Reference Points

'Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2010'

Lonely Planet, $14.99

Considering where to go and what to do in the coming year? Lonely Planet offers its advice on the best trends, destinations, journeys and experiences around the world. The editors recommend their version of the top 10 countries (from El Salvador to Portugal), top 10 regions (from Bali to southwest Western Australia), top 10 cities (from Abu Dhabi to Vancouver).

The guide also includes various top travel lists, some quite quirky, such as the best places to launch a musical career (from the Checkerboard Lounge in Chicago to the Cavern Club in Liverpool) and the top 10 places to walk or entertain your dog. World travelers will appreciate the list of top 10 airports - Dubai International in the United Arab Emirates ranks the highest because of its triple whammy of "diamonds, Dolce and Dior"; it's "duty-free heaven."