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6 November 2009 4:37pm

The top 10 countries for 2010

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Want a sneak peek into the future?

We’ve just released our newest edition of Best in Travel. We’re delighted at the attention it’s getting, so we’ll share some of the hot lists inside – and get your thoughts.

To start with a bang, here’s our list of the ten hottest countries for next year – and why.

El Salvador

El Salvador sneaks up on you: in lefty lounge bars in San Salvador, at sobering war memorials and museums, and along lush cloud-forest trails; it’s a place of remarkable warmth and intelligence, made all the more appealing for being so unexpected. Travellers tend to skip El Salvador, wooed by marquee destinations such as Guatemala and Costa Rica, and unnerved by stories of civil war and gang violence. But the war ended almost 20 years ago, and crime, while serious, is almost exclusively played out between rival gangs; tourists are virtually never involved. And though El Salvador has fewer protected areas than its neighbours, you get them practically to yourself – including pristine forests, active volcanoes and alpine lakes.

elsalvador

Germany

Some countries are simply allowed to be, but Germany has had to reinvent itself more times than Madonna. And it has done so again since 1990, when reunification brought an end to more than four decades of division (thanks for the correction, conetop!). In year 20 after its latest rebirth, Germany is still a country where you can witness history in the making. Head to Hamburg, where an entire new quarter is being wrested from the detritus of a 19th-century harbour. Or to Dresden, where the domed Frauenkirche church is once again the diamond in the shining tiara that is the city’s famous skyline. And, of course, to Berlin, whose climate of openness spawns more creative experimentation than a Petri dish on Viagra.

Greece

Seldom does a travel destination satisfy the blurbs that shout ‘has something for everyone’ - but Greece truly does. Whether you’re there to poke around ancient ruins, soak in the sun on idyllic beaches, or party till you drop, Greece will leave you clamouring for more. It’s guilt-free travel – a slice of history served alongside a healthy slice of hedonism – and everyone seems happy. You get to marvel at the dazzling clarity of the light and the waters, the floral aromas that permeate the air, the pervading sense of spirit – and then sit down to contemplate it all while consuming that great Greek combination of ouzo and octopus!

greece


Malaysia

Malaysia often gets criticised as being mild in comparison with its grittier neighbours, Thailand and Indonesia. It’s true, natural disasters and coups only seem to happen across its borders, the roads don’t have too many potholes, buses and trains have air-con and plush seats, and hotels are of international standard. While troubles are few, visiting Malaysia lets you leap into the jaws of one of the most interesting parts of Southeast Asia’s roaring cultural smorgasbord – and not be too worried about it. Cheap connections to Europe and great exchange rates mean that you won’t get eaten up by your wallet either.

Morocco

‘Hello, bonjour, salaam alaykum, labes?’ Street greetings sum up everything you need to know about Morocco in a word: it’s Berber and Arab, Muslim and secular, Mediterranean and African, worldly wise and welcoming. Morocco sees how the Middle East is portrayed via satellite news and the internet, and is as concerned with violent threats and abuses of power as anyone else in the modern world. But as you’ll see, most Moroccans are plenty busy working to get by, get their kids through school and greet the king’s planned 10 million visitors by 2010 with the utmost hospitality. Every visitor helps Moroccans realise these goals by creating new economic opportunities, and can make a Moroccan’s day by returning the greeting: ‘Hello, good day, may peace be upon you, are you happy?’

morocco

Nepal

But for the Himalaya, Nepal would probably be stuck in the shadow of India – but it’s hard to cast a shadow on a country that includes the highest point on earth, the summit of Mt Everest. Over the last decade, Nepal has seen its share of troubles, but 2008 was a watershed year – the rebels became the government, the kingdom became a republic and the king became a civilian. With the fall of the monarchy, the sound of temple bells has replaced the stomp of army boots and peace has returned to Shangri-La.

