New Zealand is No. 1 — again Newcomers this year are Peru, Croatia, Australia and Thailand
Lonely Planet global staffers have submitted their annual votes for the hot (as in "gotta go there!") destinations for the new year. The grand winner in 2004, by a pronounced margin, is New Zealand — again.
The perfect storm of spectacular scenery, hospitable citizenry, compelling culture, perceived geographical safety and free global big-screen advertising courtesy of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy has catapulted New Zealand into the coveted top spot for the second year in a row.
As in previous polls, five places emerged as more popular than the rest. New Zealand was in the top five last year, but the other four were not. Newcomers this year are Peru, Croatia, Australia and Thailand.
