Lonely Planet has 'reimagined' its Best in Travel picks for 2021, reflecting how the world and attitudes to travel have changed.
For 2021, Lonely Planet is looking ahead to the future of travel, recognising not only places, but also people and communities who are transforming the travel industry.
Its Best in Travel 2021 list has selected inspirational people, destinations and tourism projects that highlight sustainable practices and regenerating local communities
Highlights include:
Invisible Cities, UK
A social enterprise offering Homeless people the opportunity to become a tour guide in their own city.
The 'alternative walks' offer unique local perspectives in Edinburgh, Glasgow, York and Manchester.
The Nature Conservancy Australia
A year on from the devastating bush fires, the country has been recognised for the amazing community restoration work. Including the coordinated effort from The Nature Conservancy Australia, to help the rainforests, coasts and wildlife rise from the ashes.
Best LGBTQ+ Storytellers : A Couple of Men
A Couple of Men share insight on LGBTIQ-friendly travel destinations with the aim to inspire and motivate travellers.
www.coupleofmen.com
Best City Stay : Gothenburg, Sweden
Topping the Global Destinations Sustainability Index, the city has introduced a range of progressive and measurable solutions to achieve fossil-independence by 2030.
Best islands : Palau, Pacific Ocean.
Palau is a country in the western Pacific Ocean comprising some 340 coral and volcanic islands.
Progressive policies and protective measures have put the pristine archipelago at the vanguard of environmental sustainability.
Best Accommodation : Grootberg Lodge, Etendeka Plateau, Namibia
A luxury, low-impact, lodge helping to preserve lion and black rhino populations through community empowerment.
Best Cycling : Virginia Mountain Bike Trail
A 500-mile trail across the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Trail offer a low-impact way for bike-packers.
www.vabike.org/the-virginia-mountain-bike-trail
Best Food Destination : Greece
Organic produce markets and island seafood makes it an unintentional leader of the world's most sustainable food.
Best Train Journey : Rocky Mountaineer
This slow-travel option has reduced its Co2 emissions by 18 tonnes per year, increased onboard recycling and introduced initiatives to protect of local wildlife.
Best Emerging Destination : Antigua & Barbuda
The islands are on the front line of climate change impact.
They have banned single-use plastics and styrofoam and established a 'Green Corridor' of environmentally friendly businesses.
Best Conservation Programme : Rwanda
The International Gorilla Conservation Programme has brought back the wild mountain Gorilla population back from the brink of extinction.
Best Walks : Le Vie di Dante, Italy (Roads of Dante)
A 245-mile network of trails that can be taken on by foot or bike (see A Reason to write about)
Best Storyteller : Soraya Abdel-Hadi
The Soraya.earth blog and social media channels combine a love of travel with a desire to protect the Earth.
Best Tourism Project : The Burren Eco Tourism Network, Co Clare, Ireland
Bringing over 60 enterprises together to become a global leader for sustainable tourism.
www.burren.ie/about-burren-ecotourism/
Best Storyteller : Hesham Moadamani.
Berlin based tour guide for Refugee Voices Tours uses his personal experience of fleeing the Syrian civil war.
Best Inclusive Tours : Wheel the World, California, USA
A travel company that empowers people with disabilities to enjoy travel experiences in over 30 destinations, in 15 countries.