The hottest destinations in the world to visit in 2015 have been announced by travel publisher Lonely Planet.
The company's Best of Travel 2015 defines the regions, cities, countries and best-value destinations to visit next year.
Making a surprise number one entry for best country is the Australian traveller's favourite stopover destination, Singapore. Why? Because Singapore is celebrating its Golden Jubilee, or 50 years of independence, and they're partying in style. Beside the smattering of attractions they already possess, such as designer hotels and a burgeoning fashion and dining scene, new developments are expected to be ushered in, as well as improving their already award-winning Changi airport.
Voted as the number one city to visit in 2015, Washington DC is not merely the capital of the USA, but it's also a most capital place to visit museums and monuments in the world, according to Lonely Planet, with the Smithsonian Institution being a top draw. This year the city is set to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's assassination; but if that doesn't float your boat, then Lonely Planet recommends checking out its reinvented urban landscapes, vibrant bar scene or its renowned ethnic eats. (See Traveller's own 20 reasons to visit Washington DC)
Those on a budget should looking towards the African continent, where the best bargains can be had in South Africa and Tunisia, the latter ranked the world's best value destination as the compact North African country lures travellers back to the once-troubled nation.
Australia's only gong went to Tasmania, ranked fourth-best region, well behind the winning Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey.
A spokesperson from Lonely Planet explains Tassie's selection; "Modern Tasmania has adopted a fresh, hip and inclusive attitude sparked by the brilliant revival of its now super-cool waterfront capital, Hobart, and the development of an eclectic year-long events calendar".
But Zeiher warns the diversity of offerings on Tasmania's plate may require multiple helpings.
Lonely Planet's lists are compiled from hundreds of ideas are submitted by Lonely Planet's staff, authors, bloggers, travellers and tweeters which are then refined by a panel of in-house travel experts based on topicality, excitement, value and that special x-factor.
The top 10 places are chosen for their merits and the unique experiences they may offer travellers.
The Top 10 Countries to visit in 2015:
Singapore
Namibia
Lithuania
Nicaragua
Ireland
Republic of Congo
Serbia
The Philippines
St Lucia
Morocco
The Top 10 Cities to visit in 2015:
Washington DC
El Chaltén, Argentina
Milan, Italy
Zermatt, Switzerland
Valletta, Malta
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Salisbury, UK
Vienna, Austria
Chennai, India
Toronto, Canada
The Top 10 Regions 2015 are:
Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey
Rocky Mountain National Park, USA
The Toledo District, Belize
Tasmania, Australia
Northern Norway
Khumbu, Nepal
Copper Canyon, Mexico
Flores, Indonesia
Atacama Desert, Chile
Macau, China
The Top 10 Best-Value Destinations for 2015:
Tunisia
South Africa
Shanghai
Samoa
Bali
Uruguay
Portugal
Taiwan
Romania
Burkina Faso
Best in Travel 2015 is out now.
Where will you be travelling in 2015? Post your comments below.
