Lonely Planet, the largest travel guide book publisher in the world, ranked the best “value destinations” for 2016 and Estonia earned the top spot.
“Bagging a good deal on the road can be almost as thrilling as the trip itself, no matter what your travel budget,” the publication’s Editorial Director Tom Hall said, introducing the list.
“If you’ve just got off the ferry from Stockholm or Helsinki then Estonia can feel like the promised land. Why? That chunk of change in your pocket you’ve had since last leaving the eurozone will buy you a round of drinks. Upsizing from a hostel to hotel might seem like a good – and affordable – idea. Best of all, what you get in exchange for your hard-earned cash is experiencing a gloriously distinctive slice of Europe, where Eastern and Nordic influences mix together,” Hall said.
Lonely Planet added that beyond the “irresistible” capital of Tallinn there are little-known Baltic islands and the seashore and forest delights of Lahemaa National Park, which holds the distinction of being the first national park in the old Soviet Union.
Lonely Planet was founded by British-Australian couple Maureen and Tony Wheeler in 1972, but is now owned by American billionaire Brad Kelley. It is the largest travel publisher in the world, with offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and India.
Lonely Planet’s best value destinations for 2016
1. Estonia
2. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Vietnam
3. East Africa
4. New Mexico
5. Bosnia and Hercegovina
6. Galicia, Spain
7. Québec City, Canada
8. Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast
9. Timor-Leste
10. Western Australia
