Lonely Planet’s Top Ten Regions for 2012

We continue our look at the popular travel guides recommendations for next year’s holidaymakers.

The Lonely Planet guide to the best places to visit next year has thrown up several top ten lists, detailing some popular – and more offbeat – destinations for cheap holidays. Here’s the top ten list of Top 10 Regions 2012:

Coastal Wales, UK: You may think you know this part of Britain, but there is much to find out. Exploring the hidden delights of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion rivals anything to be found in the wider world, Lonely Planet believes.

La Ruta Maya, Central America: Travel the ‘Maya Route’ through the nations of Guatemala, Mexico, Belize, Yucatan and Honduras and discover about the fascinating Mayan civilisation while visiting incredible Maya ruins and absorbing the cultures of several different countries.

Northern Kenya, Kenya: At first glance more dry and barren than the lush central Kenyan Highlands, this region offers unique attractions, such as Samburu National Park, Lake Turkana and Marsabit National Park.

Arunachal Pradesh, India: Located in the far northeast of the country, cheap holidays in Arunachal Pradesh can focus on visits to archeological and religious sites, such as Malinithan and the 400-year-old Tawang Monastery, or areas of natural beauty, such as Ganga Lake or its snow-capped mountain peaks.

Hvar, Croatia: This island lies in the Adriatic Sea off the Dalmatian coast and consistently makes the list of top 10 islands in Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Its mild winters, and warm summers, plus its great hotels, restaurants, historical town centres and natural beauty, make it a great holiday choice.

Sicily, Italy: Another popular island retreat, cheap holidays in Sicily can revolve around relaxing on the beach or outside one of its laid-back bars, or heading into the hills to check out its many Greek and Roman remains.

Maritime Provinces, eastern Canada: With rugged coastlines and beautiful scenery, visitors can take advantage of a range of adventure travel options, from sea kayaking to hiking and bike touring, as well as watching the vast array of local sea wildlife.

Queenstown and Southern Lakes, New Zealand: “Where else can you ski in the morning and golf or water-ski in the afternoon?” asks Lonely Planet. “Add excellent wineries and superb restaurants, and what more is there to say?” Indeed.

Borneo, Indonesia: Most famous for its orang-utans, tours to see these amazing creatures are a must for the visitor to Borneo. Other activities include jungle trekking, cycling and off-road mountain biking.

Poitou-Charentes, France: This region of western France boasts a mild climate and “Green Venice” – an area of slow moving rivers and channels, woods and fields, where boating and kayaking can be had, as well as angling, rambling and riding.