Best in Travel Readers’ Choice Award: and the winner is…Iceland

Oct 26, 2011 3:27:38 AM

Andy Murdock
Lonely Planet Author

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Every year, we publish Best in Travel, Lonely Planet’s picks for the top destinations of the coming year. It’s a long, involved process and, like laws and sausages, you probably don’t want to know what goes in to it. But at the end, a string of sparkling authoritative lists emerges representing what Lonely Planet authors, editors and staff believe to be the very best in travel for next year.

This year is no different, and Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2012 is hot off the presses (not to mention available on the iBookstore). Actually, there is one difference this year – we wanted to hear what you think will be 2012’s hottest destinations. After hundreds of nominations for cities and countries and over 3000 votes for the finalists, the results are in.

And the winner of the Best in Travel Readers’ Choice award 2012 is…Iceland

But wait? Weren’t we supposed to come up with a country and a city winner? Well, we have. The winning city, not surprisingly, is Reykjavik, Iceland.

Clearly, in the view of voters, this is Iceland’s year for travellers. And with a showstopping (and plane-stopping) volcano, better affordability than ever for travellers and a pilot rock star (check out our Robert Reid’s interview with Iron Maiden lead singer Bruce Dickinson), it’s not hard to see why. But enough analysis from us, here’s what the voters had to say:

On Iceland

‘Incredibly friendly, amazingly beautiful and one hell of a good time. Bars followed by geothermal hot springs.’

‘Iceland is the place to be in 2012 to see incredible displays of nature! The country of Iceland is currently experiencing two “maximum cycles”: One to do with increased volcano activity and another to do with the increased aurora activity for 2012.’

‘Its back-country areas are still largely undiscovered by the tourist hordes and it hosts a unique event…the transit of Venus, which starts before sunset on June 5 and ends after sunrise on June 6. Nowhere else does this happen!’

‘The wonders and creativity of nature at its best – untouched by humans…to this point. Geothermally heated pools to refresh the soul, literally seeing the rift valley between the American and European geological plates, visiting glaciers, seeing a real volcano, walking on terrain that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world…AND who wouldn’t want to see a puffin!!’

On Reykjavik

‘It has so much on offer, and so untouched compared to some parts of Europe.’

‘The nightlife is legendary and the numerous coffee houses and small museums are all situated within walking distance in the downtown area. For people who want to escape the hustle-and-bustle of city life, major natural attractions (like the Golden Circle route and the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula) are as close as a 45 minute bus or car ride from the city centre. The city has also invested in cultural attractions, like the new Harpa concert and conference centre, and a number of new hotels and hostels. Location helps too: it’s just a 5 hour flight from NYC and 3 hours from London.’

‘It’s hip, it’s cool, it’s small but offers everything that large cities do. Good hotels, good food, good nightlife, good music and the nature is only few steps away. And it’s finally affordable to go there.’

And what of the other top 10 cities and countries?

Here’s how the cookie crumbled. As you can see, Iceland was a clear winner.

Readers’ Choice: Top 10 cities (by % of the vote)

Readers’ Choice: Top 10 countries (by % of the vote)

For all your travel inspiration and tips for the coming year from Lonely Planet’s experts, get Best in Travel 2012 now!

Best in Travel 2012 also available on the iBookstore.

