For those seeking a truly remote destination, St Helena, one of the most remote islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, might be of interest. Some 2,000 kilometers off the coast of Angola, it has up until now only been accessible by ship, but St Helena is to gain an airport next year. Activities on the subtropical island include swimming, diving and discovering its unique vegetation.

Thick rain forests and some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil can be found on the Costa Verde (Green Coast) located south of Rio de Janeiro. Lonley Planet, when compiling its list considered destinations so far overlooked, but well worth a visit before tourist masses decend on them. Other criteria was looking at value for money and how impressive the region and activities are.

Sights like Neuschwanstein Castle or the richly frescoed Wieskirche pilgrimage church and the relaxed flair of the state's capital Munich are cited by Lonley Planet as reasons for visiting Bavaria. An added incentive to visit the region in 2016 is that Bavaria will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Beer Purity Law, which will involve a huge beer festival in July in the center of Munich.

The 50th state of the USA treats visitors to constant warm temperatures, varied landscapes and heavenly beaches. Honolulu's Waikiki beach being probably the best known around the world. Hawaii is also known as the "Aloha State", because the friendly people of the archipelago are very much influenced by Polynesian culture, known for its relaxed laid back attitude.

Paragliding fanatics s love the Auvergne volcanic region in central France. From Puy de Dôme, the highest volcanic peak of the region, they set off on their flights over the hilly, cratered landscape. But for those not interested in flying the Auvergne offers many intense nature adventures.

The ferry transports visitors a mere 14 kilometers (8 miles) from bustling Auckland, to bring them to New Zealand's island of Waiheke, with its secret coves and beautiful sandy beaches. Waiheke is very popular with both hikers and with wine lovers – as the island is home to many vineyards and wineries.

The landscape located in Italy's north-east is known as a white wine region, producing some of the best wines in the country. Nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic it has a mild climate. Friaul has much to offer from the spectacular mountain scenery of the Dolomites to the expansive sandy beaches along the coastline.

In 1999 UNESCO declared the Viñales valley a cultural landscape of outstanding universal value. The region with its dramatic rocky outcrops is regarded as one of the most beautiful on Cuba. It is still used for traditional small farm agriculture, mainly by tobacco growers. The valley to the west of Havana is ten kilometers long and four across - making it an ideal size for a relaxed day's hike.

Western Iceland is a real paradise for nature lovers. Travelers here are treated to a lot of remote wilderness with volcanoes, fjords, beaches and waterfalls. For instance the Gullfoss (Golden Falls) is ranked among the most impressive water falls in the world.

Best known as vampire Dracula's home, the main attraction now are wolves and bears, Transylvania's real fang-toothed predators. Horses and carts still rattle through the Carpathian Mountain region in central Romania. And even though it has all the moody castles you can wave a crucifix at, visiting Transylvania today you're just as likely to enjoy lots of art, culture, and nightlife.