Already thinking of next year's holiday? Hint: Iceland is one of Lonely Planet's top 10 countries to visit in 2013!

According to the world's most respected travel guide, Iceland is best for activities, off the beaten track and value for money:

"Ask any tourist during your trip to Iceland and you’ll quickly see that everyone develops an unconditional love for the little island nation, whether it’s for the mind-bending scenery, the platefuls of delicious lamb and fish dishes, or the sincere local hospitality. The currency crash – which effectively devalued the króna by 75% – also helped make a trip much more favourable to the wallet. As the global economy starts to heal, prices are climbing once more. The spoils of Iceland are no longer a secret, but they’re still yours for the taking – and in 2013 you’ll still be well ahead of the curve."

This recommendation is not the only one around these days though, as Iceland was also recently voted "Best European country to visit" by readers of UK newspaper the Guardian:

"Iceland wins the crown this year, no doubt attracting visitors intrigued by all the footage of a landscape evolving and forming before our very eyes following the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in 2010, whose ash cloud forced the closure of European airspace. Perennial favourites Austria and Germany come a close second and third, but it's heartening to see Greece enter the top 10 again following its economic travails."