“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move,” said the famous Scottish novelist and travel writer Robert Louis Stevenson. With the new year just kicking in, don't let your travel plans take a backseat. Instead, pre-plan your trips according to this list of top 10 countries to travel in 2018. From warm sunny beaches, high-line parks to culture and art, each of these destinations have something spectacular to offer to the visitors. Curated by Lonely Planet, check out these places and plan your 2018 trip right away! (Source: Thinkstock Images)
CHILE: A country along the edge of western South America, Chile has over 6000km of Pacific Ocean coastline. Its capital Santiago is surrounded by the Andes and Chilean Coast Range mountains. The destination is popular for its neoclassical cathedral and the National History Museum along with massive swimming pools, zoos and botanical gardens. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
SOUTH KOREA: Known for its green hilly countyside along with cherry trees and centuries-old Buddhist temples, South Korea is a compact exhibition of Asian modernity. Having the world's most heavily militarized borders with North Korea, this destination is popular among travellers. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
PORTUGAL: Bordering Spain, Portugal is a beautiful southern European country on the Iberian Peninsula. From artfully designed museums to the Algarve's beaches this place has a lot to offer to its tourist. Its architecture, which dates back to the 1500-1800s, has an attractive appeal and draws many to it. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
DJIBOUTI: Popular for harbouring the saltiest bodies of water in the world, Djibouti is a petite nation exhibiting a beautiful blend of beaches, the low-lying Lake Assal and volcanic formations. Having a population of over 9,00,000 inhabitants, this multi-ethnic country has two official languages: Arabic and French. Popular among tourists, there is a lot to explore in this country.
NEW ZEALAND: Consisting of two main islands marked by volcanoes and glaciation, New Zealand is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. From offering multiple walks and tracks to extraordinary wilderness, this nation is an instant favourite of adventure seekers. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
MALTA: Located in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast Malta is popular for its numerous fortresses, megalithic temples and historic sites. For its tourists, the nation offers a mix of art and culture along with incredibly warm sea and beaches. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
GEORGIA: Famous for its sprawling cave monastery, Georgia is a nation at the intersection of Europe and Asia. This country is an attractive blend of culture and tradition with the popular Caucasus Mountain villages and Black Sea beaches. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
MAURITIUS: Known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs, Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. A popular destination for adventure seekers, this place offers multiple places to explore such as the Black River, Gorges National Park, with rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and beautiful wildlife. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
CHINA: Even though China is the most populated country, it offers a plethora of options to tourists. The large landscapes of the nation consist of grasslands, deserts, mountains, lakes, rivers and over 14,000 km of coastline. Moreover, it also is a cultural hub with a touch of modernity. (Source: Thinkstock Images)
SOUTH AFRICA: Located on the southernmost tip of the African continent, South Africa is a travellers' dream. From beaches, winelands to forests and lagoons, this country is filled with places to explore. The nation is bounded on the south by a coastline stretching along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans. (Source: Thinkstock Images)