10 Spectacular Countries You Absolutely Must Visit
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For over a decade, travel buffs have relied on Lonely Planet's annual Best in Travel guides to broaden their horizons and inspire wanderlust — and now we've finally gotten our hands on the list for this year. So if you're wondering where in the world to wander next, let these ideas inspire you. Here are the top 10 picks for the must-see countries of 2016.
Fiji
Lonely Planet cites Fiji's gorgeous beaches, relaxing resorts, and perfect environment for water sports as reasons for its No. 10 spot on the list.
Greenland
"Greenland has the world's lowest population density," notes the publication, but it adds that the country's gorgeous sights (such as the aurora borealis, local whale population, and glaciers) and vibrant culture make up for its lack of residents.
Uruguay
Noted as "the Switzerland of America," Uruguay boasts beaches, nightlife, and an intriguing mix of cultures that would make for an exciting vacation.
Poland
"Recession-defying Poland has superpowers — while the rest of Europe descended into the doldrums, visitor numbers here climbed and there's no end to the boom in sight," Lonely Planet explains of the resilient European nation.
Australia
Familiar Australian sights like the Sydney Opera House and Great Barrier Reef are always a draw for tourists, but according to Lonely Planet, the newfound strength of the US dollar in the country makes it an even more ideal travel destination.
Latvia
Rich culture, impressive architecture, and a rising spot on the list of top European culinary locations prove that Latvia's small size doesn't reflect its travel appeal.
Palau
"Palau is unquestionably one of the most magical diving and snorkelling destinations in the world — and it's fighting to stay that way," writes Lonely Planet, adding: "This far-flung Pacific archipelago has turned 100 percent of its marine territory into a sanctuary." BRB, grabbing our flippers!
USA
There are so many reasons to travel the United States, but Lonely Planet cites the broad array of national parks as the country's biggest perk.
Japan
As Japan prepares to host the 2020 Olympics, it continues to evolve as a tech and cultural capital while also remaining deeply rooted in its ancient culture.
Botswana
Lonely Planet describes the feeling you experience when visiting Botswana as "slack-jawed-with-awe syndrome," and 2016 is the perfect time to visit because the nation is celebrating its 50-year anniversary of independence.