Lonely Planet Lonely Planet's Beautiful World 2023 Calendar

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Editors begin work on the list as early as April. Chambers says that – as much as they’d like to – not every staffer can visit each place on the list personally.

Spring arrives with a flourish, bringing warmer temperatures and abundant sunshine in both the north and the south. April sees a profusion of wildflowers in the south. Easter processions add excitement, as does Liberation Day (April 25), when you can see parades and fireworks in some towns. This year’s Burning Man theme will celebrate the animal world and our place in it – animals real and imagined, mythic and remembered – and explore the curious mental constructs that allow us to believe that imagined animals are real, real animals are imagined, and that somehow, despite all evidence to the contrary, mankind is somehow not part of the animal kingdom,” writes Stuart Mangrum for the blog Burning Man Journal. Zambia, another “journey” destination, might be best known for Victoria Falls, which UNESCO describes as “(plunging) noisily down a series of basalt gorges and raises an iridescent mist.”

Fans of train travel like me are looking toward 2023 with excitement – and a newly expanded to-do list. Our world is not just about dreaming, it’s about doing. And our choices reflect the spirit of a grateful and energized traveler who always comes home with the best stories and who can’t stop adding to the list of places they’re tingling to see next.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Sydney also makes the list. The Australian city is known for its friendly inhabitants, as well as for its beautiful beaches, top-notch food scene and … oh yeah, a pretty cool opera house. February is when the temperatures are at their coldest in this premier Japanese hub for skiing and snowboarding, and the season even offers an opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to try ice fishing on the top of a frozen lake. ​​ Sapporo Snow Festival – Hokkaidō’s most famous festival, featuring snow and ice sculptures and giant slides – is held in February, bringing a huge number of well-wrapped-up visitors. Mexico Key events: Óbidos Chocolate Festival, Semana Santa, Ovibeja, Liberation Day. May is the month for outdoor adventures Key dates: The Eurovision semifinals are slated for May 9 and 11; the final showdown follows on May 13. Key events: Rincón Surfing Festival, Calle Loíza Culinary Fest, Jayuya Indigenous Festival, Winter League Festival, Puerto Rico Queer FilmFest, Thanksgiving. Christmas celebrations occur throughout DecemberWhether your dream trip has you following the Great Migration in Kenya or Botswana, Zambia or Namibia, there’s a safari experience that’s right for you. Deciding on a destination is half the battle; once you’ve worked that out, it’ll be much easier to determine the best time to go. Among them, bustling cities, spectacular deserts, captivating histories, beaches edged by jungle and vast landscapes that stretch to the horizon. 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 In a time marked by listicles and AI, what makes our selections unique is our people. We have real human beings on the ground all over the world discovering what’s new and evaluating old favorites, who are dedicated to making sure you have the guidance and recommendations you need to get you where you want to go.

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 The North Wales line is not new, in any sense. In fact, this scenic route along the north coast is one of the world’s oldest rail routes, having been built between 1844 and 1850 to connect ferry services from Dublin with Irish Mail trains bound for London. Why it’s exciting: Switzerland’s scenic trains, designed to offer panoramic views of some of the world’s finest mountain views, are an essential part of any visit. This technological wonder extends one of the best of these routes, linking the adventure capital of Interlaken with an easy connection to Geneva. 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 And in Asia, the Indonesian archipelago of Raja Ampat might be one of the last paradises left on Earth.

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During the summer months, you’ll find warmer ocean temperatures, especially as you head south to the Algarve. Water temps and crowds alike peak in July and August, so plan on sharing those pretty beaches with plenty of other sunseekers. The pandemic spurred another powerful desire, too: the stress of working from home while homeschooling the kids over Zoom means many travelers just want to take a long break. The shortest day and longest night of the year mark the official start of the northern hemisphere winter. Cultures worldwide greet the darkness with cozy displays of warmth and light, such as bonfires lit during India’s Lohri celebration (observed in January) and yuzu-infused baths popular in Japan. Though Spain might be one of the most popular countries for visitors, the sun-washed destination is leading the green-travel way with its plans for a more sustainable, circular tourism model. The Mediterranean city of Valencia is a European Green Capital for 2024, and March is the perfect time to visit and explore Jardines del Turia, a 9km (5.5-mile)long riverbed that’s been transformed into a road-free park. Algeria

The Greek island of Ikaria seduces with aquamarine waters and wild terrain, plus an independent spirit. As spring unfolds, Ikaria comes alive with delightful weather and vibrant natural landscapes, creating the perfect setting for island tours and outdoor activities. Embark on sailing adventures, explore the waters through kayaking or pedal along scenic cycling routes. Ikaria is also a popular spot for stargazing. Why it’s exciting: Roll on from Vienna into an underrated Italian port city ⁠– and a more affordable base for exploring Cinque Terre.Our panel of travel experts gathered early in the year to review the nominations of Lonely Planet’s global network. Those hundreds of recommendations were discussed and debated, ranked for the topicality and uniqueness that makes them unmissable for Best in Travel 2024 during Lonely Planet’s 50 th anniversary year. Among the most noteworthy breweries in the greater Reykjavík area are Malbygg, RVK Brewing and Lady Brewery. There are also breweries in the rural south, in Vestmannaeyjar off the South Coast, in Siglufjörður in the far north and Ísafjörður in the West Fjords. 11. Try Iceland's fine dining Why it’s exciting: A sign of everyday life from Ukraine, where trains are a lifeline to the country. Though the mountains are coolest during this time of year, temperatures stay fairly consistent along the coast. It is also one of the driest times of year, with only rare, brief, afternoon showers.