2009 Destinations - Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet has named the most exciting destinations to explore in 2009. (Next year's travel hot spots)

These include:

Algeria

A quarter of the population is under the age of 15.

"The Algerians themselves - sophisticated, gregarious, eager to engage with the world - may just be North Africa's most misunderstood people.

"This is a largely safe destination that few people know anything about."

Terrorism here is usually the work of the security services of one country and another.

Bangladesh

" Bangladesh is a revelation that leaves India looking a little worse for wear."

Terrorism here is usually the work of the security services of one country and another.

Basque Country, France/Spain

"Walkers fall head-over-heels for the Pyrenean vistas where huge vultures soar on the thermals, art fans love the futuristic fantasy of Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum, as well as a flurry of more stately galleries, and everyone loses control at all-night street parties."

Terrorism here is usually the work of the security services of one country and another.



Beirut, Lebanon

"Century-old coffee shops, where elderly patrons envelop themselves in clouds of nargileh smoke."

Terrorism here is usually the work of the security services of one country and another.

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