New Zealand

Recommending New Zealand’s too obvious, right? You’re looking for something a bit edgier, under the radar or further off the beaten track. But there’s wisdom in the old saying, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fi x it’, and last time we checked the land of Maori and hobbits certainly didn’t need repairing. NZ’s checklist of essential experiences remains as strong as ever. Spectacular landscapes abound, from sea-level rainforests to plunging glaciers, geothermal springs and barren volcanic plains. Add a hearty pinch of lens-friendly wildlife, proud Maori culture, and fine food and drink, and it’s easy to see why the natives are so chilled.

Portugal

Skirting along the southwestern edge of the Iberian Peninsula, the once-great seafaring nation of Portugal today straddles two very different worlds. For purists, this is a land of great tradition, of saints-day festivals where ox-drawn carts still lumber through flower-strewn streets, and ancient vineyards bring sleepy medieval villages to life during the annual harvest. Meanwhile, in other parts of the country, something decidedly more modern is transpiring. Old city centres, long ago abandoned by the young and upwardly mobile in favour of the suburbs, are slowly being revitalised. A new wave of boutiques, art galleries and cafes are finding new homes in once crumbling old buildings, and locals are beginning to rediscover the allure of vibrant downtown areas.

Suriname

South America’s smallest country, both in area and population, is easily one of its most diverse. Some three quarters of Suriname’s people are descended from Chinese, Javanese and Indian labourers that arrived in the 18th century, and West African slaves in the 17th. Add indigenous Amerindians and Lebanese, Jewish and Dutch settlers, and you have the makings for a lot of ethnic tension, right? Fortunately, wrong. Suriname is known for its peacefully coexisting cultures, most emblematically represented by the country’s biggest mosque and synagogue situated side by side in the capital Paramaribo. With everyone speaking different languages, celebrating different holidays and worshipping in different temples, visiting Suriname is really like hitting several countries at once.

USA

Suddenly the USA is cool again! Be it from Barack Obama, Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday last year, or just tightened budgets during the recession, but more Americans (even hipsters) are looking backwards – and foreigners too – and taking in traditional American historical sites, beginning with Washington DC’s freebie zone of museums and heroic monuments.

What do you think? Let us know what your hot destinations are. And pick up a copy of Best in Travel 2010 for much more – such as the world’s best value destinations.


Comments

  1. 7 November 2009 12:27AM eclectic_odyssey Report this comment

    I'm happy to see El Salvador, the forgotten Central American country, on this list. It compacts so much natural and human interest into a small space. Stunningly beautiful as well.

    On the opposite continuum, it's good to see the USA is getting thumbs up again. It often falls victim to poltical opinion rather than what it has to offer as a travel destimation. Beyond Las Vegas, Orlando, and New York there is so much to offer and incredile diversity...not just McDonald's, lol.

    Countries to put on your list: Mozambique, Bosnia, and Panama..three favourites of mine which are especially lovely places.

    Enjoyed the list!

  2. 7 November 2009 12:59AM melissarose01 Report this comment

    I agree with Germany, Greece, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand & the USA. All fascinating places. Countries I'e been to which I'd like to see on the list are Italy, Spain, France & South Africa. The latter especially will be ery popular next year for the World Cup!

  3. 7 November 2009 1:19AM papapitufo Report this comment

    I'm very happy to see my country make it to the Top and very proud of being Salvadoreño! I live far away from my country now, but when I see these incredible pictures, I fall in love again... I miss my country so much... People should really take the chance to go and visit all the places this report comments about, it is all true! Being a Surfer, I have to add perhaps something... Punta Roca is not only the best in Central America but a World Class Wave!

  4. 7 November 2009 11:17AM dave925 Report this comment

    I'm surprised not to see Colombia on the list, which might not be a bad thing. I considered it my little known secret earlier this year. Such a beautiful country with friendly people and rich culture.

    You've taken up a lot of spots with well-trodden spots: USA, New Zealand, Germany, Greece.

    Clearly you wanted to mix it up with lesser known spots like El Salvador and Suriname, but I think you could've done up a whole list like that if you featured more African and Pacific nations.

    After all, the World Cup in 2010 is being held on the South African continent for the first time ever!

  5. 7 November 2009 11:41AM succat Report this comment

    This is your "top 10"?!

