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Lonely Planet's top five best value holiday destinations for 2018

Monument Valley, Arizona – March to May and September to October are the best times to go
Monument Valley, Arizona – March to May and September to October are the best times to go Monument Valley, Arizona – March to May and September to October are the best times to go

AS THE year winds to an end, it's time to start pondering where to go on holiday in 2018. Stuck for inspiration? Here are Lonely Planet's pick of top value destinations from its annual Best in Travel guide.

1. Tallinn, Estonia

Compact and historic – but increasingly fashionable – the Estonian capital is also light on the pocket for a weekend break. Budget airlines provide easy access, and good-value dorms supply decent accommodation.Best free thing to do? Climb the habourside Linnahall for a panoramic city view.

2. Lanzarote, Canary islands

The Canaries are hugely popular with Irish holidaymakers but while Tenerife has embraced five-star luxe, humbler Lanzarote still revels in its natural beauty. Enjoy the lunar scenery of Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, or relax on unspoilt beaches at Orzola.

3. Arizona, USA

For stateside scenery, it's hard to beat the desert landscape of Arizona – home to the Grand Canyon. If you travel in shoulder season (March to May and September to October) it's cheaper and much less crowded. Lonely Planet recommends staying in simple motels, then camping and hiking.

4. La Paz, Bolivia

Located at a dizzying height of 3,660 metres in the Andes, Bolivia's capital is best enjoyed at a slow pace. While other South American cities have soared in cost, it's still possible to get by on £22 per day here. Even if you do want a break from simple food stalls, there's an emerging scene of upscale (but affordable) restaurants.

5. Poland

A weekend in Krakow will leave you with more spending money that a trip to Prague or Berlin, and you'll still have just as much fun. Beyond the cities, Lonely Planet also recommends "exploring the mountain playground around budget-friendly Zakopane or going bison-spotting in Bialowieza National Park".

:: Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2018 is out this week, priced £9.99.