Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2014: Top 10 Must-Visit Countries
Discover Lonely Planet's top 10 countries for an extraordinary 2014. From hosting major events and unveiling new attractions to elevating traveler experiences, these destinations promise unforgettable adventures.
1. Brazil
All eyes on the pitch for 2014’s World Cup
A game of beach football in Rio. Image by Yasuhide Fumoto / The Image Bank / Getty Images.
Brazil boasts endless sun-kissed beaches, vibrant green rainforests crowning mountains, and picturesque colonial villages. In 2014, it hosts the FIFA World Cup, followed by the 2016 Summer Olympics, amid a thriving economy. Highlights include trekking Lençóis Maranhenses' windswept dunes with turquoise lagoons, touring Ouro Preto's historic churches, and diving into Bonito's crystal-clear rivers.
2. Antarctica
The adventure of a lifetime
A noisy gentoo penguin in Antarctica. Image by Ralf Hettler / E+ / Getty Images.
Antarctica captivates with majestic icebergs, calving glaciers, and untouched mountains. Watch penguins evade leopard seals and orcas amid swirling seabirds. 2014 marks the centenary of Ernest Shackleton’s epic expedition. Visit this pristine wilderness—home to no indigenous people—for an explorer's journey with modern comforts.
3. Scotland
An eventful year
The rugged scenery of Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands. Image by Stephen Weaver Photography / Flickr Open / Getty Images.
Glasgow hosts the 2014 Commonwealth Games after major upgrades: new venues, better transport, and regenerated harbors. The Year of Homecoming celebrates Scottish heritage, food, and whisky. Enjoy brass band festivals, castle orienteering, and Speyside Whisky Festival, amid the independence referendum debate.
4. Sweden
Food, culture, and Nordic allure
Summertime in Västra Götaland, Sweden. Image by Christer Fredriksson / Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images.
Stieg Larsson's thrillers introduced Sweden's stark beauty. In 2014, Umeå is European Capital of Culture. Stockholm leads in gourmet cuisine using local seafood, game, berries, and cheeses—perfect for food enthusiasts seeking authentic flavors at the source.
5. Malawi
The Big Five and serene beaches
Elephant marches through Majete Wildlife Reserve in Malawi. Image by John Warbuton-Lee / AWL Images / Getty Images.
From Blantyre, reach Majete Wildlife Reserve—now with Big Five status after anti-poaching success. Spot elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffalo crowd-free. Snorkel Lake Malawi's clear waters, hike Mt Mulanje's misty peaks, or explore Viphya Plateau's ancient landscapes.
6. Mexico
The sleeping giant awakens
Roadside fruit and vegetable stall in Oaxaca, Mexico. Image by Greg Elms / Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images.
Relax on Cancún beaches, savor Oaxaca's mole sauces, or explore Mayan temples. New Maya museums in Cancún and Mérida, plus Copper Canyon's ziplines, boost appeal. Mexicans feel optimistic—visit before crowds return.
7. Seychelles
Paradise made accessible
An idyllic spot on Anse Lazio beach on Praslin in the Seychelles. Image by Ruth Eastham & Max Paoli / Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images.
115 islands in the Indian Ocean offer luxury resorts, affordable guesthouses, and B&Bs. Cheaper flights enhance access. Beyond beaches: hike, dive, snorkel amid stunning scenery. Spot unique wildlife in this 'Galápagos of the Indian Ocean.'
8. Belgium
Europe's underrated gem shines
Historic buildings along the River Leie in Ghent, Belgium. Image by Allan Baxter / The Image Bank / Getty Images.
Charming cities like Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, and Brussels boast top museums, beer, chocolate, and frites. 2014's WWI centenary draws visitors to memorials amid medieval towns, Gothic art by Bruegel and Van Eyck, and serene countryside.
9. Macedonia
Balkan revival with ancient charm
Church on the shores of Lake Ohrid, Macedonia. Image by Keren Su / Photodisc / Getty Images.
Skopje's transformation completes in 2014, alongside trendy hostels, wine bars, and nightlife. Visit Lake Ohrid, Mavrovo, Stobi; emerging spots like Berovo spas, Kratovo's restored mansions, and Tikveš wineries.
10. Malaysia
A revitalized gateway to Asia
Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang, Malaysia. Image by MIXA / Getty Images.
Aiming for 28 million visitors, new attractions include Melaka's mega bird park, Legoland, and Hello Kitty Land. KLIA2 boosts budget travel. Explore Borneo adventures, cycle tours in Sabah and Penang, and Kuala Lumpur routes.
Plan your travels with Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2014, the definitive guide to the world's hottest destinations.