    R-eally?!

    Sheesh!

    Your reviewers need to get out more . . .

  6. 7 November 2009 1:21PM jess12 Report this comment

    They are really good destinations. I would love to go to Greece. The U.k sounds nice too though.!

  7. 7 November 2009 8:15PM dreamlander77 Report this comment

    My own personal favorites are:

    1. Madagascar 2. Kyrgyzstan 3. Greece 4. Cuba 5. Bolivia 6. Iceland 7. Sri Lanka

    And next 3 on my map are: - West Africa (Senegal, Mali, Mauritania) - Tajikistan - North-East India

  8. 7 November 2009 8:46PM vthalakola Report this comment

    My top 10 countries are

    1. India 2. Italy 3. USA 4. Japan 5. Brazil 6. Argentina 7.Tanzania 8. Turkey 9. Newzealand 10. China

  9. 8 November 2009 12:02AM conetop Report this comment

    Re: Germany as a top destination. Poor knowledge of history (or. arithmetic) on the part of LP editorial staff when writing about unification in 1990 after "nearly three decades of division". In fact, the coutnry had been carved up into four occupation zones by WWII victors in 1945, and two German states appeared on the map in 1949. Perhaps it was the "Berlin Wall" (erected in 1961 and demolished in 1989)that was meant here.But, again, it divided the city, not Germany itself, at that time crossed by a full-fledged border line.

  10. 8 November 2009 12:49AM pablo7691 Report this comment

    I agree dave925, Colombia should be on there but lets keep our secret !

  11. 8 November 2009 7:11PM esparsha Report this comment

    It's great to see Nepal listed in 6th position. Nepal has really a great trekking trails and also you can find diverse culture and traditions here. A better place for trekking and photography. You can find out more about Nepal in http://www.welcometonewnepal.com

  12. 8 November 2009 10:46PM eclectic_odyssey Report this comment

    Agree with the others about Colombia....wonderful cities, mountains, ocean, national parks...and not over-run with tourists either!

  13. 8 November 2009 10:49PM mokhathi Report this comment

    While i agree with the countries listed, I cannot believe that South Africa is not your list, i mean we are hosting the biggest sporting next year. The eyes of the world will be on us, yet this does not elevate the status of SA on your list of top attractions for 2010.

  14. 9 November 2009 4:11AM nurul194 Report this comment

    Proud to be a Malaysian! It's truly a beautiful country and hospitable too.. ;) im still a beginner in travelling. will be going to south korea for a month by the end of November. Can't wait for the adventure!

  15. 9 November 2009 2:11PM mstep Report this comment

    It's great to see Nepal, Malaysia, and Germany on this list. And the USA has so much to offer too, people should come for long visits now that the dollar is so low. My #1 country to add to the list would be Brazil, so beautiful, and because breakfast is always so nice.

  16. 10 November 2009 12:39AM fran_mate10 Report this comment

    havent been to many countries! BUT i have a list to conquer in my lifetime 1) Madagascar 2) Costa Rica 3) Brazil 4) Hawaii 5) Italy 6) Belize 7) Barbados 8) Russia 9) Egypt 10) USA

    last one i used to fill a gap.. US looks incredible, but is too vast and too much like my own country. its about exploring different cultures.

  17. 10 November 2009 8:41AM lpitta Report this comment

    Great to see Portugal on the list. I wonder how they pick the countries for this short list? I guess it should be in a party around a world map and some (a lot) beer everybody pointing and laughing and choosing... randomly... anyway it was a nice try :-)

  18. 10 November 2009 12:55PM jesshouston Report this comment

    ok, great choices especially after seing my country el salvador evendough it needs a lot of help handaling tourist, it is still to primitive but is solely moving foward,for sure don't expect mexico. go to the radisson is best if you never have been there is one of the best hotels you truly feel in another country just being there beacuse the san salvador volcano is just in front of you. my husband is one of the picky americans and he loves this place, they are awasome helping arrange tours to other towns, very safe and not so expensive, the problem is that outside of san salvador they don't offer all the commodities americans are use to and if you are not ready for that be aware,in the other hand i have to agree they have to add colombia or argentina.

