In the blink of an eye, 2017 is just days away. Have you prepared your travel plans for the new year? If you're still making plans, why not take a look at Lonely Planet’s 2017 Top 10 Countries to Visit? You might find some fresh inspiration.
1) Canada
Photo by finch
Canada is a Commonwealth realm with Ottawa as its capital, operating under a constitutional monarchy. It was formerly a British colony in North America. In addition, it boasts a diverse range of landscapes—Calgary, Banff, Sulphur Mountain, Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Yellowknife, and Vancouver are all popular destinations among travelers. Among them, Yellowknife is especially famous as a prime spot for viewing the Northern Lights every year.
2) Colombia
Photo by Nick Harris
Colombia is located in the northwest of South America, bordering Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador. It was once a Spanish colony, and many of its historic structures built in the 16th and 17th centuries, such as universities, museums, observatories, and churches, remain well-preserved to this day, offering a unique charm.
3) Finland
Photo by knights1256
Finland is a member of the European Union with Helsinki as its capital. Along with Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, it is known as a Scandinavian country due to its shared historical, cultural, and geographical ties. Finland is world-renowned not only for its location within the Arctic Circle, making it a great place to view the Northern Lights, but also for its electronics industry and mobile phone brands. The Santa Claus Village in northern Finland is also a favorite destination among tourists from around the globe.
4) Dominican Republic
Perhaps a less familiar name to many, Dominica is located in the Caribbean Sea with several small islands and sandbars offshore. It features breathtaking mountain peaks, lush rainforests, and colonial-era relics, all blending together into picturesque scenery.
5) Nepal
Photo by ka_wai_12345
Nepal, located between China and India, borders Tibet's Himalayas to the north and is adjacent to India, thus being deeply influenced by Tibetan and Indian cultures. The country is home to eight peaks exceeding 8,000 meters in height, making it a popular destination for mountaineers.
6) Bermuda
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Bermuda is situated at the northernmost tip of the Caribbean Sea and has nearly 20 beaches and bays. Its iconic pink-sand beaches are particularly famous, and there are also nearly 100 historic forts, creating a distinctive landscape.
7) Mongolia
Photo by alcaline_ca
Mongolia boasts vast grasslands and endless herds of cattle and sheep, but its rural scenery is equally spectacular. Among them, Mongolia’s Lake Khövsgöl is known as the “Blue Pearl of Asia.”
8) Oman
Photo by B .Y
Oman is one of the oldest countries on the Arabian Peninsula, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman along the Strait of Hormuz. It is also one of the oldest countries on the peninsula and boasts a rich cultural heritage. Notably, holders of a Hong Kong SAR passport or BNO passport can enter visa-free. Additionally, Oman will inaugurate a large theme park in 2017!
9) Myanmar
Photo by runawaywhen25
Myanmar is located in the western part of the Indochinese Peninsula. This country has a long history, with human habitation dating back 5,000 years. Over the past millennium, Myanmar has been ruled by various dynasties. In more recent times, it transitioned from military rule to a constitutional political system, a change that occurred only in recent years. As a result, Myanmar is gradually opening up to the outside world.
10) Ethiopia
Ethiopia is located in the northeastern part of Africa. Formerly known as Abyssinia, it is one of Africa’s ancient civilizations and one of the oldest Christian nations in the world. The country features both plains and mountains, with its highest peak reaching an elevation of 4,620 meters, earning it the nickname “the Roof of Africa.” It claims to have “13 months of sunshine,” enjoying abundant sunlight throughout the year.
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