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Here’s where Lonely Planet thinks you should travel in 2017

Get to Mount Taranaki quick. <i>Lonely Planet</i> just outed it as one of the best places to travel.

Get to Mount Taranaki quick. Lonely Planet just outed it as one of the best places to travel. Photo: Getty

Tourist bible Lonely Planet has announced its top 10 regions for travel in 2017 and you better book now because these little-known areas (for some) are about to get busy.

There is something for everyone on the list, from foodie destinations, to thrill-seeker escapes and quiet retreats.

We’ve compiled this gallery looking at the regions, ordered as ranked by Lonely Planet.

1. Choquequirao, Peru

You probably haven’t heard of most of the regions on this list, but we’re guessing you’ve never heard of Choquequirao. If you do know it, you’ll know it’s home to one of the most remote Inca ruins in the Peruvian Andes.

Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Regions 2017
Think of this place like Machu Pichu, but with a lot less tourists ... well maybe not anymore. Photo: Getty
The area is a 15th and 16th century Incan settlement. Photo: Getty
The city is a remarkable 3,000m above sea level. Photo: Getty
The city was also thought to be an administrative, social and political hub in the greater Incan Empire. Photo: Getty
The trek to the city is described as one of the hardest in Peru. Photo: Getty

2. Taranaki, New Zealand

In New Zealand, a land of seemingly endless natural wonders, Taranaki on the North Island stands out for the fact it is a less visited but just as rewarding destination.

Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Regions 2017
Taranaki is home to some breathtaking coastline rock formations. Photo: Getty
The countryside in Taranaki is typical New Zealand fare, lush and green. Photo: Getty
Mount Taranaki is an ominous and stunning volcano and is one of the most symmetrical volcano cones in the world. Photo: Getty
It’s pretty cold in Taranaki, so enjoy the water by staying out of it and fishing instead. Photo: Getty
The Len Lye Centre is the controversial art gallery in New Plymouth, Taranaki. Photo: Len Lye Centre

3. The Azores, Portugal

The mid-Atlantic archipelago is an autonomous region of Portugal, which comprises nine volcanic islands.

Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Regions 2017
The sunset pictured at the commanding cliffs of Mosteiros. Photo: Getty
Mount Pico is an ancient volcano on Pico Island that hasn’t erupted since 1720. Photo: Getty
Angra do Heroismo also known as Angra is home to the Portuguese version of bullfighting, and is a picturesque city to boot. Photo: Getty
A lake in the Ponta Delgada region of the Azores, situated on the largest and most populated island – Sao Miguel Island. Photo: Getty
This stunning lighthouse gives visitors amazing sea views. Photo: Getty

4. North Wales, UK

A rural area to the north of main cities Cardiff and Swansea, North Wales is a mysterious area filled with incredible mountains, valleys and coastal vistas.

Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Regions 2017
Ogwen Valley is home to many walks, hill climbs and camping opportunities. Photo: Getty
Wrexham’s Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal is a World Heritage Site, iron trough carrying canal high over Dee Valley. Photo: Getty
Garth Pier is in Bangor, Gwynedd, North Wales and it is the second-longest pier in Wales. It was opened on 14 May 1896. Photo: Getty
Another area of amazing mountains scenery and walks is the Cwm Ideal valley in Snowdonia National Park. Photo: Getty
Castell Dinas Brân is one of many medieval castle ruins in North Wales, an area with a rich history. Photo: Getty

5. South Australia, Australia

With wonderful food, wine and a hot climate, South Australia was judged to be “a delicious feast suitable to anyone’s taste”, by Lonely Planet.

Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Regions 2017
The Flinders Ranges 200km north of capital city Adelaide is a striking area to explore. Photo: Getty
South Australia’s beaches are magnificent, like this one called Almonta beach. Photo: Getty
The Barossa Valley is one of the world’s pre-eminent areas for quality wine. Photo: Getty
Kangaroo Island, off the mainland of South Australia, is one third protected nature reserve known for rock formations and a penguin colony. Photo: Getty
Adelaide is sometimes referred to as “The City of Churches”. Photo: Getty

6. Aysén, Chile

Aysén is a sparsely populated region in the south of Chile with vast glaciers, fjords and snow-capped mountains.

Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Regions 2017
The Amalia Glacier, also known as Skua Glacier in the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. Photo: Trip Advisor
Puerto Gaviota: a very remote fishing village in Aysen, Chile. Photo: Flickr
Chile’s largest lake, General Carrera Lake in Aysén. Photo: Chile Travel
The confluence of the Baker and Chacabuco rivers on the outskirts of Cochrane, in Chile's Aysen region. Photo: AAP
A horseback rider in the Cerro Castillo National Reserve in Aysén. Photo: Getty

7. The Tuamotus, French Polynesia

The Tuamotus or the Tuamotu Islands, are a French Polynesian chain of almost 80 islands and atolls to explore.

Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Regions 2017
Locals on Napuka Island in Tuamotus. Photo: Getty
The colourful Napuka Island, Tuamotus. Photo: Getty
By the sea in Avatoru village in Rangiroa atoll, Tuamotus archipelago,. Photo: Getty
The corals of Reefs Island in Tuamotus archipelago, French Polynesia. Photo: Getty
A desert beach in a Motu in Rangiroa atoll, Tuamotus, French Polynesia. Photo: Getty

8. Coastal Georgia, USA

Coastal Georgia is the state’s best-kept secret with sandy shores and a plethora of marshes.

Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Regions 2017
Sun setting over the coast of Georgia. Photo: Facebook
Wild horses in Kingsland, Georgia. Photo: Facebook
Tybee Island Lighthouse is located next to the Savannah River entrance, Georgia. Photo: Getty
A pier extends from a sandy beach near Savannah. Photo: Getty
Bench on the beach of Jekyll Island, Georgia. Photo: Getty

9. Perak, Malaysia

Perak is a state in the north-west of Peninsular Malaysia and is the fourth-largest state in the country.

Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Regions 2017
A shot of morning sunshine at Taman Tasik Taiping, Perak, Malaysia. Photo: Getty
Fisherman boat and stone during blue sky at Tanjung Piandang, Perak Malaysia. Photo: Getty
Reflections at Tasik Taiping Lake, Perak, Malaysia. Photo: Getty
A Malay village house made from forest materials, Perak, Malaysia. Photo: Getty
Water canal in a rice field in Perak, Malaysia. Photo: Getty

10. The Skellig Ring, Ireland

The Ring of Kerry traces the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula with a combination of ocean, islands, mountains, towns and villages.

Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Regions 2017
Sunset over Puffin island and the Skelligs on the Skellig Ring. Photo: Getty
Backpacking with a view in the Skellig Ring. Photo: Getty
The Ballinskelligs Priory in Skellig Ring. Photo: Getty
Overhead of farmhouse and valley with drystone walled fields, Skellig Ring, Ireland. Photo: Getty
Cliffs near Portmagee at the ring of Skellig. Photo: Getty
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