  19. 10 November 2009 8:25PM jeremyhead Report this comment

    Blimey. What a dull list! Suriname and El Salvador - absolutely... but so many totally mainstream destinations. Surprisingly bland.

  20. 11 November 2009 5:11AM everestdreamz Report this comment

    Yes, Nepal has the highest point on earth, the summit of Mt Everest. We are very glad to hear 'Nepal is one of the The top 10 countries for 2010'... Thanks alot

  21. 11 November 2009 11:23PM dirkvandermade Report this comment

    I completely agree with Suriname as a top desination. I'll be flying there in two weeks because there, I hope to finally get to experience an unspoilt lowland tropical rainforest. That's where the big trees are, so that's where the loggers go. It's almost all gone now. But not in Suriname. Not only does it have one of the biggest national parks in the world, but outside that, almost the entire interior is unspoilt because of the low population and the fact that Surinam has for decades been a South American forerunner in protection of the natural environment (e.g. the hunting law of 1954). This means villages and therefore affordable local guides, who can take me off the beaten track. Maximum adventure at low risk and low cost.

  22. 12 November 2009 12:35PM ryansadkin Report this comment

    I completely DISAGREE with Morocco. My passport was stolen TWICE before I even leftthe airport. The airport personnel were very unwilling to explain directions on getting through the screen machine. All of the Americans on the flight were herded into a corner. It was VERY uncomfortable. After leaving the airport and by the time two hours had passed, I was chased by a man with a monkey, chased by a man with snakes, hit by a donkey cart, and hit by a motorcyle. Being a girl, I was once offered 500 camels for my ownership and another time I was just straight-up asked how much I cost. I was very modestly dressed although it was blazing hot outside.

    Not surprisingly, I left Marrakesh, Morocco the very next day.

  23. 12 November 2009 12:35PM ryansadkin Report this comment

    On a better note, Lisbon, Portugal is absolutely amazing. DO NOT stay at the Central Park hotel or the Tagas hostel. If you're up for it, go skydiving in Evora. It's absolutely amazing. GO TO SINTRA!

  24. 12 November 2009 2:06PM vbaezrizzi Report this comment

    I´m really happy about El Salvador! It is a little gem in Latin America... Exciting news, I´ll spread the word...

  25. 12 November 2009 4:27PM arupriaa Report this comment

    Great to see Malaysia on the list. Its a wonderful country. I should know I live there.

  26. 12 November 2009 10:31PM mesye Report this comment

    I dont agree with this list... There should be new coutries, not often visited by tourists (which arent Germany, USA, Portugal, Greece). I would put these countries: 1) definitelly Philippines - still in the shadow of Thailand, but can offer much more! There are hundreds of wonderful islands, which are - in comparsion of Thailand - absolutely virgin and not crowded by tourists... Philippines has big potential, and isnt dangerous as many people think (problems are limited just to 1 part of the country). 2) Indonesia - besides well-known Bali there is many islands with amazing nature and not crowded by tourists. 3) Vietnam 4) Barma (after fall of the regime) 5) middle Asia (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) 6) Cuba (mostly for Americans) 7) Panama

  27. 13 November 2009 6:53PM intheriver Report this comment

    1) the Philippine Islands! Manila, Luzon (think Jeepneys, balut & durian); Baguio City, Luzon; Cebu City, Cebu; & Bohol Island. 2) Bermuda -- Quaint towns, beaches, sunsets, & St. George's Historical Society Museum. 3) St. Petersburg, Russia -- Stunning architecture, history, & the Hermitage Museum. 4) Cheju-do Island, South Korea -- Fabulous non-metro Korea, virtually tourist free! 5) British Columbia, E. of Vancouver, Canada -- Beautiful country, fishing, & Tim Hortons in convenient places, eh? 6) French Polynesia (a.k.a Tahiti) -- Bora Bora & Moorea are stunning! 7) Livingstone, Zambia – a.k.a. the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. Safaris abound, as do baboons around the Zambezi Sun. 8) Ottawa, Ontario, Canada -- Visit during Ottawa's Winterlude, spanning two weeks each January. 9) Hong Kong – A fascinating area in which to roam. 10) The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO, USA -- When you're tired of traveling... truly the best place to stay in the USA.

