Estonia voted ‘best value destination’ by Lonely Planet

  • 2015-11-04
  • By Helen Wright

TALLINN - Tiny Estonia has claimed top spot in the Lonely Planet’s list of “best value destinations” 2016, it was announced last week.
The travel guide publisher – which is the largest in the world – released its annual list on Tuesday. Estonia was one of only three European countries featured. The capital Tallinn was described as “irresistible.”

In a statement following the announcement, editorial director Tom Hall said: “If you’ve just got off the ferry from Stockholm or Helsinki, then Estonia can feel like the promised land.
“Why? That chunk of change in your pocket you’ve had since last leaving the eurozone will buy you a round of drinks.
“Upsizing from a hostel to hotel might seem like a good – and affordable – idea.
“Best of all, what you get in exchange for your hard-earned cash is experiencing a gloriously distinctive slice of Europe, where Eastern and Nordic influences mix together.”

The country’s western islands – Saaremaa, Hiiummaa, and Muhu – were also singled out as great places to go, and the “forest delights” of Lahemaa National Park, which holds the distinction of being the first national park in the old Soviet Union, were also mentioned.

Estonia was the only Baltic nation to make the list and beat Ho Chi Min City and Hanoi in Vietnam and East Africa to claim the top spot.
Galicia in Sopain, Bosnia, and Hercegovina   were the only other European destinations featured and the rest of the list was made up by New Mexico, Quebec City, Canada, Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, Timor-Leste and Western Australia.