos. Either way.
7. Southern USA
Can we get a “Hootie Hoo?!” The area of the United States from the Southeastern Atlantic Coast all the way into Texas and up to the southern reaches of the Ohio River are what we all colloquially call the American South. There’s a deep culture situated around music, food, a varied colonial past, and plenty of whiskey.
From NOLA to Mobile to Savannah to Memphis to Austin to Lexington and back again there’s a little something for everybody — and the perfect road trip route for exploring America.
6. Aeolian Islands, Italy
Off the northern coast of Sicily sits a string of volcanic islands that have all the great things about Italy rolled into one spot. Plus, one of the islands is literally called Vulcano Island — which, badass.
The seven Aeolian Islands are dramatically beautiful — with seafood and hyper-local agriculture underpinning the food scene. There are beaches aplenty that sit under the shadows of volcanic cliffs (always worth diving from). The small towns, ports, and ancient history offer a glimpse into another eon, but you can still enjoy the luxuries of modern life — like the food.
It’s Italy after all. The food is going to always be great.
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5. Kii Peninsula, Japan
The Kii Peninsula juts south from Osaka. The misty mountain region is full of dank forests, Shinto temples, lush waterfalls, and craggy beaches. You can hike ancient cobbled trails through quite forests until you reach mountaintops where those temples rest or take a stroll to a seaside village and sample some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat. It’s quiet and laconically-paced corner of Japan that’s worth slowing down for.
4. Languedoc-Roussillon, France
The Languedoc — as it’s locally called — is the southwestern seaside and mountainous corner of France where medieval towns on hilltops meet seaside villages with plenty of wine for everyone.
There are two very distinct trips waiting for you in The Languedoc. One is an exploration of the hilltowns with amazingly well-preserved castles that dot the region around the Pyrenees. The second is a long, slow drive along the coast, hitting seaside village after seaside village figuring out the best bisque recipe. Or maybe the trip is a combination of the two. Either way, you’ll be savoring some the best food in the world and washing it down with some the best wine France has to offer with once-in-a-lifetime views.
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3. Julian Alps, Slovenia
One of the biggest draws of the Julian section of the Alps — besides the striking beauty of the place — is that you’re getting the Alps for non-western European prices. Slovenia has all the wonder and natural beauty of the Swiss, Austrian, German, French, and Italian Alps but at about 1/3 the price.
If that isn’t a reason enough to book a ticket right now, we don’t know what is.
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2. Alaska, USA
Wow, this is a big task. Alaska is huge. You’re talking temperate rainforests to massive mountain ranges to the literal Arctic all in one state. That’s an area four times the size of California with 1/50th the population. It’s vast. Grizzlies and wolves roam them hills — nature is turned up well past eleven.
It’s a shockingly beautiful land with a lifetime worth of adventures on tap.
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1. Belfast & the Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland continues to gain steam as the spot to hit for every traveler. Let’s not beat around the bush, this is in large part due to ‘Game of Thrones‘ mania. But that’s not all. Northern Ireland delivers the goods for everyone who visits. It’s got a natural beauty that serves as a great backdrop for GoT and your Instagram feed. In between, you’ll find idyllic villages with quintessential pubs and plenty of stout and whiskey to lubricate your journey.
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