  28. 13 November 2009 7:49PM tudor2010 Report this comment

    i know it's not cheap. . . but i'm surprised that no-one's mentioning Jordan -- Petra, Wadi Rum, the Hejaz Railway, the Baptism site of Jesus, the coral of Aqaba, plus the Dead Sea. . . . not sure where else in the world has as many top ranking must-see locations in such a small area!!

  29. 13 November 2009 8:25PM vikramtrivedi Report this comment

    Well, a very comprehensive list with popular and not so popular destinations. I would have liked to see Chile, Peru, Sri Lanka and South Africa here too though. India should also have been featured, as it is hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2010. Conetop; thanks for the correction on Germany.

  30. 13 November 2009 8:49PM marpol Report this comment

    One person has mentioned Kyrgyzstan. Has no-one else traveled the Silk Road? Uzbekistan, Xinjiang (western China,)Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan even Iran hold such splendor of history,architecture, great culture and fantastic, friendly people. Magic names...Kashgar,Tashkent,Samarkand, Esfahan Deserts, glaciers,grassland steppes and high mountains. I want to go again!

  31. 13 November 2009 9:14PM paullow Report this comment

    Greece are you out of your mind!! They can't even get plumbing right! The so called cradle of civilisation. The best part was leaving As an athiest it was the only time I agreed with a pope as I kissed the ground when I got home.Agree with the other blogs about Philippines Boracay Miniloc and whole heap of other beautiful places.

  32. 13 November 2009 9:31PM bertateo Report this comment

    The list is ok, but I was expecting to find more countries that are not that popular amongst travellers or that are unknown. As mentioned by ecelctic, I miss Mozambique in the list. It has great potencial, friendly people, stunning beaches, great food and very few tourists. I am happy to see Nepal is in the list, I will be going in December… Happy travelling!

  33. 14 November 2009 1:46AM voyageurfred Report this comment

    Agree with some posters that the USA, Greece, Portugal and Germany have far to many tourists and are just too crowded.

    My suggestions are horseback riding in Mongolia with Steppe Riders, this country is one spacious, beautiful and empty land. Then there's the fantastic hiking and trekking in the white-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca Mountain peaks at Huaraz in Peru, or taking in the Inti Raymi Festival in Cusco.

    And what about the Czech Republik and Slovakia? Having just returned from a 12 day, 1800km trip by rental car through the countryside visiting wineries, chateaus, castles and even hiking along trails of the infamous Iron Curtain, I think you missed out on another gem of a country.

    Perhaps you really need... a top 20!

    Cheers, Frederic in Montréal http://www.RemarkableImages.ca

  34. 14 November 2009 2:11AM rmkmonk Report this comment

    These things depress me no end. There is no such thing as a top ten country. The trouble is that world travel has become nothing more than an excuse to embellish one's fatuous Facebook account with self-glorifying photos. Americans are largely to blame for this, because they have no culture of their own, and they think they are the first to have disovered this or that wonderful thing that goes on in a far off land. I have also travelled, and therefore am guilty of my own charges, but one thing I am sure of is that I do not want anything to do with the hordes of world travellers (usually quite comfortably off) huddling around internet computers in remote locations in touch with mummy and daddy and friends from Wisconsin, or wherever. The world is too special to let journos from LP decide where is or is not a good place to go. By the way, I have always rated the Rough Guides as superior to Lonely Planet guides.

  35. 14 November 2009 2:51AM pakiv Report this comment

    I guess that Spain has lost a lot of ground with regards to hotels by the beach; and sun worshipers may be off to other climes, but surely these are all the more reasons to discover the real Espana? There is so much more than sun, sea and sex in Spain: try mountains, desert plains (where sometimes it rains), wondrous monuments to ancient civilisations, and avant guard architecture. Off the trail adventure and city stays abound.

