Lonely Planet’s doling out accolades to these ten countries as being very topping, with El Salvador being the toppingist of them all. Okay, they don’t really elaborate as to what this list mean, other than being the “hottest countries for next year,” but I assume they mean destinations that are, or have been, under the radar and are just coming into their own as hot spots for travelers. Which usually means one thing: Get there now before they’re firmly on the tourist trail.

Rounding out the top five are Germany, Greece, Malaysia and Morocco. And at number 10, experiencing a little Obama bounce, the U.S.A., which given the likelihood of a an anemic dollar for the near-term future, will likely be at the top of the list for many visitors, especially those carrying the enviably strong euro.

So what’s missing here? I may sound like a broken record, but let’s give a shout out to Colombia, a country whose culture and diversity, not to mention accessibility, makes it a great “top” country in 2010. A few of my own honorable mentions: Panama (have you seen how cheap it is to fly there in the winter?), Ireland (see Panama), and Namibia (everyone I met in Africa who was visited the country raved about the outdoor adventures that can be had there).

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Despite being the second most sparsely populated country on the planet, Namibia is adventurously drivable, intensely beautiful, and perhaps even a bit luxurious.

That’s the gist of a recent travel article in the Guardian, which recounts a 12-day loop trip through the south of the country. Though the roads vary from fresh asphalt to what the author describes as “boulders,” the route is liberally stocked with guest lodges, ranging from sleeping bags under the stars to Swiss-trained chefs.

And of course, throughout the country you’re faced with extraordinary landscapes (like the Fish River Canyon) and unique African desert wildlife.

The author of this piece, though charged with the driving, went with a guide for an all-inclusive price of roughly $3,700 per person. TheExpeditioner.com would love to hear from someone who’s done it independently. Leave a comment if you have!

* Photo by geoftheref

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