Botswana has topped Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2016 list this year, closely followed by Japan and the USA.

The land-locked African country, which will celebrate 50 years of independence next year, is known for its rare combination of desert and delta, as well as its vast array of wildlife. A total of 17 per cent of the country is dedicated to national parks and in 2014 the Okavango Delta became Unesco’s 1,000th World Heritage Site.

Number two on the list, Japan offers stunning landscapes and futuristic cities, while third-place USA is celebrating 100 years of its National Park Service in 2016.

Lonely Planet's best countries to visit in 2016 Show all 10 1 /10 Lonely Planet's best countries to visit in 2016 Lonely Planet's best countries to visit in 2016 Botswana Botswana celebrates fifty years of independence next year and is known for its array of wildlife. No longer the reserve of the rich, Botswana offers budget options such as community projects like Tsabong Camel Park and Moremi Gorge. Lonely Planet's best countries to visit in 2016 Japan The Japanese Yen is weak at the moment, making trips to this island nation more affordable. Japan’s cities might feel like something from the future but its countryside offers otherworldly landscapes, combining mountainous peaks with shimmering beaches. Lottie Davies © Lonely Planet Images Lonely Planet's best countries to visit in 2016 USA The National Park Service, which looks after America’s 59 national parks, is turning 100 next year. The government body maintains parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. Mark Read © Lonely Planet Images Lonely Planet's best countries to visit in 2016 Palau Made up of more than 200 unspoilt limestone and volcanic islands covered in mangrove forests and surrounded by clear blue water, countries don't get much more idyllic than Palau. In 2014 its president, President Remengesau, was named a “Champion of the Earth” by the United Nations for his environmental work. Ippei Naoi © Getty Images Lonely Planet's best countries to visit in 2016 Latvia Celebrating 25 years of independence, little Latvia is set to take centre stage next year. Head to the countryside to explore crumbling medieval castles tucked away in the forests. Filip Fuxa © Shutterstock Lonely Planet's best countries to visit in 2016 Australia Always a popular destination but with imminent, and transformative, changes coming to beloved wilderness areas such as the Great Barrier Reef and the forests of Tasmania, now is the time to go. Catherine Sutherland © Lonely Planet Images Lonely Planet's best countries to visit in 2016 Poland The historic city of Wroclaw is next year’s European Capital of Culture and wildlife tourism is on the rise in Poland’s forests. New BA flights from London to Kraków have put the country on people's radar. Guy Vanderelst © Getty Images/ Flickr Lonely Planet's best countries to visit in 2016 Uruguay Dubbed the Switzerland of America, Uruguay offers great architecture and a growing foodie culture. For more bohemian vibes head to one of the fishing villages on the coast, where you’ll find empty beaches and great waves. Elojotorpe © Getty Images Lonely Planet's best countries to visit in 2016 Greenland Almost 80% ice-covered, Greenland has the world’s lowest population density and famously poor cellular coverage, making it an ideal destination for anyone wanted to escape the hubbub of modern life. If you’re lucky you might catch the Northern Lights too. Lottie Davies © Lonely Planet Images Lonely Planet's best countries to visit in 2016 Fiji A remote island perfect for a tropical getaway. The long-awaited expansion of the Nadi International Airport next year will make the island more accessible. © Jongcheol Park/Eyeem/Getty Images

The top 10 list was compiled by a team of experts, who took into account special events going on next year, recent developments in each country, and new things for travellers to see or do.