Croatia (Lonely Planet Country & Regional Guides) by Jeanne Oliver   The third edition of Croatia contains a new colour Highlights section which showcases Croatia’s spectacular beaches and historic sights. Other new features include Detailed Itineraries and Transport chapters to make trip planning easy and an alphabetical Directory of essential information. In view of the destination’s growing popularity, Lonely Planet are also publishing the first edition Croatian Phrasebook this month for those who are interested in learning a little more of the language. The phrasebook makes the perfect companion to the Croatia guidebook. More information and prices from: Amazon.com - US dollars SeekBooks.com.au - Australian dollars Amazon.ca - Canadian dollars Amazon.co.uk - British pounds Amazon.de - Euros Amazon.fr - Euros

Lonely Planet Italy by D. Garwood, W. Owen, M. Roddis, D. Simonis   This guide provides useful information for independent travel, suggesting hundreds of value for money restaurants and accommodation options. It also gives background briefing on all historical sights, museums and galleries. More information and prices from: Amazon.com - US dollars SeekBooks.com.au - Australian dollars Amazon.ca - Canadian dollars Amazon.co.uk - British pounds Amazon.de - Euros Amazon.fr - Euros

The Lonely Planet Staffers’ top travel pick for 2005 is Croatia, after being voted into fourth place last year. Croatia’s appeal comes from the unique combination of culture, history, cuisine, accessibility and affordability.

One employee described it in this way: "This is Croatia’s year. It appeals to a wide range of travelers with its rich diversity of attractions. It has not yet been over-touristed, but it has developed an excellent tourism infrastructure - so that it suits both adventurous travelers and those who need a degree of comfort in their planning."

Read more about Croatia

Five places in the top ten came out well in front of the others. Other than Croatia they included:

China (2nd) - In last year’s poll China was scarcely mentioned. The country’s surge in appeal this year is particularly striking.

Argentina (3rd) - One employee wrote: "Argentina is back. In the past it was seen as an expensive destination, but is now cheap. With the sophistication of Buenos Aires and the adventure and wildlife of Patagonia, it has a lot to offer and will be 'rediscovered' in 2005."

United States (4th) - New to the top ten travel destinations this year, many respondents cited the country’s vast diversity of attractions - but the new appeal is its affordability. More about the top ten travel destinations in the USA.

Costa Rica (5th tied) - Costa Rica was praised in for "its extraordinary wildlife and enlightened conservation policies that underscore the importance of showcasing - which means preserving - that wildlife." More about Costa Rica.

Italy (5th tied) - Italy gets a strong vote every year for its history, culture, cuisine and scenery, but this year it came into the top five, tying with Costa Rica for fifth place.

Those countries were followed by Australia and New Zealand (tied), Laos, Libya, Vietnam and Thailand (tied).