The top countries you need to visit in 2019

The best countries to visit in 2019 have been revealed by the travel experts at Lonely Planet.

The Lonely Planet’s Best In Travel guide, which is published annually since its origination in 2015, lists the finest cities, regions and countries for tourists.

If you’re already experiencing wanderlust and thinking about how to use up your annual leave next year, its best countries guide will certainly whet your appetite.

Countries ranking in the top 10 include everything from European highlights (Belarus, Germany) to far flung Panama and Belize.

The South Asian island of Sri Lanka – known for its ancient ruins and pretty beaches – tops the list.

Also on the list is the country of Jordan, which is home to the archaeological site of Petra – also known as ‘The Rose City’ for its pink sandstone cliffs.

If you’re firmly on the lookout for your next adventure, click through the slideshow to see which countries made the cut – and why you should book to go there next year.

Don’t be put off by the name – which is as hard to pronounce as it is to spell – Kyrgzstan is a beautiful country in Central Asia known for its unspoilt natural beauty. [Photo: Getty]

Despite recent natural disasters, the bulk of Indonesia is still safe for travellers. Made up of over 17,000 volcanic islands, this country is known for its jungles filled with orangutans, Komodo dragons and elephants. Its capital, Jakarta, is also a site for traditional puppetry. [Photo: Getty]

Belarus is known for its capital city, Minsk, which was remodelled to please Stalin’s tastes. The country, which includes everything from Neo-Romanesque churches to primeval forests, will surprise you with its increasingly modern attitude, polite locals and vibrant art scene. [Photo: Getty]

São Tomé and Príncipe is an African country made up of two islands. Lonely Planet ranks this area – the smallest Portuguese speaking country in the world – among its top 10 for its verdant jungles, tropical waters and scenic landscapes.

Sneaking into the top 10 is Belize, an island on the eastern coast of Central America. Belize is worth travelling to the Mayan Ruins and massive Belize Barrier Reef, not to mention its incredible Blue Hole, a astoundingly beautiful sinkhole located in the middle of the ocean. [Photo: Getty]

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