  36. 14 November 2009 3:47AM nanisivik Report this comment

    I will agree with tudor2010. I spent a week in Jordan in March, went there on a spefic photo shoot in Amman. Decided to make a vacation out of it, a wonderful country with many awesome sights. Spent a night in the desert in Wadi Rum, Petra of course, Jerash, Dead Sea, Mt Nebo, and Amman. Headed to Ethiopia in January....

  37. 14 November 2009 3:57AM bluevoter Report this comment

    As an American, I wish that I could agree with you on your recommendation of the US as a travel destination. The National Parks of the Southwest are spectacular and our most interesting cities (esp. NYC, SF, Boston, and DC) have lots to offer to visitors. But if you are not American and not a citizen of one of the 35 countries which the US Government grants a visa waiver, it's quite a hassle (and expense) to get permission to travel here. The people responsible for promoting travel to the US have noticed that the number of international visitors is down -- in part, we have done that to ourselves.

    So which countries would I put on your top 10 in place of the US? First choice would be Cuba, which will change drastically once the US gives up on the ridiculous embargo. Second choice would be Canada, though I would avoid Vancouver during the Olympics.

  38. 14 November 2009 4:02AM easttraveler Report this comment

    I completely agree with ryansadkin: Morocco should be dropped from the list. I was robbed within three hours of arriving, became violently ill after one of my first meals, and spent the rest of my two weeks tour sprinting through exceptionally awful bathrooms. And the negative attention from men-- no matter how hard you try to blend in-- was a constant irritant. Solo female travelers: give this location a skip.

  39. 14 November 2009 4:05AM cattirun Report this comment

    that is a good list.... I'd really love to go to Morocco, Greece, NZ and Germany; interesting destinations.

    I would like to add to the list an often forgotten country or regarded as only a cruise stop or one-day visit country but it has a lot to offer. Uruguay is probably one of the safest countries in latin america, great people, very kind, with an easy going lifestyle and beautiful beaches. There's more to Uruguay than Montevideo and Punta del Este that is worth a visit.

  40. 14 November 2009 4:26AM nancy_broek Report this comment

    Morocco is a little gem! Get off the beaten track! There is more than the well-knowm city Marrakech. Book a trip with a SUV and hit the Anti-Atlas mountains. Meet the friendly people, lovely accomodations - check the little inns- , witness the most stunning views, visit the hamams, indulge yourself on the deeds, avocado's, herbal mint tea, awesome hiking spots along the canyons, oases, berber villages, sand dunes, medina's, oriental shopping heaven and much much more. Marocco is an upcoming destination for the elderly Europeans seeking the sun during the winter season! And, more and more camp sites are on offer.

  41. 14 November 2009 4:54AM ruslendingur Report this comment

    I understand that marketing methods - to give everything a score. But "ten best countries" is a silly topic by itself. The USA - West and East coasts are different countries. And what about Niagara - is it in Canada or USA? Germany - yes. But what about Holland? And what part of Germany are we talking about? Etc.

    PS. "crime, while serious, is almost exclusively played out between rival gangs; tourists are virtually never involved" - that's really encouraging...

  42. 14 November 2009 5:57AM chamitart Report this comment

    I know most of the countries in the list and I think they are great, howeverm I think Costa Rica should be on the list since it is such a beautiful friendly country. http://www.bananaadventuretours.com

  43. 14 November 2009 6:46AM mj42 Report this comment

    My list is bound to be Eurocentric since almost all my travelling has been done in Europe, so please don't jump on me for ignoring other continents as I've restricted it to countries I've been to. That said, in no particular order my top 10 would be Ukraine, Slovenia, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Italy, Spain and Sweden.

