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According to the travel guide's latest book ‘1000 Ultimate Experiences', the most appealing places in the world to visit, where you can receive the warmest hospitality and welcome are: Ireland, Scotland, Turkey, the US, Malawi, Fiji, Thailand, Samoa, Vietnam and Indonesia.

In Ireland, where political instability still persists, tourists have found the travel destination to be welcoming, with a "deliciously dark sense of humour", and especially enjoyed their welcoming attitude towards strangers there.

Failte Ireland chief executive Shaun Quinn said the Lonely Planet's recognition was welcome but not surprising.

"Over the years, our research has constantly found that the warmth and friendliness of our people, along with our green landscapes and scenery, are the biggest draws for visitors," said Mr Quinn.

"Despite some fears in recent years of a frostier 'failte', it is reassuring to see that we remain a friendly destination and renowned for our welcome."

Further afield, the Middle East region has also becoming increasingly appealing to travellers, with Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Israel named by the Lonely Planet for being the best places to visit in the region.

Travel editor Tom Hall said that European holidaymakers appreciate these destinations as they offer a completely different way of life and experience, and the flight takes only five to six hours. He also pointed out that travellers are likely to return to the same Middle East destinations, given their distinctive character.

"Middle Eastern countries do have a strong pull for European travellers because they do offer an adventure, genuine hospitality and incredible history," he said.

Other than the above, Lonely Planet ranked the city of Chandigarh in India as a travel destination with an eco-friendly appeal. The city also boasts one of the country's most popular tourist sites - the Nek Chand Fantasy Rock Garden.

"Another reason for the recent surge in tourism is Chandigarh's clean, green appeal, which offers travellers a welcome respite from the vicissitudes of life on the road," said Sarina Singh, senior author of the Lonely Planet guide to India.

Chandigarh is accessible by train, bus or a domestic airline from the city of Delhi, India.

For added peace of mind and hassle-free journeys, many travellers opt to buy their own travel insurance , so that they can be protected against unforeseen flight delays, cancellations, loss of luggage or to tackle any travel emergencies.