Every year wanderlusters hold their breaths in anticipation for Lonely Planet’s round-up of the world’s best destinations, activities, and journeys for the upcoming year. For 2017, trends include Micro-distilleries, “bikepacking,” and mobile photography — all favorites amongst our frugal travel friends! If you’re unsure about where to go next year, don’t stress: check out Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Cities for 2017. You’ll definitely find something to scratch that travel itch.

Bordeaux, France

(Flickr Creative Commons/Les Williams)

For all the budding sommeliers, turophiles, and hedonists, the French city of Bordeaux is a sleeping beauty that is ready to be explored. The port city is vibrant; Gothic architecture and public gardens can be found around every corner. Museums are cheap, the people are kind, and the wine flows. What more could you possibly want?

Cape Town, South Africa

(Flickr Creative Commons/Brent Newhall)

Like the best puzzle you’ve ever had to put together, Cape Town has all the pieces for a perfect vacation. There’s rolling mountains, beaches dotted with penguins, and harbors filled with flickering sails. If you’re the more adventurous type, trails decorate the sides of Table Mountain, and the most picturesque cafes wait at the top. And if you don’t want to touch a hike with a ten foot stick, don’t sweat it: A cable car can also take you to the top of the mountain. Cape Town has neighborhoods brimming in fluorescent greens and pinks—like Bo-Kaap which is Bo-Kaap-Eautiful—and some of the world’s best bars.

Los Angeles, USA

(Flickr Creative Commons/Kevin Stanchfield)

Los Angeles rolls off the tongue like your favorite chocolate. The city is sensual and it feels like fame is hiding around every corner. With the iconic Hollywood sign to visit, the Chinese Theater, and the Walk of Fame, the city is a collection of some of the world’s best-loved icons. As more young folks flock to L.A., the city evolves and more and more hipster neighborhoods can be found with offbeat cafes and trendy breweries. Be it fame or flame, you can find it in L.A.

Mérida, Mexico

(Flickr Creative Commons/d.aniela)

Mérida is the capital of the Yucatán Peninsula, arguably one of  the best places to find sun and sand in Mexico. The city has existed since the Spanish conquest and its culture and history reflect the deep roots between Mexico and Spain. With spacious plazas, cheap food, and dance parties on every block, it’s no surprise that Mérida has quickly risen to the top of Mexico’s must-visit cities.

Ohrid, Macedonia

(Flickr Creative Commons/Lemsipmatt)

Just North of Greece, Macedonia is the Balkan nation that you won’t want to miss. Despite being landlocked, three lakes are found in Macedonia, the oldest and deepest being Lake Ohrid. Located on the banks is the small southern city, Ohrid. Perhaps most remarkable of all in Ohrid is its castle, known as Samuel’s Fortress, which was built in the 4th century B.C. With a sprawling view of Lake Ohrid and the medievalesque town, Ohrid and its castle will make you feel like you’re reliving the Ottoman empire.

Pistoia, Italy

(Flickr Creative Commons/Alex Barrow)

In the Northern bit of Tuscany sits the flowering town of Pistoia. It’s known for its nurseries which produce flowers to be used by brides and birthdays from around the world and artisanal chocolates—so you probably have Pistoia to thank for all of your happiest occasions. Not only that, but in the winter the Pistoia Mountains are perfect for skiing, and after that cold snow bath, visitors can enjoy Pistoian thermal baths. Be it summer or winter, travelers are sure to have the time of their lives here.

Seoul, South Korea

(Flickr Creative Commons/Emmanuel DYAN)

As cultures increasingly blend and interact thanks to social media and music, knowledge of South Korea‘s vibrant and unique culture has begun to spread West. But nothing compares to actually visiting Seoul in the flesh. The city is perfect for food junkies, where culinary risks and tasty bites can be found around every corner. It is the birthplace of K-pop, and karaoke bars and concert venues will give visitors a taste of real deal. The city’s history dates back more than two thousand years, and various gates, temples, and statues remain, like the Jongmyo and Changdeokgung Palaces which have both been named UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Lisbon, Portugal

(Flickr Creative Commons/Yann Coeuru)

If street art, fried fish, and port wine are your thing, you absolutely have to visit Lisbon. After a few economically difficult years, the city is on the upswing, and its various street fairs and parties reflect the general population’s livelier mood. In Lisbon you’ll find 5 euro buckets of mojitos, free port wine tasting tours, and rows of pastel-colored buildings. The Portuguese are known for their hospitality, and you may find a friendly old women at the end of a cobble alleyway swooning out traditional and melancholic Fado music.

Moscow, Russia

(Flickr Creative Commons/Sergey Tchernyakov)

Ah, the capital of Russia—Moscow. Not only is it the center of Russian politics, science, and culture, but it is the largest European city. The city itself is enormous, and the major sites to see reflect that prominence—be it the Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, or The Spasskaya Tower—the Russians do it big. Moscow is known for its art galleries, with a strong focus on Russian art, a wild nightlife, and a centuries-old love story with parks. This truly might be the city that never sleeps.

Portland, Oregon

(Flickr Creative Commons/Ian Sane)

Paradise city for hipsters, Portland is famous for its microbreweries, vibrant coffeeshops, and its off-beat theater and music scene. But there’s more to Portland than meets the eye. Portland has the only Japanese Garden located outside of Japan and the sunset that happens over the steep slopes of Mount Hood is one of the most magical sunsets you’ll ever see. If being nice to nature, smiling, and hiking are your things, Portland will feel like home.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Have you been to any of these cities? Let us know what it was like in the comments below![/perfectpullquote]