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Comments

29 October 2011 5:35AM snorrithor Report this comment
There´s a handdrawn, incredibly detailed online map of Reykjavík at: www.reykjavikcentermap.com
29 October 2011 10:14AM tilusnet Report this comment
...and I have one on my wall. ;)
1 November 2011 5:09AM tom312 Report this comment
You cant spend more than two days in Reykjavik without getting bored, its totally over hyped. but the nature is worth seing.
3 November 2011 1:00AM lislandais Report this comment
Would you like to discover Iceland ? http://vivre-en-islande.blogspot.com/
3 November 2011 1:50AM iheartreykjavik Report this comment
I completely disagree with tom312 - he must have gone out of bed on the wrong side the days he was here! :)
4 November 2011 9:04PM inIceland Report this comment
I would like to give you some tips before coming to Iceland. First at all I strongly recomend checking Iceland Travel Assistance. They are really helpful, their offices with boutiques are located all around. It makes easier to plan your trip because they have access to most of the tours and activities in Iceland and there is no extra fee. Check their FB page!
6 November 2011 3:13AM superguera Report this comment
Hooray for Iceland! I'm also thrilled to see that Puebla, Mexico, made the Top 10 — it is a truly gorgeous Colonial city with so much to offer, especially to foodies, history buffs, nature lovers, and art and architecture fans. I hope more travelers will come visit us in 2012. For those interested in learning more, check out my blog, AllAboutPuebla.com.
15 November 2011 2:00AM victor1974 Report this comment
Nothing negative about Iceland. I guess Iceland is a spectacular beautiful country...and has a fair chance to win this competition, but 32% of all the votes?? 1 out of 3 people?? while there are about 190 countries..
It makes you think about how objective this Readers choice award is... Was the Icelandic touristboard able to put in a few thousand votes? ...just a thought...
15 November 2011 4:11AM keithruffles Report this comment
I went to Iceland back in 2003 and have been dreaming of returning ever since...
But I wouldn't go just to see Reykjavík; if I did I think I'd be a little disappointed. Iceland's real attraction is in its stunning landscapes and the opportunities it offers to really get away from it all.
Obviously this will please the Icelandic tourist board as well. How was the shortlist drawn up?
15 November 2011 8:49AM elisajak Report this comment
YES YES YES !!! Thank you so much everyone who voted for Iceland, you made me so proud. As an Icelander living in Norway, I have tipped many of my friends an colleagues to go to Iceland. And those who have are all in the clouds when they get there. I personally love the feeling of freedom I get there.... I can breathe.... The view is almost 360 degrees in all directions... And I love the ever changing weather, you just can´t get bored by it. So, to all of you who still haven´t found your way to this remarkable island: GO NOW!!! ;o)
15 November 2011 11:09AM pdpjones Report this comment
I haven't been back to Iceland since going there by boat from Scotland in 1964 when Surtsey was erupting but if the hospitality is the same as it was then, I'm glad it's still so popular. I hitch hiked all over on appalling roads but every night, someone offered me a bed, except once. It was all unspoiled so I hope that hasn't changed either. But keep off the brennivin !
15 November 2011 5:24PM markfranh Report this comment
France doesn't get a mention but Iceland rates as #1??? Really? Are you serious? And Puebla? Let alone include one of the most dangerous destinations in the world, Mexico? These lists are a joke.
16 November 2011 5:14AM pirate6 Report this comment
Yes!! I'm so happy to see Iceland as the winner! Been there twice already in the last 3 years it is by far my favorite place to travel! Glad to see it is getting a lot more recognition as many should be able to experience the natural beauty of this wonderful country!
16 November 2011 9:07AM clausiniceland Report this comment
Yes, I understand why! I live in Reykjavík, stay a lot of time in Djúpavík (Westfjords) - I love Iceland... Claus http://www.claus-in-iceland.com
16 November 2011 1:27PM csmeeth Report this comment
Very solid choice in Iceland! Went there for a week over the summer, and it has to have been one of the best travel experiences I've ever experienced!
16 November 2011 8:18PM jeffsteed Report this comment
to Marfranh, I went to Mexico twice this year, in February and April. I completely fell in love with the country and I can tell you I felt less danger than in the Forum des halles in the city centre of Paris! Mexico city (DF) is also a great city and never felt unsafe there, even in the metro, unlike in Paris again! so as a Frenchman, I give you this advice: instead of listening to all stereotypes and clichés, go there and judge by yourself!
16 November 2011 9:14PM greifinn Report this comment
with the exchange rate as low as it is of course Iceland is a popular destination!
17 November 2011 12:53AM hughied Report this comment
Bizarre.
No Rome in the Top 10 Cities.
And Philippines at no.4 in countries. Erm hello?!Would have definitely had Peru in the Top 10 along with Indonesia. And OK, Lake Bled is very nice, but Slovenia?
17 November 2011 5:27AM cowhugger Report this comment
I think some of you missed the point... it's about top destinations for the coming year, therefore the well-trodden (but still amazing) places like Peru and France are less likely to top the list. Been there, done that - where next? If the question were asked of people that hadn't already travelled, the results would be a whole lot different.
19 November 2011 2:04AM bojan74 Report this comment
Thanks for choosing Slovenia in top 10! You can see a lot of photos here: http://kraji.eu/slovenija/slovenija/eng
25 November 2011 1:44AM nobong Report this comment
Come visit the Philippines! We have the best beaches, the drinks and the girls.
25 November 2011 2:33AM danielmenesessalas Report this comment
Hi think that no one can judge Mexico, specialy about violence, because you dont live here and al that the newspapers writte its incomplete and without sense....Mexico its dangerous if you are memeber of a drug band, ifn you arente .. you are free to do wath you wanna do... so plese come to mexico and you wil gonna experiense something amazing specially in Puebla... and anoyher thing, if mexico its fightin with drugs now.. its fall of all those people that consume drungs and specilly of the Govermento of USA that made Mexico as their productor of Marihuana during Vietnam War and WW2.
25 November 2011 2:56AM ak1990 Report this comment
Can't believe that Reykjavik is the reader's choice city for 2012. I've been there myself and found it very boring. Where is Paris, Rome, Tokyo, Hong Kong, etc?! You don't go to Iceland, an absolutely beautiful country, to see it's dull capital city.
Which leads me onto the list of countries. How is Colombia on it but not France, Spain, China, Japan, Australia, Canada etc? These lists completely stink. Sorry LP.
26 November 2011 8:16AM sipuebla Report this comment
Puebla is a great city and I'm happy to see that it is in the Readers Choice top 10. If you want to check out pictures about Puebla you may go to: http://www.sipuebla.com/pictures1.htm Enjoy!
26 November 2011 9:49PM culinarista Report this comment
If you all haven't noticed, Lisbon came 2nd in the Top 10 cities' choice. Not because I live here, but Lisbon is indeed an amazing city, with an incredible array of places to visit and things to do. The food is to die for, and the setting is unique: at the mouth of Europe's largest river estuary, 15 mins away from gorgeous beaches, 30 mins away from plains where wild bulls roam on the free range, or mountains where sheep graze free to produce one of the best cheeses on earth... and I could keep going... You should all come to Lisbon. It's great at any time of the year, but I personally prefer in April, when it's high time for fresh greens & vegetables and the best fish is in season. Also the month of the famous Lisbon Fish Festival.
26 December 2011 5:23AM agroekonomija Report this comment
I would love to visit Iceland because of the attractive polar light, and volcanic activity. A little excitement and the adrenaline is not a bad experience.