Each fall, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel reveals the top cities, countries and regions to visit in the year ahead.

But this has been a year unlike any other – and that’s why as we look to Best in Travel 2021, we’re celebrating the people, places and businesses that make travel a force for good.

This year we skipped the top 10 lists to focus on what makes us hopeful for the future: an emphasis on sustainable trips, building community, and a diverse world of travelers who share their stories.

The pandemic has meant that, for many of us, travel is now about exploring our own backyards in new and meaningful ways.

We’ve also never been more aware of the importance of the people who invite us into their communities and share their own travel experiences to inspire others.

We’re honoring storytellers, business and destinations in a variety of categories.

Our list shines a spotlight on the incredible people changing travel for the better - as well as destinations like Amman, Greece, the Faroe Islands and Kazakhstan.