Lonely Planet Unveils Top Destinations To Visit In 2014; Aussies Head To Visit Japan?

Japan's Emperor Akihito (3rd L) waves to well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the monarch's 80th birthday at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo December 23, 2013. With him are Empress Michiko (4th L), Crown Prince Naruhito (2nd L), Crown Princess Masako (L), Prince Akishino (3rd R), his wife Princess Kiko (2nd R) and his daughter Princess Mako. REUTERS/Yuya Shino REUTERS

Lonely Planet is one of the credible travel authorities who get to choose the best destinations to visit by most avid travelers each year. It recently released the list of top 10 best countries to visit this new year.

Its guidebook sales points to Japan serving as the leading destination for most Aussie travelers. According to Herald Sun, the Lonely Planet indicators were the guidebook sales during the Christmas peak season and the rest of the holidays. Even if apps and online travel sites seem to be more appealing these days, the guidebooks remain to be popular, especially as gifts.

"More people are buying guidebooks than ever before," Chris Zeiher, Lonely Planet's Asia Pacific sales and marketing director, said.

More Aussies traveling to Japan may be primarily brought by the higher availability of more affordable direct flights. Here are the Top 2014 destinations that are highly recommended for those traveling this year:

1. Brazil. The country hosting the FIFA World Cup by June and July is certainly enough to check it out.

2. Antarctica. It encourages a deep sense of isolation with the backdrop of an amazing landscape of a continent.

3. Scotland. This is the year of re-exploring and celebrating its unique heritage after an event-filled year, including hosting of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

4. Sweden. With its blooming appeal of being a hit gourmet destination, it is a country worth checking out this 2014.

5. Malawi. According to the Lonely Planet, this is the destination to see if you want to catch the Big Five of Africa without having to deal with too many tourists.

6. Mexico. Due to the new president elected for the country, a refreshing sense of positivity embraces the Mexican tourism.

7. Seychelles. Affordable accommodation options and brand new airline connections are two of the primary reasons this destination got included in the list.

8. Belgium. As the 100th anniversary of the World War I outbreak will happen, this European country is seen to have a huge set of visitors this year.

9. Macedonia. Its capital, Skopje, is slowly acquiring the appeal of being tourist-friendly, especially with the creation of new hostels and better transportation options.

10. Malaysia. It has been building up itself as a great place to stopover with huge attractions like the Legoland Malaysia and Hello Kitty Land.

Which Lonely Planet recommended destination will you go first this 2014?