The pristine beaches, national parks and exciting urban nightlife of Cameroon. A booming artistic scene, without forgetting an unforgettable walk along the Garonne, a Toulouse. And finally a long road trip in the region Lowcountry South Carolina and on the coast of Georgia of the United States, with its warm atmosphere, vibrant culinary scene and recently reopened African-American Museum.
Here are the destinations chosen for 2025 by the experts of Lonely planet, the trips that lead the three annual rankings of The best of travelthe best-selling guide in the world revealed this morning by the Australian publishing house founded more than 50 years ago by Tony Wheeler and his wife Moors. In addition to “where to go”, this year Best in Travel also offers “what to do” in the chapter dedicated to the trends that inspire travel and which see among the protagonists train transfers, “take it easy” holidays, music or in the name of bird watching and often little-known markets.
But there is also Italy, with fifth place Genoa in the city rankings, thanks to its historical charm, delicious cuisine and the “electric” future that is arriving with new sustainable means of transport. “Like any port city, Genoa is a world in itself – suggest the editors of Lonely Planet – The powerful vitality of the Ligurian capital is contained in its jagged and impervious coast. Those who know Genoa protect it jealously, fearing that with notoriety it will lose part of its charm. But a city capable of building a powerful fleet, accumulating untold wealth, and turning basil into pesto deserves the greatest admiration. And, if you don’t know it yet, it deserves a place on the list of places to discover.”
Not to be missed of course Levant waterfront a zero-impact residential and commercial project carried out by the famous architect Renzo Piano, the famous alleys of the historic center and an already iconic aquarium. “Genoa is a city that knows how to mix history and innovation, ideal for travelers looking for an authentic and meaningful experience,” he emphasizes. Angelo Pittro, director of Lonely Planet Italy.
Among the countries therefore, Cameroon wins, celebrating the 65th anniversary of its independence in 2025. A country on the move with fairytale natural landscapes, from dark beaches to the highest mountains in South Africa. West, from exuberant cities to vast uncontaminated areas. On the podium there Lithuania and the Fiji Islandsbut among the recommended destinations there are also the Laoshe Kazakhstan and even a little-known archipelago of 83 islands in the South Pacific, Vanuatubetween magic, mysticism and kastom, or traditional culture.
In the top ten cities, behind Toulouse they find space Pondicherry in Indian, Bansko in Bulgaria, Chiang Mai in Thailand and, as mentioned, our Genoa. The regional ranking, behind the two American destinations in South Carolina and Georgia, sees Terai in Nepal, Chiriquí a Panama, Launceston e Tamar Valley in Australia and Canton of Valais in Switzerland.
“Our guide is a celebration of the world in all its beauty and diversity – he explains. Nitya Chambers, executive director of Lonely Planet. We are proud to share with our readers the extraordinary destinations and experiences we have discovered on the ground.”
“Those who travel for the simple pleasure of doing so are very lucky – he adds. Tom Hall, who edited the volume – The collection of ideas and suggestions took place against a backdrop of instability and old and new conflicts in many parts of the world. Unfortunately, there are still too many countries that Lonely cannot safely address or recommend visiting and where, above all, travel is a one-way escape route for the innocent people who live there. »
Ranking Best in Travel 2025
Top 10 countries
1) Cameroon
2) Lithuania
3) Fiji
4) Laos
5) Kazakhstan
6) Paraguay
7) Trinidad and Tobago
8) Vanuatu
9) Slovakia
10) Armenia
Top 10 cities
1) Toulouse, France
2) Padicherry, India
3) Bansko, Bulgaria
4) Chiang Mai, Thailand
5) Genoa, Italy
6) Pittsburgh, United States
7) Osaka, Japan
8) Curitiba, Brazil
9) Palma, Spain
10) Edmonton, Canada
Top 10 regions
1) LowCountry and Coast Georgia, United States
2) Terai, Nepal
3) Chiriquí, Panama
4) Lounceston and Tamar Valley, Australia
5) Canton of Valais, Switzerland
6) Giresun and Ordu, Türkiye
7) Bavaria, Germany
8) East Anglia, England
9) Joprdan Trail, Jordan
10) MNount Hood and Columbia River Gorge, United States
Top 10 trends
1) Travel by train
2) Take it easy
3) To the rhythm of the music
4) The star of bird watching
5) Extraordinary markets
6) Drag into the scene
7) Fewer people at the park
8) Local flavors
9) Adventures among the trees
10) Beach paradises