The publication describes the African country, which will celebrate its 50^th year of independence next year, as a unique destination whose combination of desert and delta draws an immense concentration of wildlife.

“It has a progressive social outlook, minimal corruption, a healthy and enlightened tourism industry, and a fast-growing economy.

“The country’s journey from abject poverty in 1966 to become one of Africa’s most stable and thriving societies is hugely inspiring.”

Second on the top 10 list of countries is Japan, praised for its modern, “bordering on futuristic”, cities and “gorgeous countryside”. The list is rounded out by the United States, Palau, Latvia, Australia, Poland, Uruguay, Greenland and Fiji.

Lonely Planet says its Best in Travel recommendations are drawn from ideas from staff, authors, travellers, bloggers and tweeters, with suggestions narrowed down based on “topicality, excitement, value and that special X-factor”.

Biertan’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortified church in Transylvania. Photo: AAP

Other highlights in the book include the top 10 regions to visit in 2016, which was led by Transylvania in Romania and also featured West Iceland, Valle de Viñales (Cuba), Friuli’s wine regions (Italy), Waiheke Island (New Zealand), The Auvergne (France), Hawaii (US), Bavaria (Germany), Costa Verde (Brazil), and St Helena (British Territories).

Travellers are advised to “drive a stake into the heart” of stereotypes regarding Transylvania, which is often associated with vampires in people’s minds thanks to being the fictional home of Count Dracula in Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel.

“Yes, this region of Romania has all the moody castles and fog-draped mountains you can wave a crucifix at. But visit Transylvania today and you’re just as likely to sashay through a wickedly inventive art gallery, spy on bears, or ski the Carpathian Mountains.
Transylvania is experiencing a renaissance.”

Beyond Kotor’s old city walls, verdant limestone mountains loom. Photo: dbvirago/Lonely Planet

Kotor, in Montenegro, came first on a diverse list of top 10 cities, with Lonely Planet recommending travellers visit the historic city in 2016 “before it gets its cruise ship makeover”.

Only one Australian city, Freemantle – “a raffish harbour town with sea-salty soul to burn” – made the top cities list, but Melbourne was named one of the most accessible cities in the world, while Western Australia was named a best-value destination.

Australia also features on some of the more unusual lists, including The World’s Most Extraordinary Sleepovers (Roar & Snore at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, number six) and Best Places to Meet Mythical Beasts (Bunyip, number 10).

Sadly, despite its burgeoning burger scene, Adelaide didn’t make the cut for Best Burger Experiences. Travellers are, however, encouraged to try the crocodile, emu, kangaroo and barramundi burgers at Darwin’s Mindil Beach Sunset Market.

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2016 (paperback, $24.99) is published today.