Lonely Planet, an international tourism guide, has named Charleston one of the “Top Cities to go to in 2010.” The listing is a category in the annual “Best in Travel” guide.

An excerpt from the Charleston listing in a Post & Courier article reads:This South Carolina city is the United States’ home of aristocracy,” the listing reads. “Etiquette is something this historic town is proud of, together with its numerous churches and palm-tree lined thoroughfares. The well-groomed locale has a thriving tourism business with notable luxury accommodations, historical sites and, recently a food festival and a Fashion Week.

Other cities listed in the “Top City to go to in 2010” include: Kyoto, Japan; Istanbul, Turkey and Cork, Ireland.

The Best in Travel includes 850 international destinations with categories like the traditional (Top 10 Cities) and the unusual (Best Place to Have a Midlife Crisis).

The Lonely Planet website doesn’t give too much info about what’s in the guide, so you must purchase the book to find out more about their lists. Click here to buy on Amazon.