Lonely Planet, a print and online travel publication providing reviews of destinations, hotels, travel companies and travel gear manufacturers, released its ultimate list of 500 travel destinations around the world. Check out the top five destinations that made the list.
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Temples of Angkor, Cambodia.Â
Widely recognized as the heart and soul of Cambodia, Temples of Angkor was voted as the #1 site in the world. The UNESCO World Heritage site consists of more than 1,000 temples, shrines, and tombs.
Best time to visit: Angkor is hot and sticky throughout the year, but the peak season is November to February, when the weather is dry and temperatures are coolest (25-30°C).
Queensland & the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
UNESCO world heritage site containing the world’s largest collection of reefs, with 400 types of coral and 1500 species of fish, including 30 kinds of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, six species of sea turtles, and 17 kinds of sea snake.
Best time to visit: June to November, when the weather is mild and visibility is generally good
Macchu Picchu, Peru.Â
In the middle of a tropical mountain forest, is the ancient city of Macchu Picchu.
Best time to visit: May through September. It’s the busy season (especially June to August), but it’s also the dry season.
Great Wall of China.
As one of the most recognizable sights in the world, the Great Wall of China is a must-see monument spanning over 5,000 miles.
Best time to visit: According to USA Today, “the best time for a walking tour of the Great Wall is late March through May or September through early November.
Taj Mahal, India.
Built between 1631 and 1648, this immense mausoleum of white marble attracts 10 million visitors a year.
Best time to visit: To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit Taj Mahal at sunrise. Avoid the sweltering temperatures of March to May. November to February is the best time of year to travel.
Read more at Lonely Planet.