The 10 best places to visit in the US this year, according to Lonely Planet

By Lia Ryerson, Insider

Nothing beats the thrill of falling in love with a new city while traveling, but certain factors — such as a budget or time constraints — might discourage you from taking a chance on someplace new. Thankfully, the travel guide gurus over at Lonely Planet just released their eighth annual list of America's 10 hottest travel destinations to help you plan out your next big trip.
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Each year, Lonely Planet asks its community of travel experts - in-house editors, researchers on the road and locals on the ground - to decide on the most compelling destinations to visit in the year ahead.

Keep scrolling to see their top 10 suggestions for 2018.

1. California’s Redwood Coast

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California's stunning redwoods. Lonely Planet calls California's Redwood Coast the number one destination in the country to visit in 2018. Movie buffs will recognize the forest of trees from movies such as "Star Wars" and "Jurassic Park," while wilderness lovers will want to celebrate the Redwood National Park's 50th birthday, which is this year.

2. Boise, Idaho

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Boise, Idaho, smashes stereotypes. Boise is the capital of the fastest-growing state in the nation, and its lively downtown scene is flush with the type of activities and hot spots you'd expect to find in much bigger cities. We're talking award-winning wineries, excellent bistros, and breweries and music festivals galore.
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3. Chattanooga, Tennessee

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Waterfront trails help make Chattanooga one of the greenest cities in the country. According to Lonely Planet, Chattanooga is one of the country's greenest cities, thanks to miles of waterfront trails, electric buses, and pedestrian bridges crossing the Tennessee River. The up-and-coming New South city has captured the nation's interest, largely thanks to its ahead-of-the-curve tech scene and train station hotel.

4. Florida’s Space Coast

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Florida’s Space Coast is out of this world. Thanks to a renewed excitement around space travel, Florida's Space Coast has graced Lonely Planet's list. But the area is not just home to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, there's also the Canaveral National Seashore, where visitors can enjoy endless stretches of glimmering white sand, beach bars, and surfing and kayaking.

5. Cincinnati, Ohio

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This city on the river is a haven for artists. Cincinnati is known as a river city (it is literally a city on the Ohio River). Go admire its beautiful 19th-century architecture, grab a breakfast donut at Cincinnati-favorite Holtman's Donuts, and round off the day with an enriching visit to the Cincinnati Museum Center.
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6. Midcoast, Maine

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The craggy beaches and pastoral roads are a must-see. "Ayuh" is an interjection in New England that is commonly used as a positive affirmation or expression of delight. We wouldn't be surprised if Maine's gorgeous coastlines and quaint, charming downtown villages made you fall in love at first sight. Ayuh, indeed.

7. Richmond, Virginia

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The new counterculture vibe in Richmond is fresh and exciting. Richmond may be among America's oldest cities (it was originally a colonial settlement), but these days the capital of Virginia is anything but dated. The riverside city is home to delectable dining spots, a new African-American museum, plenty of shopping, and a plethora of outdoor activities.
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8. Kentucky Bourbon County

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Dive barrel-first into the state’s distilling heritage. Whiskey lovers, take note: 95% of the world's bourbon is distilled, aged, and bottled in Kentucky Bourbon County. No wonder some of the world's most famous distilleries are found in the Bluegrass State.

9. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Krivit / Meet Minneapolis

Eagles fans will remember Minneapolis fondly. Home to this year's Super Bowl, Minneapolis' appeal spans beyond the U.S. Bank Stadium. The city is full of glimmering lakes, impressive skyscrapers, and plenty of shopping at the Mall of America.
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10. Southeastern Utah

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Southeastern Utah is truly the backpacker's paradise. Southeastern Utah encapsulates Americana road-trip country — not only are two of Utah's five national parks located in Southern Utah (although they're all in the South), but the town of Moab is brimming with opportunities for outdoor adventuring. 

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