Lonely Planet's Best in Travel

When I think of travel, I think of Lonely Planet. I think of being a timid 17-year-old who had never really gone anywhere, about to embark on a journey to Thailand with my high school sweetheart. My overwhelmed nerves, at times, absolutely overshadowed my excitement, but the promise of adventure, new experiences, and delicious food highlighted in the destinations in my trusty LP guidebook made the fear worth it. After all, Lonely Planet’s been making said books since 1973. They know their stuff.

Fast-forward many years, and here I am, still traveling the world {on my own, or with the aforementioned high school sweetheart}, still counting on the advice of Lonely Planet. Well, at least I was, until March of this year.

As the pandemic hit, world travel came to a halt. Yes, it’s been disheartening to not be able to travel, but this year has been absolutely devastating to the tourism industry and those whose livelihoods depend on it.

Greece: © Hande Guleryuz Yuce / Getty Images

At the same time, this year has seen such a powerful movement toward social justice and equality, which brings us to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2021 list. This annual lineup is typically a destination-focused bucket list, but this year, they’re championing individuals and destinations that encourage travelers to explore sustainably while embracing community and inclusivity. The list itself has changed in alignment with the way travel is changing.

“Travel is a much more considerate exercise in 2021 than it has been ever before,” says Lonely Planet CEO, Luis Cabrera. “With travelers cautiously re-engaging with the world and focused on ensuring their impact is safe and positive for host communities, we have decided to highlight destinations and individuals that truly enable visitors to have transformative experiences and make genuine contributions.”

Victoria, Australia: © Catherine Sutherland / Lonely Planet

So now, as a vaccine {or, hopefully, vaccines} is on the horizon, and people continue to respect the process of handling this pandemic {wear your GD mask, people}, it’s only natural to begin dreaming of travel. It’s time to make our adventures about the experience itself: the culture, the food, the local people – it’s all about authenticity. Now, travel means moving past finding the perfect Instagram moment, the photos you take, and how others see your travels. It’s about embracing the moments themselves and appreciating what your experience means to you and to those you meet.

Lonely Planet’s Best of Travel list is the perfect place to start imagining what travel looks like in the coming year, and how we, as travelers, will not only take part, but make our mark. After all, this pandemic hasn’t only kept us from seeing our family and friends, it’s isolated us from the world community; a community that affects, educates, and drives us – whether we realize it or not.

Amman Theater: © Yulia Denisyuk / Lonely Planet

So, need a little inspiration? Here are a few of the highlights of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel list for 2021:

SUSTAINABILITY: Discover the remarkable people and places transforming travel and making the world a better place – for now and future generations.

Le Vie di Dante {Roads of Dante}
Palau
Greece

Le Vie di Dante: © Andrea Avanzi / Shutterstock

“Travel is a much more considerate exercise in 2021 than it has been ever before... With travelers cautiously re-engaging with the world and focused on ensuring their impact is safe and positive for host communities, we have decided to highlight destinations and individuals that truly enable visitors to have transformative experiences and make genuine contributions.”

— Lonely Planet CEO, Luis Cabrera