Lonely Planet, a leader in the travel industry best known for its blue-spined guidebooks, just released its annual Best in Travel report.
The expansive analysis ranked the best cities, regions, and countries to visit next year, as well as the best places to go based on factors like sustainability and value. While seeing Montana make the list may come as a surprise to some, to me — a Montana native — the state's designation is a no-brainer.
I grew up in Helena, Montana's capital, and am thrilled to see my home listed among places like Tuscany, Italy, and Southern Thailand. I've spent years exploring the Big Sky state, and have a few recommendations for people wanting to visit a must-see travel destination.
From the quirky (a mermaid-themed dive bar) to the classic (Glacier National Park), here are my can't-miss picks for a trip to Montana.