The background

You’ve all seen the lists of the 7 Wonders of the World, the Natural World or the Ancient World, but when we looked at those we realised the one thing missing was the people aspect; the way in which people actually enjoy these sites and the way they experience them.

So, we came up with the idea of launching a new list, which is all about you, the people who travel to and get pleasure from, what are otherwise lifeless edifices or planetary features.

You did your bit...

For the last 4 months, people with a passion for travel have cast nearly 50,000 votes. The people have spoken, the votes counted and the results are now ready to be released. oh - and one lucky voter will have won an Explore adventure, plus a further 35 voters will have won subscriptions to Lonely Planet magazine or an Adventure Pack.

Your Top 7 Wondrous Experiences of the World
(drum roll please...)

	1. Visiting the Galapagos Islands Your official Top Wondrous Experience of the World! Nominated for its diverse wildlife and plantilfe, and the opportunity it offers you to get really close to the animals - the Galapagos Islands are truely an experience to be had. Experience the Galapagos Islands for yourself
	2. Arriving at the Sun Gate after trekking the Inca Trail in Peru After a few days on the trail, your first glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate literally takes your breath away. Experience the Inca Trail for yourself
	3. Seeing Gorillas in Uganda You told us that few wildlife experiences match locking eyes with a huge gorilla. Our closest relative, these rare primates are very tolerant, and can be observed at close quarters. You’ll have to hike through their ideal terrain, the dense Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, but it’ll be well worth it. Experience gorilla tracking for yourself
	4. Sunrise at Angkor Wat Lost and forgotten for over 500 years, Angkor Wat possesses a mystical grandeur, enhanced by its jungle setting. Astounding at any hour, the temple complex is especially beautiful when illuminated by the rising sun, its water lilies opening up as dawn breaks. Experience Angkor Wat for yourself
	5. Tiger Viewing in India Tracking tigers in the national parks of India really inspired a lot of you. Even a fleeting glimpse is enough to fire the imagination. You will be please to know that we are a member of TOFT, working to help preserve tigers for future travellers. Experience tiger tracking for yourself
	6. Dramatic Approach to Petra The rock cut city of Petra is an amazing destination - but you told us that trekking into it the back way with bedouin guides is a very special experience. Experience Petra for yourself
	7. Standing on a Glacier Standing atop an ancient glacier and listening to the cascading water beneath your feet sneaked into the top 7. They seem to produce a life changing effect on people - when you suddely reaslise jboth how fragile and powerful the world is. Experience standing on a glacier yourself.

View the 20 shortlisted experiences.

New Lonely Planet Awards

In the spirit of our 7 Wondrous Experiences, Lonely Planet have created an industry-wide awards which are the first travel awards designed to recognise experiences rather than just destinations. We are proud to announce that voting in their inaugural Lonely Planet Awards has now opened. By voting, you could win a trip for two on our Thailand & Cambodia holiday, and everyone who casts a vote will also receive a discount of 30% in the Lonely Planet online shop.
Find out more here.