Bluelist 2008 is Lonely Planet's take on the world's hottest trends, destinations, journeys and experiences. Looking for inspiration for the year ahead? We've put together a tasty selection of the very best cities, countries and regions. Got your mouth watering?
Bluelists aren't just about places to go - you can bluelist an experience, an event, an eccentricity - anything that's stood out on your travels. How about the eeriest places to sleep behind bars, or where to view the most volatile volcanoes? The greatest film festivals around the globe? China's quirkiest sports?
Armenia... History nuts battle mountain tracks to the finest medieval monasteries, trekkers scale 4000m-high peaks, nature buffs search for the ultra-rare Caucasian leopard, and everyone enjoys the potent local brandy, finely ground coffee and the easygoing what-the-heck tempo of daily life.
Bhutan... The last surviving great Himalayan kingdom has long turned its back on the rest of the world, favouring Buddhist compassion over Western capitalism. With its gorgeous monasteries, towering fortress-like dzongs, intact Tibetan culture and pristine Himalayan environment, Bhutan offers an opportunity to glimpse a truly different way of living.
Eritrea... Eritrea might have one of the toughest regimes in East Africa but for travellers it's one of the most welcoming countries on the continent, with virtually no hassle, extremely courteous people (including officials), a sense of harmony and a strong culture. Its trump cards include surreal landscapes and pristine reefs.
Malaysia... Help collect eggs at the Ma' Daerah Turtle Sanctuary, take a riverside bath with elephants, watch the synchronised flashing of fireflies on the Selangor River, search for the elusive Sumatran rhinoceros...then head back to sleek Kuala Lumpur for frog porridge at the hawker's markets and a walk across the Petronas Towers skybridge.
Montenegro... Though some have called it 'the new Croatia' (which was, you'll remember, 'the new Italy'), Montenegro has an edge of its own. The sultry curve of its coastline is irresistible, and the sparkle of the Adriatic’s deep blue waters is as enticing to beach potatoes as the tall peaks of the snowy mountains are to activity-spurred travellers.
Mozambique... Its off-beat, undiscovered element, combined with a 2500km-plus coastline and a rapidly expanding tourism infrastructure, is starting to glean Mozambique some serious attention. Although most of the world hasn't yet caught on, its alluring mix of stunning beaches, a rugged bush interior and a pulsating Afro-Latino vibe won't stay a secret for long.
Papua New Guinea... True, PNG is expensive and difficult. But this means that nothing is contrived for tourists and every experience is authentic - most people live much the way they have for thousands of years. Then there's the uncrowded surf, live volcanoes and exquisite wildlife, including dugongs and manta rays, birds of paradise and countless butterfly species.
