'Old English' area with 'fabulous seaside' is only UK destination on world's best travel list
A picturesque part of England with vast, open countryside, quaint seaside towns and miles of sandy beaches has been named as one of the best travel destinations on the planet.
East Anglia was the only region in the UK to be named in the Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025 list. The global travel guide has revealed its 'hotlist' of trending destinations for next year, which includes the must-visit holiday destinations from across the world, spanning from Australia to the US, Thailand, Italy and Japan.
For its 15th Best in Travel edition, which is also available as a hardback book, Lonely Planet experts and contributors from around the world decided on their top 30 cities, countries and regions, with each category featuring 10 destinations to help tourists decide on the location of their next trip. The list includes some lesser-known gems chosen for their topicality, unique experiences, 'wow factor' and ongoing commitment to sustainability, community and diversity.
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All destinations offer amazing experiences all-year round and Lonely Planet has encouraged travellers to seek out ways to ensure the most positive impact on the local community, for example by visiting outside of the peak season.
Lonely Planet's picks for 2025 include Toulouse, named the top city to visit for its fast-expanding art scene and carefree riverside wandering. The Bulgarian mountain city of Bansko also made the top 10, known as one of the best value ski destinations in Europe and home to a perfectly-preserved UNESCO old town.
The West African nation of Cameroon tops the best country list and was praised for its pristine beaches, less crowded national parks and exciting nightlife in its major cities. The great value and culturally rich Lithuania was also shortlisted, thanks to its captivating medieval cities, pine forests, lakes and untouched Baltic sand dune beaches.
Meanwhile, the UK region of East Anglia made the regional category. Comprising the counties of Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire, the area has been celebrated for offering a 'true taste of old England', combined with beautiful nature reserves perfect for birding such as Minsmere and Cley Marshes. Its lively coastal beach towns and picturesque inland waterways also contributed.
Patricia Yates, chief executive of Visit Britain and Visit England, said: "It is fantastic to see East Anglia take its place on the global stage as one of Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025 top regions. And it's no surprise with the area boasting an outstanding coastline, fabulous seaside towns, historic attractions, waterways and breathtaking countryside.
"This accolade will encourage domestic and international visitors to explore more of the region and discover the warm welcome that awaits them."
See below for the complete lists of the top 30 cities, countries and regions chosen by Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025 guide.
The top 10 best cities
Toulouse, France
Pondicherry, India
Bansko, Bulgaria
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Genoa, Italy
Pittsburgh, USA
Osaka, Japan
Curitiba, Brazil
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Edmonton, Canada
Top 10 best countries
Cameroon
Lithuania
Fiji
Laos
Kazakhstan
Paraguay
Trinidad & Tobago
Vanuatu
Slovakia
Armenia
Top 10 best regions
South Carolina's Low Country and Coastal Georgia, USA
The Terai, Nepal
Chiriqui, Panama
Launceston and the Tamar Valley, Australia
Valais, Switzerland
Giresun & Ordu, Turkiye
Bavaria, Germany
East Anglia, England
Jordan Trail
Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge region, Oregon, USA