Washington D.C. is the Top Travel City for 2015? Lonely Planet Ranks Top Travel Spots

washington d.c.
washington d.c.

There’s lots going on in Washington, D.C., in 2015, and that’s why it’s the top city to visit. (Photo: Richard Nowitz/Getty)

Lonely Planet announced its top travel picks for 2015, with Washington, D.C., being named the top city in the world to visit next year.

Also getting top marks were Singapore as the No. 1 country to visit next year, Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula as the best region, and Tunisia as the best value in the world.

Lonely Planet announced the results with the release of its annual Best in Travel 2015 guidebook. What determines whether a destination makes the top 10? Lonely Planet Editorial Director Tom Hall told Yahoo Travel it’s an “x factor,” elements ranging from trends to experiences, which make a location stand out from the rest.

As for Washington, D.C., being the top city, Hall says, “Though it’s a well-known destination, 2015 will bring an opportunity for travelers to see Washington from a different standpoint.” Indeed, 2015 marks the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s assassination, bringing with it several commemorative events. Among them is the recreation of Lincoln’s funeral train as it undertakes the route traveled from Washington to Springfield, Ill. Additionally, Ford’s Theatre has a yearlong program devoted to the legacy of the United States’ 16th president, Ford’s 150: Remembering the Lincoln Assassination.

washington d.c.
washington d.c.

The Lincoln Memorial will get extra attention with the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s assassination. (Photo: Thinkstock)

Also, hockey fans will be descending upon Washington on New Year’s Day. The NHL Winter Classic takes place at the Nationals Park outdoor arena, where the Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals will face off.

Related: Smackdown: Washington, D.C. vs Baltimore

Beyond Washington’s outstanding dining, hip neighborhoods, and thriving social scene, Hall sees another draw for the U.S. capital. “The whole world has gone House of Cards crazy,” he says referring to the Netflix series. “Travelers want to see the sites featured in the show.”

Following in Washington’s wake for the top 10 cities:

2. El Chaltén, Argentina

3. Milan, Italy

4. Zermatt, Switzerland

zermatt switzerland
zermatt switzerland

Save your legs and hop on the mountain railway near Zermatt’s iconic Matterhorn (Photo: Getty Images)

5. Valletta, Malta

6. Plovdiv, Bulgaria

7. Salisbury, England

8. Vienna, Austria

9. Chennai, India

10. Toronto, Canada

Of the yearly process in picking out the winners, Hall says, “Our experts in the field and offices send in their suggestions for the Best in Travel lists. Lonely Planet co-founder Tony Wheeler and I go through and score destinations against a number of agreed-upon criteria.”

singapore
singapore

Chinese New Year lanterns at Marina Bay in Singapore. (Photo: wsboon images)

Getting the nod for top country in 2015 is Singapore. “As a modern destination, Singapore is hard to beat,” says Hall. “It’s an exciting place to visit both for people who know it well and those who haven’t been there before.” Making 2015 a standout year to visit Singapore is the city-state marking its 50th birthday, or celebration of independence.

Welcoming visitors right off the bat is Singapore’s Changi International Airport, which Hall says regularly ranks as one of the world’s premier airports. Another inducement to visit: “Singapore is developing at such a fast pace, there are many new openings to catch, including myriad hotels in the Marina Bay area.”

Rounding out the top 10 countries:

2. Namibia

3. Lithuania

4. Nicaragua

5. Ireland

6. Republic of Congo

7. Serbia

8. The Philippines

9. St. Lucia

10. Morocco

Grabbing highest honors for best region is Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula. Hall credits the area’s international spirit as a lure for travelers from around the globe. “Over the years, Anzac Day has become a focal point of commemoration,” he says. “This World War I event took place on April 25, 1915, when many soldiers from Australia and New Zealand lost their lives trying to storm a particular part of the peninsula.” Hall foresees a surge in annual Anzac Day pilgrimages due to the campaign’s 100th anniversary.

gallipoli
gallipoli

The ANZAC cemeteries in Gallipoli offer visitors a beautiful setting for the remembrance of fallen soldiers. (Photo: Lebazele/Getty)

The Gallipoli Peninsula is also touted for its rich history, including its close proximity to the ancient city of Troy. Appealing, too, is the opening of Troy Archeological Park’s new museum mid-2015. Not to be left out is the appeal of Gallipoli Peninsula’s highways, byways, and back roads. “This part of Western Turkey is emerging as one of Europe’s essential road trips,” says Hall.


Related: WATCH: Wreck Diving for Beginners in Turkey

The other top 10 regions:

2. Rocky Mountain National Park, USA

3. Toledo District, Belize

4. Tasmania, Australia

5. Northern Norway

6. Khumbu, Nepal

7. Copper Canyon, Mexico

8. Flores, Indonesia

9. Atacama Desert, Chile

10. Macau, China

A category that Hall says resonates with Lonely Planet readers is best-value destinations. “People still want to travel, even when circumstances are difficult. Tunisia’s economy has recovered, but prices remain low, creating a renewed appreciation for the country.”

image

Camel caravan in the Sahara Desert of Tunisia. (Photo: Niko Guido/Vetta/Getty Images)

Star Wars is another reason Tunisia pulled in Lonely Planet’s Best Value Destination. Says Hall, “It has a huge number of attractions in a compact area, including parts of the Sahara where the original Star Wars was filmed.” History buffs make a beeline for the Roman and ancient ruins found in the north of the country. And, considered one of the Mediterranean’s best values, Tunisia’s beaches receive top marks.

The rest of the top 10 best-value destinations:

2. South Africa

3. Shanghai

4. Samoa

5. Bali

6. Uruguay

7. Portugal

8. Taiwan

9. Romania

10. Burkina Faso

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