Canada tops Lonely Planet’s hot spots for 2017, but there are a few surprises in store
Guide book gurus place NORTH WALES among dream destinations for next year
WHITE sandy beaches, densely wooded mountains and a mysterious foreign language – such are the ingredients of an exotic dream holiday.
So no wonder North Wales appears the Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel list for 2017.
The guidebook gurus have published their annual list of the world’s hottest trends, destinations and experiences for the year ahead.
Canada receives the accolade of number one country to visit, followed by Colombia, Finland, Dominica and Nepal.
Bordeaux in France tops the cities list, beating Cape Town and Los Angeles. But windswept Wales – specifically the northern bit - got a top five placing as one of the world’s best regions.
It is the UK’s sole representative in the 208-page book, and we say it fully deserves its place.
From the grandeur of the Snowdonia National Park to the sublime beaches of Black Rock Sands or Barmouth, or the jaunty seaside flair of Llandudno, it is heaven for fans of the great outdoors.
It is no stranger to travel accolades either.
In 2013, Lauriston Court B&B in Llandudno was voted the best in the world for service by users of TripAdvisor.
But how does Lonely Planet choose their, er, chosen few for the guide?
They say it could be a special event planned for the year ahead or a recent development that offers travellers new things to see or do.
It is hard to argue with any of the choices. Canada is much more than a wilderness paradise – cosmopolitan cities such as Vancouver and Montreal are a counterpoint to the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
And there is more to Bordeaux than wine – although that is a good place to start.
"Coming up with our Best in Travel list each year is a considered process, says Lonely Planet Editorial Director Tom Hall. “We invite our authors and staff to nominate destinations and consult with readers, asking them why each place is worth visiting in the coming year.
“Then we select a shortlist of the most appealing, interesting and diverse places.
“The final list is decided by a panel of in-house experts, including our co-founder, Tony Wheeler."
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The Best in Travel 2017 is £9.99 at .
Get B&B at Lauriston Court in Llandudno from £62 per night; see