  44. 14 November 2009 8:33AM jeraboa Report this comment

    Unfortunately none of my top ten countries are on the list. My list would run something like this, 1 Pakistan, warm welcome beautiful scenery and amazing history and culture. 2 Zambia, Victoria falls and South Luagwa National park two of the cooloest places I've been to. 3 Ethiopia, waking up everyday and knowing that your going to experience something new. 4 Iran, Incredibly friendly amazing culture and history beautiful untravelled Islands. 5 Jordan, Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, Dead Sea how many other countries pack so much into such a small area. 6 Uzbekistan, The first place I travelled solo many years ago has a special place in my memories. 7 Hungary, more specifically Budapest such a beautiful and cultured city. 8 Kenya, beautiful coast, stunning national parks and one of the planets most vibrant capitals. 9 Tunisia, Easy and cheap (from Europe) with sunshine and culture on tap. 10 India, sometimes love it sometimes hate it everytime a story to tell.

  45. 14 November 2009 11:51AM mbrain Report this comment

    Having just returned from India I would add this to the list. It is a country of great diversity and colour.

    If trekking is of interest, I cannot recommend too highly,Sikkim in the north of India. I have read that it is like Nepal 20 years ago before hordes of visitors descended on the country and I agree. We trekked to the base of Khang-chen-dzonga (Green Lake trek), the third highest mountain in the world where we could see peaks of Nepal and Bhutan and we were the only trekkers there. It was the Himalyan experience of a lifetime.

  46. 14 November 2009 2:28PM hakanolov Report this comment

    To limit the list to 10 must have been very difficult. I think you have done a great job. I am sure you thought of the following countries that, to me, would also have been worthy of a place on the list: Jordan, Turkey, India and China (among others). I am currently living in Bhutan and if it becomes available to individual travelers one day, it will be a gem.

  47. 14 November 2009 3:06PM crtramy Report this comment

    Hi, I would love to visit these destinations. I hope my country, Vietnam, will appear in this list soon.

  48. 14 November 2009 6:35PM adventurine72 Report this comment

    wow! is this it? all those amazing undiscovered gems and you come up with Germany and Greece? Thank goodness for the comments which is where i discovered some REALLY excting destinations! Africa?.. nothing caught your eye? Turkey instead of Greece? Much more unspoilt and not over run with the euro. India? Just returned form 3 weeks in Morocco- if you want to really experience all this country has to offer, avoid all the tourist traps, especially Marrakesh and hang out in the Atlas mountains, Essaouira (beautiful fishing village on the Atlantic coast, Chefchouan up north and Fez- the spiritual, cultural Imperial city. It is worthy of exploring but off the beaten track..oh and Zanzibar is a wonderful spot as well and if we're going mainstream Europe, where's Italy? Maybe you can just leave it up to your readers next time- there's an idea.

  49. 15 November 2009 11:35PM ibnibnbattuta Report this comment

    First, I agree with many of the other commenters - LP missed a great opportunity to ask its readers for their opinions. (My full thoughts here: http://www.ibnibnbattuta.com/2009/11/lonely-planet-polls-self-disappoints-readers.html)

    Second, on the countries: Portugal does deserve more visitors, and the USA and Morocco have lots of sites to offer. I know less about the others, but would have liked to maybe see Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Tanzania, or Malawi. South Africa, of course, is a no-brainer for any "must see" list for 2010!

  50. 16 November 2009 3:39PM cjohnson627 Report this comment

    I know I'm gonna get murdered by the critics for this but China is still a vibrant place to visit. YES, Beijing is overcrowded and disgusting but think about the south man. Clean air, swimming in the yulong river, reliving the Chinese civil war along the Yangtze, partying with a 99% Chinese crowd in Changsha, the karst topography of Guilin, the countryside's vastly diverse minority villages... the south will rise again. And with Air Asia rates the way they are you talking 40 bucks for a flight to BKK, KL, and Singapore.

    Definately think you guys missed South Africa. Ive already got my tickets to the world cup man. C. Johnson

  51. 18 November 2009 9:16AM roysie1 Report this comment

    South Africa and Vietnam should have been on this list ahead of many other countries, especialy Europe and north Africa.

  52. 21 November 2009 8:21PM expatinkl Report this comment

    Look, stop telling what to add to the list. Hey, there is only ten, count 'em, 10. Okay? That's what LP has for 2010. You'll get yours in LP's 2011 list.

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