Credits: Flickr/BoJay

Lonely Planet has compiled his Top 10 Countries list for 2013: I always find amusing to check whether or not I have picked a “Top destination” for my next travel plans…

In 2013, Asia wins the golden medal with Sri Lanka: a country that, according to Lonely Planet, has finally healed the scars of a civil war and is ready to welcome visitors again thanks to cheap connecting flights from Asian travel hubs Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.
Montenegro comes second: I have recently visited, and I definitely agree with the nomination. The quality of the tourist infrastructure and the affordable prices make for great adventure between mountains and seaside.
South Korea wins the bronze thanks to its great opportunities for hiking and exploring the great outdoors.

The list goes on and you may see for yourself.  Ecuador, Madagascar and Turkey are some of the other selected countries.
I was expecting to find Kyrgyzstan among the selected destinations: with the recent start of a visa-free regime for most nationalities, and having some of the most dramatic scenery in Central Asia, I kind of expected it to pop up in the list…

Do you agree with Lonely Planet? Can you recommend any other destination with a great potential for travel this year?